The Signal Vol. 82 No. 19

FEB. 10, 2015 - FEB. 16, 2015

VOL. 82 | NO. 19

th

Sex Issue e

#NSFW: From exotic dancers to the best hookup spots around campus, this is our sexiest Valentine’s Day coverage yet! Read more inside if you dare.

PRACTICE SAFE SEX. Read our editor-in-chief’s letter on our V-DAY coverage inside. | PAGE 9 PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JADE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL

Inside Inside like us! facebook.com/gsusignal

follow us! twitter.com/gsusignal

Girl got game!

Fiber moves in

All the single people Power of the pole There are so many of us!

Here’s a look at the growing trend of singles and what it means economically.

Several exotic dancers discuss their life stories and the femininity behind their careers.

Let’s end the stereotypes of women’s sports and just admire their athletic performances.

News | Page 5

Opinions| Page 9

A&L | page 14

Sports | page 22

Google Fiber will now offer faster gigabyte internet speeds to metroAtlanta neighborhoods.

DAILY NEWS AT WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

News 2

Opinions 8

Arts & Living 11

Sports 20

2

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 Jeepers, peepers, where’d you get those creepers?

Aderhold Learning Center

Feb. 2

Words really hurt University Center

A report was filed for terroristic threats or harassment by phone / email after a Georgia State staff member said he was threatened on social media. The case will be handled by university Police Investigations

Feb. 3

Out cold

Auburn Avenue Northeast

A report for agency assistance was filed by Georgia State police after a non-university student was found unresponsive, laying at the loading dock. Grady EMS and Fulton County’s Medical Examiner both declared the individual deceased. The incident was turned over to the Atlanta Police Department.

A report was filed for a peeping tom after a student said she observed an individual looking at her between the cracks of the bathroom stall on Jan. 27 at 9 p.m. The case will be handled by Georgia State Police Investigations Division.

Feb. 4

Not like the old ball game

Panthersville Complex

A report was filed for criminal damage to property after a campus police officer found the baseball field fence to be pushed down in several locations. The case is being handled by Georgia State Police Investigations Division.

harassment Property damage

Feb. 5

medical emergency

A ‘loud secret’

University Commons

A report was filed for the smell of marijuana. However, the source could not be located after further campus police inspection.

possession

Photo of the week PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TIGER’S ROAR Last weekend, the Signal staff brought home several awards from the annual GCPA Better Newspaper Contest, including first place in General Excellence.

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www.georgiastatesignal.com/news

SUGAR, SPICE

and everything

NICE

A sugar baby and sugar momma discuss the LAUREN BOOKER Associate News Editor

A

manda Stevens*, a 22-year-old psychology major at Michigan State University, is just like every other college student. She enjoys shopping, likes to travel and immerses herself in multiple activities.

However, there’s a twist — Stevens is a part of a growing community of sugar babies. The community involves younger counterparts connecting with older sugar daddy / sugar mommas on dating websites for monetary exchanges.

Life as a

SUGAR

BABY

Stevens said she began the sugar lifestyle when she was a freshman in college. The TV show ‘Diary of a Call Girl’ was an inspiration.

“Of course she [the show’s character] is an escort and I am not an escort, but I was like ‘Wow, that’s such an amazing lifestyle that you lead,’” she said. “I am not a fake person but I love to play a part. So if I can do this and don’t have sex with people and I can make money, oh my God, that’s the best thing I can possibly do.”

Stevens doesn’t solely depend on sugar daddies to give her money, which she uses primarily to pay off student loans. She also works another job. As a sugar baby she said she is only selling the girlfriend experience.

“So I definitely see it as a business and that’s the only way to go about [it].

I make it very clear that I am somebody who background checks who you are,” she said.

Finding sugar daddies

Stevens said she is registered on about 10 websites including SeekingArrangement, Established Men and Hero Dating.

Out of all the websites she said she likes how SeekingArrangement is geared towards sugar relationships.

However, she doesn’t like how the main thing on their mind is sex.

“So the vast majority of men on SeekingArrangement are looking for sugar babies but there is still going to be a big chunk of them that are like ‘Oh hey. Can I pay you $200 to masturbate in front of me?’ And I’m like ‘What? No,’” she said.

Stevens also said she has had six serious sugar daddies in which involvement has lasted from eight months to a year and a half.

Types of sugar daddies

Stevens said her sugar daddies have worked in politics in Washington

“

So I number men off. I have their picture that they have sent me.

I have all their information that they have sent me. I go online. I look up their Linkedin. I look up

The Daddies

39 years old

Top Sugar Daddy Cities

$273,300

1.

2.

3.

4.San Francisco 5.Las Vegas

average age

- Amanda Stevens, sugar baby D.C., the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Michigan government.

She also said she has been a sugar baby for lawyers, doctors, business men and computer industry men.

Out of all of the occupations, she said she liked doctors the most because she said she feels they are naive and believe they are in love.

In addition, there are three different types of sugar daddies, which are salt, splenda and straight sugar/cane sugar, according to Stevens. (See Lingo Box to read more on terms.)

Salt are the worst types of sugar daddies because they are reluctant to pay their sugar babies and are hypersexual, according to Stevens. Splenda on the other hand, are men who are new to the lifestyle but are trying to learn.

Stevens said the best type of sugar daddy are straight sugar / cane sugar because they know what they are doing and do not hesitate to provide a sugar baby with what they are requesting.

Benefits of being a sugar baby

Stevens said she charges $800 per date and prefers to be paid in cash. On these dates she usually goes shopping or to dinner.

Recently, she said the most expensive gifts she has received from her sugar daddies was five months of rent, a vacation and Louis Vuitton heels worth approximately $2,000.

She also said during a shopping trip, her sugar daddy permitted her to spend $5,000.

Stevens said these dates generally end in a kiss, unless she becomes comfortable enough with the sugar daddy to be sexually active.

She also said before sex she has the sugar daddy discuss their previous sexual history and provide her with medical paperwork.

“I have to tell them I am not here to sleep with you unless it becomes truly like a relationship where you are dating them,” she said. “Then money [isn’t a] factor anymore.”

How she does it

Stevens said she attributes her success in obtaining sugar daddies to being a really good liar.

“I cover my tracks very well and

make sure that I am an invisible person so that no one ever knows the real [me] or anything about me,” she said.

“So I lie about what my parents do for a living. Sometimes I make up that my parents are dead. Sometimes I am an only child. Sometimes I am one of six kids. Sometimes I’m Alice. Sometimes I’m Maria. Sometimes I’m Nicole. Like who am I? I don’t even know.”

She also said she lives out approximately three story lines.

“So if I am Kate, I am Kate. I know who Kate is,” she said. “Kate lives on Cabot Road. If I were to be Kate right now, I have three siblings, I live [in] Cheboygan, Michigan [and] my parents own a four wheeling company. I can be that person,” she said.

To keep track of the different roles she plays, Stevens said she keeps a Mac Word document with sugar daddies numbered with their names, personal information and pictures.

“So I number men off. I have their picture that they have sent me. I have all their information that they have sent me. I go online. I look up their Linkedin. I look up their Facebook. I find their wife. I find their children’s names,” she said.

She said she also records when and where she has her dates with the sugar daddies and sends the document to her best friend who is also a sugar baby to ensure she is safe.

“If I don’t send her a text saying goodnight or call her by midnight then she knows to call me. And if I don’t pick up the call, then she calls the police and gives them my information.

I never deleted any information of the people I have been with ever,” she said.

She also said she likes to hold a conversation and is knowledgeable about politics, sports and psychology.

“Men like to bitch about their wives. Knowing some psychology stuff is great so you can just fake connect with them and they think they have a connection with you,” she said. “In reality they don’t. At the end of the day when you strip away me as a person [and] who I really am, I do not give a shit about these guys.”

Sugar continued on page 4

average income

31% 26% are entrepreneurs 16% 33% are married

The Babies

26 years old average age

488,050

Fastest growing sugar schools (2014) 1.

2.Arizona State

are single mothers

3.New York

42% are students 488,050

4.Kent State

40,000 are teachers

5.Georgia State

mothers

Sugar on the tongue THE LINGO Arrangement - Not relationships, sugar babies have arrangements with sugar daddies/mommas - Potential sugar daddy or momma - Sugar babies that look for a sugar daddy or mom- Someone that acts like a sugar daddy/momma but doesn’t uphold the arrangement - Sugar daddies/mommas that limit spending on their sugar babies Bae - A cute nickname to refer to your arrangement partner Basic - Used to describe someone that is predictable in their behavior or dress INFORMATION GATHERED FROM SEEKINGARRANGEMENT

4

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Sugar continued from page 3 A sugar baby’s No. 1 rule

The No. 1 rule for sugar babies is to never fall in love with their sugar daddy / momma, according to Stevens.

“This is so finite. It can end at any moment in time. You are the other woman and you will never take the place of a wife, an ex-wife, with children,” she said. “You will never ever, ever, ever be that person and you really have to wrap your head around it and realize that you are so insignificant in their lives.”

However, Stevens said she is currently in love with one of her sugar daddies. Despite this, Stevens said she could see herself marrying her vanilla boyfriend.

A vanilla boyfriend is an average individual in a relationship, according to Stevens. Vanilla friends are those not associated with the sugar lifestyle.

“It’s very hard when you are in a real relationship with somebody — like this vanilla relationship — with somebody who truly loves me for what I am,” she said. “I feel very conflicted and I am to the point where I am not sleeping with any of my sugar daddies right now. I am only sleeping with my boyfriend, but it is very hard to not tell him about my lifestyle. And I know if I told him he would not be OK with it.”

Stevens said she met her vanilla boyfriend through her vanilla friends.

“The guy I am with right now, I know he is my person, like he is the person I am going to marry. I have divulged all my secrets to him except for this one,” she said.

Stevens said none of her vanilla friends or family know she is a sugar baby.

She also said the way she regains her sense of self after being a sugar baby is by remembering that her lifestyle pays for her college tuition and other luxuries.

“You become a different person,” Stevens said. “When I get home and put that money in the bank and put it on my loan or something, like, that grounds me. It makes me realize, ‘OK ,I am doing this as if it’s a job.’ I am separating myself in a way.”

The

SUGAR

MOMMA’S

perspective

Michelle* is a lesbian Atlantabased sugar momma working in the information technology field. She began the sugar lifestyle because she lacked free time three or four years ago.

“Outside of my normal job, I am on the board of directors for a non-profit. So, that takes up even more of my time and at the end of the day, I don’t have a lot of time to go on dates and to have someone in my life,” she said.

“I have always been kind of the person who would buy things for the person I am with in a relationship — that kind of became this natural progression of, ‘Well I am lonely.’ I want to go out on a date, but I don’t have the time unfortunately to develop a traditional relationship.”

She also said she has had a total of six sugar babies, four of which were serious relationships.

There are four types of sugar babies Michelle said she has come across.

“There are the ones that seem very desperate... there are ones that clearly don’t know what they are doing and just heard about this and is giving it a try and that’s fine. I would say generally they don’t stick around. They are short term,” she said. “The type of sugar baby that I see kind of more rarely that I am more interested in are the ones who are

more lifestyle oriented.”

Michelle said she only gives her sugar babies an allowance of $1,000 a month.

“I’ve gone all the way up to $2,500 and that was pretty extreme,” she said.

“That was a longer term relationship, so there was a lot of intimacy that had built there.”

Michelle said her sugar babies ranged from an artist, exotic dancer and students.

“Often times they are students.

Living in the city is expensive. School is expensive. I totally understand that,” she said.

Michelle also said she uses SeekingArrangement, Craigslist and What’s Your Price to find sugar babies.

“SeekingArrangement is probably like the number one. It’s like really hard because I’m this huge outlier. There are no other lesbian benefactors... people in my position,” she said. “I have weird responses on there because like 99 percent of the women I message assume I am someone’s wife, you know, like a guy’s wife or like we are looking for that. Or they think I am a part of a couple and I have to [tell] them ‘No. No. No. I’m single. I’m a lesbian. I’m OK.’ And [the other] 10 percent of the time they are like, ‘No, I’m not into that.’”

The benefits of being a sugar momma is having a shortcut to going on dates with attractive women, according to Michelle. Also, the relationship has less of the give and take than in normal relationships.

“Well, in a normal relationship you have to work together to spend time together, to do things together and you know, stuff like that. But in my situation, if I am like ‘Hey, lets plan to go on a date’. It’s going to be three weeks away and that sucks. I don’t want to have to schedule my relationship,” she said.

The drawbacks are that sugar relationships tend to be short lived and shrouded in secrecy, according to Michelle.

“I was recently seeing someone and I really liked her and she no longer needed financial assistance and I stopped hearing from her,” she said.

“So that was a shame. I also have to hide. I feel like I need to hide facts about it to other people. You know, I am openly lesbian, but it is hilarious that I don’t tell anyone the nature of the relationships I have.”

Michelle also said she thinks no one knows about her sugar relationships, but people might be suspicious of how she only dates extremely attractive women.

“I don’t tell people because I feel like most people would react really negatively [and] very judgmentally and you know, not take a moment to try to understand why I am active in these types of relationships, because people tend to be really negative towards lifestyles they don’t understand,” she said.

Michelle also said has met one or two other sugar daddies/mommas and heard from sugar babies that sugar daddies are more interested in physical relationships.

“Not necessarily exclusively but wanting the physical part to be a much bigger aspect than I personally care about. They are also more interested in keeping things shorter term, you know, seeing someone for two months, three months then moving on to the next best thing,” she said.

In the future Michelle said she would like to have a long term relationship with marriage.

“I would definitely like to have a long term relationship where we are building a life together,” she said. “ I don’t think that’s mutually exclusive to me pampering. I would definitely like to find someone to have that eventually.”

Matthew Wolff also contributed to this report. * Names have been changed to protect the identity of those in this story. Names used are aliases.

Do students like the sugar?

