Observer Issue 11 Fall 2022

Observer the

October 12, 2022

The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center

VOLUME XLII, ISSUE 11

250 Students Participate in 2022 USG Election

By DANTE ALEJO Contributing Writer

Elections for United Student Government at Lincoln Center (USGLC) were held on Sept. 27 through 28 to fill vacancies and elect first-year senators for the Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) positions as well as senator for Gabelli School of Business at Lincoln Center (GSBLC). Also on the ballot were senator positions for all academic years and two chairperson positions, one for the diversity, equity and inclusion committee and one for the committee on sexual misconduct.

The availability for positions and elections was announced through an email from the Office of Student Involvement on Sept.

14 followed by an Instagram post on USGLC's account on Sept. 15.

The window to vote began on Sept.

27, with USGLC notifying students with an email on Sept. 28 of the poll’s closure. Election results were announced on Sept. 30 through a post on USGLC’s Instagram which detailed the candidates and the percentage of votes they received.

DANTE ALEJO/THE OBSERVER

The USGLC elected officers for the 2022-2023 academic year stand together on the plaza after inaugurating the newly elected students.

The most competitive of these elections were for the first-year FCLC senator positions, with 13 candidates on the ballot for only three spots. Tony Wu, FCLC ’26,

led the race and received 19.6% of the votes followed by Gabriella Gutierrez, FCLC ’26, who claimed 11.5% of the votes, and Nathanael Rodriguez, FCLC ’26, who earned

10.6% of them. Six candidates ran for the GSBLC senator election, but only one seat was available for the GSBLC senator representative, which is now occupied by

Allison Ye, GSBLC ’26, who won the first-year ticket with 31.1% of the votes. see USG ELECTIONS page 3

Iranian American Community Responds to Death of Mahsa Amini, as Seen From NYC

By KIA FATAHI Contributing Writer

All sources within this article chose to withhold their full name out of fear of reprisal and/or safety concerns based on rumors, government surveillance of the Internet and social media, and the alleged presence of Iranian spies on behalf of the Iranian government at the rallies.

Protests were sparked across New York city following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in Iran on Sept. 16, who was detained by the Guidance Patrol, Iran’s “morality police.”

Amini was arrested for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly, a violation of the country’s strict enforcement of compulsory hijab which has been in place since 1979.

Authorities attributed her death to a heart attack despite her family’s claim that she did not suffer from any health issues. Hours later, the Persian nation was engulfed in unrest as tens of thousands of civilians flocked to the streets across Iran to seek retribution. The ongoing protests and civil upheaval has resulted in at least 142 casualties, according to Iran Human Rights, although the death toll remains unconfirmed.

The 1979 Islamic revolution, which was held on International Women’s Day on March 8, introduced the obligation of wearing the hijab for all Iranian women.

Over the years, the Iranian government has introduced more legal measures and social restrictions to enforce compulsory hijab laws. Since being elected as President of Iran, Ebraihim Raisi imposed a harsher law on hijabs, allowing the morality police to resort to physical force and verbal harassment, as well as the use of imprisonment and even forced disappearances, to enforce said law. see IRAN PROTESTS page 5

PHOTOS BY KIA FATAHI/THE OBSERVER

Protesters flooded the streets on Oct. 1 holding signs in the wake of Masha Amini’s death FROM OPINIONS:

Fordham Needs to Go Carbon-Neutral AVERY GRAFELD Staff Writer

We can already see the effects of climate change on our environment, and it is high time that Fordham takes action to fight it. In the past 16 years, Fordham University has cut carbon dioxide emissions by 31.77 percent, which is a seemingly groundbreaking feat until you consider the progress of other universities.

While Fordham has made an overall decline in carbon emissions, this impact is overshadowed by a lack of urgency. Progress is progress, but given the current state of our climate, it is not enough. Carbon emissions are destroying our planet and minimal effort won’t save it. Universities and corporations are obligated to convert to 100 percent renewable energy, a seemingly ambitious

Protesters hold a sign in Persian that translates to “women, life, freedom.”

NEWS PAGE 4

Friends of FFU

Students support faculty union in ongoing contract negotiations

SPORTS & HEALTH PAGE 7

Booster Backlash

Students and parents react to Fordham’s new booster mandate

CENTERFOLD PAGE 8

Soccer Spotlight

Both men’s and women’s soccer fell to their opponents

OPINIONS PAGE 10

Housing Horrors

Fordham neglects student obligations, worsening existing crisis

statement that is actually realistic given our climate situation.

Fordham is one of numerous organizations committed to fighting climate change. As a founding signatory of the 2007 NYC Carbon Challenge, Fordham has pledged to reduce 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 — an easily achievable goal given that Fordham has already cut emissions by over 30 percent. By comparison, Stanford University has cut its emissions by an astounding 68 percent to date, which is more than double Fordham’s progress.

Fordham has begun to reduce its emission by converting to more renewable energy sources. For example, our transition to solar-based electricity from carbon-based fuel is heavily influenced by New York City’s passing of the Climate Mobilization Act. see FOSSIL FUELS page 11

ARTS & CULTURE PAGE 14

FLASH Forward

FLASH Magazine editor in chief blazes a new, inclusive trail

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The Faces of Fordham Facilities Management

The department is responsible for several maintenance and building operations and services as the backbone of the university to function

By QUINCY REYES Asst. Copy Editor

Fordham Facilities Management is composed of the university’s post office, power plant operations and maintenance, grounds and custodial services, waste management and other recycling services, building operations and maintenance, as well as planning and construction.

As stated on the university’s administrative offices website, the mission of Facilities Management at Fordham is to “effectively and efficiently provide maintenance, operational services and utilities services that support the faculty, staff and students in pursuit of excellence in their individual and institutional academic research and community objectives.”

The lives of the people working behind the scenes at Fordham are what make up the inner workings of the university. This includes the maintenance and operations of the buildings by a large onsite workforce of technicians for mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and other landscape services and campus operations that are integral to Fordham’s upkeep.

“ If you think about

it, we spend more time with each other than we do with our families.

So we are, in a sense, a family,” they said.

“It’s wonderful. The university is a very welcoming place.. ”

Antonio Gómez Jr., mailroom clerk

“The Mailroom Guy”: John Borelli Jr. One of the most popular ways for students and facilities to interact is through the mailroom.

Located in the hallway at the corner between McMahon Hall and the staircase leading to University Health Services, a line

of students can often be found awaiting their packages around the corridor. Some stand with their earphones blasting music, others eagerly talk to their friends, but they are all in line to meet one man: John Borrelli Jr., the mailroom clerk at the window.

Borrelli holds the job of handing off packages to students and is recognized for his brisk pace of talking and spirit as he’s become known to the residents at Fordham Lincoln Center as “the mailroom guy.”

He also handles the incoming packages and mail that arrives at the mailroom from students, faculty and staff all across campus. Students come up to the mailroom window, display their Fordham ID, and he works accordingly to find and hand off the requested package, all while maintaining a conversation.

One of his most important responsibilities is to make sure that the mailroom stays on top of the latest requests.

“Even when we’re closed, we still have a lot of mail coming in, sorting everything out,” he said.

“So that way, when we’re open, we’re ready to go again and hand out packages again.”

Despite the busyness that comes with interacting with so many students throughout the day, Borrelli loves the unique atmosphere of the campus, especially at Lincoln Center. He added that the sound of students in the hallways and the noise is an indicator of the traffic the mailroom receives.

“It’s all about the noise, the activity,” he said. “Just hearing the volumes of all the students around ... it’s a good sign to show that we’re really busy.”

Borelli mentioned that his love for the job comes with his love for Fordham and its campus.

“I’ve been here for so many years,” he said. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I love Fordham.”

22 Years of Service: Antonio Gómez’s Experience at Fordham For Mailroom Clerk Antonio Gómez Jr., their work in facilities is all about customer service. They noted that it’s im-

PHOTOS BY QUINCY REYES/THE OBSERVER

Richard Figueroa, manager of facilities operations, oversees the grounds and custodial staff, keeping Fordham clean and functioning.

portant for students to feel cared for, heard and welcomed when it comes to where their mail is.

“It’s about having enough patience and kindness to answer, maybe, the same question 20 times,” he said. “It’s a daily thing that we have to make sure that everything is in order.”

Gómez’s time in Fordham began in October 2000, when one of his friends found a posting for part-time work.

“I arrived from Mexico, and I didn’t know how to ride the subway,” they said. “I barely knew how to walk a couple of blocks, let alone come all the way to the Bronx and find where Fordham University was.”

After filling out the application, Gómez said that Fordham reached out to his friend and not to him. He added that he decided to take matters into his own hands and showed up to

the Office of Human Resources where he was then given a job.

Gómez began working as a cleaner in Keating Hall, and then moved around to different departments. It wasn’t until they came to Lincoln Center that they became a worker full-time.

“If you think about it, we spend more time with each other than we do with our families. So we are, in a sense, a family,” he said. “It’s wonderful. The university is a very welcoming place.”

The biggest ongoing challenge that Gómez noted within their own work is finding space for all of the packages.

“Moving in and everything, we just have to be very creative to make sure everything fits in here,” he said. “It works out, and we deliver everything in a timely manner.”

Gómez noted that the best part about working in facilities is the people. They mentioned that they work with different groups on campus and have seen the students grow and change over their 22 years at Fordham.

No Real Typical Day: Richard Figueroa, Manager of Facilities Operations

The noise from students and atmosphere on campus are what John Borelli Jr. loves most about working in the mailroom.

When asked about what a typical day in the life is for an employee at Fordham facilities, Manager of Facilities Operations Richard Figueroa was quick to admit that there is no such thing as a typical day.

Figueroa oversees the grounds and custodial staff and their operations, which includes facilities management, water and electricity, as well as heat and air conditioning.

“We address all issues throughout the buildings, any work orders students put in, any emergencies that happen,” he said. “With running a building, there’s always variables that you have no control over.”

Figureoa previously worked as a retail store manager and wanted to look for something different. With Fordham facilities covering a wide range of jobs and responsibilities, he was able to get his wish.

“I was looking for a different career,” he said. “A change of pace.”

Before becoming the manager of facilities operations in February, Figueroa began working at Fordham in 2016 and held positions as a mechanic and an operations supervisor.

Figueroa mentioned the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions is a new challenge facilities management faces alongside the rest of campus. He noted that some of the COVID-19 safety regulations that are in place make it tougher for students and staff to move throughout the campus, in regard to the need to regulate a larger campus population.

“We don’t want to fall short and still maintain the same standard we had during COVID until we feel comfortable to pull back a little bit,” he said.

The facilities department is currently working on projects which include the repavement of portions of the Lowenstein Outdoor Plaza and the reopening of the campus’ fitness center. Figueroa noted that the department has to coordinate around the day-to-day happenings of students in order to manage its construction schedule.

He also added that keeping the campus safe, secure and healthy is a big part of why the facilities department needs to complete the new projects at hand, in connection to the updated safety regulations in place. Keeping the campus clean is just one part of that puzzle, and it is the thrill and challenge of new projects that keeps Figueroa excited and motivated to work.

“It’s something different every day,” he said. “You don’t get in a rut or in a routine.”

The motto goes, “New York is my campus, Fordham is my school.” To get a better understanding of Fordham University and its operations, learning more about the faces of its facilities management and their responsibilities is an integral part in understanding the latter half of the slogan.

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October 12, 2022

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Fordham’s Free Speech Ranking Remains Low

The past lawsuit with Austin Tong and the ongoing court battle with SJP are reasons for the university’s standing

By MARIAH LOPEZ Staff Writer

Fordham was ranked 165 out of 203 in the College Free Speech Rankings survey by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) for the 2022-23 school year. The previous year, the university ranked among the 10 worst colleges for free speech, at 145 out 154.

FIRE is a nonpartisan organization whose mission is to “to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought” and emphasizes the defense of individual rights of students and faculty members across the nation’s campuses. Fordham’s 2022 ranking, similar to that of previous years, is largely based on the opinions from 250 of its students that took the FIRE survey through a college poll program that offered a gift-card incentive.

The college poll includes questions concerning students’ comfort expressing ideas, their understanding of administrative support regarding free speech, their individual tolerance of other speakers and comfort when discussing controversial topics. Also considered within the survey were questions aimed at gathering data regarding students’ tolerance for conservative or liberal speakers as well as disruptive conduct against a campus speaker.

Poll questions assessing administrative behavior include the number of scholars whose speech rights were supported by the administration during speech related controversies from 2019-22, the number of scholars sanctioned from 201922, the number of successful disinivitations from 2019-22 and the written policies governing student speech at more than 475 institutions of higher education in the United States, of which there are three possibilities: red, yellow, or green. A red rating

ALICE MORENO/THE OBSERVER

This academic year, Fordham ranked 165th in the College Free Speech Rankings Survey.

implies that the institution has at least one policy that “both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech.”

