www.rwuhawksherald.com Vol. 34, Issue 2 FREE
September 9, 2021 OPINIONS | Bo Burnham’s ‘Inside’ | PAGE 3 SPORTS | A story of passion | PAGE 5 FEATURES | What’s in store for clubs and orgs| PAGE 4 ARTS & CULTURE | ‘If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power’ Review| PAGE 7
First week of RWU classes with revamped COVID guidelines
Jimmy Sadowski News Editor
Classes resumed for students at Roger Williams University on Tuesday, Aug. 31. The start of the new fall semester comes with revised COVID guidelines the RWU community must follow. These guidelines were communicated to students, faculty and staff during the summer. The safety protocols are as follows for students, faculty and staff: masks must be worn indoors regardless of vaccination status unless it is in an enclosed individual office, their own dorm room, or to eat or drink; masks are optional outdoors for vaccinated individuals while unvaccinated individuals are required to do so; vaccinated individuals have to test once a week and those with vaccine exemptions have to test twice a week. COVID room capacity limits for residence hall rooms and suites remained unchanged from the spring semester. Junior Matt Fortin said he was fine with the current COVID guidelines. “I’m glad they’re [the current COVID guidelines] loosened up,” said Fortin. “We [vaccinated students] don’t have to wear masks outdoors because most of everybody is vaccinated and I think we’re [RWU] pretty on top of things with the weekly testing and still masking indoors, I think they are all pretty solid policies.” Ian Swanson, also a junior, said he liked the testing guidelines as well as the new testing methods. “It’s [RWU COVID testing] a whole lot better than it used to be,” said Swanson. “Especially with the rapid testing and pool testing. I feel like that’s a lot easier for people to get behind. It’s not as invasive.” Sophomore Caity Boufford said she wanted the room capacity limits and indoor masking guidelines to change. Regarding the room capacity limits, Boufford said, “I feel like if you can be around groups of people outside and you can be around a ton of people in classrooms, inside shouldn’t be much
different.” Sophomore Hunter Phillips expressed a similar sentiment on the indoor masking guidelines. “I understand it [indoor masking] for the first couple weeks while everyone’s coming from different spots but I feel like once they [the Reopening Roger Steering Committee] reevaluate it, it should go away because everyone’s on campus and in the same environment at that point.” King recognized the fact that students may be frustrated with the revised guidelines. “The general feedback is that of course students are disappointed that we have to start off with indoor masking,” said King. “They had been hoping and expecting that we would be able to avoid that due to our high vaccination rate, but for the most part students understand and they see the same approach being used in restaurants increasingly and in venues they go to visit.” According to an email sent by Miaoulis, masking and testing procedures will be reviewed the week of Sept. 15. King said he and the Reopening Roger Steering Committee would be responsible for the review of the masking and testing procedures. “We [the Reopening Roger Steering Committee] will meet the week of the fifteenth,” said King. “We will look at our positivity rate, our trends, all the information related to any positives, our testing participation rates. We will also look at what’s going on in Providence, the state of Rhode Island, and the counties we [the university] live in.”
two weeks of clearance testing there were a total of seven positive cases including one from the School of Law. One student went into isolation at Baypoint while the other students went home or off-campus to be in isolation. No students who were close contacts of the students that tested positive were quarantined because they were all vaccinated. According to King as of Wednesday, Sept. 1, the vaccination rate for employees is over 98% and the student vaccination rate is over 92%. “We could go slightly higher on the student vaccination rate.
We are still working with students who are either not here yet or not living off campus on vaccinations,” said King. King said that he wanted to tell the RWU community that we are all in this together. “It’s important that everybody does their part. When we are not on campus we should be taking precautions. When we’re on campus we should be taking precautions,” said King. “It’s so important that we think about others and not just ourselves and our own individual freedoms. This is a public health emergency. It’s not an individual health emergency.”
King also said “a large factor is going to be cases per 100,000 people in the state
and in the counties that surround us. That will be one of the largest driving factors for our decision making.” As of Sept. 8, indoor dining is available for students only. Students are limited to five individuals per table and the university is asking them to keep track of who they sit with. King said in a Sept. 1 interview that in over
Emily Dvareckas/The Hawks’ Herald Students walking in between the CAS and the new SEECM building. Fall semester COVID guidelines say that masks are not required when walking outside.