ROGER KRICK

What do you think of sugar baby relationships?

Would you consider being a sugar baby?

I think it’s bound to happen.

The older people, the older guys work non-stop and so they really just kind of want someone to be with them when they go out of town. And you have these younger people that want that lifestyle so they jump on board but it usually doesn’t work. I think it gets all messed up when they try to make it a love relationship because when there’s that big of an age difference it doesn’t really work.

No. I’ve kind of been around it but no. It’s not a fun game. You feel like their property. Cool if you want to treat me to certain things, but it’s a messed up game, a very messed up game. You really just become their property. I’ve been with a guy that was older and he had a lot of money and after a while I decided I’m not about this.

Why do you think Atlanta is seeing an increase in sugar baby relationships?

I think it has a lot to do with the gay community. Do you know Tenth and Piedmont? I swear, nowadays I don’t go there as much but you always see the daddy and the little twink boy next to him.

MYCHELAYNE RATTES What do you think of sugar baby relationships? girls that are in school. I think it money these days and sometimes they do anything that’s possible to get it. I don’t think I disapprove.

I don’t think it’s bad unless you’re doing something illegal.

Would you consider being a sugar baby?

No because I’m too independent but the work I do being in school and being a [Portuguese] teacher I do have a lot of guys proposing that idea. I think it’s a modern nickname for prostitution. I think it’s prettier name for it but I do understand that sometimes when you are in need you will and sometimes you don’t think about the consequences, I would say. When I teach, I teach older -

Why do you think Atlanta is seeing an increase in sugar baby relationships?

I don’t know about Atlanta but I know Georgia State is pretty diverse. You get a huge range of people from different incomes.

It’s an international city and so you see everything.

any money so it’s easy for me to offer and for her to accept,’ but I’ve got offers, yeah.

STEVEN MORGAN What do you think of sugar baby relationships?

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW WOLFF | THE SIGNAL

I think it’s strange. I’ve never had that situation in my life. I’m more on the conservative right so I feel like it’s my job to make money and marry the woman that I love and take care of her. Other than that, I’m not into that other stuff. It’s not my league.

Would you consider being a sugar baby?

No, I don’t think it’s masculine.

Why do you think Atlanta is seeing an increase in sugar baby relationships?

A lot of people make a lot of money in big cities and most big cities are moving toward being socially moderate. Weak people like to have a strong companion.

In the city you’ve got major wageearning gaps. You could make $400,00 and your partner might make $35,000. There’s just wage discrepancies and differences.

Part of it is probably political and sociological.

5

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

City

SEAN KEENAN Staff Reporter

A

tlanta could soon be one of the fastest internet provider cities in the world with the help of Google Fiber’s internet services, according to Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed during a Jan. 27 press conference.

Google Fiber will offer gigabit speeds directly to people’s homes whereas other fiber-optic services only offer comparable speeds commercially, according to Google’s information page.

Reed and a panel of Google executives said during the conference that the fiber optic network will also offer service to areas neighboring Atlanta.

“In addition to coming to Atlanta, Google [Fiber] will be coming to Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, College Park, Decatur, East Point, Hapeville, Sandy Springs and Smyrna,” he said.

GOOGLE FIBER’S IMPACT ON CAMPUS

Georgia State’s Chief Innovation Officer Phil Ventimiglia said Google’s fiber optic network will usher in simpler connectivity for students and professionals in and around Atlanta.

The connectivity would allow for additional innovative delivery of course materials and easier access to academic resources, according to Ventimiglia.

Ventimiglia said Google Fiber’s advertised gigabit speeds will facilitate network interaction for university students and staff.

“Access to faster Internet infrastructure will allow students, faculty and staff to interact and collaborate more easily when they are away from campus,” he said.

However, Georgia State will not yet subscribe to Google Fiber gigabit access because the service currently caters more towards homes and small businesses, according to Ventimiglia.

“We’re talking with Google to stay aware of Google Fiber developments and [we] are very excited about it’s possible effects on home and small business connectivity,” he said. “However, because Google Fiber is a consumer-focused offering that is targeted at residential communities, it won’t directly affect how the network is provided on Georgia State University’s campus.”

COMPARING INTERNET SPEEDS

Georgia State already runs on similar more research-oriented network of similar strength, according

to Ventimiglia.

“We currently provide speeds comparable to those advertised for Google Fiber to computers plugged directly into the campus network via ethernet cable,” he said.

Ventimiglia also said research institutes use certain Internet2 networks for research that surpasses Google Fiber’s data transfer speeds.

“As a research institution and member of Internet2, we Smyrna have the ability to provide speeds of up to 10 times the speeds offered by Google Fiber for specialized research connections between institutions,” he said.

Cassie Wilcox, Georgia State’s assistant director of marketing and communications, said the connection speeds of Internet2 has expanded since Georgia State’s memAvondale East bership with the network.

Estates Point “We’ve been a member of Internet2 for some time, but the connection for research purposes was expanded to 10 Gbps in the last couple years,” she said.

Hapeville Internet2 is a service provider which connects hundreds of universities and research institutes across It’s the the country via fiber optic cable, ac- t w e n t y first centucording to Wilcox. ry version of the thinks Google Fiber may solve THE EVOLVING HUB railroad,” he said. slow internet issues as well as stimTino Mantella, president Google Fiber’s Director of Marulate the city’s economy. keting Scott Levitan said Atlanta and chief executive officer of the “[Google Fiber] will make the was chosen because of the strong Technology Association of Geor- welcome a new wave of attention Atlanta area more of a central hub community foundation supporting gia (TAG) said Google Fiber will from technology students in the Atthan it already is. We could see an change the city greatly and ulti- lanta area. its cities. exponential growth in a number of “I have made a commitment “Atlanta has always been a mately benefit its inhabitants. businesses in and around Atlanta,” “[Google Fiber] will have a pro- to work with leaders from the prihub. What started with trains and he said. evolved to planes will now become found impact on how we live, play vate and educational sectors to keep Mendicino said she does not a hub for the 21st century economy,” and work. Internet speed is a game- more of our technology graduates anticipate any drawbacks to come Levitan said in a statement sent to changer. It blows open doors that in the city of Atlanta after they earn from Fiber’s development.

The Signal. “This diverse, entrepre- have remained shut,” he said during their degrees,” he said.

“Google Fiber could bring afneurial and tech-friendly region is the conference. internet to thousands of THE FASTEST IN THE fordable the ideal place to show what’s pospeople who would have never been sible with gigabit speeds. We’re exWORLD THE HUB AND able to afford home internet access cited to see what Metro Atlanta does HIGHER EDUCATION Reed said Google Fiber will yield before and I do not see how anyone with Google Fiber.”

Mantella said high speed in- Atlanta residents internet speeds could be against that,” she said.

Tom Lowry, director of technol- ternet is a commodity and Google comparable to those of Seoul, Tokyo Psychology student Claire Mcogy at Google Atlanta, said at the Fiber will be a useful resource for or Zurich during the conference.

Grath said she hears that the conconference that he is glad Mayor higher education.

“Google Fiber will help put Atstruction of the network may be inReed is enthusiastic in the pursuit lanta on par with the fastest cities in “In order to keep the pace vasive to Atlanta commuters but she of making Atlanta a more digital with future demand, we must have the world,” he said. thinks the impact will be insignificity.

Law and Society student Mienough bandwidth necessary to cant.

“He shares our deep commit- support our increasingly hi-tech randa Mendicino said she believes “Construction is constantment to strengthen Atlanta as a lives,” he said.

Google Fiber is a “win-win” for the ly ongoing in Atlanta,” she said. technology hub,” he said.

Reed said during the confer- people of Atlanta. “[Though] I’m sure it’ll increase This development will invite en- ence that Google’s neighborhood “[Google Fiber] would bring traffic some, I’m confident that it trepreneurs and innovators to in- networks will accommodate those some of the world’s fastest internet won’t affect an Atlantan’s commute troduce and develop their ideas in needs. speeds to our busy city. This would as much as people believe.”

Atlanta, according to Reed during “We need to set up everyone be monumental because the UnitChattanooga, Tennessee witthe conference. of our residents for success in this ed States is really lagging behind in nessed overwhelming support for “We want the metropolitan At- connected world. We’re going to call Internet speed compared to other lanta region to be a place where peo- it a Fiberhood,” he said countries,” she said. ple bring and build their dreams.

Noah Lee, a respiratory therapy ‘Google Fiber’ Reed also said he hopes these Google Fiber is the infrastructure technological advancements will student, said he frequently hears for the next generation of dreams. complaints about other ISPs and he Continued on page 6

Sandy Springs

Brookhaven

Atlanta

College Park

Decatur

6

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

University

Staff Reporter

G

eorgia State may be at risk of losing journalism major students concentrating in public relations after Kennesaw State announced its own plans to implement a new degree focusing on the program for fall 2015.

Georgia State professor Dr. Richard Welch said high school students wanting to pursue a public relations degree are more likely to choose Kennesaw State over Georgia State because of the new major.

“I think what is going to happen is they will begin to siphon off those kids who have a real desire to go into public relations and we will get kids who are not quite sure what they want,” he said. “Kennesaw is going to be a lot more flexible to develop more courses and I think they are going to be better able to recruit high school students who want to be in public relations.”

Before teaching public relations and other communication classes at Georgia State, Welch taught at Kennesaw State for 12 years. He said Kennesaw State has always been a university focused on improvements.

“Kennesaw State has been very good at identifying needs and jumping on them very quickly. It is very traditional that young colleges can move more deftly than old colleges and we happen to be an old college,” Welch said.

Kennesaw is now the fourth Georgia university to have an undergraduate public relations major.

Universities with an undergraduate public relations program include the University of Georgia, Georgia Southern and Reinhardt University, according to Education-Portal.

However, this is not the first time Kennesaw State has implemented new programs that would also fit Georgia State’s programs and faculty, according to Welch.

“About three or four years ago, Kennesaw started a master’s in international communication, which is fascinating because we have a very strong program in faculty who work in international communication,” he said. “We weren’t quick enough to get in there and get this international communication master’s degree.”

Barbara Gainey, a chair member of Kennesaw State’s department of communication, said this change has been a work in progress since 2012 with the support of surveyors.

“We did a survey of our public relation students, we talked to faculty, we talked with public relation professionals and got a lot of support for moving in the direction

of a separate major for public relations,” she said.

Gainey also said this change was motivated to better prepare students for when they graduate.

“It is often hard for employers and universities to identify how students essentially focused their studies. Separate majors will provide that area of focus that should be clear to employers in how these students have specialized and what their level of preparation will be because of the program,” she said.

Welch said implementing new majors would be difficult for Georgia State to compete with Kennesaw due to lack of full time faculty.

“The reality is in many other schools, our department would be its own school and we would have five different departments including public relations,” he said. “If you look at the number of majors in the arts and sciences degree programs and you look at them and order them by number of students, public relations as a degree program would take sixth or seventh out of 23.”

This implementation of a separate major is hoped to be followed by the other areas of focus under the Communication department at Kennesaw State, according to Gainey.

“We hope to gradually be moving to four separate undergraduate majors in our program instead of one massive Communications umbrella,” she said.

Gainey also said she is unsure there will be an increase in student numbers brought by the new program.

“We have what is called a gated program in our department. It means that students have to have a specified and adjusted GPA and have to pass a writing test,” she said.

Georgia State associate professor Dr. Natalie Tindall said she expects the undergraduate program at Kennesaw State to be a great opportunity based off of the current public relations program.

“As Georgia State asks more departments to offer workforce-readiness programs, I hope that this degree program at KSU will prompt the leadership to put additional resources in the current PR curriculum,” she said.

Tindall also said she hopes news of Kennesaw State’s major will spark Georgia State public relations students to advocate for change.

“This degree program may not be an immediate threat to our program, but with time, it will be if our program does not adapt to meet the needs of students and practitioners,” she said.

the installation of their fiber optic network, according to Public Relations Coordinator of EPB (formerly Electric Power Board of Chattanooga) John Pless.

Pless said EPB delivers fiber optic internet service to over 70,000 customers in Chattanooga and the U.S. Department of Energy found an interest in the company’s plans to construct a city-wide fiber network.

“They caught wind of our project through some of the vendors that supply our equipment because it was a pretty extensive build,” he said.

The attention combined with the economic climate set the stage for the fiber network’s success, according to Pless.

“At the time this [planning] was going on, the great recession of 2008 hit and the [Dept. of Energy] administration had announced stimulus grants for public infrastructure projects throughout the country,” he said. “The country was bleeding about 700,000 jobs a month for a while so it was an effort to create programs that would create jobs.”

The Department of Energy granted the EPB $111 million to expedite the construction and installation, according to Pless.

“The plan was to build up a system over a number of years, but with that grant, it accelerated our plans and we were able to complete

the project within three years where we were previously looking at five to 10 years,” he said.

However, he also said he experienced resistance during the production of Chattanooga’s network from the competing service providers.

“Some of the cable and telecom providers who were pretty much the only providers in the market had filed several lawsuits attempting to block the project,” Pless said.

“The idea was that there would be another player in the market providing communication and at that point the lawsuits followed.”

Comcast tried to balk the project but had no viable case for a lawsuit, according to Pless.

“They made arguments that just couldn’t hold up in court,” he said.

Pless also said the competitors would manipulate statistics in order to claim superiority over the competition.

“There are a few other providers who are making claims that they have the fastest internet. The only thing that we ask is that you compare the actual speeds. We offer 100 Mbps up to one Gbps.”

BIG INTERNET PROVIDERS

Alex Horwitz, vice president of public relations for Comcast’s big south region, said the company

serves the fastest internet to the most homes in the country.

“Today in Atlanta, we already offer residential speeds of up to 505 Mbps and we offer Comcast Business customers 10 Gbps,” he said.

Although the residential speeds offered by Comcast now are roughly half those of Google Fiber or EPB, Horwitz said he was confident in Comcast’s plans to stay competitive in the internet service market.

