NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 42, No. 12
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014
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New spring and summer trends A recap of spring and summer NYFW provides insight into upcoming styles. PREVIEW on PG. 4
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FILE PHOTO BY MAGGIE O’NEILL FOR WSN
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Review of the film ‘Omar’
The social media drinking game
The Oscar-nominated film is not without its flaws, providing audiences with a problematic lead.
Facebook should not be responsible for “Neknominate” deaths.
OMAR on PG. 5
HOUSE on PG. 7
Steinhardt opens gallery, lounge By RAHUL KRISHNAMOORTHY
FELIPE DE LA HOZ/WSN
When students returned from break, a change at Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development’s Barney Building was beginning to unfold. Dubbed the Commons Project, the lounge and art exhibit has completely revamped a familiar haunt, creating a sprawling space within NYU’s preeminent art facility that creative-minded students can call their own. Due to the Barney Building’s lack of lounge space in increasingly frigid winters, the Commons Project came to life on Feb. 12, as the brainchild of Steinhardt juniors Stephanie Bow, Peter Valenti and Christina Blue.
The Commons Project, inspired by the Barney Building’s lack of a communal space for students, will run until Feb. 21.
COMMONS continued on PG. 3
NYU Reacts: Facebook Actors impress in tragic love story opens gender options By LAURA WOLFORD
By ANJANA SREEDHAR
Social media giant Facebook announced its addition of more than 50 new gender categories for users to identify themselves with on Feb. 13. It also expanded pronoun choices from “him/his” and “her” to include “them/they.” CAS sophomore Amy Peterson said these additions are a positive change for identity on social media. “It’s important for people to use labels that best fit them and it’s important for social media to recog-
nize that,” Peterson said. Facebook made the change after working with LGBTQ advocacy organizations, such as GLAAD, reportedly in response to hearing that Facebook users wanted more gender options. No other social media sites currently permit users this variety in gender choices. CAS sophomore Krystal Lawrence changed eir gender category from female to non-binary, which means one does not conform to male or
REACT continued on PG. 3
A love story does not usually involve the plotting of a main character’s death so other characters can live happily together. However, Charlie Stratton’s “In Secret” does, but despite these elements, the film manages to retain the sense of an epic love saga through striking performances, delicate plot twists and an extremely captivating story. “Secret,” in theaters Feb. 21, is based on Emile Zola’s 1867 novel “Thérèse Raquin.” The movie tells the story of the young, sexually-re-
pressed Thérèse (Elizabeth Olsen). Her overbearing aunt Madame Raquin (Jessica Lange) has arranged for her to marry her sickly cousin Camille (Tom Felton). When the family moves to Paris, Thérèse’s life remains dull until she meets Laurent (Oscar Isaac), a childhood friend of Camille’s. Laurent and Thérèse soon discover a sexual tension between them that cannot be suppressed. The lovers do everything in their power to be together, even when it means bringing harm to their loved ones. This story is brought to life
by the magnetic presence of the actors. Indie queen Olsen shines as Thérèse, communicating a persistent yet restrained lust for life and love. While Felton’s sniveling manchild is easy to dislike, the actor compels the audience to pity his character’s inability to express real passion. However, Laurent has no problem showing passion. Isaac grounds his performance of this devil-may-care role in the shadow of a love that the members of the audience can
SECRET continued on PG. 5
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TODAY ON CAMPUS “You are what you eat” Robert Valgenti, professor of philosophy at Lebanon Valley College, and Graham Harman, professor at the American University in Cairo, will discuss the concept of, “You are what you eat.” The event will take place on the fifth floor of 411 Lafayette Ave. from 2 to 4 p.m.