In Fordham’s case, FIRE highlighted the previous lawsuit with Austin Tong and the ongoing court battle against Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) as factors contributing to its red speech code rating. According to FIRE, the Tong case included the administration placing a student on probation and banning him from campus after he posted an Instagram photo commemorating the Tiananmen Square Massacre holding a gun in his backyard, and the ongoing SJP case involves the university rejecting the chapter’s political beliefs.

Fordham was also flagged as a red light institution due to its IT policy. FIRE cited the prohibition of using IT resources and communication services to intimidate, insult or harass others

or to create a hostile or offensive working or learning environment as examples of its “redlight” policies.

“ While we would love to

receive funding, the issue is we fear censorship and know that the administration will not actually support us or an open dialogue. ”

Abdo Yousef, FCLC ’24 and SJP member

Adam Goldstein, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’99 and senior research counsel to the president at FIRE, explained that “if that

policy alone got reformed, it would bring the score up half a standard deviation.”

Goldstein mentioned that many of the university’s component scores are actively good.

For example, he noted that Fordham ranked 30 out of 204 with regard to the students’ comfort expressing ideas component and that it also ranked better than the average in the tolerance categories for both liberal and conservative speakers, indicating the university is not an ideologically homogeneous echo chamber. According to Goldstein, two categories are to blame for Fordham’s overall low ranking this year: openness on campus and the students’ perception of administrative support for speech.

“We have students here who are extremely confident in expressing themselves, but extremely skeptical that the administration will support them

— and I can’t argue with that perception because I am skeptical of it too,” he said.

Goldstein added that Fordham lost points after Christopher Trogan, an English professor, was terminated for his continued communications with his class which violated the conditions of his suspension.

“Even if he was fired over the email, that’s still speech,” he said.

Abdo Yousef, FCLC ’24 and a member of SJP, explained how the unofficial student organization’s history and current struggles validate the low scores within those categories.

“We aren’t sure if we even want to be a recognized club now,” he said. “While we would love to receive funding, the issue is we fear censorship and know that the administration will not actually support us or an open dialogue. Can we not say that what is happening in Palestine is the oppression of Palestinians? What are the terms of their support?”

While Yousef’s response affirms the university’s poor scores, Assistant Vice President for Communications Bob Howe denies the ranking’s validity.

“The University doesn't give much credence to rankings like this,” he said.

Howe argued that the ranking is misleading because it is based on the opinions of less than 1.6 percent of the student body “on a topic that is likely to only elicit responses from those with a grievance.”

The college free speech rankings are methodized on a combined score of ten sub-components, six of which assess student perceptions of speech climate on their campus, and four that measure the administrative response. According to FIRE’s overall rankings, their survey for Fordham yielded 252 respondents and their opinions resulted in the university receiving a red-speech code.

13 Candidates Run for First-Year FCLC Senator

The incoming USG candidates discussed their plans for office and their hopes for the new administration USG ELECTIONS from page 1

Two seats were available for the FCLC junior senators positions, which are now occupied

by Supriya Bohara and Shadman Sakib, both FCLC ’24, with Bohara securing 50% of the votes and Sakib securing 45.5% of the votes; the other 4.5% of the votes went to write-in candidates who are not specified on the results.

Rodrigo Pedraza, FCLC ’25, was elected as the representative for the sophomore class, and Free Altar, FCLC ’23, for the senior class.

Pulatani estimated the total voter turnout to be around 250 students out of an undergraduate population of 2,353 Lydia Williams, FCLC ’25, is now the chairperson of the committee on diversity, equity and inclusion, and Tanzema Fazal, FCLC ’24, is the chairperson of the committee on sexual misconduct, a position that was previously occupied by Djellza Pulatani, FCLC ’24 and current president of USGLC. Since the spring 2022 election, the USGLC administration began disclosing percentages

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEN GRAMBS

Thyagarajan and Pulatani believe that the first-year senators are enthusiastic about their new roles and fostering the Fordham community

to the public and not the exact number of votes. Megha Thyagarajan, FCLC ’25 and vice president of USGLC, explained that this is done to prevent unfriendly competition and create an inclusive environment. Pulatani estimated the total voter turnout to be around 250 students out of an undergraduate population of 2,353, and suggested that members of the student body attend general meetings or USG’s office

hours if they want to voice complaints about the election policy.

Despite the low voter turnout, Thyagarajan and Pulatani described the first-year senators as enthusiastic about creating and fostering a community at Fordham.

First-year senators Ye and Wu both acknowledged that social media was an integral aspect of their campaign’s success. They noted that Instagram in partic-

ular was useful but that word of mouth was also essential.

According to Ye and Wu, social media enabled the two of them to be as accessible as possible to potential voters.

Wu centered his campaign on finances and a campaign grounded on hard numbers and statistics. He ran on the campaign titled, “Creating a Fordham that represents the working class and lower class students.”

“I think focusing on the facts rather than broader statements such as ‘vote for me for change’ or ’vote for me because I’ll promote diversity’ is what set our campaign different from my fellow students,” Wu said.

Ye shared that her primary goal as a representative for GSBLC was to help students create a network that reaches out to alumni to support their post-graduate careers. She added that USGLC has a lot of resources to help her create said network.

When asked why she wanted the student government to achieve this goal, Ye noted that “there are a lot of resources in there and a lot of people who can help (her) achieve that”.

An overarching principle in both Ye and Wu’s winning campaigns was the desire to make Fordham resources more accessible to students. The new representatives plan on hitting the ground running to achieve their campaign goals with Ye planning to establish herself in the committees to create connections for the student community at large and Wu focusing on budget reconciliation as the optimal path to achieve a more equitable Fordham experience.

The inauguration of the newly-elected 2023 USGLC Senate was held on Oct. 6.

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Public Safety Releases Security and Fire Safety Compliance Report for 2022-23

The record outlined a decrease in crimes reported under the Clery Act among other policies and procedures in compliance with the university’s safety protocols

By EESHITA WADE Asst. Social Editor

Fordham’s Department of Public Safety published its Annual Security and Fire Safety Compliance Documents in an email to the university community on Sept. 30. This report was provided in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and outlined safety tips, reporting procedures, incidences of crime and fire, and Title IX procedures, alongside other policies and procedures noted in the tables of contents.

Under the Clery Act, which was put into effect in 1990, universities are mandated to publicly disclose all information related to certain crimes that occurred on or near their campuses. Felonies that are categorized under the Clery Act include incidents that happened on campus, in residence halls, in non-campus buildings, and on the public property adjacent to the campus.

Public Safety, according to the report, has a close relationship with local New York City police precincts and New York police departments surrounding its campuses: the 20th precinct near the Lincoln Center campus, the 48th and 52nd precincts near the Rose Hill campus, and the Harrison Police Department near the Westchester campus.

Robert Dineen, associate vice president for Public Safety, stated that information regarding incidents occurring on public property had been obtained by records that are reviewed and maintained by Public Safety’s local precincts.

According to Dineen, Public Safety had 15 crimes reported under the Clery Act in the 2021-22 academic year, which is five fewer than the 20 crimes reported in the 2020-21 academic year.

Within the report, a chart outlined the number of reported crimes from 2019 to 2021 across the Lincoln Center, Rose Hill, Westchester, Calder and the university’s study abroad campuses. The crimes documented on the Rose Hill campus in 2021 included four cases of aggravated assault with one occurring on campus and three on public property; four burglary cases occuring on campus; four cases of motor vehicle theft on public property; seven robbery cases on public property; 10 rape cases on campus within the residence halls; five fondling cases on campus; four on-campus dating violence cases; and four cases of stalking occuring on campus.

Dineen clarified that the four reported motor vehicle thefts and the two robberies that occurred in 2021 on the public property adjacent to the Rose Hill campus did not involve members of the Fordham community.

The report also included a section specifically on safety, which categorized different protocols that adhere to the university’s procedures in order to “promote a safe campus and a high quality of life.”

This included information on drug and alcohol use, alcohol possession and consumption, and substance abuse, as well as substance abuse prevention and student support.

The Rose Hill campus reported 63 drug abuse violations on campus and 340 liquor law violations in 2021. This number had decreased from the 73 cases of drug abuse violations and the 561 liquor law violations that took place in 2020.

At the Lincoln Center campus, the reported crime documented included five cases of burglary on campus, four cases of motor vehicle theft on public property, two rape cases occuring on campus in the residence halls and one case of fondling on campus.

Dineen mentioned that the crimes of aggravated assault, dating violence, stalking, burglary and fondling showed a decrease in 2021, while those crimes of robbery and motor vehicle theft increased from the previous year.

“I believe it all starts with education, which is what we provide our university community through the publication and dissemination of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report at the start of each academic year,” Dineen said.

He added that the report contains a lot of information on how to stay safe and in his statement, he noted that he believes the account has a “wealth of information on protecting yourself on and off campus.”

The drug abuse violations reported at Lincoln Center totaled at 21, and there were 40 liquor law violations in 2021. This was an increase from the previous year, which saw nine drug abuse violations and 39 liquor law violations.

Three fire incidents were reported in 2021 on the Rose Hill campus, one in Walsh Hall and two in Campbell Hall. The causes of these fire incidents were accidental and electrical stoves. No fire incidents were reported on the off-campus housing locations surrounding the Rose Hill campus or in either of the residence halls located at Lincoln Center.

Fordham’s Westchester Campus and its Louis Calder Center had zero cases of any crime reported on or off their campus in 2021. The university’s study abroad locations in Pretoria, London and Granada also reported zero crimes in 2021.

Public Safety issues alerts for serious crimes that occur on campus or on the public property adjacent to campus, as well as if there is the potential for a con-

CONNOR FIELDALE /THE OBSERVER

Public Safety reported 15 crimes in the 2021-22 academic year which is five less than the previous year.

tinuous or ongoing threat to the Fordham community. According to Dineen, the alert allows the university community to be informed about what happened and informs them of the appropriate precautions and the necessary precautions to take in order to protect themselves.

“Public Safety issues advisories to the Fordham community when they determine there is a need due to what’s happening in our external environment or what’s trending in the city,” Dineen said.

“For example, there’s been a lot of attention and reporting on rising crime in the city, particularly when using mass transportation, as a result, we have issued mass transit safety reminders in which we offer some excellent safety tips when using mass transit.”

Dineen also added that in the past, Public Safety has also issued advisories on avoiding criminal scams due to several students reporting that they fell victim to fraudulent internet transactions.

He advised that all members of

the university community should use caution when conducting business with anyone they don’t know, especially when it comes to online transactions.

Public Safety, along with Student Affairs and the Office of Residential Life, also conducts safety presentations during new student orientation to provide new students with information on how to live safely both on and off campus in New York City, according to Dineen. He advised all Fordham students to read the report for personal tips on protecting themselves on and off campus, programs to promote awareness, reporting procedures and campus contacts that can provide them with assistance.

“Our students should know that their safety is a top priority here at Fordham, and we in Public Safety take that responsibility very seriously,” he said. “Our students can be certain that the entire Public Safety Department maintains that focus around the clock every day of the year.”

Students Present Open Letter in Support of FFU

The petitions submitted at both Rose Hill and Lincoln Center hope to advance the union’s current negotiations

By ALEXA VILLATORO Asst. News Editor

An open letter of support for Fordham Faculty United (FFU) was presented by students at both Rose Hill and Lincoln Center on Sept. 29 amid the union’s current negotiations with the university’s administration. The letter, which garnered over 280 signatures, asked that Fordham reach

a collective bargaining agreement with FFU that will provide pay consistent with rises in living costs, meaningful health benefits and pay parity among schools.

At Rose Hill, Kate West, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences ’23, and Caroline Doyle, Fordham College at Rose Hill ’23, submitted a copy of the letter to the office of University President Tania Tetlow, J.D., at Cunniffe Hall.

While they had not expected to speak with the president directly, West and Doyle said they had at least expected to express their concerns to someone at the office.

“ I’m kind of disappointed in the hospitality of the president’s office but glad that we got to deliver the letter.”

Caroline Doyle, Fordham College at Rose Hill ’23

ANA KEVORKIAN/THE OBSERVER

Kate West and Caroline Doyle delivered the open letter at Cunniffe Hall on Sept. 29.

Despite their hopes, the door was not fully opened before Associate Vice President for Presidential Operations Dorothy Marinucci took the letter and turned to leave the students outside.

“We expected to get into the building and not just be welcomed by a crack in the door,” West said.

Peeking her head out the doorway, Marinucci listened to Doyle outline a few of the letter’s demands for less than a minute prior to closing the door. West and Doyle expressed their feelings of disrespect and commented on the inaccessibility of students to upper administration at Fordham.

“She seemed taken aback by the fact that we even wanted to speak with her,” Doyle said. “I’m

kind of disappointed in the hospitality of the president’s office but glad that we got to deliver the letter.”

