Volume 92 • Issue 23
Cups of encouragement
April 19, 2024
FSUgatepost.com
Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST
Volunteers pass Gatorade to runners of the Boston Marathon on Waverly St. on April 15.
Framingham Teacher Residency program provides opportunities for FSU students By Dylan Pichnarcik Asst. News Editor Framingham State and Framingham Public Schools welcomed a second cohort of education majors to join the Framingham Teacher Residency program (FTR) during AY 2023-24. Program Coordinator Kaycie Hippolyte said FTR aims to “offer a unique opportunity” for people who identify as bilingual or multilingual to become licensed elementary or secondary education teachers. She said one of the goals is to “increase the number of licensed bilingual teachers in elementary ed., science, mathematics, English language arts, Portuguese and/or Spanish
language arts, and history.” She said the program has recently expanded to offer the opportunity to work with children with moderate disabilities in special education. Hippolyte said, “The Framingham Teacher Residency and AmeriCorps program grew from a need to support children in middle school.” This was made possible through “an initial grant of $1.7 million” through AmeriCorps in 2021, Hippolyte added. FTR is a federally backed program by AmeriCorps - a network of state organizations, including the Massachusetts Service Alliance - that focuses on disaster services, environmental stewardship, and education with “more than 51,000 members and volun-
teers supporting students in nearly 9,500 public, private, and charter schools across the country,” according to the AmeriCorps website. The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) added the FTR to its portfolio in 2021, which greatly supported the program’s expansion and provided leadership in the initial days. According to Wardell Powell, assistant director of FTR and professor of education, the program’s inception was made possible through the Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs and Framingham Public Schools’ Human Resources Department to secure a planning grant for $125,000.”
News SARAH COLE pg. 2 SGA ELECTIONS pg. 3
Opinions FINDING JOY pg. 6 ITS OK pg. 6
Sports
See TEACHER RESIDENCY Page 4
Panelist discussion on Israel/Palestine conflict explores complex terminology By Ryan O’Connell Associate Editor The “Series on Peace and Justice in Israel/Palestine” continued on April 16 in the Heineman Ecumenical Center with the second of two events, “Untangling the Discourse: Exploring Complex Terms in the Israeli-Palestinian Context.” [ Editor’s Note: See “Panel discussion addresses Israeli/Palestinian history” in the March 8 issue of The Gatepost. ] The panel consisted of Salem State History Professor Aviva Chomsky,
Fitchburg State Humanities Professor Yasser Derwiche Djazaerely, and Framingham State Nutrition and Health Studies Professor Susan Massad. The event was co-sponsored by Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement (DICE) and Academic Affairs. Susan Dargan, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and moderator of the event, began by introducing the topic of discussion. A slideshow titled “Talking about Palestine, Israel, and antisemitism” was displayed during the introduction. Dargan announced the event’s ground rules which included allotting each panelist 15 minutes to speak and
Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST another five to answer attendee ques- BASEBALL pg. 8 tions, asking participants to partici- GWEN CARPENTER pg. 9 pate in active listening, and requiring they submit their questions on index cards, which would then be presented to the panelists by the moderator, among other rules. Dargan then introduced Chomsky, the first panelist. According to the event speaker biographies, Chomsky was “one of the founders of the Committee for Academic Freedom in the Occupied Territories at UC Berkeley in the early 1980s,” and “was a creator of the counMaddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST try’s first class on ‘Palestine.’” TASTE OF CULTURE pg. 11 See ISRAEL/PALESTINE Page 12 THE STITCH pg. 11
Arts & Features
INSIDE: OP/ED 5 • SPORTS 8 • ARTS & FEATURES 10
NEWS
2 | APRIL 19, 2024
Gatepost Interview Sarah Cole
Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Sophia Harris Associate Editors Maddison Behringer Ryan O’Connell Copy Editor Emma Lyons
Professor of Communication, Media, and Performance
News Editors Kaitlin Carman Adam Harrison
By Sophia Oppedisano Editorial Staff
Asst. News Editor Dylan Pichnarcik
What is your academic and professional background? I went to school at the University of Maine at Orono for two years and then I transferred to Kansas State University. I went there for technical theater and I was one of the few women to do that, so they offered me a scholarship. I got my master’s there as well and I got my Ph.D. at the Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio - it was a low-residency program - and I have been working here for over 20 years.
Opinions Editor Izayah Morgan Sports Editor Adam Levine Asst. Sports Editor Riley Crowell Sophia Oppedisano Arts & Features Editors Raena Doty Jack McLaughlin Asst. Arts & Features Editors
Francisco Omar Fernandez Rodriguez
Owen Glancy Bella Omar
Photos & Design Editor Adrien Gobin Asst. Photos & Design Editor Alexis Schlesinger Illustrations Editor Ben Hurney Asst. Illustrations Editors
David Abe Emily Monaco
Staff Writers Dorcas Abe Jesse Burchill Liv Dunleavy Kristel Erguiza Izabela Gage Paul Harrington Dan Lima Antonio Carlos Machado Heather Nuttall Andrea O’Brien Kyra Tolley
What is your favorite artistic medium? Theater! I really do love the storytelling and I love the new stuff that’s coming out. … There are some really great musicals coming out and also the technical theater of it - the projections and stuff like that - the technical theater is bursting wide open in terms of what we can do and the magic we can create. What are your hobbies? I do pottery! I just bought a kiln, actually. I do painting and I care for my silly dogs and my bird. What is your greatest accomplishment? Probably when my first play was selected to be read at the Women’s Playwrights Theatre Festival in Stockholm, Sweden. It was called “Aftermath.” I got some really good responses from that show and it never quite made it where it needs to be, but, you know, I got several readings in New York and I went through the whole process with it.
Advisor Desmond McCarthy
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What advice would you give your students? Follow your heart. Seriously.
Tuesday, April. 16 00:42 Saftey Escort, Maple Parking Lot Services Rendered
Tuesday, April. 16 17:10 SIG 35, FSU Police Dept. Checks OK
Tuesday, April. 16 11:06 Tresspass/Tow, Normal Hill Parking Lot Advised
Tuesday, April. 16 16:31 Found Property, McCarthy Center Report Taken
Wednesday, April. 17 10:54 Well-Being Check, FSU Police Dept. Report Taken
Wednesday, April.17 11:54 Directed Patrol, Maple Parking Lot Checks OK
Wednesday, April. 17 17:10 SIG 35, FSU Police Dept. Checks OK
Thursday, April. 18 20:39 Building Secure, Crocker Hall Secured
Thursday, April. 18 20:39 Building Secure, May Hall Secured
Thursday, April. 18 20:39 Building Secure, Whittemore Library Secured
Thursday, April. 18 20:39 Building Secure, Dwight Hall Secured
Monday, April. 15 23:55 Station Assingment, FSU Police Dept. Assingment Complete
Asst. Advisor Elizabeth Banks T
Let me see. You’ve got a whole semester? It’s one of the classes that I teach and I actually got my Ph.D. partly in the creative process. But what’s the importance of creativity? I mean, isn’t that what living is about? Isn’t it being able to express ourselves and being able to be curious and try new things even if we fail? … And then learning from that - that’s the important thing. Creative thinking can offer you multiple perspectives to approach an issue from. How wonderful is it to be able to arrive at an answer in many different ways? It gives you more flexibility and room to explore your passions.
Police Logs
Staff Illustrators Marcus Falcão Kyle Walker
TH E GA
What are your goals as a communication arts professor? I would love for students to be comfortable with their voices. I think that being able to express how you feel and why you feel the way you feel is super important. There’s more than one way to get to something and nothing is a straight line. At least in my life, it hasn’t been, so, you know, just own your voice. Be kind. … I realized that I think the biggest thing I see with students when they come in, is they’re so worried about being right and you don’t have to do that. You’re going to be right if you just practice the critical thought. If you practice your critical thought and your lateral thoughts, then anything you do, you’re going to have a good reason for doing it, and it’s going to get you where you want to be.
What is the importance of creativ- CONNECT WITH SOPHIA OPPEDISANO ity for students? soppedisano@student.framingham.edu
Staff Photographers Meghan Spargo Rachel Tolmach
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Courtesy of Framingham State University
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HEGATEPOST
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NEWS
APRIL 19, 2024 | 3
SGA announces election results By Kaitlin Carman News Editor
The Student Government Association announced election results for the 2024-25 academic year after voting closed on April 11. Elected candidates had until April 12 to formally accept their appointments. Evelyn Campbell, a junior honors student majoring in Communication Arts with a double minor in English and Marketing, was reelected as SGA president. She ran unopposed and received a total of 52 votes. She said she initially joined SGA as the outreach and events coordinator and “it transformed into much more than that. “I love advocating for students. I love working with our administration to try and fix student issues, and it’s just become a really prevalent part of my life here at FSU - and that is my favorite thing about it,” she added.
Campbell said some of SGA’s accomplishments this year include having funded baby-changing stations throughout campus and facilitating the installation of an accessibility ramp outside of CASA after an SGA safety walk. “I want to continue doing stuff like this, even if it is small improvements to overall boost our community and outreach,” she said. Other goals SGA intends to accomplish are partnering with the Black Student Union to get affordable hair care products available on campus, creating an official SGA website, and diversifying SGA, according to Campbell. She said she wants to include more student voices on SGA, and “That might look like … having a spot for commuter students, resident students, athletes, and first gen[eration] students.” César Matos, a former senator, was elected vice president of SGA with a total of 55 votes. He ran unopposed.
Matos said, “I wanted to run for vice president because I felt like it was a role that was more related to my strong suits - my strong suits being connected with the student populace, and more so with the student body. “And I can work as a liaison between SGA and the student body and work in that position as sort of a larger voice,” he added. Matos said one of his goals includes expanding internship opportunities for students. “I’ve seen a lot of potential already with a few things that have been done in the background, and I just want to bring it into the forefront of what FSU is about,” he said. Jeremy McDonald, a junior political science major on the pre-law track, was elected as Student Trustee with 53 votes. He ran unopposed. McDonald will be replacing former Student Trustee Ryan Mikelis as he will be graduating at the end of the semester. He said his experiences as a member of the All University Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee prepared him for his new role - especially with their involvement with University administrators. McDonald said, “I knew that based on my first year in SGA that I was more inclined to run for a position that was admin-facing - something that involved upper-level administrators as well as staff and faculty - and so that led me to run for a position like a trustee.” He said one of the goals he would like to accomplish is creating an honors program for transfer students. “I appreciate everybody that’s given me the opportunity to become trustee. I would also say that I am open, like listening to anybody that’s willing to share ideas that they have,” said McDonald.
