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Old Gold&Black
WAKE FOREST’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1916 VO L . 10 6 , N O . 17
T H U R S DAY, F E B RUA RY 6 , 2 0 2 0 “Cover s the campus like the magnolias”
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Sorority reaches settlement in lawsuit The university's chapter of Delta Sigma Theta has settled with the mother of Najee Ali Baker BY LILLIAN JOHNSON Senior News Advisor johnlg16@wfu.edu
Photo courtesy of Hogan Disbrow
The fraternity members of the Delta Omega chapter of Kappa Sigma display the charter given to them from the national organization on Jan. 26, 2020. The chapter is still not recognized by the university.
Kappa Sigma operates without WFU approval
Fraternity members of Kappa Sigma obtain national charter, but lack university recognition BY ELIZABETH MALINE Online Managing Editor mailed17@wfu.edu The Kappa Sigma fraternity, which re-established itself as a colony Sept. 28, 2019, received a charter from its national organization Jan. 26, 2020, according to junior Kappa Sigma Social Chair Hogan Disbrow. However, the organization is not officially recognized by the university. The Delta Omega chapter of Kappa Sigma previously had its national charter revoked and became an unrecognized fraternity by the university in November 2013 “because of conduct unbecoming to a chapter and for violations of Kappa Sigma’s national rules,” according to Disbrow. How-
ever, the organization has decided to re-establish itself again as the Delta Omega chapter. Members of Kappa Sigma and Betsy Adams, the director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, have been in close contact throughout the school year in efforts to establish a path forward for the organization. This process was complicated by the fact that the organization side-stepped many International Fraternity Council (IFC) procedures in an attempt to become recognized by the university. “I met with the student leaders in Kappa Sigma on several occasions this fall to make sure they understood our process and the potential outcomes of moving forward outside of that process,” Adams said. “I also spoke with Kappa Sigma staff headquarters early in their process, and they were aware that they were operating with disregard for the university’s policy.”
A settlement has been reached with one of the defendants in the wrongful-death lawsuit of Najee Ali Baker, the Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) student who was shot and killed on Wake Forest’s campus in January 2018, the Winston-Salem Journal reported. The settlement has been reached between the university’s chapter of Delta Sigma Theta and Baker’s mother, Jemel Dixon, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of her son’s estate back in May 2019. Claims against the other defendants — including the university and Rhino Sports & Entertainment Services LLC, which provided security at the event where Baker was shot — are still pending.
See Baker, Page 5
Wake West expands students’ horizons A new study-away program located within the Bay Area offers internship experience
Though she has worked with colonies before at other institutions, Adams explained that this situation was unique, as Kappa Sigma proceeded outside of the policy outlined by the university. Disbrow said that he and other members of the fraternity have tried to have productive conversations with Adams about gaining university recognition. However, he said that those conversations were unproductive. “These conversations have led nowhere as they [Office of Student Engagement] have called us a gang, told us that we would never be recognized on campus during our time as students and have sent letters home to our parents/guardians saying similar things,” Disbrow said.
The pilot program of Wake West, a study-away opportunity located in the San Francisco Bay Area, was launched in the spring semester of 2020. The program will provide participants with the opportunity to explore career options while taking two entrepreneurship classes and gaining valuable internship experience. The university’s establishment of the program caters to the student body’s growing interest in the Bay Area, with graduating seniors consistently ranking California for the past three years as one of the top five states in which they would like to work.
See Kappa Sigma, Page 4
See Wake West, Page 7
BY CAROLINE WALKER News Editor walkct18@wfu.edu
OGB
“ University continues growth with Wake West This column represents the views of the Old Gold & Black Editorial Board.
Wake West introduces the possibility for students to learn more about careers in ... innovation."
As the university continues to build on its liberal arts foundation, the administration is also working to promote a college education as the ultimate segue into the professional world. The establishment of Wake West, a study-away and internship program in San Francisco, Calif. that began this semester, is emblematic of this effort (turn to page 1 for more information). The Editorial Board of the Old Gold & Black supports the university in further expanding its understanding of the relationship between education and the pursuit of a career. Wake West offers students a total of 12 credits, which include an internship at a Bay Area company
and a related research project. This program mirrors Wake Washington, which started in 2017 and offers a similar opportunity for students in D.C. These programs are stark examples of higher education moving away from traditional classroom settings and moving towards hands-on experience. Although multiple majors in the Wake Forest School of Business require students to complete internships, liberal arts and STEM majors
can also greatly benefit from gaining this experience as a part of their educational and professional path. The Editorial Board of the Old Gold & Black commends the university for recognizing this and providing programs like Wake West and Wake Washington. While Wake Washington, for example, gives students the opportunity to explore careers in politics, Wake West introduces the possibility for students to learn more about careers in high technology and innovation. There is no better place for students to learn more about this field than California. As the university continues to invest in STEM programs and the en-
trepreneurship curriculum, the formation of the Wake West program is a logical next step in offering students an opportunity to pursue careers at influential tech companies. This program fills a void that the university has not done a in the Office of Personal Career Development (OPCD) or in academic curriculum. Although thinking of the future will always be daunting for college students, offering programs like Wake West and Wake Washington work to bridge the gap between the on campus bubble and the real world — which is ultimately integral to the university's growth as an institution.
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THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF WAKE FOREST UNIVERSIT Y SINCE 1916 OLIVIA FIELD
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News | Old Gold & Black
Thursday, February 6, 2020 | Page 3
Deacon Profile: Kyle Adams BY EMILY BEAUCHAMP Print Managing Editor beauea17@wfu.edu
Junior Kyle Adams has made a name for himself during his first three years at the university. He has a major in Philosophy, but his coursework is not what gave him his name. Adams is the current Student Trustee on the Board of Trustees. The last time a junior had this title was over two decades ago, and Adams has already delivered two presentations to the board on behalf of the student body. Can you tell me about what your role as Student Trustee entails? The Student Trustee is a full voting member of the board, which means that we attend all board meetings. We have quarterly meetings as well as special meetings for certain things that are going on. In addition to being a full voting member of the board, the Student Trustee delivers a speech or report every quarter when the board comes to campus. Those reports are entirely up to the Student Trustee and what he or she wants to cover and wants to direct attention to the board members. It can be campus climate, it can be some other form of student experience, it could be something entirely different and [or we can] talk about other activities that the board is involved in. The Student Trustee also serves as a liaison of communication between board members, administrators and students. It’s the only position on campus that covers every single constituency within the university, from the highest being the governing board and the lowest being prospective students, current students, staff and faculty and of course the administrators. You mentioned that the Student Trustee delivers reports to the board. What reports have you done thus far? I have delivered reports at our September meeting and, most recently, at our January meeting. In the September meeting, my report covered what I thought the board could do to become involved and invested in the work of the President’s Commission [on Race, Equity and Community] and more largely the work of creating a more equitable environment within Wake Forest — not just in terms of student social belonging but also the institution itself, in how all these different offices, departments and activities within the university create or don’t create an equitable situation. My January report, which I delivered last weekend, zoomed out a little bit more and spoke about how we are making landmark decisions as a board at a very dizzying pace. We just signed a deal to create a medical school in Charlotte. We are investing heavily in the Program for Leadership and Character. We’ve created top of the line athletics facilities for basketball and football, millions of dollars are being spent. And that’s great, but at the same time we do have a duty to inform the constituents we’re serving about what the ultimate goal of these pieces and as a board we must have clarity on what the bigger picture is that these pieces are leading to. My speech for the January board meeting was asking for all of us on the board and administration to zoom out and think about what are all these decisions leading towards, what image of Wake Forest are we trying to create?