“We are excited about the prospect of delivering gig speeds to residential customers using a technology known as DOCSIS 3.1,” he said. “We plan to test it as soon as later this year. With it, we will be able to deliver 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) speeds to more homes than any other ISP in America.”

Horwitz also said Comcast is not unfamiliar with fiber-optic technology.

“Our network is highly scalable and flexible and uses both fiber and coax to deliver Internet services to consumers,” he said. “We were actually one of the first ISPs to demonstrate a 1 Gbps connection.”

The leader of the technology race in Atlanta remains to be seen as the installation of Google Fiber will take a few years of neighborhoodby-neighborhood implementation, according to a statement sent by the mayor’s office to The Signal.

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‘Google Fiber’ continued from page 5

7

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

University

LAUREN BOOKER Associate News Editor

H

ighlights of the Student Center Advisory Council’s first spring semester meeting on Feb. 5 include food policy expansions and unaffiliated client policies.

Currently, the food and beverages policy says food served in the Student*University must come from Flavours by Sodexo. Under special circumstance, an approved caterer can be used, according to the Student Center’s website.

Sodexo is an outsourced catering company that can provide coffee service, outdoor picnic or full-service waited staff, according to the PantherDining website.

The International Student Associations Council (ISAC) requested for multicultural food options to be allowed in their events during the Student Government Association’s last meeting; the Student*University Center reviewed and approved the new Veterans Memorial Hall policy.

The approved food policy will give organizations new guidelines for bringing commercial and non-commercial foods into Veterans Memorial Hall and West Exhibit Hall.

The new food policy states any outside commercial food provider can be brought if the group consults with a Sodexo representative, have the outside caterer request form in 15 business days prior and obtain the caterer’s business license.

The group would also need to take full responsibility for the outside caterer

used, according to the policy.

To bring non-commercially prepared food, the organization must also talk to a Sodexo representative and submit a non-commercially prepared food request form.

If an organization chooses to bring non-commercially prepared food, they would also need to have members attend food safety training lasting an hour and thirty minutes. During the training they would have a 15 question assessment and would have to answer 12 out of 15 correctly to pass, according to the policy.

Organizations could also choose a self-study option where they would read a booklet and then take the food safety assessment, according to the policy.

Marlena Collins, Georgia State senior and former president of national honor society Alpha Lamba Delta, said the new food policy is a good idea.

“It’s also not fair to just a general business model that you are required to use one supplier like Panther Dining,” she said.

Georgia State senior accounting major Autiena Johnson said the policy is great for students because it allows groups to have more selections than just PantherDining.

“Most [of] the clients here are not from outside vendors. It’s from the students that’s using their facilities,” Johnson said. “Panther Dining is not going to offer things for an Asian culture or a Jamaican culture. People prepare things different.”

The proposed snack food policy

The policy requests for the expansion of the snack food list to include

Local

Five dead in Douglasville shooting

PHOTO BY JADE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL Jeannie Cho, the new event planning manager, speaks on the new food policy for Veterans Memorial Hall and West Exhibit Hall. foods like chicken wings or a veggie tray. A snack food waiver would still need to be filled out.

Under the proposed policy pizza and sandwich snack foods would not be allowed in the ballroom and auditorium. Additionally, food must be disposed after three hours and cold food would be kept on ice.

Organizations would also need to attend food safety training, according to the snack food waiver policy proposal.

Collins said the policy would beneficial because organizations face limitations within the current food policy making them not want to book rooms on campus.

“It can make things frustrating at times when you are the person in charge of booking all those things,” she said.

Johnson said the snack food policy should allow organizations to submit a list of the foods they plan to bring to then have it get accepted. She also said its not fair to control the types foods organizations can bring.

“I really don’t think there should be a control on what people can bring. You are telling people basically what they can eat,” Johnson said.

This policy will be voted on during the next meeting, according to Director of the Student*University Center Boyd Beckwith.

client policy

Beckwith said very few non-Georgia State groups use the university’s facilities because the groups can only the request three months before the event day.

The policy proposes an expansion of the amount of time an outside group has to reserve a space in the Student*University Center, according Beckwith.

“We can increase our revenue significantly in the summer because, except for Incept, this building is dead in the summer,” he said.

SGA roundup

housing and the consolidation CIARA FRISBIE & SEAN KEENAN News Editor & Staff Reporter

G

eorgia State’s Student Government Association (SGA) hosted a Q&A-style town hall to address the concerns about gender inclusive housing and the consolidation between the university and Georgia Perimeter College (GPC).

Gender inclusive housing

Director of University Housing Dr. Marilyn A. De LaRoche and Associate Director of Residence Life Dr. Mylon Kirksy spoke and answered students’ questions regarding the implementation of next year’s gender inclusive housing option.

De LaRoche said although the new living option may appeal more to non-binary or transgender students, those students will not take

priority over any others.

“The application is open to anybody... so you need to apply timely to request the option,” she said.

Kirksy said University Housing will not inquire about the sexual or gender orientations of applicants.

“Some people are not ready for you to know their business,” he said.

“We are not going to preference [anyone] in a way that could discriminate [some] for the sake of protecting others.”

SGA President Lanier Henson said gender inclusive housing will cater towards many different living arrangements.

“It’s not necessarily just for nonbinary and transgender students but also for siblings and cousins or other relatives,” he said.

However, SGA’s Elections Commission’s Chairperson Nyomi Haynes said she believes first-semester students shouldn’t have the option to live with the opposite sex.

“I think for freshman first semes-

ter students it may be in their best interests to not allow them the option until they got past their first semester because there are a lot of things they have to overcome and get used to,” she said. “...Living with the member of the opposite sex could be distracting or may be something to get used to that they may not be ready for yet.”

The consolidation

Georgia State’s Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Douglass Covey said the GSU-GPC consolidation will be beneficial to the students and staff.

“The people who consider that this in any way will reduce the quality of Georgia State really don’t understand what this represents…,” he said.

Covey also said Georgia State used to be called the state’s ‘best kept secret’ but the university’s reputation has grown in the past few years.

“Georgia State is becoming one of the largest institutions in the nation,” he said. “The sheer weight of one of

America’s largest universities is going to reap lots of benefits for us. This in many ways will increase the value of your degrees exponentially.”

Dr. Peter Lyons, Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness, said he is working on 81 different committees looking for student representatives to talk about how to consolidate the universities.

“Georgia Perimeter will be a college within Georgia State University,” he said. “The board of regents approved a plan on Jan. 6 that the new institution will be called GSU and the president of that institution will be Mark Becker.”

Lyons also said he does not anticipate additional student fees to come with the consolidation.

“We don’t believe there will be an increase in tuition. Becker doesn’t want this to be a financial strain,” Lyons said. “We’re conscious this is an issue [and] our primary thought is what’s in the best interest of students and parents.”

Five people were killed and two more injured in a domestic shooting on Saturday, Feb. 7 in Douglasville, Georgia, according to WXIA. Among the victims were multiple children. Some victims were found dead at the scene while other individuals died en route to the hospital. The assailant died at the hospital from self-inflicted wounds. The relationship between the attacker and the victims has not yet been released by authorities, but neighbors said the gunman was the ex-husband of the woman living in the home. Police said the man parked his car up the street from the residence before walking to it and opening fire. The victims’ names have yet to be released as of Feb. 8.

National

Family stages kidnap to scare boy

A Missouri family staged the kidnapping of a six-year old boy because they said he is too friendly with strangers, according to BBC. Denise Kroutil, the boy’s aunt, allegedly enlisted the help of her coworker Nathan Firoved to help scare her nephew. Firoved lured the boy into a car, showed him a handgun and bound his hands and feet. The boy was then taken to Firoved’s basement. Kroutil and Firoved took off the boy’s pants, told him he would never see his family again and that he was to be sold into sex slavery. The boy’s mother and grandmother also took part. The boy was eventually released and given a lesson about talking to strangers. He then told his school what happened and child protective services were called. The four adults involved are being charged with kidnapping, restraint, abuse and neglect of a child.

Global

Bank robbery shootout in Brazil

Thirteen men in the process of robbing a bank were shot dead by police in Salvador, Brazil on Feb. 6, according to Sky News. Three additional suspects and one police officer were also injured during the incident. The alleged criminals were attempting to use explosives to blow open a cash machine when police arrived. Bahian military police said up to 30 men were involved in planning the robbery.

The Public Security Secretary Mauricio Barbosa supported police actions and said they must be tough, firm and act with severity.

www.georgiastatesignal.com/opinions

Best hookup spots around campus WHY: Heck, it’s cheaper than a hotel room. As long as you’re not alone and if you grab one on the upper floors in the evening, the library is practically deserted. Bring some sheets for the windows and well … fire the photon torpedoes into the exhaust port, so to speak.

NICOLE MOTAHARI Opinions Editor Nicole is a double major in biology and English. When she’s not writing, she enjoys listening to musical theater and watching British TV with her family.

WHERE:

Tweet her @SignalOpinions

Court

The Johnny Mercer Exhibit by Saxby’s

WHY:

yard

Library North

Open from 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., it’s a quiet little niche in the corner. Not many people even know it exists and the lighting is dim enough to set the mood. With an antique jukebox in the corner, sheet music surrounding you on the walls and a theater kiosk with two cinema-style seats, you can turn this cinema show into a love nook.

However, remember that it is on one of the busiest floors of the library, so a bit of cuddling and kissing is the only appropriate form of affection in here. Please, no one wants to walk in on you Slytherin her Hufflepuff. Seriously, folks.

WHY:

The B r o a d S t R E E T

WHERE: balcony in the Aderhold Learning Center

Courtland St.

With not many classes up there after 4:30ish or so, it’s a cute and romantic date spot with a rather nice view of the sunset. Grab a picnic blanket and a hamper, then brush off the cigarette ash before spreading out and enjoying the fresh air. Whether you can get your bow-chicka-wow-wow on here is a matter of preference. If you have an exhibitionistic streak in you, by all means, give it a try, but be aware of security and other students.

WHERE: Library study rooms

WHY:

WHERE:

It’s dark and there are seats.

I don’t even want to think about what I’d see if I used a black light. Blech. But hey, whatever floats your boat.

WHERE: Piedmont Ave.

The Signal

WHY: One, writers are smart, so if you’re in the office, it most likely means you’re *ehem* printing the paper so to speak with a journalist.

Also, we’re notoriously persistent when we want something, which is good for you if you’re the object of our desire. We have coffee, which makes for better stamina, and the door to the web editing room locks and has no windows.

So if you want to stop mooning around and padfoot your prongs, join The Signal and become a staff writer!

WHERE: The hot tub at the Rec Center

WHY:

JUST A WARNING! Our editor-in-chief does not endorse this in any way. If y’all are caught, y’all’s names might just be put on blast.

Y’all are already in your swimsuits and even though there are no drinks, bubbly streams of water are fun. Just keep in mind what they taught you in high school: Despite myths, you can get someone pregnant through water. It’s not as likely as the sperm will only survive a few minutes, but it can still happen. Dipping your wick is technically prohibited and yes, there are lifeguards.

9

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Letter from the Editor Dear readers, This is our special Valentine’s Day/Sex (slash relationships, slash stay informed, slash boom! for the sake of our economy) issue.

I won’t lie. This was probably the most exciting issue of the year for our staff. And it’s no wonder why.

Growing up, sex was such a hushhush topic; it seemed dangerous and promiscuous. But now that we’re in college, it’s time to do what we’re good at and learn about it.

If you went to public school, you were probably taught all the protocols for having safe sex. Use contraceptives, don’t give into peer pressure and be aware of sexually transmitted diseases. If you didn’t go to public school, all the implicit messages were probably still there: Sex is bad.

It all seemed so scary at first, right?

And it can be, but now you should be able to make your choices without having to feel guilty. Now that we’re all adults (woohoo college!), we can finally practice those decision-making skills all the old people were telling us about when we were young.

Some of us will choose to stay virgins and others of us will choose to have sex.

Which ever path you choose, there is no judgement here.

If you plan on getting intimate with a special someone — and even if you don’t quite know if you’ll even have sex yet — we strongly encourage you to use your resources and learn about your bodies.

Pay a visit to our Student Health Services Center at 141 Piedmont Ave., Suite D (right next to the University Commons). Ask them for information on the women’s or men’s health care they offer, whichever most pertains to you.

Planned Parenthood is also right on our campus (at 75 Piedmont Avenue Northeast #800) and they give out condoms for free.

With this special issue, we hope to inform everyone on the issues you can’t really have a casual conversation about in public. What’s popular in the sex shops around Atlanta? What’s in those things anyway? What’s with this “Georgia State being a growing university for sugar babies”? What does “sugar baby” even really mean?

We even cover bases on dating etiquette, interracial relationships and the ways some women empower themselves.

Let us know how we did on our coverage this week — the good, the bad and the ugly — by emailing signaleditor@gmail. com. We’ll consider your thoughts and ideas for the next year.

And while you’re out there, remember to wrap it up.

Yours truly,

Anna Yang Editor-in-Chief

Dollars and sense with Mitch

Let’s take a look at the untapped market of singles MITCHELL OLIVER Columnist

V

alentines Day is fast approaching as we all scramble to make plans.

What’s worse is having to make the tough call between taking your girl out to Olive Garden or cooking at home.

Of course you choose the lazy option, just as any man who can’t resist the electric atmosphere of middle class romance melded into the aroma of endless breadsticks. While there, in between short bursts of underwhelming chit-chat and overcooked shrimp scampi, the haunting realization dawns on you that you’re sinking ever deeper into a mediocre relationship.

But you think to yourself “At least I’m not single … right?”

It doesn’t have to be like this!

Valentines Day, as we all know, was invented to sell cards, roses and Olive Garden meals. The fervent marketing to couples this time of year pays off to the tune of $13.2 billion in related merchandise sold. The companies behind the holiday might want to start thinking of an exit strategy, as the singles revolution is fast approaching. There’s a huge untapped market for the rest of us on Valentines Day and it must be taken seriously!

