THE
SWINGING BRIDGE MESSIAH COLLEGE//THE PULSE
Vol. 95 // ED. 3 // October 16, 2014
Emma Watson
PULSE SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT see page 16
Raises HeForShe Debate with
UN Speech
Photo provided by Storify Emma Watson’s UN speech has garnered much interest and varying opinions on the topic of gender equality.
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By Olivia La Bianca STUDENT WRITER
n Sept. 20, British actress Emma Watson made her debut as a United Nations Women’s Global Goodwill Ambassador with a speech calling for gender equality as part of launching the HeForShe campaign. HeForShe is described on the website as, “a solidarity movement for gender
equality that brings together one half of humanity in support of the other half of humanity, for the benefit of all.” To date, 170,799 men have pledged to help the gender equality movement on the HeForShe website, with the United States taking the lead with over 48,000 men. Despite this seemingly swift adoption, the campaign has garnered controversial opinions.
“I am reaching out to you because we need your help,” Watson began her call to action. “We want to end gender inequality, and to do this, we need everyone involved.” She went on to state that HeForShe’s UN mission was to, “galvanize as many men and boys as possible to be advocates for change.” This focus on men as
HONG KONG
STUDENTS PROTEST FOR DEMOCRACY By Maddie Crocenzi STUDENT WRITER
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ccording to recent CNN reports, students in Hong Kong have been holding pro-democracy protests since Sept. 28 throughout the streets of the city. Two students, 17-year-old Joshua Wong and 24-year-old Alex Chow, are leading the protests. They have been holding demonstrations in heavily trafficked areas of the city such as Mong Kok and the Admirality district. The protests are due to a new policy that gives Beijing the power to veto chief executive candidates in the 2017 election. The students are also asking for the resignation of current chief executive C.Y. Leung. According to the protestors, Leung is only “a puppet of Beijing.” At a press conference, the Hong Kong Federation of Students said they had met with three government represen// Continued on page 4
// Continued on page 3
Animal Alliance Club Comes to Messiah
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By Tara Kleinmanns STUDENT WRITER
o you foster a love for animals and a desire for service? If so, one of the newest clubs on campus may just be the place for you.
mals. In addition, they give people practical ways to help animals and raise awareness of their importance.
The Animal Alliance Club made its debut on campus just this year. They help connect students to unique service opportunities where they can work alongside both people and animals.
“Even if we can’t make everyone care, we hope to educate and at least implement motions to help take care of these beautiful creatures that God created,” said sophomore Lauren Spreen, one of the founders of the club.
The purpose of the club is to educate people on the importance of ani-
The club was created simply out of a common passion for animals. Ac-
White House Action on Student Debt
Importance of Chapel
pg. 2
cording to Spreen, “[The founders] have a huge passion for animals. Whether it be dogs, cats, cows, or anything else, we all had this strong passion to protect as well as show love toward these beautiful creatures.” Members of the club can look forward to future events that include volunteering at local shelters, hear// Continued on page 4
Commentary: Black Jesus comes to TV
pg. 5
Photo provided by Xaume Olleros Two students hold signs during the Hong Kong student protests.
Homecoming Brings Past, Present Falcons into Action pg. 9 pg. 15
NEWS
The Swinging Bridge October 16, 2014
T he W hite H ouse A ction R
By Brianna Keener STUDENT WRITER
ising college tuition in America is becoming an increasingly difficult obstacle for students to surmount in their hopes to gain an education, and eventually begin a career. Although the large cost of tuition deters some students from entering college, many are becoming aware of their eligibility for a variety of loans. Families who find it difficult to pay for college tuition using out-ofpocket money turn to federal, state, and private loans to cover tuition expenses. Unfortunately, loans can become increasingly burdensome in future plans. Currently, 71% of those graduating with a bachelor’s degree are in debt, with the average loan number around $29,400. Without appropriate planning, those who default on their loan payments may experience bad credit rating, loss of tax refunds, and difficulty in repaying future loans. As a result, President Obama has declared 2014 to be a year of action with regards to student debt and loan repayments. According to the White House Press Office, “a postsecondary education is the single most important investment that Americans can make in their futures.”
In the Presidential Memorandum, the Obama Administration authorized an additional 5 million federal direct student loan borrowers to limit their monthly payments at 10% of their income. Executive actions were taken for supporting borrowers, especially for those likely to default on their loan payments. The President explained that balances will be forgiven after 20 years of payments and forgiven after 10 years if people are involved in public service. For manageable student loan debt, the Obama Administration organized a Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) income-based system, ensuring that the annual tax required is distributed evenly throughout the year. Currently, President Obama is working with the Secretaries of Education and of the Treasury to help borrowers with debts. Offering incentives, the Obama Administration is encouraging loan contractors to serve students more efficiently. In essence, contracts will be discussed with federal loan servicers, enabling borrowers to pay loans on time. Furthermore, the borrower’s customer satisfaction will be prioritized and servicer payments will decrease upon a borrower’s loan default.
on
News 2
$ tudent L oan D ebt
The President also plans to cooperate with the Private Sector to advocate awareness of repayment opportunities by working with tax firms such as Intuit, Inc. as well as H&R Block. Moreover, new means of communication will be utilized to assist borrowers who are likely to default. Many borrowers are unaware of flexible repayment alternatives, such as an income-based repayment (IBR) plan. In 2013, over 124,000 borrowers were enrolled in an IBR or PAYE plan. Eventually, the Department of Education is hoping to reach 2.5 million borrowers who have difficulty repaying – including dropouts, those who missed their first loan payment, and those who defaulted on loans. Approaches will ultimately be analyzed on a larger scale to determine the most effective method. The President further plans to endorse stronger partnerships to improve information for student borrowers and their families. For example, loan counseling is now required when students first borrow a federal loan. Ultimately, the government is preparing to educate students, families, financial aid servicers, and tax suppliers on repayment options and federal aid resources – enabling Americans to understand their eligibility for tax benefits as well as
receiving benefits for which they qualify. Despite the high cost of tuition for going to a school like Messiah, more financial aid is offered to nearly everyone who attends, giving students the ability to afford a college education. The total amount of money borrowed from Messiah College in a given year does not deviate significantly from approximately $22 million, though it is difficult to predict the loans and debt amounts for the 2014-2015 school year presently. Greg Gearhart, the Director of Financial Aid, oversees the processing of federal and state financial aid and assists in working with institutional programs, while also networking with colleagues on financial aid information for colleges. “Messiah College, as compared to other colleges, has a very low loan default rate,” Gearhart says, explaining the ability of Messiah students to pay their loans off efficiently and without serious complications. If you have any questions about student loans, basic fees, or other financial aid concerns, please visit the Financial Aid Office in Old Main or email them at finaid@messiah.edu.
OAKES MUSEUM RECEIVES SPECIAL GRANT By Myriam Pedercini STUDENT WRITER
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essiah College’s own Oakes Museum of Natural History was recently rewarded with $98,500 from the Museums for America grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Through matching funding, the museum in total received $197,000, which will go towards labor costs and state-of-the-art equipment in renewing the storage of the museum. This improvement will create new mobile, space-saving storage systems as well as providing a classroom for the museum. The renovation is scheduled to begin during J-Term. Although the construction should take approximately three weeks, the process of carefully moving the collections back and
forth may prolong the deadline. Director Ken Marks of the Oakes Museum voiced his excitement for the renovation. Being the director for eight years, Marks has seen growth in the museum’s facilities as well as behind the scenes. He stresses the necessity to provide pieces and collections in prime condition. “Once you open your doors, all collections must be kept in the Public Trust,” he said. The purpose of the Public Trust is to provide and maintain public facilities, landmarks and spaces (such as museums and parks) in top condition. Marks continues to emphasize the importance of how the museum preserves their collections. Conditions must be equal to or better than
the original state of the collections. The process of storing away the exhibits is tedious; there must be a record of every collection and every piece within it. These items must also be specifically labeled and after the upgraded storage system is put in place the pieces must be stored away in their proper cabinets. The cabinets currently in use at The Oakes Museum date back to the 1930s and 1940s. They do not properly close, so this adds risk in keeping the stored collections in perfect condition. Insects and dust are amongst the few dangers for the pieces in storage. With better facilities, The Oakes Museum will be able to meet all the parameters in keeping the exhibits in
the Public’s Trust. For the museum, this means moving towards accreditation, which will help them to move toward the ultimate goal, which is to be qualified for the American Alliance of Museums. This alliance represents the worldwide headquarters for museums. “It is very rewarding to be working hard to meet best practiced principles as set down by the American Alliance of Museums,” Marks says. Through rewarding the grant, The Oakes Museum is progressing towards their goal, which falls in line with The Institute of Museum and Library Services’ mission: “To inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement.”
