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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 42, No. 9
University revisits past ban on Coca-Cola By JOHN AMBROSIO
Five years after NYU lifted its ban on Coca-Cola products, union activist and Corporate Campaign, Inc. director Ray Rogers brings the debate over the soft drink company’s labor practices back into the public eye. Rogers sent a letter and a critical pamphlet to 130 university administrators last week, imploring them to reinstate the ban on Coke products. “We are reaching out to you hoping that NYU will do the right thing again and remove all Coke vending machines and products from campus facilities,” Rogers said in the letter. Rogers said the ban, which lasted from 2005 to 2009, was placed due to accusations that Coke was committing human rights violations in Colombia. He said the embargo was lifted prematurely and at the behest of those with interests in Coke’s profit margin in both his recent letter and on his website, Killer Coke. Rogers said Arthur Tannenbaum, the University Senate member who introduced the resolution lifting the ban, attempted to protect the interests of Coke and Barry Diller, a member of both the Board of Coke and the NYU Board of Trustees. NYU spokesman Philip Lentz refuted these claims. Lentz said the decision to lift the ban was based on the corporation’s submission to the demands made when the ban was issued. “[The] University Senate revisited the issue in 2009 and lifted the ban after Coke agreed to an independent assessment of its labor relations in Colombia by the International Labor Organization,” Lentz said. “The information distributed by KillerCoke.org strongly mischaracterizes how these decisions were made.” Tannenbaum also responded to the allegations and said financial gain played no part in his decision to introduce the resolution. “I had no reason or stake in protecting Coca-Cola and never met Mr. Diller,” Tannenbaum said. “I didn’t know he was on the board at that
COKE continued on PG. 3
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2014
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Sexton, students converse at town hall
By TRICIA WOODCOME
The Student Senators Council hosted its first town hall meeting of the spring semester with NYU President John Sexton on Feb. 11. Prior to the event, students prepared questions to pose to Sexton.
Students asked about privacy, student wellness and funding for the Global Network University. A recent transfer student from the American University in Cairo asked about the possibility of new portal campuses opening or upgrading in the coming years.
“I think between now and 2020, it’s unlikely that a new portal campus will open,” Sexton said. “It’s a huge undertaking.” The same student followed up and asked why certain courses at portal campuses are not the same as those offered in New York.
“As a strategic and general matter, I’m pushing hard that there should be more interoperability among courses,” Sexton said. “And that’s possible [through] communication among departments and faculty, and there should be a presumption against not giving
DENISE FABELLA FOR WSN
NYU President John Sexton sits next to Student Senators Council chair Mariam Ehrari at the town hall meeting on Feb. 11.
Documentary explores marriage equality in U.S. By IFE OLUJOBI
In today’s society, most demographics are concerned about LGBTQ rights, whether they are for or
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“The New Black” premieres at Film Forum today.
against the issue. Yoruba Richen’s documentary “The New Black,” which opens at Film Forum today, centers on the struggling campaign leading up to the passage of question six in Maryland that upheld marriage equality. Specifically, the film focuses on the influence of the AfricanAmerican religious community. Through the exploration of the black church and the black gay population, Richen looks at this historic event through a new lens and give voice to a group that the media often neglects. Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley signed the Marriage Equality Act into law in 2012. An immediate backlash from both white conservatives and the black church-going congregation followed the ruling. Richen effectively presents the public image conundrum that ensues. White conservatives want to blame the black church for anti-
gay propaganda and petitions. While most black religious leaders were unaffiliated with white conservative groups, both parties share strong anti-gay views, making it easy to effectively “drive a wedge” between the black and gay voter constituencies. The clear problem with this strategy is that it does not account for black gays and lesbians, a community that is often ignored and ostracized. The film spotlights this minority’s unique plight. Viewers meet several homosexual black men, women and couples of all ages and hear about their struggle for acceptance in — or at least coexistence with — the black church, which for many is not only a place to practice religion, but also somewhere to find community, family and support. A segment about gospel singer Tonex particularly stands out as representative of the black com-
munity’s prevalent opinion toward homosexuals. Tonex grew up singing and playing instruments with his father in church and quickly skyrocketed to fame in the gospel world. At the height of his success he felt he could no longer hide his homosexuality, which he had begun to hint at in his music and appearance. When Tonex definitively came out on a Christian talk show, he was cited by a prominent black religious leader as the reason young people were turning away from God. As much as Richen clearly wants viewers to sympathize with the supporters of question six, she does give equal weight and screen time to its opponents. These nay-sayers shed light on the rationale and motivations of many in the black church to oppose gay marriage.