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Nostalgia for Tito
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About WSN: Washington Square News (ISSN 15499389) is the student newspaper of New York University. WSN is published Monday through Thursday during NYU’s academic year, except for university holidays, vacations and exam periods. Corrections: WSN is committed to accurate reporting. When we make errors, we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible. If you believe we have erred, contact managing editor Michael Domanico at managing@nyunews.com
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COMMONS continued from PG. 1
REACT continued from PG. 1
NYU reacts: Facebook adds list of 50 gender categories, expands pronoun choices female gender identification. Eir is Lawrence’s preferred gender pronoun. Before Facebook’s change, those who preferred to display the gender pronouns “they/them/their” had to go through a more complicated process. “Before the expansion, I had my gender unlisted and was using a third-party extension to make Facebook refer to me as they/them/their,” Lawrence said. “After the expansion, I have my gender listing set as non-binary and my pronouns as they/them/
their for ‘the public’ to see.” Lawrence said revealing correct gender identity on Facebook gave eir a sense of empowerment. “I want to be out and stuff about my gender, but in day to day things, I’m usually too shy to share or correct for my pronouns,” Lawrence said. “The integration of genders other than male and female in Facebook itself encouraged me to display it proudly again, just like how any other person, cis or trans, would want to clarify their gender.”
SHAWN PAIK/WSN
The gender binary system tends to exclude trans people.
While some praised Facebook’s move, others, such as Gallatin sophomore Holden Compton, said improvements still need to be made regarding gender identity on social media. Compton said the list is incomplete because users cannot imput their own alternatives. “The list is still restrictive,” Compton said. “There are still only three pronoun sets when people use many, many more.” Multiple on-campus organizations such as SHADES, for LGBTQ students of color and allies, and T-Party, for transgender and nonconforming students and allies, continue to fight for equal representation of the LGBTQ community in public spaces. Tisch sophomore and co-leader of SHADES Mars Marson said Facebook’s change, while necessary and important, should have occurred sooner. “Recently I’ve seen so many news reports about transgender women being assaulted and murdered,” Marson said. “One cause of transphobia is ignorance. A cause of ignorance is lack of representation. Having options for your gender and pronouns on Facebook lets its 500 million users know that trans people exist.” Anjana Sreedhar is a staff writer. Email her at news@nyunews.com.
SCPS changes department name with problems of clarity in mind By MARITA VLACHOU
The NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies changed the name of its Public Relations department to Strategic Communication, Marketing and Media Management last semester. Nadia Mostafa, a public relations and corporate communication alumna and corporate external communication professional at Johnson & Johnson, said there is confusion between publicity and public relations. “Clearly in the age of social media, it is virtually impossible to succeed by sharing messages and thoughts without listening and understanding what key stakeholders are saying,” Mostafa said in an email. “The distinction between
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public relations and publicity, then, is an important one.” Paula Payton, director of the Strategic Communication, Marketing and Media Management program, said the name change of the department shows the evolution that is happening in the communication field. “Recruiters and hiring managers in the field know that public relations now is part of the communication profession’s evolution toward integrated communication,” Payton said. “The department name change reflects that evolution and, we feel, gives our students a competitive edge.” Because the department name change did not affect the degree, graduates in the program still earn a degree in public relations
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SCPS decided to change the name of its PR school.
and corporate communication. As for whether the department plans on implementing further changes to the content of the major, Payton said the department is consistently reviewing the program to ensure it is up-to-date and matches students’ needs. “Over the past few years, the department has added new courses in crisis communication, reputation management, critical business skills and social media,” Payton said. Mostafa said her degree in public relations has not limited her employment opportunities. “I found it opened a tremendous number of doors for me,” Mostafa said. Every position Mostafa has had in communication fields has utilized her public relations and corporate communication skills, she explained. Payton said the field of public relations remains relevant today. “Public relations is not a dead term or function,” Payton said. “If anything, true public relations is more sophisticated and subtle than ever.” Marita Vlachou is a contributing writer. Email her at news@nyunews.com.