Photo courtesy of Kyle Adams
How has your role as Student Trustee impacted your time and view of Wake Forest? It’s completely changed my Wake Forest experience. I have a view and a perspective of Wake Forest that I would have never had if I wasn't in this position. I not only see Wake Forest through an academic lens or a student lens, but I see it through the administration’s lens as well as the board’s lens. I can understand some of the bureaucracy that goes on and, even further, I can see how the university is planning for 10, 20, 30 years down the road. Even further, the board looks at the university as students look at it, which is an institution to socialize people and to create better citizens of the world. But at the same time, they have to maintain it as a business model. At the end of the day, we have to make sure the numbers are adding up so the university is on a sustainable path to continue doing the work that it does. I’ve learned a lot about how decisions are made at the very top to help create financial aid opportunities or to help build a new building or to help facilitate different interactions or different spaces on campus. It’s been a drastic shift in how I understand how the university works and how the overall system of higher education works. What do you want your legacy to be? As Student Trustee, I want my legacy to center on honesty and being forthright with board members, and also the people whom we serve. My goal has been to increase awareness on how [the board] can be more transparent to the university and also draw attention to the most underrepresented students who are affected by many of our decisions. In a nutshell, my legacy that I hope to have is that I was honest, I represented the people who are frequently underrepresented and fought to create a more equitable institution. What do you hope for the future of Wake Forest? I hope that we can take risks as a university to be pioneers of change in the higher education world, particularly in crafting a better student experience.
I think we’re doing so in a lot of other areas but in terms of student experience and creating equity we have been watching what others do and then following the precedent. I think that we have the ability to take more risks and be at the forefront of change and be champions for change in the high education world. I hope that we can become a leading university in wanting to make our students feel loved, feel as though they have equal opportunity to resources and to things on campus, and also to create a better institution that does not have the polarities that exist not just in our campus but throughout the United States. What other things are you involved in on campus? I’m the president of club baseball. I’m also a President’s Aide, and I serve on the advisory board for the Call to Conversation when that rolled out last year. [Call to Conversation] was my first significant involvement on campus, helping roll that out for the Reynolda Campus. Those are the main three things. Have these shaped your perspective on what you want to focus on as a Trustee? Being in Club Baseball and also being in the President’s Aide cohort, I’ve been exposed to a lot of people that I wouldn't have automatically been exposed to. I’ve been able to see the perspectives of our students who are in predominant Greek Life organizations, but at the same time, I’m able to be with students who have very different social lives from Greek Life. I’ve been able to be with students who are on full scholarship and some who are paying the full tuition to come here. That’s allowed me to gather a variety of perspectives of whom I'm serving. Even further, running Club Baseball have been as much of a learning experience in terms of leadership as being a Trustee has been. Getting 26 college-aged guys to show up to practice consistently and be ready to play and work hard and keep everything organized is just as challenging as getting 45 board members to believe in a message that I’m putting out.
Page 4 | Thursday, February 6, 2020
Old Gold & Black | News
Kappa Sigma: Chapter disrupts Greek Life Continued from Page 1
According to Disbrow, Adams also told him on Oct. 16, 2019 that once they received a national charter, they would lose the school as a resource. “Nonetheless we still have actively pursued school recognition on campus and still are unsuccessful in our efforts,” Disbrow said. Kappa Sigma president sophomore Seth Tennant declined a requests for comment. The IFC passed a bylaw in 2017 as a response to groups operating on campus that weren’t recognized by either a national organization or the university. It outlined that IFC chapters will not assist unrecognized groups, such as Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE), who are currently unrecognized by the university and have been since fall of 2018, and do not condone co-sponsorship or attendance of events with an unrecognized group. If the fraternities violate this, they will be subject to judicial procedures as defined in the IFC’s constitution. The IFC also does not support the merging of an unrecognized group with a recognized group in any way, including offering social benefits to individual members from the unrecognized group or the unrecognized group as a whole. However, the IFC amended that bylaw in response to Kappa Sigma’s re-establishment. In addition to defining an unrecognized group as one that has lost national recognition or imitates the activities of a Greek organization, the amendment now also defines it as one that “has attained or seeks to attain any form of recognition from an (inter)national fraternity headquarters without having successfully completed the processes
outlined by Wake Forest University’s Fraternity and Sorority Life Expansion Policy.” The majority of Panhellenic chapters, as well as all chapters part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NHPC) voted to implement this amendment shortly after the IFC passed their most recent amendment. Panhellenic chapters that voted to enact the bylaw do not support or recognize Kappa Sigma as an organization on campus. “Since the new Panhellenic bylaw passed last semester, our Panhellenic community fully supports IFC’s stance on the current situation,” said junior Victoria Parker, president of the Panhellenic Council. Particular frustration on behalf of Panhellenic leadership in response to the formation of the Kappa Sigma colony comes from an issue of insurance coverage. According to Adams, a fraternity that is not recognized by their national organization does not have insurance. When Delta Kappa Epsilon was suspended by the university but not their national organization in 2018, they maintained insurance coverage. Kappa Sigma, however, did not have insurance while they were a colony, and most members are under 21 years old. They now do because they are recognized by their national organization. According to Adams, because Kappa Sigma and Delta Kappa Epsilon are unrecognized, they do not receive the benefits that recognized fraternities and sororities receive. This includes chapter advising from university faculty and staff, chapter development resources, inclusion in formal recruitment and the IFC and risk management resources. They also are not allowed to participate in campus events and traditions such
as Wake N’ Shake, Project Pumpkin, tailgates and intramural sports. Adams says the aim of the Office of Student Engagement is to support and guide students, but she warns of the consequences students may face if they choose to associate with an unrecognized organization. “When unrecognized organizations operate without the support of the university, individual students participating in such organizations face increased risks if something goes wrong,” Adams said. “Consequences may include disciplinary actions against individual students/members for activities on and off campus that violate the university’s code of conduct.” However, simply being a member of an unrecognized fraternity is not a violation of the university’s code of conduct. In practice, the Office of Student Engagement has little control over the actions of students who associate with unrecognized fraternities. This spring, the IFC is pursuing expansion, a formal term that refers to the addition of an IFC organization on campus. The Committee on Student Life, comprised of students, faculty and staff, has approved the addition of one new IFC organization and one culturally-based fraternal organization (CBFO). Kappa Sigma did submit an expansion packet, which was reviewed by the Expansion Committee, comprised mostly of students but also including faculty, staff and alumni representation. “[The Expansion Committee] reviewed Kappa Sigma’s application using the same criteria as any other organization and decided it did not rise to the high level that other national organizations did,” Adams said.
She also said that Kappa Sigma’s national organization’s efforts to defy university policy and re-establish the Delta Omega chapter outside of and prior to the university’s process did not reflect a level of “collaboration, mutual respect and trust.” The committee is no longer considering Kappa Sigma’s application for expansion. On the Office of Student Engagement website, Adams announced that the groups under consideration are Phi Gamma Delta, Delta Chi and Pi Kappa Phi. The CBFO groups vying for recognition are Delta Sigma Iota (South-Asian interest fraternity), Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity Inc. and Psi Sigma Phi Multicultural Fraternity Inc. “It was a competitive pool, with 12 national organizations submitting application packets,” Adams said. Nevertheless, Kappa Sigma has completed their spring rush process without gaining recognition from the university. According to their Instagram, their rush events were open to “all,” and the organization ultimately accepted 13 new members. According to Disbrow, in order to get a charter from the Kappa Sigma national organization, each pledge had to complete 30 hours of community service, have above a 2.5 GPA, complete seminars on alcoholism and hazing, among other requirements. “We, as a group of young men, have decided to form and bring back this historic chapter of Kappa Sigma because we wanted to be a part of something greater than just ourselves,” Disbrow said. “We are [an] entirely new group of guys that come from all backgrounds. We are open to all backgrounds and do not judge.”
SG GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY JESS SCHMIDT Staff Writer schmja19@wfu.edu
I. Executive Reports Although President Mellie Mesfin was unable to attend the meeting, Speaker of the House Miles Middleton shared her current plans on working with the Women’s Center for National Women in Sports Day. Treasurer Andrew Wilson shared that the Student Budget Advisory Committee (SBAC) budgeting cycle is still in progress and that the first allocations may be sent out by March. Secretary Laura Horton reported on her meeting about the Safer Sex Express initiative and explained that a campus wide survey will be sent out April 1. Staff Advisor Tim Wilkinson encouraged individuals to complete applications for the Student Trustee position, which are due Feb. 10.