Oakes Museum Homecoming Open House Come visit the Oakes Museum 0:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, at the Jordan Science Center.
October 16, 2014 The Swinging Bridge
News 3
Chapel Task Force Seeks to Improve, Adjust Chapel By Olivia La Bianca STUDENT WRITER
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n Sept. 29, campus pastor Don Opitz held a student focus group to discuss the subject of chapel. This meeting was one of a series initiated by the Chapel Task Force, which is looking to gather information from both students and faculty members about what is and is not working about chapel. The focus groups are aimed specifically at senior students who have an intimate knowledge of the pros and cons of chapel, but will later include students and educators campus wide. “No one is mandating change,” Opitz pointed out towards the beginning of the focus group. “President Phipps and Kris Hanson-Kieffer suggested the Task Force, and it’s something I want to do, but the goal is not specifically radical change.” Instead, he wants a “fuller view” of student opinion. “My interest is in hearing from people who do and don’t like chapel...those who enjoy it and those who are frustrated.” Opitz hopes to be able to move far enough this year to make next year different. He is for “a substantial step in focus and housecleaning so we can get clearly better at what we’re doing.” One problem Opitz addressed was the issue of message: “I can sense we are trying to do too much, and that is preventing us from focusing on what matters most. What is most essential? What is merely peripheral. That is what we are trying to figure out.” “At some schools, students love chapel,” Opitz continued. He explained that when small Christian schools have a student
Messiah pastor Don Opitz, shown speaking at the beginning of the school year, is working with the Chapel Task Force to determine possible changes to chapel. body that is homogenous in beliefs and preferred ways of worship, it is easy to meet their spiritual needs. However, considering the interdenominational diversity at Messiah, “one size doesn’t fit all. Someone is going to be unhappy.” One of the students who attended pointed out that students need chapel to be connected to their daily lives. “We are an institution of critical thinking,” the student said. “We are looking for applicable messages.” Opitz agreed with this, saying he believed there was a way to create alternative chapel series dedicated to addressing specifically first years, sophomores, etc. Another issue is one of logistics and managing of space. There are too many
students to comfortably fit in any of the venues, be it Brubaker, Parmer Hall, or Hostetter. Opitz said this lack of space impacts the way students view chapel. “We but
have functional not a sacred
space, space.”
The Ministries team has been juggling the logistics, trying to come up with ways to fit everyone comfortably in one space. To spread out the number of students in these venues at any given time, Campus Ministries have discussed three backto-back chapels on Tuesday mornings along with changes to the academic schedules to prevent chapel clashing with courses, a possible Monday night chapel identical to the one on Tuesday morning, or even a reduction of the number of required chapels per semester.
Photo by Will Colfelt
Other questions that arose during the focus group included what the effects of chapel probation should be on other areas of a student’s campus and academic life, changing the time that chapel is held so it is not so early, and whether or not more Messiah faculty should be featured as guest speakers. “I don’t think there is a silver bullet, something that fixes everything at once,” Opitz said. “This will take work and be a gradual process. “But I’m not giving up on this.”
// Emma Watson Raises HeforShe Debate with UN Speech continued. partners in the fight against gender inequality has been the primary target for both praise and criticism. Some have associated feminism with man-hating and male oppression, and Watson’s peace-making speech did little to change their view. TIME magazine published an article calling HeForShe “rotten for men,” equating Watson’s call to action to an invitation to a conversation in which the male participants are primarily told to “shut up and listen”. The New York Post ran a story in which the writer complains that feminists believe, “females should be handed opportunities — or foot rubs — without demonstrating their willingness to shoulder responsibilities equal to those undertaken by males of the species.” In perhaps the most blatant show of
retaliation, anonymous 4chan users threatened to release nude pictures of Watson to punish her for her outspoken feminism. The website “Emma You Are Next”, designed as a countdown showcase for these illegally gotten pictures, ended up being a hoax. However, the comments offered by posters calling Watson obscenities were very real.
brainer for me – why can’t it be for all men?” Jones goes on to say that Watson’s acknowledgment of “male imprisonment in gender stereotypes” struck a chord with him, and that “more of us need to declare ourselves in favor of gender equality, and not just in theory . . . . I frequently feel ashamed to be a man, but I am always proud to be a feminist.”
In contrast, there have been many supporters of HeForShe, many of whom hold a lot of influence on social media. Harper’s Bazaar reports many A-listers – Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Jared Leto, and David Tennant, to name a few – as showing support for the HeForShe cause through hashtag selfies on Instagram and Twitter.
A 15-year-old boy wrote a letter that went viral days after Watson’s UN speech. Disgusted by the ignorance of his classmates, who are students at an all-male school outside of London, Ed Holtom wrote: “If we want equality, it will take more effort than paying women the same as men, or giving women equal opportunities. We must stop pressuring each other to fit stereotypes which more often than not leaves us feeling repressed and unable to express ourselves. We must not let gender define us.”
The UK’s Independent ran an article written by writer Ralph Jones, titled “Being a feminist is a no-
Other UN members are introducing their own steps toward gender equality. On Sept. 29, Iceland’s UN Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson introduced a January UN conference on women and gender equality aimed exclusively toward men and boys. Described as a “barbershop conference”, Sveinsson said that “it will be the first time at the United Nations that we bring together only men leaders to discuss gender equality.” If you are interested in following the story and making a difference, visit heforshe. org and take the pledge. Also, keep an eye on The Swinging Bridge website for a follow-up exclusive, in which the academic advisor for gender studies minors, Jenell Paris, weighs in on Emma Watson’s UN speech and the HeForShe movement in the context of Messiah College and Christian communities.
October 16, 2014 The Swinging Bridge // Hong Kong Protests continued.
continue to confuse and mislead people.”
tatives. They failed to reach an agreement, but will continue to talk in a way that is “direct and mutually respectful.” Protesters met with government officials in a further meeting on Oct. 10.
However as the weeks of ongoing protests continue, students have yet to leave the city. Cries of “add oil,” meaning “keep it up”, can be heard throughout the streets.
Lester Shum, the deputy secretary general for the students’ federation, gave three conditions for future discussions.
The protests have recently taken a violent turn. The Hong Kong government figures say 165 people have been injured since the protests began.
“The dialogue must be ongoing, the student leaders must be treated as equals, and real political change must emerge from the talks,” he said. Shum also stated that the protests will continue until a “productive dialogue” is reached. On October 5th, Leung issued an ultimatum: the streets had to be clear of protestors so school could resume and government officials could return to work. This order comes after the students obstructed the entrance to the chief executive office building, hindering 3,000 government employees from going to work on Friday. The students have issued a statement refuting the government’s claim. They say that the entrance to government headquarters has always been accessible and “the government should not
On Oct. 5, police used tear gas and pepper spray in an attempt to scatter the protesters. The protesters also assert that the police have failed to protect them from attacks, beatings, and sexual assaults. The Hong Kong police call those accusations “totally unfounded and extremely unfair to police officers who faithfully and diligently performed their duty at the scene.” Peter Mathieson, the President and vicechancellor of the University of Hong Kong, attempted to reason with students. “Please leave now,” he said, “You owe it to your loved ones to put your safety above all other considerations.”
People’s daily newspaper saying the protests are “illegal acts.” Beijing also dismissed the idea that the Hong Kong protests could spread across China, calling it “no more than a daydream.” This semester, Messiah has six international students from China. Messiah also has a Chinese club, which is advised by Professor Lijuan (Stella) Ye. Professor Ye lived in a town near Shanghai until she moved here ten years ago. Her family still lives in China. Ye believes that nothing harmful will come from the protests. However, if it does she would be “sad and discouraged” in the Chinese government. “I wish it could end soon and end peacefully,” she says. Matthew Rice, a junior at Messiah and President of the Chinese Club, echoes her sentiments. “I don’t think these protests in Hong Kong will spread to the rest of China. I think it’s a possibility that sometime in the future, mainland China will try to achieve a more democratic system, but I don’t see it in the form of protest.”