West and Doyle hope the open letter influences the administration’s stance on the union’s propositions.

Students chose to present the letters on Sept. 29 in advance of what was intended to be the final negotiations meeting at 11:30 a.m. that day. During this meeting, FFU and the administration agreed to extend the current contract, which was ratified in 2018, for an additional month to provide time for further negotiations.

Extending the contract was important to both parties, as its expiration would make a strike legal. According to Cornelius Collins, an English professor and FFU steward at the Rose Hill campus, the union has “been bargaining in good faith, that is, with the expectation we’ll come to an agreement.”

At Lincoln Center, Alan Eiland, Fordham School of Law ’24, presented the petition to Vice President for Lincoln Center Frank Simio. The two spoke briefly outside Simio’s office in the Lowenstein Center as Simio accepted the petition. For Eiland, the open letter is fundamentally about addressing the increasing costs of living.

“What we’re really asking is for the school to add a little bit more to what their proposal is so that

the faculty will be recognized as a critical part of our education,” Eiland said.

The open letter points to the small percentage that payroll costs the university relative to their overall budget. Eiland believes it to be critical that student contributions are adequately distributed to payroll costs.

“We would like for them to have compensation that is commensurable with their contribution to our education,” Eiland said. “And considering the extent to which tuition is a part, the major part, of Fordham’s budget and ability to spend money, we feel that if we are going to be paying this tuition that it should preferably go to the people who are making that education worthwhile.”

Michael Kroll, Fordham College at Lincoln Center ’25 and a student who signed the open letter, noted that some of the most dedicated and involved professors he’s had at Fordham have been non-tenured faculty members.

“It’s always crucial, but especially now given the economic conditions, to ensure those who make Fordham University what it is, are taken care of,” Kroll said.

“At present, the administration is neglecting that responsibility and action needs to be taken.”

Alyssa Daughdrill and Ana Kevorkian contributed additional reporting to this story.

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October 12, 2022

Fordham Students, Staff and Members of Iranian Diaspora Reflect on Protests

News

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The death of the 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman sparked protests throughout New York with hundreds advocating for women’s rights, justice and freedom IRAN PROTESTS from page 1

The demonstrations, which have been ongoing for two and a half weeks, have caused protests to begin in Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. In New York City, the protests have amassed a crowd of more than a hundred Iranian Americans.

Fordham Community’s Response to Unrest in Iran Departments within Fordham, such as the international studies department, have displayed their awareness about Iran. In his Comparative Politics of the Middle East class, John Entelis, professor of political science at Fordham Lincoln Center, discussed with his students the implications and potential outcomes of the women-led movement in Iran.

“From my experience regarding these kinds of movements, they don’t ultimately alter the balance of power between the state and civil society,” he said. “Among the problems we have seen is that while they are mobilizing a large number of people, attracting global attention, at the end of the day, the autocratic regime remains the same.

Personalities may change, individuals might be replaced, but the systemic character of an autocratic regime will remain the same.”

“ Iran is always in

my heart. Iran is my home,” she said. “The people don’t deserve this. Enough is enough.

The whole of Iran has become a jail. ”

Zoya, Iranian protester

Also fueling the protests is decades of socio-economic and political grievances, such as electoral corruption, freedom of political prisoners, mismanagement of the economy and demands for a modern secular democracy. Entelis highlighted how this ongoing protest is reflective of the previous frustration and anger against the Iranian regime but added that the inclusion of women distinguishes the current revolutionary movement from others.

“There is a distinctive revolutionary dimension by the participation of women who are leading this, and end up creating political and social space that they may not have had before,” Entelis said.

Ariana, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’24 and an Amer-

PHOTOS BY KIA FATAHI/THE OBSERVER

A women’s rights protester writes Iran on her forehead backwards to convey defiance against the regime.

ican-born Iranian student, has been using social media to stay up-to-date with what is happening in Iran. Expressing fear and anger over the violence in Iran, she mentioned how privileged she is to be where she is right now. She also noted disparities between herself and her distant relatives who currently live in Iran, people whom she knew would not be given the same opportunities.

“If you are in a position where you have the privilege, you have to protest for people who can’t be in that position,” Ariana said. “It is important to share a sense of community not just in Iran but around the world.”

Iranian Americans Rally for Amini Enraged by Amini’s death, the Iranian American community in New York City organized several rallies in solidarity with Iranian women and protesters. Protests began in the Grand Army Plaza on Sept. 26, with the attendees organizing more demonstrations at the New York Times Building and throughout Lower Manhattan on Sept. 27 and Oct. 1.

A crowd of hundreds marched on Oct. 1 from 5th Avenue and 14th Street, two blocks away from Union Square, to Washington Square Park as part of a coordinated global protest that day. Participants in the rally ranged from Generation Z to Millennials. The crowd chanted in both English and Farsi, saying things such as “Say her name! Masah Amini!” and “People of Iran, Make their choice!

New York Times, hear our voice.”

Women were seen cutting their hair, which is a gesture that has been featured in “Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings” as a sign of mourning, suffering and/ or anger. This practice is now being used as a way to act in solidarity with women’s rights and voice support for what Iranians are calling a “revolution” against the theocratic regime ruled by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the current supreme leader of Iran.

Zoya, an Iranian protester who has lived in the U.S. for more than 40 years, noted that she lost several family members throughout the Iranian protests.

She added that, despite this affliction, she continues to advocate for Iranian women’s rights alongside the young generation in the U.S. “Iran is always in my heart.

Iran is my home,” she said. “The people don’t deserve this. Enough is enough. The whole of Iran has become a jail.”

Zoya added that she was proud of everybody at the protest who was around the same age as Amini and noted that she is depending on them to carry “the flag of freedom.”

Other participants used this rally as a reflection of their own personal experiences living under the Iranian regime. Sanam, another Iranian protester who heard of Amini’s death from her family members at home, was heartbroken by the news but said that the incident is common in Iran.

“I was absolutely devastated, but it is not anything new in Iran as women have been oppressed for decades,” Sanam shared, “The

A protester waves the flag of the Imperial State of Iran in the air on Oct. 1 as part of the Coordinated Global Protests Around the World at Washington Square Park.

morality police and the ayatollahs are the most violent regime.”

Amini’s death brought back the trauma of Sanam and her family’s personal encounter with the morality police. In 2016, she was stopped by the morality police while going out with her mother in Tehran, the nation’s capital.

They were met with verbal abuses and discriminatory insults, with one of the officers commenting on their actions of wearing a loose hijab “unacceptable,” the very same action Amini was accused of committing. Sanam and her mother were not physically harmed, but the incident left an impression.

“If they take you, you are gone. No one in your family will be able to get in touch with you,” she said. “It is a terrifying experience of what could have happened to me.”

Lian, a graduate student at Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, recounted her personal experience of being arrested by the morality police. She said that she was abruptly approached by the police and was berated for having her sleeves rolled up, smoking, and her clothing was described as “too revealing.” She described this incident as “irrational” and “immoral.”

“They often resort to manipulative language. They are not telling you that you are arrested,” Lian said, “They just tell you to come with them so they can check your IDs and promise they are going to let you go after.”

Roberston, a public high school teacher in the Bronx, fled the Kurdistan region of Iraq due to political oppression in 1991. As

a Kurd, she is no stranger to the chant, “Women, life, freedom!”

(Jin-Jiyan-Azadî — Zen-Zendegi-Azadi), in reference to the Kurdish female freedom fighters in the 1990s. Robertson said she finds the chant, now a viral slogan among Iranian and Kurdish women around the world, more invaluable than ever before. “(Women, life, freedom) now applies everywhere, whether it be among those who are suffering the deprivation of reproductive rights, inability to show their hair in public or lack the freedom to choose whom they marry,” Robertson said. “There will be no such thing as freedom if women are not free as well.”

Robertson added that even though she is grateful for the massive turnouts in these rallies for the past few weeks, she expressed disappointment at Western institutions, from the government to universities, for not taking further action in expressing support for the movement.

“ As far as the

administration goes, I don’t think they will do anything,” she said. “I am not expecting them to do anything and sadly that’s the truth. ”

Ariana, FCRH ’24 and Iranian protester

As of Oct. 11, Fordham University has not released an official statement about the incident.

Other universities’ student-run newspapers, including Cornell University’s The Daily Sun and New York University’s Washington Square News, have reported on their respective community’s response to the Iranian protests, both of which stand in solidarity with the Iranian community.

Ariana remarked how it is highly unlikely for Fordham, a Jesuit university, to raise awareness of the events unfolding, possibly due to the religious and political ramifications.

“As far as the administration goes, I don’t think they will do anything,” she said. “I am not expecting them to do anything and sadly that’s the truth.”

In spite of the lackluster response, she, like every other Iranian-American, continues to stand in solidarity with the Iranian people and raise awareness among members of the New York City community who have not heard about the issue.

Supporters of revolutionary change in Iran carry signs reflecting their message.

Sports & Health Editors Gabriella Bermudez Chris Murray

Sports & Health

October 12, 2022 THE OBSERVER

Fordham Football Crushes Lehigh, 40-28

In their second Patriot League contest, the Rams competed at full throttle from beginning to end AURELIEN CLAVAUD Asst. Sports and Health Editor

The Fordham football team coasted to a 40-28 win against the Lehigh University (LU) Mountain Hawks on Oct. 8. Despite two quick touchdowns by the Mountain Hawks early in the game, the Rams were not discouraged. With contributions from quarterback Tim DeMorat, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’23, and receiver MJ Wright, Gabelli School of Business at Rose Hill (GSBRH) ’23, Fordham fired back for its second Patriot League victory of the season.

DeMorat recorded 499 passing yards and four touchdowns.

Wright was prolific on the receiving end, catching four balls for 226 yards and two touchdowns.

The Rams improved to 5-1 on the season and 2-0 in their conference following the win. It was also the first game of the season in which Fordham scored fewer than 45 points, underlining its high powered offense as well as their defensive shortcomings as opponents’ scoring has necessitated explosive outputs from the Rams’ offense.

For the better part of the season, opposing teams have been able to quickly run up scores and put the Rams on their heels. The Fordham offense has often had to work twice as hard as a result.

This game seemed no different.

In typical fashion, DeMorat took over. He swung the ball to Wright for a dozen yards before hitting him again for a 48-yard touchdown.

On Saturday, the Rams suffered a devastating first strike at the hands of Jalen Burbage, LU ’23, who received the opening kickoff and returned it 89 yards to the endzone. Following this lightning-quick score, the Mountain Hawks didn’t let up on the defensive end.

DeMorat frantically moved his team up the field. He threw short passes to Fotis Kokosioulis, FCRH ’23, and Mekai Felton, FCRH ’24.

However, after arriving at Lehigh’s 42-yard line, a false start on Fordham stifled the offense.

Two incomplete passes later, DeMorat was sacked for a 14-yard loss and then a fumble, which was returned 39 yards to the endzone

by Dean Colton, LU ’23, for the Mountain Hawks’ second score of the game, 14-0.

The Rams regrouped, and their next drive was more productive. With 10 minutes left in the quarter, a 42-yard rushing score by Julius Loughridge, FCRH ’25, began to tip the scales in Fordham’s favor. Subsequently, an excellent showing on defense by the Rams forced a Mountain Hawks punt, which only made it 36 yards before being caught by Kokosioulis.

In typical fashion, DeMorat took over. He swung the ball to Wright for a dozen yards before hitting him again for a 48-yard touchdown, all in the span of a minute. The score was now tied at 14, and the Mountain Hawks’ early outburst was quelled.

Lehigh quarterback Dante Perri, LU ’24, struggled to get passes through to his receivers. He completed 19-46 passes during the game. With five minutes left in the first quarter, he attempted to convert a fourth down. Three yards separated the offense from a first down, but Perri’s pass attempt fell short.

Fordham then took over possession, crawling back up the field as the game entered the second quarter. Small rushing plays, as well as a few receptions by Felton, advanced the Rams to Lehigh’s 7-yard line. However, a strong defense by the Mountain Hawks forced a 24-yard field goal by the Rams. Brandon Peskin, GSBRH ’24, drilled it, and Fordham finally took the lead, 17-14.

The Mountain Hawks’ next drive was long-winded. It lasted over seven minutes and included one fourth down and two thirddown conversions. They managed to rush six yards through the goal line to score and retake the lead, 21-17.

Kokosioulis, while receiving the kickoff, handed Lehigh a blessing when he fumbled and turned over the ball at Fordham’s 28-yard line. The Mountain Hawks, however, seemed to bear no interest in such a gift. Perri recorded three consecutive incompletions and turned the ball right back over to the Rams with four minutes left in the half after another failed fourth down conversion.

Although Fordham graciously took the ball back, they fared no

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

The Rams offense powered Fordham to a resounding victory against Lehigh University.

better and were quickly forced to punt. At this point, Lehigh appeared to enjoy the back and forth, as Perri was kindly sacked for a loss on third down, forcing yet another punt.