II. New Business The senators debated and passed three bills and one resolution. The first bill was related to election campaigning and prohibited the creation of a GroupMe or any other messaging system for the explicit purpose of campaigning. It passed with a strong majority. As the Senate occasionally has the need to appoint senators to fill vacant positions left by senators studying abroad or taking the semester off for some other reason, the second bill involved the pending confirmation of the seven new senators, which passed with a clear majority. The third bill pertained to the executive position of treasurer. Previously, there were no restrictions on who could apply or run for the position, but this bill stated that a candidate for the position must have at least one year of experience on SBAC or
acquire a three-fourths majority vote of the Elections Committee with the consultation of an advisor in the advisor of SBAC in order to run. The proponents of the bill argued that SBAC experience was necessary to be able to effectively operate as the treasurer and that the skills needed for the position were gained through SBAC. There were some concerns, including deterring more individuals from applying for the treasurer position as a result of the experience requirement; nonetheless, the bill also passed. The resolution that was passed was in regards to a co-sponsorship with Student Union and a couple of other organizations to financially support bringing Carli Lloyd, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in women’s soccer, to campus for a speaker event. The bill requested a $500 financial commitment and it was passed.
III. Committee Reports To celebrate Major Declaration Week, the Academic Committee had a whiteboard outside the Pit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday and Friday for students who have recently declared to write their major as a fun way to see the diversity of interests on campus. The Judiciary Committee discussed how they would like to split the responsibilities of the Campus Life Committee with the Public Relations Committee. The Public Relations Committee reported that the online streaming of Senate meetings on the Student Government Instagram has been successful. The Physical Planning Committee discussed their plan to investigate the recycling initiatives of the university and to research ways to improve recycling. They also shared that they have emailed Facilities and Campus Services about the lack of hot water in freshman and quad dorms.
News | Old Gold & Black
Thursday, February 6, 2020 | Page 5
Baker: Other charges are still pending Continued from Page 1
On Jan. 19, 2018, the university’s chapter of Delta Sigma Theta hosted an event at the Barn, where a fight broke out and moved outside. Around 1 a.m. on Jan. 20, 2018, Baker, was fatally shot. Jakier Shanique Austin, now 23, was charged with muder, and Malik Patience Smith, now 18, faces two gun possession charges and a charge of assault for holding the crowds at gunpoint. Neither of them were students at Wake Forest or WSSU. Austin was arrested and charged with Baker’s murder in April 2018 and is being held without bond. Smith was arrested in January 2018 and released in April 2019.
However, the Journal reported earlier this week that Smith is in jail again, being held without bond, after being charged with assault in a separate incident. According to the Journal, two people, the other WSSU student that Smith allegedly held at gunpoint and another man who attended the party with Austin and Smith, have identified Austin as the shooter to police. In May of last year, Dixon filed a wrongful-death lawsuit, in the Middle District of North Carolina court, naming Wake Forest, Delta Sigma Theta and Rhino Sports & Entertainment Services LLC, which provided security for the party, as defendants. The lawsuit seeks at least $75,000 in damages.
Last September, the attorney representing the chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Jeffrey Keister, filed a motion to have the lawsuit dismissed against them, arguing that the sorority did not have duty of care for Baker and had no ability to predict a shooting would occur. Dixon’s attorney responded in November, saying that the sorority was responsible for determining the amount of security needed and who was allowed to attend. Her attorney, Jonathan Fazzola, also said that the sorority should have been aware of past incidents at the Barn. The lawsuit cites an external audit of Wake Forest police from 2014, which came after complaints that
they were racist in their handling of parties hosted by minority students; the resulting report from this audit recommended the university increase security at large events. The lawsuit alleges that the university ignored these signs and still allowed students to be in charge of event management. Attorneys for the university filed a motion to dismiss in early July, which was denied by U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Eagles in September. The university has since denied the allegations. According to the Journal, attorneys for Dixon and the sorority have until Feb. 28 to file a joint stipulation of dismissal. No trial date has been set.
Seniors deliver orations in annual colloquium Ten seniors, nominated by faculty and chosen by a panel, participate in a time-honored tradition BY MICAH PORTER Staff Writer portmj19@wfu.edu As the seniors prepare to embark on the last leg of their collegiate journey, it is time once again to choose the senior who will deliver a speech during commencement. Faculty nominate students to prepare essays, from which 10 are selected to present their ideas during the annual Senior Colloquium. Of the 10 speakers, three will ultimately be selected to speak on Founder’s Day, and from there, the finalist will address the graduating class at commencement in May. The 2020 Senior Colloquium took place at 5 p.m. Feb. 7 in Pugh Auditorium. To provide a brief introduction to the evening, Provost Rogan Kersh sympathized with the seniors by explaining how he was in their same shoes just 34 years ago, eager to speak about a topic of community building. He continued by reflecting on the vast history of orators who have spoken at commencement since the university’s establishment on the Reynolda Campus in 1868. The first speaker was Dylan King, who is studying mathematics and computer science. King, whose oration was titled “Camaraderie in the Lounge,” spoke to the process of community building on campus and advocated for finding spaces
that are conducive to growth. He reflected on how, after completing a major assignment, the alleviation of pressure is an incomparable feeling. Likening friendship to “the spice of life,” King recognized that graduation will bring immense changes. His final piece of advice to seniors looking for new friends after college involved “finding new lounges.” Isy Duffy took the stage next to read her oration, “The Traveling Village,” which demonstrated how the trials in our life influence our character and ideals. Reflecting back on a childhood of academic struggle, Duffy explained how teachers and role models surrounded her with support and developed a virtual “village” around her. Duffy explained how each and every one of us have developed a village of exceptionally special figures in our lives. “Wherever life takes us, the village stays,” Duffy said. Third was Grace Franzese, whose essay, “Building Community,” depicted the challenges of coming to campus from a small town. For the first time in her life, Franzese was alone and was forced to extend her comfort circle before finding a home with the university’s comedy troupe, the Lilting Banshees. “It’s not luck that I’ve stayed friends with the people in my life,” Franzese said. She conceded that friendship takes dedicated effort and loyalty, but communities last a lifetime. Then, Omar Pasha provided a unique twist on a traditional circus in his oration,
“Cirque de Forest.” Relating students to performers, he explained how the desire to obtain a high grade forces students to fight for the grade, instead of for themselves. By feeding into this environment of competition, Pasha argued that we can never truly address our own mental health concerns. The next speaker, Lucy Porter, incorporated her comedic skills to deliver a speech that was heartfelt and humorous. Titled “Knowing No,” Porter reflected on her college experiences and how the word “yes” can often misguide students by giving them a false perception of success. “‘Yes’ is great, but it’s the ‘no’s I’ve received that galvanize my character,” Porter said. Wubetu Shimelash was next to the stage, delivering his oration, “Opportunity is the Foundation of Success.” Reflecting on his childhood in a remote region in the Ethiopian mountains, Shimelash learned the entrepreneurial skills that would carry him to the United States and to the university. After years of caring for sheep, cows and horses, Shimelash took advantage of the opportunities before him, eventually finding a home within on campus. In Samantha Smart’s speech, “Finding Myself in a Whole New World,” she sought to tell her story through the theme of dance. Smart explained her excitement upon arriving at the university and highlighted how her struggles have shaped her into who she is today. After finding the outlet of Zumba, she was able to discover
a passion that was only brought to the light through her proactive search for new experiences. In her oration, “Finding Light in the Uncomfortable,” Rita Venant offered a fresh perspective on the topic of the college transition. Hailing from Haiti, Venant described the importance of her college education, considering her grandparents received no formal education. Through her focused efforts and determination, Venant found herself at the university, only to discover the challenges posed on campus. Venant closed her oration by inspiring the crowd to take advantage of their college experiences. Celia Zhou’s oration, “Living and Loving the Questions,” expressed how consistently answering the same questions allows us to reflect on our values and motives. As a student of Asian descent, Zhou is no stranger to the question, “where are you from?” However, it was through this prompted self-reflection that Zhou has been able cultivate a spirit of intentionality. Last to the stage, Coleman Greene openly expressed his past struggles of selfdoubt in his oration titled “The Work in Front of Us.” Greene, having previously questioned his potential, described how the advice of one professor reshaped his evaluative outlook. He emphasized how the work in front of us matters more than the end goal. “Some days our work will be storming the castle, other days it will be sweeping the porch,” Greene said.