News 4 // Animal Alliance Club continued. ing educational speakers on campus, and even working with therapy dogs. It is never too late to join this exciting new club. Connections to a shelter or an organization that is need of help from individuals who share a passion for the stewardship of God’s creation are especially sought by the organization. “Our members can come to one meeting or several, and they will be accepted with open arms,” Spreen said. Even if they simply have connections with local animal organizations that we could work with, it’s something we are always grateful for.” Those interested in joining the club or simply receiving more information may do so by sending an email to Lauren Spreen at ls1416@messiah.edu.
China’s president, Xi Jinping, has kept silent while the protests continue. Beijing has issued a statement through
ALMANAC PREDICTS COLD, SNOWY WINTER By Olivia La Bianca STUDENT WRITER
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f residents of central Pennsylvania thought last winter was bad, they might want to look to the skies. According to both the Farmer’s Almanac and the Old Farmer’s Almanac, this winter could be worse. The prediction is that this winter will be “teeth-chatteringly cold”, and “another arctic blast with above-normal snowfall throughout much of the nation.” Old Farmer’s Almanac senior research editor Mare-Anne Jarvela is quoted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as stating, “I think it’s going to be as bad or worse this winter”, while editor Janice Stillman said that “colder is just almost too familiar a term.” Stillman suggested that readers think of it as “a refrigernation” in order to better mentally prepare themselves for what is ahead. The northeast is expected to have an above-average snowfall, potentially beginning in November. The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts that Thanksgiving could be snowy, while “the area can expect to have snow on Christmas, New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day.” Farmer’s Almanac official forecaster Caleb Weatherbee said they are “red-flagging the first 10 days of January and the first week of February along the Atlantic seaboard for active wintry weather featuring bouts of heavy precipitation and strong winds.”
Illustration by Frances Miller CBS news states that expert meteorologists doubt the Almanac forecasts, stating that they “don’t see anything offhand that would suggest it would be a really brutal winter.” However, last year the Almanac successfully predicted the polar vortex while expert scientists failed to do so. This, along with the Almanac’s nearly 200year history and 80% accuracy rate, gives this year’s forecast more clout. In order to prep for this winter, news organizations and forecasters are suggesting hunkering down with extra supplies and backup heating units. Some even suggested planning tropical vacations for the months of January and February, during which time some northeastern areas are expected to have temperatures drop to 40 below 0. What does this mean for Messiah students? There is always the fear that the cold, wet weather could result in an excess of snow days, which might mean shortened Christmas breaks or even an extended spring semester in order to compensate for missed classes. Another worry is for the difficulties that commuter students will face when driving onto campus daily and parking in areas with suffering maintenance. Further information on the 201415 winter storm season will be passed along as necessary.
Discover if you qualify for a tuition discount at messiah.edu/graddiscounts
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Now enrolling for 2015 classes messiah.edu/gradprograms • 717.796.5061
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OPINIONS
The Swinging Bridge October 16, 2014
Opinions 5
Opinions can vary, but chapel, along with its various organizers and leaders, continues to be an important part of the Messiah College experience.
Photos by The Pulse
THE BENEFITS OF By Lisa Monteiro STUDENT WRITER
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very Tuesday and Thursday, Brubaker is under the divide of groans and praises of students who view the chapel requirement with opposing attitudes. I cannot say that I do not fluctuate between the two myself at times. One morning however, I was challenged to delve into a deeper understanding of what exactly chapel offers to the Messiah Community. I started to wonder what the differences were between chapel mornings, and mornings without this assembly. It did not take me long to realize that maybe twice a week, at 9:30 in the morning, the school is doing us a favor. “Each day it is almost instinct to wake up and begin to rate how stressful the day will be. With classes, assignments and obligations, it becomes second nature to allow stress and fear to take control of my mind,” said sophomore Karine Moussa. “It is all too easy to forget that there is a source of strength, which is greater than the tasks I have.” Common chapel gives students the opportunity to rest their minds from academic overstimulation and offers a window of time dedicated to spiritual growth, which some might not have created for themselves otherwise.
CHAPEL
“When I am immersed in the worship in Chapel, I am reminded of this greater strength,” Moussa continued. “When I receive wisdom through the words of anointed speakers, I am given peace and assurance that God is with me in every circumstance.” Although some Messiah students may feel as though they are about two people away from knowing every person on the campus, there are still few shared experiences between the student body as a whole. Chapel exemplifies the fact that our differences do not change the commonality of Christ. If we are all in the same place, at the same time, hearing the same word, our minds are all touched with the same knowledge. While we all may receive and apply the message differently to our lives, this still allows us to form a unity with others on campus.
“When we gather for common chapel, we have a pretty theologically and traditionally-diverse group, not to mention the diversity of our own individual experiences outside the college,” said Brian Smith, the Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible and Teaching Pastor. “That means we will experience a single chapel event in many different ways. Those differences enrich the shared
experience, and that shared experience supports our identity as a community.”
Chapel, whether common, alternate or elective, also provides an outlet for curiosity and deeper understanding. “Chapels at Messiah allow us to explore the realities of our world through the lens of the Word of God,” said Neryamn Nieves, Assistant Director of Martin and Amigo Scholarship Programs. “Within the span of one month, you can be called to hospitality in the city and in your dorm room, consider the devastation of sexual trafficking and the power of Christian friendship to restore its victims, see a Spanish Franco era film and discuss racial and ethnic diversity, as well as learn about Brethren in Christ history and thought.” College is the ideal time for growth and exposure. These are the years in which we learn to formulate questions and answers through our own experiences and understand new perspectives through our engagement and interactions. “One of the things I appreciate most about Messiah College is its mission to ‘educate…toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith.’ That is a big job, and it takes more than our class-
rooms or labs or practice rooms to accomplish,” said Smith. “Chapel is a place to experience education within the context of a religious service. Certainly some chapel events do this more than others, but simply attending a service that is different from what we have known, or that might make us slightly uncomfortable, is an educational experience.” So while some may think Chapel adds to the insanity of the week, it is actually a part of what helps us to maintain our sanity. You might still begrudge the required awakening on Tuesdays and Thursdays when you could sleep in. However, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to consider the possibility that by the end of chapel, one word might have helped change your day. “Chapel is more than an assembly that affirms that we’re attending a Christian college,” said Moussa. “To me, chapel is one of the outlets Messiah provides in order for us to renew our faith in a powerful God that is much greater than our circumstances.”
October 16, 2014 The Swinging Bridge
Opinions 6
A GUIDE TO
SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY By My Nguyen STUDENT WRITER
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ocial media has played an important role in enabling people’s desire for communicating with each other in an easy and accessible way. In many ways, it is a symbol of creativity, swiftness and modernisms. However, because of the shortage of face-to-face communication, social media has in many cases become people’s go to realm for communicating. There have been issues raised recently on the topic of Messiah students using social media, especially regarding anonymous sites. Students can post their thoughts on different topics in any light they choose, positive or negative. There are a lot of controversies regarding how to use social media in a more dependable and useful way. Students seem to view social media sites, especially anonymous ones, as an opportunity to share things they might not necessarily share in per-
son. This can be a positive atmosphere for some but a harmful one for others. Some believe that social media has made people think and act in a way that is opposing to who they would be in person. Examples of this could include following what the majority of people think and do or building a false identity. With this, students should understand how to use social media in a healthier way. There are numerous guides on this issue, but they can all be remembered through a few easy tips--with some popular song titles included to help. The nature of social media: I knew you were trouble. Encountering social media is similar to walking into a world complicated with numerous troubles and challenges. This entails that social media, while beneficial in some cases, also has its precautionary warning signs. There are privacy terms commonly disobeyed, inappro-
priate online conversations and misperceptions of people’s online identities. If your intention of using social media is unclear, you don’t have to use it because of its trend worthiness. Each new social media account comes with its new set of rules and problems to be aware of. Your identity on social media: Just the way you are. Be authentic in your use of social media, making sure to convey your true personality. Despite your intentions on social media, you shouldn’t use it to create another successful and splendid person in duplicate of yourself. Each person is already beautiful in their own way. Mobile social media: Give your (phone) a break. Imagine your phone as yourself. You need breaks from studying throughout the semester because you need to re-energize. Your phone is similar as it needs breaks to recharge and stabilize. If you are addicted to checking notifi-
cations or cannot leave your phone for an extended period of time, you are essentially abusing it. Allow your phone to have the down time it deserves. New update or tweet every second? Let it go. You don’t have to know everything going on in the world by checking your updates and notifications every minute. There needs to be a balance between online communication and reality. Attitude toward negative aspects of social media: Fearless. Be willing to change the way you approach social media if you think you are using it unwisely or unsafely. However, if you think you have been using social media in a beneficial way, there’s no reason to be skeptical of your habits. Instead, you should share your methods with other people. Be courageous to influence others to have a correct and practical approach to social media.
