WWW.NEIUINDEPENDENT.ORG
VOLUME 39 ISSUE 19
Photo by Frannie Mendoza
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2019
Student-run newspaper since 1962
NEWS
The scholarship tradition of NEIU Foundation. SEE PG. 4
CAMPUS LIFE
How well do you know your way around campus? SEE PG. 9
OPINIONS
When self-care becomes self-serving. SEE PG. 14
ARTS AND LIFE
The flame-kissed taste of betrayal. SEE PG. 16
LET US KNOW!
Next issue is out SEPT 10. Our office is located in E-049 at the main campus.
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NEWS | AUGUST 27, 2019
INDEPENDENT EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Robin Bridges MANAGING EDITOR AND ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Frannie Mendoza NEWS EDITOR Rebecca Denham CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR Grace Yu OPINIONS EDITOR Ata Younan ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Charles Sipps ONLINE EDITOR Ankush Vyas MARKETING DIRECTOR Frannie Mendoza PAYROLL MANAGER Francisco Sebastian CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Will Jones
The Independent is a public forum for all of Northeastern Illinois University’s campuses and surrounding community. The Independent is entirely student-run and is published bi-weekly, except during summer and semester breaks. The editor-in-chief is responsible for the content of the Independent, and views presented do not necessarily represent those of the administration, faculty and students. The Independent is a member of the ICPA, CMA and ACP. For further details email: TheNeiuIndependent@gmail.com.
NEIUINDEPENDENT.ORG
NEIU’s active shooter preparendess plan Rebecca Denham
News Editor NEIUNewsEditor@gmail.com
In light of the shootings in El Paso, Texas on August 3 and in Dayton, Ohio on August 4, President Gibson released a statement to the NEIU community on Monday, August 5. It read, “This type of violence must end, and we all must do what we can to promote a more just and peaceful world. We can start by looking at ourselves and our community. Peace and civility aren’t just threatened by gun violence; harassment, intimidation and disrespect for one another also endanger our University’s mission, values and well-being.” Gibson concluded the message with a call to action. “The Northeastern Illinois University Community must unite to show the world how we work to promote tolerance and compassion.” According to a recent report conducted by a company called A Secure Life, NEIU was ranked as the seventh safest campus in the United States. Similarly, a 2017 report by ADT Security ranked NEIU as the safest campus in Illinois.
NEIU police department’s chief of police, John Escalante, credits the level of safety on campus to a continual effort by the department to update their procedures as new information comes in. Escalante said, “We constantly assess our preparedness for all emergencies. In regards to active shooter incidents, we gather as much information on those tragic events and examine how we may have responded to a similar scenario. We routinely look at our plans to see how we can best be prepared.” NEIUPD also provides resources for students, faculty and staff to inform and prepare the community in the instance of an active shooter on campus. “We promote on our police web page the concept of “Run, Hide, Fight.” With Indiana University’s permission, we modified the video they produced in 2017 for their campus. Our modified version features NEIU specific information,” said Escalante. Alongside the information provided for the hypothetical emergency, Escalante also urges all students to “take advantage of the CampusShield mobile app, which provides quite a bit of information on overall campus
safety and is always accessible on (students) phone.” While the BRG message boards located throughout campus and emails sent to students’ accounts offer information as it is gathered, the app allows for safety updates to be shared in real-time. Currently, there are Chicago municipal fire codes that place certain restrictions on NEIU from being able to lock classroom doors. Because of this, Escalante said that the police department is “limited in how (it) could ‘lock-down’ the campus. These restrictions apply to all schools in the city including all higher education institutions.” Escalante is working in unison, “with other colleges and universities in the city as well as Chicago elected officials and the pertinent city agencies to amend current municipal codes to allow certain types of locks to be installed on classroom doors.” He added that the aforementioned online video covering the “Run, Hide, Fight” video offers other ways to block and secure non-locked doors. While the NEIUPD is working towards fire codes that allow for other preventative measures against an active shooter, the CPD 17th district
is also in close communication with the campus police. According to Escalante, NEIUPD has, “trained with (the CPD) on campus in the past on everything from active shooter building searches to bomb threats and response.” Additional cross-training with the CPD happens frequently. A virtual reality training was scheduled two weeks ago with the 17th district that involved, “various threat situations including school and classroom scenarios.” Another training session with both parties is scheduled for September. “It is important that (NEIUPD) keep the officers of the 17th District familiar with the campus and NEIU officers, should NEIU ever need to call for their assistance,” stated Escalante. While all of the procedures set in place are continually adjusting as new information is given, Escalante wants to convey a message of safety. “We are fortunate to have a safe environment to work and learn in, and credit should be shared by the NEIUPD as well as the entire NEIU Community.”
What are you passioante about? Let your voice be heard! We are looking for writers. To apply go to NEIUIndpendent.org Corrections from May 28, 2019 issue:
In an article titled “Upcoming state budget decision” the Independent regrets its incorrect naming of board members. While we always strive for perfection, we realize that we make mistakes. The Independent will continue to try its best to report the news as accurately as possible. In the photos for “They’ve got BIG future plans” names were incorrect on the group photo caption. BIG Center’s first cohort (Left to Right) : Kathy Knapp, Jennifer Thomas, Ingrid Moorehouse (NEIU alumna), Andrew Ziccardi, Margaret Johnsson (NEIU faculty), Andrea Pedersen, Nicole Vidales, Stephanie Gilliam, Terrie Albano (NEIU alumna and VP of the Alumni Advisory Board). Not pictured: Melanie Adcock.