A pass by DeMorat was then intercepted by defensive back Donovan Thomas, LU ’24, ending both the half and the game of hot potato that had started to develop.

As the second half began, Fordham received the ball, and DeMorat wasted no time. He launched the ball to Wright, who ran 63 yards to Lehigh’s 13-yard line. Felton joined in and received the ball for the final stretch into the endzone, putting Fordham back on top, 24-21.

Perri again failed to hit back, and his team was forced to punt for the third time. DeMorat, expressionless, took the field again and hit Kokosioulis with a 15-yard pass. After two quick rushes by Trey Sneed, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences ’22, the Rams were in perfect position. DeMorat passed to Dequece Carter, GSBRH ’23, who ran 40 yards for the touchdown, 31-21.

The Rams secured their second Patriot League win in a row in their lowest-scoring game of the season.

Although typically reserved, DeMorat seemed inclined to celebrate. This drew the ire of the referees, who whistled for unsportsmanlike conduct, costing the Rams kicker Michael Bernard, GSBRH ’23, 15 yards.

Perri remained predictable on the Mountain Hawks’ turn at possession. Another incomplete pass on third down and Lehigh punted for the fourth time in the game. Fordham’s response was decisive. Loughridge rushed for 16 yards, followed by another rush of 14. Sneed then took over and rushed 12 more yards.

Following this, DeMorat spotted Wright downfield and heaved a 36-yard pass to get the Rams up to Lehigh’s 5-yard line. Unfortunately, the offense sputtered in front of the endzone, but Peskin wasn’t worse for wear and nailed the 20-yard field goal with ease, 34-21.

With seven minutes left in the third quarter, the Mountain Hawks had an opportunity to salvage their effort. The remaining time was spent advancing the offense, including through another miraculous fourth-down conversion. Despite the struggle, Lehigh made it to Fordham’s 13-yard line by the end of the quarter.

At the start of the final period, Perri made a rare completion, this one to Connor Kennedy, LU ’24, for the Mountain Hawks’ final touchdown of the game, 3428. Fordham followed by squandering possession, and Lehigh responded in kind with two incomplete passes and a 51-yard punt, their fifth.

DeMorat had had enough, and he dumped the ball to Wright for an emphatic 79-yard touchdown.

The Rams then inexplicably

attempted a two-point conversion, but Loughridge was stopped short. The score now stood at 4028. On Lehigh’s next possession, Natani Drati, Gabelli Graduate School of Business ’23, intercepted the ball at midfield.

Fordham was ahead, but they refused to let up; there were still seven minutes left to play. DeMorat threw yet another deep pass, this time to Carter for 46 yards. However, DeMorat was sacked for a 13-yard loss on the next play, forcing a 33-yard field goal attempt. Peskin miscalibrated, and his kick went wide, keeping the score fixed.

Lehigh’s next drive was once again plagued with incomplete passes, resulting in a turnover on fourth down with four minutes left. Fordham could have taken it slow, but DeMorat, with the help of a 43-yard pass to Carter, got his team up to Lehigh’s 13-yard line before turning it over with 13 seconds left on the clock.

The Mountain Hawks aired out the ball and let the time trickle away as the Rams secured their second Patriot League win in a row in their lowest-scoring game of the season. The future is looking bright for the Fordham squad, but tough competition awaits as the season presses on.

The Rams’ next game will be their final non-conference game against Stony Brook University on Oct. 15. The game will be played at Rose Hill and will feature a special half-time event to celebrate the birthday of University President Tania Tetlow, J.D. The Rams will then return to c omp eting in the Patriot League against the College of the Holy Cross on Oct. 29.

Quarterback Tim DeMorat (right), FCRH ’23, earned Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week and the Fordham defense (left) allowed the fewest points in a game this season.

www.fordhamobserver.com

THE OBSERVER

October 12, 2022

Sports & Health

7

Opposition to New COVID-19 Booster Mandate

The recent update to the university’s immunization requirements has drawn criticism from students and parents Visconti said. “And this mandate is a 180-degree turnaround from their actions in the recent months.”

By AURELIEN CLAVAUD Asst. Sports and Health Editor

Fordham announced on Sept.

27 that it has officially updated its immunization requirements so that students and faculty have until Nov. 1 to get the newly approved COVID-19 bivalent boosters. The additional dose is approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to defend against the original strain of the virus, as well as newer ones, particularly the omicron variant.

University Health Services (UHS) signaled the possibility of mandating a second booster as early as April of this year. The university stated that its decision falls in line with the CDC guidelines, which recently changed their recommendations to include the additional booster shot.

Many parents of students who attend Fordham began a campaign that called on Fordham to remove the mandate.

However, Fordham is one of the only colleges in the country that has mandated a second booster shot. According to Best Colleges, a college ranking website and college search advisor, which published a list on Sept. 15 that outlines which universities are requiring vaccines and boosters,

Like past vaccination updates, the university rests its argument on the authority of the CDC.

AURELIEN CLAVAUD/THE OBSERVER

A number of parents have expressed displeasure with the university’s handling of its new COVID-19 booster mandate.

only three institutions — Bowdoin College, Wake Forest University and St. Olaf College — have mandated the bivalent booster.

Since the list was released, additional colleges such as Harvard University and Tufts University have also rolled out new mandates. Some of these requirements only impact students, but others include faculty and staff as well. At Fordham, these new requirements encompass the entire university community and have drawn some criticism.

After the decision was announced, many parents of students who attend Fordham began a campaign that called on the uni-

versity to remove the mandate, according to a Newsweek article.

In the letter, published on Oct. 6, parents cited conspiracy theories and health concerns as reasons to see the mandate reversed.

Newsweek spoke of a letter written by “over 400 people ... including students, parents and alumni” that expresses staunch opposition to the mandate. According to Newsweek, David Betten, a parent who signed the letter, said that he chose to sign because he believes that vaccines have not been proven to work and may cause harm in young adults.

These statements have been debunked by the CDC as well as

other health agencies and professionals.

Zachary Visconti, Gabelli School of Business at Rose Hill ’25 and another interviewee of Newsweek, said he and other students who signed “are not anti-vaccine.”

He said that he believes the CDC’s recommendation should remain just that: a recommendation. Citing loosened COVID-19 restrictions in the city, Visconti does not believe that Fordham should be toughening its policy at this time.

He also felt that it was a major reversal of Fordham’s policy.

“Up until this point, the school has been becoming more and more lenient with their COVID policy,”

The university has directed questions to its statement on the matter, which was released on Oct. 5. The statement, published on the Fordham News website, argues that COVID-19 is still a major public health issue.

In response to common complaints regarding lower hospitalization and death rates, the statement says that these reductions are evidence of the efficacy of the vaccine and boosters. Like past vaccination updates, the university rests its argument on the authority of the CDC. “Fordham already requires proof of immunizations for measles, mumps, rubella, and meningitis — and has done so for decades,” the statement said. “Like those diseases, COVID-19 is a public health issue, and the relevant authority is the CDC.” As the deadline for the booster approaches, it remains to be seen if the opposition will amount to anything. Fordham has defended its vaccine mandates before and has threatened expulsion of students who do not comply.

UHS did not respond to a request for comment.

Blue, Orange ... Maroon?

Worlds collide as President Tetlow throws first pitch at Mets game and former Ram Nick Martinez pitches against Queens rival in same week

By CHRIS MURRAY Sports and Health Editor

The New York Mets’ games last week featured some familiar faces as the team’s season wound down.

On Oct. 5, Fordham University President Tania Tetlow, J.D., threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Mets game before they took on the Washington Nationals.

Tetlow sported a Fordham Softball hoodie and was accompanied to the game by members of the Fordham softball team, who were honored for their Atlantic 10 championship last season. Tetlow threw the pitch to Fordham Athletic Director Ed Kull. After adjusting her grip of the ball in her glove, she fired a strike to the amusement of the crowd.

COURTESY OF CHRIS TAGGART

President Tetlow throwing the ceremonial first pitch to Athletic Director Ed Kull at Citi Field on Oct. 5.

It proved that the university does not take its slogan “New York is our campus” lightly.

A few days later, on Oct. 8, former Fordham pitcher Nick Martinez, now a pitcher for the San Diego Padres, entered the game at Citi Field against the Mets. The pitching performance came at a crucial moment, as the Padres faced their east coast rival in the second game of the Major League Baseball (MLB) three-game National League Wild Card Series.

Martinez entered the competition in relief in the fourth inning after starter Blake Snell struggled. Martinez navigated his way through the inning, preventing both of the runners he inherited

Former Ram Nick Martinez pitching for the San Diego Padres.

from scoring. In the fifth inning, however, he allowed a leadoff home run to Mets slugger Pete Alonso to break a 2-2 tie.

Because of this, Martinez, who studied at the Gabelli School of Business at Rose Hill until he was

RYAN CASEY AGUINALDO VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2011, earned the loss for the game when the Padres ultimately fell 7-3. Martinez pitched 2.2 innings in the game. He accumulated one hit, one earned run and one walk.

Despite being pinned with the loss

due to the lone run he allowed, Martinez’s metrics were strong, and he ate innings in a desperate moment for the Padres. It was undoubtedly the biggest stage of his turbulent career, and by many accounts it was a successful outing.

As the Padres defeated the Mets in the two games Martinez did not pitch in, they will trudge on, and the Fordham grad will likely be called on in important situations as the playoffs continue. Only a year ago, Martinez was pitching in his fourth season in the Nippon Professional Baseball league, Japan’s highest level of professional baseball, after struggling in MLB. Now, in a storybook twist, he finds himself as an integral member of the Padres as they inch closer to a potential World Series appearance.

Tetlow’s pitch showed her support for Fordham Athletics while also demonstrating Fordham’s enduring passion for the community that it finds itself in. It proved that the university does not take its slogan “New York is our campus” lightly, and it gave Fordham a personable platform for individuals to evaluate the institution.

Meanwhile, Martinez’s success underlines what can be done by Fordham alumni. Despite a rollercoaster of a career, Martinez overcame adversity at the age of 31 and is contributing at a high level to one of the best baseball teams in the world.

Local fans of the Mets witnessed two sides of the same maroon coin. On one side, Tetlow’s pitch showed a representation of a new era for Fordham, with Tetlow and her agenda underlining everything great that Fordham can become. On the other, Martinez’s success highlights the greatness that individuals who pass through Fordham can achieve, surmounting obstacles to accomplish lifelong goals. And it all happened just a borough away at Citi Field.

Women’s Soccer Falls to La Salle, 3-1

The loss tempered expectations for the team, as they dropped in the standings with only four games left in the season The team missed the playoffs last season, struggling with a 2-7-1 record in A10 play. Thus, even returning to the A10 Championship would be a demonstrable improvement from last year’s efforts.

The Rams are now 3-2-1 in conference play and will attempt to turn things around with a late-season push into the postseason, starting with a matchup against fourth-place Davidson College on Thursday, Oct. 13.

By CHRIS MURRAY Sports and Health Editor

The Fordham women’s soccer team lost to the La Salle University (LSU) Explorers, 3-1, on Oct. 9. The Rams now find themselves in eighth place in the Atlantic 10 (A10) standings. A victory against La Salle, who entered the competition with only one A10 win this year, would have propelled Fordham into fourth place with just four games remaining in the season.

In a dominant performance, Explorer star Kelli McGroarty, LSU ’24, scored a hat trick in the first half to ensure victory for Fordham’s A10 rival. The Rams had no answer for the junior, who pocketed her fourth, fifth and sixth goals of the season in rapid succession.

The two teams traded chances early in the game, forcing both goalkeepers to make a pair of saves. Neither team could find the back of the net until McGroarty subbed into the match at the 24-minute mark. From that point on, she single handedly extinguished any hope of victory for the Rams.

With 11 minutes remaining in the half, McGroarty dribbled down the field, navigating defenders before firing a shot from 25 yards out past the glove of keeper Maria O’Sullivan, Fordham College at Rose Hill ’24. The scoring didn’t stop there.

Four minutes later, McGroarty found herself with another prime opportunity. A failed clearance by Olivia Redden, Gabelli School of Business at Rose Hill (GSBRH) ’24, allowed McGroarty to slip through the Fordham’s defense and bury a shot into the right side of the net.

In a matter of minutes, the Rams trailed 2-0 with little momentum to mount a comeback.

Still, with more than a half of soccer left to play, the lead was far from insurmountable.

The odds of Fordham clawing back fell significantly when La Salle tacked on a third goal in the 40th minute. The Explorers earned a corner kick and swung a cross through the

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Fordham fell behind early, allowing three consecutive goals in the first half.

box. When Fordham failed to clear it out, the ball fell to the feet of Sunni DiElmo, LSU ’25. Her failed shot attempt made its way to McGroarty who clumsily put it past O’Sullivan to complete her first-half hat trick.