Weather
Courtesy of Aimée Takouda Aimée Takouda, a junior sociology major, was reelected as SATF (Student Activity Trust Fund) treasurer. She ran unopposed and received a total of 56 votes. Takouda said SGA has started hosting workshops for campus clubs and organizations on how to request and handle funding. “I plan on having many more workshops because we have not had a lot. “We have made a lot of changes around campus, but I want to focus on clubs being more educated on funding and how to actually handle their money and buying stuff,” she said. Being a part of SGA is important to Takouda. She said, “This is my third family. I have my own family, my friends, and SGA is also my family - I am always here, like 24/7.” With 58 votes, Liv West, a sophomore psychology major, was reelected as the outreach and events coordinator. She ran unopposed. West said she enjoys being a part of SGA because they advocate for students and make positive changes on campus. She said she ran for the position again because “I liked the opportunities it gave me. It was fun to be more independent and be in more of a leadership position.” West added, “I get to do really fun stuff - like [managing SGA’s] Instagram page, posting fliers, and I get to work with people, plan events, and go to a lot of events. I love our fRAMily.” Raffi Elkhoury, a senior, was elected senator with 56 votes after stepping down from his former position as vice president. Iz Shields, a freshman, was reelected as a senator with a total of 11 votes. CONNECT WITH KAITLIN CARMAN kcarman@student.framingham.edu
Forecast provided by the National Weather Service www.weather.gov
Sunday night April 21 Mostly clear, with a low around 40. West wind 10 to 15 mph.
Monday night April 22 Mostly clear, with a low around 40. West wind around 10 mph.
Tuesday night April 22 A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. South wind around 15 mph.
Wednesday night April 23 A chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Monday April 22 Sunny, with a high near 60. West wind around 15 mph.
Tuesday April 23 Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. South wind 10 to 15 mph.
Wednesday April 23 Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. South wind 15 to 20 mph.
Thursday April 24 Sunny, with a high near 55. Northwest wind around 15 mph.
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NEWS
4 | APRIL 19, 2024
Teacher Residency Continued from Page 1 Powell added, “ We then worked with various stakeholders across campus, Framingham Public Schools, Massachusetts Service Alliance, and the National Center for Teacher Residency to develop” the program. FTR is overseen by faculty and staff from both Framingham State and Framingham Public Schools, including Director Kelly Mathews, professor of English; Director of Graduate Admissions Michael Merriam; Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning Wardell Powell; and from the City of Framingham, Director of Operations Everton Vargas da Costa; Superintendent of Human Resources Inna London; and Assistant Director of Human Resources Tiago Gadens. The FTR was established in 2022 to recruit “bilingual teachers who can fulfill the need to continue dual-language programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels,” Hippolyte said. She added, in Framingham Public Schools, the dual-language programs Spanish and Portuguese “have grown steadily as more and more children are transitioning from their home countries to the United States, especially with new waves of migration to Massachusetts.” Framingham Public Schools are 41% Latino or Spanish-identifying, according to U.S. News and World Report, highlighting the need for recruiting bilingual teachers. Hippolyte said this is essential to their mission. She said, “The goal of the program is to promote culturally responsive teaching within the Framingham Public School District and to send teach-
ers out [into the workforce] who really promote that teaching ideology.” Hippolyte said 13 of the 18 past and present members of the program have
“The Framingham Teacher Residency program represents Framingham State at its best in terms of responding to the community.” - Lisa Eck Chair of the English Department “Being part of FTR was an amazing experience. There were ups and downs, but it was all worth it in the end.” - Alejandra Lodoño Spanish Language Teacher at Framingham High School identified as bilingual in Portuguese or Spanish. There are currently eight active participants in the program and 10 alumni. Currently, six of those alumni work within the Framingham Public
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School District, according to Hippolyte. She said the program has room for up to 20 FSU students.
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“One thing we try to promote within our program and try to actively recruit is getting members who are bilingual as a way to give more to the community,” Hippolyte said. She added, “We are trying to find teachers with that background. We are not saying if you can’t speak Spanish, you can’t be in the program - but we do try to promote that.” Lisa Eck, chair of the English department, said, “The district has a need for bilingual teachers specifically in Spanish and Portuguese and because there is such a large population of school-age children from immigrant families, it is hugely important they can speak with their teachers.” According to Hippolyte, the program employs six alumni at Fuller Middle School, Cameron Middle School, and Framingham High School, including Alejandra Lodoño, Spanish language teacher and site coordinator for the Teacher Home Visit Program at Framingham High School. “Being part of FTR was an amazing experience. There were ups and downs, but it was all worth it in the end,” Lodoño said. “Through FTR, I was able to volunteer full-time in a school where I was able to learn about being a teacher and connecting with students for a full year, whereas as a student teacher, I wouldn’t have had that much time in a classroom. The other benefit of the program was receiving a living stipend and full tuition,” she added. Due to the length of the program, students in FTR are not considered first-year teachers, Hippolyte said, but rather second-year teachers with an entire academic year of experience. Along with the program being longer than a standard student teaching position, students in FTR are also partnered with a veteran teach-
er within FPS, faculty at FSU, and members of AmeriCorps who support and offer training to students in the program, according to Hippolyte. She added that members of FTR will “gradually take on the full responsibility for 75-80% of their mentor classes and will thereby earn the Massachusetts initial licensure in specific subject areas” in accordance with the Department of Secondary Education requirements. Hippolyte said the program differs from a standard student-teaching position due to the advantages students receive. “The foundation of it being a one-year program, you really get a longer time of experience of how it is in the school … as well as getting the benefits and the culture of Framingham.” Powell said, “The faculty in the education department, in particular, Dean [Susan] Dargan and the department chair, Dr. [James] Cressey, have been very supportive of FTR from its inception. All FSU students who are interested in pursuing a career in education are welcome to participate in the Framingham Teacher Residency Program. This partnership has supported students’ ability to gain real-world experience and receive benefits for their time, according to Cressey. “The Education Department recognizes how challenging it is for students to complete a full-time semester of student-teaching practicum in order to pursue their goal of teacher licensure. “Most undergraduate students are not paid employees of the host school during the practicum. “The Framingham Teacher Residency is one example of programs we are pursuing that can create more equity for FSU students by covering some of these costs. The residency gives our students a high-quality training experience and a future career in Framingham, a diverse, vibrant school district that we have a strong partnership with,” Cressey added. Students enrolled in the FTR receive several benefits, including a living stipend of $25,000, free tuition at FSU, an educational stipend, free lunch at Framingham Public Schools, access to the FSU gym, and a health insurance contract with Framingham Public Schools. After the residency, they also earn a starting salary of $53,089, according to the Framingham Public Schools’ website. Hippolyte said FTR alumni have also found jobs in the Worcester Public School System and the Waltham Public School System. Powell said recently, “ Several school districts around have reached out to us, and are interested in partnering with FTR.” Eck commended the program. “The Framingham Teacher Residency program represents Framingham State at its best in terms of responding to the community.” Prospective Framingham State students interested in pursuing the program can apply at www.framingham.k12.ma.us CONNECT WITH DYLAN PICHNARCIK dpichnarcik@student.framingham.edu
APRIL 19, 2024 | 5
OP/ED
The beauty of Islam
THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL
Let me tell you about my brother. Adam Kibodya, a man who submits his life to Allah (Arabic translation of “God”) and is a man of principles I wish to embody, recently broke his fast for the month of Ramadan. Adam has been one of my best friends since middle school. I have been in life-or-death situations where the first person I would call for advice was him. Because I was raised Christian for most of my life, I wouldn’t understand Islamic tradition if I did not have him in my life. Through the stress, judgment, and persecution of Muslims in America he follows the will of Allah and dedicates his life to the faith of Islam. This faith is not exclusive to him. Despite the illogical and often misinformed view that many Americans hold of Islam, Muslims hold steady in their beliefs. Throughout many conversations with Adam throughout our lifetime, I have learned many things that Muslims hold dear. They have dedication to be as close to Allah as possible. Such as the five pillars of Islam, the declaration of faith (shahada), prayers of five times (salat), charity to the less fortunate (zakat), fasting during the holy month of Ramadan (sawm), and the pilgrimage to the holy land of Mecca. The five prayers are Fajr in the early morning, Dhuhr in the early afternoon, Asr in the late afternoon, Maghrib in the early night, and Isha before bed. This is not forced. Muslims practice this because they value what they are doing, and that is why they follow the faith. Recognize the beauty in it and determine if you have the dedication to sticking with it. Through my many conversations with Adam, I came to the conclusion that many Americans have not just a misconception about Muslims but their beliefs as well. Many believe Islam to be that of only extremists and that extreme minorities who misuse the teachings of Islam represent the majority. The majority spend their lives being kind, understanding, and tolerant of others who are not like them. Another misconception held by many is that Islam’s view and treatment of women is misogynistic. Many believe that Islam preaches that men hold superiority over women - that a woman must submit and have no say in the marriage. This is a limited perspective. Islam preaches that family is extremely important, a man’s duty is to contribute to the wife and children first. Women spend their money as they see fit, and if it is spent on the family then that is up to her. A lot of people also make the argument that “Islam restricts women’s rights by forcing them to wear certain clothing.” Again, a limited perspective. Both men and women must dress and behave in a modest manner. The proper name for the covering is a hijab and the purpose is that the woman’s sexuality is not at the forefront when interacting with men. Many Muslim women enjoy wearing it and state it protects them, Adam said. Islam is not a monolith and the covering changes from culture to culture and individual to individual. Adam works at Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center or the ISBCC, the largest Mosque in New England. The attendance at events and prayers there can range from hundreds to thousands. Working security, he has seen his fair share of events. However, no matter what event occurs he leads with kindness. And that is the belief of every Muslim - kindness. “When someone drops something in the Mosque everyone around goes to help them,” Adam told me. Acts of small kindness are normal - there is no standing around and pulling out your phone to record, he added. Now I’ve told you about my brother. I’ve told you about the dedication of Muslims. I’ve told you about the beauty of Islam.
