NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
washington square news Vol. 42, No. 58
inside this issue arts
wednesday, september 10, 2014
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memorials
Law school remembers professor after tragedy By Ashley Ko Contributing Writer
A memorial service was held in NYU School of Law’s Vanderbilt Hall yesterday to honor Daniel Markel, a former scholar-inresidence at NYU’s Law School, who was killed on July 18. Markel was shot in front of his home in Tallahassee, Florida, and was pronounced dead the following morning. The event was organized by Daniel Petter-Lipstein, chief love officer of the Jewish Montessori Society, and a friend of Markel’s, who attended Harvard University with him over 20 years ago. “I was a sophomore, he was a freshman,” Petter-Lipstein said. “We lived in the same dorm, and we were both Jewish, so we had a lot of similarities.” Petter-Lipstein expressed his gratitude toward the NYU community, which he said was receptive to his idea of an impromptu gathering as colleagues helped to coordinate the event. “It’s a horrible tragedy that we have to do this at all and that it
via cohenmedia.filmtrackonline.com
‘My Old Lady’ surprises with depth Expert performances all around help the film dodge a cliché. story on PG. 5
opinion
LGBTQ tokenism reflected in media Though not rooted in hate, the gay best friend trope remains harmful. STAFF PHOTO BY FELIPE DE LA HOZ
story on PG. 7 beauty & style
Mirror NYFW icons with affordable styles By Hannah Alexander Contributing Writer
Whether aware of it or not, the average student walking through SoHo lately has most likely brushed shoulders with a model, a blogger, an editor, a designer or possibly an A-list celebrity. This is because of New York Fashion Week, which brings all members of the fashion and entertainment industries to the city to watch the world’s best designers showcase their newest collections. The streets have been bustling in the lead-up to the runway shows around Manhattan and, with this overflow of talent roaming the city, there is an abundance of style inspiration for fashionistas. Rather than dropping over one grand on a single outfit, recreating the trendiest looks worn by style icons can easily fit into a student budget. Even at discounted prices, walking into class can look just as good as walking up the steps of Lincoln Center. The secret is to combine these unique and affordable NYFW-inspired pieces with the basic style staples of five of the industry’s most prominent figures.
Look One: “The Model”
Inspiration: Maggie Jablonski walking Rebecca Taylor Fall/Winter ’14 Style Pieces: Express Zipper Detail Skirt ($60), ASOS Faux Fur Bomber ($70), Front Zip Bootie ($59) Perfect For: A night on the town
Look Two: “The Editor” Inspiration: Anna Wintour of Vogue arriving at Vera Wang Fall/ Winter 14’ Style Pieces: H&M Faux Fur Coat ($60), ASOS Faux Fur Scarf ($40) Perfect For: A broadway show with friends
Look Three: “The Blogger” Inspiration: Leandra Medine of Man Repeller on the street after Sally Lapointe Fall/Winter ’14 Style Pieces: Old Navy Striped Tee ($6), Nasty Gal Plaid Fitted Trench ($128), Thigh High Boots ($50) Perfect For: An internship meeting
Mirror continued on PG. 4
markel continued on PG. 3
activism
St. Pat’s Parade continues LGBTQ ban By Rahul Krishnamoorthy Deputy News Editor
A coalition of New York’s Irish LGBTQ organizations officially submitted their application to march in the 2015 New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade yesterday morning. The coalitions signed up as a largely symbolic gesture, as they are accusing parade organizers of allowing only one LGBTQ group to march. The groups continue to call for a boycott and protest of the event. For more than 20 years, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade has faced vocal protest from LGBTQ activist groups including Irish Queers, which has led to major sponsors such as Guinness and Heineken to pull out and has drawn condemnations from the Irish government and Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Office. Last Wednesday, the parade committee admitted OUT@NBCUniversal, an LGBTQ support group from parade sponsor NBC, to the parade’s roster, but has not allowed other LGBTQ groups to march. In response to limiting the number of LGBTQ participants in the parade, a coalition of activist organizations headed by
STAFF PHOTO BY SHAWN PAIK
Irish LGBTQ groups urged others to protest the parade. Irish Queers, the Lavender and Green Alliance and St. Pat’s for All, submitted their parade applications yesterday. Members of Irish Queers like doctoral candidate Emmaia Gelman allege that the parade committee has continued to refuse the admission of LGBTQ groups from open participation in the parade and called the admission of OUT a token gesture. “When Guinness, Heineken and elected officials dropped out of the parade last year, NBC told the parade committee they