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“Silver Heads,” a sci-fi film that explores the possibility of creating an ideal human, will be screened in anticipation of the annual Department of Cinema Studies Student Conference. A discussion will follow the screening, which will be at 6:15 p.m. on the sixth floor of 721 Broadway.
Cynthia Lowen and Kamilah Aisha Moon, both renowned poets, will host a poetry reading in the NYU Bookstore from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
In preparation for graduation, “100 Nights Before Commencement” will inform seniors about portraits, class rings, caps and gowns, alumni activities and school ceremonies. The event will be on the 10th floor of the Kimmel Center for University Life at 6 p.m. The “100 Nights Happy Hour” will be held afterward at Amity Hall.
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TOWN HALL continued from PG. 1
COKE continued from PG. 1
Activists question NYU’s motives behind lifting Coca-Cola ban, urge university to reinstate
time. My only objective was to be fair and impartial to all parties. The senate made the decision both times.” Justin Lee, the chair of the Student Senators Council in 2009, said at the time that the decision to lift the ban, which passed 28 to 22, was somewhat disappointing to those who had supported the embargo. In a WSN article published on Feb. 9, 2009, Lee said people in the council who lifted the ban were tired of extensively talking about the issue and felt the ILO report was the best report
they would receive. Lee said if there had been another independent investigation, then the council may not have settled for the ILO’s report. Some supporters, including Rogers, were disappointed NYU lifted the ban because the ILO investigation did not address the accusations that Coke was linked to the killing of Colombian union leaders in the 1990s. Rogers said statements made by Coke executives suggested these murders would be a part of the ILO investigation.
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Ray Rogers pushes the university to ban Coke again.
GLS sophomore Ashley Slater said this discussion is closely tied to money. “If the ban was enforced once again, who’s to say that NYU won’t just lift it after a couple of years when they believe the clamor of the event has died down and the students involved have graduated,” Slater said. Rogers said he is concerned over the worsening human rights violations in Colombia. “My main complaint is that what the original resolution was asking for was never met,” Rogers said. CAS senior and current chair of the SSC Mariam Ehrari said she would vote to ban Coke if Rogers’ current allegations are true. “If this were to be introduced as an issue, I think we would discuss it and act on it,” said Ehrari. Rogers said he is going to put pressure on the university administration until they reestablish the ban. “The NYU administration is going to pay a price one way or another if they keep Coke,” Rogers said. “If nobody wants to heed the warning, then all I can do is say I warned them.” John Ambrosio is a contributing writer. Email him at news@nyunews.com.
Sexton responds to student questions about GNU, space
credit, at least inside our own university for a course that’s offered here and there. So we’re moving in the direction of addressing that.” CAS junior Jeremy Lakin, executive vice president of the Inter-Greek Council, asked how much space from the NYU 2031 expansion plan will be used for student life. Sexton encouraged students to look forward to the new university additions, as there will be a large amount of space available specifically for future students once the expansion plan is finished. He used the Kimmel Center for University Life as an example of looking ahead, as students did not have an extensive student center before 2003. “I’ve often urged [students] to think forward,” Sexton said. “To plant trees under which others will sit — to sacrifice forward, which is a very noble thing to do.” CAS freshman Amaani Aisha Hussain expressed her concern for student wellness after the death of classmate Titan Lee-Hai earlier this semester. “I was wondering how the attention given to student security, student support and alcohol and drug prevention will be changed,” Hussain said.
Sexton said the university weighs several concerns following incidents. “If a student dies, we have the same two principal concerns,” Sexton said. “The first is we have a concern that we honor as best we can that student’s family’s wishes about how they want to handle the situation. And that usually means respecting their privacy. And the second is how do we make sure that the rest of our students are as well as they can be.” CAS senior Mariam Ehrari, chair of the Student Senators Council, said she appreciated the array of questions and hopes for a bigger turnout at the next and final town hall meeting of the 2013-2014 school year. “Knocking on the administration’s doors will affect [the university’s] decisions and make change,” Ehrari said. Hussain said the meeting encouraged her to become involved in effecting change. “From his answers, I don’t see any serious solutions being developed, but I hope to make them happen in my time here,” Hussain said. Additional reporting by Ann Schmidt. Tricia Woodcome is a contributing writer. Email them at news@nyunews.com.