AUGUST 27, 2019 | NEWS
July 29 - August 20 July 29 – Student Union Employee sustained injuries to his wrist. Subject declined medical treatment and will follow up with a doctor.
August 9 – Athletic Field Item was found. August 9 – B Building Suspicious person was reported. August 11 – Parking Facility Suspicious vehicle was reported.
July 30 – Student Union Fire alarm was set off by water damage from heavy rains. July 30 – Library Injured student was transported to hospital. July 31 – C Building Employee sustained injury. Subject declined medical treatment. August 1 – BBH Individual slipped and fell. Subject was transported by medical services. August 3 – Library Individual reported a missing wallet. Wallet was later recovered, missing cash. August 4 – Tennis Court Item was found. August 5 – Off Campus Off campus behavior reported to NEIU PD August 6 – Student Union Unknown offender drew graffiti on first floor men’s room mirror. August 8 – Nest Nest resident reported mail tampering.
August 12 – Student Union Credit card was found.
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Welcome day for Provost Dennis Rome!
August 13 – E Building Student access issue was report-
NEIU hosted a summer meet and greet on August 20 to welcome new provost Dennis Rome to campus.
August 15 – Off Campus Student reported being robbed at gunpoint off campus. Student also reported the incident to CPD.
“I would love to learn more about our students, who they are, what their challenges are and how I may better serve them,” said Rome in an earlier interview.
August 16 – Student Union Unknown offender drew graffiti on first floor men’s room mirror.
Check out last issue’s article on Rome’s future plans for NEIU at N e i u I n d e p e n d e n t . o r g
ed.
August 16 – Student Union Identification was found. Owner was identified and identification was returned. August 16 – PE Complex Student reported theft of a bicycle tire. August 16 – Library Student reported theft of a laptop. August 17 – Fine Arts Student reported a lost laptop. Laptop was recovered. August 20 – LWH A laptop was found and returned.
To view NEIUPD Banned Persons list, please visit https://www.neiu.edu/university-life/university-police/banned-persons If seen on any campus, please do not approach individuals, but notify campus police at (773) 442-4100.
All photos by Nathan Baltudis
4 NEWS | AUGUST 27, 2019
NEIUINDEPENDENT.ORG
Annual Chuck Kane Scholarship the longest running NEIU tradition Rebecca Denham
News Editor NEIUNewsEditor@gmail.com
On August 5, the Chuck Kane Scholarship completed its 47th annual Kane golf event. With over 100 golfers, contest holes, a silent auction, a catered dinner and guest speakers, the day was filled with scheduled fundraising activities. According to vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the NEIU foundation, Liesl Downey, “The Kane Scholarship is almost a half a century old. It’s certainly the university’s longest running philanthropic tradition.” Originally founded in 1973, the Chuck Kane Scholarship began after a student on campus killed Kane, a professor and coach at NEIU. After that incident occurred, Campus Recreation started the scholarship in his honor. “The Kane family has supported it the last 10 years or so,” said Heather Truffer, the assistant director of development for the NEIU foundation. “They sponsor it, they golf every year and all of his daughters come out, which is great.” According to Downey, Kane was, “just a very well respected person. A lot of our alumni from back in the day remember him really fondly. He was a jack-of-all-trades. He was very committed to education. So when he passed away, his colleagues came together and have been doing it ever since.” At that time, the recipients of the awards
Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Liesl Downey, hosting dinner after a full day of golfing. | Photo by Frannie Mendoza
were limited to health recreation, physical education and athletic majors. However, “the NEIU foundation took over the event planning process in 2006. We’ve expanded it and now Chuck Kane scholarships are available to all university students, regardless of major,” said Downey. This golfing event funds a total of seven scholarships on campus. Since 1991, it has raised $403,606. Nearly 200 students have benefited from the $463,457 endowment. NEIU student Steven Johnson participated in the event this year because he, “likes to golf a little bit, and he helps out on the committee
as well.” According to Johnson, all someone needs to join the volunteer committee is, “to show an interest and then talk to Cecil Hynds-Riddle. She puts everyone together.” There are many different opportunities for students, alumni, and those with an interest in golf to get involved with next year’s event. “Whether you’re a golfer or not, you can join us. I’m speaking as a very amateur golfer,” said Downey. Ashley Agron, the assistant director of alumni relations, has volunteered for the past three years. “It is great, a lot more new people have signed up this year,” said Agron.
Current students are especially encouraged to volunteer their time at next summer’s event because, “it is really important for students to have a presence and interaction with the people who come out and are golfers. Many of them are alumni, former faculty and community members,” Downey explained. “Having that interaction with current students and sharing their experience is so valuable because they’re here to support scholarships. It is nice to connect with those who are going to school right now. It’s powerful to have that experience that students can share.” Downey also mentioned that the NEIU foundation is “really proud to have the leadership of the president behind the event.” Inaugurated last summer, this was president Gibson’s second annual scholarship. “I feel great about it, because we have more golfers this year than we did last year. And the more scholarships we have for students, the better,” said Gibson. While the origin of the Kane scholarship arose from a death, the overall goal since then has been to provide opportunities for students today. “Back in the day, it was a homegrown effort. And the university saw such value in this tradition that they chose to expand it and it has been growing ever since,” said Downey. “So that is our goal, to keep bringing in new golfers and bringing back long time golfers. Just to keep it a day of fun.”