couldn’t keep sponsoring unless the anti-gay ban was lifted,” Gelman said. “So OUT@NBC offered itself as a painless solution. NBC saves face and the parade keeps NBC’s sponsorship — without doing a thing to end the exclusion of Irish LGBT groups.” Ann Northrop, host of the TV show “Gay USA,” said the issues remain with the actions of parade organizers. “I’m appalled that the parade organizers and NBC are trying
parade continued on PG. 3
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Washington Square news | Wednesday, September 10, 2014 | nyunews.com
on the side
Compiled by the
WSN staff
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS Here are some of our staff’s favorite pump-up songs to keep you from falling asleep in Bobst Library during your second week of school:
Washington Square News Editor-in-Chief
nicole brown Managing Editors
emily bell dana reszutek Assistant Managing Editors
casey dalrymple bryna shuman Web Managing Editors
cicek erel kavish harjai Creative Director, Special Editions
lyanne natividad Creative Directors
“Giant Steps,” John Coltrane
“Cat People (Putting Out Fire),” David Bowie
Lacking an obvious four-four time signature or lyrics of encouragement (or, indeed, any lyrics at all), this jazz classic is not an obvious choice for your second-week slump. But when has the obvious choice ever been the best choice? Restless and relentless, this piece can be the soundtrack for your first all-nighter. When the eyes are drooping and legs are giving out, Coltrane’s stern yet silky sax will get you moving in a productive kind of way.
Made for Paul Schrader’s 1982 remake of the classic horror film of the same name, and featured prominently in Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds,” David Bowie’s “Cat People” begins as a sultry, slow-paced revenge tune before breaking into an electric guitar-fueled power song. As Bowie croons about “putting out the fire with gasoline” and making more trouble for himself, it is hard not to head-bop along to the song’s catchy beat.
— Casey Dalrymple, Assistant Managing Editor
— Alex Greenberger, Arts Editor
Julie ciccone olivia martin
senior staff
news JOHN AMBROSIO, VALENTINA
DUQUE BOJANINI features HANNAH TREASURE arts ALEX GREENBERGER sports CHRIS MARCOTRIGIANO copy THOMAS DEVLIN multimedia SHAWN PAIK under the arch blog JONATHAN
KESHISHOGLOU social media ARIANA DIVALENTINO senior editors TESSA AYSON, SCOTT MULLEN, VALERIE NELSON, NEELA QADIR, DANIEL YEOM, MARINA ZHENG
deputy staff
news LARSON BINZER, RAHUL
Photos via wikipedia.org
KRISHNAMOORTHY, MARITA VLACHOU
“Hella Good,” No Doubt
“Y.A.L.A.,” M.I.A.
features BAILEY EVANS beauty & style DAVID BOLOGNA violet vision blog GIANNA COLLIER-PITTS dining REBECCA RIDDLE film ISABEL JONES entertainment IFE OLUJOBI music ALEXA SPIELER theater/books NIKOLAS REDA-CASTELAO the highlighter blog MARISSA ELLIOT LITTLE sports TONY CHAU multimedia hannah luu
opinion page opinion editor
CHRISTINA COLEBURN deputy opinion editors
For those looking for a blast from the past, No Doubt’s “Hella Good” is the perfect tune for any occasion. With electro, rock and funk influences, the track’s beat is irresistible. The lyrics are fun and uplifting, and Gwen Stefani delivers them with her signature confidence and playfulness. Whether you’re going on a run or getting ready for a night out in the city, the song is sure to lift your spirits. It’s hella awesome.
If you’re done pumping yourself up with the overused colloquialism, “YOLO,” M.I.A.’s “Y.A.L.A.,” from “Matangi,” could be the next tune to get your adrenaline going. Taking from the philosophy of karma, M.I.A. spins “you only live once” around and convinces the listener that the only way to live your life is by knowing that “you always live again.” Next time you’re pre-gaming or in need of a rush of energy, do it to the chaotic electronic vibes and groundbreaking beats of “Y.A.L.A.”
— Cicek Erel, Web Managing Editor
— Kavish Harjai, Web Managing Editor
OMAR ETMAN, ADAM FAZLIBEGU, TESS WOOSLEY
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ALISON LIZZIO University and alumni coordinator
claire mahany sales manager
ARIANA DIVALENTINO
SNAPSHOT
today on campus Agency and Responsibility for Learning by David Olson David Olson, professor emeritus of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, will talk about his research in the fields of language, literacy and cognition in room 302 of 239 Greene St. at 11 a.m.