MADE IN
GO D ’ S IMAGE
Illustration provided by Deviantart
O R PHOTO SH O P’S ? By Kristen Schuyler STUDENT WRITER
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hotoshop is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society. Seen on magazine covers, in blogs, and even now on Instagram and Twitter, many, especially the media, have been using this program to edit their faces and bodies to make them appear more beautiful. But what exactly does “beautiful” mean by today’s standards, and is that actually achievable according to the Hollywood culture? Altering photos to make our bodies thinner, noses smaller, and hair longer seems like a harmless and simple way to boost self-confidence. By the click of a mouse, we can shave off three pounds and grow two inches taller simultaneously. But are these tiny alterations a dishonest portrayal of who we really are? Are these soft-
wares not only changing the way we look but the ways in which we act and think? “I think that there is a certain fascination in human beings with beauty, and we are always seeking to fulfill that,” suggests Connor Felty, a student at Messiah. “But it can’t be satisfied. When we look at a person we recognize the importance of a person and we recognize our need for beauty, and then we try to combine those two things… I think that we’ve made a mistake in looking outwardly rather than inwardly.” Society has always put a lot of emphasis and stress on body image, but it has taken a different turn now due to the increasing use of technology. Software makes it easier to distort details, whether big or small. Both men and women are affected by its use – not only in the sense that both male and female bod-
ies are affected, but their minds as well. God created each individual man and woman in His image, each bearing a significant type and image to ultimately bring Him glory. In distorting this image, Felty and Micah Ohlhausen, another Messiah student, agree that it is distracting young adults from growing in and loving the bodies the Lord created for them. “But the media will never change,” says Ohlhausen. “If they did, and the way celebrities’ bodies were portrayed was actually true, they know our generation would not be comfortable with that. What we see in the media right now is what we have been conditioned to think is ‘correct.’ This is the way we are supposed to look.” “The media has caused a division in this generation,” adds Felty. “There is no
middle ground between being beautiful and being apathetic toward appearance. People will go either way. We, as Christians, have a responsibility to be stewards of the body and care for what God gave us without making it an idol.” Maybe Photoshop can hide blemishes that make us feel insecure. Perhaps it can get us hundreds of likes on our Instagram photos. But the effects can go much further than we could imagine. God’s temple and His masterpiece are the specific and intricate details embedded within the colors in our eyes and the shapes of our legs. In desiring a different picture of ourselves, we can lose the appreciation for God’s work in the beauty and design of our own appearances. These images on our screens and on the shelves have a huge impact on our thoughts and motives. Just remember to whom you belong.
October 16, 2014 The Swinging Bridge
Opinions 7
Fall-in’in Love By Kelly Gordon STUDENT WRITER
I
t’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, not Christmas. It is the other best time of the year--fall! It is time to break out your flannels, boots, and scarves and get ready to encompass all that is fall at Messiah College. There are so many attributes to campus around this time of the year. For one thing, there’s an abundance of chances to model in fall photo shoots taking place around campus. The leaves changing colors and the Yellow Breeches provide an excellent backdrop for your new profile picture. Not only is this a great opportunity to take cute, best friend pictures, but also if you see people walking around posing, it’s a great occasion to photobomb their shots. These photo shoots not only highlight the beautiful scenery around campus, but the season’s fashion as well. After the few weeks of the awkward switch from summer to fall clothing, the campus
teems with the latest fall trends. When talking to others, both senior Sarah GaNung and first-year Kara Hoffman commented upon their love for fall clothing. They love that scarves and boots are finally back in season and layering their clothing with chambray shirts. Even the guys love the switch to fall fashion. Sophomore Chandler Adams, simply stated his love for fall in four words: “Flannels and corduroy pants.” If you don’t feel like breaking the bank to acquire a whole new fall wardrobe, there’s an easy fix. Grab some friends and take a trip to the local thrift stores to check out the unique fall clothes. There’s sure to be an abundance of options at a reasonable price. Fall also gives students the perfect excuse to get off campus. The Student Activities Board just recently took a trip to go apple picking at Paulus Orchards in Dillsburg. Take a leaf out of their book and get a group of friends together to go to a local pumpkin patch. This would allow you to come back to campus and ei-
ther carve the pumpkin or try your hand at baking your very own pumpkin pie. While out exploring, you can make a trip to local coffee shops such as Square Bean Coffee in Dillsburg or Little Amps in Harrisburg to try their take on Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte. This way, you can warm up and see if Starbucks stands up to the local shops. Can’t get off campus because you are too overwhelmed with classes? Don’t worry, you can take your homework down to the Breeches with a blanket and enjoy the weather and the changing of the leaves. “As cliché as it sounds, I love watching the leaves change colors in the fall,” junior Alex Monroe says. “Especially on campus seeing all the leaves and their different colors are great!!” Enjoy a break from your hectic life by taking a walk on the fitness trail crunching all of the newly fallen leaves. Or too busy for even that? Check out the sunsets that happen every night when walking to dinner at Lottie with the rich colors of the season. While you’re at it, social media can always use another beautiful sunset picture. “Fall is a chance to see change in sea-
Photos by Erin Zakin
sons as well as people,” sophomore Alex Reinhard says. By now in the semester, everyone is falling into their routine and defining a group of friends. Maybe this year you have met new people or just reconnected with friends you have not seen all summer. During this season, friendships transition from just surface ones to deeper relationships. The true colors of friendships emerge with the stress of the semester finally kicking in so build meaningful friendships because these people are going to be the ones that you buckle down with during the long winter. Fall in love with not only the season, but also your friends because with so many wonderful fall activities, you need people to share the love with.
October 16, 2014 The Swinging Bridge
Opinions 8
Boarding
Messiah College Department of Safety Presents
By Bree Whitelock OPINIONS EDITOR
B
SafetyDay Regulations
“Skate at your own risk”
WHERE?
WHERE?
oarding safety was the big topic at a recent Student Government Association open forum meeting. Cindy Burger, the Director of Safety and Dispatch Services, was the primary speaker for the event.
skaters and bikers know that there is a risk when they start to ride, so safety measures wouldn’t be helpful.”
as to where the boarders are coming from with this logic, it is the Department of Safety’s job to keep the student body safe. With at least two boarders seriously injured due to boarding accidents in the past few years, the department has found it necessary to step in.
Outside Larsen Student Union
Skateboarding safety has been a pressing topic on campus since the beginning of the school year after sophomore Tyler Wurtz’s serious boarding accident.
The discussion of no board times had also been brought up as a way of providing safety and awareness for traveling vehicles, not just the boarders themselves.
WHEN?
WHEN?
Since the meeting, students have had the chance to take in what was said and gather their own thoughts on the issue. Much of Messiah’s boarding community did not attend the meeting, therefore having to be recapped on what was said.
Helmets were another big topic regarding safety at the meeting. There has been a lot of talk on whether or not the use of helmets should be required by boarders. Cindy Burger responded to this asking what the difference would be between bicyclists and boarders not wearing helmets. In the state of Pennsylvania, anyone over the age of 13 is not required to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. The Department of Safety’s intention is not to single out boarders.
Boarders have arising concerns dealing with how PSafety would implement any new regulations. Connor Reinhard, a fellow long boarder said, “I feel like Psafety can’t implement boarders to wear helmets because bikers don’t wear helmets. My opinion personally is no Psafety shouldn’t make boarders wear helmets but they should strongly recommend them if you are sport longboarding.”
met if you are not commuting to class.” Another idea at the meeting was to have a boarder/biker lane put in place along the sides of roads. The idea behind this is to provide a safe space for wheeled vehicles to travel. Boarders noted that it’s difficult to longboard to class because there are so many people, making a lane is a good idea. It would allow space for them to get to class on their boards safely.
October 15th from 3:30 - 6:00 P.M.
WHAT?