SECTION EDITOR
Jimmy Sadowski jsadowski031@g.rwu.edu
DESIGNER
Rachel Dvareckas rdvareckas244@g.rwu.edu
NEWS
September 9, 2021
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Gabby Porcaro’s final thoughts as she leaves RWU Intercultural Center says goodbye to assistant director
Luke Brennan Managing Editor Students, faculty and staff at Roger Williams University will be saying goodbye to a beloved member community this week. It was announced on Sept. 7 that Assistant Director of Queer and Trans Student Initiatives Gabby Porcaro will be leaving RWU for a new opportunity and that her last day is Friday, Sept. 10. “I am so proud of everything I have accomplished with my students in the Queer and Trans Resource and Advocacy Center (QTRAC,) with SAGA [The Sexuality and Gender Alliance]
“Where we’ve made missteps as a university in relation to queer and trans equity, racial equity and social justice movements is by being reactive rather than proactive” -Gabby Porcaro
and Feminists United,” said Porcaro. “I always encouraged my students to lead with empathy and love and we’ve accomplished so many transformational changes.” Porcaro also had some thoughts about when it comes to equity, saying “where we’ve made missteps as a university in relation to queer and trans equity, racial equity and social justice movements is by being reactive rather than proactive.” “I want to encourage my former colleagues to take a step back before creating, talk to the students, and create action plans from a proactive headspace. When we are functioning in a reactive headspace, we will always miss the mark and cause unintentional harm,” said Porcaro. The community is invited to share good wishes with Porcaro on Friday, Sept. 10 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Mary Tefft White Cultural Center, located on the first floor of the library. Those that are interested should contact Director of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Zoila Quezada at (zquezada@ rwu.edu.)
THE GAVEL
Your source for Student Senate news Welcome back Hawks! It is so exciting to see everyone’s smiling faces back on campus! On Monday night, Student Senate 48 held our first general senate meeting! We were so excited to hear about how successful all of the other organizations’ events this semester have gone so far and about all the events coming up soon! Looking forward, on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 7:00 p.m., Student Senate will be hosting an event with Student Programs, Leadership, & Orientation (SPLO) featuring an illusionist and we hope to see you all there! Next week, on Sept. 13 Vice President of Student Life Dr. John King will be joining us at our general senate meeting to discuss the current COVID measures being taken on campus. As always, follow @RWU_Senate on Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter and try to attend our weekly meetings on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in the Mary Tefft White Center on the first floor of the library. Our meetings are recorded so if you cannot make the meetings, you can watch the recordings on the Senate YouTube page, so make sure to check those out! The gavel is contributed by the Student Senate and does not reflect the views of The Hawks’ Herald
Courtesy of Gabby Porcaro Gabby Porcaro and her dog, Delta. Porcaro’s last day at RWU is Sept. 10.
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SECTION EDITOR
Samuel Elwell selwell531@g.rwu.edu
DESIGNER
Rachel Dvareckas rdvareckas244@g.rwu.edu
OPINIONS September 9, 2021
Bo Burnham’s ‘Inside’ was well worth the five year wait
Emily Dvareckas Photo Editor
Bo Burnham recently released his Netflix special titled “Inside,” his first comedy special in five years. As a long-time Burnham fan, this was one of the most exciting things to happen to me over the summer. Within five minutes, I could already tell I was going to love it and it seemed to keep getting better throughout the hour and 28 minute running time. Not only are the songs well-written and funny, the cinematography is beautiful and impressive. Burnham spent a year on this project and it is easy to see why once you realize he did almost everything for this special by himself. “Inside” is not Burnham’s usual stand up special but it still feels so familiar. To some people, it felt too preachy or too out-there and scattered. What I have found is that most of these reviews come from people who were not fans of Burnham or had any idea who he was.