Creating lasting memories Graduation is fast approaching for some of us, bringing a time of reflection on our college experience. What will we remember when we leave Framingham State? Will it be that 8:30 class in the second semester of sophomore year that you sometimes slept through? Or will it be that test you spent all night cramming for - and then you found out your professor postponed it to the following week? Most of these details will be forgotten as you move on into the “real world.” What most students remember when they graduate from college is the relationships they formed, some even turning into lifelong friendships or partnerships. Students might also remember the skills they learned in classes that they were able to apply to internships and eventual jobs. College is a crucial time. What you learn both inside and outside of the classroom will be directly translated into your life and job after graduation. If you are not graduating in May, one way to make impactful memories is to join a student organization while you are still at FSU. There is a plethora of opportunities to showcase your abilities while also meeting new peers and making new friends. You can join any club - from Chess Club to Fashion Club, both clubs, or any club in between! You can even create your own club - all you need is two people, an idea, and a willingness to create an inclusive, productive, and memorable space for you and your peers. As the members of The Gatepost editorial board reflect on their most memorable experiences at Framingham State we think of, well, The Gatepost - with many members also involved in Hilltop, FSAB, WDJM, and other student organizations on campus. Being a part of a student organization while in college is important because it gives you an opportunity to apply what you learned in class in a space where you can grow from both your mistakes and successes while balancing social relationships and coursework. Student-led organizations are student-led, providing a unique opportunity for students to take on leadership roles to boost their re-
sumes and get more involved at their University. Clubs are a perfect place to hone your skills and learn ways to adapt to possible adversity in a safe space where you are supported by your peers. The Gatepost editorial board acknowledges and commends student leaders - such as those who run the SGA, Outing Club, and Black Student Union, as well as many others - for creating and maintaining a space for excellence and serving as a point of pride for the University. This is why joining a student-led organization can be so impactful, because at Framingham State, they are held to high standards, while also providing a space for students to learn and grow. The most important learning students can accomplish during their time in college is what is cultivated in these co-curricular environments. There are multiple ways for academic departments to better support these vital experiences while increasing the learning of their students. For example, students with a political science major should be encouraged to attend or even join SGA. Students with a studio art or English major should be encouraged to join the literary and art magazine, The Onyx, or the student newspaper, The Gatepost. There are also opportunities for business majors in almost every student organization to become a treasurer to manage student funds. The ability to graduate with published work or to enact impactful, measurable changes to an organization or the University is definitely a resume booster that shows a student was motivated to create change and apply their learning in areas outside of the classroom. Reach out to student organizations at FSU and find out how you can start making Framingham State a better place for all students to learn and thrive. Finally, congratulations to those of you graduating this year!
By Izayah Morgan Opnions Editor
Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST
Have an opinion? Feel free to email it to: gatepost@framingham.edu Opinions should be about 500 words. Anyone can submit. The Gatepost Editorial reflects the opinions of the newspaper’s Editorial Board. Signed Op/Eds reflect the opinions of individual writers.
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6 | APRIL 19, 2024
OP/ED
Finding joy in sobriety By Kyra Tolley Staff Writer Last week I hit 1,000 days of sobriety. There is a short list of reasons why I used to drink. It was mainly for the social benefits and the momentary relaxation that came with lowered inhibitions. But there is a longer and more important list of reasons why I quit. One of those reasons is I didn’t feel like myself anymore. When I was younger, I thought I was funnier, more outgoing, and more exciting to be around if I had alcohol in my system. It made me feel more confident in myself during social situations that I typically would have felt insecure in. Yet I still didn’t feel sure about who I was. I realized I had to overcome my fear of being boring in order to better myself. I couldn’t justify continuing to drink when I knew how much it drained me and brought negativity into my life. Once I quit drinking, my mental health drastically improved, and nobody ever made me feel bad about it. The social side effects I had built up in my brain were all self-inflicted and once I committed to sobriety, everyone around me did nothing but lift me up. I’m fortunate enough to have been in a position where I didn’t need to go to treatment to become sober, but there’s no shame at all in doing that.
Don’t get me wrong though, it was participated in sobriety with me. We had alcohol-free drinks that definitehard at first. ly tasted better than any cocktail you Sometimes it still is. As a girl in her 20s, it’s normal to go could think of. It made me feel so included and out to parties and bars with friends on various nights throughout the week. cared for. It was some of the most fun There is a bit of pressure to fit in that I’ve had and I didn’t need to be intoxicated to feel that kind of excomes with that. citement. For me, I didn’t want It was an incredto be the only soible feeling that ber person at I will cherish the party or the only girl forever. T h a t drinking day resoda at minds the bar me of while why I everydecido n e ed to e l s e be sostarted ber in to rethe first lax the place m o r e because I t h e y finally felt drank. like myself It wasn’t and was suruntil I was sorounded by the ber for a while people I love the that I figured out most. when people are drunk, When I started, they really couldn’t care Ben Hurney / THE GATEPOST it wasn’t so clear. less if you are drinking At first, it took a few tries of being Coke instead of a White Claw. My friends have even gone out of interested, but for a while, I wasn’t their way to buy me soda when we quite ready to fully commit. Someone go out together to make me feel wel- once called me “sober curious” which is a trend for young people in the U.S. comed and safe. For my birthday, my friends and I these days. Being sober curious is all about rehad a mocktail party where everybody
flecting on your mental and physical health when you consider drinking alcohol. That can then help you make decisions about your relationship with alcohol and if you want to continue consuming it. Whenever I mention my sobriety to someone, they are typically very impressed. Sometimes they reply with “I wish I could do that, too.” I always tell them if they are willing, they can become sober like me. With the proper resources, help, and support, sobriety is well within reach for many college students. In fact, a poll conducted by Gallup said the percentage of young adults who drink alcohol has decreased by 10% in the last two decades. I strongly encourage any college student who has second thoughts about drinking to consider trying out sobriety for however long makes them comfortable. It could be life changing like it was for me. Even though it has been a while since my last drink, I haven’t forgotten about the girl I was before my sobriety began. She was sad and just wanted to feel better. But today, I couldn’t be happier. I’ve never felt healthier in my entire life and have zero regrets about my choice to completely ditch alcohol. Being sober is the best decision I’ve ever made and I think it could be yours, too.
It’s OK to stay, it’s OK to go
By Adrien Gobin Editoral Staff
It’s been about two years since I decided to pack up my life and move 1,500 miles from everything I’ve ever known. I always had dreams of moving away and getting out of my not-so-small town because I knew that if I didn’t, I was never going to. All my school counselors looked at me like I was crazy for wanting to leave and go that far away. “Are you sure you want to leave?” “That’s really far away.” “You’re going to get homesick.” “How could you be that far away from your friends and family?” These are all of the things I heard from people when I told them I was leaving to go to college in another state. In the back of my mind, I knew it was good for me. That it was what I needed in my life, and I was right. It was a windy road to get to where I am now and to believe that I was right and made the right decision. After my first semester at Framingham State, I was so close to packing up my stuff and going back home and accepting that all those people were right. I knew homesickness would happen, but I thought because I really wanted it would be easier for me. In those first four months I had such a hard time adjusting to New England and the atmosphere of Framingham State itself.
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I had a hard time fitting in, making friends, and adjusting to being completely independent so quickly. As well as being from Florida I had
me feel so unhappy. I think it was a combination of all of the above. No one talks about how much guilt you feel either. The guilt of trying to
Courtesy of Adrien Goblin never really experienced the concept of seasons such as winter and seasonal depression. It’s hard to tell now looking back on it what was really making
mend and maintain relationships from home while at the same time trying to create new ones and knowing that the people in your life are growing old and
you’re not there to see it. This was the biggest one for me to overcome. Before the spring semester of 2023 I had to decide whether to stay or to go. I wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt and keep trying because I loved the campus and hoped it would get better and I’m glad I did. I met some of my best friends, joined The Gatepost, and found a place I fit in. I found ways to cope with the weather and remembered that my family is just a phone call and plane ride away. My grandma once told me, “That your home is where your heart feels most happy.” Massachusetts became my home. Moving away can sometimes feel selfish and honestly, it’s a weird feeling to explain and I don’t know if it ever gets easier to explain. I just know I saw more opportunity for myself outside of my hometown and so I took the jump and went for it. I’ve pushed myself to do things I never thought I would do, things I’m grateful for and some things that I regret but that was just the process of learning and growing up for me. I write to every student out there to say that change is scary and a fresh start is never easy, and trust me, it wasn’t easy either but these past two years I’ve learned so much about myself, the good, the bad and the ugly. And just know that whether you decide to stay or to go it’s OK, you’re making the right decision, and it will all work out.
OP/ED
APRIL 19, 2024 | 7
Campus Conversations
“Do you participate in any student activities?” By Izayah Morgan, Opinions Editor
“Yes, I am a member of The Hilltop Players.”
“No, not really right now.”
- Christina Chinetti, senior
- Alex Dasiea, junior
“Yeah, I play on the basketball team and play point guard.”
“Technically yes. I am a part of the STC, where we shuttle people on campus.”
“I play football, and I’m a wide receiver.”