Panel gives immigration reform LGBTQ spin
By CASEY DALRYMPLE
A panel gathered at the NYU School of Law’s Furman Hall on Feb. 11 to discuss immigration reform in the context of LGBTQ rights. The lecture, titled Queering the Broken Immigration System, was sponsored by NYU OUTLaw — an organization for LGBTQ law students and allies — and featured lawyers Iván Espinoza-Madrigal of the HIV Center for Law and Advocacy, Clement Lee of Immigration Equality and Marika Dias of Make the Road New York, as well as CUNY senior and student activist Luis Saavedra representing the UndocuQueer project from the
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New York State Youth Leadership Council. NYU Law professor Alina Das moderated the event. Michael Szeto, a second-year law student and board member of OUTLaw, said LGBTQ discourse often stops at a basic concept of equality. “LGBT issues cross over to so many different concerns and problems,” Szeto said. “We’re hoping to show that LGBT rights and LGBT issues go beyond marriage fairness.” The panel pointed out several difficulties that queer people face. Many queer immigrants of color still deal with undue trouble in legal contexts, such as detention centers misplacing transgender immigrants or often unnecessarily
placing transgender immigrants in solitary confinement. “We’ll get [cases] where the detention center simply doesn’t know how to house them,” Lee said, explaining an instance where a client was locked in a medical office due to the lack of a solitary confinement facility. The community also faces hardships in obtaining asylum for immigrants who face danger in their mother countries because of their orientations. “Nominally, Mexico has some laws that protect gay folks,” Lee said, explaining why the United States tends to deny an asylum request on the basis of safety. “That
doesn’t correspond to the sort of quotidian day-to-day dangers that our clients face.” Even the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act has complicated matters for the LGBTQ immigrant community, Espinoza explained. “How are couples going to be treated?” Espinoza said, referencing married queer binational couples applying for a green card through marriage. “We have to make sure that the implementation is actually being done appropriately and consistently regardless of where people are applying.” The panel noted that, in any case, marriage reform is not the same as immigration reform, especially for
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Panelists discuss the need for immigration law reform with regard to the LGBTQ community in the United States.
those people who cannot or do not want to get married. “If we say Windsor v. Perry fixed the whole immigration context, then we are blinded to the fact that many people in our community don’t want to get married,” Espinoza said. “To premise immigration protection around one particular status, like your marital status, is also privileging certain experiences over other experiences.” As a queer immigrant himself, third-year NYU law student César Francia was appreciative of the event. “This is the first panel that I’ve seen about queer immigration issues in three years,” Francia said. Fellow queer immigrant, thirdyear NYU law student Wendy Cheng, confirmed this, stating that the topic of queer immigration only comes up in her LGBT Rights Clinic. “But if you talk about general immigration law class and debate, usually it’s not a very discussed topic,” Cheng said. Francia said there is a larger meaning to the silence. “I think it’s a reflection on where we are as a society,” he said. “Gay issues are moving forward in many arenas, but they’re not front-andcenter in the ways we want to be in terms of social reform.” Casey Dalrymple is deputy managing editor. Email him at cdalrymple@nyunews.com.
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM
BEAUTY & STYLE
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Prevent winter weather from ruining footwear
By SAM DEL ROWE
Winter in New York City means your shoes will take a beating. After every snowstorm, the slush inevitably piles up at street corners, creating murky, gray puddles that appear solid and can be stepped in accidentally. Additionally, the spread of salt on sidewalks can cause discoloration and other damage to your shoes. Luckily, there are many options in terms of repairing existing footwear and alternatives to your everyday shoes to prepare you for the remainder of winter. The best shoes for this kind of weather are waterproof boots. Options for waterproof yet stylish boots for men include classic brands such as Timberland and Red Wings. Traditionally, these brands produce work boots, so their products will withstand the most adverse weather. Red Wings’ 815 Men’s 8-inch boot exem-
plifies how waterproof attire can still be stylish ($285). Red Wings are expensive, but they last when cheaper options fail. When investing in boots, especially in this price range, make sure that the soles are rubber, not plastic. Rubber soles offer better traction in slippery conditions and will not wear out as quickly as plastic soles. For women, a classic Hunter boot ($135) will keep your feet dry and last you a lifetime. These durable, all-rubber rain boots are perfect for any rainy or snowy day. If you want to repair previously damaged shoes or boots, there are two essential products to have. Bear Grease can be used to clean, revitalize and waterproof damaged leather ($7.49). Remove any dirt from footwear using a shoe brush before applying the product. Use a cloth to apply the grease and then
leave the footwear in a warm place overnight. If your shoes are falling apart, particularly if the soles are separating, try Shoe Goo ($6). Prepare your shoes by cleaning the area that needs repair. Apply the Goo to both surfaces, press them together and attach rubber bands around the shoe. Leave the shoe to sit for at least 24 hours, checking to make sure it has not separated again. Both Bear Grease and Shoe Goo are inexpensive options for repairing damaged shoes. However, these products work best on boots and leather footwear and may not work well on other types of shoes, such as sneakers. The weather will not change anytime soon, and salt and slush have a way of lingering. If you follow these tips, you and your shoes will be better prepared for winter in the city. Sam Del Rowe is a staff writer. Email him at bstyle@nyunews.com.