Over the span of seven minutes, the Rams collapsed to fall behind, 3-0. Fordham entered halftime facing a mountainous deficit with only 45 minutes to climb out.

As the second half continued, the Rams struggled not only to even the score, but to tally a single goal. Any attempts to break the shutout were foiled by Explorer goalkeeper Michela Auguadro, LSU ’25. She made three saves in the half to thwart any hopes of a Fordham comeback.

The Rams were finally able to break the ice in the 79th minute. A pass from Alexandra Taylor, GSBRH ’24, made its way to Fordham star Kristen Cocozza, GSBRH ’23. She then fired a spectacular shot from 18 yards out into the top right corner of the goal, netting her fourth goal of the season and second in as many games.

The score brought the game to 3-1 but proved too little, too late.

The game wrapped up without another goal, and La Salle emerged victorious, earning their second win of their 2022 A10 campaign.

For Fordham, the loss demonstrates a deviation from the momentum built after the Rams’ dominant performance against the University of Rhode Island (URI). URI and La Salle are neighbors in the A10 standings with six points in conference play apiece. Competitively they pose similar challenges, but the Rams dominated against one and lost against the other.

Fordham will need to recover its formula for winning, as it will face the second, third, and fourthplace teams in the A10 over the next three weeks.

The final four games of the season will offer an opportunity for the Rams to rise in the standings. The primary order of business will be maintaining a spot in the eight-team A10 Championship starting on Oct. 28. The secondary focus will be on moving up in the standings to achieve a more favorable matchup when championship play comes around.

Men’s Soccer Flounder Against Saint Louis, 2-1

After going down early, the Rams struggled to close the gap in a physically taxing contest

By CHARLES BINNS Staff Writer

After a thrilling draw against Davidson College the week prior, the Fordham men’s soccer team fell 2-1 to the Saint Louis University (SLU) Billikens during an Atlantic 10 (A10) matchup on Oct. 8. Although Fordham headed into the match with a two-game tie streak, the loss broke an undefeated run of 10 games.

From the first whistle, the Rams failed to impose themselves.

Saint Louis had no issue in this regard and sought to capitalize on the Rams’ slow start. The Billikens played a defensive line formed by significant players such as Donny Ross, SLU ’25, Alberto Suarez, SLU ’23, and Enzo Okpoye, SLU ’23.

They set multiple offside traps in the first 10 minutes of play, grinding Fordham’s progress to a halt.

Saint Louis struck first at the end of the 12th minute of play.

John Klein, SLU ’23, received a cross and fired the ball low into the corner. The shot was saved, but forward CJ Coppola, SLU ’26, secured the rebound and planted it in the back of the net, earning him his fourth goal of the season.

As they attempted a hapless counterattack, the Rams could not find a foothold in the uphill battle they were facing. Fordham was unable to create a goal-scor-

ing opportunity until a quick succession of shots by Sebastian Fabrin, Gabelli School of Business at Rose Hill (GSBRH) ’24, and Savvas Christoforou, GSBRH ’23, in the 20th and 21st minutes of the game, respectively. Both shots were casually stopped by Carlos Tofern, SLU ’23.

As the game progressed, it became a physical battle between both teams. The Rams began to work their way into the game, creating more attempts and shots.

Conrado Duhour, GSBRH ’23, and Daniel Espeleta, Gabelli Graduate School of Business (GGSB) ’24, each attempted a shot as the clock wound down.

After the opening score, the physicality of the match resembled one of American football rather than soccer. Although the rest of the half featured just five shot attempts across both teams, it ended with Saint Louis racking up 16 fouls. The box score revealed this to be the most lopsided element of the game, as the Rams only committed three fouls in the half.

This would become the story of the game, as the second half provided much of the same. The Rams were knocking on the door of an equalizer, but the Billikens continued to physically trouble the home team.

The second period began with four unanswered shot attempts

by Fordham coming from Espeleta, Fabrin and Florian Deletioglu, GSBRH ’24. The Rams were mounting the pressure, forcing the Billikens to resort to physicality. Frustration seemed to be boiling over in the Fordham camp as Jakob Gesien, GGSB ’24, late goal scorer the week before, picked up a yellow card in the 71st minute.

The Billikens capitalized on the other end of the pitch and tacked on another goal for a 2-0 lead in the 72nd minute. The goal was converted emphatically by Grady Easton, SLU ’25, off of a looping cross. Many Fordham players argued for a handball call, gesturing toward the referees in frustration.

This did not change the fact that they were now facing a two-goal deficit with less than 20 minutes left in the game.

The Rams didn’t drop their heads and pressed on in an attempt to replicate the heroics of previous performances. Nathan Simes, GSBRH ’26, sought to close the gap moments later with a header, but it was blocked. Jack Sluys, GGSB ’24, followed up with another shot, but his attempt sailed over the crossbar.

Later, the Rams won backto-back corners but still couldn’t break through the sturdy defense of the Billikens. In the midst of this offensive renaissance, Saint Louis

picked up another two yellow cards. The final statistics showed the Billikens with 26 fouls and the Rams with only five.

After four more shot attempts, the Rams managed to claim an 88th-minute consolation goal scored by Deletioglu. The Rams swiftly moved the ball up the field, stringing together a series of passes. Simes sent a through ball to Deletioglu who navigated the ball past the goalkeeper. The assist underlined that Simes’ repertoire has expanded past goal scoring to include crafty playmaking.

Fordham only lost the game 2-1, but the match dealt a blow to the team’s momentum and placement in the A10 standings. Bruised and battered by an extremely physical Billikens team, the Rams will now look to bounce back at Saint Joseph’s University on Oct. 15.

Fordham would benefit from Simes finding the back of the net again, as he has not scored since the Rams’ A10 opener on Sept. 17 against the University of Rhode Island. Furthermore, the team has been starting slow, and while it hasn’t been costing them losses but certainly hasn’t helped in winning games. As the season comes to a close, adjustments may be crucial to a strong finish and a preferential placement in the A10 Championship later this month.

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

The Rams struggled to keep up with Saint Louis’ physical play throughout the match.

WOMEN’S SCHEDULE OCT. 13 @ Davidson College

OCT. 16 vs.

Virginia Commonwealth University

OCT. 20 vs.

University of Dayton

OCT. 23 @

University of Massachusetts Amherst

OCT. 29NOV. 6 Atlantic 10 Championship

Women’s soccer is currently in 8th place

Kristen Cocozza and Nathan Sines are truly differencemakers, each leading their teams in goals with four and five, respectively.

Men’s soccer is currently in 7th place

MEN’S SCHEDULE OCT. 15 @

Saint Joseph’s University

OCT. 16 @

Duquesne University

OCT. 20 vs.

Princeton University

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Opinions Editors Ava Peabody Isabella Scipioni

Opinions

October 12, 2022 THE OBSERVER

STAFF EDITORIAL

U

HOUSING MISMANAGEMENT HINDERS STUDENT SUCCESS

ndergraduate residents at Fordham Lincoln Center (FLC) might imagine their college dorm experience to be glamorous, especially given Fordham’s marketing as an oasis in the middle of Manhattan. However, this fall, many students have been disappointed by a confusing housing registration and placement experience that has crammed in as many first-years as possible and left other students stranded. We believe that Fordham has a responsibility to provide its students with adequate housing, and the university is not meeting these standards this year.

Students are facing forced double and triple bedrooms, with up to nine people living in apartments originally built for only six people in McMahon Hall. A lack of communication has further plagued the housing process, and residents have suffered because of Fordham’s mismanagement.

The Office of Admissions guaranteed housing to 150 more new students than the school anticipated, creating an overcrowding problem in the residence halls at FLC. Twenty FLC students have been placed in residence halls at the Rose Hill campus, forcing them to commute.

This oversight comes despite confirmation from the Office of Residential Life (ResLife) in the spring of 2022 that it could “accommodate all students who completed their housing applications” for the fall 2022 semester, and that overcrowding in FLC residence halls would no longer be a problem.

While first-year students are packed into FLC’s two dorms, some returning students found themselves with nowhere to live just weeks before the start of the fall

semester. Students who are offered housing at FLC when admitted are guaranteed housing for all four years of their undergraduate education unless they previously moved off campus or missed the housing application deadline. These students are then put on a housing waitlist and are not guaranteed to get a room assignment.

New York City is home to notoriously high rents, and Fordham must assist its students rather than contribute to this problem.

One student told The Observer that she was notified only a week before the semester began that she would not be receiving housing at either of Fordham’s campuses.

With no time to find off-campus housing and living too far from campus to commute, she had to take a leave of absence because of ResLife’s lack of communication. Poor administrative planning should not derail a student’s academic career. ResLife is putting students’ lives on hold because of poor planning and communication, and it is unclear why FLC is unprepared to accommodate its residents, despite a smaller incoming class size than in past years and ResLife’s previous confirmation of its ability to do so.

Fordham has a responsibility to provide its students with adequate housing. New York City is home to notoriously high rents, and Fordham must assist its students rather than contribute to this problem.

There are several different approaches Fordham can adopt moving forward. First, the university can rent out

more space in nearby apartment buildings or build additional dorms. While this would be the most obvious solution for a less urban campus, FLC has limited space to build additional dorms, and we do not want Fordham to contribute to the city’s housing crisis by further reducing the available housing supply.

More realistically, the Office of Admissions should work alongside ResLife to admit a class size that the school can better accommodate. ResLife must also communicate earlier with students who will not receive housing so that they have sufficient time to make other arrangements.

This solution would prevent students from being packed into a dorm with too many roommates or being stranded at the last minute and having to put their education on hold.

Even with spare time, it is difficult to find an affordable apartment in New York City, especially for students who may not have experience with apartment hunting.

We also believe that ResLife should provide students with additional resources to help them find off-campus living arrangements by giving students advice for finding affordable housing and connecting students with realtors. Fordham does provide some tips on living off campus on their website, but this information is not readily accessible or adequate for helping students find housing. Considering the lack of on-campus housing opportunities, Fordham has a responsibility to its students to connect them with off-campus housing.

Students cannot thrive academically without a roof over their heads, and if Fordham wants its students to succeed, the university must be prepared to provide its students with places to live.

Feature Photo: Look Up Often times, taking a second to look up while on campus or around the city offers unique perspectives of the designs and interactions of buildings.

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THE OBSERVER

October 12, 2022

Opinions

11

Jeffrey Dahmer Didn’t Need More Screen Time

The genre of true crime is problematic, and “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” is another example ALYSSA DAUGHDRILL Photo Editor

True crime fans need to be cognizant of the fact that the media they are obsessively consuming is exactly what it is called — true events that happened to real people. The stories they are binge-watching are about real tragedies; the “characters” fans are romanticizing are the people responsible for them.

Netflix’s new show “Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” is a prime example. The production, casting and positive fan responses to the show all contain problematic elements and demonstrate a lack of empathy toward the communities and families directly impacted by Dahmer’s actions.

Dahmer and his cruelty have already been immortalized in a variety of books, TV shows and movies, very few of which have handled the case with care and concern for the victims and their families. Between 1978 and 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer was confirmed to have tortured and killed 17 people. He primarily targeted people of color and gay men, and the police did not thoroughly investigate their disappearances. There is no need to aggrandize, sexualize or commodify a serial killer.

The choice to list “Dahmer — Monster” in Netflix’s LGBTQ+ section, its focal points and its lack of regard toward the victims’ families all demonstrate larger problems with the commodification of true crime stories. It is irresponsible and damaging for major corporations like Netflix to put out shows like this, but moreover, the show demonstrates the persistence of societal apathy toward harm done to people of color, who often receive less sympathy and attention when they are the victims of

crimes.

The series was released on Sept. 21 with Evan Peters in the titular role. Peters’ fan base has a well-established propensity for romanticizing his immoral and murderous roles, as demonstrated by his time as Tate Langdon in “American Horror Story,” a character based off of the Columbine shooters. His fans are frequently appreciative of both his appearance and acting abilities, but in roles based off of real criminals, it is important to divorce the actor from the character.

A lot of people have crushes on fictional villains, but that is less uncomfortable because the characters are not real, nor are any of their victims. While it is not innately problematic to idolize and sexualize the actions Peters commits while acting, even as a serial killer, it does raise concerns because the harm caused by Dahmer’s real actions still reverberates today. When actual people have been harmed, it becomes more difficult to separate the role from its source material.

The media we consume is not neutral: It informs how we evaluate the world around us.

These poorly thought-out and sensationalist programs are disrespectful to families of victims.

Direct family members and people who were actively involved in Dahmer’s trial are still alive. The families were not consulted on or informed of the development of the series and found out about it at the same time as everyone else after Netflix announced it in 2020.

Despite Netflix’s claim that the show’s aim was to tell the story

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through the lens of Dahmer’s victims, it largely focuses on the man himself. The families and friends of those killed were forced to relive the trauma associated with Dahmer. Netflix’s drive to capitalize on pop culture’s fixation on prolific serial killers is concerning, and these depictions humanize these killers more than they deserve.