The times are changing and cultural shifts are making being single the new hot trend. For the first time in America, single people now outnumber married individuals (50.2 percent vs. 49.8

ZACH ITZKOBITZ Columnist

H

ere’s a scenario: you’re a woman dating a man, and your relationship happens to coincide with Valentine’s Day. What is expected of you? I can’t speak as a woman because I’m not one, but there is the cheesy seasonal quip — something about men expecting sex on Valentine’s Day and women feeling pressured to oblige.

Conversely, you’re a man dating a woman. What is expected of you? Our traditional culture tells you to take your significant other out on a date and that you should pay for it. For Valentine’s Day, our culture also tells you to be a gentleman and to hide any libido you may have by giving prominence to the romantic love that you and your special someone supposedly share.

percent). More and more people are single and they are increasingly OK with it.

To me, being single used to be a sign of being a loner or even borderline narcissistic, not wanting to share emotions with anyone but oneself. Now I see a single person and assume they are focused on their career, school or other life goals before settling down with anyone. Even the ‘independant woman’ being a positive role model for girls has been ingrained into our zeitgeist in recent years and will continue to be influential for years to come.

For the first time, society is telling us “It’s OK! You don’t have to be with somebody right now and you don’t have to get married before you’re 25 if you don’t want to.”

Eric Klinenberg, a sociology professor at NYU who has authored a book on this subject, says it is now easier than ever to be pickier than ever with whom we date. This, coupled with changing the negative perception of being single, is a reason for the growing number of those disassociating with relationships. “It’s become legitimate and viable to be single for a long period of time,” he said in a recent interview with Public Radio International.

Sociologists refer to this as the ‘paradox of choice,’ a recent phenomenon in the world of dating and relationships. With so many options and ways to meet new people, we see the flaws and imperfections in everyone we come across, making us more inclined

to wait for Mr. or Mrs. right who could be one click, swipe or breakup away.

Along with this paradox of choice comes a cultural shift that is appearing in Japan. What many in the country are calling “celibacy syndrome” is sweeping the nation.

Japanese men are more interested in advancing their careers than going on dates and having children.

Even a survey in 2014 by the Japan Family Planning Association revealed that 45 percent of women aged 16-24 “were not interested in or despised sexual contact.”

This could be an issue for not only hopeless romantics in “The Land of the Rising Sun” but also for the Japanese government.

From an economic development standpoint, Japan is facing a shrinking birth rate. As the population ages, there isn’t a young labor force to replace it. While here in the US this isn’t likely to happen, it is important to realize that trends are shifting away from the typical courtship of centuries past.

So, Valentines Day is coming up and all I’m talking about is being single. Don’t worry — I’m not doing this because I feel that life is unfair or that seeing couples secretly makes me jealous. I simply see that trends are slowly moving towards the singles culture having a larger market share and I am surprised companies haven’t caught on yet. Sure, there’s things like National Singles Day to allow singles to meet up and celebrate their singleness, but why haven’t marketers latched on to this growing market and taken advantage of

this audience?

Single people are out there and they are out there in droves. The problem is marketers think they might offend people by directly targeting the singles, but this isn’t the case anymore! As I mentioned earlier, it’s no longer some taboo subject that we don’t talk about -— people are single and proud now. I’m sure they would love products and services directed at them — other than eHarmony ads for once.

The possibilities are endless.

You could do discounts at sporting events for single people, solo night at a local bowling alley or even 25 percent off at buffets and restaurants (like Olive Garden!).

While this won’t be the most lucrative thing right now, it’s a neat idea to think about. Besides, I as a millennial would appreciate a company who cares about my relationship status!

Not only might fresh ideas like these get singles to spend more, but as a side effect it will get them out in social settings where, who knows, they might meet their future soul mate. Call me Cupid.

So maybe this whole being single thing is a real cultural trend.

Or maybe it’s just a way for me to justify my own being single instead of accepting my spiral into this inescapable loneliness. I’m going to go with the less Edgar Allen Poe-y possibility. So happy Valentines Day to all the singles out there — keep the spirit alive. And for all of you with a hot date lined up, take my sage advice: Don’t take them to Olive Garden.

In addition to reinforcing gender stereotypes, the social expectations of each gender make Valentine’s Day a chore. The problem is that romantic love is intensely personal between two people. How could such an intimate feeling emerge naturally when every media outlet spews expectations? You won’t here explicit commands to take your girlfriend out or to have sex with your boyfriend, but that doesn’t diminish the message. Its subtlety makes it pernicious.

Like any culture, messages are engineered for a variety of reasons. Curiously, most widely observed holidays in the United States are great for the economy.

Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Independence Day — each of these has an associated commodity that you just have to buy to celebrate it right. Food (along with contraception) for Valentine’s Day, gifts for Christmas, and fireworks for Independence Day.

Thanksgiving would seem to be the quintessential gratefulness and humility holiday. Too bad turkey isn’t free, and Black Friday isn’t so humble.

You might say, “Slow down there, Zach! If these holidays benefit our economy, why are their cultural messages so pernicious? Isn’t a flourishing economy good for everybody?”

Good catch. But consider what these cultural expectations rob us of besides our money.

If Valentine’s Day had nothing about dates and restaurants and sex and gender roles, would romantic love be easier to experience? Would it isolate the single folks out there quite as much?

“Hey Zach, nobody’s forcing you to adhere to these guidelines.

You aren’t robbed of anything that you give up voluntarily.”

Well, I could disobey my culture and treat Valentine’s Day like any other day. Anybody could.

But if you’re a man who decides

-- with his special someone -- to treat Valentine’s Day like any other day, how does your girlfriend feel when all of her friends are at a fancy restaurant, gobbling $25 entrees and slurping down the finest bottle of Merlot in the house? If you’re a woman, how does your boyfriend feel when his friends are spending +$100 on their girlfriends?

Sure, you don’t have to feel boring or guilty. You may be the most confident and secure couple on the block. But tell me that the media, Valentine’s Day sales and your social circle have no effect on your Valentine’s Day experience.

Valentine’s Day should be a time to address something.

What is the difference between romance and love? Good luck trying to answer that one in the dull roar of whatever restaurant you find yourself at. Thanks for my great economy, and don’t forget to tip.

10

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

time you meet someone and start dating, try these tips.

ZOYA HASNAIN Copy Editor

U

h oh! Valentine’s Day is approaching. This could be a very happy time in your life where you celebrate your relationship with your significant other. However, it could also be a time for reflection on your dating life and why you’re single yet another year in a row.

If you fall in the latter category, I completely understand how you’re feeling. Dating isn’t simple anymore. With new technology and a faster paced lifestyle, especially in college, the same dating rules that applied in the ‘50s or even the ‘90s don’t apply anymore.

However, I do believe there are some principles from those decades we should bring with us into college no matter how oldfashioned they may seem. If they worked for our parents and grandparents, they are sure to work for us. So next

JOHN MILLER Guest Columnist

W

hat makes a healthy, longlasting relationship? Let me begin by saying that everything expressed in this column beyond this point should be read purely as being how it seems to me. I’ve been in a few relationships myself -some good, some bad -- and I am in no way an expert.

It seems to me that the first condition is that both people want to be in a longterm relationship with each other. In order for that to work, each person has to have a pretty accurate idea of who the other person is

1. dates

Go on

I know this seems really obvious. You’re “dating.” That means you’re going on dates. However, it does seem to slip the mind of many college students to make the time for actual dates. Many students seem to think watching Netflix, having sex and falling asleep with someone is the equivalent of dating that person. However, those are things you should do after you are already together.

Dates are important because they build the foundation for a relationship. They force you to have a conversation and determine if you can truly connect with that person. They also allow you to demonstrate commitment. By planning and going on a date, you show

and what their actual personality is like. If a longterm commitment is made without a fairly comprehensive knowledge of the person to whom it is being made, then the commitment is open to deception.

A good way to do this is to date for a period of time before committing in the first place. Also, each person should give thought to the future of their relationship. How long-term does each person want it to be?

What is the likelihood of a change of heart? Will the relationship get in the way of some other goal?

Once the commitment is made, it has to be continually reinforced. Often, problems in a relationship can be

that you can make time for each other in the future.

This way when you’re in a relationship, you will still be accustomed to taking a certain amount of time out of your schedule every week to spend with your partner.

After all, love is an obligation. Relationships require making time for one another.

Call 2.

don’t text

This one always gets on my nerves! Yes, texting is quick and efficient. It allows you to communicate with others while completing other tasks and partaking in other activities. However, it doesn’t allow for the same level of communication.

According to an article

by Huffington Post, “Text Messaging: Is Texting Ruining the Art of Conversation?” experts are saying that while there is no prob-

solved by simply extending an expression of concern.

For example, if a couple has been fighting and are not speaking, it’s very important for one to set aside their anger and make sure that the other knows they still care for them, no matter what caused the anger.

That is not to say that a relationship is always more important than the cause of the anger, but it is important to recognize when it is not and immediately try to make amends.

Another thing that seems to be important is for each person to make up for some of the other’s faults.

In order to grow together, each person needs to be able to identify unhealthy

lem with texting to keep in touch, conversations are not particularly deep. Moreover, texting has become the perfect way to avoid crucial conversations, according to Joseph Grenny, author of the book “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High.” In these first few weeks of dating, you want to get a feel for this person’s personality.

When you’re not physically together, this will be better done voice-to-voice where there is no backspace button!

Additionally, texting is dry and leaves your words up for interpretation. You just met this person! You don’t know each other that well yet. In order to truly get your message across, you should actually speak to them. When you first meet someone, the more direct the communication the better. So, call the person you are dating to ask them about their day and plan the next date!

“

3.things

Remember

the little

This is the most important part of dating! You have to show the person you care.

They can’t read your mind and they haven’t known you for very long. I know crazy college schedules can get in the way, but it’s not difficult to bring a lady flowers when she’s had a rough day or surprise a man with cookies when he’s done well on a test.

I remember when I first started dating my second boyfriend — who was an amazing artist — he made me a dreamcatcher because he knew how much I loved dreamcatchers. He added his own spin to it by using copper wire. It made me feel special; it showed me he cared about me and listened to me.

Now, you don’t have to shower your significant other with gifts, but do show him or her that you appreciate them. Show them you are truly committed to building a relationship with them.

While these tips may seem simple and obvious, they often slip the mind of busy college students. Don’t get pessimistic if you’re single again this Valentine’s Day. If you remember these tips, I’m sure you will have a more successful year of dating. Good luck!

If a long-term commitment is made without a fairly comprehensive knowledge of the person to whom it is being made, then the commitment is open to deception.

habits in the other as well as other things that might put the relationship in jeopardy.

This is a delicate aspect of a long-term relationship because more often than not, people are resistant to change. It’s up to each person to remind the other that they’re encouraging him or

her to change for the better — to say that they’re not trying to make them someone different from who they are, just a better version.

People get into relationships for all sorts of apparent reasons, but the underlying reason is that every person on this planet is

born with the need to love and be loved. Relationships are just a way for people to express that need to one another. Because it is such a heartfelt and personal need, it is essential for people to respect the vulnerability that comes with its expression.

You’ve got the opinion.

We’ve got the soapbox.

To be a guest columnist, send in your thoughts to signalopinions@gmail.com. To

nists

employment and turn it in to Dr. Bryce McNeil at 405 University Center.

www.georgiastatesignal.com/artsandliving

‘Liberate’ yourself: Take a walk through a sex shop

Start Small:

Liberator’s Bestsellers If a sex shop has been off the table before and you’re looking to begin exploring, make a safe bet with products done, tested and raved.

These items have been positively reviewed and tame enough to be of interest to the least bold.

Wedge Ramp Combo The top purchases are different pieces of sex furniture. The top product is the combination of the popular “wedge” and the favored “ramp.”

“We are known for the Liberator Wedge/Ramp combo,” Lieber said. “The Ramp was featured in the Cohen Brother’s movie, ‘Burn After Reading’ and the Combo was featured on ‘Meet the Fockers.’”

The Wedge/Ramp are used for added support and height lift for any and all positions.

The LELO

Among the many brands of vibrators offered, the LELO is the most sleek and popular option.

Fascinator Throe

These supremely plush throws have an inner moisture barrier and are specially designed to keep any sex from ruining your bedding. One side is silky satin, making it reversible.

PHOTO BY NADIA DELJOU | THE SIGNAL Liberator, Atlanta’s adult luxury store, has a variety of objects in the erotic arts including furniture, toys and more in their very own production factory.

SYDNEY CUNNINGHAM Staff Reporter

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hen discussing Valentine’s Day, romance and sex are the main themes marketed and celebrated. Sex is popular all year, but the truth behind it is often tucked away from the public eye. Sex shops are one of the very places where one might feel condemned to avoid eye contact.

Sex shops may go by numerous aliases including “erotic shop” or “adult boutique.” Nevertheless, they house sexual entertainment that is implemented all over the world.

These outlets are comprised of vibrators, pornography, lingerie and other products related to sprucing up one’s sex life.

Sexual stigmas

For the average sexually active person, sex shops might still seem like a place for the depraved. For Angela Lieben, the Content Manager at Atlanta’s sex shop Liberator, that is far from the truth.

“The misconception is that sex shops are tawdry spaces to rendezvous when actually it’s regular, everyday individuals that are looking for something to enhance their pleasure,” Lieven said. “The ideal way to view sex shops is to look at their website and the materials that they offer. My personal opinion is that the sex shop needs a huge overall in the aesthetics department and the way customer service is handled. Mixing drug paraphernalia such as bongs and smoking materi-

als causes an intermingling of different clientele.”

The Liberator Flagship Store is located off Bankers Industrial and is an extension of their 140,000-sq. foot factory. However, their primary business comes from online sales. Within Liberator, the unique environment is set up with products divided by category in an open floor plan. This allows potential customers to see and touch what they could possibly bring home with them.