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jillian branchaud KALEEL MUNROE circulation manager
JESSICA TIEN
advising DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Social Media and Networking Learn how to make the most of social media for your career at the Wasserman Center for Career Development at 12:30 p.m.. RSVP on Careernet.
“Ernest Cole Photography” Exhibition When you’re new to New York, you’re obviously going to use every possible opportunity to incorporate the arch into your Instagrams.
PHOTO BY HANNAH LUU
Gunilla Knape, curator of the current “Ernest Cole Photography” exhibition at the Grey Art Gallery, will speak about Cole’s unflinching portrayal of the South African apartheid at the gallery at 6:30 p.m. today’s events are free for NYU students.
GOT AN EVENT? EMAIL US AT AGENDA@NYUNEWS.COM OR TWEET US @NYUNEWS. GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE? EMAIL US AT TIPS@NYUNEWS.COM.
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JIM LUTTRELL EDITORs-AT-LARGE
KRISTINA BOGOS, rachel kaplan, MICHELLE LIM, CLIO MCCONNELL, jordan melendrez, jonathan tan 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 the managing editors at managing@nyunews.com or at 212.998.4302.
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nyunews.com | Wednesday, September 10, 2014 | Washington Square news
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NYU Reacts: NYPD implements body-mounted cameras By Nathaly Pesantez Contributing Writer
The New York City Police Department announced a new plan on Sept. 4 that will test two types of body-mounted cameras on its officers. Starting February 2015, 60 cameras will be distributed on a volunteer basis to one public housing precinct and five police precincts scattered across the boroughs. On Aug. 11, a Public Advocate report was released that called for a program like the above as a response to the death of Eric Garner, a Staten Island resident who was killed by a police officer in an apparent chokehold in July. The program originated from a decision by U.S. District Judge Shira Scheindlin, who ordered the camera pilot as part of a ruling on the unconstitutionality of the NYPD’s stopand-frisk policy. New York City public advocate
Letitia Jones said she hopes the program will better public safety and promote transparency in light of increased scrutiny over NYPD tactics. Members of the NYU community have provided their thoughts on the matter.
“Police brutality has been in the news often in the past year. In one city where cameras were adopted, incidents of police violence and civilian complaints against the police dropped substantially. Cameras can also protect police officers from false accusations and can provide evidence of pedestrian or motorist illegality. The only way to find out how well this will work in New York is to try it, and have a competent researcher study the impact.” — David Greenberg, Sociology professor “Personally I feel like it’s a good idea, one I’m surprised
hasn’t been implemented already. I think it’s ridiculous that the NYPD, an agency with so much power and influence on all New Yorkers, has no real mechanism in place to hold officers accountable. The Eric Garner situation is horrifying and I can’t even begin to think about the fact that in a time without camera phones, the public would have never been aware of the atrocities committed.” — Jessica Herrera, CAS senior
“I find officer body cameras not only a lack of privacy but also an act of laziness. Recording individuals and their interactions with the police is not going to ease tensions between the two parties. What the police department needs to do is hold mandatory orientations or classes on race, gender and sensitivity training. If the body camera trial expands, not only will it be an additional waste to the taxpayer, but it will
Markel continued from PG. 1
Sixty NYPD officers will volunteer to wear cameras on patrol. also make Orwell’s Big Brother idea not so fictional anymore.” — Sonia Tavarez, CAS junior “I just want to see this kind of thing at work to see its effectiveness. It seems good in theory, but
we don’t know what other kinds of behavior we may cause and or prevent with the cameras.” — Ari Kaplan, Gallatin senior Email Nathaly Pesantez at news@nyunews.com.
parade continued from PG. 1
Markel renowned for policy, scholarship in criminal law
staff photo by felipe de la hoz
Friends spoke of Professor Daniel Markel’s enthusiasm at a ceremony in his honor yesterday. happened, but in terms of getting [the memorial] together it was fairly smooth,” Petter-Lipstein said. “I had a lot of help from his colleagues at NYU.” Law professor James Jacobs attended the memorial service and fondly remembered Markel’s time at NYU. “I always looked forward to Dan’s monthly visits,” Jacobs said. “He was warm, witty, creative and very smart. He was a
staff graphic by kavish harjai
wonderful participant in our weekly criminal law faculty seminar. He is already much missed.” Friends in the nearby New York community also convened at the memorial. One of whom, Katrina Kuh, a Hofstra University law professor, collaborated with Markel and even wrote on his blog. Markel’s legal blog, PrawfsBlawg, often featured writings by professors at various universities.