The constant release of new true crime productions focused on prolific serial killers results in fans touting their knowledge of serial killers and bragging online that they were able to stomach it.

The emergence of true crime as an entertainment genre has desensitized its audience to violence, which frequently is perpetrated against minority groups.

While this show has received serious and deserved backlash, many other true crime depictions in pop culture have not received the same amount of criticism, even though they should have.

“My Friend Dahmer” was released in 2017 with Ross Lynch in the starring role, and in 2019, “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly

Wicked and Vile” was released with Zac Efron as Ted Bundy.

Both of these actors started their careers in considerably lighter roles and have prominent fan bases. When popular actors who are frequently praised for being attractive or who gained their popularity through more wholesome roles, like Disney movies and shows, are cast as serial killers, audiences often forget the horrific truth behind the dramaticized plot. They dismiss the horrible things that were done to the victims because they like the actor playing the murderer.

Following the release of these movies, social media saw a rise in fan content dedicated to their depictions of the serial killers. This is not a new phenomenon — killers like Bundy and Dahmer had “groupies” when they were on trial and imprisoned — but the internet gives their fans more leeway and reach in sharing their opinions on these serial killers. The online communities that spring up around romanticizing these men undermine the suffering that the killers have caused.

The reasoning behind the popularity of this type of media stems from multiple sources, including people’s morbid curiosity, desire to engage with the taboo in a safe way, and fear of being victimized themselves. However, it also reveals an emotional disconnect between the people who are hurt, the people profiting and the people deriving pleasure from keeping stories like Dahmer’s alive in pop culture.

The media we consume is not neutral: It informs how we evaluate the world around us. But our reactions to it also affect how people perceive us. Being a true crime fan is not something that exists in a vacuum, especially when people publicize their opinions on platforms like TikTok. True crime media cannot be a substitute for Halloween horror movies. The constant exposure to the depravity humans are capable of both in the news and in entertainment makes it less shocking over time, and the lack of discomfort with immoral actions can lead to inaction when real people are in harm’s way.

Fordham Needs To Forget About Fossil Fuels

As global warming worsens, Fordham has a duty to follow the lead of other schools and divest from fossil fuels FOSSIL FUELS from page 1

Like the NYC Carbon Challenge, the Climate Mobilization Act aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings’ heating, cooling and electricity use. Buildings account for over 70 percent of New York’s emissions, surpassing others such as transportation. By converting to cleaner energy, buildings could eliminate a significant portion of New York’s pollution.

One way that Fordham has minimized building pollution is by converting to LED lights.

Previously using fluorescent lights, the re-lamping to LED has saved the University 712,000 kilowatt-hours of energy annually. The lights have been implemented in 39 buildings on both the Lincoln Center and Rose Hill campuses.

The Rose Hill campus is also able to rely more on clean energy after installing solar panels above the campus parking garage. Fordham has retained an extra $53,000 to date and generated up to 1,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity due to these panels. To put that number into perspective, the Solar Energy Industries Association calculated that 1,000 MWh could power up to 143,000 homes.

In comparison to Fordham, other schools are operating on a much grander scale to eliminate carbon emissions.

Ranked the sixth greenest college in America, Columbia University is powered by 100 percent renewable energy.

Supplied by a combination of off-site wind turbines, hydropower and solar, Columbia has stabilized zero emissions, for reported electricity, since 2018.

Two wind farms in Oklahoma, the RedBed Plains Wind Farm and Grant Wind Facility, generate a substantial portion of Colombia’s energy.

The university also purchases hydropower through New York Power Authority’s Recharge NY program. From Columbia, drastic efforts have been made to eliminate emissions, efforts which overshadow Fordham’s limited progress.

On the other side of the country, Stanford University is working to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and zero waste by 2030. Initially run by a fossil fuel plant, Stanford transitioned to grid-sourced electricity, which has rapidly reduced its emissions.

However, Stanford’s ability to produce innovative, clean energy comes at a hefty price.

The investments for clean energy systems cost $485 million, and even though these changes are expected to save the university $420 million over time, few colleges are equipped with such extensive funds.

Although Fordham’s exact budget allocated to sustainable

energy is unclear, the NYC Carbon Challenge announced an annual reduction of emissions by 600,000 metric tons.

Participants of the Carbon Challenge, including Fordham, have collectively saved over $200 million.

Last year Fordham reported a release of 26,611 metric tons of carbon emissions, or a carbon intensity of 13.86. Given that the university had initially started at 29,305 metric tons in 2005, that’s a reduction of 2,694 tons. Stanford University, however, has cut emissions by 150,000 tons of CO2.

Recent environmental travesties have defined an unprecedented climate emergency.

As temperatures rise, it’s up to educators to set the example for change. Teaching sustainability is far more effective through example. Fordham offers a variety of clubs and classes on climate change, but their impact falters unless Fordham asserts action against this global threat.

Fordham’s small campus and class size allows for a smaller global impact; however, that doesn’t justify a lack of commitment towards sustainability. Every university should be

allocating resources to fight against climate change, which has the potential to wipe out future generations.

Fordham is taking a step in the right direction, but the university has a long way to go in terms of curbing its reliance on fossil fuels.

GRAPHIC BY MARIA TERZULLI /THE OBSERVER

12

Opinions

October 12, 2022

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THE OBSERVER

(Cancel) Kanye 2022

Kanye West is a joke, but his ‘unhinged’ behavior isn’t funny anymore SYDNEY CHAMPAGNE Staff Writer

Is it really possible to separate art from the artist? Pop culture has certainly fostered an environment where toxic men thrive off of their fans who claim that they can. It’s happened time and time again, specifically with men in the music industry: Chris Brown the abuser, R. Kelly the pedophile and, most recently, Kanye West the far-right extremist.

At his Yeezy show on Oct. 3 during Paris Fashion Week, West sent several models down the runway donning T-shirts with the phrase “White Lives Matter” printed in bold text. He also wore a shirt with the same phrase.

West has an extensive history of saying and doing things that shock us: running for president, saying 400 years of slavery “sounds like a choice,” and making it his mission to tell anyone who would listen about how much he loves Donald Trump. He’s a walking enigma, and we continue to let him get away with spreading these dangerous and hateful messages.

But these are not sporadic, unpredictable instances. This is a pattern.

Even with his problematic statements, West has been able to stay in a position of mass influence for so long because people love when celebrities act unhinged. It adds an extra element of entertainment when someone in the spotlight breaks down. We laugh it off again and again, but where is the joke?

It’s not funny when someone with a worldwide platform continually uses their influence to spread hate. West’s 2020 presidential run wasn’t amusing; his run took away 60,000 votes that could have gone to a serious candidate.

It wasn’t just “out of pocket” when he said slavery sounded “like a choice,” it was insulting. And he’s not an enlightened, godly artist for sending Black models down the runway with shirts that say “White Lives Matter,” a white supremacist phrase used by far-right groups like the Ku Klux Klan, printed on their shirts — he’s a political extremist.

He proved this further on Oct. 9 when he had his Instagram account disabled for posting messages between himself and Sean Combs, where he references an anti-Semitic theory. After his account was disabled, he ran to Twitter, where his anti-Semitism became blatant.

The tweet, which resulted in Twitter locking Kanye out of his account, read: “I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE The funny thing is I actually can’t be Anti Semetic because black people are actually Jew also.”

Whether or not he just loves the media frenzies that surround his political stunts, West is now pushing far-right hate speech through his own brand. He used to flaunt his MAGA hat like it was a crown and told Trump himself during a 2018 meeting in the Oval Office that the hat “gives him power”.

West also has a history of targeting powerful women in an attempt to publicly shame them.

We all remember the infamous

2009 VMAs where he burst onto the stage, interrupting Taylor Swift in the middle of her acceptance speech. This past February, he attacked Billie Eilish on his Instagram account, demanding that she apologize for a post she made about concert safety following the tragic deaths at Travis Scott’s concert in 2021.

His latest public misogynistic antics were personal attacks made against renowned fashion editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, who called the “White Lives Matter” shirts “pure violence” and stated that “there is no excuse, there is no art here.” In response, West posted zoomed-in photos of Karefa-Johnson, mocking her outfit, and shared screenshots of cryptic messages from someone telling him he “shouldn’t insult that writer.”

Karefa-Johnson was not the only person who voiced distaste for the show. Jaden Smith walked out in the middle of the Yeezy show and posted a series of Tweets that made his dislike of the T-shirts clear. Unlike Karefa-Johnson, however, Smith did not receive public backlash from West. The difference? Karefa-Johnson is a powerful woman, and that is threatening to West.

West’s dangerous patterns will continue until he is held accountable rather than made into a meme. People continue to support his music and his brand because they claim they can separate the art from the artist and can appreciate brilliance while acknowledging the mind behind it is insane.

But you can’t do that. Avidly listening to this man’s music, buying

his clothing and engaging in his social media rampages feed into his cosmic ego.

West didn’t have just one random outburst, and he’s not “unhinged”; he has used and will continue to use his platform to spread far-right rhetoric and attack women. Supporting him in any way allows him to keep that platform.

It’s always important to take into consideration one’s personal struggles; West himself has openly discussed being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, his BPD is not an excuse for his actions. It is completely unfair and insulting to everyone who also struggles with mental illness to excuse West’s behavior just because he struggles with mental health.

His actions are not impulsive. Planning a high-end fashion show is a task that takes at least four months to prepare for, according to the CM Modeling Agency.

West had months to conceptualize, design and produce those t-shirts.

He went a step further by in-

viting Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens to the show, where Owens posed wearing one of these t-shirts with West. The cherry on top was sending models down the runway at Paris Fashion Week wearing the insulting shirts, which one could most certainly find at a tchotchke shop on the Jersey Shore.

It’s exhausting that West is a constant topic of conversation in the media and that the coverage of him is largely uncritical. The pedestal West stands on needs to be ripped out from under him. He should no longer be welcomed into elite fashion and music spaces, and his bizarre Instagram apologies cannot fix the damage he has repeatedly caused.

ILLUSTRATION BY CHLOE ZELCH/THE OBSERVER

Rubberneck The

SATIRE & HUMOR

Entertain Me: A Football Commentary

While it has potential, football is one of the most boring and tedious sports in the world KREENA VORA Online Editor

Prior to this year, the only football games I’ve watched have been Super Bowls. I’ve pretty much picked up the basics of the game: You run and throw the ball until you get to the end zone, and the other team tries to stop you by tackling or intercepting a throw.

But this year, my friends organized a fantasy league, and I went to my school’s homecoming game to participate in the usual

senior year traditions. To really try to understand the hype, I even covered a football game for this very paper. Through all of these experiences, my football-loving friends have explained more of the common rules and practices to me, and well, I think they’re dumb.

Sports should be about entertainment, specifically about amusing their audience. The average NFL football player earns over $1 million per season, and this is largely due to the viewers.

Since athletes earn money based on the viewership of a sport, their aim should be to amuse their audience.

Sports like soccer and basketball do this well with simple rules and fast-paced play.

Cricket succeeds most of all, with just about every ball resulting in some action.

(Baseball of course fails horribly at this,

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spanning nine never-ending innings, while teams score an average of only four runs.) But football falls somewhere in the middle, with the game itself being almost entertaining, but most of the fun being ruined by the constricting rules and the yearslong use of repetitive strategies.

Let’s start with the clock.

A quarter is supposed to be 15 minutes, so you would think a full game would take about an hour. Let’s be generous and say two hours with ads and halftime. But no, the average football game lasts over three hours, with the longest game in NFL history lasting seven hours and eight minutes.

The length of the game can be blamed on a few things: The clock stops after many of the plays, each team gets three two-minute timeouts per half, and there just seem to be random instances where the clock is not running. To really be entertaining in a game based on playing time and not something like overs or innings (as in the case of cricket and baseball, respectively), time should run quickly.

We can’t sit around waiting for something to happen with all the action interrupted by never-ending breaks, just to enjoy short bursts of exciting play.

Speaking of stopping time, it seems like all one has to do to make the clock stop is step out of bounds. That immediately stops the play but lets the team with the ball keep it. In any respectable sport, if you have the ball

and step out of bounds, the other team gets possession and has the chance to score.

Why would stepping out of bounds, something that is generally considered to be breaking the rules, be rewarded rather than penalized? Because football players need the security of knowing that at the first sign of trouble, they can just step over a line and save themselves without consequences, leaving viewers to suffer the loss of any real display of skill or action.

Imagine this: It’s the fourth down, and you have 10 yards to go until the first down. You don’t think you’re going to make it. So what do you do? Punt the ball as far away as possible? Why admit defeat — try an onside kick instead! Or, you’re on the other team, and the ball was punted basically into the end zone. What do you do? Jump out of the way to automatically get to the 25yard line? No! Have some faith and courage! Catch that ball and run as fast and as far as you can!