Dazzle lovers, friends with simple Valentine’s Day gifts By YUJIN RYEO
Despite the icy-cold temperatures this month, you can warm up somebody’s heart — whether it be a special someone or your best friend — with the help of these Valentine’s Day gift ideas.
For Her For those who carry makeup on the go, try gifting a makeup set. With pink heart-shaped packaging and a trio of quality products, the Too Faced Plump, Gloss and Glow Set from Sephora is a great choice ($42). This gift set comes with miniature mascara, nude lip-plumping gloss and a pink blush and highlighter. A quirky gift idea is the Pizza Lover Sleep Shirt from Forever 21 ($10.80). This
sleep shirt features a picture of a heart-shaped pizza with the words “Love at First Bite” printed around it. One glance at this will definitely make her laugh. And hey, who does not love pizza? If you have more money to splurge for your significant other, Swarovski’s Starlet Necklace will definitely add a sparkle to her eye ($90). This simple yet elegant necklace features a rose and clear crystal heart, making the perfect romantic gift.
For Him Dry, cracked hands can be a problem during during winter, so help your significant other out with a seasonal gift. The Body Shop’s Wild Rose Hand Cream will solve the problem by moisturizing and evening out skin tone ($10). It is perfect
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Best friend iPhone cases make a great Valentine’s Day gift.
for everyday use and has a pleasant rose scent. Gift your man a Herschel Supply and Co. Pop Quiz backpack in an eye-catching red color so he can look sharp and put together for school ($70). This backpack is large enough to store his books, notebooks and any other belongings.
For Friends Valentine’s Day is not just for couples — it can also be a celebration of friendship. Show your friends love with Bath and Body Works mini candles (three for $10). Mix and match different scents like Strawberry Sorbet, Raspberry Peach Macaron and Pink Bubble Gum to fill a room with a sweet aroma. Gift your male, fashion-forward friend a classic leather belt. To keep in theme with the holiday, choose a bold color like the red Mizuno Classic belt ($22). To add flair to your friend’s phone, Urban Outfitter’s Besties iPhone case will do the job ($25). It comes with a set of two cases that form a floral heart when placed side by side, a perfect way to show your appreciation for a friend (and get a little something for yourself). Yujin Ryeo is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.
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Snow and slush on the street can damage shoes.
Simple steps to follow for buying, applying men’s fragrances By REBECCA RIDDLE
Taking its name from its birthplace of Cologne, Germany, men’s cologne has blossomed into a giant industry with varieties of fragrances spanning entire shelves at department stores worldwide. Fragrances from high-end luxury brands such as Versace and Gucci top bestseller lists at major retailers including Macy’s, Sephora and Bloomingdale’s. Cologne is an investment. Prices of designer brands can be steep so it is important to make the right choice and know how to wear it. When sampling cologne, stick to applying a single scent and make sure you give the fragrance time to settle into your skin and mix with your body’s natural pheromones before making a decision. Ever wonder why there are coffee beans at the cologne counter? Those are not simply for decor — smelling the beans in between scents works to clear the nose and ensures you smell each fragrance individually. Keep in mind that cologne should always be used sparingly, as most of us can relate to having had the unpleasant experience of sitting behind someone who has been overambitious with his cologne. You do not want to be that guy. To keep your scent from becoming overpowering, apply your cologne at just two pulse points rather than spraying your entire body. Major pulse points are located on the insides of the wrists, the front of the neck, the back of the neck and the inner elbows. These pulse points
have blood vessels located close to the skin, causing the skin to be warmer and allowing the scent to spread and last longer. Men’s colognes generally fall into one of four main categories: fresh, woody, oriental and fougere. Fresh scents are light, citrusy and perfect for daytime. Try the popular Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme by Giorgio Armani for a simple, modern and sophisticated scent ($46). Darker and stronger than fresh scents, woody fragrances have notes of cedar, sandalwood and patchouli, making them masculine and rich. For a woody scent that is not too heavy, try Yves Saint Laurent’s L’homme, a scent that is well-balanced and versatile ($43). Infused with exotic spices such as cardamom and ginger, oriental scents tend to be bold and intense, making them great for special occasions. Check out a popular Dolce and Gabbana cologne, The One for Men, for something that makes a statement ($43). Meaning “fern” in French, the fougere fragrance family consists of scents that have a unique mix of lavender, citrus and moss notes. Fougere fragrances are usually green, earthy and versatile. Versace’s Pour Homme is a best-selling fougere fragrance ($36). Be sure to make an investment once the perfect scent is discovered. The right cologne can become a signature piece in one’s style routine. Rebecca Riddle is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.