WHAT?
The meeting openly discussed the possibility of implementing safety regulations for boarders’ campus-wide without eliminating boarding all together. An example of this was Burger’s idea to have recommended “no board times” during heavy traffic periods.
Regarding safety, a commonality was shown throughout boarders’ responses, sophomore Kyle Abel among them. “Skate at your own risk,” he said. A majority of boarders on campus have taken to this “skate at your own risk” mentality. While it’s understandable
Many Messiah students longboard for sport; this involves sliding, downhill riding, and also flat ground tricks. Reinhard believes boarders should be strongly recommended to wear helmets if they are participating in such activities. Reinhard says he and his fellow boarding friends “have done our best to strongly recommend helmets to all long boarders who are doing it for sport. Put on a hel-
FREE HOT DOGS AND ROOTBEER
Sophomore boarder, Andrew Galuppo reacted to this by saying, “I think that
“I ly
think good
it would be a idea,” Reinhard
realsaid.
Non-boarder, Kelly Gordon raised an interesting question, asking, “How would they enforce anything implemented? Could Psafety pull you over for being outside of a lane?” The Department of Safety has a hard task at hand, but with the help of students and staff they will hopefully be able to come to decisions soon to prevent any further accidents.
RAFFLE PRIZES A CHANCE TO MEET
“What’s in a Word?”
- Department of Safety Officers of Safety Presents Messiah College Department
SafetyDay - Student Traffic Officers - Student EMT’s shells to make sure we don’t hurt any- varying factors, it’s easy to misunder-
By Scott Hwang MULTICULTURAL PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
I
n the last issue of the Swinging Bridge there was an article written titled “Immigration Reform”. The article used the term “illegals” on a couple of occasions to describe non-residents who reside in this country that are undocumented. While the term “illegals” or “illegal immigrants” is still widely used in various media outlets, the term can be and is considered derogatory. The proper term when referring to this people group would be “undocumented resident” or “undocumented citizen.” I understand many people reading this editorial are thinking, “why are you being so sensitive about this, what is the big deal?” In today’s society, it seems like no one can state their opinion without someone being offended.
one’s feelings or say the wrong thing. Many times in my position at Messiah I feel like I play the role of the Politically Correct Officer. Members of our community will email me or ask me if something someone said is offensive and ask for some type of affirmation. My first reaction is to always give someone the benefit of the doubt.
stand or take something out of context.
person and accuse him or her of being too sensitive. But beyond the surface of who is right and who is wrong, what if the word used or term used is offensive? What is the historical context behind the word? Let us continue to learn, grow and challenge one another.
NEW SAMARITAN’S InPLEDGE - First 50 students to this particular case, the term “illegal immigrant” according to Charles
Garciafor of CNN “was first coffee used in 1939 pledge will receive a coupon a FREE or milkshake as a slur by the British toward Jews who were fleeing the Nazis and entering Palestine without authorization.” By definition the term is negative, and categorizes a group of people as unwanted, and castaways. How would you feel if you were associated with a group that was given this negative stigma?
Hwang is the Director of MultiPROJECT ID - A chance to have personal itemsScott marked cultural Programs at Messiah College.
WHERE?
with permanent ultraviolet pen. Language is constant-
For questions or information on this topic, contact the Multicultural Office.
BIKE REGISTRATION
Editor’s Note: The Multicultural Council is sponsoring several “Open Council” sessions this fall. The next is October 22, titled “What’s Going On in Ferguson”. The session runs from 6:00-7:00 pm in Parmer Cinema and does include Chapel credit.
WHERE?
ly adapting and changing. Definitions that were relevant several years ago may not have the same definition as they do today. That is why when you look up a word in the dictionary (I realize you don’t look things up in a dictionary anymore, you just type them in Google) you see several definitions under one word. Because of so many
With all of that being said, my challenge to the Messiah Community is to dig deeper. When someone calls you out for saying something offensive, our first reaction is to defend ourselves. We immediately reflect the blame back to the
ALCOHOL & SAFETY INFORMATION Outside Larsen Student Union
We are constantly walking on egg-
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
October 16, 2014 The Swinging Bridge
Arts & Entertainment 9
Commentary: TV’s Black Jesus, HipHop Chapel, and Church Culture By Grant Meckley STUDENT WRITER When I first caught wind of Black Jesus, the most recent comedy series to be added to Adult Swim’s line up of late night TV programing on Cartoon Network, I felt that common tinge of indignation you get being raised in a traditional Anabaptist home: “Oh my gosh, this is blasphemy.” Nevertheless, I have been drawn into the show not only for its outrageous humor, but for its commentary on theology and not so subtle Christian themes. I would not have been perceptive of these themes had it not been for the exegesis and incisiveness offered by Dr. Daniel White Hodge in hip hop chapel, a common chapel offered last spring. I acknowledge that many Messiah community members did not completely agree with Hodge’s message. I also know that the Black Jesus’ crass humor, coarse language, and pervasive drug references would steer many potential Messiah viewers away. My point is this however: Hodge made an argument that the story of Jesus can fit in the context of hip hop culture, and Black Jesus shows what that might look like while providing an important message for us today. Jesus historically was a poor carpenter living in a backwater province of the Roman Empire.
Jesus was very human: he wept, felt pain, and even flipped over tables. Jesus didn’t insulate himself from the problems of the world. He hung out with sinners. He cared about Jews, Gentiles, the weak, and the poor. He dealt with very human disappointments. He was denied and doubted by his friends. “We have sanitized Jesus,” Hodge said in his message. “Hip hop says we ain’t sanitizing Jesus; we’re getting in the real… so the search for contextualized deity. Where is the Jesus that actually fits?”
so subtly Mary Magdelene) always finds herself in drama with other girls. Black Jesus does perform miracles (turning bottled water into wine coolers) but he expresses “Pops [God the Father] is in charge of them,” which is a fascinating theological assertion. In this instance, Jesus does not just poof everyone’s problems away. Instead he teaches them faith and love through overcoming tests.
The show is compelling for its wittiness, earthiness, and topical nature. Black Jesus offers a contrary view from the “white upper-middle class Jesus” that espouses the prosperity gospel and sometimes remains insulated from the problems of the “least of these.” Perhaps it is time we ask: will the real JC please stand up?
Later, perhaps subversively, Hodge posited, “At the end of day, Jesus’ story is hip hop. Baby mama drama, came from the hood, one of his boys did him in…that’s hip hop, man!” So what do we get with Black Jesus? Jesus lives as a vagrant in Compton where (like Palestine) there is a diversity of races, cultures and classes. He is generally well-liked, except by the local slumlord (read Pharisee), an atheist cop, and two agnostic Mexican gangsters. He and his homies (read disciples) collaborate to build a community garden to benefit the neighborhood and surreptitiously grow cannabis. Despite car jackings, crop failures, and drug runs, Jesus encourages prayer and faith while disavowing violence. Bilbical references are ubiquitous. Jesus’ main homie (like Peter) is always quick to resort to violence (read John 18:11). His homie Maggie (not
Photo provided by IMDB Black Jesus has presented a unique take on the gospel message.
Belle (2013) Movie Review By Sara Bretz STUDENT WRITER
B
abeth (Sarah Gadon). Though the Mansfields are apprehensive about the nonconformity to society at first, they grow to love her as if she were their own child.
elle is a film based on what is known of the life of Belle Elizabeth Belle and her questions of identity and justice. Directed by Amma Asante and written by Misan Sagay, both women of color, this film holds weight as focusing on the experiences of a mixed-race, formerly enslaved, female in the 18th century. Gugu Mbatha-Raw shines in her portrayal of Dido Elizabeth Belle with raw emotion and a beautiful tribute to the real woman who inspired this film.
As Belle grows up, she finds herself stuck in a class limbo. Her father’s descent and financial standing provides her with a high rank in society while her mother’s race prevents her from fully engaging with her family and peers.
After young Belle’s slave mother passes away, her father (a white, naval officer) takes her in and entrusts her into the care of her great uncle and aunt, Lord and Lady Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson and Emily Watson) who are also raising their other niece, Eliz-
Belle works to help the audience understand important historical events and how they specifically impacted the lives of those living during that time who were emotionally invested in the issue. But, more than that, Belle calls us to question who decides who we are.
This presents a serious problem as Belle searches for a husband. Finding a prospective suitor who will not simply tolerate the color of her skin, but also love her for it, is a challenge for her and her aunt and uncle.