Commons Project features student work, blurs lines between furniture and fine art The Commons is not simply a lounge space. In an email, the creators said the exhibition-lounge hybrid aims to call into question the boundaries of art, asking difficult questions that serve to stimulate the observer, even as they relax and catch up with friends. “A brief goal of Commons is to create a multifunctional space (equipped with the miracle of indoor-heating, comfortable furniture and inspiring artworks) that invites productive and casual engagement of students, faculty and the public every day the doors are open,” the creators said. They intended the Commons to be a place where people question what is meant to be appreciated as art and what is meant to be sat on. “[We did not want] to motivate an uncomfortable or fragile experience of the environment, but rather to highlight the fabricated qualities of our definitions of art,” the creators said. In executing this vision, Bow, Valenti and Blue had to overcome several hurdles. After gaining the university’s permission in November, there were two months until opening day to get the preparations, planning and work done. “This entailed designing, fabricating, advertising, curating and event coordinating,” the creators said. “We started with a strategic design of the architectural conditions along with fabrication of various furnishings, built and acquired to promote a comfortable and in-
teractive environment.” The furniture came from various backgrounds — equally composed of original pieces, craigslist finds and repurposed objects, each with unique alterations. During a one-month open submission period, Commons received more than 40 proposals from freshmen to seniors, undergraduates to graduates and even alumni from New York, Paris and Shanghai. “The types of works included 9-foot oil paintings, videos, ceramic sculptures and live performances,” the creators said. The Commons, with its central location in NYU’s art hub, has elicited strong reactions from students. Steinhardt junior Lizzie Wee, who is also hosting the Between Spaces exhibition in the Barney Building, said the Commons Project is ambitious because it combines the ideas of installation and performance. “There were many events there, but the space was transformed beyond just being a white cube to host those events,” Wee said. “They built all their own furniture or found them to create a living room atmosphere to encourage viewers to participate with the art more casually,” Wee said. However, Wee said the creative system can distract from the works of art on the walls. The Commons Project runs until its closing art party on Feb. 21. Rahul Krishnamoorthy is a contributing writer. Email him at news@nyunews.com.
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The Commons is both a lounge and a gallery.
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM
BEAUTY & STYLE
EDITED BY DANA RESZUTEK BSTYLE@NYUNEWS.COM
Designers go vegan, turn to faux textiles
By NIKITA METHARAMANI
The use of fur on the runway has caused arguments about animal cruelty and ecological concerns. Recently, faux textiles such as vegan leather and suede have made their way into the industry, quieting the controversy surrounding the use of fur in fashion. Faux textiles were created and distributed in the ‘50s. However, many people thought poorly of faux material due to its lack of quality and luxury. However, faux textiles have been gaining popularity because of advances in technology that enable designers to create improved faux materials. Modern faux textiles are made of processed and dyed polymeric fibers, and the texture and color is later altered to the specifications of the designer. The advantages of faux materials have been shown through their consumer revenue and their reputation and status today. Compared to real fur, faux textiles are cheaper to manufacture. In addition, the faux material is practically indistinguishable from real fur. This has ben-
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Created over 60 years ago, faux textiles reclaim the spotlight.
efited those who are committed to the animal rights movement. Today, faux furs and leathers are a fashion must-have. The presence of faux textiles in the industry was apparent at various runway shows during the Fall/Winter 2014 New York Fashion Week. For example, top designers such as Tommy Hilfiger and Stella McCartney incorporated faux fur into their collections. During NYFW, many designers, models and editors wore faux fur and leather during the cold winter season, attesting to the popularity of faux use in the industry. This new look ranges from white angora-style coats to ivory synthetic fleece Steinhardt freshman Riana Chen sees the rising use of faux materials in fashion as positive from both a moral and financial standpoint. “I think it’s a great way for designers to appeal to those who are against animal cruelty and support humane practices,” Chen said. “It’s [also] a way for designers to reach new clients who want the stylish look of fur, but don’t want to spend the full price.” Although many designers are embracing faux textiles, others still choose to use real fur in their collections. Some designers may claim to use faux textiles when actually using real fur. Designer Marc Jacobs has previously sold coats labeled as “faux,” only for researchers to later discover that these products contained real fur. Through all the controversy, though, the fashion industry has realized the importance of faux textiles in our society. Hopefully, this upcoming fad of faux fur and leather will continue and expand throughout the coming years of fashion. Nikita Metharamani is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.