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Dystopian film trend gains momentum with audiences By REBECCA KIM
For decades, audiences have been captivated by fictional worlds created for the page and screen. Evident from the success of recent film projects like “The Hunger Games,” movies that take place in dystopian societies are making a comeback — the trend continues as Neil Burger’s highly anticipated “Divergent” comes out next month. While early dystopian classics like Francois Truffaut’s 1966 “Fahrenheit 451” and Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 “A Clockwork Orange” have remained relevant in the past 50 years, there is a dystopian trend in modern cinema, proving that audiences are entertained by almost any universe with miserable qualities. Perhaps the most well-known examples are the widely popular movie adaptations of Suzanne Collins’ “Hunger Games” series. The novels explore what would happen if the government exerted complete control over its citizens while also demonstrating an exaggerated gap between social classes. This year provides a fresh round of dystopian films to look forward to, including José Padilha’s remake of the ’80s classic “RoboCop,” which opens theatrically today and is set in a future, crime-ridden Detroit. Next up is the screen adaptation of Veronica Roth’s novel “Divergent,” wherein rising star Shailene Woodley plays a girl living in a dystopian Chicago where the government forces conformity. In the real world, we value freedom and diversity, yet series like Roth’s are gaining popularity and publicity. Hyperbolic depictions of a government’s authority and the total oppression of free
thought in films allow the audience to feel more at ease with the imperfections in the real world. In contrast to the movies, the flaws in our political system, the disparity between social classes and a myriad other issues seem acceptable in comparison. Perhaps watching a movie in which characters are punished for individuality or where Earth has been completely destroyed makes viewers thankful for the functioning — though flawed — reality of today’s situation. Perhaps this recent surge of dystopian films reflects filmmakers’ plea for a closer examination of our current imperfect societies. Maybe the films’ horrid conditions are meant to melodramatically mirror the lessthan-ideal circumstances of today’s culture so that we take such problems seriously. The dismal imaginary contexts created in films provide an entertaining experience for moviegoers. Dystopian films take us to alternate worlds and distant universes, but these fictional settings may well have more in common with our world than we would like to think. Rebecca Kim is a contributing writer. Email her at film@nyunews.com.
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“RoboCop” hits theaters today.
Kidjo album bridges continents, sounds
By HAYLEY SADOFF
World music singersongwriter and human rights activist Angélique Kidjo’s new album “Eve,” released Jan. 28, is a brilliant collection of genreblending songs rooted in the music of her native Benin, Africa. Over a 32-year vocal career, Kidjo has performed with performers such as Philip Glass, Questlove, Alicia Keys, Dave Matthews and Branford Marsalis, among many others, but has set her sights higher than just participating in the entertainment business. The liner notes of “Eve” ask listeners to support three foundations — Kidjo’s own Batonga Foundation for Girls Education, UNICEF and Oxfam. Even former President Bill Clinton commended Kidjo for her “music and activism” on the back of her new memoir, “Spirit Rising: My Life, My Music.” “Eve” weaves together eight African women’s choirs seamlessly and strikingly. The first
LGBTQ community assumes starring role in recent TV shows By JESSICA TIEN
The LGBTQ community has seen a rising importance and visibility in the media in the past few decades. LGBTQ characters are featured in extraordinarily successful television series such as “Glee,” “The Office” and “Modern Family.” Celebrities who identify themselves as LGBTQ are also grabbing major television roles, such as Jim Parsons in “The Big Bang Theory” and Neil Patrick Harris, who stars as a notorious womanizer in “How I Met Your Mother.” Historically, writers and producers have included LGBTQ characters and themes in an attempt to explore the challenges faced by the community. In the musical comedy series “Glee,” Chris Colfer’s Kurt is an aspiring Broadway singer and the only openly gay student at his high school. Toward the beginning of the series, Kurt’s father grapples with, and eventually accepts, his son’s homosexuality. Kurt’s peers also repeatedly bully him for his sexual orientation. The show illustrates both the continuing intolerance toward members of the LGBTQ com-