POLICE BEAT Miscellaneous • Noise complaint was reported at Waycross Drive. WSPD charged three offenders when they refused to quiet down after warning. The report was filed on Jan. 27 at 7:32 a.m. • Offender broke the window pane of the wooden storm door located at the front entrance of a house located on Polo Road. The report was filed on Feb. 1 at 11:53 p.m. Underage Consumption/Intoxication • Offender fell on the ground near Student Apartments after consuming alcohol and was transported to Student Health. The report was filed on Jan. 31 at 11:32 p.m. • Offender consumed alcohol underage at a Kappa Alpha Theta party and was transported from Babcock Hall to WFUBMC. The report was filed on Feb. 1 at 12:34 a.m.
• Offender consumed alcohol underage and was transported from Angelou Hall to WFUBMC. The report was filed on Feb. 1 at 12:59 a.m. • Offender consumed alcohol underage and was transported from Collins Hall to WFUBMC. The report was filed on Feb. 1 at 1:26 a.m. • Offender consumed alcohol underage and was transported from Johnson Hall to Student Health. The report was filed on Feb. 1 at 2:31 a.m. Larceny • Unknown subject stole stole a wallet from the glove box of a vehicle parked in the Haddock Golf lot. The report was filed on Jan. 29 at 2:37 p.m. • Unknown subject removed a Barnacle boot from the windshield and failed to return it. The report was filed on Jan. 31 at 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, February 6, 2020 | Page 6
News | Old Gold & Black
aWake All Night: Benson after dark Student Union organizes aWake All Night once a semester to provide students with an outlet for stress relief and an opportunity to take a break from studying. Held inside Benson University Center from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Feb 1., the beach-themed carnival featured games, raffle prizes, and free food.
Juliana Marino/Old Gold & Black
Juliana Marino/Old Gold & Black
Senior Jay Thompson attempts to stay atop the mechanical shark, Seniors Qianxu Ding (left) and Jacqueline Zhu (right) show which was a popular attraction for many during this year’s carnival. off their whimsical balloon hats and stuffed animals.
Juliana Marino/Old Gold & Black
Juliana Marino/Old Gold & Black
(From left) Senior Fadima Konate, sophomore Justin Cabiltes, junior Chidi A group of four students plays a game Iloabachie and junior Erick Mora compete in a round of pop culture trivia. of craps in the third floor ‘casino.’
Juliana Marino/Old Gold & Black
Juliana Marino/Old Gold & Black
Freshman Maddie Koontz (left) and seniors Megan Seniors Christine Pangborn (left) and Frederieke Demas (right) hold props Hopkins and Caleb Woody (right) run the raffle table. and smile in front of the photo booth to capture their last aWake All Night.
News | Old Gold & Black
Thursday, February 6, 2020 | Page 7
Wake West: Students intern in the Bay Area Continued from Page 1
This holds true across the undergraduate college, with the program attracting students from a wide array of academic disciplines, not only those typically associated with the technological innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley. In fact, the 12 students comprising the inaugural cohort of the program are a cross-section of the university, with majors ranging from computer science, economics, math, statistics and engineering to classics, political science and communication. Students enrolled in the program will earn 12 credit hours upon successful completion of the semester. Half of these hours will come from academic coursework; the other half, internship experience and related research. Program Director Rebecca Gill commented on the way in which the courses highlight the importance of experiential learning and practicing skills that they will use in future jobs. “The courses that we are teaching out there are specifically geared toward understanding Silicon Valley and the process of entrepreneurship and innovation, because students have a real world setting to practice what they are learning, and vice-versa,” Gill said. “This kind of engaged learning is so valuable, especially for liberal arts students as they realize the unique strengths that they bring to the workplace.”
The two courses offered are Communication in Entrepreneurial Settings (COM/ENT 250) and EvidenceBased Entrepreneurship: Developing Validated Concepts (ENT 201). While ENT 201 may seem familiar to students, COM/ENT 250 transcends the typical limitations of a classroom through conversations and collaborations between students in California with those on campus. The professor will direct this collaborative effort, as they explore similar topics in different environments and learn from one another’s experiences. Embracing the innovative concept of a flexible and expansive learning environment, students will also venture beyond the classroom while working as an intern four days each week and then independently pursuing research that compliments their internship. Some of the students currently in the Bay Area are interning for renowned businesses, such as Adobe or Handshake, while others have decided to work at startups, including a mobile dentistry company and a solar energy company. Junior Tiaye Wooten is an intern at The Naked Market, which is a food startup focused on selling healthoriented food and beverages. He commented on the benefits gained from the experience so far. “The Wake West program has allowed me to get a taste of what life is like in California,” Wooten said. “It’s been amazing connecting with our West Coast alumni and getting to experience working in the Silicon Valley.”
Students can take advantage of internships available at many different companies in various areas — many involving disciplinary fields typically associated with Silicon Valley, such as computer science, communication, entrepreneurship, economics and technology. The program also provides students with the opportunity to advance their career goals through planned visits to different companies located within the area, including Airbnb, Slack, Facebook, Handshake and Plaid. While there, students will also meet with alumni as they continue to develop and strengthen their personal network of connections. In this way, the program expands upon the university’s pre-existing ties to the Bay Area, which serves as the headquarters for a continually expanding alumni network and homebase for the summer session of the Silicon Valley Practicum. Gill commented on her hopes for the program and how she wants students to benefit from this study-away opportunity. “The overarching goal of the Wake West semesterlong program is to provide students with an immersive internship experience that is supported by academic study,” Gill said. “By living, working and studying in the San Francisco Bay Area, students learn about and experience the entrepreneurial culture and workplaces that are often associated with Silicon Valley — both the good and the bad — allowing them to try on and test the kinds of work and workplaces that they want to go into after graduation.”
OUTSIDE THE BUBBLE: 2020 ELECTION BY OLIVIA FIELD Editor-in-Chief fielor17@wfu.edu The Facts Three days after the Iowa caucus was held on Feb. 3, the nation finally learned the full results of the state’s Democratic presidential primary. Here’s what you need to know: Different from a simple ballot system, caucuses are a form of voting that require citizens to dedicate multiple hours in order to publicly advocate for the candidate of their choice. Usually held at a public space like a gym or auditorium, there are multiple caucuses in each county of the state. Once the process begins, caucus participants are asked to separate into groups based on the candidate they support. After an initial count, only candidates whose group amounts to 15% of support at that specific location are considered viable. Supporters whose candidate does not reach this threshold can either realign with another candidate, or choose to leave. A final count is then taken. This process, which is unique to the Democratic party, will also take place in Nevada, North Dakota and Wyoming this year. As of 1 a.m. on Feb. 6, with 97% of precincts reporting, Pete Buttigieg, former mayor of South Bend, Ind., has a narrow lead with the most state delegate equivalents (SDE) at 26.2%. Sen. Bernie Sanders closely follows with 26.1%, while Sen. Elizabeth Warren is at 18.2%
and former Vice President Joe Biden is at 15.8%. The State of Iowa awards 41 delegates (which go towards the nomination) depending on the breakdown of SDEs. For the first time, the Iowa Democratic Party decided to release multiple sets of data from the caucusing process — the first alignment and final alignment (the SDE is based off of this number). Historically, the only data released is the SDE breakdown. Sanders leads in both of these categories, with 24.7% and 26.5%, respectively. Buttigieg has 21.3% and 25%, respectively. The delay in results has been attributed to a glitch in the new app used to report the caucus data from the local precincts to the Iowa Democratic Party. On top of this, precinct leaders ran into further problems using the app — which prompted them to call in their results. These discrepancies, and the need to further verify the results to ensure correctness, is what ultimately produced this lengthy wait time. The Breakdown Politics and international affairs professor John Dinan is teaching a course titled Political Parties, Voters and Elections this semester. In an interview with the Old Gold & Black, he analyzed the results and events of the Iowa caucus. Q: Why does the caucus system exist? What are the reasons to have caucuses, rather than a simple ballot system?