He is not everyone’s cup of tea and that is okay. For me, he is someone I can relate to and someone who makes me feel like I am not alone. His mental health has always been at the forefront of his career and he was one of the first people I was exposed to who did not try to hide his mental health issues and used it for jokes. He made it easier to live with depression and anxiety as a teenager. The song that hit me the hardest was “30” and although I am nowhere near my 30s, it was the most relatable song of the special. Watching Burnham sit next to a clock as it nears midnight marking the beginning of a new decade of his life made me emotional as I imagined myself next to that clock getting older, a concept I have struggled to grasp for a long time. I am still sometimes surprised that I have made it this far and gotten to my 20s and watching Burnham perform just in his underwear reminds me of that fact. As much as I love the songs that make up the special, I have immense appreciation
for the shots showing Burnham as he truly is, his tiredness, his messiness, the things people tend to hide and the things that plague my existence. These scenes are so silent yet say so much. The evolution of Burnham’s appearance is such an important piece that should not be overlooked. The visual of Burnham singing the end song that he recorded in the beginning as filming overlaid with him singing it at the end of filming took my breath away. The year took so much out of him and we watched him through it all but the vast difference was not fully realized until that scene. Besides loving “Inside” for the serious and important parts, I also think it is hilarious. I have listened to “Welcome to the Internet” so many times that I can guarantee it will make an appearance on my Spotify Year in Review. Both Jeff Bezos songs are masterpieces and I cannot fully describe why or what makes them so good. I get them stuck in my head at least once a day because they are so catchy.
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“White Woman’s Instagram” is a funny song on its own but Bo’s performance of it adds so much. “Shit,” “Sexting” and “FaceTime with My Mom” are all relatable songs that never fail to make me laugh. “All Eyes on Me” is beautifully sung with and without the voice filter and always gives me goosebumps. Bo Burnham is one of comedy’s most unique and genius players and “Inside” is another piece of art added to his career. It is one of the best Netflix specials I have seen and something I cannot help but constantly go back to. It is easy to watch over and over without getting bored and an album of songs I cannot stop listening to.
Gen Z is no more entitled than any other generation in their youth Sam Elwell Opinions Editor
It seems like every Gen Z growing up has had adults bring up the notion that our generation is inexperienced, entitled and has no work ethic. It is very common to see older people dismiss the youth as entitled and having it easier than them, but is that not the point? Do we not have children so that we can grow as a society and improve life among all? Why produce more generations if you’re just going to write them off as a danger to the future? This disdain for those outside our age groups is not a foreign concept, and in fact has been going on for generations.. In his 1907 dissertation for Cambridge University, student Martin John Freeman summarizes the mindset of children and how they behaved in ancient times: “Children began to be the tyrants, not the slaves, of their households. They no longer rose from their seats when an elder entered the room; they contradicted their parents, chattered before company, gobbled up the dainties at table, and committed various offences against Hellenic tastes, such as crossing their legs. They tyrannised over the paidagogos and schoolmasters.” A popular altered version of this quote also states “The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority…” These ideas perfectly encapsulate the fact that in our youth,
we have no real connection to the real world. Our experiences are very contained and seldom stray outside our comfort zones. It is not that we are naturally born entitled nor do we necessarily want to be, it is more that we fear the unknowns of adult life and try to find the easiest path to keep living on. In my personal experience, the large majority of my generation that I have met or have known are all very passionate about their career paths and work extremely hard when it comes to their goals and aspirations. I will admit we are inexperienced in many ways, however, in one way or another, I am sure we will learn to deal with and manage the responsibilities and duties of adult life and we will survive into the future. Essentially, I believe everyone should be able to learn something from another generation. Skills, knowledge and culture are meant to be passed down from one generation to the next. By making our age and youth a competition, we lose the necessary connections between generations that help us improve the society we live in. This argument between different generations about who had it easier and who struggles more is completely unnecessary. We all need to learn to understand our past, respect the the present and take on the responsibility of preparing a new generation for what is to come because we have all shared the same inexperience in our youth.
Courtesy of netflix.com Bo Burnham’s Netflix special began streaming on May 30, 2021. Before that, he had not had a comedy special in five years.