As Belle experiences hit after hit by those around her, she refuses to let it change who she knows she is. In a particularly powerful scene, Belle confronts the mother of a potential suitor by saying, “My greatest misfortune would be to marry into a family who would carry me as their shame, as I have been required to carry my own mother. Her apparent crime to be born negro, and mine to be the evidence. Since I wish to deny her no more than I wish to deny myself, you will pardon me for wanting a husband who feels ‘forgiveness’ of my bloodline is both unnecessary and without grace.”
pression even when it is easier to let it slide. When we begin to hold integrity and equity over what is comfortable, we will make a real change in society. Belle helps us to tangibly see what that can look like and the importance of finding ourselves in the process.
Belle’s struggle to prove her worth to others and find her worth in herself is a challenge we all face. Belle inspires us to look inward to find our identity and who we are and who can be in this world. The audience is called in this film to value justice over precedent and confront op-
Photo provided by IMDB
October 16, 2014
The Swinging Bridge
Finding Gravity takes theater to the Air
Arts & Entertainment 10
JOURNEY INTO
AFRICA TANZANIA
STUDY ABROAD SEMESTER
By Megan Hess STUDENT WRITER
The posters advertising Finding Gravity around campus may have caused one to stop and wonder: what is exactly is this show all about? Some questions may be answered here, but all of them will soon be resolved on stage--in a very unique manner. Finding Gravity is one of Messiah’s fall plays this year. It was written by a former Messiah faculty member, Valerie Flower, and adapted from George MacDonald’s The Light Princess. “[MacDonald] was a Scottish clergyman who lived and wrote in the 19th century... an incredible prolific and popular author and lecturer,” said Richard Sautter, the director and a theater professor. The Light Princess is the story of a young princess unaffected by gravity due to being cursed by her wicked aunt. Just as she is untouched by physical gravity, she also has no sense of emotional gravity. Sautter describes the play as funny, accompanied by whimsy and clever wordplay that portrays the themes of love, sacrifice, and maturity. “When she is not laughing as she floats through the air, she is most likely laughing in her beloved lake,” said Jenn Petrak, who plays the Light Princess.
Along with the Light Princess, another main character is the Prince whom she falls in love with which causes her to become more serious and see the world the way it truly is. The Prince is played by junior human development and family science major Joshua Wilmot, who was involved with the production in its earliest stages. “I was a first year student taking a course called Movement and the Actor. The professor, Valerie Flower had us read the Light Princess so that we could perform an adaptation of it for class,” he said.
HOUGHTON IN TANZANIA Currently accepting applications for:
Spring 2016 LEARN MORE AND APPLY TODAY!
www.houghton.edu/ocs ocs@houghton.edu
Art Gallery Opening
Flower created the script for the students to help them make their adaptations, which become published. “I never would have guessed that they very same script we used in class would one day be published and that I would be portraying the very same role in its debut as I played during its workshopping,” she said. Besides these two leads, another important part of the play is the ensemble who play a variety of animals, trees, weather phenomena and bodies of water.
The aspect of Petrak’s character never being earthbound is a unique part of Finding Gravity, and has made some creative staging necessary.
“I have been so impressed by the energy and creativity our ensemble members have brought to the show,” Sautter said. “Watching them invent ways to shift from character to character has been a true delight.”
“The show has been a real challenge for Jenn Petrak,” Sautter said. “Since her character is supposed to fly, we have devised ways to keep her feet from touching the floor for almost the entire show. She has responded with dedication and good humor, and she has really captured the essence of a surprisingly complex character.”
The performances of Finding Gravity will take place on Oct. 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 18 and 19 at 3 p.m. in the Poorman Black Box Theater in Climenhaga. Tickets are $10 for the public and $5 for students, children and seniors. They can be purchased at the ticket office, by phone at (717)-6916063, or online at www.messiah.edu.
By Abby Kokitus STUDENT WRITER If Messiah students are interested in the arts or simply getting out of their rooms and trying something a little different than usual, their chance is here. From October 17 to November 21, new art will be featured in Messiah’s very own Aughinbaugh Gallery. Artist Robert Armetta will be presenting a show titled Interiority. To add a special treat to the Gallery, Armetta himself will be on campus on the afternoon the gallery opens for a discussion and reception at 4:15 p.m. in the gallery. Armetta is distinguished in the world of art, having studied extensively throughout the United States and Europe He studied at nearly ten different schools, including the Florence Academy of Art and the New York Academy of Art, where he earned his Masters Degree in Fine Arts, and his work has been featured widely in publications such as the Artist’s Magazine. Aside from these distinctions, his work is also has been exhibited in many gal-
leries and he has been a recipient of a number of awards for his artwork. His choices of artistic expression are to paint and to draw, as he has explored still life, portraits of people, and landscapes in his work. Along with his artistry, Armetta also works as a college professor, teaching drawing and painting at the New York Academy of Art and the Long Island Academy of Art, a school he founded in 2000. He currently lives and owns a studio in Brooklyn. For more information on Robert Armetta and to see his work, visit www.robertarmetta.com. If you’re interested in his show at Messiah, it is open Monday-Thursday from 9-4, Friday 9-9, and Sunday 1-5 in Climenhaga’s Aughinbaugh Gallery.
Photo provided by DOVA
Go-to Tracks on 90.7 pulsefm
Wampire “The Amazing Heart Attack”
The Drums
“Magic Mountain”
Against the Clocks
“Always Be”
Caleb Hawley “Little Miss Sunshine”
The Barr Brothers
“Half Crazy”
October 16, 2014 The Swinging Bridge
Arts & Entertainment 11
The Anomaly of Christianity and Culture By Allen Fernandez STUDENT WRITER
W
henever an anomaly surfaces inside of an organized and long-running system, it causes a stir within that system. Anomalies deviate away from the standard norms and expectations and symbolize a difference and change to the long established and maintained. Whether that anomaly is good and/or bad, one needs context for that to be determined.
1 . O C TO B E R 1 7 , 1 8 BELLE
2 . O C TO B E R 2 4 , 2 5 LIFE ITSELF
In the context of Christianity, music, and popular culture, there is a noticeable anomaly present. His name is Lecrae. Lecrae, an Atlanta based emcee and co-owner of Reach Records, has made waves in the music realm recently. His latest album, Anomaly, has achieved a simultaneous holding of #1 in the Billboard 200, gospel albums, and Christian albums charts, a position filled with some milestones achieved by others, and some achieved solely by him currently. Hip-Hop doesn’t fully understand him with his faith-inspired content and character, but loves him for his skill in the genre and authentic relation with the culture. Christianity doesn’t fully understand him with his desire to deviate from labels like “Christian rapper/artist” and engage culture by addressing real and pressing social issues without using the words “Jesus Christ”, but loves him because of his unashamed proclamation of being a broken human who loves Jesus Christ. Articles from Huffington Post to MTV have covered him for the reason of his transparent engagement of culture in connection to his music. An example is his view on doing art as a Christian. Lecrae in various interviews has stated he wants to deviate away from the label “Christian rapper/artist” as he feels it places his music in this box that turns non-Christians away from engaging it. More so because he believes that art doesn’t have a soul that follows a faith, the artist does. So why should the music get tagged as such? In an interview with The Atlantic, Lecrae said, “Christianity is the truth about everything. If you say you have a Christian worldview, that means you see the world through that lens—not just how people get saved and what to stay away from.” He isn’t the only one to bear this view however, as label mate Andy Mineo
Photo provided by Getty Images Lecrae’s recent rise to the top of the music charts comes as he works to engage culture while doing his art as a Christian.
...he wants to deviate
AW A Y
Want to get involved with MEDA? Contact Ethan Eshbach at eeshbach@meda.org to find out how you can:
from the label
“Christian
INSTRUCTORS
Incorporate MEDA’s work into your classroom or student organization!
(who performed at Messiah last spring) has also shared similar thoughts on this topic. He is another figure making waves on his own after being featured in various cyphers and projects.
STUDENT LEADERS
Host a MEDA staffer to learn more about economic development!
Both artists focus on making great music that all can come to and appreciate from an artistic level, yet act as a “fitting room” for listeners to see how one who follows Christ engages various struggles and issues such as fatherlessness, violence against women and minorities, molestation, and more.