I’m not watching football to see a bunch of losers wimp out and rely on arcane rules to carry them forward. I want to see them run, throw and, most of all, take risks!

Next up: the plays. They’re boring and predictable. Football really is a sport that needs to hear the saying “traditions are just peer pressure from your ancestors” and “just because something has always been done that way doesn’t mean it has to be.” Football has a lot of safe and established plays, but the

rules allow for some flexibility.

Players should take advantage of that and not only shock their opponents, but also keep their audience on the edge of their seats. Snap the ball to a running back every once in a while; shake it up! Don’t let anyone predict the next move.

Finally, the end of the game: This isn’t like basketball where everyone is trying to make one last basket, shooting balls right up to the buzzer. Rather, if the team in the lead has the ball, they may not even bother to play the last 30 seconds. Instead, they choose to take a knee and let the clock run out rather than giving the fans the last 30 seconds of entertainment that we truly deserve.

They could do something glorious, something epic, something to prove they really love the game. But no, they choose to stop. They stand around watching the clock tick down as the other team accepts their defeat.

How sad, to revel in victory or loss rather than enjoy the thrill of the game.

All of this is to say, football has potential. Change around some rules, do something a little unpredictable, focus more on the actual game than the clock, and we’d really have something. As it stands now, though, I have to agree with the rest of the world that American football is barely a sport, and they don’t even use their feet! To any football players out there reading this, do better. Entertain me! (Or at least make my fantasy team win.)

Arts & Culture Editors Isabella Gonzalez Olivia Stern

Arts & Culture

October 12, 2022 THE OBSERVER

Not So ‘Funny Girl’: The Evolution of Fanny Brice’s Costume and Its Fatphobic Connotations

Beanie Feldstein’s, Julie Benko’s and Lea Michele’s different finale costumes illustrate fatphobia on Broadway

By FABIOLA SANTIAGO-RUIZ Contributing Writer

Hello gorgeous! Let’s talk about Broadway, shall we? The revival of the hit Broadway musical “Funny Girl” has faced a great deal of scrutiny since it opened on Broadway just six months ago. Three actresses have already played the role of leading character Fanny Brice, something that has confused fans worldwide.

Still, the most controversial change comes in the form of a red beaded dress that is worn during the finale of the show. This midlength dress was adorned with long sparkly sleeves and a gold neckline that covered the actress’ cleavage. Following Beanie Feldstein’s sudden exit from the show at the end of July, the costume underwent abrupt changes in the length and size of the sleeves.

TikTok user @alainanoelleo was one of the first to highlight these changes. She commented that it took “no more than 3 seconds to remove the sleeves and change Fanny Brice’s final dress after Beanie Feldstein. You can say whatever you want about it. As a bigger-bodied person, it was noticed, felt, and noted.”

Julie Benko, Feldstein’s slimmer understudy, took over the role during the summer and saw her final dress transformed into a sleeveless and somewhat shorter one. This change raised some eyebrows at the time, but Benko’s talent overshadowed the controversy. However, all previous suspicions were confirmed when Lea Michele stepped into the role with an even shorter, lower-cut finale dress. Like Benko,

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The role of Fanny Brice has been played by Beanie Feldstein (left), Lea Michele (right) and Julie Benko (not pictured). Each actress wore a different finale dress with varying levels of modesty, and the public is attributing this decision to fatphobia.

this Glee actress is notably thinner than Feldstein, so her debut in this completely new costume came as a big shock. This move ignited a debate about fatphobia on Broadway and the tendency to favor slimmer actresses.

Broadway has been asking actors to lose weight for parts for years, so the issue of fatphobia in theater is not a new topic. One recent case was that of André Jordan who, in an interview with the Los Angeles Times from May 2021, commented that he was asked to lose 15 to 20 pounds for his ensemble role in the musical “Legally Blonde.” To

add insult to injury, the interview was conducted in response to a New York Times article written during the pandemic where Broadway producers claimed performers had “gained weight” during lockdown.

What shocked “Funny Girl” fans the most, however, was the contradiction between this controversy and the topic of the show. The storyline follows an imperfect showgirl who struggles to make it in a demanding industry. She has to go against social prejudices in order to gain the fame and success she always wanted. For a show that prides

itself on celebrating individuality and the beauty of imperfection, these costume decisions seem confusing and contradictory.

Nevertheless, there could also be a different way of looking at all of this. Though the optics are less than ideal, it is important to consider that these changes may just be a form of comfort. There has been no official confirmation as to who ordered these alterations, so who’s to say it wasn’t the leading ladies themselves? Often, actors work in collaboration with costume designers to create pieces they can feel comfortable in.

This dynamic may be the case for the actresses in “Funny Girl.”

This could be especially true as this was the only costume to be changed after the end of Feldstein’s run. Additionally, this is not a new idea, as other productions such as Six and Hamilton are known for customizing their costumes for every actor that takes on a new role.

Another possible reason for this change is that the producers wanted to mark a new chapter in the show. After Beanie Feldstein’s departure, she noted on her instagram that “The production decided to take the show in a different direction” and thus, she decided to cut her run short.

Feldstein was heavily criticized during her time in the show, so the production may have redesigned the costume to mark a new change. Indeed, it appears this idea has worked, as Lea Michele’s run has been little short of perfect, with glowing reviews all around.

The production of Funny Girl has not addressed any of these claims at this time. It is clear that these changes would send the wrong message, and I truly do believe their public relations team could have seen this coming.

Situations such as these shed light on the issue of fatphobia in Broadway and how this matter needs to be discussed. The musical theater industry prides itself on celebrating differences and the uniqueness of their characters. What we can only wish for now is that producers grant the same courtesy to the actors portraying these roles. After all, it is way more interesting to be a bagel on a plate full of onion rolls!

Fordham Hosts Author Walter Mosley

Novelist and commentator Walter Mosley speaks at Mary Higgins Clark Chair Keynote Address

By LYRIC SOUTHARD Contributing Writer

Fordham’s English department hosted its annual Mary Higgins Clark Chair event on Oct. 6 in the Pope Auditorium with special guest Walter Mosley. The Mary Higgins Clark Chair invites all Fordham students and aspiring writers to receive guidance and advice from widely praised writers such as Mosley.

After graduating from Johnson State College, Mosley worked as a computer programmer for close to 20 years until beginning his writing career. He’s best known for his work in the crime-mystery genre. Mosley’s most famous book, “Devil in a Blue Dress,” a story about a Black veteran hired to investigate the disappearance of Daphne Monet, was even adapted into a movie, which starred Denzel Washington, Fordham College at Lincoln Center ’77.

Mosley explained that as he grew up, he often contemplated what is right and wrong, and what is entirely true. He realized that when he read books and watched shows or movies, he saw very few depictions of Black protagonists. Mosley couldn’t understand why this was the case because it was the opposite of what he knew. He had heard stories of courageous heroes withstanding every obstacle in

their way, but none of his people’s stories were depicted.

“What I need is the world to be infused with the history of the hands that helped build this world,” Mosley said. “Black men have always been seen as the enemy.”

He realized that the stories of Black people were being forgotten — their history, their hard work, their fights, their passion, their blood and tears, and their voices. He decided that he would find a way to “reclaim his people,” which he would do through writing. Mosley created Black characters with dreams and lifestyles that are the same as white characters, but he also incorporated the racism and harsh realities that the Black man faces.

Mosley said that white people don’t truly understand the feelings of his Black characters, and they don’t understand why Mosley wanted to tell these stories.

He added that he doesn’t intend to put down other people or cultures with his stories but rather to celebrate all the people that have had their history taken away from them.

“I don’t celebrate the Black men for their imperfections,” he said. “I celebrate those of us that have survived the prejudices of so-called ‘white’ people that don’t understand their own history.”

His speech burrowed snugly into the internal crevices of every audience member’s heart and

soul, no matter who they were, which led to a standing ovation.

Some were even brought to tears, which showed that Mosley has an exquisite way with words.

Shortly after, folks went from a heavy, saccharine heart to tears of laughter when Mosley began answering students’ questions. When asked if he could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be, he found himself at a loss for words. He then answered that he doesn’t know many characters from other books.

Rather, he spoke to the value in connecting with others in his community that are not writers.

“Writers are a part of the world, and they’re speaking to the world and for the world. It’s not about a writer knowing another writer — it’s about the writer knowing the world,” Mosley continued. “I don’t want to be with other writers. My goal is to know people and find people, like painters and musicians, anyone whose interpretation of the world changes my world.”

He also said that he believes anyone with a story to tell should tell it; they shouldn’t wait until they feel “ready.”

“There is no such thing as a finished book,” Mosley said. “For me, I write it, then fix the mistakes, do that again about twenty times until I don’t know how to fix them anymore, and then it’s finished.”

ALYSSA DAUGHDRILL/THE OBSERVER

Walter Mosley’s novel “Devil in a Blue Dress” was adapted into a movie starring Denzel Washington, FCLC ’77.

He added that writing is an extensive process. It may take a writer a long time to put their knowledge into words, but it will get done if you continue to believe in what you’re saying.

“First, you see that there’s something wrong. It may be language or grammar or punctuation or tone, and it takes a lot of time to figure out what you’re trying to say. But you don’t know

how to say it. So, you have to figure out a way to say it,” Mosley explained.

Mosley ended the event with a statement to touch the hearts of all writers.

“The best thing to happen to me since I’ve started writing is writing,” he said. “I like writing more than all the awards I’ve won. To me, being a writer is its own reward.”

14

Arts & Culture

October 12, 2022

www.fordhamobserver.com

THE OBSERVER

FLASH Magazine Editor-in-Chief Julia Demer Says Fashion Is for Everyone

Fordham student Julia Demer speaks on how FLASH can benefit students of various academic backgrounds ules, some of us work, and we still want to have lives.”

For this reason, getting the team together to create an issue can be difficult at times. Demer emphasized that a big difference between student and non-student outlets is midterm and final season. Student outlets like FLASH have to work around each student’s busy schedule, being cognizant of each individual’s commitments outside of the magazine.

As for Demer, who balances FLASH, her internships, 21 credit hours of classes and extra fashion-related passions, she is no stranger to busy schedules. Despite her other obligations, she said that she still makes time to socialize with friends and study for her classes.

By SANJANA DAS Contributing Writer

For Julia Demer, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’23, fashion is more than just an interest — it’s a lifestyle that consists of being interconnected with the world around you. Within the walls of Fordham, Demer is editor in chief of FLASH Magazine, Lincoln Center’s student fashion publication. Outside of campus walls, she interns at high-profile fashion agencies, such as KCD Fashion Agency. Wherever she works, she shows there is more to fashion than what meets the eye.

Developing a Love For Fashion Although Demer is highly immersed in the fashion industry now, she wasn’t always pursuing fashion. In fact, her beginnings were in psychology, on the premed path.

“In the beginning, I didn’t know how to get started in fashion, and I was studying what I didn’t want to study,” she said.

During the pandemic, she realized that her pre-med future wasn’t what she truly wanted for herself, and she began to experiment more with fashion.

She launched her own business, DEMER, where she sold vintage clothes that she had painted on.

DEMER’s website states that it is “a fashion brand heavily influenced by vintage and rock n’ roll aesthetics. It blends these familiar themes with new and unexpected elements.”

At first, this undertaking was more of a side hustle, but after Demer’s innovative brand got published in the magazine Mob Journal, her business gained more traction, and she began to take fashion more seriously.

FLASH: For All Students of All Backgrounds As editor-in-chief of FLASH Magazine, a student magazine for all things creative, Demer oversees the four different sections within its pages: fashion, beauty, opinions and culture.

Topics that FLASH writers cover include: new clothing collections, beauty products, and opinions on current events or cultural happenings. Demer encourages students of all majors to join the magazine due to its open-mindedness and open-endedness. She emphasized that FLASH is more than just fashion — it’s about how creativity is interconnected with our world.

“Just because it’s a student magazine doesn’t mean I want to litigate what it is. I want to give everyone the opportunity to do what they’re interested in,” Demer said.

Revitalizing FLASH One of the things Demer is best known for within the magazine is its revitalization. She strives to make it more current, timely and digital by revamping the aesthetic and usage of their social media and website.

“In the past, publishing issues was more sporadic and not user-friendly, so we are trying to make it more conducive to how people actually consume content these days,” she said. “People want to watch videos and see things on their phone, so we try to improve by modernizing the platform and changing aesthetics.”

Putting Together an Issue

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIA DEMER

Julia Demer, FCLC ’23, previously served as the fashion editor for FLASH before becoming its editor-in-chief.

One of the steps that Demer and her team have taken toward modernizing the magazine is to create and publish more video articles, encouraging users to incorporate the publication into their daily digital lives. She has also been working on producing more articles on relevant topics that will encourage students to interact with the cultural world outside of their student bubble.