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munity, as well as the ability of a gay individual to rise above these unfortunate circumstances. Yet recently, there has been a shift away from defining LGBTQ characters solely based on their sexuality. “Looking,” which premiered on HBO in January, follows the story of three gay men living in San Francisco. The show includes gay characters, but Patrick, Agustín and Dom are not defined by their sexual orientation. Rather, the characters are complex individuals with aspirations and setbacks, and they experience heartbreak and relationships in much the same way any other character would. “Looking” manages to explore the challenges and opportunities facing today’s LGBTQ community without depicting its characters in a stereotypical way. “Orange is the New Black,” a popular drama released on Netflix in 2013, is another attempt to depict the lives and relationships of LGBTQ people in a more authentic, believable way. The show tells the story of Piper Chapman, a bisexual woman sent to prison after transferring money for her drugsmuggling ex-girlfriend. With both humor and gravity, the series ex-
amines the dynamics of Chapman’s relationships with her current fiancé and her ex-girlfriend. The cast of “Orange is the New Black” also includes Laverne Cox, a transgender woman who plays a transgender inmate on the show. Through Cox’s character Sophia Burset, the series exposes the discrimination and intolerance toward transgender inmates in today’s prisons. Sophia is denied her hormone pills, and and is frequently harassed by the other prisoners. Cox, as one of the few well-known transgender celebrities, is helping to promote LGBTQ acceptance through her television role. Television is moving toward greater authenticity in its portrayal of LGBTQ characters. Series are finding a receptive audience in a generation that is increasingly accepting, and they encourage tolerance by providing accessible, relatable characters. These shows serve as reminders that LGBTQ individuals are, above all else, people, and that they should not be categorized according to their sexual orientation. Jessica Tien is a contributing writer. Email her at entertainment@nyunews.com.
track “M’Baamba (Kenyan Song)” showcases Kidjo’s soaring vocals atop a calland-response chant from Kenyan choir Merti Samburu. These are accompanied by Bernie Worrell’s gentle organ playing, lively rhythmic composition and smooth Beninese guitar picking, courtesy of Lionel Loueke. But “Eve” continues to deliver highlights past its first track. “Shango Wa” is a fast tempo Afrobeat venture with fantastic bass from Christian McBride. “Eva,” the third track is a rhythmic tune punctuated by electronic synthesizer and featuring Nigerian vocalist Asa, whose bluesy voice nicely harmonizes in English with Kidjo’s rich Yoruba dialect performance. Interspersed in the album are three vocal interlude tracks — “Agbade,” “Kletedjan” and “Wayi” — performed by choirs from across Africa. Casual fans of world music may find a familiar voice in “Bomba,” which features Vampire Weekend guitarist Ros-
tam Batmanglij, displaying the Afropop influence his band is already well-known for. “Bomba” is a celebratory call-and-response number and some of the track’s elements could certainly find space in a new Vampire Weekend song. The album, while spanning several genres, never loses sight of Kidjo’s central identity. Well-known for her fierce independence, Kidjo often suggests and confirms her ability to speak for herself, both in her activist work and in the music industry. Kidjo does just that with this latest release. In a music industry characterized by generic and sexist pop music, Kidjo sonically breaks the mold. Even if you do not speak French, Fon, Yoruba or any of the other African languages featured on “Eve,” the album will inspire you to hum and dance along. Hayley Sadoff is a contributing writer. Email her at music@nyunews.com.
NEW BLACK continued from PG. 1
‘New Black’ sheds light on gay rights movement
VIA NEWBLACKFILM.COM
The documentary features Samantha Master, 25. However, the most interesting and refreshing presentation of either argument happens at the cookout of LGBTQ advocate Sharon LettmanHicks and her family, which consists of both advocates for and opponents of gay marriage. At the event, the group has an open discussion about their differing views on homosexuality without screaming at or belittling each other. Such honest, natural and intelligent conversa-
tion about homosexuality in the media is rare. Richen’s film may focus on black gays and lesbians in one state, but it addresses greater questions about the meaning and function of civil rights, minority, religion and community. “The New Black” is a must-see for anyone who wants to truly understand rare aspects of the gay rights movement. Ife Olujobi is film editor. Email her at iolujobi@nyunews.com.