AUGUST 27, 2019 | NEWS
The silent auction and 18 hole golf game were two of the fundraising aspects of the Kane gold event. President Gibson, Liesl Downey, Becky Sarwate and Nic F. Anderson spoke during the dinner portion of the event. Turn to page 6 to read more about the keynote speaker, Becky Sarwate. All photos by Frannie Mendoza.
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CAMPUS LIFE | AUGUST 27, 2019
NEIUINDEPENDENT.ORG
On par for giving at Kane event Rebecca Denham
News Editor NEIUNewsEditor@gmail.com
Keynote speaker Becky Sarwate spoke about her path to becoming a published author at the 47th annual Chuck Kane Scholarship golf event. Interviewed by Nic F. Anderson, a recent NEIU graduate, Sarwate gave advice to students on how to utilize their degrees after graduation. After earning a masters degree in English in 2017, Sarwate, “stayed in close contact with NEIU ever since,” according to vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the NEIU foundation, Liesl Downey. “In fact, she came back to teach a course in the English department. She serves on the boards of the Chicago Writers Association and the Illinois women’s Press Association. She’s a freelance writer in politics and culture and theater.” Aside from all of these engagements, Sarwate also recently published a book called Cubsessions in 2018. It offers, “an in depth look at some of Chicago most famous fans, and I am talking about actors, comedians and musicians, athletes, journalists and others,” said Downey. Sarwate explained that the road to this publication was a difficult one. She began teaching a course called “making your liberal arts degree work for you” to help bridge the gap between, “the skills you pick up in a degree program and what makes you employable. My class is about public speaking. It is about PowerPoint. It is about getting your resume and LinkedIn together. It is about social media for brands. It is about how we can turn that and monetize it and make a career out of it.”
That being said, Sarwate said that she always tells students, “I am both your example and also your cautionary tale,” because years
not wait for opportunities or a paycheck. If you want to be a writer, make it on your own. It is all right if you don’t know what to do. Go do it.
awards as well as receiving the CMT distinguished scholar award and the Wilson media award. After graduating summa cum laude this past May, Anderson is working in her field as a general assignment reporter at the Journal and Topics newspaper, covering the Northwest side of Chicago. Similarly, this year’s recipient of the Chuck Kane Scholarship, Cecilia Hernandez, is working towards her degree. “Thank you all for contributing to this scholarship because without you, I wouldn’t have found my calling,” said Hernandez.
Former news and managing editor for the Independent, Nic Anderson (right), interviews author and professor, Becky Sarwate. | Photos by Frannie Mendoza
after getting her degree, she still didn’t “figure out what she wanted to be when she grew up or how to get there.” Anderson asked if Sarwate had any advice for aspiring writers. Sarwate responded, “do
That’s my advice.” And “go do it” is what Nic F. Anderson did. Before graduation, Anderson worked as the news editor and managing editor for the Independent which earned her multiple leadership
Liesl Downey hugs 2019 Kane Scholarship recipient, Cecilia Hernandez.
Do you want to attend various events on campus, socialize and take photos? Become a writer for the Campus Life section! Message Grace at NEIUcampusEditor@gmail.com
Traditions Chevy Chase Golf Course on 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL where the Chuck Kane Scholarship Golf Event is held annually since 1973.
AUGUST 27, 2019
Campus Life Calendar
Your social calendar on campus for the next two weeks! Mostly a list of where to find free food on campus. El Centro’s “Inside Scoop” Ice Cream Bar Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. El Centro Campus, Main Lobby FREE ice cream bar! LGBTQIA+ New Student Welcome Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Pedroso Center (B-159)
Program for new first-year, transfer and graduate students includes information on-campus resources and opportunities for community building. Allies and current students welcome! Voter Registration Wednesday, Aug. 28, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. University Commons (Quad) Politics suck right now! Do your civic duty, get yourself registered to vote!!! New Business Pitch Night at CCICS Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, 5 p.m.– 8 p.m. CCICS Campus Entrepreneurs from the NEIU College of Business and Management’s BIG Center’s summer business planning cohort are pitching their business plans in a Shark Tank-style to potential investors, government officials, community leaders and prominent business owners. Come give feedback on these new business ventures, and if possible, help them connect with customers, suppliers, industry experts and access to financing. Freshmen Meet-up Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. Pedroso Center (B-159) CALLING ALL FRESHMEN!!! Meet other green faces and newbies to the college experience. Mix and mingle. BOSS: The Black Experience in Business Screening Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 at 3 p.m.– 5:30 p.m. SU Golden Eagles Room Screening of this important documentary shines a light on the story of resilience and resistance with the black American experience. Vincent
Williams, Vice President of Economic Empowerment and Director of Illinois Small Business Development Center at Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and distinguished guest panelists will examine the changes and continued roadblocks for African-American business. FREE. Please register at this link: http://bit.ly/2Yk0yTp
Movie on the Commons Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 STARTS AT SUNSET University Commons (Quad) Soak up that last bit of summer sun. Pretend for one more night that classes haven’t started yet. “Avengers Endgame” will be showing outdoors, FREE popcorn and drinks. Student Org Fair Tuesday, Sept. 3, 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. University Commons (Quad) While the NEIU Independent is not the only student org here on campus, we are certainly the best. SEEDS and Que Ondee Sola are okay too. Maybe WZRD. We all live in the Student Union basement, but for the sake of meeting some new faces and YOU, we will come out into the sunshine. Come say hi. Maybe we’ll pull you in. Transfer Social Wednesday, Sept. 4, 3 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. Pedroso Center (B-159) TRANSFER STUDENTS!!! Don’t worry, you aren’t the only new person here. Come meet the other ones! Mix and mingle. Greek Org Fair Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, 2 p.m.– 4 p.m. University Commons (Quad) Three words: DEEP FRIED OREOS. Pretend that you’re checking out fraternity or sorority life and swipe yourself some of that good stuff. Meet the Media Night Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, 6 p.m.– 8:30 p.m. Recital Hall (FA 160A) Discuss student media orgs with us and how YOU can participate!!! Refreshments will be served.