“Professionally, he was the center of the universe,” Kuh said. “He was a real connector of ideas and people.” Joanna Dreifus, a college friend of Markel who had kept in touch with him through Facebook, was shocked to find the news online. “He was a positive force of nature, a brilliant man and an energetic and enthusiastic father to his two boys,” Dreifus said. “There were not many people like him.” Besides his work at the Center on the Administration of Criminal Law during his time at NYU, Markel also served as a co-convener of the New York City Criminal Law Theory Colloquium. A native of Toronto, Canada, Markel attended Harvard University for his undergraduate and law degrees. Markel’s scholarship covered numerous fields in criminal law and policy, and he enjoyed an active career in both law and teaching as a professor at Florida State University beginning in 2005. Rachel Barkow, faculty director of CACL, said in a statement to NYU Law’s press office that Markel was a beloved colleague to many faculty members. “It was a pleasure having Dan as a scholar-in-residence in 2011 and as a regular participant in school events even after that,” Barkow said. “He was a wonderful colleague and friend, and we will miss him greatly. He will live on in our hearts, and we will continue to teach and learn from his scholarship.” Email Ashley Ko at news@nyunews.com.
Application protests LGBTQ exclusion
to pull a ‘fast one’ in putting the ‘un-gay’ NBC employee gay group in the parade,” Northrop said. “The Irish LGBTQ community deserves a place in the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and should be allowed to march and the NBC LGBTQ group should pull out of the parade until that happens.” Following the Irish Queer group’s decision to apply directly to the parade for the first time in years, Gelman said the parade organizers gave them more excuses. “John Lahey, who’s on the board of the parade from
Quinnipiac University, gave the kicker: ‘We couldn’t possibly entertain their applications, as we’re under pressure to shorten the parade,’” Gelman said. Fellow coalition speaker J.F. Mulligan added that these are the same kinds of responses that Irish LGBTQ groups have received for the past 25 years. “These were the same excuses they used during the Dinkins administration,” Mulligan said. Email Rahul Krishnamoorthy at rkrishnamoorthy@nyunews.com.
Staff photo by shawn paik
Parade officials are still criticized for being discriminatory.
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Washington Square news | Wednesday, September 10, 2014 | nyunews.com
BEAUTY & STYLE
edited by david bologna bstyle@nyunews.com
Versatile Fashion Week accessories to suit every occasion oversized clutch
for the
essentials
deux lux $45
fanny pack
handsfree
throwback
nasty gal $38
mini satchel
maximum
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ASOS $35
satchel
tech
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topshop $58
briefcase
classic
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longchamp $95
Essentials via nordstrom.com, throwback via nastygal.com, versatility via asos.com, storage via nordstrom.com, professional via nordstrom.com staff graphic by cicek erel
A variety of handbags exudes success but remains practical for those on the move during Fashion Week. By Gabriella Bower Contributing Writer New York Fashion Week comes around twice a year and, for many reporters, this means war. When competing against thousands of other journalists to break a story or write the best review, one must be equipped with the necessities to succeed. A change of shoes, a smartphone, notepads and energy bars are all crucial components in a reporter’s ensemble. But what kinds of bags will fit a fashion journalist’s arsenal while remaining compact and practical? One option is an oversized clutch. It can be large enough
to fit papers, minimal cosmetics, small electronics and, of course, a small notebook and pen to jot down comments. The bigger clutches are also on the cheap side and allow a discerning writer to take some trendy fashion risks. The Deux Lux ‘Elle’ Zip Top Pouch is a perfect option at $45. Clutches are great, but they will never allow a reporter to be handsfree. If this is of the utmost importance, then a fanny pack is ideal. Not the ’80s, neon-colored, polyester-blend kind, but rather a classy black faux leather fanny such as the What Goes Around Fanny Pack from Nasty Gal ($38). It will fit the necessities and,
with Citi Bikes on the rise, these bags will not cramp the biker fashionista’s style. Be careful what kind of outfit is paired with this bag because dresses and skirts may not be the best option. But, don’t be afraid. If Matthew McConaughey rocked a fanny pack at a Boston Red Sox game, then surely it can make an appearance at New York Fashion Week. With traffic exceptionally crazy this time of year, walking is another transportation option. Walking from uptown to downtown in heels is not ideal, so a bag with room for a change of shoes is key. A mini satchel has room for shoes and smaller electronics, and
it can double as either a handheld or handsfree bag if it has an attachable strap like the “Mini Stud Satchel” from ASOS ($35). Some reporters need larger electronics such as laptops or tablets on hand. In this case, a regular-sized satchel would suffice. Topshop’s ‘Saffiano’ Colorblock Satchel is a great option at $58. Satchels have all the same benefits as their smaller counterparts but allow for more storage. The only downside is that the weight can be unpleasant to carry after a few hours. Finally, a briefcase is the classic option for a fashion week bag. The Longchamp ‘Le Pliage’ Briefcase is available in
several colors and is just as durable as every other bag under the Longchamp name ($95). A briefcase will fit papers and slimmer electronics perfectly, and they exude an air of professionalism. A word of caution, though: do not try to stuff things such as large cosmetic cases, shoes or food inside this type of bag, because it will make it look obtrusive. When picking the perfect purse for a Fashion Week ensemble, remember that the architectural principle “form follows function” is also the best bag tip to keep in mind. Email Gabriella Bower at bstyle@nyunews.com.