“ Julia has such a deep

passion for the topics we cover at FLASH, and her strong leadership is a testament to her love for fashion and all the subcategories it encompasses.”

Brooke Fisher, fashion editor of FLASH and FCLC ’23

A recent example was FLASH’s Depop fundraising campaign.

Because photoshoots and other aspects of production can get pricey, FLASH partnered with the online clothing reselling platform to raise funds. This campaign allowed FLASH members to sell articles of their own clothing, such as hoodies, tees and even a pair of oversized Acne Studios trousers, courtesy of Demer herself.

viding feedback, as well as being involved in every step of the process with help.”

Fashion editor Brooke Fisher, FCLC ’23, believes that in addition to Demer’s efforts toward improving interteam communication and organization, her leadership and legacy within FLASH is inspiring.

“Julia has such a deep passion for the topics we cover at FLASH, and her strong leadership is a testament to her love for fashion and all the subcategories it encompasses,” she said. “Julia is paving the path for FLASH to be a truly great fashion magazine with an admirable legacy that I hope will carry on after we graduate this spring.”

Bumps in the Road The process of creating a fashion magazine may seem glamorous, but a few bumps in the road are bound to arise.

“One of the biggest obstacles to FLASH has definitely been the fact that we’re all students,” Demer said. “We all have full sched-

Another aspect of working on FLASH is creating an issue from start to finish. First, Demer brainstorms with Creative Director Alex Chambers, FCLC ’23, about a theme for the issue.

Each issue has a theme that dictates its social media, digital articles and print issues. Past themes include Identity, Vice & Virtue, and the Continuum. After the theme is solidified, she comes up with timelines, including due dates for the team, meeting dates, and if any new people need to be brought on to ease the workload for everyone.

After a schedule has been set, Demer then works with the editors to put out pitch calls which let writers know what the theme is and how it relates to their sections. From there, writers send in pitches, which are ideas for articles or other forms of content, and Demer, along with the editors, either approve these pitches or workshop them. Once all of the pitches have been solidified, the writers are given time to create their content; from there, edits are made by the section editors and Demer.

Although this process is long and tedious, it goes through a second round to incorporate the visual components of the issue. For photoshoots and visual components, section editors send concepts of visuals and moodboards, which Demer then edits and workshops. Afterward, photographers and models are matched to editors, and the visual components are brought to life.

Benefits of Being on FLASH According to Demer, many FLASH graduates benefit from the publication when applying to editorial and journalism internships.

“ FLASH is a platform for people who want to do something creative and different. ”

Julia Demer, editor-in-chief of FLASH and FCLC ’ 23

“Having your work published is really huge,” Demer said. “Having something people can read online is really good, and it sets yourself apart because everyone is trying to apply for the same stuff.”

These benefits are not limited to editorial and journalism. Demer said that she believes that creatives interested in graphic design and art as a whole can find success through FLASH as well.

Demer also emphasized that there are many fashion components within FLASH, such as makeup, styling, and fashion design — all of which she believes are great opportunities for people interested in fashion. As for art, she especially believes that artists of different styles can benefit from FLASH’s myriad themes and illustrations.

“It’s a really good way for artists to disseminate their artwork,” Demer said. “Especially now that everything is digital, there’s not so much actual art, so I think that it’s a good way to give people who draw, for example, an opportunity to get published”.

Looking to the Future Upon graduating this upcoming spring, Demer plans to get a job that is fully fashion-adjacent.

“I want to be around fashion because it’s my primary love,” she said.

More than anything, Demer wants to spread the message that “people of any background or major can get into fashion.”

“FLASH is a platform for people who want to do something creative and different,” she said.

There is nothing more creative than sharing your passions with the world, and as Demer has shown, FLASH is an excellent opportunity to do just that.

Appreciation From the Team The members of her team emphasized the positive changes that Demer has brought to FLASH. “She has really improved the organization of the magazine and has made me feel more involved with the publication,” Isabelle Storella, FCLC ’24, beauty editor of FLASH and former assistant layout editor at The Observer, said. “She has improved communication within the magazine and has been great at pro-

Julia Demer has always had an interest in fashion, from putting together her own outfits as a kid to shopping at thrift stores as she got older.

www.fordhamobserver.com

THE OBSERVER

October 12, 2022

Arts & Culture

15

The Arctic Monkeys Usher in a New Era

After four years, the Arctic Monkeys debuted their new album during an intimate performance in Brooklyn

By GRACE ASHWORTH Contributing Writer

Taking a stroll down Flatbush Avenue on Sept. 22 would be enough for anyone to revel in the nostalgia of 2014. The crowded sidewalk filled with eager fans adorned in Dr. Martens, fishnet tights, plaid skirts, black jeans and old graphic T-shirts could only mean one thing: The Arctic Monkeys were back in town.

The Arctic Monkeys took the stage for their first headlining show in the United States since 2019 at the Kings Theater in Brooklyn to play their unreleased album “The Car,” which will be available on Oct. 21.

In a relatively small setting of only 3,000 fans, the band debuted never-before-heard songs, and they wanted to mitigate the risk of the music being leaked to the public. Phones were required to be locked in magnetic pouches upon entry at 7 p.m. Many in the crowd huffed in annoyance at this ruling, but it allowed fans to be in the moment; time was of no concern.

As fans were ushered into the theater, jazz music accompanied the light fog of smoke that arose from the stage. There was no opening act, and soon, the fog grew heavier, the lights dimmed, and the crowd cheered. The Arctic Monkeys hit the stage at roughly 9:30 p.m. Upon their entry, a disco ball fell from above the stage as the band’s frontman Alex Turner strutted to the piano and kicked off the night with the band’s newly released single, “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball.”

The melancholic tune swirled throughout the theater, creating a sense of intimacy. Without a phone in sight, the crowd was in for a treat.

Turner jumped into “One Point Perspective” from their last stu-

dio album “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino,” which was released in 2018. The Monkeys took the crowd through every era of their music in an hour and a half set, performing a total of 22 songs from their six studio albums.

The electricity amplified when the Monkeys launched into a set of songs from what is undoubtedly their most popular album, “AM:” “Snap Out of It,” “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” and “Arabella.” The crowd erupted into fan-formed mosh pits, Dr. Martens passing overhead as people crowd surfed. The energy was intense in the most delightful way, reminding me what a real concert feels like.

The band kept talking to a minimum, letting the music speak for itself. Turner then paused to welcome fans to New York City and introduced a song from “The Car” entitled “Body Paint.” Shying away from their usual rock melodies, “Body Paint” was accompanied by an upbeat tempo composed of airy piano riffs and Turner’s genius lyricism.

As the night progressed, the band would rewind the times and take the music back to 2006, playing “From the Ritz to Rubble” and “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” from their debut album, “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.” Before the encore, Turner introduced the rest of the Arctic Monkeys band members: Matt Helders on drums, Jamie Cook on guitar, and Nick O’Malley on bass guitar. Thanking the crowd for the night, the band escaped the stage, and fans clapped for the encore to begin.

The night was coming to a close. For the band’s three-song encore, Turner graced the stage with his guitar, accompanied

by touring pianist Tom Rowley, and debuted “Mr. Schwartz.”

The live version of the song encompasses a soft love song with the piano carrying the melody throughout the song.

The rest of the band entered the stage, ready to conclude the night. Playing “Cornerstone” off of “Humbug” and, finally, after only one chord of “505” off of “Favourite Worst Nightmare,” the Arctic Monkeys provoked screams throughout the venue.

The pit shook the floor as fans danced, screamed and crowdsurfed. Turner stood at the head of the stage and blew kisses to the crowd, and just as quickly he had emerged from the fog, he disappeared. The show was over, but one thing was made apparent — the Arctic Monkeys are officially in a new era.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WILL OLIVER

The Arctic Monkeys performed to a crowd of about 3,000 fans at the Kings Theater in Brooklyn.

Alex Turner, Matt Helders, Jamie Cook and Nick O’Malley of the Arctic Monkeys performed songs from their unreleased album, “The Car.”

Shakira’s Influence on Hispanic Heritage Month

How Shakira’s music has impacted her listeners, from Latin America to the U.S. and beyond

By GABBY MACRE Contributing Writer

One major star throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month is the Colombian legend Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, more commonly known as Shakira, or the “Queen of Latin Music.”

From releasing the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, “Waka Waka (This Time for Afri-

ca),” to performing at the Superbowl with Jennifer Lopez in 2020, Shakira has reached icon status not only in the U.S., but also globally.

Shakira’s music was no longer restricted to the niche of Latine households; her songs could now be heard on the radio. As an added bonus, American listeners were now able to experience one of the most important aspects of Latin culture: music.

COURTESY OF SERENITY VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Shakira’s fifth studio album, “Laundry Service,” signaled her career transition into more English music.

Songs like “Hips Don’t Lie” went double platinum and allowed Shakira to reach mainstream success. However, it is important to remember the beginnings that allowed her to cross the threshold from Latin America to the U.S. and beyond.

Artists have to evolve, or they get left behind; Shakira has managed to stay relevant because of her willingness to adapt.

Most of the music Shakira is known for ranges from pop to reggaeton, so it might be shocking to some that she started off with more acoustic pop and rock influences. My mom, who grew up listening to Shakira in Guatemala, was the one who introduced me to her lesser known side.

“Whenever, Wherever” was playing on the radio, and my mom hummed along, not knowing any of the words to a song she knew only in Spanish. It was then she made me play the Spanish version and I was sent down a rabbit hole of previous albums and her pre-radio fame, completely free of the grasp of the English language.

Her third studio album “Pies Descalzos” is a delicate listen that features gut-wrenching lyricism about heartbreak and loss

in songs like “Te Espero Sentada” and “Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos.” My personal favorite of Shakira’s early work is the 1998 album, “Dónde Están Los Ladrones,” with “Si Te Vas’’ being my favorite song of hers to date.

It’s a savage breakup anthem where she insults her former partner by calling him a “pedazo de cuero” (piece of leather).

It’s at some point after this album, however, that Shakira’s work takes a significant turn.

Her sound shifts to a more mainstream pop with more sexually charged album covers. The biggest perpetrator of this phenomenon is probably “Oral Fixation, Vol. 2,” the album where “Hips Don’t Lie” originates.

This, along with a couple other albums released between 2001 and 2009, featured many songs in English, something I previously thought was a betrayal of Latin America.

I was quick to call Shakira a sellout that traded her artistry to appeal to audiences in the United States, but a conversation with my step-dad made me completely rethink the matter.

I was excitedly telling him about my initial writing outline, insisting that her early work is so much better than what she has put out more recently. He listened tentatively but looked unconvinced, and he let me finish talking before offering his rebuttal.

“Los artistas tienen que evolucionar o se quedan atrás,” he stated firmly, an angle I hadn’t even

begun to consider. Artists have to evolve, or they get left behind; Shakira has managed to stay relevant because of her willingness to adapt, while still maintaining the essence of what got her to where she is.

Her songs are not quite as acoustic as before, and admittedly she has had some questionable collaborations in recent years, but it does not necessarily mean she is fighting for relevance.

“GIRL LIKE ME,” featuring the Black Eyed Peas, a song I quite frankly cannot stand, is likely not something she saw herself releasing in the early stages of her career, but it is not evidence of being a sellout. It is more so evident of her presence in all spheres of music. Here is a Latin artist making a hit single with an American group that dominated the early 2000s, and said group is singing in Spanish. More pop sensibilities do not have to equal a decline in quality.

Shakira’s broad appeal does not occur at the expense of her Latin and Hispanic heritage, so although her music now reflects a more modern sound, she still almost exclusively sings in Spanish and her songs reflect influence from the genres of the past. Her persistence in culture now means newer audiences can indulge in all the music — new and old — Shakira has to offer.

So as this Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end, listen to Shakira’s older music alongside her newer releases to celebrate how far everyone has come.

Fun & Games Editor Irene Hao

un & ames F

October 12, 2022 THE O OBSERVER BSERVER

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BY KREENA VORA

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Autumn Stroll

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21. Cordon ___ 22. No. on a car ad 25. They lurk in the subway 26. Prestigious club for physician-scientists (Abbr.)

27. 0.0193 psi 29. Dark side order 30. Taylor-Joy from “Queen’s Gambit” 32. Inverse of Ohms 33. Papa en français 34. Louisville fast-food chain 35. Cousins of sweet potatoes 36. Birthstone for fall 37. ___ no good (2 wds) 41. Smoker’s gadget 42. Roma’s she 43. Author Veronica of “Divergent” 44. Wilted

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Instructions: Each row, column and 3×3 box must contain the numbers 1-9 exactly once.

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BY IRENE HAO

forward to __________ for _________. verb ending in -ing

BY IRENE HAO RAM LIBS GRAPHIC BY CHAISE JONES

holiday

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS AND PAGE DESIGN BY TARA LENTELL