Club Goldie Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, 6 p.m.– 9 p.m. The Nest
DJ Perry Donta’E, The Pack Drumline, The Future Kingz, FREE TACOS CCICS’ Picnic / Fun Fair
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Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, 11 a.m.– 3 p.m. CCICS Campus Come and enjoy food, music and games. Inflatables!!! FREE.
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Welcome Back, Eagles! Check out all of our Welcome Day photos online at NEIUIndependent.org
AUGUST 27, 2019
Intermediate Level Sodoku
Expert Level Sodoku The objective of sudoku is to enter a digit from 1 through 9 in each cell, in such a way that: Each horizontal row (shown in pink) contains each digit exactly once Each vertical column (shown in yellow) contains each digit exactly once Each subgrid or region (shown in green) contains each digit exactly once
Have some fun on us! Independent Scavenger Hunt Rules: Welcome and welcome back NEIU! For the next two weeks the Independent would like to invite NEIU students, staff, faculty and the community to participate in our back to school scavenger hunt. Every day we will feature a different NEIU staple with a challenge. Each day we will pick a winner. Every morning on social media we will post a new challenge. Follow and tag the Independent and the account of the day in order to enter to win one of our daily prizes. Prizes include gift cards, cash, swag and more! The hunt begins Thursday, August 29.
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Campus Life | August 27, 2019
Northeastern Illinois University’s Main Campus College of Bussiness Management (CBM)
Lech Walesa Hall (LWH) Computer Labs Academic Departments Advisors Study Abroad Coordinators Lecture Halls Rented Student Lockers Proyecto Pa’Lante Foreign Language Lab
Academic Advising Accessibility Center Mossaddegh Hall Building B Computer Lab Dean of Students Honors Program International Program Nontraditional Degree Programs Placement Office Student Leadership Development Counseling Services Angelina Pedroso Center Career Services
PS
The Nest
Ronald Williams Library (LIB) Learning Support Center Trio Teacher Resources Media Resource Center Decartes Cafe Copy Center Computer labs Private Study Rooms Student Conference Rooms Reserved Textbooks Chicago Archives
First Floor Library Resource Center Computer Labs Student Lounge
Public Safety (PS) Parking Office Campus Police Temporary Parking Passes
Student Union (SU) Comfy Couches Quiet Study Room with a view Alumni Hall Cafeteria Peace Garden (Outside) Fine Arts Center (FA) Practice Spaces Year Round Art Exhibits Recital Hall Artisan Workshops MakeSpace workshops
Child Care Center (CH) Athletic Field (AF) Tennic Courts (TC) Facilities Managment (FM) Grounds Maintenance (GM) Building F (Stage Center Theatre)
NEIU’s El Centro Campus 3390 N. Avondale Ave.
Science Building (BBH) College of Arts and Sciences Green House Labs Computer Lab Study Areas Vending Machines Microwave Water Fountains
Building C (Sachs Administration) Academic Affairs Office of the President Student Affairs Building D Financial Aid Student Employment Vertans’ Affairs Student Support Services
Physical Education Complex (PE) Fitness Center Pool Climbing Wall Ropes Course Basketball court Racquet Ball Showers/Lockers Fitness classes
Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS) Campus 700 E. Oakwood Blvd. Lower Level Student Lounge First Floor Donn F. Bailey Auditorium
Building E Independent Newsroom Que Ondee Sola Office Seeds Literary and Visual Arts Journal Office Auditorium Follett’s Bookstore Student Health Services WZRD Radio Student Lounge Decartes Cafe Village Square Infomation Center
Third Floor Coffee Lounge Outdoor Terrace
Third Floor Admissions Financial Aid Student Services Fifth Floor Learning Support Center Computer Lab Sixth Floor Library
AUGUST 27, 2019
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OPINIONS
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Self-Care is How We Take Care of Each Other Ata Younan
Opinions Editor NEIUOpsEditor@gmail.com
Americans are obsessed with being happy. In our never-ending quest for happiness, we have become obsessed with the self-care movement. We retreat to revive and we relax to recharge. We treat ourselves because we deserve it. But what if I told you we deserve better? In our individual and self-proclaimed assertions, we are destroying our happiness by destroying our communities. Angie Jaime, in her recent Vice article, writes about being a Mexican-American in this era of self-care. In an era that touts taking care of yourself, taking the time to attend to your own needs, Jaime finds that her community is under attack by policies that are keen on breaking up families. As she contends with this attack on her own community and considers the history and impact of the self-care-as-politics movement, she highlights the shortcomings of this ubiquitous need to serve the self. This got me thinking about my own experience as an indigenous woman living in the diaspora. Born in Iraq, my family and I immigrated to the U.S.w when I was on the heels of turning 5. Starting kindergarten in the US afforded me the ability to learn and master the English language; a privilege my parents encouraged and also tried to grasp as they worked full-time jobs and took classes at Truman College. A privilege they did not possess, having come here at age 37 and 42. Like many first-generation Americans, I grew up accompanying my parents to all sorts of serious outings such as medical offices, hospitals, government agencies and report card pickups.