mirror continued from PG. 1
Industry positions inspire young fashionistas Look Four: “The Designer”
Inspiration: Richard Chai thanking the crowd at his Fall/ Winter ’14 Show Style Pieces: Men’s Levis ($40), Forever 21 Men’s ZipUp Sweatshirt ($15), Reebok Trail Shoes ($59) Perfect For: Morning classes
Look Five: “The A-list Celeb”
@nyunews
Inspiration: Actress Lupita Nyong’o at Calvin Klein Fall/ Winter ’14 Style Pieces: ASOS Fluffy Sweater Dress ($48), MissGuided Clara NuBuck Strappy Heel ($47) Perfect For: A first date Email Hannah Alexander at bstyle@nyunews.com.
Photos by tsering bista
Restyle your look by replicating what the fashion professionals wear.
nyunews.com | Wednesday, September 10, 2014 | Washington Square news
arts
edited by alex greenberger arts@nyunews.com
TV expands big-screen stories By Zack Grullon Staff Writer
In terms of budget and style, television is coming closer to film than ever before. “Game of Thrones” has drawn comparisons to “Lord of the Rings” and “Mad Men” has been praised for its cinematic style. Now, films are even being adapted into television shows. A few are airing now: FX’s “Fargo” and NBC’s “Hannibal” are currently praised as two of the best shows currently on television, while NBC’s “About a Boy” has already been renewed for a second season. There are only more to come. Upcoming small-screen versions of “The Truman Show,” “Ghost” and “Shutter Island” (the latter will be retitled “Ashecliffe”) are currently in production. This small wave of TV versions of film may seem new, but buried in the annals of TV history are two series prequels based on “Casablanca” and NBC’s short-lived sitcom “Ferris Bueller,” as well as an earlier attempt to bring “Fargo” to the small screen with Edie Falco playing Frances McDormand’s Oscar-winning role. The only difference is that today more TV writers want to produce long-running quality entertainment rather than movie knock-offs. Writers and networks are interested in doing so because there is more freedom and de-
mand to produce these kinds of shows — audiences want more from their favorite movies. The upcoming Nickelodeon remake of Richard Linklater’s “School of Rock” may not have the visual flair of Martin Scorsese’s “Shutter Island” or Peter Weir’s “The Truman Show.” “School of Rock” was hardly memorable for its visual flair. Instead, it earned its fame from Jack Black’s portrayal of a wacky wannabe rock star and his interactions with the ensemble of oddball students under his wing. Seeing these same funny characters every week could offer some great entertainment if done right. A successful example is NBC’s “Friday Night Lights,” based on the movie of the same name. The show portrayed football fandom in a small Texas town with strong writing and memorable characters, not breathtaking visuals. Television allows showrunners more than two hours to flesh out characters — something that many directors will never have when they make films. Sometimes these television adaptations of movies can be used to further the world of the original source as well. HBO’s “Ashecliffe” will reportedly reveal the origins of the spooky mental asylum from Scorsese’s film and Dennis Lehane’s novel. “Fargo” builds upon the Coen Brothers’ film by using its peculiar setting as
The exhibit focuses on the animalistic lives of the artists. By Jack Barker Contributing Writer The exhibition of work by Breyer P-ORRIDGE and Pierre Molinier at Invisible-Exports, which opened Sept. 5, is one of primal urges and modern-day taboo. P-ORRIDGE, a genderless artist duo, has h/er work juxtaposed with the work of Molinier, who died in 1976. Most of the
work, almost all of which is selfportraiture of either P-ORRIDGE or Molinier, depict provocatively posed subjects alongside controversial objects. The exhibit breaks modernday expectations of photography. P-ORRIDGE and Molinier sometimes show images that are rarely seen anywhere outside of pornography, though they still remain artful while doing so. Most of the photographs depict naked bodies, abused figures and dildos, and many are eye-popping combinations of all three. While the pieces may at first unnerve some viewers, the freedom to look at them and meditate on what is being displayed is a liberating experience. While some artists include sex toys in their work as a commentary on fetishism or gender politics, P-ORRIDGE and Molinier simply reveal how everyone is guilty of feeling certain primal urges. It is likely most people will walk out without being aroused, but the works open up a certain type of image that is usually represented