A: One advantage of holding caucuses, especially as they are run by Democrats in Iowa, is that this allows for public deliberation about the merits of the various candidates, and in a way that is not possible in primaries where voters simply make their decisions in a voting booth. As is evident from election-night coverage of Iowa caucuses, held in over 1,600 precincts around the state, there is an opportunity for a supporter of each candidate to make a brief speech on the candidate’s behalf and then caucus participants try to persuade other participants to support particular candidates in situations where some voters might be undecided or divided in their support for several candidates. None of this deliberation is possible in a primary where voters simply cast ballots in the isolation of a voting booth. Q: Do you think that the delay in hearing results from the Democratic primary in Iowa will have an effect on the way the party structures its primary race in the future? A: Now, there are various reasons why the Iowa caucuses have been criticized, long before the problems appeared that we saw this week with vote-announcing. The downside of public deliberation is that your preferences are fully on display for all of your neighbors and possibly employers and co-workers to see, and in a way that might inhibit someone from supporting a certain candidate. Also it is certainly more difficult
to secure high levels of turnout for a caucus that might require 2-3 hours of time, than in a primary, and some voters may face these challenges to a greater degree than other voters. There is a very good chance that the problems with announcing the Iowa results this week will lead to rethinking of the way that Iowa runs its caucus. Although some commentators have gone so far as to suggest that Iowa should lose its first-in-the-nation spot, that probably will not change. But there may well be a move to revise the complex and multi-stage way that the Iowa caucuses work, with participants originally aligning themselves with one candidate and then eventually having a chance to express support for a different candidate in cases where their preferred candidate had particularly low support. This turns out to be a complicated and lengthy process that could well have contributed to some of the vote-reporting and vote-announcing problems this year, and there may be a way to simplify the process in coming years. One possibility going forward may be for the Iowa Democratic Party to run their caucuses in the way that the Iowa Republican Party runs its caucuses, in that supporters of the candidates still get to make a public appeal on their candidates’ behalf but then participants simply turn in a ballot listing their preferred candidate, without all of the complications that the Democratic caucuses in Iowa entail.
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“ Legislation undermines trans medical access Public Policy
South Dakota bill precludes access to important transgender medical practices Jack Portman
Staff Columnist portjt17@wfu.edu
On Jan. 27, the Republican controlled South Dakota House of Representatives voted 46-23 to pass legislation which will effectively criminalize hormone treatment for trangender teens under the age of 16. The insincerely titled Vulnerable Child Protection Act will prevent medical practitioners from performing gender realignment surgeries or administering hormones or puberty-blockers by classifying such procedures as class-1 misdemeanors. The legislation’s passage in the House is an affront to the rich scientific literature affirming trans medical care as a necessary, even life-saving practice.
That this absurd parody of childprotection legislation has thus far succeeded does not bode well for trans people in other red states” The gender binary is a social institution which works to bifurcate gender roles, experiences and expectations on the basis of sex-at-birth. That gender is generally concieved in this cultural milieue as being both binary and inherently connected to sex-at-birth does not reflect the historical and cultural variants of this mode. Many human societies have institutionalized non-sex-detrerminant gender identities; the binary and sex-affiliated system which is presently salient cannot be considered an innate or inherently right system. Thus, in a gender-binary society, when an individual is circumstanced such that their natural gender faculties do not align with their culturally assigned gender, individuals are forced to embody and perform a gender with which they do not identify. For many, this inexorable non-compliance with a prominent social institution causes
quantifiable adversities such as poor health outcomes, employment insecurity and social detachment. Depression and suicidal behaviors are repeatedly shown to stem from this tension between social expectations of gender and individual identity. In this sense, revoking the rights of trans teens to pursue medical procedures, which could affirm their gender identity and help ease the stress and anxiety associated with non-confirmation to the gender binary, only exacerbates the preexisting adversities facing the trans community. The philosopher John Rawls’s book A Theory of Justice suggests that it is the charge of a just society to ensure that lesser-advantaged citizens lead the best lives possible. It would seem that a citizen cannot reasonably be said to lead a bestpossible-life when they are forced to adopt a gender other than that with which they identify. The tangible health outcomes facing trans teens who are prohibited from seeking out hormone therapies and gender realignment surgeries, such as depression and suicidal behavior, arguably limit their capacity to operate in professional
and academic settings, further exacerbating their circumstantial inability to lead a best-possible-life. South Dakota’s legislation, which will soon be considered by its Republican controlled Senate, will have tangibly negative health effects for the very population it claims to protect and categorically fails to recognize the tenants proffered by Rawls’ utopic just-society. That this absurd parody of child-protection legislation has thus far succeeded does not bode well for trans people in other red states; South Dakota has come to serve as a litmus test for the political viability of socially conservative legislation, owing to its peculiar policy ensuring every bill introduced to the legislature receives a public hearing. The Vulnerable Child Protection Act − a title so insultingly disingenuous that it pains me to refer to it as such − constitutes an unjust erasure of the rights of trans teens to seek critical medical treatment, undermines the tenets of justice which ostensibly permeate our democratic institutions and emboldens future legislative abuses of the rights of trans people.
are successful in their careers, and many say that the lack of interpersonal, written and verbal skills is posing a problem for all industries. No matter how good you may be at complex calculations, thorough observations and memorizing technical terminology, if you can’t communicate those ideas clearly and concisely, you’ll have a hard time attracting important associates who may not be experts in the field. Furthermore, exposure to various forms of communications, whether it pertains to rhetorical analysis, broadcasting or research, can help develop a keen attention to detail that’s pertinent to any industry. Similarly, performing arts classes can be useful in developing public speaking skills, something that many people lack. People who downplay the importance of communications are essentially downplaying a specialized type of intelligence. There are nine different types of intelligence – spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, existential, intrapersonal, logical- mathematical, linguistic, musical and naturalist. It’s important to note that the different types of intelligence don’t follow a hierarchal pattern, thus making each type of intelligence as useful and important as the other. While STEM may cater to logical- mathematical and naturalist forms of intelligence, that still leaves seven other types of intelligence that different departments
can enhance. I may struggle doing complex problem solving involving numbers, but I have interpersonal skills that enable me to read people and work with them. This is pertinent to sales, marketing, and media relations, something that STEM industry increasingly struggle with. I can’t keep up with scientific terms off of the top of my head, but if a science professional were to hire me to write articles based on the data they have (which they are now doing more and more), my linguistic skills would enable me to take that information and convert it into digestible material that non-experts could read. The types of intelligence I possess translate to skills that are as helpful to society as the types of intelligence many STEM students possess. I have to attribute most of my current skills to taking my communication degree as seriously as STEM students treat theirs. I’m not trying to attack any STEM students, but the observations that I’ve made as far as not respecting more “artsy” departments are very real and many others notice it. Every department offers some sort of skill set that we should try to work on. After all, we have to pay to take the classes anyway. I would like to close by saying this: put some respek on my major.