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM
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THE NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD & DAILY SUDOKU Crossword ACROSS 1 Message indicating “adult beverages not supplied” 5 Cowboy’s prod 9 Analyze, as a sentence 14 Karl who advised Bush 43 15 Give the onceover 16 Amazon.com’s line 17 [Attention, please …] 18 Tub accessory 20 Outfielder Hunter with nine Gold Gloves 22 Mob turncoat 23 European capital until 1990 24 Doohickey 28 Frequent hoax subj. 29 Latin lover’s declaration 30 Manse occupant 32 Ear-related
35 Washing-up spot? 36 Channel for the character named by the ends of 18-, 24-, 52and 59-Across 40 Morticia, to Fester, on “The Addams Family” 42 Mummy’s place 43 Big Brother’s creator 45 Be momentarily fazed by 51 Navigate a biathlon course, say 52 New Year’s Eve hot spot 55 She, in Salerno 57 Lavatory sign 58 Throat bug, briefly 59 2011 Tina Fey autobiography 63 One of a jungle couple 64 Tickle 65 Occasion to eat poi
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66 Great Plains tribe 67 Davis with a 1988 Oscar 68 “Omigosh!” 69 All of these may be off DOWN 1 Like a spoiled kid 2 Start of a pirate’s refrain 3 No longer bothered 4 Candy heart request 5 Melodramatic response 6 FedExCup org. 7 Michelob ___ (light brew) 8 Fix up, as a building 9 ___ rally 10 Tiny bit of progress 11 Left in the lurch 12 Accept officially, as a package 13 “Gee, I think you’re swell” girl of a 1960s song 19 Knock off 21 Supermarket franchise chain 25 In a frenzy 26 Church choir song 27 Location in a game of tag 31 “Homeland” network, for short 33 U.N. workers’ agcy. 34 Part makers 36 Initial public offering
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37 Puck handler’s surface
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38 Bill Russell or Larry Bird, briefly
47 Weirdo
39 Some substantial hits: Abbr. 40 Feeder in a stable
53 Like the consistency of an old apple
54 Yawn inducer 48 Activity that includes 56 Part of 6-Down: roundhouse kicks Abbr.
41 Annoying
49 “Am too!” counter
60 Roll-call call
44 Evidence of an ankle sprain
50 Homes for the 66-Across
62 Drag to court
61 Keg feature
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NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
OPINION
EDITED BY PETER KEFFER OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
HEALTH STAFF EDITORIAL
China must act to stop pandemics
By TESS WOOSLEY
China has vastly improved its response to infectious diseases in the past decade, particularly influenza. In 2003, China covered up the SARS epidemic by first failing to report its knowledge of the new virus for three months, then underreporting the number of cases. This contributed to the viral respiratory illness spreading to over two dozen countries. The Chinese government has since cooperated with the global community and, with its assistance, established new organizations for the surveillance of public health threats. Despite these improvements, two unique strains of avian influenza, or bird flu, originating in China have made headlines this week. The lethal H7N9 strain, which was first reported in humans last March, has entered its second year of infection. Thus far, it has resulted in 337 cases to date with 71 deaths reported. The genetic characterization of a second strain identified this past December, H10N8, has infected two people to date. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has warned
that both strains possess indicators for efficient replication in humans and expressed concern for the high mutation rate. While there is no concrete evidence of human-to-human transmission in either strain, both are likely to have originated in live poultry markets. Unlike the deadly 2004 H5N1 bird flu outbreak, the newer viruses do not show any symptoms in birds. H7N9 is not spread via bird feces, like most other avian influenza strains, but by birds’ breath, making it far more difficult to test in live markets. The poultry industry has openly declared its opposition to wide-scale reporting by the Chinese government on H7N9 — a stark contrast from the response to the H5N1 strain. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, warned that
“H7N9 is blowing right by H5N1.” If China wishes to avoid association with another pandemic virus, the country must be careful not to move backward into an age of under-reported risks and cases. The rapid response from the Chinese government to the new bird flu strains is encouraging, as is the National Science Foundation report that designates China as the third-largest producer of research and development papers on science and engineering. While China has so far proven itself capable of researching and fighting newly mutated virus outbreaks, it is time the nation amplified its efforts to prevent these outbreaks from occurring in the first place. Permanent closure or, at minimum, improved regulation of live poultry markets is necessary and feasible. By improving public health and safety standards, China will be able to significantly slow the global emergence of infectious diseases. Tess Woosley is a contributing columnist. Email her at opinion@nyunews.com.