- Makyle Hayes, freshman
- Jetta Oskirko, junior
“I’m not in any clubs right now.” - Brandon Moniz, freshman
- Tyriq Brock, junior
FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM
8 | APRIL 12, 2024
SPORTS Baseball rises in MASCAC after season turnaround By Izabela Gage Staff Writer The Rams currently hold a 6-3 conference record, standing third behind Westfield State and Massachusetts Maritime Academy respectively. After the turnaround from their 0-9 start, their overall record is now 8-12. Junior pitcher PJ Moniz said, “The team morale has definitely improved in the locker room and out there on the field. We are all playing for each other, and we knew this team had this in us.” Baseball achieved a five-game win streak, four of which were conference games, before their doubleheader against Salem State University Vikings April 15. The Rams won against the Vikings 7-1 in the first game but fell in the second game 5-4. Moniz said, “We are winning games. Our bats are hot and our pitching has been trending in the right direction since the beginning of the season until now.” In the win against Salem, the Rams had 26 at bats, scoring runs on seven of them. The Vikings had a total of 29 at bats but only scored one run in the entire game. Junior infielder Danny Robichaud, senior third baseman JC Espinal, and senior outfielder Ryan Boyle all tallied two RBIs, and junior outfielder Lucas Basile tallied one. Junior pitcher Vincent LoGuidice pitched in six innings, striking out four of Salem’s players. Moniz pitched for one and struck out one player. The Vikings only struck out four of Framingham’s batters. Espinal said they have been working
on “minimizing errors, because that’s what costs us the games.” In their 7-1 win, they had only one error, which unfortunately helped the Vikings score their one run in the fifth inning. During their second game against Salem State, the Rams only had 24 at bats, falling short of the Vikings’ 33. Basile recorded two RBIs, with Espinal and senior middle infielder Cameron Gilroy recorded one each. Salem earned four of their five runs against FSU sophomore pitcher Josh Sunderland, during his 5.1 innings pitched. Framingham put in sophomore pitcher Daniil Rye for the last 1.2 innings, during which Salem scored their fifth and final run due to their batter being hit by a pitch. The Rams did not let their loss to Salem affect them, and they beat Worcester State University 17-10 April 16. The Rams were at bat a total of 42 times, recording 18 hits, and tallying 17 runs. Basile tallied four hits and five runs out of his five times at bat. Ryan Plocker, sophomore catcher, hit his first collegiate home run in the eighth inning, which was the only one of the game. Graduate utility player Robert Johnston tallied an overpowering five RBIs, while Boyle tallied three, and Espinal tallied four. Sophomore outfielder Shane Costello, junior infielder Dane Frellick, and Plocker all tallied one. Framingham only had one error in the entire game, which occurred in the fourth inning.
Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST Josh Sunderland pitching against Salem State April 15. Moniz said, “We played some tough competition down in Florida. It wasn’t fun losing games down there, but it prepared us for when we came back up north to face the teams here, especially in conference.” This season, seven games have been postponed, against Albertus Magnus College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Roger Williams University, Dean College, and Worcester State University. Espinal said, “We have been a lot more confident. “It’s been a hectic schedule with delays, but we’ve been managing,” he added. Boyle said, “We got off to such a bad start.” He added, “Winning helps with ev-
erything” and this turnaround has been “definitely motivating.” Framingham State was scheduled to travel to Rivier University April 18, but the game was canceled due to weather. The Rams travel to Westfield State for a conference matchup April 19, before they play Westfield on home field for two more games April 20. “We need to play our best baseball this weekend when we play Westfield because the series against them is crucial for us,” Moniz said. Stats sourced from fsurams.com and MASCAC.com
CONNECT WITH IZABELA GAGE igage@student.framingham.edu
Alumnus Tod Caflisch ’83 speaks to Sports Marketing class By Adam Levine Sports Editor Tod Caflisch ’83, a former FSU football player now with nearly 30 years of experience working with professional football, hockey, and basketball teams, joined Marketing Department Chair Michael Harrison’s course, “Sports Marketing,” as a guest speaker on Zoom April 16. Harrison said he has taught this course since 2014 and it is an elective for both the marketing major and minor. “Tod is such an accomplished exec-
utive with an incredible depth of experience in the sports industry,” he said. First, Caflisch expressed his excitement when he heard through an alumni newsletter the University added a sports management program, which expanded in fall 2023 to offer a bachelor’s degree in sports management. He said he went to graduate school for two years at the University of North Texas and planned to become an architect. His pursuit of architecture laid the groundwork for his interest in a career in technology integration in sports venues, Caflisch said.
Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST Tod Caflisch speaking to the “Sports Marketing” class April 16.
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“When I graduated from Framingham State, I had never touched a computer. … If you can believe that, I am that old,” he said. Caflisch said he now works as a sports technology consultant to drive up profit and technical efficiency in the sports and entertainment industries. Attendance at professional sporting events is on a downward trend due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the improvement of at-home viewing experiences, he said. Caflisch said sports teams are working to integrate technology with promotions, fantasy sports, and legalized betting to improve the experience for fans attending games and to sell more tickets. He said, “Fans want to share moments with others worldwide,” and noted the upward trend of social media as an aspect of the fan’s experience. The fan experience greatly differs between college and professional sports and larger and smaller markets, Caflisch said. He said leveraging innovative uses for technology improves the fan experience and increases revenue for the team.
Caflisch said he cannot stress enough how important networking is in career development. “It’s not necessarily what you know, but who you know. But bringing value to the table is also very important,” he said. Harrison said, “Tod was able to bring to life how technology is used to create a better consumer experience, enhance fan engagement, and drive revenues all at the same time. He tied together how political, economic, social, and environmental factors intersect with technology and sports venues, which is something we have been discussing in class all semester. I thought it was particularly inspiring for the class to see such a highly successful Framingham State grad who is a technology expert in applications that didn’t exist when he was in college. “I thought it was incredibly gracious that Tod invited the students to connect with him and become part of his network as they look to break into the sports industry,” he added.
CONNECT WITH ADAM LEVINE alevine5@student.framingham.edu
SPORTS Carpenter secures numerous records in two sports By Adam Levine Sports Editor
all-around student-athletes of all time. Gwendolyn is someone who takes pride in everything she does and … she loves Framingham State Throughout her career, two-sport student-ath- and everything that goes with it,” he added. Desrochers played for the women’s basketball lete Gwendolyn Carpenter has broken several records for the University’s women’s basketball and and softball teams during her time at the University, was a teammate of Carpenter’s during her final softball programs. Carpenter, a fifth-year senior, has played four three seasons on both teams, and said they live toseasons for both the women’s basketball team and gether off campus. “Gwen is always having fun. She keeps practice softball team - serving as a captain for both teams light while also holding people accountable to work during her last two seasons. She said her college search was driven by find- their hardest,” she said. Desrochers held many of Carpenter’s records being an opportunity to play basketball and softball fore her former teammate passed her. at the collegiate level. She said, “Gwen has had such a huge impact on Currently in her final season as an FSU athlete, Carpenter already boasts a résumé of team and in- both programs and is so deserving of everything dividual accolades as both a basketball and softball that she has accomplished. “Records are always meant to be broken and player. She has been a member of three MASCAC there is no one more deserving than Gwen,” DesChampionship basketball teams and two MASCAC rochers added. Brooke Grassia, a junior on the softball team, is Championship softball teams. She was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of both the 2022 MASCAC in her third season playing with Carpenter and said they live together off campus. women’s basketball and 2022 “For me, she’s my role modMASCAC softball tournaments. el. She’s my roommate and best She was most recently named a friend, but she’s also the epitome Co-MVP for MASCAC women’s of a great softball player. … She basketball after the 2023-24 seais always playing with passion son. and heart and it moves her teamFor the women’s basketball mates too,” Grassia said. program, she holds the record for She said, “I can’t help but be most assists in a single season so proud of Gwen every time she and passed Assistant Women’s breaks a new record, even though Basketball Coach Lauren Donashe’ll say the wins are the only hue this season and tops the allthings that really matter. time career list. “I’ve never met a harder workFor the softball program, Carer on the field, court, and acapenter holds the record for most demics - not to mention one of home runs in a single season, cathe best people I’ve ever met,” reer home runs, RBIs in a single Grassia added. season, and is just four RBIs away Flannery O’Connor, fifth-year from passing former teammate senior, has been a teammate of and now Assistant Softball Coach Carpenter’s on the women’s basCamille Desrochers ’22. ketball team since their freshman Carpenter said she transiyears and said they live together tioned into a leadership role off campus. throughout the years on both O’Connor said she and Carteams. penter decided to stay at FSU for a She said as a freshman on the Adrien Gobin / THE GATEPOST fifth year after losing their sophbasketball team, “I came in just Gwendolyn Carpenter ceremoniously omore season due to COVID-19. looking to do whatever I could to cutting the net after winning the “It’s very simple - if I didn’t get time.” Her sophomore season was 2024 Women’s Basketball MASCAC have Gwendolyn passing me the ball like she does, there is no way canceled due to COVID-19 and Tournament. I would be the player I am today,” after graduating seniors, the she said. team was unsure of their future, O’Connor, who ended her career second on the Carpenter said. Carpenter said the team was unsure of their fu- program’s all-time career scoring list, said, “We alture after returning from missing a season due to ways joke that if I could make more than half of my COVID-19. “We found our own identity that year layups, then Gwen would have had a couple hunand on the court, I found a little bit more of a voice dred more assists. “Gwen has worked her butt off these past five in a leadership role.” Carpenter said her final season was her favorite years and I can truly say she has been the heart and in terms of her “leadership role. … I really loved be- soul of FSU women’s basketball, so it’s fitting that a piece of Gwen can live on forever in this program,” ing a mentor for the freshmen.” She said she had a similar growth on the softball she added. O’Connor said, “To Gwen, thanks for being the team. “It was kind of the perfect fit in both sports.” Carpenter, who has been referred to as ‘Point best basketball player I’ve had the opportunity to God’ by her teammates, said, “If I had the choice, I play with - and thanks for being the ‘one to my five!’ Congrats on all of your accomplishments and would never take a shot. “Personally, I never set out to break any records. I can’t wait to cheer you on through your next adventures!” That wasn’t ever really a goal of mine,” she added. Carpenter said, “The personal and individual Carpenter said, “I would not have broken any records without any of my teammates around me.” awards and accolades reflect the team’s success and She said it was a “very cool feeling” breaking Do- I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of two really nahue’s career assist record because of how close successful programs. “I’m lucky that I was put in a place where I could they are. “I don’t think a lot of people get to learn from put my name somewhere, but at the same time, I the person that they’re following. … I got to learn think the thing that I will leave college athletics from her for five years and I’ve developed a really with is remembering those championships … more than the individual accolades,” she added. good relationship with her,” Carpenter said. Carpenter currently holds the all-time record for career home runs with 17, but said she does not Stats sourced from fsurams.com and MASCAC.com consider herself to be a power hitter. Head Women’s Basketball Coach Walter Paschal said, “Although her athletic career is not over yet CONNECT WITH ADAM LEVINE … she has made her mark at FSU as one of the best alevine5@student.framingham.edu