SECTION EDITOR
Amy Martin amartin052@g.rwu.edu
FEATURES
DESIGNER
Emily Dvareckas edvareckas213@g.rwu.edu
September 9, 2021
Get Bready for the Mount Hope Farmers Market Emily Dvareckas Photo Editor
Driving down Metacom Avenue is a common occurrence for many community members as they arrive on campus. Throughout the week, they may pass the vast green lawn of Mount Hope Farm, located at 250 Metacom Ave., and only see a few geese occupying the grass. On Saturday mornings, the farm is bustling with activity as patrons visit the Mount Hope Farmers Market. The farmers market runs year round every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a wide variety of vendors. Some of these
vendors are full-time during a season while others are on a rotating schedule. Some of the full time vendors for the summer season include Edible Homescapes, which sells organic vegetables from Westport, Mass.; Fieldstone Kombucha, located in Dartmouth, Mass.; and Bywater, which sells coffee and pastries and is located in Warren, R.I. There are also vendors selling locally made cocktails, mushrooms, salads, bread and meat. For the vendors that are on a rotating schedule, their wares include candles, pasta and baked goods, among others. Prospective patrons can visit Mount Hope Farm’s Instagram page @mounthopefarm
Emily Dvareckas/The Hawks’ Herald Mount Hope Farm is the home to goats who each have a collar with their name on it.
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or add their email (info@ mounthopefarm.org) to the newsletter in order to see what vendors will be at the market each week. For those interested in seeing some animals, walking a short distance across the lawn will allow visitors to see the animals that live on the farm. There are chickens, goats, horses, donkeys and a beautiful golden pheasant. Patrons of the Mount Hope Farmers Market are sure to find Emily Dvareckas/The Hawks’ Herald Mount something of interest with the Hope Farm has a beautiful golden pheasant that various vendors and products that serves as the farm’s logo. are offered.
Emily Dvareckas/The Hawks’ Herald The Mount Hope Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning and features many local vendors.
What’s in store for clubs and organizations this semester
Amy Martin Features Editor
With the new semester starting, it is time for clubs and organizations to meet up again and plan for fun events at Roger Williams University. Unlike last year, meetings and events are back to being held in person. Even though COVID restrictions are slightly more lenient this semester, there are still safety precautions taking place. Masks are still required for indoor gatherings, including for club meetings, classes, etc. There are also capacities in various spaces, not only to keep everybody safe, but also to ensure that there are enough seats for members. With more events in the coming weeks, RWU will see what they can and cannot do in terms of gatherings. “I think it’s a great way for our students to be able to connect in person, even with wearing masks,” said Carol Sacchetti, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Programs,
Leadership & Orientation (SPLO.) “You’re still together and you get to make those connections.” The Involvement Fair took place on the Quad on Wednesday, Sept. 7, where new and returning students met student leaders and learned more about the university’s clubs and organizations. “The clubs and organizations are going to be able to share with prospective members what they do, from meeting in person to having events to having lectures,” Sacchetti said. Much like before, and even pre-COVID, any club or organization can propose an event to SPLO. Student groups are welcome to use the SPLO office and work with the SPLO staff to plan events. “We want to work with student clubs and organizations to see what their ideas are and how to make it a reality,” Sacchetti said. While working virtually last year felt limiting, it can now help clubs and organizations reach a new level of accessibility. For instance, some groups
use Discord channels to communicate, allowing them to engage more with their members. “I’m excited, as I’m sure most of the student body, specifically our club and organization leaders, to put out events, meetings,
programs and services to benefit the RWU community,” Sacchetti said. “I think most people are excited to see what we’re all capable of.”
Emily Dvareckas/The Hawks’ Herald The Involvement Fair happens each year and gives students the opportunity to learn about and sign up for clubs and organizatons.