Simple spring, summer runway trends to follow
By MAGGIE O’NEILL
This spring will bring lovely, light new trends into style. With warmer weather hopefully around the corner, a recap of the Mercedes-Benz Spring/Summer 2014 Fashion Week provides the perfect preview of what to wear in the coming months. One staple for this year’s spring wardrobe is sheer fabrics. Many designers such as Yuna Yang and DKNY included sheer layers in their skirts, dresses and tops. Throwing on a translucent shortsleeved top over a bandeau will ensure cool comfort and style. Pairing a long sheer skirt with a solid-colored miniskirt makes a highlyversatile option. Another must-have for anyone’s spring closet is animal print. Diane von Furstenburg and Betsey Johnson both included flashy hints of animal print in their spring collections. Add to this trend by accessorizing with faux reptile bracelets or shoes, or make a bold statement with a loud zebra print jumpsuit. A more subtle element included in pieces this season is a cuffed sleeve, seen on short-sleeved shirts and blouses. This style, typically seen in menswear, was a star component of many looks in the spring collections of designers such as Calvin Klein. A shirtdress or buttoned blouse with a cuffed sleeve will be a chic way of wearing this trend.
Striking V-neck cuts in pieces were also seen on the runway. Joanna Mastroianni’s collection included dresses with plunging necklines. This sensory detail is the perfect way to complete a black cocktail dress. Additionally, spring collections stressed solid colors, seen in dresses and skirts. Designers such as Ralph Lauren showed off simply-cut, solid-print sundresses, flexible enough for an array of occasions. Upcoming colors for summer pieces are not the bright, saturated hues typically associated with the season. Rather, soft, subdued shades of blue, taupe and white are expected. Collections from Issac Cruz and BCBG Max Azria were characterized by neutral tones that blend well with any color. Dainty pastels and
neutral shades will be in high demand this season. Various aspects of fall attire can be carried over into new spring numbers and should be kept to improve the array and quality of summer outfits. Make sure to keep any taupe- and cream-colored cardigans, tops and dresses to pair with the predominant color palette of the season. Also, keep lightweight, summer-appropriate items with light, faint patterns, as this fashion will be seen in numerous different looks from multiple collections. Lastly, dresses and items with simple, classic cuts can be worn year-round as key wardrobe basics. Maggie O’Neill is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.
FILE PHOTO BY MAGGIE O’NEILL FOR WSN
Cruz’s spring collection features neutral tones.
Preserve colored hair with affordable products
By REBECCA RIDDLE
Whether you spend money to have your hair professionally colored or are brave enough to do it yourself, here are a few tips you should know in order to keep your locks looking vibrant and fresh for as long as possible. One of the most important ways to care for color-treated hair is to limit washing. Shampoo causes color to fade and can leave hair looking dull and lifeless, so try to wash your hair every other day at most. If you find your hair gets greasy when you skip a day, consider revitalizing your hair with dry shampoo. Batiste is an affordable favorite that refreshes your hair and comes in fun scents such as cherry ($8). Choosing the right products can have a huge impact on the
lifespan of your color. Many shampoos on the market contain sulfates, or detergents that are too harsh for colortreated hair and can cause fading. Check the ingredients list before you buy shampoo or look for products that are specifically labeled as sulfatefree. While using sulfate-free shampoo is a step up from ordinary shampoo, your best bet is to invest in products that are specially formulated for colortreated hair. Hair care brands on both ends of the price spectrum have products designed to make your color last. Check out John Frieda’s affordable line of color protecting products, which come in different formulas for different hair colors, from blonde to black ($7-12). Keeping your locks healthy
will improve the quality of whatever color you choose to dye your hair. Dying your hair already puts it in a fragile state. Therefore, taking steps to limit harm from damaging elements like heat and water. is even more important. Color-treated hair is prone to dryness, so consider using a deep conditioning treatment once a week to lock in moisture. Redken’s Color Extend Rich Recovery Protective Treatment is a great option to ensure your hair stays soft and protected while helping to extend the life of your color ($16.50). Heat poses another threat to your colored hair. The best thing to do is to avoid using heat styling tools such as blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons. If you cannot avoid using any heat products, make sure to use a heat-pro-
tecting product such as Not Your Mother’s Beat the Heat Thermal Styling Spray ($6). While styling tools are an obvious source of heat damage, the water from your shower can also contribute to hair damage, especially for color-treated
hair. Keep the water temperature warm rather than scalding hot in order to further prevent heat damage. Rebecca Riddle is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.