APRIL 12, 2024 | 9
MASCAC Standings Standings reflect MASCAC matchups as of press time
Baseball Westfield State
7-3
Mass. Maritime
8-4
Framingham State
6-3
Bridgewater State
6-5
Salem State
6-6
Worcester State
4-6
MCLA
2-6
Fitchburg State
2-8
Softball Westfield State
7-1
Framingham State
8-2
Worcester State
5-3
Bridgewater State
5-3
Fitchburg State
4-4
Salem State
5-5
Mass. Maritime
2-10
MCLA
0-8
Women’s Lacrosse Westfield State
4-0
Framingham State
3-0
Worcester State
2-1
Bridgewater State
3-2
Mass. Maritime
2-4
Fitchburg State
0-3
Salem State
0-4
FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM
10 | APRIL 19, 2024
ARTS & FEATURES
‘The power of pedagogy’
FSU hosts legislative breakfast highlighting OER efforts on campus By Raena Doty Arts & Features Editor On April 12, the Henry Whittemore Library wrapped up its celebration of National Library Week by hosting a legislative breakfast. Faculty and administrator speakers celebrated Framingham State’s contribution to the open educational resource (OER) movement in Massachusetts during the event. President Nancy Niemi started the event with a welcome. She said the event was not primarily about the OERs, but rather about “the power of pedagogy.” Niemi added, “With the resources we’d like to share with you this morning, we are showing you how together with our students we’re making our own worlds. That’s a lot for 8 o’clock in the morning.” Robert Awkward, the assistant commissioner for academic effectiveness in the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and statewide coordinator of the Massachusetts OER Advisory Council, introduced what OERs are and why the movement is significant. [ Editor’s Note: See “Henry Whittemore Library t eaches about open educational resources” in the March 8 issue of The Gatepost. ] Awkward said the rate of inflation on textbook prices has far outweighed the rate of inflation in general, and a few companies hold a monopoly over the production of textbooks, which
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presents challenges to equity and accessibility of textbooks. “OER is a disrupter to that, and more importantly, it is pro student,” he said. He said a federally funded grant has allowed faculty at six state institutions, FSU included, to develop OERs, and as a result, several “proof of concept” resources were already made - three of which had been printed and bound then passed around the room for everyone at the breakfast to see. “We’ve learned a lot from this grant,” he said, including “our faculty authors can produce wonderful books, and they love it.” Awkward said the program supporting OERs acts in many ways as a publishing company because it supplies training, editing, and designing to authors, among other services. He said the grant has saved students $15 million in FY23, and for every dollar of grant money spent, it saves students $52. “This is a low-hanging fruit that has a high impact on our students and it really increases the value of those dollars that we spend,” Awkward said. Millie Gonzalez, dean of the Henry Whittemore Library, presented on the Remixing Open Textbooks through an Equity Lens (ROTEL) Project. She said the project is funded through a grant from the federal Department of Education, and ROTEL has allowed professors at six Massachusetts state universities and com-
munity colleges to write OERs by providing them stipends in return for the work. Gonzalez said the project is aimed at developing “accessible, intentionally inclusive, open textbooks - and more importantly, the textbooks will reflect the students’ lived experiences. “It’s making an impact, particularly for the students from underserved communities,” she added. She added ROTEL provides OER authors with access to webinars, consultants for accessibility and diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a publishing team. Patricia Lynne, professor of English and chair of General Education at FSU, wrote “Reading and Writing Successfully in College,” an OER textbook published with the ROTEL Project. She said she wrote her textbook because she wanted to save students money, but also because she wanted a textbook that suits her needs as an educator. Lynne said teaching textbooks out of order and asking students to disregard certain parts of the books became confusing. Lynne pulled up statistics about the costs of textbooks. She said the textbook she used to assign students was no longer available for purchase, only to rent, and the inclusive access version is even more expensive. She said per class, using a free OER instead of that paid textbook saves about $790-$990, depending on whether students choose to get the most or least expensive version. She added because her OER is licensed under a creative commons license, she was able to invite students to edit the book as part of an assignment about copyright and licensing, and students embraced the invitation to help edit the book when they realized she really wanted their input. Demetrios Brellas, a professor of anthropology, spoke about “Shared Voices: An Introduction to Cultural Anthropology,” which he co-wrote with Vanessa Martinez from Holyoke Community College. He said he used to spend a lot of his time breaking up readings among many different texts so he didn’t have to require students to buy any of them, and he added none of them were quite what he was looking for out of a textbook. Brellas said, “I teach early college students. A lot of them are first-generation students of color throughout the community here, and we felt that [the textbooks] focused on very traditional types of ethnographies.” He added there were “a lot of - forgive me for saying this - old white men anthropologists from a hundred years ago and their stories in the books.” Brellas said he and Martinez incor-
porated the opinions of their students into the books and incorporated some student work like photos into the final product. He added this book will be put into use in the classroom next semester when he teaches at FSU and several high schools. Brellas said one of his and Martinez’s main priorities is incorporating more activities, particularly journals, into the OER so students will be able to interact with it more personally. “This has been the first opportunity for both of us to do this, and we realized that we should have been doing this a long time ago, and it would have saved our students thousands,” he said. Yvonne Anthony, a faculty member of the College Planning Collaborative, wrote “Statistics Through an Equity Lens.” She started off her presentation by asking people in the room who had taken a statistics course - most raised their hands - and who had loved it - of those with their hands up, most put them down. Anthony said, “I think I was destined to write this book,” and added she was only informed about the grant opportunity to write it the Friday before the Monday deadline, but she went home, prayed about it, and “what happened was quite clear.” She said she wrote the textbook “out of compassion for students.” Anthony said she chose the cover of her book - a boy playing basketball with a home-made hoop made out of a milk crate - intentionally “because I am one of those people who was low income, first generation. “I’ve always been interested in issues of social justice, and what I wanted to do was have statistics relatable for students,” she said. She said her textbook helps students understand practical applications of statistics in analyzing the real world. One example she gave is that the textbook talks about the correlation between area codes and residents’ income and health. Kristen Porter-Utley, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, gave the closing remarks. She said, “I just want to say, I’m excited. It’s exciting to be in this room and to be learning. “I think the reason why these textbooks work is because they are written by our faculty who teach our students, so they are resonating with our students. Our students, instead of being treated like bystanders of their education, are an active part of it.”
CONNECT WITH RAENA DOTY
rdoty@student.framingham.edu
ARTS & FEATURES
Bella Omar / THE GATEPOST
A i l i S c h i avoni, sophomore fashion design major Where do you usually shop? “I’ve been most successful shopping online, because there are very specific brands for this sort of aesthetic. But they could come from anywhere. One of the shirts that I wear a lot is from actually one of the popup shops here on campus.”
Emily Crossin, sophomore fashion merchandising major How would you describe your style? “Very whimsical and fun.” What is your biggest style inspiration? “Growing up watching early 2000s movies like ‘Ella Enchanted’ and stuff like that. Stuff that is super nostalgic for me like the clothes I wanted to wear when I was a kid I wear now.” What is your favorite piece in your closet right now? “Oh, it’s this vintage Banana Republic leather jacket. I just got i t from DC Consignments on Route 9.” Where do you usually shop? “I do most of my shopping at thrift stores and I do a lot of online shopping too.”
Bella Omar / THE GATEPOST
Anita Loughlin, sophomore fashion merchandising major What is your favorite piece in your closet right now? “OK, this is like my signature jacket. I wear this jacket everywhere every day. I repeat this jacket.” How would you describe your style? “I think I tend to dress however I’m feeling that day. I don’t know - lately, since it’s been winter, I’ve been dressing in very dark colors. But now it’s starting to get warmer outside. I want to start dressing in light-
coming.”
ST
These three students are undeniably some of FSU’s best dressed - here’s what they have to say about putting together their ever-dynamic ensembles.
O ATEP
By Bella Omar Asst. Arts & Features Editor
HE G r/T Oma
Style on State Street!
“Retro Fairy and Lacemade” How would you describe your style? “I was really into Lolita fashion and Harajuku fashion back in middle school and early high school, and I definitely draw a lot of style inspiration from there.” Best piece of style advice? “Authenticity is the most important part of an outfit because when you’re genuinely truly satisfied with what you’re wearing, and you’re confident in what you’re wearing, it brings anything to life.” What is your favorite piece in your closet right now? “This skirt, and it is very recent. I got it a couple of weeks ago when I went to Anime Boston. And it was definitely a pretty penny. It was from this smaller brand that had a table there and the wife made everything. These petticoats are absolutely gorgeous. The one I got is a petticoat, or it could just be worn as a regular skirt. Fantastic craftsmanship.”
Bella
er shades - happy colors, I guess, ya know, stuff like that.” Where do you usually shop? “Definitely Depop and through secondhand websites. I do a lot of thrifting and also hand-medowns.” Best piece of style advice? “I would say dress like the person that you always see yours e l f be-
APRIL 19, 2024 | 11
CONNECT WITH BELLA OMAR
bomar@student.framingham.edu
Taste of Culture explores Asian and Pacific Islander heritage By Jack McLaughlin Arts & Features Editor Students and faculty gathered in the McCarthy Dining Annex April 17 for the second Taste of Culture event this semester, centered around Asian and Pacific Islander culture. In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Center for Inclusive Excellence (CIE) hosted the event with a variety of different Asian foods and entertainment. The food selection included baby bok choy, ginger chicken, vegetable lo mein, among a variety of beverages and dessert options. Jerome Burke, director of the CIE, opened the event by first discussing the importance of hosting events such as this when it comes to bringing more awareness to different cultures on campus, and said it’s “a great way to learn about the person you’re sitting next to.” Burke also commented on the event bringing more attention to the Asian American and Pacific Islander population, and he talked about the significant contributions they’ve made to our world. He then directed the attendees’ attention to the back of the dining annex, where a group of performers were prepared to do a lion dance, a traditional practice in Chinese culture and other Asian countries.