The landscape of my youth was equally riddled with medical forms and government agencies as Boxcar Children books and Skip-Its. I was there to interpret and deal with serious issues as a small child. If I didn’t do so, we would have gone without. Yes, we had extended family members to help us, but as a child with a firm grasp on the English language, albeit at times lacking true awareness of the subject matter, I had virtually no other choice. There was a void, a need that I, through my privilege of coming to the US at a young age,
movement today. But there remains a side of the movement that hasn’t been appreciated. When the political looks different for the indigenous, the marginalized, the vulnerable, when the sense of urgency in a community is paramount, self-care becomes community care. This type of community-oriented self-care has always existed—in the form of a leveraged privilege to uplift one another. In other words, where I am strong and you are weak, I lift you. Where I am weak and you are strong, you lift me. Today, especially today, there is a compel-
filled. So naturally, I did just that.
ling case for this specific type of self-care at our doors. It is in cages with kids who remain imprisoned at our borders locked in atrocious conditions. It is in the words of Ken Cuccinelli. It is in the slow death of a social security system that leaves a growing number of elderly at risk. Nikita Valerio, whose tweet went viral after the attacks in New Zealand, says it best. “Shouting ‘self-care’ at people who actually
WELLNESS VS SURVIVAL My self-care, my access to wellness and healthcare, my parent’s very maneuvering of a new country and eventual survival, involved all of us. While for some, self-care may be a means for wellness, for many, it is a means for survival. We see it in the self-care-as-politics
need ‘community care’ is how we fail people.” She would later go on to explain that “community care is a leveraging of individual privilege for another.”
INDIVIDUAL VS INCLUSIVE
Which brings us to the case of exclusivity; and this makes sense in America, where the $10 billion business of self-care reigns. Exclusivity is such a hot topic that at the Global Wellness Summit this year, industry leaders discussed possible solutions and the need to open up the wellness world to lower-income communities. This is where the burden of our own consumerism comes into play. How do we get more people from lower incomes to spend more money? It is not just an issue of exclusivity due to economic disparity. While economic barriers to inclusivity may hold true for this commodified notion of selfcare, there is an inherent shortcoming when the burdens of inclusivity are seen through a monetary lens. When you decorate the ancient tradition of self-care with the trappings of good ol’ rugged individualism, the commodification we see today takes center stage. Our sense of individualism is the cash cow for American consumerism. This commodification directly leads to exclusion. The implicit, more insidious shortcomings of a commodified version of self-care reveals the true barrier to access —our own rugged individualism. Self-care in America today is a reflection of this. The mirror we hold up to our strong brow, the reflection we see after centuries of pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps. It is a reflection of how we take care of ourselves and each other.
If you’re happy and you know it, tell us all about it... Email NEIUOpsEditor@gmail.com
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OPINIONS | AUGUST 27, 2019
Ata Younan
NEIUINDEPENDENT.ORG
Let Me Tell My Own Story
Opinions Editor NEIUOpsEditor@gmail.com
We are living in an age where more stories about marginalized people are being told and popular culture art forms are starting to more fully represent ethnic and religious minorities and people from the LGBTQ+ community. However, the statistics remain daunting. The 2019 Hollywood Diversity Report records the degree to which women and people of color are represented in front of and behind the camera in Hollywood. In analyzing 167 theatrical films and 1,316 shows airing or streaming during the 2016-17 season, the report found that
while women and minorities definitely experienced gains in representation, both groups remain underrepresented on every front. Minorities come in at 5 to 1 (7.8 percent) while women come in at 4 to 1 (12.6 percent) among film writers. So as more stories featuring main characters of a marginalized background start to emerge, we must remember that the conception and articulation of the story is just as important as the final piece. In other words, the ends don’t justify the means. Meaning it is not enough for these stories to be recorded. Members from marginalized groups must tell their own stories. Coined in America around the social
revolution of the 1970s, the term marginalized speaks to a denial, a banishment to the outskirts of society. It means that if you belong to a marginalized group, be it LGBTQ+ or a minority culture or race, you are in some very significant ways denied access to mainstream economic, political, cultural and social activities. Nowhere else do I see the merging of these four factors of life take on a more robust pulse than in mass media, especially films and television shows. The evolving landscape of film and television comes in part from the birth of digital media, which has opened up the doors for more creators to join the market. Streaming services like Netflix have
allowed creators to take risks and it’s paying off. From Master of None to Dear White People, Netflix has pushed and continues to push the envelope on diverse programming. Meaning there is more than one woman or minority writer in the room; because we must remember that there doesn’t exist one universal story of the black woman, or the Latin pansexual, or the Muslim man. Minority stories are not a monolith and in order for these narratives to be authentically portrayed, our writer’s rooms must reflect our characters. It is the only way to empower and continue to create a talented pool of writers from diverse backgrounds.
What’s your story? Share it with NEIUOpsEditor@gmail.com
AUGUST 27, 2019
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ARTS & LIFE
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NETFLIX’S GLOW: SEASON 3 REVIEW Charles Sipps
Arts and Life Editor NEIUArtsLifeEditor@gmail.com
Season 3 of ‘GLOW: The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling’ recently released on Netflix. For fans of the series, it represents a change in the format of the show. In season one and two, the gimmick of the show was watching women wrestlers wearing wonderful wardrobes wrestle. Alliteration aside, it was a show about failed actresses joining an industry they knew next to nothing about. Many of the storylines focused on the ladies of GLOW learning how to wrestle and putting on the best show possible. All that changes in season 3 as the ladies move from wrestling on late night tv to a live show in Vegas. In Vegas, our characters are trapped in a stagnant pattern. They perform the same show night after night while being trapped in a casino. While some of the ladies take to the trappings of Vegas better than others, each find their own struggles in the City of Sin. While there is a lack of wrestling in the ring, the ladies of GLOW do wrestle with problems of life in the 80’s. Sadly many of these societal issues are still relevant today. The show isn’t afraid to tackle the big issues. From sexuality, race, status and gender the show covers a wide breadth of heavy topics. Thankfully ‘GLOW’ is able to counter the heaviness with moments of levity. A moment that really stuck out is a scene where Debbie (Betty Gilpin) is on a plane flying home to LA to visit her infant son. While there, she is subtly shamed by an air stewardess for “abandoning” her baby.