STUDENTS
Volunteer to be a MEDA Ambassador on campus!
rapper/artist”
Lecrae is here to create good art that invites all listeners to hear good stories and ask good questions. This is just one reason of how Lecrae is this anomaly that’s causing a stir both Christianity and culture may need right now, and hopefully inspire more anomalies like this to rise.
ALUMNI
Travel internationally to see MEDA projects in action!
creating business solutions to poverty
October 16, 2014 The Swinging Bridge
Top Films this Fall By Katie Mihelarakis STUDENT WRITER
Arts & Entertainment 12
All Photos provided by IMDB
Horns A dark, supernatural thriller that also seems to fit in the category of comedy, Horns is about a young man named Ig (Daniel Radcliffe) who is accused of murdering his late girlfriend, Merrin (Juno Temple), although he is completely innocent. Ig becomes so obsessed with finding Merrin’s true killer that he develops horns protruding from his head. He soon discovers these horns have magical powers: they compel anyone to reveal their secrets. Horns comes to theaters on Oct. 31, just in time for Halloween.
The fall and winter movie season is already upon us, and with these promising titles, it looks like its going to be a good one. Be sure to check out these hot films while you’re trying to escape the cold this season. The Imitation Game The Imitation Game is a biopic set in England during World War II. The movie is about Alan Turing, a mathematician who heads a team of some of the brightest minds to crack the enigma code used by the Germans in order to decode their messages to help win the war. The film, which is already much anticipated by movie critics and the press, stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Turing, as well as Kiera Knightley and Matthew Goode. The Imitation Game is in theaters Nov. 21.
Interstellar Christopher Nolan’s latest film, Interstellar is a sci-fi adventure that explores the possibilities of space travel and sustaining human life on other planets. The story is set in the near future, at a time when earth is devastated by a famine. A team of explorers and scientists discover a wormhole with the ability to transport them across space to different planets, and they embark on a journey to seek a new home for the human race. The movie features an allstar cast, with names like Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, and Michael Caine. Interstellar opens everywhere Nov. 7.
Foxcatcher
Paddington
There is no shortage of true stories in the line-up of films this season, and Foxcatcher is one of the most realistic and chilling. It is based on the tragic true story of Olympic wrestling brothers Mark and Dave Schultz and their relationship with their schizophrenic athletic sponsor, John Du Pont in the 1990’s. The film stars Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo as Mark and Dave, and an almost unrecognizable Steve Carell as Du Pont. With the rave reviews it received at the Cannes Film Festival and with critics buzzing about Carell’s performance, you should not miss this film when it arrives in theaters on Nov. 14.
One of the only animated features to grace theaters this winter is the longawaited Paddington, which is based on the famous British children’s book character Paddington Bear. The movie centers on Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw), who travels from his home in Peru to the city of London, where he wishes to find a home. There, he gets into lots of mischief and encounters all kinds of people, some of which are voiced by actors such as Nicole Kidman, Hugh Bonneville, Peter Capaldi, and Michael Gambon. Paddington hits theaters on Christmas Day. The Theory of Everything The Theory of Everything is a biopic about the famous British physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking, played by Eddie Redmayne. The film covers a large part of his life, including his work and contributions to the field of quantum mechanics, as well as his fight with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and his relationship with his wife Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones). You can see The Theory of Everything in theaters starting on Nov. 7.
OCtober 16, 2014 The Swinging Bridge
Word Search
Sudoku
Answers from this issue : Can be found online.
Messiah Mini-Pages 13
SPORTS
October 16, 2014 The Swinging Bridge
Messiah Women’s Basketball Moves Forward Strengthened By Each Other By Daulton Leonard STUDENT WRITER
A
s the buzzer sounded, the Messiah women’s basketball team watched Fairleigh Dickinson celebrate their victory over the Falcons in the second round of the 2013-2014 NCAA Tournament. It was an ending unfit for the special season the Falcons had embarked upon. “As heart breaking as it was, we still felt blessed,” said junior forward Maria Rumberger. “We had been playing while over half the nation was sitting at home. We were pretty proud. The toughest part was saying goodbye to our seniors.” The conclusion of last season saw five senior players graduate from the squad who had been an integral part of the
Falcons’ success. With only two seniors, the 2014-2015 season opens with the first practice on Oct. 15. Despite the youthfulness of the team, there does not seem to be any recognition that this upcoming season should be any different than the last. This optimism might be due to their incredible bond. During the last weekend in September, the girls embarked on a nature exhibition. They participated in team building activities, while they spent the weekend worshipping Christ among one another. “It was really interesting to see our teammates outside of the usual surroundings,” said junior guard Deanna Eyerkuss. “We got to bond beyond teammates. It is almost like we are sisters now.” While trying to find their team pulse, the girls partook in repelling down a mountain, hiking, prayer circles, cooking and physical challenges. “My favorite physical challenge we did was this one with a log, two trees, and
a rope,” recalled last year’s Commonwealth Conference Rookie of the Year Gillian Glackin. “The rope was tied between these two trees and we had to climb across it upside down without touching the ground! Then we had to land on a single log, and the whole team had to stay on the log until the last person landed. This really brought us together.” The Falcons will have to walk a similar sort of tightrope in order to advance through the MAC conference and on to the NCAA Tournament. “Our loss in the tournament has really been used as fuel this year,” Rumberger said. “We try to think of the loss when we get stir crazy doing preseason workouts.” “We just want to work hard. We are trying to practice every day and to get better every day,” said Eyerkuss. There can be a lot of pressure for a team coming off of a conference championship. However, pressure from being the defending conference championship has not phased the Falcons thus far. Every championship team needs a great
Sports 14
coach, but Coach Mike Miller is so much more than just a basketball coach to the players. “Most of us live so far away that we do not really get to see our parents at all,” Eyerkuss admitted. “Luckily we have Coach Miller. He is so much like a father. He always tells us, ‘I want to help you all achieve your long term goals.’ “He makes it very clear that we are to come to him about any situation we need his guidance on.” Guidance is exactly what is needed for this team of young sisters. Thanks to the trip and previous experiences shared, Miller appears to have a team abundant with chemistry early in the season. “It is a lesson we took from [Class of 2013 graduate] Dori [Gyori]. Always be encouraging; always be there for one another. That way, there cannot be any confrontation,” Rumberger said. The Falcons start their new season with hope in their hearts, and an ever burning fire in their souls. This was evident in Glackin as she described this season’s preparation. “Circumstances aren’t always going to be what you want,” she said. “Sometimes you just have to make the best of what you have and give it your all. “We are ready to play this season.”
Aiming High While Shooting Low By Mason McFee STUDENT WRITER
A
midst yet another successful fall sports season for Messiah, the golf team has found their own share of success. They are coming off a recent run of winning four straight tournaments, and have placed second in the three other tournaments they have been in as of Oct. 10. The Falcons are coming off winning the Commonwealth Conference championship last spring, and have welcomed in several new faces to the team this year. First-year Satchel Johnsen has perhaps the strongest tie to Messiah’s golf program of anybody on the team. Aside from his father graduating from Messiah in 1988, Johnsen’s father was one of the first members of the golf team. The golf program at Messiah was originally a club sport, coached by current Messiah Athletic Director Jack Cole. It was not until 1988 that golf became an official intercollegiate sport for Messiah College. The current Johnsen knew what he wanted to do as part of his college experience. “My first college visit was Messiah, and I wanted to play golf competitively,” Johnsen said in talking about choosing
Messiah. “I talked to Coach Boone, felt that God wanted me here, and now I’m here.” Two other first-years on the team, Ryan O’Mara and John Krieger, found their journeys to Messiah to be slightly different from Johnsen’s. “I played golf in high school against Satchel,” O’Mara said. “He had mentioned Messiah to me and so I took interest in the school and immediately scheduled a meeting with Coach Boone. Eventually, I committed to playing.” “I knew I wanted to play golf in college,” Krieger stated. “I heard good things about Messiah and so I emailed Coach Boone, came for a visit on campus, and loved everything about it.” All three players not only share a love for golf and Messiah’s campus, but have taken a liking to Coach Boone’s philosophy: the mental game is crucial to a great performance. Krieger described Boone as a father figure, while O’Mara stated that Coach Boone has helped shape him. The team-wide emphasis on the mental game has benefited the team as a whole, allowing for easier team bonding. Like many coaches at Messiah, Boone is very
Photo provided by Deanna Eyerkuss The Messiah women’s basketball team poses together after a hike during their offseason nature expedition in preparation for the coming season. approachable and understanding, especially when it comes to the challenges that academics bring. Some may not realize that since MoveIn Day, the golf team began twelve hour practice days. While the length of practices has shortened since school began, the team still feels the effects from time to time. “You’re a student athlete, but student comes before athlete,” Johnsen said, drawing agreement from O’Mara and Krieger. O’Mara, Kriger, and Johnsen, along with the rest of their teammates,
have experienced the ups and downs that come with being a student athlete. In spite of that, they get to play the game they love and would not trade it for the world. Golf is more than just a hobby for the men of the Messiah golf team, and their successful fall season has proven this to be true. The team is swinging in the right direction and if they keep swinging in the spring like they have this fall, they stand a strong chance of defending their Commonwealth Conference championship from last spring.