SECTION EDITOR
Kristen Dansereau kdansereau387@g.rwu.edu
SECTION MANAGER
Andrew Hart ahart360@g.rwu.edu
Rachel Dvareckas rdvareckas244@g.rwu.edu
A story of passion Kristen Dansereau Sports Editor After tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during her high school career at Lakeland Regional High School, Samantha Jost began a new journey of fitness and understanding nutrition, beyond just the measures of being an athlete. “My recovery required a lot of rehabilitation including strength training in order to get that muscle back,” Jost said. “I started doing a lot of research on what I should be eating in order to gain muscle and get back on the field as soon as possible. Proper nutrition and strength training has gotten me back to where I was before my surgery and allows me to perform my best.” Jost diligently trains her body outside of soccer and recently joined the CrossFit East Providence after a coach approached her in the gym, asking her if she’d like to train there. Jost started off with one-on-one training with the coach but after a couple of solo sessions, she joined classes. Her coach pushed her out of her comfort zone as well as increasing her abilities with new workouts. “I absolutely love the CrossFit training style because it is more athletic[ly] styled movements and keeps your heart rate up,” said Jost. “It is a lot of fun because it’s a competition against yourself and those in the class to get the best time, but everyone is so supportive of one another.” CrossFit continually gives Jost new challenges that she finds herself craving. However, she always reverts back to her love of combining nature and exercise, especially by the water. In Bristol, her favorite place to run is the East Bay bike path,
SPORTS
DESIGNER
which extends from Providence to Bristol. Jost’s runs on the East Bay Bike Path may turn into bike rides with her suitemates to Providence and back. “I’m from Northern New Jersey and where I live I am surrounded by trees and lakes,” said Jost. “Being by the water has always been my comfort zone and where I’m the happiest. My friends and I always go hiking, kayaking, boating or anything else to get us outside.” Over the summer, Jost interned for Laura Kilcine of Pivot Nutrition to pursue her interests in sports nutrition. Primarily, Jost’s responsibilities included shadowing clientele calls, analyzing their data, working on small projects along with other interns and promoting their social media platforms. “My most interesting task was creating a sports nutrition program,” said Jost. This program was created online to enlighten athletes on how to suitably fuel their bodies. “It is an 8-week program that includes pre and post-workout meals, hydration, underfueling, strength training and so much more,” said Jost. With no registered dietitian at Roger Williams University, Jost felt compelled to develop this project for sports teams and inform athletes of proper nutrition for their lifestyles. She claimed it is essential for athletes to know and understand so they may reach maximum performance. Jost’s passion for fitness and nutrition has extended into all areas of her life, including school, soccer, hobbies and pastimes. If you see Jost around, do not hesitate to ask her about her experience and knowledge surrounding these interests. She enjoys sharing her wisdom with others as much as possible.
Chloe Noyes/The Hawks’ Herald Samantha Jost (number 16) dribbles the ball down the field during the Sept. 1 game against Framingham State University. The Hawks won 3-0.
September 9, 2021
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Women’s soccer charges through first week
Drew Hart Sports Manager
Chloe Noyes/The Hawks’ Herald The women’s soccer team started their season strong with a 3-0 win against Framingham State University on Sept.1.
Women’s soccer capped off their first week of the regular season with an impressive triad of victories fueled by a high octane offensive attack along with a poised defensive effort on the opposite side of the field. In their first three games, the Hawks totaled 12 goals, all while allowing zero to their opponents. Junior forward Bianca Robbins accounted for 7 of the 12 goals. The onslaught of offensive and defensive prowess debuted on Sept. 1 when the Hawks opened their season with a shutout 3-0 win against Framingham State University at Bayside Field. The strong play carried over into the first match of the Rhode Island Cup on Sept. 3, as the Hawks routed Rhode Island College 8-0, behind four goals from Robbins. With a quick turnaround, the Hawks traveled to Johnson and Wales University on Sept. 4 where they secured the inaugural Rhode Island Cup in an extremely physical match highlighted by the defensive presence of both squads. “We were equal to the challenge,” said Tim Moody, Head Coach of the Women’s Soccer Team. “The physicality has actually strengthened our resolve and made us more of a collective unit,” said Moody. Aside from the lone goal of the game scored by Robbins in the 51st minute,
the defining moments came in the 58th and 89th minutes. In the 58th minute, senior goalkeeper Morgan McCutcheon made a clutch, diving save off of a penalty kick by Johnson and Wales midfielder Olivia Cairrao to keep the Wildcats scoreless. During the final minute of the match, the Hawks defended two corner kicks by the Wildcats and forced a shot on goal that missed wide left to secure the victory. “The tougher the match, the more we progress and move towards our main goal,” said Moody. The Hawks currently sit at three wins as they battle through an injury plagued roster. The Hawks have been sharp though, due in part to the depth of players they field on any given game day. “We are slowly returning to full capacity, and we are beginning to understand what it takes to get to the next level,” said Moody. “We have depth when called upon the next player has stepped up to the task and role that has been assigned to them,” said Moody. The Hawks hit the pitch next on Sept. 8 when they travel to New London, Conn. to face Connecticut College.