Director’s debut film explores concept of age By Isabel Jones Film Editor
via wikipedia.org
“Ashecliffe” will adapt “Shutter Island” for television. a means to explore a new assortment of nutty inhabitants within the titular area. If current showrunners wisely choose the movies to be adapted into series, this could become one of the better trends in recent memory. If “Hannibal” and “Fargo” are any proof, the line between the small screen and the big screen is already being blurred and, with upcoming shows like “Ashecliffe,” this process of making television more like film will only continue. Email Zack Grullon at entertainment@nyunews.com.
New exhibition artfully analyzes sex
via invisible-exports.com
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by society. The exhibition is often grotesque and strange. Glitterdashed shoes with horns and photos of naked bodies with far too many legs are just two of the especially memorable features of these works. The large white gallery space contrasts the photographs, which are small and often very dirty. It is necessary to lean in to see the photographs, which only accentuates their creepiness and adds more surrealism to the strange showing. The exhibition gives gallery visitors a look into the overtly sexual, deeply animalistic lives of two artists. The real joy of the art on display is that it allows viewers to step off the street and see graphic imagery that is shocking in a very atypical way. The exhibition gives visitors a look at art that is not mainstream and gives it the attention it deserves. P-ORRIDGE and Molinier’s work will be on display until Oct. 12. Email Jack Barker at entertainment@nyunews.com.
At first glance, “My Old Lady” is a neatly packaged film, sure to serve as a nostalgic “Philomena”like trip down memory lane. But, there is more to “Lady” than meets the eye. Israel Horovitz’s film, hitting theaters today, reveals itself as a complex, intimate journey grounded by its unexpected lead performances. In what appears to be a farcical premise, Madame Girard (Maggie Smith), a sassy old lady, is forced to live with Mathias (Kevin Kline), a cynical stranger, in Paris. From there, the film evolves into something much more meaningful. Although “old” is easily pegged as the film’s buzzword, it is actually about youthful relationships. While each character places importance on the passage of time, the film itself supersedes their silly notions. “Lady” preys on the common saying that age is just a number, but it does so subtly. Madame Girard’s daughter Chloé (Kristin Scott Thomas) and Mathias are both full-fledged adults — seeing out the final years of their 50s — but the pair behaves in a way that is defiantly immature. Chloé carries on an affair with a married man, and the penniless Mathias drinks himself into a stupor every night. But, despite the obvious contradiction of their age to their behavior, time and again their differences are brought to the fore. Madame Girard wonders aloud how Mathias could possibly have so little to show for the significant amount of time he has been alive. And
Chloé, upon being told she is beautiful, immediately corrects her suitor, telling him that she is not beautiful because she is growing old. Catering to “My Old Lady’s” neatly packaged facade, Thomas’ Chloé is a middle-aged French speaker — a role that, at first, seems to be a case of severe typecasting for Thomas. But with a beautiful, nuanced performance, Thomas makes Chloé feel like a fresh, new character. In fact, Thomas’ presence in “My Old Lady” nearly relieves the commercial exhaustion of her constant pairing with France. Thomas does not throw any new punches, but her acting style, surprisingly powerful in its subtlety, adds greatly to the film. Her performance, along with those of Kevin Kline and Maggie Smith, is essential to “My Old Lady.” All of “Lady’s” surprising facets point to the skill of its first-time director, Israel Horovitz. Adapted from Horovitz’s own long-running play of the same name, Horovitz’s talent is apparent in both the tale played out on screen and the unseen details. While many elements of the film deserve a lengthy victory march, the successful translation from stage to screen stands as the crux of achievement. “Lady” is a seamless adaptation. Somehow, “Lady” skirts past the problems of making something dramatic into something cinematic, presenting a riveting, cliché-defying directorial debut. Email Isabel Jones at ijones@nyunews.com.
via cohenmedia.filmtrackonline.com
“My Old Lady,” premiering today, stars Oscar-winning actor Maggie Smith.