To differentiate themselves from the “novelty shop,” Liberator provides a wide variety of high-quality brands and specialized products like LELO, Tenga, Jimmy Jane and Aneros.

Along with the mill of various toys, Liberator houses a selection of BDSM gear such as restraints and blindfolds. They feature bedding, oils, lubes and hand created glass toys.

Lovely toys

Valentine’s Day may spark an interest in getting yourself comfortable with sex shops and inevitably yourself. Whether the day is about romance or sex to you, both themes encourage the average person to look into sex shops.

“What better way to express your love and passion for someone than with an item like this? Our products can be whatever the customers want,” Lieber said. “If it’s lusty they want, then we will cater to that. If it’s romantic love, we have that as well.”

Despite living in a society doused in sexual images, many are still skit-

tish about being open and embracing products such as these. Tawdry images come to mind and the level of easiness is at a minimum while perusing the shop. Sex is arguably celebratory for men and shameful for women, so the environment expected in a sex shop might not be the most women friendly.

“I can personally say that in the past, when going into a sex shop, it felt uncomfortable, like I was being judged and watched, especially being a woman. The stigma associated with sex shops is all in perception and what we’ve been shown through movies and television,” Lieben said.

“The seedy neon riddled shop full of novelty items and back room booths and sweaty palmed men groping at a selection of X-Rated films. All I ask [of other shops] is to get rid of the blaring neon signs and make sex more approachable.”

The stigma does not stand alone with just the subject of sex shops but of sex itself. Sex can be often seen as a shameful, delicate and guarded thing that we keep to ourselves and need not to embrace in open spaces.

“The stigma about sex is resounding and never goes away.

Exploration of sex has to be comfortable for you and if going out in public to purchase pleasure enhancing items makes you feels anxious, we always have a very informative website. There’s no judgement,” Lieber said. “But for someone that wants to explore, there are so many sex positive websites that discuss all types of sex. When you’re ready to come to the store, we will be ready to serve and make the experience all worth while.”

Valentine’s Day

12

D

Love Does Cost a Thing

I

t’s the season where love is in the air and romance takes a front seat in one’s life. Valentine’s Day is the prime holiday to show your loved ones how devoted you are to them. However, not many know the origin of the joyous occasion.

Some may agree that the true meaning

It’s all about the Benjamins Another factor that affects society’s view on Valentine’s Day is that major retailers and public relations firms have the power to insert the idea that the limit on money for gifts is not an issue.

They want to ensure consumers are understanding that giving numerous gifts to a loved one has the ability to take a relationship to the next level or even fix a relationship that is in turmoil.

“The number of holidays we celebrate and the money we think is appropriate to spend on gifts to celebrate them have increased substantially since the end of the second World War. Valentine’s Day is part of that,” Deckard said.

“This particular holiday also speaks to perhaps the greatest human insecurity — whether or not one is loved. Especially as the role of gender in relationships is shifting and people are increasingly unsure of what their expectations should be, Valentine’s Day offers this really unique way to reaffirm the enduring quality of even the most fleeting relationships,” Deckard said.

Valentine’s Day thrives on marketers knowing that consumers are willing to spend a lot of money one those they love as well as knowing that consumers will feel as though they haven’t done enough if they don’t spend a lot of money.

“My understanding is that Valentine’s Day has pretty much always been about romantic love and little trinkets to proclaim it,” Deckard said. “I think the only real change is in the involvement of expensive jewelry and price fixed champagne dinners and mass consumer expenditure. Also, it makes real love oddly class-based, doesn’t it? Only relatively wealthy people can really celebrate Valentines Day, so poor people have cheaper love.”

Written by Inga Masic

for celebrating Valentine’s Day has been lost through the years and now other factors play an important role. One question that is brought up in today’s society is: Why should there only be one day where loved ones devote themselves to each other?

“Real love is measured in obligation and enduring mutual respect,” Natalie Deckard, a pro-

Expectations create limitations The average person has been conditioned to associate romance and lust with Valentine’s Day. Also, the hope that a certain gender “should be” the main giver on the holiday is another popular societal norm. However, Deckard argues that these norms could be harmful, perpetuating an

With no “plus one,”

it’s no fun Another factor that affects society’s view on Valentine’s Day is that major retailers and public relations firms have the power to insert the idea that the limit on money for gifts is not an issue. They want to ensure consumers are understanding that giving numerous gifts to a loved one has the ability to take a relationship to the next level or even fix a relationship that is in turmoil.

“The number of holidays we celebrate and the money we think is appropriate to spend on gifts to celebrate them have increased substantially since the end of the second World War. Valentine’s Day is part of that,” Deckard said. “This particular holiday also speaks to perhaps the greatest human insecurity — whether or not one

C

fessor in the Sociology Department at Georgia State, said. “Real love isn’t an expensive dinner out; it’s your partner saving money in the bank so that you don’t have to walk to work when your car breaks. It’s not a Pandora bracelet; it’s textbooks. We know that’s not as exciting, but real love often isn’t exciting. But that doesn’t sell, so we have Valentine’s Day instead.”

outdated social construct.

“The expectations of Valentine’s Day are really gendered, being that men must prove their love to women through consumerism.

That’s really limiting for everyone,” Deckard said. “I can’t help but think of the sociology of emotions and how our feelings are ultimately contrived by our participation in the larger society. I think people get really upset when their Valentine’s Day hopes are dashed, and given that it’s all a contrivance, that’s kind of terrifying.”

is loved. Especially as the role of gender in relationships is shifting and people are increasingly unsure of what their expectations should be, Valentine’s Day offers this really unique way to reaffirm the enduring quality of even the most fleeting relationships,” Deckard said.

Valentine’s Day thrives on marketers knowing that consumers are willing to spend a lot of money one those they love as well as knowing that consumers will feel as though they haven’t done enough if they don’t spend a lot of money.

“My understanding is that Valentine’s Day has pretty much always been about romantic love and little trinkets to proclaim it,” Deckard said. “I think the only real change is in the involvement of expensive jewelry and price fixed champagne dinners and mass consumer expenditure. Also, it makes real love oddly class-based, doesn’t it? Only relatively wealthy people can really celebrate Valentines Day, so poor people have cheaper love.”

Q: D

Q:

13 Tony Kashif Ekeweme Year: Sophomore Major: Criminal Justice

Q: What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? TE: I don’t really have any as of right now, but I would really like some. If there are any single ladies out there, my name is Tony.

Q: What are your thoughts on the concept of Valentine’s Day?

TE: I feel like Valentine’s Day is really corny [to] an extent, because I feel that it shouldn’t take one day for you to should your appreciation for somebody. It should be an everyday thing; you shouldn’t have to wait for one day out of the year to show someone you love them.

The History beh ind the heart

t t

Vale ntine’s D a y fl our ished fr om o n e m e m o r ab le ge sture mad e by S aint Vale ntin e of Rome, w h o w a s impr is on ed for pe r for m ing w ed ding s for s oldie rs w ho w e re n’t all ow ed to mar r y. T his w a s his adv oc ac y for lov e.

Whil e in jail , S aint Vale ntin e me t one of the jail e r ’s d aug hte rs, Ast e r iu s, and g re w fond of the g ir l. T he stor y goe s that r ig h t be fore he w a s e x ec uted for h is c r ime s, he w rote a le tte r for his belov e d and sig ned it “Your Vale nti ne” a s a g o o dby e .

Tod ay, Vale nti ne’s D ay is a d ay sy mbolizing pa ssion and lo ve.

Katie O’Brien Year: senior Major: Sociology

Q: What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? KB: None.

Q: What are your thought on the concept of Valentine’s Day: KB: I think it’s pretty bullshit. It’s a holiday created to make people feel like they need someone, and it’s a capitalist scheme.

Marisa Bass Year: Junior Major: Social Work

Q: What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

MB: Watching “Fifty Shades of Grey” by myself.

Q: What are your thoughts on the concept of Valentine’s Day: MB: It’s a Hallmark holiday and it’s bullshit.

Michael Brown Year: Senior Major: Computer Science

Noelle Tolison Year: Junior Major: Women Studies

t t

Do you have any plans for Valentine’s Day? MB: Nope. Single.

: What are your thought on the concept of Valentine’s Day? MB: Well, I’m not one of those people who thinks it’s commercialism; it’s just a holiday. I don’t feel too strongly one way or the other.

Q: What are your thought on the concept of Valentine’s Day? NT: Even though it’s capitalist and a relatively dumb Hallmark holiday, I really like the color scheme.

Q: What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? NT: Probably writing a paper that’s due the next day.

14

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

NICOLE MOTAHARI Opinions Editor

Women in the adult entertainment industry share their story

alking into Flashers Adult Entertainment lounge, the acrid scent of cigarette smoke and the sultry darkness overwhelms the senses. A pole onstage is illuminated with a spotlight while a young woman swings from left to right.

Step behind the curtain into the small, cramped dressing room and the sight of girls in six-inch heels greets you. They are putting on lip gloss, chatting and laughing. It seems just like any other gaggle of girls hanging out.

At first glance, the average person would assume that they are merely ‘strippers,’ a term which is rapidly becoming devalued by the industry. They prefer to be known as artists, entertainers or dancers — words that act as self-reflection in showing who they feel they are. Many fail to realize that there is more to being a dancer than appealing to men.

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Hypnotic Hypnotic, a relatively young dancer, started when she was only eighteen. She pouts her lips and poses for a photo as she gets ready to go out.

“I went out for my birthday party and somebody offered me $3,000 for a song,” she laughed, recounting her first experience with stripping. “I never made that much money for one song again, but it’s an easy and great way to be set up for life.”

Despite common stereotypes, she holds a Bachelor’s degree and is saving up to start her own PC Repair Company to work with computers.

“I’ve danced in Portugal and Puerto Rico, but it’s not a permanent job — just temporary. You have to know when to get in and out,” Hypnotic said. “It’s hard for girls not to get caught up in it, but it’s not prostitution.

You’re a self-employed independent contractor and it’s really empowering.”

For her, the industry is a means of reaching her dreams and goals — just another stepping stone as she works her way towards opening the computer store.

PHOTOS BY NADIA DELJOU | THE SIGNAL Dancers at Flashers, located in Sandy Springs, find expression and self-empowerment through their work as adult entertainers.

the self-esteem. I have a problem with my eyes — when I get stressed out or during allergy season, they swell up. But when a guy looks at me and tells me how beautiful my eyes are, it makes me feel better about myself.”

Although the media romanticizes the idea of beautiful women filling most exotic dance clubs, in reality many clubs fall short of the stereotype.

“Lots of the prettier ones don’t make that much money. Men assume that they’re too expensive or that they won’t give them the time of day and they get intimidated. But we have all kinds of girls here. A man might have a really skinny woman at home, so he comes here to see curvy girls. That’s why we have such diversity.”

Mimi Although some assume exotic dancers are women with no responsibilities or obligations, many of them lead normal, stable lives at home like any other woman. Mimi is married with a 16-month-old daughter and an infant son.

“At first my husband didn’t understand it, but it comes down to trust,” she said. “When you tell people what you do, they look down on you, but they’re not in my situation. As long as my kids are being fed and have a roof over their heads, you can say whatever you want.”

Shae Shae, another working mom, is so young that most attendees would not expect to see her in an exotic dance club. She dreams of being a veterinarian one day and proves that just because a woman may work as a dancer, it doesn’t necessarily mean she doesn’t have real aspirations and self-worth.

“The women in here have stories to be told. They’re down to earth, real girls,” Shae said. “We have all kinds of girls — most of them are trying to support a family; others are paying their way through law school.

One girl was a nurse, working for Blue Cross Monday through Friday and she’d do this on the weekend so her kids could have whatever they want.”

Red Snapper

Tamara

For others, like Red Snapper, it was a means of supporting a family. Starting out in Atlanta as a single parent, she loved that she could make her own hours, working around her children’s schedules.

“I was 30 years old when I started dancing, which put me in a better position than many of the younger girls,” Snapper said.

Now older with her three children grown up, she is still a flamboyant woman with skin the color of a caramel macchiato and hair to match her name.

“I knew what I wanted, but lots of young girls get lost in pills and pimping because they don’t know better.”

Addressing the stereotypes about the industry, she said, “We don’t break up marriages, though sometimes a dancer will fall in love with a patron. We’ve even had some girls who ended up marrying one of their clients.”

Snapper says that working as a dancer actually helps her self-esteem, giving her confidence.

“The biggest upside is what this does for

They all look up to their manager, Tamara, who started out waitressing, then did a stint as a dancer herself before becoming manager.

“Tamara has five kids and she’s the strongest woman I know,” Red Snapper said. “She takes care of those kids and all the girls over here and the owner. If you don’t have your shit together at home, you cannot manage the club over here.”

All in control For these women, this is a job, not a lifestyle.

Whether they’ve been at it for three years or thirty, they work hard to reach their dreams, take care of their families and exercise their right to be anything they desire.

“I feel empowered and sexy when I dance.

I enjoy being independent and able to control how I work and when I work,” Hypnotic said. “I’m in control of my life.”

15

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Written by Taylor Josey

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On Tuesdays and Thursdays in Langdale Hall, students engage in critical discussions regarding various social issues with Professor Angie Luvara, an artist, photographer and feminist.

With half of her hair black (the other half blonde), and the words ‘Hug Life’ tattooed on her knuckles, she’s far from the stereotypical image of a Georgia State professor.

Professor Luv is a feminist, an anti-racist, and she is all about love.

While some feminists shun Valentine’s Day because of its “sexist” and “commercial” evolution, Professor Luv believes the holiday is more than boxes of chocolate and fancy dinners.

“Redefine Valentine’s Day,” Luvara said. “Whether you have a significant other or not, just tell all the people in your life that you love them. It doesn’t have to be so much pressure. Make it be about what actually makes you happy.”