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Redken hair products can help maintain dyed locks.
NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
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ARTS
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Oscar-nominated ‘Omar’ places protagonist on pedestal By ROHAN NARULA
A wall is not a fence. A fence is a line of demarcation, whereas a wall is a physical barrier. A wall says, “We don’t want you here,” — a simple way to encapsulate the current conflict between Israel and Palestine. “Omar,” directed by Hany Abu-Assad (“Paradise Now”), tells a story about Palestinian baker Omar (Adam Bakri), who climbs the separation wall into the occupied West Bank territory every day. After climbing the wall, Omar meets his friend and co-conspirator Tarek (Eyad Hourani) and Tarek’s teenaged sister Nadja (Leem Lubany), the object of Omar’s affections. Along with co-conspirator Amjad (Samer Bisharat), Omar and Tarek make a plan to kill an Israeli soldier, a novice plan made by a fledgling terrorist group that believes killing a
soldier will send a clear message to their Israeli tormentors, suggesting they prepare for more acts of violence. The friends barely manage to execute the murderous plan but are proud of their accomplishment, convinced it is the first step toward liberation. However, they are caught the next day. Although Tarek and Amjad escape, Omar is captured and tortured by Israeli forces. A game of betrayal begins in which most of the characters act selfishly, forcing Omar to carry the heaviest burden and pay the greatest price. Adam Bakri plays Omar convincingly, managing to portray the character’s pain, vulnerability and resilience in a very natural way, but the treatment of his character is cause for concern. Omar views the world in terms of good and evil while the other characters avoid such
storybook terms, understanding the complexities of life. Omar is always the victim, despite making the only ethical choices in the film. In this way, Omar’s over-simplified righteousness is the attribute that most detracts from his believability. In the end, our sympathies lie with everyone except the protagonist, making the intent of the film unclear. In “Paradise Now,” AbuAssad’s film before “Omar,” the director provided beautifully flawed and conflicted protagonists whose choices are dictated by their troubled pasts and present personal relationships. They show fear and courage, apathy and empathy, love and hate. Members of the audience could see themselves in these characters because they make similar choices. In “Omar,” Abu-Assad struggles to develop a relatable
More comic book, graphic novel adaptations come to television By NIVEA SERRAO
With the CW’s “Arrow” renewed for a third season and AMC’s “The Walking Dead” in the middle of its most popular season yet, it looks like comic book adaptations are here to stay on the small screen. Networks like ABC and NBC have also turned to graphic novels as sources of inspiration in hopes they will develop successful shows as well as attract a legion of new viewers — something urgently needed, considering the rapidly shrinking audiences. In some cases, networks are looking at what has worked in film. Based on the extremely popular one-shot short “Agent Carter,” featured on the “Iron Man 3” DVD, ABC’s series of the same name is set one year after the events of “Captain America: The First Avenger.” The series, still in development, features Peggy Carter, played by Hayley Atwell who starred in
the feature film. It follows her as she builds a career as a secret agent while her boyfriend Steve Rogers — Captain America himself — is frozen in ice. “Gotham,” a new series debuting this coming fall on Fox, will tell the story of a young Jim Gordon, played by Benjamin McKenzie of “The O.C.” The show takes place during Gordon’s early days in the Gotham City Police Department, before becoming the commissioner Batman fans know him as. The show will also serve as an origin story for a young Bruce Wayne, as well as infamous villains including the Penguin, the Riddler and Catwoman. The CW will take a similar approach while still capitalizing on “Arrow’s” success. A recent episode introduced Barry Allen, aka the Flash, played by “Glee’s” Grant Gustin. The cameo was a success with fans, prompting the creation of a Flash series for development in
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A zombie groans in the popular show “The Walking Dead.”