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Washington Square news | Wednesday, September 10, 2014 | nyunews.com
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70 Ones working on a case-by-case basis?: Abbr. DOWN 1 Black 2 Cavalier’s sch. 3 Florida port, briefly 4 Trick-or-treater’s cause 5 “It’s f-f-freezing!” 6 Choice cut 7 “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” lyricist Harbach 8 1998 Alanis Morissette hit with a slangy misspelling 9 Swifter 10 Big source of coll. scholarships 11 53 for I, e.g. 12 Longtime teammate of 67-Across 15 “High Hopes” lyricist Sammy 20 How the police might investigate someone 21 Driveway topper 22 Not more than 23 Deceitful 24 Intensify 27 Play callers, for short 28 Drone regulator, in brief 29 “Atten-TION!,” e.g. 31 “You’re right about that” 32 Cat collar sound 33 Literary giant from Concord, Mass. 36 Like the sport of jai alai
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39 “Catch-22” 49 John who won character who two Pulitzers for “hasn’t got brains fiction enough to be 51 British pound, unhappy” informally 40 Flat fish 53 British pound, informally 43 Patterned (after) 54 ___ Reader 47 Yearbook sect. 55 Article in Arnsberg 48 Rapper with the 56 Dreyfus Affair autobiography chronicler “The Way I Am”
57 Book of Mormon prophet 58 Classic Nestlé drink 62 Trig. function 63 Summer event, briefly … or a phonetic hint to 19-, 26-, 47and 53-Across 64 Año part
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nyunews.com | Wednesday, September 10, 2014 | Washington Square news
opinion
edited by CHRISTINA COLEBURN opinion@nyunews.com
cultural critique
Objectification of the gay best friend By Richard Shu Contributing Columnist
NYU is a community that takes pride in its progressivism. In particular, our LGBTQ groups have become a fixture of campus life. This openness to diversity comes with a price, however. Starry-eyed young straight women hope that NYU will provide them with a gay best friend with whom they can discuss fashion and feelings and treat as a token instead of a human being. One possible origin for the idea of the gay best friend is Will & Grace, a sitcom that debuted on NBC in 1998. At the time, it was the only major network show that featured gay men in the regular cast. The titular Will would offer counsel for his roommate Grace’s problems and Will’s friend Jack defined himself by his flamboyancy. With the show’s success, national television — hardly known for its fair treatment of minorities — ran with its gay best friend stereotype. Shows such as Sex and the City, Real Housewives and Glee, which are primarily marketed to women, commonly
featured gay friends who, in some capacity, fit into Will’s sensitivity, Jack’s campiness or both. They presented gay men as the musthave accessory for any discerning modern woman who hopes to be truly understood. The image stuck. Many women, who fancied themselves openminded and intelligent like Grace, began to search for their Will. They wanted someone who would patiently listen to their problems and offer counsel that, evidently, only a gay man could provide. Or perhaps they looked for their Jack, whose enthusiasm for shopping, sass and men would make him a perfect companion to bring everywhere. But in doing so, they forget that Will’s and Jack’s characters are rooted in deeply problematic stereotypes of gay men as necessar-
ily being feminine and theatrical. Turning toward tropes, they abandon the notion that gay men — like any other minority — have personalities of all kinds, many of which go against the caricatures drawn by media. The stereotype is well-meant. It is a sentiment half-born out of progressivism and the desire to expand one’s horizons, not the hatred often associated with homophobia. Unfortunately, it still shunts gay men into harmful stereotypes. It furthers the notion that they will never quite be normal, or a friend like any other. So, some practical advice: if you are looking for a gay best friend, listen to his experiences. Try to understand who he is at his core and ignore the stereotype of his sexuality. Listen for how he wants to be treated and then treat him that way. With any luck, you will not only find a gay best friend, but you will come to understand that he is your best friend first and a gay man second. Email Richard Shu at opinion@nyunews.com.