“ Communication classes engage valuable skills Academics
Courses in communication equip students with necessary social skills Kasy Heath
Staff Columnist heatka15@wfu.edu
One of the biggest mistakes of my college career was waiting until the second semester of my senior year to take my last required science divisional. Why? Partially because the only one that fit my schedule was BIO 113, and I haven’t looked at biology since my junior year of high school six years ago. Partially because I’m not someone who’s good at studying, as I work much better with creative assignments, and research based papers. Primarily because of the vibes. I’ve caught extra whiffs of pretentiousness while spending time in Winston Hall this semester, just like when I took chemistry three years ago in Salem Hall. An ongoing pattern that I’ve seen is that many students pursuing degrees in the STEM fields generally have a condescend-
People who downplay the importance of communications are essentially downplaying a specialized type of intelligence.” ing view of the more “artsy” degrees. I’ve heard remarks about the ease of communication and performing arts classes and have spent five years watching many of my peers who don’t major/minor in those courses blow them off. I’ve also heard on several occasions that those are supposed to be the “easy” degrees. That attitude towards those areas of study literally makes my blood boil, and not just because I’m a communication major. The problem is that the word “easy” is often equated to “unimportant.” There is apparently a belief system that degrades those departments, and thus degrades the skills that those departments hone in on. I will admit, there are some classes in the communication department that don’t require tons of working brain power and can essentially be an “easy ‘A’” if you just stay on top of the work. However, those “easy ‘A’” classes still develop or sharpen critical, transferrable skills, so you should take them all seriously. The most universal skill is communication, and I have noticed that many of the people who look down upon communication classes aren’t very good at it. I’ve spoken with many older people who
Opinion | Old Gold & Black
Thursday, February 6, 2020 | Page 9
Educational“ systems preserve inequality Education Reform
Education is systematically parsed on a social and economic basis Alexandra Karlinchak Guest Columnist karlae18@wfu.edu
The university is brimming with some of the brightest young minds in the country. Students from all over the world fly to Winston-Salem by the hundreds in search of a phenomenal educational experience and leave possessing not only a priceless degree, but a countless number of professional connections and opportunities. For an institution that prides itself so much on the love of learning that it fosters within students, one would think that this passion would bleed out into the Winston-Salem community as a whole. Sadly, this is not quite the case. Now, let it be said that the university’s Office of Civic and Community Engagement (OCCE) does a phenomenal job of propelling service-minded individuals into Winston-Salem’s school communities. The
[The U.S. Education System] funnels students into certain educational systems based on the socioeconomic status.” OCCE accomplishes the majority of their educational outreach service through their Network of Educational Resources and Development. Project Launch, a mentoring program that pairs student mentors with Paisley Middle School Seventh graders, and Girl Up, a feminist organization dedicated to providing young Winston-Salem girls with positive, educational role models, are two examples of the selfless work that students pursue to break intellectual and social barriers with the most powerful, comprehensive tool of all: education. As the daughter of a high school administrator and as a student myself, my exposure to the world of school policy has led me to believe that education is a right, not a privilege. If this is true, should it not be prioritized as such? The fact of the matter is, not all education is created equal. Inequality in the world of education is not some foreign, intangible entity. In fact, it is weighing down on the community of Winston-Salem day-in and day-out. Just look at Cook Elementary and Whitaker Elementary. These two schools, while lo-
cated a short, seven-minute drive from one another, could not be further apart. Whitaker’s student body is 77.3% white and only 17.7% of students enrolled qualify for free or reduced lunches. In addition, third to fifth grade Whitaker students’ standardized test scores rest comfortably above the 82nd percentile in reading and math, securing a spot for Whitaker within the top 25 public elementary schools in North Carolina. When we take a look just a little way down the road, it is clear that Whitaker’s academic successes are not shared among other Forsyth County schools. Cook Elementary possesses a student population in which over 90% of students define themselves as belonging to a minority and 98.6% of students qualify for free and reduced lunches. In 2019, only 14.3% of Cook Elementary fourth grade students met the North Carolina standard in the scores they received in their End of Grade standardized math test. As these stats from the National Center for Education Statistics showcase, the physical infrastructure of each school, student-to-teacher-ratio and general treatment awarded to students and their families are night and day at both of these institutions. Educational inequality is not solely an issue found in Winston-Salem. My hometown of Erie, Pa. is not exactly the poster-
child for what the public education system should look like. The same can be said about virtually any city in America. The fact of the matter is that educational inequity is tied deeply to financial inequity. Because of this added layer of complication, the only true way to ensure positive growth in the realm of education is drastic, structural reform. The way the education system currently exists in the United States funnels students into certain educational systems based on the socioeconomic status they fall into. The way the system benefits students from certain family backgrounds and punishes those from others is unfair, unethical and unjust. Major change is needed. Thankfully, there is still action that can be taken on a local level. Stay up to date on K-12 Education Policy. Write to your senator. Write to your school board. Volunteer at local elementary schools. Thank your teachers. Continue to advocate for the right to learn. Many of us are enrolled at the university because we are in love with the art of learning and believe deeply in the power of education. Therefore, I feel that it is our responsibility to foster these positive feelings toward education within the hearts and minds of other young students.
Iowa caucus“ disaster exposes systemic issues Election Season
Recent errors in reportage reflect broader issues concerning primaries Amanda Wilcox Staff Columnist wilcaf16@wfu.edu
In the wake of the utter fiasco that was this week’s Iowa caucus, the upshot, from my perspective, has absolutely nothing to do with how the candidates performed. (More than 24 hours later, as I write this column, I still don’t really know who won). Only one thing is obvious: Iowa should never go first again. Here’s why. Iowa should never go first again because its Democrats look nothing like the nation’s Democrats. As New York Times columnist David Leonhardt wrote last month, the state is horribly unrepresentative of a party that is now, according to the 2017 Pew Typology Survey, 54% white, 19% African-American, 19% Latino and 9% other. (Iowa, on the other hand, is 85% white). But simultaneously, as the country’s first nomination contest, the Iowa caucuses are seen as a significant predictor of a candidate’s viability in the race writ large. The state’s overwhelming homogeneity arguably may have distorted the nomination process this election cycle. Consider Sens. Cory Booker
Neither the current primary calendar nor the caucus system were ordained by God Himself.” and Kamala Harris, who were doing as well as Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former Mayor Pete Buttigieg in some early polls of more heterogeneous states. But both Booker and Harris suspended their campaigns, in no small part due to their struggles in Iowa. Iowa should never go first again because its caucus gives the incumbent a head start in the battleground states. Over the past year, almost two dozen Democratic campaigns collectively devoted vast sums of money and robust ground operations to two states that only have six votes and four votes, respectively, in the Electoral College. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign spent its time in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and North Carolina — all battleground states that Democrats lost by razor-thin margins in 2016. In 2020, Democrats need to reverse at least some of those results to secure an Electoral College victory, but every minute they spent in Iowa and New Hampshire while Trump campaigned full speed ahead in battleground states will put them at a disadvantage in November. Iowa should never go first again because of the confusing, complicated, byzantine rules that govern its caucus. One example: Someone’s vote — even for a leading candidate — typically does
not count unless that candidate receives 15% of support at that particular caucus location. Supporters of candidates who fail to reach the 15% viability threshold must reallocate their votes to other candidates, and those final allocations are used to decide who gets delegates and who does not. Consider this scenario: At two different caucus locations with the same total number of caucus-goers, Candidate A has 15% and 0% support, respectively, while Candidate B has 14% support at each. Even though Candidate B objectively has more support between the two locations, she would not be allocated any delegates and her supporters at both locations would be required to reallocate. Candidate A, on the other hand, would be awarded delegates simply because he had met the arbitrary viability threshold, even with less support. Moreover, if two candidates are tied for the same delegate, the outcome is usually decided with a coin toss. Just while watching caucus coverage on Monday night, I saw two instances in which Sen. Elizabeth Warren was not allotted a delegate because she lost a coin toss, even though she had as much support as her opponent. Compared to the simple secret ballot (the common-sense alternative) the caucus system has the potential to significantly distort voters’ preferences, especially if they support more minor candidates. Iowa should never go first again because its caucus excludes many of its most vulnerable citizens.
For one thing, there’s no such thing as absentee caucusing, which shuts out college students, those with disabilities, working people and parents who simply need to put their kids to bed instead of spending hours standing in a middle school gymnasium on a Monday night. Moreover, after the first allocation, caucus-goers often attempt to verbally convince supporters of nonviable candidates to join their coalitions — that’s a veritable breeding ground for voter intimidation and harassment. And there’s no such thing as a secret ballot when you need to physically stand in your candidate’s corner. But, perhaps most importantly, Iowa should never go first again because on Tuesday night it hopelessly screwed up its caucus while the entire country was watching. The Democratic party can easily fix this situation; neither the current primary calendar nor the caucus system were ordained by God Himself. Monday’s contest worked about as well as a lead balloon, but the Democratic National Committee has the power to create a more just, inclusive and small-d democratic system. (Dare I say it, but the Republicans actually have the more sane system in this case. They use a simple secret ballot for their party’s caucuses, and there’s no “viability” or “reallocation” shenanigans). If any silver lining comes of this disaster, perhaps the Democratic party will realize that the worshipped first-in-the-nation Iowa caucus has run its course.