SECTION EDITOR
Rachel Dvareckas rdvareckas244@g.rwu.edu
DESIGNER
Rachel Dvareckas rdvareckas244@g.rwu.edu
Life on Campus
EDITOR’S DESK September 9, 2021
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International Sudoku Day!
Emily Dvareckas/The Hawks’ Herald Students enjoyed the Fall Concert for an afternoon of music, food and games. The concert was headlined by Lathan Warlick with opening acts, Jeffery East and David J.
THE HAWKS’ HERALD The student newspaper of Roger Williams University
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THE HAWKS’ HERALD is a student publication. The views, statements, opinions, depictions, and/or representations (expressions) contained herein are solely those of THE HAWKS’ HERALD and do not, and are not, meant to represent or be attributed to the expressions of Roger Williams University, any trustee, officer, agent, employee, student, or representative of Roger Williams University, and either are such expressions authorized, accepted, or condoned by the university. THE HAWKS’ HERALD is dedicated to providing news to the university in a fair and accurate manner.
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Jimmy Sadowski jsadowski031@g.rwu.edu
OPINIONS EDITOR
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Emma Bartlett ebartlett122@g.rwu.edu
Sam Elwell selwell531@g.rwu.edu
SPORTS EDITOR Kristen Dansereau kdansereau387@g.rwu.edu
ARTS & CULTURE MANAGER Kayla Ivan kivan850@g.rwu.edu
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CORRECTIONS
REPORTERS Maggie Hurley
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There are no corrections this week.
The Hawks’ Herald · Suite 212, Campus Recreation Center · 1 Old Ferry Road · Bristol, R.I. 02809
Amy Martin amartin052@g.rwu.edu
Adam Zerman azerman020@g.rwu.edu
SPLO ADVISOR Adrianne Harris aharris@g.rwu.edu
PHOTO EDITOR
Emily Dvareckas edvareckas213@g.rwu.edu
PHOTO MANAGER Chloe Noyes cnoyes899@g.rwu.edu
PHOTOGRAPHERS Emily Dvareckas Chloe Noyes
SECTION EDITOR
SECTION MANAGER DESIGNER
Emma Bartlett Kayla Ivan ebartlett122@g.rwu.edu kivan850@g.rwu.edu
ARTS & CULTURE
Emily Dvareckas edvareckas213@g.rwu.edu
September 9, 2021
‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’
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A story of power, finding yourself and coming to peace with the past
Emma Bartlett Arts and Culture Editor
destroy the land Shang-Chi’s mother came from. Shang-Chi must learn how to fight his father and beat him with the help Marvel movies are quickly moving of his mother’s people. into Phase Four, and while we have said As far as Marvel movies go, the 2 hour goodbye to some amazing characters and 12 minute film was packed with (R.I.P Iron Man and Captain America,) the usual epic action scenes that keep we are gaining new heroes who are sure to audiences on the edge of their seats. This be crowd favorites. The newest addition to particular movie had a greater emphasis the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Shangon martial arts and included incredible Chi. fight scenes on a bus and at a fight club. “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten And of course, no Marvel movie would be Rings” follows the life of Shang-Chi complete without a 20 minute battle scene (played by Simu Liu), a young Chinese to conclude the film. All that needs to be man living in San Francisco under the said: it is pretty awesome and there is a alias of Shaun. After running away from dragon involved. his father when he was younger, ShangThe film also had an assortment of funny Chi never looked back until his dad’s moments which helped to balance the army attacked him on a city bus. Shangmore serious moments. The movie’s MVP Chi’s dad (known as the Mandarin) for funniest lines went to Katy (played by possessed 10 rings that gave him the Awkwafina), who was Shang-Chi’s best power to fly, levitate objects, live for friend. Her demeanor and reactions to eternity and use them as a weapon. In his every