Debbie looks to the man in the seat next to her and asks how many times he is asked when the last time he saw his kids. He says never. The moment really sticks because it’s another example of societal expectations that are forced on women that men never need to deal with. There are many examples of this throughout the season. The women are constantly underestimated and regardless of how many hurdles they leapfrog over, they are continuously put down. One of the most endearing things about this group of misfits is no matter what’s thrown at them, they keep getting back up and locking life in a headlock. As great as season three is, the show is lacking because of the absence of wrestling sequences. While it appears that season four will have a re-emphasis on the wrestling side of things, we will have to wait to find out for sure. In other season four hopes, there are still a few underutilized characters that either need to be developed or written off the show. Season 3 of Netflix’s ‘GLOW’ is a fun romp filled with character drama but lacking in one of the series-defining aspects. While there is hope for a return to the ring, season 4 really seems to be really shaking up the status quo. Season 3 was a title contender, but we’ll have to see if season 4 is a return to championship form or it will be a stint on the job squad. I award Season 3 of ‘GLOW’ 1986 potatoes on the Sipps Potato Scale.
16 ARTS & LIFE | August 27, 2019
NEIUINDEPENDENT.ORG
A VEGGIE BURGER THAT TASTES LIKE A WHOPPER IS...IMPOSSIBLE
Chuck Sipps Arts and Life Editor NEIUArtsLifeEditor@gmail.com
If you’re anything like me and you’ve binge-watched ‘Community’ on Hulu, then you have probably been inundated with ads for Burger King’s new Impossible Whopper. A veggie burger that tastes just like a Whopper? Could it be so? I had my doubts. I’ve already lived through Wendy’s Asiago Ranch Chicken fiasco of 2014. Who doesn’t remember that redhead actress pretending to be the real Wendy screaming “Asiago!” passionately while roaring down the open road on a motorbike that all but screamed freedom and America? Did I know at the time that Asiago was a type of cheese? No, I did not. Did I know that my soul wouldn’t be at peace until I tried one for myself? Yes, yes, I did. Did it disappoint me? Yes, it did, and since that day I haven’t trusted another living soul. So when the Impossible Whooper fever seized me, I was nervous. I had sworn I would never love again. Yet I couldn’t deny it; thoughts of the Impossible Whopper awoke feelings in me I had long thought dead. The last time I remember feeling like this was when I noticed David Bowies’ bulge in ‘Labyrinth’. Needless to say, I needed the Impossible Whooper all up in my mouth. There was only one problem. It had been many years since I even tasted a traditional Whopper. Could I truly trust myself to remember that the Whopper Sandwich is a quarter pound of savory flame-grilled beef topped with juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, creamy mayonnaise, ketchup, crunchy pickles and sliced white onions
on a soft sesame seed bun? I couldn’t risk it, there was too much at stake. I didn’t want to diminish the flavor explosion I was sure to find in the Impossible Whooper so I needed a normal Whopper as well to properly compare the two. That is how I found myself in a Burger King with my lovely fiancée. She was mainly there to support me. She had been adamant that the Impossible Whopper was sure to disappoint me and was undoubtedly filled with an obscene amount of chemicals. It was the only way to make a veggie patty taste like beef. I couldn’t allow myself to believe her. I’d lost too much. Santa Claus had been stolen from me and with him my childhood. Season three of “Legend of the Seeker’ had been denied to me and with it my faith in humanity. That harrowing day in 2014 at a Wendy’s still held a piece of my soul. There was no way the universe would be so cruel as to deny me anything less than the succulent taste of a Whopper but in veggie form. As I sat down in our booth, I examined our order with anticipation. My fiancée and I had ordered one classic Whopper meal and one Impossible Whopper meal. She’d paid because she’s a peach and I couldn’t be bothered with earthly concerns such as currency, not when my ascension was so close at hand. My fiancée had a fun idea. We’d open both burger wrappers and she’d switch them around and that way I wouldn’t know which one was which. I am a 1000% confident we are the only couple in the world to even consider this game-changer move. I eagerly closed my eyes and my nostrils were filled with the flame-kissed
scent of Whoppers. She told me to open my eyes and for the briefest of moments, I remembered the joy of being a child on a snowy Christmas morn. I had a 50-50 chance to face my destiny. I picked the burger on the right; it just felt right to me and as I brought it to my lips, I felt butterflies in my stomach. Was this to be the veggie patty that made me a man? The first sensation that hit me was the smell. It smelled… weird. Not like a good weird, when you convince your fiancée to try stuff outside both your comfort zones. More of the weird when you let one of your friends bring their weird friend to your party and he keeps saying weird stuff about his weird bottle collection. A weird smell is fine, I told myself. I smell weird all the time and I’m pretty cool. Then I tasted it. It did not taste like a Whopper. It tasted like the feeling I got when my dad told me he would never love me
as much as my sister because she was an athlete and I wasn’t. I couldn’t even finish it, so my fiancée did and I was left to eat a boring old regular Whopper. I’d never felt more alone. I needed to share my pain, my disappointment, with someone else. Then I remembered. The couple who had gone before us had ordered four Impossible Whoppers. They had to share in my disappointment. So, I asked them, “You got the Impossible Whopper? What did you think?” They then talked for an uncomfortably long time about how much they liked it and told me the backstory of the product I never needed to know. They then dropped the bombshell: he was a vegan and she was vegetarian. I learned three things that day. One, always listen to my fiancée. Two, never love again. Three, while I respect and honor the vegan and vegetarian lifestyle, I feel terrible for their taste buds.