Opinion | Old Gold & Black
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“ supersedes commercial gain Climate justice Climate Change
Climate issues are critical for Puerto Rico and other island territories Ciara Sotomayor Guest Columnist sotoci17@wfu.edu
In the same home of 50 years, my abuelos frantically gleaned last glances at aging photographs and touched the peeling salmon paint of the front gate before navigating the fragmented pavement among the congested mob of people desperate for a flight in late summer of 2017. On a tiny island in the Caribbean, over 3 million U.S. citizens continually battle the forces of nature and the carelessly calculated neglect by the federal government. Hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires are hardly surprising in 2020; yet the failure to prevent unnecessary damages and aid the victims will only compound the socio-economic effects and waves of migration caused by climate change, particularly in countries whose infrastructure and economy are less developed and resistant to disasters.
Island nations and dozens of countries’ citizens already face the consequences of climate change. Puerto Rico, once a Spanish colonial possession, now holds the ambiguous status of a commonwealth according to the 1952 declaration to the United Nations. After the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017 and the under-financed reconstruction efforts, the January 2020 earthquakes, two reaching 5.8 and 6.4 on the Richter scale within 48 hours, may signal the threat of another form of exterior interference or the newly coined term — energy colonialism, derived from the appearance of gas companies starting in southern Puerto Rico. Due to its economic decline and aging infrastructure, combined with experiencing the second-longest blackout ever recorded globally after Hurricane Maria, the local government recognizes the pressing need to transition to 100% renewable energy. Compared to the United States, electricity costs two or three times as much, while the dollar’s purchasing power is half of the mainland's — meaning the power burden on the Puerto Rican population is equivalent to four times the power burden on the U.S. population. However, govern-
ment representatives working with the realities of the Puerto Rican economy advocate for the import of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. and for the building of natural gas power plants until the total use of clean energy can be achieved. Locals remain terrified and unconvinced the hurricanes and earthquakes of the past two years should be perceived as purely ‘natural’ disasters. To the media, the Department of Energy and the U.S. Geological Service denied accusations of fracking off the coast in light of recently released images in three areas, the Guyanailla Canyon, Lajas Valley and Montalva Point — just miles from the fault lines. If the supposed exploration for natural gas or oil near fault lines continues, the results could be manifesting themselves in a terror campaign by earthquake on the island. Therefore, the aforementioned future investments into natural gas plants would manifest in further leaks of toxic substances into fragile habitats and into the air Puerto Ricans breathe. Suspicions of under-the-table deals are not unfounded, as the deputy FEMA director under the Trump administration is facing federal prosecution for channeling over $1 billion in contracts to an energy company, as well as other U.S. and local officials also arrested by the FBI for corruption. Additionally, the delays and possi-
ble withholding of federal aid for the hurricanes from the U.S. to Puerto Rico has further heightened tensions among Puerto Ricans, pressed to contemplate the meaning of citizenship and what is owed. Two decades earlier, Vieques, a small island of Puerto Rico, was carefully selected by the U.S. government to be utilized as a naval range where air crafts dropped bombs, while experimenting with Agent Orange and heavy metals such as uranium. Now, the residents face one of the highest illness rates in the Caribbean, with the highest cancer rate of all the municipalities and are much more likely to die of cardiovascular disease or diabetes than the general Puerto Rican population. Puerto Rico is not singular in its issues — other island nations and dozens of countries’ citizens already face the consequences of climate change. Rather, it represents the dangers of governmental oversight and the prioritization of economic interest over the wellbeing of citizens. In the next decade, the global negotiations centered around the constant strain between economic development and ecological sustainability will constitute a turning point in history. Note: Thanks to the Paul K. Richter and Evalyn E. Cook Richter Memorial Funds and the Wake Forest Richter Scholars Program for sponsoring my research in summer 2019.
“ informs contemporary issues Historical context Politics and History
History education elucidates underlying trends and patterns in American politics Parker Beverly
Guest Columnist bevepg19@wfu.edu I’m sure we can all recall trudging down the hallway in high school, dreading going to the inevitable history class. As students struggle to keep their eyes open, the teacher drones on and on about events that happened what feels like eons ago. The American Revolution, the Cold War, the life of Alexander the Great, the invention of the printing press all become jumbled up terms that students store in the back of their minds to supposedly never return to. In the moment, you were probably wondering why you would ever need to remember such trivial facts that happened so long ago. The truth is that history does matter. In fact, history matters more so today than ever before. The philosopher George Santayana wisely said that “those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Sure, this might sound like an exaggeration of the truth or even a bit trite. However, what you might have once considered trivial knowledge is an important part of our identities. The events of the past have shaped us into the people we are today.
So, when you think about history, I encourage you to remember that what you’re learning is valuable.” When we look at history, we examine historical documents, individuals’ actions and the outcomes of events through a modern lens, extrapolating motives, causes and effects. Take for example the 20th Century, years fraught with war, widespread panic and political changes, but also wealth, prosperity and important social change. Taking a closer look at the 20th Century you could focus on the major wars such as the First World War. Prior to the outbreak of the war, Europe was a dominating world power in every sense of the word. Military prowess, intellectual ideas and artistic endeavors were all being sent forth from the cultural powerhouse of Europe. In addition to all of these advancements, peace had long been enjoyed. Thus, when war broke out across the continent, it came as a shock to many. From this, Europeans learned firsthand that the human instinct of greed always outweighs the need or desire for peace. The whole world, which had long enjoyed peace, suddenly came to the realization that decades of amity did not constitute eternal harmony. Take another example — the Great Depression, which struck the United States beginning in October 1929. How can we learn from the hardships that Americans faced nearly 100 years ago? At the
time, the majority of Americans were rather conservative in choosing to support political candidates who promised stability rather than a progressive agenda. As the Great Depression plummeted the U.S. economy, everyday Americans were forced to adapt to a new, more frugal lifestyle. Herbert Hoover, a Republican, was president at the outset of the Depression, however, opinions soon changed when it was time for presidential elections. In 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR), a Democrat from New York, ascended to the presidency. FDR’s calming presence through fireside chats and sweeping progressive governmental reforms packaged in the New Deal were completely different from Hoover’s more conservative approach to government. As Americans were experiencing financial hardship, they tended to support policies and can-
didates who were against their previously held values and stances. Although this may seem like dismissable information, when taken into context, this historical occurrence can predict how Americans (and other people across the world) today may react to sudden hardship. So, when you think about history, I encourage you to remember that what you’re learning is valuable. We know that history is a cyclical process and what once occurred is bound to happen once again. That’s why history and historians who examine the past are so crucial to our understanding of the present. I’d like to leave you with a quote from Scottish historian Niall Ferguson: “The dead outnumber the living fourteen to one, and we ignore the accumulated experience of such a huge majority of mankind at our peril.”
Photo courtesy of Architect of the Capitol/Library of Congress/MCT
President Herbert Hoover (left) and President-elect Franklin Delano Roosevelt (right) ride to the Capitol for Roosevelt’s inaguration on March 4, 1933.
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Online at: www.wfuogb.com Editor: Amanda Wilcox, wilcaf16@wfu.edu Assistant Editors: Ben Conroy, conrbd19@wfu.edu Will Zimmerman, zimmwj19@wfu.edu
OLD GOLD & BLACK
Deacons power past Clemson Tigers Andrien White proves to be a pointscoring force; Chaundee Brown returns for the first time since Jan. 4 CHRISTIAN ODJAKJIAN Staff Writer odjact18@wfu.edu Redshirt senior guard Andrien White’s 17 second half points lifted Wake Forest (10-11, 3-8) over Clemson (11-10, 5-6) on Saturday night at the Joel, 56-44. Both teams had quite ugly starts to the game offensively — the score was 12-12 with under six minutes to go in the first half. The teams were a combined 2-20 from long range in the first half. Wake Forest was able to take a 22-19 lead into the break. Wake Forest took control of the game with a decisive 14-0 run to start the second half, which included nine points from White, two 3-pointers and one layup in transition. The excellent stretch gave the Deacs a 36-19 lead, one that Clemson wasn’t able to trim to less than eight the rest of the way. “We really struggled against the zone today,” said Clemson Head Coach Brad Brownell. “They made a couple of adjustments since the last game.” Saturday’s game was the second meeting between these squads this season. When Clemson hosted on Jan. 21, the Tigers rallied from down 10 to win 71-68. In the previous match-up, Clemson shot 50% from the field and hit eight 3-pointers. On Saturday, Wake Forest was able to limit Clemson to 31% from the field and only four makes from downtown. “We have to really work to score,” Brownwell said. “We don’t have some dynamic guy that can bail us out at the end of the clock. Our team is an execution team,and if we aren’t executing well and working together, we struggle.” Wake Forest was able to find success in the second half behind that opening run, mostly behind White’s performance. The redshirt senior guard shot 0-5 from the field in the first half, but completely flipped a switch after the break, shooting 5-10 from the field, including 4-8 from distance.