event gave the movie the right touch 1000 years on Earth, he has conquered of humor. countries and destroyed lives in the The movie also transitioned between process. The Mandarin only stopped English and Mandarin Chinese for a good searching for power when he met Ying Li. portion of the film, which was new for a The two married, gave up their powers, Marvel movie and worked really well. If and had two children -- Shang-Chi and you are interested in watching “Shang-Chi his sister Xialing. and the Legends of the Ten Rings,” check After Ying died unexpectedly, the out the following theatres: Picture Show at Mandarin resumed wearing the rings South Coast Marketplace, Island Cinemas and trained Shang-Chi to fight. The 10 and Showcase Cinemas on Route 10 in environment became harsher and harsher, causing Shang-Chi to leave home Seekonk. for good. In the present, Shang-Chi is reunited with his father and sister -which is when his dad reveals a plan that will potentially
Courtesy of Marvel “Shang-Chi and the Legends of the Ten Rings” has been highly anticipated and is now playing in theaters.
Courtesy of Capitol Records Halsey’s fourth studio album is titled “If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power.” The concept album is about pregnancy and childbirth.
‘If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power’ Album Review
Kayla Ivan Arts and Culture Manager On Aug. 27, Halsey released their fourth studio album, “If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power.” Produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, the record is a stark contrast to their third album, “Manic,” (released in 2020) in terms of musical energy, with the former holding “psychedelic softness” according to Apple Music. The album is risky and different for Halsey, with an “unsettling production” according to the artist. When discussing the contents of the album, they described the experience as emotional and expressive, stating, “... it’s like an emptying of [their] emotional vault — ‘expressions of guilt or insecurity, stories of sexual promiscuity or selfdestruction’ — and a coming to terms with who they have been before becoming responsible for someone else….” As a new mother, they have and will experience all of the ups and downs of is a major theme in the album’s lyrical content. With 13 songs, the full-length album is an alternative, rock style that ranges from slow songs to power anthems, such as “I am not a woman, I’m a god,” that speaks to the life-changing realities of new motherhood and first time experiences with pregnancy. The album is paired with an IMAX film of the same name, with gory images depicting the struggles of getting what we
want, with Halsey battling internally with having a child depending on you, which love and power. Pitchfork described the record as having a “tight, internal focus… walking the line between self-preservation and selfdestruction, control and compulsion, the thrill and terror of getting what we want…” even calling the record, “their best work yet.” The record harbors a clear conflict; the natural realities of joy in motherhood versus the terror that comes with it, about losing a part of yourself for love. The war between love and power is fought throughout the album, with the music production presenting these ideas in a chaotic sort of way. The album earned the top debut spot during the week of its release on Spotify Global between Aug. 27-29. Billboard ranked it as having the Top Album Sales, #1 Alternative Album and #1 Vinyl Album. While describing their inspiration for the content of the album, Halsey stated, “‘The reason that the album has sort of this horror theme is because this experience… has its horrors… [p]regnancy for some women is a dream — and for some people it’s a f**king nightmare.” With autumn on the way, this album is a haunting experience of dissonance musically and lyrically, sounding at times like that of a nightmare. In the end, it seems they choose love.