Luvara grew up in a small town in West Virginia where her dad was the coach of a football team.

Early on, she recognized gendered differences in treatment between her and her brother that conflicted with her parents telling her nothing could stop her from doing anything she wanted.

As a young girl, Luvara was a tomboy because she associated femininity with weakness due to what she was taught. She knew she was strong, and the women in her family were strong.

“I didn’t want to be weak,” Luvara said. “My mom is super independent and also takes on a lot of leadership roles within our family, so I always say she was my first feminist role model.”

Luvara moved on to do humanitarian work as a young adult, and she says she put that above feminism. After she had worked at both a Youth Development Center and a Day Treatment Center for

children with mental and emotional health problems, she realized she would fight for racism without addressing sexism.

“We served boys and girls, but every single girl that ever attended our program the whole time I worked there had experienced sexual assault at some point in her life. And these are kids between five and 18,” Luvara said. “These little experiences just showed me over and over how much privilege I have to have not gone through these things.”

Luvara has been an active feminist for four years, and she says there is no particular kind of feminism. Her feminism comes from wanting everyone’s freedom.

“I think it’s all-encompassing for me just wanting to eliminate all aspects of oppression,” Luvara said. “My feminism is recognizing that yeah I’m a woman and I have limitations on my life but then I’m also a white woman. So I have privileges that other people that I consider sisters don’t have.”

Luvara does not claim to be a perfect feminist, and she is still growing. She wants to act constantly and react to others from a place of love, but it can be challenging because the world is broken.

“We are all hurting and when we’re hurting, it makes it really easy to fire back and hurt others,” Luvara said. “And I have a totally smart mouth so I can do it. But who I am when you strip away everything — all of the impact the world has had on me is loving.”

The holiday of love is often a point of interest due to the social dynamics of American culture.

Luvara describes Valentine’s Day as heteropatriarchal because it’s geared toward straight couples, and she says the holiday has a

PHOTOS BY JADE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL Sociology professor and feminist, Angie Luvara, lectures students on societal issues and exhibiting unconditional love.

“

We are all hurting, and when we’re and hurt others ... But who I am when you strip away everything — all of the impact the world has had on me is loving.”

reputation for telling women their value comes from being connected to a man.

“Lots of women choose to be single, but general society doesn’t see it like that especially on Valentine’s Day,” Luvara said. “If you’re a woman and you’re single you must be deficient in some way or you must be sad about it and want a man. Whereas men can be single, and it’s not the same pressure on Valentine’s Day.” Despite Luvara’s strong views on the holiday, she still celebrates Valentine’s Day every year by making it her own.

“I try to show love to as many people as possible every day, but I try to make that day full of loving everyone that I care about,” Luvara said. “I have ‘Hug Life’ tattooed on my knuckles. I’m all about love.”

Being enlightened by friends, writers and scholars allowed Lu-

- Professor Angie Luvara

vara to grow in feminism. So she offered words of advice for those who want to know how to grow in feminism beginning with introspection.

“You define what your own version of feminism is,” Luvara said. “It comes down to figuring out your truth and what that means for you after you strip away everything society has taught us about what it means to be a man or what it means to be a woman.

There’s a lot of outside work to be done, but it starts inside.”

Reading and teaching helps her continue to grow every day, so she advises eager feminist to read from feminists who have inspired her.

“In terms of growing in feminism I read a lot of Patricia Hill Collins and Belle Hooks. Teaching helps me because it keeps me on my toes.” Luvara said.

Students and friends who are actively resisting the standards of femininity continue to inspire Luvara. They give her insight on topics she has never lived.

“From cutting off all your hair despite your family and friends telling you not to because it’s beau-

tiful, to taking leadership roles in things that people don’t expect you to do, I see tons of women in Atlanta doing their own things and resisting standards of femininity,” Luvara said.

Furthermore, Luvara also offered advice to those who want to resist the culture of Valentine’s Day and to those who feel oppressed by it.

“You don’t have to wear all black to resist Valentine’s Day because we need more love,” Luvara said. “Having a day about love is cool. We just have to let everyone know it’s not about chocolate and roses and expensive dinners. You can make them handmade cards or throw glitter on everyone. Just love on people, that’s free.“ Luvara believes the stereotypical view of Valentine’s Day is that if you aren’t in a relationship, you are not whole or complete as a person.

“Society says if you’re single, you’re not complete or if you’re in college and you haven’t made it into your career you’re not complete but that’s stupid. You’re complete now. Now go celebrate and love on people.”

16

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JADE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL No strangers to diversity, Georgia State students share their experiences with interracial dating and relationship building.

Georgia State students share their interracial relationship experiences

by Nichole Place

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alentine’s Day is the one day of the year that focuses solely on being in love and Valentine’s Day on a college campus is full of new, old and complicated relationships. Georgia State is one of many colleges whose campus is crawling with diverse cou-

ples. From different ages to mixed races, almost every kind of couple is found at Georgia State.

Living in the city means that the mixing of cultures is unavoidable.

Whether it is lab partners, roommates, or friends, interracial relationships are found everywhere.

But for some reason, people still tiptoe around couples with mixed races. People still ask questions like “What does your family think?”, or “Aren’t you worried about your kids getting bullied?”, as if those questions don’t apply to all relationships.

Diversity killed The Cat

Demographics play a big role in how many people feel about mixing races in relationships; the generation, culture and area people live in can affect their way of thinking. Lauren Deneau, a white woman dating a Filipino, agreed.

“The people that are viewing [interracial relationships] in a negative way are the ones that haven’t been around other cultures a lot…people who have only been around the same race their entire lives aren’t as culturally competent.”

Gonzales said. “They are used to sticking to their own race. But we get to date other races and we have homosexual relations in today’s society.”

Things that were once taboo in society are becoming normalized more than ever. With different cultures all around, it is hard to avoid the diversity.

This leads to newer generations growing up with different people and it allows them to be more tolerant of others.

“I definitely think the norms of relationships are evolving,” said Josh Roberts, a Colombian/white male with a multiracial girlfriend. His girlfriend is very ethnically diverse, mixed with Thai, Spanish, Puerto Rican and Russian.

“People have become more understanding and accepting and have realized [there] is much more to experience besides the culture they associate with,” Roberts said. “People like the aspect of being cultured and finding out about new things and interracial relationships have a big part in that.”

Being students in the city, some Georgia State attendees may not think twice about race, but that does not mean interracial couples aren’t still being harassed in certain areas.

Ace Wynn, a black man who is dating a white woman, says that he and his girlfriend have received uncomfortable stares and whispers.

“If we go to the deep country and we are walking around the fair, you can see the glares. When it catches you, you either get tired of it or you just want to say something.”

Wynn admits that it does get to him and he is not the only one.

Jenny Vu has also gotten comments about her relationship since she is a Vietnamese female dating a white male.

“It’s weird when there’s another couple where both people are the same race, and they look at you like, ‘Why are you together?’”

An evolving society Jan Gonzales, a Filipino man currently in a relationship with a white woman, believes interracial couples are slowly becoming a social norm. As times change, the newer generations are leaving the old ways in the dust.

“I feel like older generations [are more against interracial couples],”

Open Playing field There are many people and areas that oppose diversity in relationships. The city has nearly become a safe haven for a variety of people, which is why so many interracial couples are found in Atlanta.

“Everyone is on the same playing field,” Deneau said. “Especially where we live: In a big city where every culture coincides.”

Several students believe diversity plays a large role in how an individual’s life is shaped. Going to a school in a city that has access to many different cultures allows others to try new things.

“I think a lot of positive things come out of interracial relationships,” Roberts said. “Savannah [and I] have learned a lot from each whether [it] be about food, culture and things like that.”

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it is important to focus on what love is really about — that no matter the age, sex or race; it is equal.

“I’ve never really looked at my relationship as being interracial,” Deneau said. “I don’t think that race really plays a role when it comes [to] love. It just is what it is.”

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

17

ALBUM REVIEW Marvin Gaye

ALEX KUGACZEWSKI

Staff Reviewer

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any of us can think of at least a couple scenes in movies, television or video games in which a sexual encounter was accompanied with a sensual, funky soundtrack. This tactic seems to be most prevalent in romantic comedies, which is odd, because there’s nothing inherently funny about sexual relationships. No, in fact, they’re quite serious.

Many of us have been there — lost in moments — as our thoughts slip back to that special someone. It circles around in your head like an infectious song on repeat. It’s not just powerful. It’s beautiful. I’d wager that no one understands just how much more so than legendary soul man Marvin Gaye, whose 1973 album “Let’s Get It On” stands the test of time as a monolithic tribute to the passion of pure romance – the perfect album for the upcoming holiday.

Few songs have been so lauded for

FILM REVIEW

A list of

their pure sex appeal more than that iconic opening cut, “Let’s Get It On.” Opening with the quintessential funky guitar line, Gaye bursts onto the scene, crooning, “I’ve been really trying, baby, trying to hold back this feeling for so long.” As the song waltzes throughout its sultry soundscapes, it’s hard to imagine most listeners holding those feelings back at all.

A simple, methodical beat and slow, pulsating bass push the song forward as Gaye’s voice rises and falls with effortless grace. Lines such as “if the spirit moves you, let me groove you, let your

love come down, get it on, come on, baby” only serve to cement the song as an all-time classic cut — one that has undoubtedly filled the walls of countless bedrooms.

Of course, one track doesn’t make for a classic album. Fortunately, then, that Gaye brought out the best of his songwriting for the remainder of the record. “If I Should Die Tonight” is as moving a soul ballad as any, weaving through impassioned falsetto and swelling strings.

The track reaches its emotional peak in its propulsive saxophone solo, leading into Gaye’s final verses: “If I should die tonight, baby, I just want you to keep this one thought in mind, that I will never die blue, ‘cause I’ve known you.” Lines like these could threaten to derail the record into overwrought tear-bait, but Gaye’s peerless vocal delivery sells each and every verse with authoritative conviction. The album’s remaining tracks follow suit, delivering emotional blow after emotional blow.

That’s why I make sure I’m in a sentimental, romantic state of mind every time I decide to spin Marvin Gaye’s

A “Let’s Get It On” is a masterful, classic recording that embodies everything beautiful about loving another person.

“Let’s Get It On.” Thinking of that special someone seems to enhance the experience in ways that an ordinary listen through the record just wouldn’t do.

Whenever Gaye’s voice cuts through the air, her face comes to mind.

It’s easy to reminisce of the first movie we saw together, and it’s easier still to recall the time spent on the bench by the lake. If the power to conjure those memories and the feelings that follow doesn’t cement Gaye’s 1973 album as a true classic, I’m not sure what could.

“Let’s Get It On,” despite the pure sexuality of its title, is much more than just an ode to casual, primal dalliance; it’s a testament to the pure emotive power that springs forth from two people together and truly happy.

Staff Reviewer

B

y now, after seeing the previous columns, your imagination may already be somewhere else – and with someone else – but this article must go on. However, while reading this article, keep at least one foot on the ground.

In a special edition of the film column for this Valentine and Sex issue, I selected some memorable sex scenes from movies over the years.

In the beginning of cinema in the United States, feet were actually required to touch the ground whenever a couple was shown kissing in bed.

The rule was a consequence of the 1934 Production Code, which sought to regulate what was deemed decent in movies. And yet, since we all know how much things changed, here is the list where feet – as well as other body parts – left the ground.

This classic by Bernardo Bertolucci contains some of the classic sex scenes in film history. By 1972 standards – and even today’s – the movie shows more than some audience members are willing to see in public. All the sex, however, should not fool you. Bertolucci constructs here two incredibly

complex characters, each dealing with the emptiness in their lives, symbolized by the old and empty apartment where they meet. Sex here is a escape in the life of these two strangers who choose not to know each other’s names. For Paul (Marlon Brando), “pain begins with a name.” The film became famous for the sex scene where Paul uses butter as a lubricant. However, “Last Tango in Paris” is about pain and missing.

The sex on screen is a representation of those feelings.

This movie definitely contains one of the more memorable sex scenes for movie goers; featuring two of the most beautiful actresses in Hollywood, Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis, this movie is all about expressing one’s true identity and letting go of fear. Perhaps that’s what makes the sex scene between these two all the more memorable, as Portman finally lets go of her inhibitions toward her antagonist, Kunis, and succumbs to her playful sexual advances. This scene is especially important because it represents Portman freeing herself from her mother’s control while also detracting the heteronormative depictions of sexual intercourse in mainstream films. The storytelling technique used by director Darren Aronofsky is also commendable in this scene as it transitions from a perplexing aesthetic climax to an ambiguous next encounter between the two, leaving viewers wondering whether or not it was ever

now playing at

actually Kunis that Portman ended up in bed with.

Woody Allen’s masterpiece includes an array of sins, all culminating in murder. It also includes a memorable sex scene between Nola (Scarlett Johansson) and Chris (Jonathan Meyers) in a hay field with a rainstorm falling over their heads. The soaked clothes pressed tight against their bodies adds to the sensuality of this scene.

The bursting passion defies logic as this man is potentially throwing away the chance of moving up from being a poor, former tennis player to marrying an enormously rich woman. He has planned all the aspects for his future life, but it may all be for nothing when his burning desire for Nola leads him astray from his goals.

Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece shows the extreme levels of human violence. This powerful movie shows what can happen when evil goes beyond any imaginable limits. There are strong rape scenes during the film, which shouldn’t fit under a column about sex in films but one about violence in them. There is, however, one scene where sex is consensual, involving Alex (Malcolm McDowell) and two women. In one minute and using only one angle, Kubrick shows every imaginable sex position in a sequence of fast paced shots, accompanied by

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Animism

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unexpected sex scenes in movies

FERNANDO MATTOS

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Viet Cong

a synthesized version of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 Ode to Joy. It’s a futuristic film, but sex scenes don’t get much more realistic than this one. Of course, it looks somewhat exaggerated, but it fits the psychology Kubrick develops for Alex.