After this, Burke introduced a member of the Wah Lum Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy to provide context for the lion dance and explain the significance of it in Asian culture. The speaker from the academy then spoke to the audience about their organization and more information about the dance they were about to see. She began by explaining how the lion dance traditionally occurs during Chinese New Year, and the dance is meant to be a symbol of good luck, she said. After this, she encouraged those in the audience to visit Chinatown in Boston during Chinese New Year so they have the opportunity to see a lion dance and described it as “the most amazing thing.” She then talked about the significance of the lion, and how it is a mythical creature that “comes down from the mountain during New Year to celebrate all the bad monsters and all the bad spirits, so that way it brings good luck,” she said. This year represents the wood dragon, she said, and explained that “if you’re trying to make a big move, this is the year to do it.” Next, she began to describe the dance that the audience was about to see. A series of lions were going to walk around the area, and while that is happening there’s going to be “drumming, cymbaling, there’s going
Meghan Spargo / THE GATEPOST The Taste of Culture event hosted in the McCarthy Dining Annex April 17. to be lots of noise,” she said. She encouraged the audience to participate in the dance by cheering on the performers, and said, “The more cheering that they hear, the more animated they will be.” During the dance, she also said there was going to be oranges thrown to the audience. The symbolism of the oranges is that they represent gold, and lettuce will also be thrown at attendees. Traditionally, the lettuce is sprinkled on the ground while the lion dance is happening, but for the sake of not making a mess they opted to forgo this tradition. Following this, the dance took place and afterward Burke conclud-
ed the event by thanking those for attending and taking the effort to “learn more about the student sitting next to you.” Taimoor Khan, diversity peer influencer for the CIE, talked about how events like this create a comfortable space for students to have the chance to learn about different cultures outside of their own. “We give students an opportunity to interact with each other. And by making it a safe space, students can come, they can learn, have a fun time, and make new friends,” Khan said.
CONNECT WITH JACK MCLAUGHLIN
jmclaughlin7@student.framingham.edu
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12 | APRIL 19, 2024
Israel/Palestine Continued from Page 1
Chomsky said she had two learning objectives prepared for her time on the panel - analyzing terminology used in the media and how it affects public perception, and discussing differing definitions of antisemitism and why they are important. She first said the way the conflict is presented in the media has roots in colonialism and the idea that the lives of colonizers matter while the lives of the people who are colonized do not. Chomsky added this behavior normalizes war instigated by imperial and colonial powers, such as the United States and Europe. She said all of the wars the United States has ever participated in have been colonial, beginning with the 17th century “Indian Wars,” which were fought even before the United States was formed. Chomsky added the foundation of the United States was built on driving Indigenous peoples from their own land. She shared a quote from White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby regarding the war in Gaza, which read, “This is war. It is combat. It is bloody. It is ugly, and it’s going to be messy, and innocent civilians are going to be hurt going forward.” She said this quote proves the United States recognizes innocent people will be harmed from its involvement, and yet still chooses to support Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Chomsky added the United States even refused to use the term “ceasefire” until a few weeks ago, and has since distorted the meaning of the word from an end to fighting to a temporary pause in fighting. She said though the United States now supports this modified definition of ceasefire, it still does not support an end to the war. Chomsky added after 100 days of the war, President Biden chose to focus on the 120 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in a speech rather than to acknowledge the 25,000 Palestinians dead and 20,000 held hostage in Israel. She then discussed the use of charged language by media outlets, and how Palestinian and Israeli forces are described with vastly different language, despite similarities between the two. She said Palestinian fighters are often referred to as “militants,” while Israeli fighters are “soldiers,” and prisoners taken by Palestinians are “kidnapped,” while prisoners taken by Israelis are “arrested.” She added this language encourages people to think violence against Palestinians is justified and deserved, and it shields Israel from culpability in contexts such as “Israeli strikes resulted in deaths.” Chomsky also discussed the idea that Palestine and countries in “the Orient,” a colonial and romanticized term for Asia and the Middle East, refuse to give up violence, yet western countries such as Israel and the United States are never expected or called
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ARTS & FEATURES to do the same. She said Palestine’s right to exist has been denied by Israel, and Palestine has been systematically destroyed since Israeli settlement began in 1948. Chomsky then discussed the definition of antisemitism, and how she believes it has been mobilized to diminish criticism of Israel. “What Is Antisemitism? A Columbia Task Force Would Rather Not Say,” a March 21 article in The New York Times, shows even Columbia University cannot settle on a definition, she said. Chomsky said the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) proposed a definition of antisemitism in 2016. The IHRA also presented a list of actions considered antisemitic. Chomsky then said she disagreed that some of the manifestations outlined by the IHRA were in fact antisemitic. Defined examples of antisemitism, according to the IHRA, include, “targeting the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity,” “denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor,” or “drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.” She added 43 countries have adopted this definition of antisemitism, including the United States. Chomsky said a different group of scholars created the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism (JDA) in 2020, an alternate definition of antisemitism. Some of the JDA’s definitions of antisemitism align with the IHRA’s definitions, such as guidelines B7: “Holding Jews collectively responsible for Israel’s conduct or treating Jews, simply because they are Jewish, as agents of Israel,” or B9: “Assuming that non-Israeli Jews, simply because they are Jews, are necessarily more loyal to Israel than to their own countries.” The JDA’s definitions, however, diverge from the IHRA’s definitions of antisemitism in some cases, such as in guideline C12: “It is not antisemitic to support arrangements that accord full equality to all inhabitants ‘between the river and the sea,’” or C13: “Evidence-based criticism of Israel as a state.” Chomsky said the IHRA’s definition limits legitimate free speech and discussion regarding Israel, Palestine, and Zionism. She closed her presentation by posing a series of questions to the audience, including whether it was possible for Israel to be a democratic country, what the real definition of antisemitism is, and whether Israel has the right to exist. Chomsky then responded to several questions received from the audience. One submitted question asked how Israelis taken hostage after the Oct. 7 attack should be referred to if not as kidnapped.
Chomsky said people can refer to the Israeli and Palestinian hostages either as hostages, prisoners, or kidnapped - but they should not reserve one word for a specific side. She added attendees should always refer to those captured as hostages or kidnapped regardless of their country of origin. Another submitted question asked Chomsky to discuss the phrase, “from the river to the sea,” and if it was insinuating the destruction of Israel. Chomsky said she thinks there are four statuses of Palestinian: those within the original 1948 border, those in Jerusalem, those in areas occupied by the Israeli military, and those “in diaspora,” meaning places outside of Palestine, such as the United States. She added she interprets the phrase as meaning Palestinians in each of these four categories will have freedoms equal to Jewish people in Israel. When asked about the impact this would have on the state of Israel, she answered by posing a question - was the United States destroyed when the 13th, 14th, 15th amendments were passed, separating from its origins as a country for only white men? “I don’t think so,” she said. The topic of the second panelist, Yasser Derwiche Djazaerly, was “The Gaza war at the crossroads of regional and international politics.” Djazaerly teaches French, Arabic, Italian, German, and Spanish at Fitchburg State University, and has published seven juried articles in Arabic about the history and politics of the Middle East. Djazaerly began by addressing the recent fear of escalation between Israel and Iran following Iran’s missile strike on Israel April 13. The strike was in retaliation for Israel’s bombing of the Iranian embassy in Syria April 1. He added he knew there would be no escalation due to underlying cooperation between Iran and Israel. Djazaerly then brought into the discussion Israeli author David Grossman’s 2008 novel, “To the End of the Land,” which tells the story of a mother reluctantly bringing her son to an army base following a Hamas attack, which inspires the son to rejoin the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) after his three years of deployment. Grossman compares the mother bringing her son to the army base to the biblical story of Abraham sending his son to be sacrificed, Djazaerly said. He said in response to Grossman’s novel, Benny Morris, a professor at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, criticized Grossman’s allegory and wrote that the biblical story of David versus Goliath, with Israel being David and the surrounding Arab countries Goliath, was more fitting. “But as we see it, we are surrounded by the Muslim world, organized in some way by Iran, and the West is turning its back on us. So we see ourselves as the underdog,” Morris said in a feature story with the Wall Street Journal. Djazaerly said despite this claim, Egypt, the largest Muslim-majority country in close proximity to Isra-
el, has assisted Israel in war efforts against Palestine. Jordan, another Muslim-majority country, ships goods to Israel as well - subsidizing the cost of the war, he added. Djazaerly then read a quote from a former Israeli ambassador to the United States who wrote that Israel portrays itself as David to the western world, Goliath to the surrounding Arab countries. He added the United States and parts of Europe also send military aid to Israel, and some countries, including France, even actively participated in shooting down drones attacking Israel. Djazaerly added although Israel portrays itself as an underdog, it has defeated surrounding Arab countries in wars in the years 1948, 1956, 1973, and 1982. He said this makes the role of Iran extremely important to Israeli propaganda, in order to support the David versus Goliath narrative. Djazaerly added a 2012 Israeli newspaper article by Aner Shalev discussed an Israel/Iran alliance, and how by threatening each other, the right-wing governments of both countries retain control. He then said Iran informed Israel and the United States about the recent missile launch three days in advance, though the media perception of the attack continues to paint Israel as a “David.” Djazaerly said understanding Iran and Israel’s relationship is important for understanding the war in Gaza as a whole. The Oct. 7 Hamas attack misinterpreted the relationship of Israel and Iran, calling on Iran to provide assistance which never came in their surprise attack against Israel, he added. He added Iran and Israel use each other strategically in controlling the Middle East. Djazaerly said in the days following the 1958 coup in Iraq, Israel announced it had developed an alliance with four of the surrounding countries, one being Iran. He added the practice of forging alliances with surrounding countries went on to influence Israel’s future foreign policy. Djazaerly then discussed the strategic military choices taken by the U.S., Iran, and Israel. He said the United States once gave Iranian troops time to evacuate regions of Iraq before a bombing run, not killing a single Iranian soldier, and Iran gave a similar warning to Israel before sending their recent retaliation, again not killing any Israeli soldiers. One submitted question to Djazaerly asked what role Iranian sympathies play in that country’s advocacy for Palestine. Iran is not a democracy, he said. Because of this, nothing the government does is a reflection of the will of the Iranian people. He added since Iran is under a dictatorship, it is impossible
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ARTS & FEATURES
Israel/Palestine Continued from Page 12
to know its citizens’ real opinions. The third presenter, Susan Massad, spent a sabbatical at the School of Public Health, Al Quds University, in the West Bank, Palestine, in 2013. Her learning objectives were comparing life in the West Bank and the United States, as well as differences in food and water challenges in the region. Massad first said the Palestinian struggle is one of getting access to food and water, remaining on their homeland, and retaining their culture. Farmers’ rights to sovereignty, she added, are under attack. Massad said agriculture has historically been a large part of Palestinian culture and their gross domestic product (GDP). Prior to 1967, she said, 35% of Palestine’s GDP was generated from agriculture. This percentage dropped to 13% in 1993, and is now around 6%. She added the reduction of agriculture has been due to illegal Israeli settlements, as well as shipping blockades which have prevented agricultural machinery from being imported to Palestine since 2007. Massad also said the rise of industrial farming in the region, which uses high amounts of pesticides and monocropping techniques, has contributed to the economic failure of Palestinian farmers, who cannot compete with industrial farming outputs. She said Palestinian staple foods, which are “low on the food chain” and require very few resources to thrive, have also been dying. These foods include olives, za’atar, figs, and dates, she said.