SECTION EDITOR
SECTION MANAGER DESIGNER
Emma Bartlett Kayla Ivan ebartlett122@g.rwu.edu kivan850@g.rwu.edu
ARTS & CULTURE
Emily Dvareckas edvareckas213@g.rwu.edu
September 9, 2021
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Fall concert offers a refreshing sense of normalcy Emma Bartlett Arts and Culture Editor After a year of hosting virtual concerts for students, the Campus Entertainment Network (CEN) welcomed Roger Williams University’s campus community back to school with an in-person concert consisting of three musical guests on Sept. 5. The two-hour long event, which concluded the organization’s “1, 2, 3 Weekend,” included an array of musical talent that students found themselves dancing to throughout the afternoon and into the early evening. “[The event] was chill. I really enjoyed the
main guy, Lathan Warlick,” said first-year Grey Simmons. Warlick, the main act of the night, captivated the audience with his original music. The country-rapper even showed off his dance moves per the audience’s request, having begun his career as a hip hop dancer. Warlick owned the stage throughout his performance, energizing all those who were dancing in front of him. His music connected with the audience so well that students were buying shirts he had for sale during the show. One of the two musical guests preceding Warlick included Jeffrey East. East, a oneman band from Los Angeles, warmed up the crowd with his humor and engaged the
audience in his songs by having a call and response; the crowd embraced his soulful country songs. David J, as the other musical guest, entertained students with his band’s newly released songs. The 17-year-old country singer put on an impressive show with his drummer, bassist and guitarist. For J, performing in-person again has been an exciting experience. His favorite part about performing? The crowd. “I was very bored at home and am glad to see people here,” said J. The crowd also enjoyed being back inperson. With a buffet-style dinner hosted
‘Lord of the Flies’ meets ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ in Kim Liggett’s ‘The Grace Year’ Maggie Hurley Herald Reporter
Emily Dvareckas/The Hawks’ Herald Lathan Warlick performing during CEN’s Fall Concert on Sept. 5, 2021.
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by Bon Appetit and games including cornhole, connect four and bocce, groups of friends enjoying the summer weather and music filled the gravel lot outside of the North Campus Residence Hall. “I really liked the music,” said first-year Sophia Thomas. As the first concert of the fall semester, CEN set the bar high for what to expect at in-person events for the rest of the academic year. The refreshing sense of normalcy elevated the event, and it was nice to see smiles across students’ maskless faces in the crowd.
The men of Kim Liggett’s fictitious Garner County in “The Grace Year” are terrified of women, and that terror manifests as violent hatred. The men of this dystopian world believe that every woman is imbued with some sort of sirenesque power that allows women to lead men astray. This fear and hatred of women culminates when the girls of the town turn 16 each year and are on the cusp of womanhood. In a ceremony that degrades the girls by parading them around to be sold to the coming of age boys in town, the titular Grace Year begins. Every girl in Garner County must participate in the Grace Year, but none of the women or girls are allowed to talk about what awaits them beyond the gates of their county. All the girls know going into it is that it is dangerous and not all of them will make it back alive, and none of them will make it back the same. Garner County is a society that thrives off limiting the power (be it metaphorical or literal — that is up for debate in this novel) to women when they come together. So, the men of Garner County ensure that all the women and girls know their place and their role in bringing sin into the world. Told through the skeptical eyes of Tierney James, “The Grace Year” presents itself as a typical YA dystopian novel not unlike “The Hunger Games,” but Liggett’s world is far darker than that of her peers.
“The Grace Year” is less for a younger crowd and better catered to older readers who can maturely sort through the complexities and horrors they will face on the pages. The novel does fall prey to a typical YA plotpoint; a romance that does not quite fit the protagonist’s desires or motivations. What sets Tierney apart from the rest of the girls her age is her disdain for marriage and her anger at her male best friend’s romantic feelings toward her. For the first half of the novel, all signs point to Tierney being a lesbian, and there are even indications of her and another Grace Year girl developing a relationship beyond platonic. However, seemingly out of nowhere, Liggett reveals an enemies-to-lovers subplot between Tierney and a member of the fringes of society. While the romance between Tierney and this man is well written, it is not believable based on Tierney’s established characterization. “The Grace Year” confidently and empathetically delves into difficult topics such as abuse, murder and rape, and how those particular forms of violence are used to keep women obedient through fear. Further, Liggett examines the way society subjugates women through religion and fear, but also the interpersonal relationships of women in girls in a society that wants women to despise themselves and each other. In a blur of many dystopian novels telling tales of corrupt governments, “The Grace Year” stands out among the crowd and holds a mirror up to American society to reveal its ugliest bits.