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One of the directors Kubrick admired the most was Krzysztof Kieslowski. In the late 1980s and early 1990s this prolific filmmaker from Poland delivered an unusually large amount of movies. Amazingly, each new film quickly entered cinematic history, as Kieslowski kept a fantastic level of storytelling and technique throughout his career. White is part of his colors trilogy based on the ideals of the French flag (blue for freedom, white for equality and red for fraternity). In the film, Dominique (Julie Delpy), a French woman, asks for divorce from Karol (Zbigniew Zamachowski), a poor Polish man. Her reason: Karol was never able to have an erection again after their wedding and thus, failed to consummate the marriage. When Karol finally succeeds in setting a trap for his ex-wife, trying to achieve his sense of equality, he wants first to prove his powers in bed. As Dominique reaches the highest levels of her orgasms, Kieslowski combines her shrieks with quick white screens fading in and out, in a memorable sex scene. Who said art films are boring?

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36 Seasons

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SYNOPSIS:

Robert McCall and Teri simply cannot walk away. With his set of formidable skills, McCall comes out of self-imposed retirement and emerges as an avenging angel, ready to take down anyone who brutalizes the helpless.

Psychic Pizza Connection

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SHOWTIMES:

Wednesday- Friday 1p.m., 3:15p.m., 5:40p.m., 7:45p.m.

Rated: R Running Time: 131 minutes

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

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Lifestyle column

my love I’m not wasting money on flowers

NICHOLE PLACE Columnist

Nichole is constantly crafting and is an avid re-decorator.

Not only does she have a love of bright colors and patterns but she also is a pug fanatic. Nichole is the writer of the Lifestyle column and the creator of SunshineSomedays, a lifestyle blog.

Follow her

@GSUSignalAandL

V

alentine’s Day, the day of love, also known as single person selfpity day — it is the one day out of the year where you take one of the body’s most vital organs and slap a price tag on it. It is a chance to be as corny and mushy or angry and depressed as you want. But what if you don’t want to fit the cookie cutter mold of this Hallmark holiday? Here is a little guide to make it through this Valentine’s Day without being straight out of a romantic comedy.

1. The committed couple Being in love is tricky, but being in love while trying to live up to “The Notebook” standards is nearly impossible. This Valentine’s Day, instead of filling up the pockets of corporate robots, try making this holiday more personal. Nothing about a store bought cardboard box full of chocolates says that you really care so, maybe learn how to make candy. Then once you’ve burnt it, tell your significant other you tried to make it. If they get mad that you don’t have a real gift for them, maybe you should rethink your love. But in all seriousness, handmade gifts are a great way to show that you really care. You could even build them a blanket fort to watch movies in or play video games or do the dirty.

It’s really your call.

2. The new couple I really hope Valentine’s Day isn’t awkward for you.

I mean, it’s hard when you start a relationship too close to the holiday of love. And if you haven’t taken your relationship to the next level - I mean by saying ‘I love you,’ then aren’t you really just friends that hold hands?

The pressure of this holiday can make things pretty awkward. So, instead of try-

ing to make your love seem everlasting when you’re really unsure of where it’s going, don’t make the day all about love. You could go on a date to the zoo or somewhere really public to take the focus off of being head over heels for each other.

campus life column

Everybody’s

doing it, right?

3. single ladies I know this time of the year is hard, but it’ll be okay, I promise. But I want you to know that you do not have to be the Debbie downer portrayed in movies; you are allowed to have a great time too. Gather all of your single friends and have a party! Get giant pounds of candy, classic comedies and the best take out you can find. You could also have a fun gift exchange with your friends. You don’t have to wait for the love of your life to buy you a gift. As Charlotte York once said “Maybe we can be each other’s soul mates. And then we can let men be just these great, nice guys to have fun with.”

4. Single males Hey, look at the bright side: Your wallet will stay full this year! We all know you don’t care that much.

5. the Matchmaker This is your time to shine! I know you have been waiting all year for this day because so have I. This is the perfect day to set up friends. And nothing works better than a good old “Parent Trap” scheme.

Trust me.

Valentine’s Day is not a day that should be feared.

So what if you don’t have the same expectations as every Nicholas Sparks book? You are allowed to do your own thing. Whether its chalky heart candies or deep fried burritos, it is a chance to show different people how you care. Happy Valentine’s Day!

MIA MCDONALD Columnist Mia does amateur photoshoots, maintains the title of bookworm and hangs out with friends and family.

Follow her @MiaMore09

F

eb. 14 is right around the corner and some people have one thing on their minds. It’s Valentine’s Day so every couple is looking to get intimate, right? You’ve been snuggling up all winter long and patiently waiting for the right time to express your love in a special way, so you’re probably considering sex. Before you go book your hotel room for the weekend, you should make sure you and your mate are on the same page.

Yes, there will be hearts everywhere, PDA will be acceptable all day long and affection will be amplified, but there’s nothing worse than you two not being clear on your intentions to throw your mood off.

So how do you ensure that there is no confusion or mix up? Simply put, be straightforward. There’s no need to beat around the bush or act like you don’t know what you want. Whether you’re trying the direct approach or adding the popular “or nah” to the end of your question, you need to handle your business. If you’re not comfortable enough to confirm your Valentine’s Day plans then maybe you shouldn’t be making plans with that person in the first place.

Also, there are people who don’t believe in making a big fuss over Valentine’s Day. Feb. 14 is just another date to them and it doesn’t have to be glorified. Love and affection is something that should be expressed and given daily — as some believe — so to make a big deal or go all out of your way for one day doesn’t make sense to some. Their argument is “what about all the other days?”

There’s also an alternative to having “the talk” with your companion. No sex.

This may be the less common approach, but it’s an option. Believe it or not, there are still virgins out there and their position is made clear.

There’s no pressure, discomfort or awkwardness in waiting on an answer or reply, because you already know what to expect.

Though I personally fit into the no sex category, I don’t believe in imposing my beliefs on others. To each their own. I do, however, promote safe sex. As cliché as it sounds, safe sex is the best sex. It may be a special day, but no one is too special for you to risk your health.

What if sex isn’t a part of your Valentine’s Day lineup at all? You could have recently started dating someone and you’re not physically trying to go there yet. That’s fine too. There are ways to be intimate without being physically or sexually intimate.

Intimacy is really based on your own discretion. There isn’t a guideline or a book that says there’s one official way to be close. Again, this is something you need to clear with your partner or potential lover before trying to solidify any plans.

Love may be in the air or maybe it’s lust. Whatever it is, just make sure the person who’s helping you figure it out has the same intentions as you. Everybody’s not doing “it,” but if you are, be smart about it. Happy Valentine’s Day!

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Campus & Downtown Events “I’ll Always Love You”: A Tribute to Whitney Houston

Feb. 10 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

In celebration of African American Heritage Month, Georgia State will host a performance in honor of the late Whitney Houston.

Joanna Maddox, an actress and performing artist, will put on a one woman theatrical show taking the audience through the epic life of Whitney Houston.

Houston was awarded for her talent more times than any other female artist, and her legacy remains in the hearts of many. Join the Georgia State community to commemorate the unforgettable artist in the Speaker’s Auditorium and lobby.

He Thinks/She Thinks: Battle of the Sexes

Feb. 11 Noon - 1 p.m.

Haven’t you alway wondered what someone of the opposite gender was thinking? Now there’s a chance to finally find out. You will get the opportunity to ask questions that have been pondering in your mind, and get the answers you might not be expecting.

This showdown will be held in the Student Center, and is free admission. Solve the mystery of what the other gender truly thinks.

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Criminal Justice Career & Internship Fair

Feb. 27 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

If you want to make changes in people’s lives, then look into careers in law enforcement, human/public services, public safety, and correctioner. This fair will allow you to acquire more information about the fields you are interested in and give you a better understanding of what the job truly entails.

This event is sponsored by the Criminal Justice Student Association and will be held at Veteran’s Memorial Hall (Dahlberg Hall).

Word Search The sexy puzzle

Courtyard Music Series

Feb. 17 Noon-1 p.m.

Held in the student center courtyard food court, the Georgia State community will put on an eccentric musical show. Different genres like classical,acoustic, pop, an jazz will be vibrating through the halls. This event is no charge, so it’s simply a time for you to enjoy some sick beats!

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Feb. 28- April 6 Grab yours friends and family and head out to Turner Field for some real fun. The Atlanta Fair is back again this year and has the same amount of rides, games, and food as always.

Come see a sea of colorful excitement get draped over the famous field, and make memories with the people you love.

DILDO STRIPPER POLE FEMINISM

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SIGNING DAY2015

www.georgiastatesignal.com/sports

GEORGIA STATE LANDS 24 SIGNEES FOR THIS SEASON Georgia State signees Kendrick Dorn

RB 6-0, 205 Fontana, California, San Bernardino Valley CC

Chase Middleton

LB 6-2, 225 Atlanta, Georgia, Brookwood HS

DeQueszman Kelley

DL 6-0, 285 Buena Vista, Georgia, Coffeyville CC

Matlin Marshall

ATH 5-10, 170 Evans, Georgia, Evans HS

Julien Laurent

DL 6-4, 325 Toronto, Ontario (New Mexico Military Institute)

Kaleb Ringer

LB 6-0, 235 Claymont, Ohio, Butler Kansas, CC

Penny Hart

WR 5-9, 170 Atlanta, Georgia, King’s Ridge Christian School

Dom Roldan

OL 6-6, 350 Virginia Beach, Virginia, Grossmont College ILLUSTRATION BY JAMAAL HICKS | THE SIGNAL

Tyler Simonsen

OL 6-3, 305 Redlands, California, San Bernardino Valley CC

Kelepi Folau

JARED OLIVER Staff Reporter

G

eorgia State has signed 24 new football members for the 2015-16 season on National Signing Day (Feb. 4).

Last season, the Panthers finished the season 1-11.The team had holes in its defense and offense that contributed to the record.

Third-year Head Coach Trent Miles knows that the football program is still looking to find its identity in the Sun Belt Conference and across the nation. As is the case every place else, recruiting is a major key.

The recruiting strategy for the upcoming season was to get players from junior colleges. The Panthers have brought in 17 junior college transfers. A few of last year’s most productive players came from junior colleges or were transfers.

Quarterback Nick Arbuckle was a junior college transfer from St. Bonaventure and Pierce College in California. Wide receiver Donovan Harden was a transfer from Illinois State in 2012. TE Joel Ruiz was a transfer from Presbyterian.

Following the extinction of the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) football program, Georgia State sought after an opportunity to recruit some of the talent that UAB will no longer be able to keep. The Panthers were able to get six transfers from UAB. Coach Miles is excited to have the

former Blazers on campus. He will have the players go through winter workouts with the team.

“So far so good. I see them with smiles on their faces. They are doing a good job making sure they get to everything. They are blending in here like they’ve been here for six years,” Miles said.

The defensive side of the ball was a weakness last year and caused the offense to play ‘catch-up’ in most games. The team fined 128th last year in points given up, averaging 43.3 points per game.

Georgia State recruiters have worked to bring in experienced players defensively who fit Coach Miles’ style of play. A total of 11 signees are defensive players. Last season the Panthers had a difficult time with having substitutes when starters went down.

Miles made it imperative to have a full roster in case the team becomes shorthanded due to injury. There was a point in the 2014 season where the running game for the Panthers disappeared with the injury to Kyler Neal (Sophmore.) and the departure of former Texas recruit Krysten Hammon.

Cornerback Marcus Caffey (Jr.), who originally was listed as such, switched to offense throughout the season.

“Last year in the season we were at 60-something scholarship guys and now were going to be… once the Fall hits, we’re going to be in the 80’s.

So, I know we’re catching up from a numbers stand point. We were short

on scholarship numbers, so with bringing in mid-year players, we have 95 percent of our football team here going through winter conditioning,” Miles said.

Coach Miles mentioned that everyone has a fair chance to go out and win a starting job on the team. The third-year Georgia State head coach used the phrase “open competition” to describe the opportunity to fight for a spot on the starting 22.

“They are projected starters and positions, but everybody has to go out and compete all over against either ‘keep their job’ or ‘earn it,’” Miles said.

As coaches tend to do in recruiting, change of positions for players coming into college can occur. There is no definite certainty on switching an incoming freshman or mid-year players’ position as of yet.

“We’ll see as we go, we really can’t tell all that until we get them out there in pads and work with them football wise,” Miles said.

Transitioning from high school to college can be tough sometimes, even for junior college players to universities. Making sure adjustments are made smoothly and in a timely manner is important for a studentathlete.

Coach Miles thinks that the biggest change for the signees will be speed.

“It’s all about speed, the speed of everything, the speed of learning in the classroom as opposed to in high school, the speed on the field, the speed of the way we do things; that’s the biggest thing for young men to learn,” Miles said.

OL 6-3, 305 Concord, California, UAB

Marquan Greene

WR 5-10, 180 Moultrie, Georgia, Colquitt County HS

Aaron Winchester

QB 6-2, 170 Atlanta, Georgia, Mount Pisgah HS

Demarcus Kirk

RB 6-0, 190 Dora, Alabama, Dora HS

Nyiakki Height

WR 6-1, 190 Atlanta, Ga.UAB

Cloves Campbell

DB 6-1, 205 Phoenix, Arizona, Scottsdale CC

Alonzo McGee

LB 6-1, 220 Sumter, South Carolina UAB

Kameron Myers

WR 5-9, 175 Charleston, Mississippi, East Mississippi CC

Bobby Baker

S 6-2, 190 Sherman Oaks, California, UAB

Charlie Patrick

LB 6-0, 215 Atlanta, Georgia, Mays

Demarco Davis

CB 5-11, 175 Atlanta, Georgia, UAB

Melliek Jackson

S 5-11, 185 Miami, Florida, Champagnat Catholic HS

LB 5-11, 220 Atlanta, Georgia, Carver HS

Lucas Johnson

OL 6-4, 285 Cartersville, Georgia, Cass HS

Ari Werts

TE 6-4, 225 Stone Mountain, Georgia, Stephenson HS

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

Several former UAB football players to come to Georgia State JEREMY JOHNSON Staff Reporter

S

ix members from the now defunct University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) football program are now Georgia State Panthers.