October 16, 2014
The Swinging Bridge
By Joel Hoover EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
H
omecoming Weekend at Messiah generally brings out thrilling performances from many of Messiah’s current sports teams. But for this weekend’s events, the current Falcon teams will not be the only Messiah athletes in action. In addition to Messiah field hockey, women’s soccer, and men’s soccer playing in front of the Homecoming crowds this weekend, several alumni and powderpuff teams will also be on the fields, pool, and mat. All the games and matches are a part of a packed Saturday of Homecoming sports around campus. Messiah’s annual Falcon Fun Run and Live Color 5K begins the day with registration in Eisenhower starting at 8:30 am and the Fun Run starting at 9:30 in the morning at the Starry Athletic Complex. The Live Color 5K will begin at Starry at 10:00 am. The annual Messiah College powderpuff football tournament will put the pride of current Messiah classes on the line beginning at 11:00 am, when the seniors--who are yet to win the event-square off with the first-years out on the rec fields. The juniors and sophomores will clash at 12:15 pm, with the championship game slated to take place at 1:30 pm. Alumni games will not be in short supply, taking place all over campus throughout the morning and early afternoon. The alumni tennis match kicks the day off bright and early at 9:00 in the morning out on the Christe Courts. An hour later, alumni field hockey players will take to Anderson Field for their own special alumni game, just a few hours prior to the current field hockey team’s game. The wrestling team will be holding an open mat event for alumni to attend at 10:00 in the morning as well, lo-
cated in the Sollenberger Sports Center’s wrestling room. Not far away in Fredricksen Natatorium, Messiah’s swim team alumni will be having a swim meet beginning at 1:00 pm. Back outside on the diamond, both the baseball and softball teams will be holding their own alumni games, with the Alumni Baseball Classic happening at 11:00 am, and the alumni softball game occurring at the same time out at Starry Fields. Both alumni soccer games will be taking place out at the practice fields beyond Anderson Field, with the women kicking off at 10:00 am, and the men’s match at noon. Both of the lacrosse teams will wrap up the alumni sporting events later in the afternoon, with the women set to play on Anderson Field at 3:00 pm and the men taking to the field at 4:30 pm. Messiah’s current athletes will see their first action at 1:00 pm, as the nationally-ranked Messiah field hockey team hosts Arcadia in a Commonwealth Conference game on Anderson Field. The women’s soccer team--#1 in the nation as of Oct. 10--will play at 3:00 pm on Shoemaker Field, as they host Albright.
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One of the great sports traditions of Messiah Homecoming Weekend begins at 5:00 pm, as Eyas will be hosting a reception at Hostetter Chapel, immediately followed by the famed White-Out March to the Match. Led by alums, current students-clad in white--will march down to Shoemaker Field and onto its track to special seating for the national #1 (as of Oct. 10) Messiah men’s soccer team’s match against Albright, which kicks off at 6:00 pm. Homecoming 2014 looks primed to bring another thrilling series of sporting events to the grounds of Messiah College for athletes both past and present. Fans are encouraged to check out the events going on all weekend as part of Homecoming.
9:00 9:30 10:00 10:00 10:00 10:00 11:00 11:00 11:00 12:00 12:15 1:00 1:00 1:30 3:00 3:00 4:30 6:00
WRESTLING
SWIMMING
W. SOCCER
M. SOCCER Illustration by Frances Miller
October 16, 2014 The Swinging Bridge
Sports 16
PAIN
By Mason McFee STUDENT WRITER
T
hey all knew the risk when they started, but none of them could envision something this severe and widespread. They just wanted to play the sport they love, and help their team win. To be a player in the NFL today, professional athletes have to be aware of the risk of injury, and open to the possibility that one play could result in a career ending injury. Lately, injuries have been one of the NFL’s main headlines, as injuries have taken a toll on multiple players on each team. While many of these players have not suffered season ending injuries, a good chunk of players are being forced to miss a lot of time due to these injuries. The injury bug has relentlessly bitten every single team, and so early on in the season.
“Aaron Rodgers is out for the year!” “Peyton Manning broke his leg!” Headlines like these would certainly grab attention, whether one is an avid NFL fan or not. Those players and other players around the NFL provide something rookie players cannot - experience and knowledge of the game. What if Peyton Manning were to become injured? That veteran presence is immediately lost on the field, and if there is no other real veteran presence on offense, the younger players can quickly lose hope and confidence in their playmaking abilities because their
“ THEY CO ARE MP ET ITO RS
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Illustration by Abbey Wylie
Injuries stink. There is no way to sugarcoat it. In the case of the NFL, there is pain but no gain. The player injured is frustrated because he just wants to get back on the field. The coaches certainly would love to have their player available just in case someone else gets injured, especially if one of their star players is already down. The player’s teammates just want him to succeed. Injuries create such a dismal environment in the NFL--both in
Photo provided by Long Island Press
the present, and in the future with the growing tide of concussion injuries and lawsuits brought by retired players. Will the solution ever be fixed? Probably not. However, the NFL continues to attempt to adapt in hopes of preventing major injuries, seeking to provide a positive outlook for the future of the organization and its players.
Student Director Lauren Piccioni Assistant Student Director Cameron Gilmore Editor-In-Chief Joel Hoover Features Editor Corinne Elliott News Editor Miranda Ruiz Opinions Editor Breanna Whitelock A & E Editor Megan E. Bloom Sports Editor Elizabeth Gallo
PULSE SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
The Pulse to attend Antares Rocket Launch By Lauren Piccioni STUDENT DIRECTOR On Thursday, Oct. 23, and Friday, Oct. 24, The Pulse will be present at the launch of the Orbital Sciences Corporation’s Antares rocket. The Pulse’s own Social Media Manager, Alexandra Coonradt, was selected for a NASA social media credential for this event. She
leader is gone. Does that mean that the players are going to just give up? Not necessarily: they are competitors and they are being paid to play football. Yet, due to one injury, a team can sometimes unravel.
will be live-tweeting the launch at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Follow the Pulse’s live Twitter account, @MCPulseLive, for updates throughout the visit.
Designers Abbey Wylie April Nguyen Cait Fenello Carly Groff Frances Miller Megan Dobinson Audio/ Visual Paul Ney Will Colfelt Business Ebenezer Degu Molly Scott Social Media Alexandra Coonradt
Swingingbridge.messiah.edu FB// MessiahPulse Twitter// MessiahPulse Photo provided by Orbital Sciences Corporation
Website Mark Ferris
THE
SWINGING BRIDGE
The concussion injury debate in particular has grown in recent years. It is super satisfying for many fans when their favorite team’s safety just lit up their rival’s star player. However, when the realization sets in that said player is knocked out, enthusiasm dies quickly. “He’ll be okay, he’ll be back in a week or two,” becomes the rationalizing – and he may be back on the field producing. What about after his career? CTE, or
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, essentially destroys memory and physical functioning abilities. Numerous former NFL players have struggled with the debilitating effects of CTE to varying degrees. Injuries may seem miniscule at the time, but they can have major repercussions down the road.
MESSIAH COLLEGE//THE PULSE
While some of the players that have been injured this season have since returned and played, it does not mean these effects go unnoticed. The most obvious sign of this is what analysts love to look at and talk about: statistics and production. If a running back is coming off a foot injury, he will not be projected to produce much for his team, which in turn, can translate into a loss for the team as a whole. The previously injured player becomes frustrated with himself and his lack of production, and the team can quickly lose motivation to play during the game if their supposed star player is out.
And No Gain