Education
Public schools must not sacrifice literature By Zahra Haque Contributing Columnist The feeling that comes with finishing a great novel is hard to compare. A good book can evoke a multitude of complex emotions in those who devour it. Bits and pieces linger in the mind long after the book has been closed. Novels are like roadmaps to understanding humans, and discussing those maps is the essence of language arts. In an education system that is fixated on fact memorization and standardized testing, English classrooms can, for many students, become refuges of creative thinking that is drawn from the wisdom and imagination contained in literature. The Common Core State Standards Initiative, designed to streamline educational standards across the states, will cut back the amount of fiction that is read during English classes in public schools. Instead of being balanced, the coursework has been heavily shifted to works of nonfiction. According to the new standards, 70 percent of what high school seniors read in school
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should consist of informational texts. This highly disproportionate ratio means that students will be primarily versed in texts that will probably not resonate with them outside of specific contexts. What the creators of Common Core failed to see are the unique, positive effects of reading fiction. A study conducted by researchers at The New School has found that reading literary fiction encourages empathy because it often puts readers inside the mind of a complicated, multilayered character. Further evidencing this quality is a recent study suggesting that people who have read the “Harry Potter” series are less likely to have racial prejudices. Lessons of empathy and tolerance are rarely taught outside lessons on literature. Common Core creators Susan Pimentel and David Coleman have
pointed out that the ratio of nonfiction to fiction will apply to school in general, not exclusively English class. This means that teachers of math, science and social studies are expected to teach relevant informational texts that contribute to the 70 percent. But this may be an unrealistic expectation given that teachers of other subjects are often busy with the content of their own curriculums. They neither want nor have the time to teach reading lessons, putting much of the burden on English departments to meet the unreasonable standard. This push toward nonfiction is the effect of an increasingly vocationally minded education system. While preparing students for the workplace is undoubtedly necessary, it should not be the primary objective of education. Schools have and should continue to do much more than produce assembly lines of competent workers. Literature might not make you a better employee, but it sure can make you a better person. Email Zahra Haque at opinion@nyunews.com.
staff editorial
Stern program will benefit work ethics
Beginning this September, the Stern School of Business will collaborate with the Office of Global Spiritual Life to create the NYU Mindfulness Business Initiative, a program intended for students pursuing a Master of Business Administration. The initiative aims to encourage empathy among business school students to help revolutionize commercial leadership across the globe. Mindfulness — defined by program directors Caitlin Weaver and Yael Shy as “the intentional, nonjudgmental focus of attention on the present moment” — has been linked to heightened empathy, more ethical decisions and other implicit benefits in corporations. Given the recurring instances of corruption, bribery and fraud that have been documented over the past years, this program can function as an overdue measure to keep businesses honest. By educating business students about ethics, the initiative will positively affect the future of the corporate world. Although business and mindfulness can seem unrelated, renowned companies like Google have offered mindfulness courses to their employees. While Stern is unlikely to provide students with the eccentric amenities that Google supplies for its employees, the initiative marks a notable step in an effort to adapt to the corporate world’s evolving needs. Analytical skills alone are no longer enough to make a company successful. Since the Great Recession, the importance of corporate ethics has become more pronounced. It is vital that business students learn the potential consequences of separating empathy and thoughtfulness from their ventures, particularly because of the proliferation of underhanded tactics in advancing career paths. Introducing this program will not only make a significant effort to educate students about ethics in business, but can also help soften the pretentious image that has sometimes been associated with Stern. The new, more mindful program will help abolish this stereotype and allow the community to have more confidence in future business leaders. The collaboration between Stern and Global Spiritual Life at NYU is offering a novel way to solve the pressing demands of the business school. Between the new initiative and the Social Impact Core for undergraduate students, it is clear Stern is trying to take the lead in preparing students for a rapidly changing business environment. The Mindfulness Business Initiative will help Stern differentiate itself from its competitors and offer a more comprehensive education to its students.
Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Christina Coleburn (Chair), Omar Etman (Co-chair), Adam Fazlibegu (Co-chair), Tess Woosley (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.
WSN does not print unsigned letters or editorials. WSN reserves the right to reject any submission and edit accepted submissions in any and all ways. With the exception of the staff editorial, opinions expressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of WSN, and our publication of opinions is not an endorsement of them.
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