Disney has 5 Billion-Dollar Movies in a Year
Out here playing checkers while Disney is playing Monopoly Chuck Sipps
Arts and Life Editor NEIUArtsLifeEditor@gmail.com
Six movies have made over a billion dollars this year and five of them were made by Disney. They are as follows: ‘Toy Story 4’ ($1 billion), ‘Avengers: Endgame’ ($2.79 billion), ‘The Lion King’ ($1.34 billion),’ ‘Captain Marvel’ ($1.12 billion) and ‘Aladdin’ ($1.035 billion). The only non-Disney film to break the billion-dollar mark was Sony’s ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ ($1.098 billion), but even then, the film relies heavily on its affiliation with Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Here’s the crazy thing, there is a chance that two more of their films can break the billion-dollar mark as well. ‘Frozen 2’ and ‘Star Wars Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker’ could both easily shatter the billion-dollar threshold. Only 43 films in history have grossed a billion dollars and now Disney could be set to have a staggering 7 films achieve this feat. Not to mention that ‘Endgame’ is now the highest-grossing film of all time, when not adjusting for inflation, with its two-billion-dollar box office. As for
the former champion, ‘Avatar’, after the Disney/Fox merger, Disney owns that property as well. Disney sits atop the throne as the box office king, holding 5 of the top 10 box office grosses this year, and they don’t show any signs of slowing down. In fact, with Disney+, their Netflix style streaming platform set to release on Nov 12, 2019, they may soon corner the TV market as well. In recent months there have been frequent reports of Disney acquiring competitors, such as the aforementioned Fox buyout and the purchase of Hulu. In 2012 it was such a novel concept when Disney bought ‘Star Wars’, but now Disney owns the majority of the top entertainment brands in the world. The sentiment for many appears to be, “I can’t wait to see what Disney will buy next.” Maybe though, we should be questioning what we are going to do once there is a House of Mouse collecting rent from every property on the Monopoly Board.
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WWE SUMMERSLAM 2019: Final Verdict
Will Jones Writer
WWE’s 32nd annual SummerSlam pay-per-view event, hailing from Scotiabank Arena located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada,is the culmination of WWE’s summer storylines.. There were plenty of great moments, but SummerSlam lacked in some areas. It was a 12 match card with three matches on the pre-show and nine on the main card. This is the definitive SummerSlam Report! Pre-Show Results: Drew Gulak retained his Cruiserweight Championship after he defeated Oney Lorcan in a singles match. Buddy Murphy defeated Apollo Crews by disqualification after Erick Rowan interfered and attacked Murphy. The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross retained their titles after defeating The Iconics (Payton Royce and Billie Kay)., These matches all earned C average grades because there wasn’t really anything that shocked me. Main Show Results (with grades) Raw Women’s Championship -Becky Lynch defeats Natalya to retain the Raw Women’s Championship: This was a great match! It was different from all of the other matches because the only way to win was by submission. It’s been a while since a high caliber submission match. The crowd roared for hometown favorite Natalya as she made her way to the ring. I honestly thought that WWE’s creative team would’ve scripted Natalya to win in her home country, but I was mistaken. Her best move of the match was the Bret Hart patented Sharpshooter submission hold off of the top rope. Natalya tapped out after she was locked into Lynch’s Disarmer submission hold. Grade: B+ Goldberg defeats Dolph Ziggler: The last time the WWE universe witnessed
Goldberg in action, he wasn’t at his best. He had numerous botches and he looked out of shape against the Undertaker. Goldberg was the complete opposite at SummerSlam. He looked rejuvenated. Ziggler surprised Goldberg with a couple of super kicks, but Goldberg turned up the heat. Goldberg delivered a quick spear and a jackhammer to put away Ziggler. As Goldberg was making his way backstage, Ziggler grabbed a mic and begged Goldberg to come back to the ring to face him like a man. Goldberg served Ziggler another spear and exited the ring. An exhausted Ziggler grabbed the mic again and claimed that Goldberg got lucky twice. Goldberg made his way back to the ring and gave him a third and final spear. From the great words of the commentator Renee Young, “Dolph has lost his damn mind.” Grade: BUnited States Championship -- AJ Styles defeats Ricochet to retain The United States Championship: This feud between Styles and Ricochet has been great for business. The high-flying offense of Ricochet pairs well with Styles’s veteran in-ring abilities. Styles was accompanied by Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows and they served as distractions in order to help Styles retain the United States Championship. One of the most jaw dropping moments of the night happened towards the end of this match. Ricochet attempted a Phoenix Splash off the top rope, but he was caught in mid air. Styles reversed Ricochet’s move into his patented Styles Clash for the pinfall. After the match, Styles and his lackeys performed their patented Magic Killer on Ricochet. Grade: ASmackDown Women’s Championship -- Bayley defeats Ember Moon to retain The Smackdown Women’s
Championship: The Toronto crowd was high energy until this match. There wasn’t really much to comment on about this match. Both women performed well, but I feel like something more could’ve been done to truly shock the crowd. I was hoping that Moon would win; however, regardless of her losing, I was highly disappointed with
this match. Grade: CKevin Owens defeats Shane McMahon: In recent weeks on SmackDown Live, Owens has been on a Stone Cold Steve Austin style rampage. He’s saying what many fans are saying right now. “Why in the hell is Shane getting all of this TV time?”