Wide receiver Nyiakki Height, linebacker Alonzo McGee, cornerback Demarco Davis, offensive guard Kelepi Folua, safety Bobby Baker and running back Demarcus Kirk all will be suiting up for the Panthers in the fall for the 2015 football season.

Read on for the new additions to the team.

UAB’s end

These six players were expecting to be suiting up for the UAB Blazers again next fall when the football season kicked off.

The team had just completed what was the best season in a decade with a 6-6 record which had the Blazers bowl eligible for the first time since 2004 under first-year head coach Bill Clark. UAB football was on an uptick until the school announced in early December that the football program would be canceled. According to UAB president Ray Watts, the program was too much financially for the University to continue to sustain.

The shocking announcement left 150-plus student athletes confused, hurt and misplaced. The reality of not being able to play football with the brothers they had accumulated was setting in. The friendships and team comradery were taken away due to the abrupt end to the program.

“Losing a family. Losing a brotherhood. That’s the first thing that went through my mind. It wasn’t even football,” Cornerback Demarco Davis said of his thoughts of the closing of the program at UAB. “When I first got to UAB, I found 150 brothers who I knew had my back from freshman year to senior year. So, when they took the program from us... it was first of all heart breaking. It was real shocking.”

The misplaced athletes were then left pondering their shaky football futures that were once certain and in view out of their windshields.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) stepped in and granted the former UAB players the freedom to transfer anywhere in the country along with the right to immediately play for the school in which they transferred to.

There are a few cases in recent memory with programs such Southern Methodist University (SMU), Penn State and the University of Southern California (USC) for multiple reasons to help protect the student-athletes for the

difficulties of the institutions in which they compete for.

This led to a college football gold rush on UAB in which college football programs looked to scoop up some seasoned college football players to their programs.

Georgia State

Georgia State also looked to grab a few of the former Blazers and ended up coming out with six new faces to add to their program to fill a few needs and add depth.

“I see myself fitting in good.

I came here to make plays,” said running back Demarcus Kirk of how he feels he will fit into the fold at Georgia State.

Kirk will be looked at to compete for playing time at the running back spot with the mid-season departure of Krysten Hammon. Georgia State is hoping for healthy competition at the runningback position with Kyler Neal returning from an injury and the transition back to cornerback for senior Marcus Caffey.

The new Panthers look to add what they can on the field as well as becoming voices of the team.

“I want to take on more of a leadership role. I know I’m a young cat, coming from UAB as a redshirt freshman this year,” Davis said. “But I know I can be a leader to some of the older guys and some younger guys. Because I do know a lot about playing defensive back. But, I know I can learn more from the older guys and the younger guys as well.”

One task for the UAB transfers will be getting acclimated to a new city, a new playbook, a new philosophy and a new football family.

That transition to making the Panthers has been aided by having the familiar faces around them from their old family to guide them into to the comfort zone to truly become a part of Georgia State’s nucleus for next season. They planned it to be that way.

“The other five, we all came on the trip together. There was probably more of us, but the five that did came here. Before we even committed, we gave each other calls to see what the plan was. I think in December was when we all committed, so it was kind of like a team choice,” Senior Guard Folua said.

Folua thinks that having his former teammates as new teammates has already paid dividends.

“Knowing that I would be playing with more of my teammates that I did at UAB really helped my choice, coming in here not as a new face, but knowing people, it really helped,” Folua said.

Demarco Davis’ recruitment to Georgia State was not only aided by having his UAB family coming with him, but also having his actual family in the Atlanta area and on the team.

Davis is not only an Atlantanative where he played at local Booker T. Washington High School, but Davis is a cousin to current Panthers’ redshirt freshman cornerback Jerome Smith.

“Me and my cousin are very close....We’re more like brothers. So, talking to him, he told me, ‘It’s your decision bro. Don’t rush it...don’t rush it at all. Make your decision wisely.’ I just felt like being closer to him and with him being closer to me, we’ll be able to push each in the right direction. He was a big part of my recruitment,” Davis said.

Smith is also coming off a redshirt season and would be looking to be a factor in Georgia State’s secondary next season alongside his cousin.

The new Panthers will continue to work out off-season and prepare for spring practices.

BoBBy Baker: senior safety

6’3, 185 pounds sherman oaks, California 2014: played in three games had one interCeption for 13 yards 19 taCkles kelepi Folau: offensive lineman senior

6’3, 305 pounds pleasant hill, California 2014: started one game at guard DeMarcus kirk: Runningback Redshirt freshman 6’0 190 pounds Dora, Alabama

DeMarco Davis: CornerbaCk redshirt freshman 5’11, 172 pounds atlanta, georgia

played high sChool football at booker t. Washington HigH scHool

nyiakki HeigHt: senior Wide reCeiver 6’1, 190 pounds atlanta, georgia 2014: 17 reCeptions 136 yards one touChdoWn alonzo Mcgee: linebaCker redshirt junior 6’1, 220 pounds sumter, south Carolina 2014: played in 12 games 42 taCkles

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 22

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

SPORTS COLUMN

They’re athletes just like the men are AKIEM BAILUM Sports Editor

S

ometimes, I think about where athletics would be without Title IX and the opportunities that it afforded many women looking to play sports.

Title IX is the federal regulation passed in 1972 that prohibits discrimination in educational programs and activities that receive federal assistance.

This includes sports.

There are plenty of women who play sports and plenty of women who coach sports. Dipping one’s toes into the waters of athletics is a challenge for any woman, given that sports has traditionally been a male-dominant institution.

Anyone who is a woman — whether it be a player, coach, executive or reporter — who decides to enter sports earns my utmost respect for this alone.

Unfortunately, the male-centric machine that is athletics is still hard at work in many parts of the world, churning out stereotypes.

What needs to be addressed is the bogus stigma that is sometimes put on any woman who plays sports. Those of the female sex who are a part of any competitive sport are sometimes looked at (primarily by those of the male species) as “lesbians,” “not feminine” or less of a woman.

Seriously? It’s 2015. Are we still unfairly placing this tag on women athletes?

This is something that is put on WNBA players and softball athletes almost regularly.

What’s the matter, men? Got beat by a girl on the soccer pitch in junior high?

It is unfathomable that in the 21st century that this is still out there, but it still is.

The majority of the mainstream sports are competed in by men. The majority of athletics organizations are ran by men.

That may not be the heart of the problem, but it at least serves as either the lungs or the blood vessels.

This is an extremely competitive and extremely intense activity to partake in.

Maintaining that competitive edge require large degrees of athleticism and toughness in order to succeed and prosper as an athlete.

Athleticism and toughness are virtues that more often than not are said to be attributes of masculinity — it is the reason as to why male sports are said to be played by those that “look like athletes.”

So, why don’t women’s sports get the same modicum of respect that men’s

sports do? Some say it is because men’s sports have higher attendance and garner higher ratings.

Why do they have higher attendance and garner higher ratings? Because the male-controlled media has ingrained in our heads that sports are for men and any woman who partakes in sports needs to have her sexuality questioned.

Not because, you know, she may love sports just as much as any man may. Believe me, any time I hear this stereotype either on TV, radio, in newspapers or in casual conversation, I want to puke.

What this really boils down to the conversation about just what is “feminine” and what is not “feminine.”

Entering into beauty pageants, having long blonde hair and being as demure as possible around the opposite sex are what we have defined as “womanly” traits in society. If said woman even dares to enter sports, then her attractiveness quotient dips into negative figures in the eyes of a lot of men.

The problem with this is obvious.

Young girls who watch beauty pageants or events like the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show grow up with the idea trying to be a model is what defines being a woman. They have this idea that if they do not look like a Barbie doll by the time they reach their teens, their lives are not worth it.

That’s where sports come in.

Sports are not just about wins, losses and gaudy stats. Sports can be a positive source of empowerment and self-fulfillment for young girls. It teaches them that instead of aspiring to be the next Marilyn Monroe or Brooklyn Decker, wanting to be the next Alex Morgan or Angel McCoughtry is just as worth striving for.

At most colleges and universities, including at Georgia State, women’s sports fly under the radar with everyone concentrating on football and men’s basketball. But by playing for Georgia State sports, volleyball’s Deidra Bohannon and women’s soccer’s Taina Anglade are ambassadors of the university just like football’s Nick Arbuckle or men’s basketball’s R.J. Hunter.

Women have had to fight hard to gain acceptance in many institutions, including in sports in the United States. Even today, that is still continuing as women still strive to earn equal recognition in sports circles.

I do not assume anything about the personal lives of any athlete, men’s or women’s. It is none of my business.

Whenever I see a woman athlete doing well — there is only one thing I pick up from that: Girl Got Game!

With being an athlete, a certain amount of fitness is required. That well-sculpted figure one needs in order to be an athlete also brings with it a level of sex appeal.

Some athletes may deny it, but playing competitive sports does

include a certain modicum of physical attraction from onlookers.

The Signal had a chance to talk with students around Georgia State and get their opinions on who not only plays good but looks good.

“Tre Cash” Year: Freshman Major: Criminal justice His pick: Dakota and Dylan Gonzalez (Women’s Basketball UNLV)

Imani Richard Year: Freshman Major: Exercise science Her pick: Paul George (NBA’s Indiana Pacers)

“Trey Cash” on the left and Imani Richard pictured on the right

Robin Sutton Year: Senior Major: Exercise science Her pick: Gregory Van Der Wiel (Soccer - Paris SaintGermain)

Ashley Angel Year: Senior Major: Exercise science Her pick: Derrick Rose (NBA’s Chicago Bulls)

Courtney Manning Year: Sophomore Major: Studio art His pick: Ronda Rousey (MMA

PHOTOS BY MARC VALLE | THE SIGNAL

23

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

PANTHER OF THE WEEK

SPORTS CALENDAR

*conference games

South Alabama* GSU Sports Arena 7 p.m.

1340 The Fan 3

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

LaPorscha Wells Track and Field Wells had a record-setting performance on Friday at the ETSU Bucs Invite as she put in a weight throw of 18.75 meters to set a new top mark for Georgia State in the sport. The new record also netted Wells a victory for that day in the weight throw.

At T.W. Josey High School in Augusta, Wells not only participated in the weight throw but also in basketball as well as volleyball.

In her freshman season at Georgia State, Wells put in the second-best weight throw distance in school history with a 15.29 meter throw at last season’s Sun Belt Indoor Championships at Birmingham, Alabama. At last year’s Troy Invitational, she set a school record in the hammer throw with a 50.72 distance.

Wells’ 13.99 distance in the shot put at the USF Bulls Invite won her the event.

Samford at Atlanta Athletic Club 6 p.m.

THE FINAL SCORE The performance of Georgia State’s track and field team was highlighted by LaPorscha Wells setting a new school record for the weight throw on Friday with a distance of 18.75 meters. The Panthers also finished 1-2 in the women’s seeded 3,000 meter run and the women’s seeded one mile run. Georgia State’s next events will be split-squad meets in Ohio and Alabama this upcoming weekend.

South Alabama* George Washington

GSU Sports Arena 5 p.m.

Piedmont Park 2 p.m.

Appalachian State(Play4Kay Cancer GSU Sports Arena 12 p.m.

SPIRE Division I Indoor Invitational (split squad) at Geneva, Ohio 1 p.m.

Furman Atlanta Athletic Club 6:30 p.m.

Texas State* San Marcos, Texas 12 p.m.

Samford Invitational (split squad) at

ESPN2

Birmingham, Ala. 1 p.m.

Miami (Ohio) Life Time Athletic and 8:30 a.m.

1340 The Fan 3

The Panthers could not claim first place against Georgia Southern as the Panthers lost by a final of 58-54 to the Eagles. Georgia State managed to bounce back from its defeat to its in-state rival with a 65-54 victory at South Alabama. Three Panthers finished in double-digit points including R.J. Hunter who had 19.

Georgia State’s fortunes were much better against the school down south on the women’s side as the Panthers routed the Eagles by a final of 82-54 in Statesboro, Georgia. The Panthers followed that up with an 84-78 victory over South Alabama.

Makeba Ponder had 19 points while Kennesha Nichols finished with a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Sun Belt Standings STANDING

MENS BASKETBALL

1st

UL Monroe 10-3 | Overall: 16-8

2nd

Georgia Southern 9-3 | Overall: 16-5

3rd

Georgia State 9-4 | Overall: 16-8

4th

UT Arlington 7-5 | Overall: 13-9

Troy 8-5 | Overall: 13-9

5th

UL Lafayette 7-6 | Overall: 13-11

UL Lafayette 7-6 | Overall: 15-7

6th

Appalachian State 6-6 | Overall: 9-12

UT Arlington 6-6 | Overall: 12-9

7th

Texas State 5-8 | Overall:11-11

UL Monroe 6-7 | Overall: 10-12

8th

South Alabama 5-8 | Overall: 7-17

Appalachian State 5-7 | Overall: 10-11

9th

Arkansas State 4-9 | Overall: 9-13

Georgia State 5-8 | Overall: 10-12

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL UALR 12-1 | Overall: 19-3 Arkansas State 11-2 | Overall: 16-7 Texas State 8-5 | Overall: 13-9

10th

Troy 4-9 | Overall: 9-13

Georgia Southern 1-11 | Overall: 4-17

11th

UALR 4-9 | Overall: 9-14

South Alabama 1-12 | Overall: 4-18

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY RUTH PANNILL | THE SIGNAL Liberator offers a variety of sexual toys that branch out from the traditional vibrator.