the fall. The show will focus on Allen while fleshing out his own universe and bringing in other superpowered villains. Meanwhile, AMC and NBC are both looking to lesser-known yet notable comic book series as source material. AMC is working to adapt “Preacher,” a hit comic series following Jesse Custer, a preacher who gains the power to command people right when he loses his faith. Armed with his new ability, he sets off across America eager to find God and make him take responsibility for his demands. The project has longtime “Preacher” fan Seth Rogen, star of “Knocked Up,” sitting in the producer’s chair. The pilot of NBC’s “Constantine,” which also deals with a character who faces a sudden change of worldview, is a work in progress. The show centers on John Constantine, a conman turned detective who works to defend the world against dark supernatural forces. Few of these adaptations involve the typical cape-wearing superhero and most rely only on minimal special effects. It seems that television is quickly becoming a home for comic series that do not feature brightly colored spandex or flying magical hammers. If the popularity of “True Detective” and “Hannibal” are any indication, television has become the perfect medium for darker, more violent stories — like those often found in the pages of comic books and graphic novels. Nivea Serrao is a staff writer. Email her at entertainment@nyunews.com.
protagonist because the story renders Omar a difficult figure to empathize with. Omar is a hero, but he is also idealized, and ideal characters tend to fit
better in religious books than in cinematic dramas. Rohan Narula is a contributing writer. Email him at film@nyunews.com.
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Adam Bakri’s character exhibits unrelatable qualities in “Omar.” SECRET continued from PG. 1
‘In Secret’ tells dark yet engaging love story
feel themselves. Lange’s presence is felt throughout the film. Her incredible talent showcases itself in her ability to command the screen, even when her character remains silent. The film is carried along by the surprisingly intoxicating love between Laurent and Thérèse, but even more shocking is the pity the audience feels for Camille. Rather than supporting the star-crossed lovers, viewers watching “Secret” hesitate to accept Thérèse’s relationship with Laurent. This uncertainty is displayed in the portrayal of Thérèse. Camille does his best to woo Thérèse, but he does not court his fiancee in the sensual way she desires. Thérèse craves passion in her life and decides that only a relationship with the
brooding Laurent can satisfy that craving. Laurent and Thérèse’s relationship grounds the film in a believable reality as the couple discovers the sensual desires of forbidden romance. Olsen and Isaac execute these trysts with the excitement of a first love as they foreshadow their characters’ future adventures together. With all of its tense romantic politics, “In Secret” does not have a happy ending. The audience will not leave convinced of the beauty in risking everything for love. Yet the resolution still feels justified, signifying that a narrative does not need a cliche ending to make viewers feel a sense of wholeness. Laura Wolford is a staff writer. Email her at film@nyunews.com.
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Laurent and Thérèse plot to stop an arranged marriage.