Massad added food insecurity is a huge issue for Palestinians right now due to the abandonment of Palestinian farms, plus the blockades on imports. According to NPR, 300,000 people are currently trapped in northern Gaza, and famine is expected to set in by May. She added Oxfam America reported many in northern Gaza are currently surviving on only 245 calories a day - only 12% of the 2,000 daily average calories needed. Massad then referenced the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA), and said the current situation in Palestine is the biggest crisis in the organization’s history. She added water is another concern. Israel has taken control of Palestinian springs and sells the water back to Palestinians, she said. She said the World Health Organization recommends a person use 100 liters of water a day for all of their needs, including bathing, cleaning, and drinking. People in Palestine, she said, are using less than one liter per person, per day. Massad also mentioned the destruction of Palestine’s olive trees, and the irony in the destruction of a symbol of peace. Since 1967, she said, 100 million trees have been destroyed. Massad said she spent time with a volunteer organization in Gaza, Grassroots Jerusalem, which she said aims to unite Israelis and Palestinians. She added she also went on an olive harvest with a group called Friends of Al Walaja, all made up of Jewish peo-
ple who had immigrated to Israel, and said the country was very different from what they were told to expect. Massad said many of the members she spoke to in Friends of Al Walaja could not afford to leave Israel without financial devastation, however. One submitted question asked Massad how Americans can support Palestinians suffering from food insecurity. Massad said the best way to help is to buy fair trade food items made by Palestinians, and suggested olive oil, coffee, and za’atar. Another submitted question asked Massad if Israel has been intentionally destroying farmland. She replied yes, for housing space. Massad was also asked if there was a rise in illness following the food insecurity in the region. She said there was. The floor was then opened to submitted questions addressed to all panelists. The first question asked how people can talk to their Jewish friends about the Israel/Palestine conflict respectfully. Chomsky said not all people of Jewish heritage or religion have the same outlook on the situation. Jewish Voice for Peace and the IfNotNowMovement, she said, are instances of Jewish people against Zionism and the war in Gaza. Chomsky said she believes in the right to speak about the Israeli state and its choices, and this discussion should not be deemed antisemitic. A second question from the audience asked the panelists about the normalization of war, and if they
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thought some wars were necessary. Chomsky responded first, and said no. She said she was not a violent person, but also it’s not “necessarily her job” to condemn every act of violence in the world. She added colonial violence, such as that inflicted by the United States,’ is the kind she attempts to stop through her activism. She added condemnations of violence also aren’t particularly helpful. Chomsky posed a question, using the United States’ actions during the Vietnam War as a parallel. Was it her job to condemn the bombing of Vietnam, she asked, or to try to stop it? Djazaerly said he believed war waged in self defense can be justified. “Preventative” war, he said, is not justifiable. The final question was whether the Israeli government’s actions can be considered tantamount to genocide. Chomsky first said that genocide is actually a very specific, legal term. South Africa, she added, accused the Israeli government of genocide in early 2024. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said Israel could be plausibly committing genocide. The ICJ, she added, ordered Israel to take steps to prevent genocide from continuing. Chomsky said the legal verdict of whether Israel is committing a genocide does not matter. Rather, the fact that hospitals and schools were destroyed and thousands were killed during the war is what is important.
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‘Splatoon 3: Side Order’ is the main course By Paul Harrington Staff Writer
When I first played “Side Order” on its midnight release, I wasn’t sure of what to expect - or even what was going on. What I didn’t realize was that this was everything I ever wanted from my silly cephalopod game. “Splatoon 3: Side Order” was first teased in August 2022 as downloadable content for the game “Splatoon 3.” However, it was not released until February 2024. The approach taken with the DLC is one unseen in any of the previous “Splatoon” games, and it works well. “Splatoon 3” stuck to its roots as a third-person shooter, but opted for a roguelike experience akin to “Binding of Isaac” when it came time for the DLC. The setting of “Side Order” brings “Splatoon” full circle to the lore of the second game and is handled in an immaculate manner. For those not familiar with “Splatoon” lore, in the final Splatfest of “Splatoon 2,” players were given a choice of either Chaos or Order. If you are asking yourself, “What the heck is a Splatfest?” think of it as a popularity contest but decided over
battling. What players did not realize was that the events would influence the next installment. “Side Order” is based on if Order were to have won the Splatfest. The setting is, well, bleak. It is a combination of a beautiful texture of gray that adds a little bit of glitter to ink when it’s shot out. The Spire of Order feels exhausting. As you step into the elevator to start your run, all you can hear is the elevator’s sounds of going up - and that scared me. The tower is split up into 30 floors. Floors one through nine and 11 through 19 are challenge levels, with randomly generated scenarios and formats. Floors 10 and 20 will always be a boss fight. The randomly generated levels can make or break a run. They aren’t hard - it’s just that since it’s random, you never know what to expect. The difficulties range from the usual easy to challenging, but an interesting mechanic is that near the end, the levels will only consist of challenging difficulty. You might be thinking that this playstyle sounds fundamentally boring. But what changes the gameplay is two things - palettes and color chips.
Color chips enhance gameplay, add buffs to the specific weapon class being used, and can be stacked to make for a godlike weapon build. Palettes are meant to resemble soundboards, and are essentially different weapon classes. My personal favorite palette was Marie’s palette that unlocks the sniper class and allows you to feel like a master marksman. The first run of “Side Order” felt like a fever dream. Seeing the credits roll made me teary-eyed and I even made it my computer wallpaper. The story may be painted as very dreary and hopeless, but seeing the ending made me feel like all hope was restored. After the first run of “Side Order,” the focus shifts to unlocking and collecting the other palettes. Although it isn’t required, the completionist in me went for a 100% run. Going for a 100% run is not for the weak. You will find yourself getting annoyed with hitboxes, motion controls, and enemies. Though the runs after the first goaround might feel stale to those not familiar with the roguelike genre, that’s the beauty of it. I found myself attempting to get faster times on certain levels, seeing
what certain chips did for upgrades, and trying different play styles. I enjoyed the different play styles provided with the palettes and color chips, but would have loved to see more customization. Players also begin to collect Membux throughout their runs. This form of currency can be used to unlock power ups that can be used to make runs more accessible as you go along. Another big part of “Side Order” is the soundtrack. It’s a mixing pot of breakcore, techno, house, and pop that mixes exquisitely. With all of these ingredients, you have a story that can be taken at whatever pace, and whatever difficulty you please. “Side Order” is an outstanding addition to an already amazing game, and offers longtime fans a new way to be a kid now - and a squid now.
Rating: A It’s off the hook!
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14 | APRIL 19, 2024
‘Duel’ By Owen Glancy Asst. Arts & Features Editor For many people all over the world, the word “film” is synonymous with the name Steven Spielberg. As the highest grossing director of all time, Spielberg has created some of the most iconic movies ever made. From “Jaws” to “Indiana Jones” to “Jurassic Park,” it is undeniable that Spielberg is one of the most recognizable directors in cinema history. Despite his status, many people actually aren’t entirely aware of Spielberg’s early works, specifically his films released before his big break with “Jaws” in 1975. He actually began on television, directing segments of the anthology show “Night Gallery” back in 1969. Actress Joan Crawford saw Spielberg’s potential and let him continue working on television. This would lead to his first ever feature-length film, “Duel.” Unlike everything else I’ve discussed in this column, “Duel” was not initially released in theaters and
ARTS & FEATURES was created for a TV audience. With a small TV budget and an amateur director behind the wheel, nobody expected much of the film as it aired as a part of the ABC Movie of the Week series in 1971. The film was a big hit. The unexpected success of “Duel” led Universal to bring the film to theaters in a limited run with a few extra scenes. This added audience helped the film become a cult classic, as well as mark the real starting point of Spielberg’s career. But how does the film hold up? Does it deserve the cult status it has gained? “Duel” still holds up as undoubtedly the most suspenseful and thrilling film in Spielberg’s massive filmography. The film follows David Mann, a businessman driving throughout the California countryside when he passes a man driving a rusty tanker truck. This enrages the truck driver, who dedicates the rest of the film to attempting to kill David. While not as scary or memorable as something like “Jurassic Park,” this level of realistic pettiness that comes from the unknown truck driver’s road rage is the reason why this film works so well. We never see his face, only getting confirmation that this unknown driver is a male from one of the workers at a diner our protagonist stops at. As someone who drives for work, this was a scary movie to get through. The truck driver’s determination to kill this guy is insane, going as far as
to nearly crash into a school bus and destroy a lady’s entire business. All of this was done because someone passed him on the road. It’s that unexplainable rage that makes the conflict at the center of this film feel so tense and realistic.