IMMIGRATION
Dreamers deserve pathway to citizenship By KENNY KYUNGHOON LEE
A seemingly benign question baffles about 1.7 million young people who, as children, were brought to the United States by their parents without legal permission — what does it mean to be American? These individuals have grown up in America, identify as Americans and consider America to be their only home. Yet, they are defined as illegals under current immigration policies and barred from employment, military enrollment and federal benefits. Passing a bill for comprehensive immigration reform would allow qualifying youths to seek a pathway to citizenship. After a prolonged dispute, Democrats and Republicans have made tremendous strides toward bipartisan action. The opposition from right-wing activists, however, is strong. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative research and policy group, criticized plans for amnesty and claimed reform would harm the public benefits system. Similarly, Tea Party Patriots has demanded that Republican House Speaker John Boehner be fired for his cooperation in addressing immigra-
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tion reform. Boehner has since said that a bill is unlikely to pass in 2014. Reform would benefit the American economy. Congressional Budget Office reports show that legalizing the qualification of young workers would boost the productivity of the current workforce. It estimated that a reform bill would increase real GDP 3.3 percent by 2023. Moreover, granting legal status to undocumented immigrants would significantly increase local tax incomes. According to a Chamber of Commerce report, households headed by undocumented immigrants contributed $10.6 billion in state and local taxes in 2010. Estimates demonstrate that granting legal status to undocumented immigrants would increase gross tax payments by $2.6 billion. Indeed, the reform bill should not grant amnesty indiscriminately. As
GOP leaders wrote in their statement of principles on immigration, giving citizenship to individuals who broke the nation’s immigration laws would be detrimental to promoting the rule of law. Still, it is one of America’s founding principles that children should not be punished for the transgressions of their parents. In keeping with this belief, the children of undocumented immigrants should not be punished for their parents’ illegal actions. Congress should at least give them a fair chance to pursue their dreams without fear of deportation. In spite of high tension on the matter, our representatives must realize that immigration reform aims to protect hardworking, young individuals who wish to become American citizens. In the recent State of the Union address, President Barack Obama said that achieving success in America should not be contingent on “accident of birth but the strength of our work ethic and the scope of our dreams.” The time has come for Congress to stand by this declaration. Kenny Kyunghoon Lee is a contributing columnist. Email him at opinion@nyunews.com.
Clinton’s policies should be focus of campaign
Several documents pertaining to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton surfaced this week, bringing topics, from her husband’s health care policy to the Monica Lewinsky scandal, back into the public spotlight. The documents, which include interviews, journal entries and personal correspondence, were kept by University of Arkansas political science professor Diane Blair, a close friend of Clinton’s who passed away in 2000. Blair’s records date from the 1970s to the year of her death and they depict Clinton as a brashly ambitious first lady. The papers that discuss Clinton’s reaction to her husband’s infidelity and subsequent impeachment have received special attention, reviving discussions about the presumed 2016 presidential candidate’s role in the affair. In light of this association, questions have been raised about whether Americans’ familiarity with Clinton may prove fatal to her political aspirations. These recently released documents have been used by some as an instrument to discredit Clinton’s political prospects. Citizens United President David Bossie painted Clinton as a “ruthless political operative” — a sentiment which he intended to be derogatory. This statement is not the first time Clinton has been described as ruthless. In the ’90s, Republican strategist Edward Rollins dismissed her as “the most ruthless and ambitious person I’ve met.” Clinton as a first lady earned this title for her strong forthright tone — a quality which is praised in men yet criticized when found in women. Clinton’s long career in the public limelight, particularly her unusual proactivity as first lady, makes her vulnerable to these negative characterizations. To use Clinton’s remarks in these papers against her campaign would be inappropriate. A candidate’s private life should be kept out of politics and should not interfere with his or her campaign. It is unfair for Clinton to be haunted by what happened in the late ’90s because it has nothing to do with her political capability. Whether Lewinsky was a “narcissistic loony toon” or not, that does not determine if Clinton would be unable to handle White House responsibilities. The way Clinton dealt with the indiscretions reflects her as a wife, not a politician. In short, the Lewinsky scandal is a matter that should be the Clintons’ concern, not the public’s. If anything is going to be held against Clinton in her campaign, it should be a poor political decision she has made, such as her vote to authorize military action in Iraq or her handling of Benghazi, Libya. Her reaction to her husband’s wandering eye should be completely removed from the equation.
Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Peter Keffer (Chair), Christina Coleburn (Co-chair), Omar Etman (Co-chair), Nina Golshan (Co-chair)
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