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM
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64 Hwy. safety org. 65 “Come ___!” 66 Have because of 67 Home of the Brenner Pass 68 Kind of party 69 Arc lamp gas DOWN 1 Sprees 2 Vicinity 3 Chicken’s place 4 “Horrors!,” in texts 5 Newswoman Walters 6 Southern tip of South America 7 Factoryinspecting org. 8 City near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base 9 Manhunt letters 10 Count of music 11 Occasion for sandwiches and scones 12 Shellac 13 Off-balance 18 Cover girl Carol 22 Hookah, e.g. 23 “Step aside, I can handle this” 25 Recap 26 Circumvent 27 Poser 28 Soul food ingredient 30 “Hmm, imagine that!” 32 Inasmuch as 33 Salad green 35 Bits
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PUZZLE BY BERNICE GORDON
37 Like some ancient pyramids 40 Soft to the touch 43 Building unit with flanges 45 Line of greeting cards billed as “a tiny little division of Hallmark”
48 Pour, as wine 51 Rips apart 53 Sphere 54 Org. that prepares flood maps 55 Elliptical 57 Andrea Bocelli offering
58 Battle of Normandy locale 59 Golden rule preposition 60 One of the social sciences, for short 62 N.Y.S.E. listings 63 21-Across crier
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NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
OPINION
EDITED BY PETER KEFFER OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
IMMIGRATION STAFF EDITORIAL
Extreme nationalism threatens E.U. By FELIPE DE LA HOZ
The Swiss electorate voted on a referendum aimed at limiting the number of foreigners that can live and work inside the country on Feb. 9. Though Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, it does have strong ties to Brussels, and changes there have repercussions throughout Europe. The measure passed with 50.3 percent approval. The repercussions are enormous despite the slim majority. The party that pushed the referendum, the nationalist Swiss People’s Party, has extreme right counterparts in almost every country in the E.U. and the victory of an anti-immigration vote will energize their own agendas of euroscepticism and xenophobia. Powerhouse anti-immigration politicians Geert Wilders from the Netherlands and Marine Le Pen from France have already been emboldened by the triumph, calling for similar legislation in their own countries. While it is easy to dismiss these radicals as fringe politicians who have no effect on mainstream politics, these figures have come to pose a very real threat to the sta-
bility of the last fifteen years. Le Pen won 18.6 percent of the vote in the 2012 French presidential election, the best showing ever by the anti-Muslim Front National. A poll by the French Institute of Public Opinion found that roughly 23 percent of the population would vote for the Front National in the European Parliamentary elections, more than they would vote for any other party. The E.U. was built partly on the tenets of cross-integration, free travel and camaraderie. The ugly shadow of ultranationalism has been born from the success of the first two and the failure of the third. Europe has achieved a state of unrestrained travel between member nations, but it has not achieved the acceptance of foreign immigrants. The E.U. is now in a contradictory state
in which one of its founding ideals actually threatens its unity. The rise of these parties is dangerous to the security of Europe. The economic downturn and presence of immigrants that have been perceived as taking jobs or receiving welfare handouts have given a voice to fanatical nationalists that would like to disband the E.U. These xenophobic groups could cause the member countries to emerge more insular and ethnocentric than they originally were. Ultranationalism is polarizing in a way that is disturbingly reminiscent of the attitudes that led to the twin catastrophes of the World Wars. Although the E.U. has made financial progress in recent years, the festering anti-immigrant hostility may be what once again plunges the area into disaster. While banning these political movements outright would be undemocratic, the international community has a responsibility to find ways to diminish their influence. Felipe De La Hoz is a contributing columnist. Email him at opinion@nyunews.com.
INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
Italian prime minister must show resolve By VITTORIO BISIN
Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta presented his formal resignation to President Giorgio Napolitano on Feb. 14 after less than a year in office. Three days later, Matteo Renzi, a member of the same party — The Partito Democratico — received a mandate to form a new government. This turn of events was a planned, quiet intra-party coup, a technique to maintain power that is all too familiar in Italy after its repeated use of the strategy in the 1970s and 1980s by the Christian Democrats. Nevertheless, as the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano notes, Renzi begins his tenure with an “original sin” — becoming prime minister without an election. Renzi must take big risks and make quick reforms to compensate for this bypass surrounding his rise to power. Currently the mayor of Florence, Renzi will become the youngest Italian prime minister since World War II. His young age can be seen in either a positive or
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cynical light. On the positive side, Renzi is a young, charismatic figure with enormous ambition. As prime minister, he plans to have a more transparent and bipolar electoral system. He is also planning to make colossal cuts to the political budget, but this has turned heads. The Italian Parliament is divided into the senate and the chamber of deputies, both of which essentially have the same legislative function and can veto one another, blocking government action. Renzi’s plan is to greatly diminish the senate’s power, essentially abolishing its position. However, the previous Letta government failed because it lacked the power to implement its ideas
for much-needed reforms. The anti-politics party, Movimento Cinque Stelle, and former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party previously blocked parliamentary activity. The Italian political old guard, which will undoubtedly feel threatened by a nameless young politician, is also likely to challenge Renzi. Finally, to make matters worse, the needed reforms that Renzi seeks are unpopular because they require the dreaded austerity measures Southern Europeans detest. It seems as though this government is Italy’s third attempt since November 2011 to find a politician who can break through the political gridlock and enact the required reforms. Renzi faces the same constraints that his predecessors did, but he does so with a younger, more energetic approach. If the national gamble pays off, Renzi “The Scrapper” will live up to his nickname. Vittorio Bisin is a contributing columnist. Email him at opinion@nyunews.com.
Facebook drinking game necessitates individual responsibility
A notorious drinking game known as Neknominate has swept social media platforms and revitalized discussions about the balance between corporate and individual responsibility. The Neknominate game involves consuming a large quantity of alcohol while being filmed. Once a challenge is completed, the participant must nominate another person to surpass the previous record of consumption. Videos of the Neknominate challenge are posted to social networking websites, including Facebook and YouTube. At present time, sources estimate that at least five men under the age of 30 have died as a result of the dangerous drinking challenge. In the aftermath of these fatalities, Facebook has been scrutinized for its role in providing a platform for Neknominate. This case is not the first instance where the social media giant has been pressed for greater corporate responsibility. In November 2013, Facebook announced it would amplify its efforts to prevent cyberbullying and harassment on the website by releasing guides and talking points for teens. These measures do not suggest that Facebook has become a policed site, nor should it. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube are open forums. They allow their users autonomy. On these sites, individual user responsibility renders additional corporate intervention unnecessary for the most part. Neknominations themselves do not violate the social media sites’ community standards. Facebook’s community policies deem harmful content to be posts that promote world violence, property destruction, vandalism or inflict emotional distress. The Neknominations do not amount to a breach of Facebook’s own policies and, as such, it is the user’s own responsibility to police the content he or she posts. One of the most unfortunate aspects of the Neknominate situation is that people posting such outlandish videos is not new. The members of today’s generation are obsessed with sharing every aspect of their lives — the good, the bad and the ugly. While sites like Facebook and Twitter are meant for sharing aspects of a user’s life, young adults abuse this privilege by overposting. This abuse has distorted social media, making it less about connection and more about self-promotion, allowing platforms like Facebook to act as the perfect pedestal for games like Neknominate. Facebook’s status as a public platform suggests that the frequency of these videos will fall along with a falling public opinion. Once the public recognizes the dangerous nature of Neknominations, there will not be any incentive to perpetuate the phenomenon. The responsibility in this situation lies on the shoulders of those producing these videos, not with the corporations that provide their public platform.
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)
Send mail to: 838 Broadway, Fifth Floor New York, N.Y. 10003 or email: opinion@nyunews.com WSN welcomes letters to the editor, opinion pieces and articles relevant to the NYU community, or in response to articles. Letters should be less than 450 words. All submissions must be typed or emailed and must include the author’s name, address and phone number. Members of the NYU community must include a year and school or job title.
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