David Abe / THE GATEPOST Spielberg was clearly still in his infancy as a filmmaker when he directed this, but his ambition is clear. He’s already using camera angles and techniques typically only seen by more experienced filmmakers in his first feature film. Much of it is sloppy, but that passion and early understanding of film as a medium shines through and makes this extremely interesting to watch, especially for those studying cinema. This is one of those films where I forget shouting at the characters in the movie doesn’t actually do anything, I just get so invested. The ten-
sion is without a doubt its biggest strength. Whenever the truck isn’t on screen, there’s always the lingering thought in the back of the viewer’s head - “When is the truck going to show up again?” It’s that little element of suspense that makes the film so incredibly engaging. Spielberg, a director renowned for his family friendly blockbusters mixed in with some more adult dramas still has not made a film like “Duel.” It goes against so many of his typical tropes and traits that I’m convinced that anyone, even people who aren’t fans of Spielberg’s usual works, can enjoy this. Because of its cult status, “Duel” isn’t talked about much outside of film circles. This can be due to the fact that it was originally made for TV, and that many people don’t want to explore Spielberg’s filmography before “Jaws.” However, it’s without a doubt the most accessible film discussed in this column so far. Made in the U.S., it doesn’t require reading subtitles and the plot isn’t as strange or seemingly mundane as some of the other movies in this column. With that in mind, I wholeheartedly recommend “Duel” as essential viewing to anyone who wants to explore the filmography of one of the medium’s most iconic directors! The film can be bought or rented on services like Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
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She’s our Huckleberry - Beyoncé’s ‘COWBOY CARTER’ takes us for a wild ride By Antonio Carlos Machado Staff Writer The Queen Bee, more commonly known as Beyoncé, finally released the long-awaited second installation of her three-act musical project, “COWBOY CARTER,” on March 29 after an alarming five years in the vault. The 27-track LP demonstrates Beyoncé’s musicality as she breaks through the limitations of genre, stating in an Instagram post, “This ain’t a Country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé’ album,” and it shows. Similar to its predecessor, “RENAISSANCE,” “COWBOY CARTER” features decades worth of musical history, which Beyoncé reimagines throughout the entire record. Riddled with spoken-word interludes by country music legends and features from rising Black country music stars, the album seeks to honor the originators of the country genre and uplift those who will continue the art form. Previously shunned at the 2016 Country Music Awards (CMA) for her “Daddy Lessons” performance with The Chicks, Beyoncé has a familiarity with both the country genre and its deeply rooted racist history, which inspired the creation of this album. The opening track, “AMERIICAN REQUIEM,” alludes to her experience in the CMA’s when she states, “Used to say I spoke ‘Too Country’ / And
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then the rejection came, said I wasn’t country enough / Said I wouldn’t saddle up, but / If that ain’t country tell me what is.” Fueled by a bit of pettiness, Beyonce created this record to break through the barriers imposed on her by racist America and redefine the meaning of “country.” Accompanied by Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts, Beyoncé’s cover of The Beatles’ 1968 hit, “Blackbird,” highlights the song’s original intention of uplifting Black women in times of hardship, not just by being told through their eyes, but by empowering lesser-known Black women in the country industry, giving them the grace she was not afforded. A spoken-word interlude by the legendary Dolly Parton referencing the iconic “Becky with the good hair” precedes Beyoncé’s cover of “Jolene,” revising the song into a threatening warning for Jolene not to come for her man in a surprising, but not unwelcome, change to the original song. In a career-highlight vocal performance, Beyoncé demonstrates the flexibility of the country genre with her take on the vengeful country ballad. “DAUGHTER,” a standout track on the record and my personal favorite, has Beyoncé put her instrument on display with a cover of the 18th-century Italian aria “Caro Mio Ben” by Giuseppe Giordani in the song’s bridge. The singer takes a trip from Tex-
as all the way south to Brazil, where she samples DJ Xarophino’s “Acquecimento Das Danadas” in a Brazilian funk-inspired hip-hop track, “SPAGHETTII,” featuring country rapper Shaboozey. Although my least favorite track, it serves as an ode to Spaghetti Western films and an apt demonstration of Beyoncé’s rap skills. Paired with singer-songwriter Post Malone, Beyoncé delivers an ode to Levi’s, who sponsored her during her Destiny’s Child days when other brands refused to, in a raunchy duet titled “LEVII’S JEANS.” Malone delivers an incredible vocal performance that, when accompanied by Beyoncé’s pitch-perfect harmonies, elevates the track to near perfection. The entire latter half of the album shows Beyoncé having fun with her instrument, creating some of the most odd yet entertaining songs of the album. Tracks like “YA YA,” “TYRANT,” and “SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN’” are among some of my favorites due to their unique genre-spanning sonics. My singular critique of this project lies with the spectacular shorter tracks like “MY ROSE,” “FLAMENCO,” and “DESERT EAGLE,” which are sprinkled throughout the album, leaving me hungry for more, but considering the album’s runtime sits at an astounding hour and 19 minutes, it could be for the best. The closing track, “AMEN,” begs for
Ben Hurney / THE GATEPOST mercy in the face of pain and offers concealed criticisms of a nation built on oppression and lies. Beyoncé ends the album with a reprisal of the opening track, symbolizing the completion of her quest to push the boundaries of country and shed light on its history. Continuing to shatter any expectations of her, Beyoncé explores every flavor of country music in a manner that keeps her sounding just like pure honey. “COWBOY CARTER” is not just a masterfully constructed album, but a question - “Can you hear me?”
Rating: A+ Save a horse, stream Beyoncé
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ARTS & FEATURES
Your sign to watch ‘Bluey’ By Liv Dunleavy Staff Writer Bluey is back, bigger and better than ever in her newest episode, “The Sign.” With terrifying foreshadowing from the previous episode, “Ghostbasket,” comes a tear-jerking, cry-laughing, wondrous 28-minute-long episode that brings out the best of our favorite classic “Bluey” characters. In the episode prior, we are reunited with “Bluey” fan-favorite characters, Janet and Rita, our adored grannies, or Bluey and Bingo in disguise. We get to see what might be a game or bit that they play, where Bandit (their father) plays a real estate agent, selling a beautiful home to Chilli (their mom), a potential buyer. Throughout the episode the grannies are up to hijinks trying to dissuade the potential buyer from saying yes to the house. They pull a stunt pretending to be a ghost-basket that’s haunting the house. At the very end of the episode, the camera
APRIL 19, 2024 | 15
pans across the front yard, where a and bringing them to life. It makes “For Sale” sign is seen. this episode a little bit more bearable This set the internet aflame, with through the tears. “Bluey” fans all over the world askIf you are familiar with “Bluey,” ing the question, “Is this the end?” you might recognise Bluey’s kinThe newest episode, “The Sign,” dergarten teacher, Calypso, and unhas a twisting weaving plot that fo- derstand that she is a voice of reacuses around two major events in the son and wisdom in most episodes. Heeler family’s life - their Uncle Rad In “The Sign,” Calypso reads a brief and Aunt Frisky’s marriage and the s h o r t story to the children, with loss of their childhood home. t h e message of “we’ll see” as The fear of leaving your the underlying theme. childhood home is one that This message many kids have experigives a ray of hope enced in one way or anothto not only the er. But what we don’t reviewer but also alize as children is how Bluey, as she hard it is on the parents now is under the as well, having to leave assumption the home they raised that everytheir babies in. This is a thing will work out dilemma Chilli and Bandit in the end. experience throughout the There are so episode. many developments For the “Bluey” into follow - cousept out there, this in Socks can talk episode is a culmination of everynow! thing we Frisky have been a n d experiencing R a da r e Liv Dunleavy / THE GATEPOST throughout the last getting married! three seasons. “BluWhat’s this about ey” is a show that makes even the Bandit’s new job? With a roller coaster ride of emogrownest of men cry and learn that maybe we all needed a Chilli and a tion, you might feel so moved as to pause and take a deep breath. But we Bandit in our lives growing up. The Easter eggs placed strate- must continue onward as the fun is gically throughout the episode do just beginning. We arrive at our secwonders for fan service, calling out ond main plot point, a pivotal point small details from previous episodes in our journey through “The Sign.” The girls are on a mission to save that the audience caught on about,
Puzzles
34. Nordic toast 36. Fan’s opposite 38. See 20-Across 41. Just ... sits around 43. Solti whose Grammy count (31) is second only to Beyonce’s 44. Secretive org. 45. Chick-fil-A rival 48. They prefer to be naked 52. Joseph who worked with William Dreyer 53. ___ : sleeves :: CDs : jewel boxes 55. Brownish tint 56. Ailing 60. LBJ’s successor 61. Home of Egypt’s Coptic Museum 63. Green often baked into chips 64. Nabokov’s “no” 65. ___ salts 66. In a chemistry joke, it’s what a female has that a male lacks 67. Early horror star Lugosi 68. Tentative first effort 69. Look after 70. Whiner
ACROSS 1. Rolls around during infancy? 4. “My ___ are burning!” 8. Small primate with large eyes 12. Kind of club for singers 13. Pick from a deck 14. Cookies with a Space 16. Atypical 17. Muppet since 1980 18. Freshman’s grade 19. Director DuVernay 20. With 38-Across and 57-Across, “Dirty Dancing” quote ... and why four black square are keeping you from completing this puzzle 22. Prefix with “meter” 23. Tag player’s declaration 26. Sch. in Columbus 27. Uncensored 28. Got into clothes 31. Fashion item in mid-Manhattan 33. Suffix with “Brooklyn”
the day and get rid of that horrible “For Sale” sign! They embark on their journey, and we get a sweet, sweet taste of insane cousin Muffin, my spirit animal. Following their target, hot on their scent, they retrieve clues during each of their endeavors. It was so refreshing to see the girls’ character development, and I was stuck on Sock’s age jump for like half the episode. “Bluey’s” official social media accounts have been posting small snippets and sneak peaks for weeks leading up to the episode, and being able to follow those to their place in the episode was so rewarding, and understanding each of the “signs” was so heartwarming. This is not the type of show that is for the weak-hearted. This show will tear you apart and build you back up and do it over and over. I never expected this episode to be as deep and gut-wrenching as it was. You can tell that the creators know their audience. “Bluey” is not just a children’s television show - this is a show for those of us who did not have the encapsulating, undying, enveloping warmth of a childhood that is the Heeler family. But nothing is as rewarding as seeing the story unfold. If you haven’t already, I implore you to watch “Bluey’s” newest episode, and feel your heart explode with emotion. Is this the end of “Bluey?” I guess we’ll see.
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32. What a very hungry eater might have 35. Trail (behind) 37. Rolling Stones classic 39. Actor Affleck 40. “Are ___ for real?!” 41. 1990 rap hit with a “cool” title 42. Swam in an Olympic pool, say 46. Rap’s ___ Rida 47. Lifesaving set 49. More agile 50. Opportune 51. Eartha Kitt Christmas song 54. Trap 57. Give for free 58. College near Duke 59. Rip apart 62. Fish eggs 64. “The Voice” network
Puzzle solutions are now exclusively online.
DOWN 1. Add spice to 2. Infuse with gas 3. Golf peg 4. Blissful place 5. Pixar dinosaur 6. Tough guy in a film series 7. Nike logo 8. Skeletal 9. Sch. in Kingston 10. Title with a tilde 11. Reason to look your best 12. Steinway product 15. Party before a delivery 21. Singer Lipa 24. Magazine rack item 25. “For shame!” 29. Greek goddess who becomes a god when “r” is added to her name 30. Bit of gel
FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY'S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM
PHOTOS
16| APRIL 19, 2024 Spread and Photos by Associate Editor Maddison Behringer
The Framingham community turned out to support and cheer on the runners of The Boston Marathon on April 15.
@The Gatepost | FSUgatepost.com