August 27, 2019 | arts & life
This was probably the funniest match of the night. It had a serious stipulation because if Owens lost, he would have had to quit the WWE entirely. Elias served as a ringside enforcer for McMahon. Everytime it seemed like Owens would gain the upper hand, Elias would stop Owens. Owens finally capitalized by doing a cannonball roll from the side of the ring that knocked down both Elias and the referee. Owens made sure Elias was fully immobilized before turning his attention back to McMahon. When the referee finally gained his wits, Owens distracted the referee in order to give McMahon a well deserved low blow. Owens delivered a Stunner and won by pinfall. Grade: B Charlotte Flair defeats Trish Stratus: This match had a slow start, but it ended on a good note. Stratus showed the WWE universe that she hasn’t lost a step being in a WWE ring. She competed really well with Flair by hitting her patented Stratusfaction and Chick Kick. I was surprised to see that the WWE creative team didn’t script Toronto’s very own Stratus to win over Charlotte. Sadly, this was Stratus’s retirement match. Overall, it was a decent contest. Grade: C+ WWE Championship -- Kofi Kingston versus Randy Orton ends in a double count out. Kofi retains the WWE Championship: This was the most dissatisfying match of the night. This rivalry has been relevant for over ten years, and I really can’t believe that the WWE creative team thought it would be a great idea to have the match end that way. Even the crowd chanted “bullshit” repeatedly after the match ended. Grade: D“The Fiend” Bray Wyatt defeats Finn Balor: For weeks, Bray Wyatt has been teasing the WWE universe about a new persona. He used his kid friendly show, Firefly Funhouse, as a facade for the new persona. After Balor made his way to the ring, his
confidence evaporated as the lights went out. The intro for Firefly Fun House played on the screen, but it instantly became distorted and black as a scarlet red “LET HIM IN” flashed on the screen. The Fiend crept through the darkness with a grotesque lantern thats aesthetic isn’t common in this PG era of the WWE. A decapitated head was illuminated with a misty blue light. I think the lamp is supposed to simplify Wyatt’s former self as he is now consumed by The Fiend. His face is now covered by a monstrous mask. Balor was struck with fear and intimidation by Wyatt’s new gimmick. Balor didn’t stand a chance against The Fiend. I am excited to see where Wyatt takes this new persona. Grade: A Universal Championship -- Seth Rollins defeats Brock Lesnar to win the Universal Championship: Once again, we have a new Universal Champion! After Extreme Rules, Lesnar has been putting Rollins through hell. For a moment, it seemed like Rollins wouldn’t even make it to Toronto for SummerSlam. He lived up to his promise and went toe to toe with the Beast. I truly didn’t think that Rollins would be scripted to win over Lesnar, but I am extremely happy that I was wrong. The WWE is better with the Universal Championship or any major title out of Lesnar’s hands. Lesnar’s contract with the WWE states that he doesn’t have to show up every week while he is champion. As WWE superstars compete on the weekly Monday Night RAW and Smackdown Live shows, he is only there when a big pay-per-view is near or just passed. He doesn’t have as many bumps and bruises as the other superstars. He only has to show up for the major pay per views. It took three curb stomps from Rollins to put down the beast once and for all. Grade: A-
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Sony Buys Insomniac Games Chuck Sipps
Arts and Life Editor NEIUArtsLifeEditor@gmail.com
Sony Interactive Entertainment has acquired Insomniac Games, the developers behind ‘Marvel’s Spider-Man’ and ‘Ratchet and Clank’, as a first-party PlayStation studio. This means that the prolific developers at Insomniac will be making their games for PlayStation exclusively. While Insomniac has often made games exclusive for PlayStation, they’ve always done so as a second-party studio resisting Sony’s desire to own the company outright.This lack of ownership was what allowed Insomniac games to release the Xbox One title ‘Sunset Overdrive’ in 2014. This was the first break in the long partnership with PlayStation throughout four generations of PlayStation consoles, from Spyro the Dragon on the original PlayStation to 2018’s Spider-Man on PS4. Spider-Man really changed the game, pun not intended, for Insomniac as it quickly became their top selling game, selling 13.2 million copies. Sony didn’t want to risk losing Insomniac to the competition again
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and thus they will join the other 13 Sony owned studios.This of course is undeniably a response to Xbox’s recent run of buying up studios to compete with Sony’s first-party lineup. Xbox has bulked up their first-party studios up to 15, and with the new Xbox and PS5 expected to be released next holiday, both companies are doing what they can to attract fans. While Sony holds the crown this generation, it wasn’t too long ago that the Xbox 360 held dominion over the PS3. With Google Stadia entering the fray and the Nintendo Switch releasing new models to attract late adopters, the competition has never been fiercer.This is great for gamers and regardless of what system they choose to play next season, they will have a great selection of games to play. There are still questions to answer about next gen: will the push for streaming games pan out, will virtual reality continue or fade away like the fads of yesteryear and which system will have the superior hardware and better price point? One question won’t be asked, however. Where can you play the next great Insomniac game? Only on PlayStation.