“During halftime, I was a little down on myself,” said White. “But my teammates got on me, my coaches got on me, and they said to keep shooting the basketball, ‘cause that's what I do.” “He was gonna get cussed out if he didn’t shoot open shots,” said Wake Head Coach Danny Manning. “That’s what he's out there to do … A couple times we were yelling at him in front of the bench in the second half ‘shoot it!’” The redshirt senior guard has averaged 17.3 points over his last four games, compared to his season total average of 9.8. He also has hit three or more 3-pointers in five of his last six outings. Junior guard Chaundee Brown returned for the Deacs after a seven-game absence, in which he was surely missed, as Wake Forest stumbled to a 1-6 record in those games. He was subbed into the contest at around the eight-minute mark to a loud ovation from the Demon Deacon fans. Brown is easing back into action, as he only played 12 minutes in his first game back. Even though he only scored six points, his impact was still felt, as he notched a +/- of 12. “I’m just happy to be back out there with my brothers again,” Brown said. Senior guard Brandon Childress scored 10 points to go along with five rebounds and five assists. Junior center Olivier Sarr only scored seven but was able to grab 13 rebounds and block two shots. Saturday was just the second time in his last 16 games that Sarr wasn’t able to score in double figures. Also, while attendance for the game was only 49% full, the 7,113-person turnout was the second highest of the season, and the crowd was as enthusiastic as its been all season. “I thought our student section was outstanding,” Manning said. “Their energy level was really special, and we thank them for that.” After facing off against #5 Louisville, Wake Forest will travel to play Syracuse on Saturday night and return home to face North Carolina on Tuesday.
Photo courtesy of Winston-Salem Journal
Wake Forest's Brandon Childress dribbles into defense from Clemson's Clyde Trapp.
Women's tennis starts season strong No. 24 Demon Deacons poised for another great year; team aims to return to the NCAA tournament BY SAMANTHA WEXLER Staff Writer wexlsn17@wfu.edu The Wake Forest Women’s Tennis team has joined the ranks of the national championship-winning men’s team with their spot in the top 25 nationally to start the season. The team is coming off of four straight seasons with appearances at the NCAA tournament are looking to continue that dominance on the court this season. The Demon Deacons are red-hot to start the year, currently sitting at 5-1 with momentum on their side after winning three straight matches. The sole loss for the team came in their first match of the ITA Opening Kickoff Weekend against No. 25 Ohio State. On Friday, they gained a huge non-conference victory over the reigning Big 12 Champion Kansas. In Williamsburg, Va. on Sunday, the Deacons
grabbed a decisive victory against William & Mary. The team has only dropped one match in the last three dual matches and have won all three after just the third singles match. “It was a good performance from us today,” said Head Coach Jeff Wyshner after the win against William & Mary on Sunday. “Doubles got us going well. I always worry a little after a big win like we had on Friday. The team did a great job of showing up ready to go. We get to catch our breath for a week and then have a big ACC opener on the road at Clemson." Wyshner enters his ninth season at the helm of the team this year. The Deacs' stellar 2015-16 campaign earned Wyshner ITA Carolina Region Coach of the Year honors. The 2016 campaign was a turning point for Wyshner and the Deacons, establishing their dominance for years to come. The Deacs' first-ever 9-0 start propelled the team to a 19-10 overall record and a 7-7 mark in the ACC. It was the most wins since 2002, a seventh-place ACC finish and a No. 29 final national ranking — their best since 2007. The team made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009, after getting up to No. 14 in the national rankings during the regular season. Since that season, the Dea-
cons have made the tournament every year and look to continue that this season. Wake Forest is led by senior Lexi Franco, who came to Winston-Salem as a five-star recruit from Florida. Last season, she finished 12-8 while going 4-1 in matches. She has grown and improved each season with the Deacons and looks to make her last season the best one yet. The roster of this year’s team looks very different than the squad a year ago. Emma Davis and Anna Ulyashchenko have both graduated. However, the sister duo of sophomore transfer Carolyn Campana and true freshman Anna Campana have made an instant impact on the squad thus far. In their ITA Tournament match against San Diego, the sisters competed at No. 1 and No. 3 singles spots. The squad has a break from competition for two weeks before opening up ACC play with a trip to Clemson on Feb. 16. Last season, the Deacons swept Clemson 7-0 in Winston-Salem and look to repeat that feat. It looks to be another great season on the court for the Deacons over at the Wake Forest tennis complex. The team can definitely use the support of the Demon Deacon faithful at matches throughout this spring.
Page 12 | Thursday, February 6, 2020
Old Gold & Black | Sports
Chiefs defeat 49ers in Super Bowl redemption Following a 10-10 tie going into halftime, Kansas City finally brings it home BY RAFAEL LIMA Staff Writer limara17@wfu.edu
After knocking on the door for the past 50 years, the Kansas City Chiefs finally made it to the big game and conquered the elusive title in a 31-20 win against the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV on Sunday night. In a game that featured one of the most star-studded matchups in recent memory, the single most important one shaped up to be between the two offensive signal-callers (sorry, Shakira and J-Lo). The game pitched two of the greatest offensive masterminds football has to offer in Head Coaches Andy Reid (Chiefs) and Kyle Shanahan (49ers), albeit in extremely different styles. Reid built the Chiefs' offense around stellar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his ability to stretch defenses vertically with the likes of receivers Mecole Harman, Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins to go along with short-to-intermediate targets such as tight end Travis Kelce and running back Damien Williams. At the same time, the 49ers presented a
well-oiled offensive machine predicated on the efficiency of its running game to open up play-action opportunities and quick reads for QB Jimmy Garoppolo. Both teams traded punches in the first half, with the 49ers looking like the better overall team, but with the Chiefs doing just enough to take a 10-10 tie into halftime. The 49ers seemed to be clicking on all cylinders to start the second half, scoring 10 straight points and intercepting Mahomes in back-to-back drives. The 49ers' pass rush was doing the unthinkable in stopping the high-octane Chiefs offense and keeping Mahomes uncomfortable in the pocket. Their four sacks marked the most allowed by the Chiefs in the 2019 playoffs. This was a mark even more impressive considering that in the 2019 season Mahomes was sacked only in 3.4% of his pass attempts, according to Pro Football Reference. The game seemed to follow its natural course, as the 49ers had the most talented roster across the board. Yet, the only position where the Chiefs had the clear advantage, proved to be the crucial one at the end. Facing a 3rd and 15 down by 10 points with 7:13 left on the clock, the Chiefs needed a momentum-shifting play from Mahomes against a 49ers defense that
held them in check for most of the game. Mahomes dropped back deep and, using purely his upper body torque, launched 44-yard-bomb downfield to Hill. Just like that, the Chiefs were back in the game and went on to score three straight touchdowns to seal the second Lombardi trophy in franchise history. The 49ers’ collective running game, which seemed to be working well up to that point, failed against a suddenly renewed Chiefs defense. It came down to Garoppolo to make plays in the passing game to turn the tide back in the 49ers’ favor. He ultimately proved incapable of gaining back any offensive momentum. He threw a touchdown and two inter-
ceptions for 219 yards while completing 64.5% of his passes. Far from a bad outing. Far from an inspired one, too. In a game where the 49ers seemed to have the better roster, having the best player on the field proved to be enough for the Chiefs to clinch the victory. Reid conquered his first Super Bowl ring after 21 years of coaching in the NFL. A long-overdue reward to one of the better offensive geniuses of the game. As for the 49ers, their team has a tremendous upside to be in the mix for multiple Super Bowl trips over the next few seasons. Reid finally got the reward that his offensive acumens deserved. The clock is now ticking for Shanahan.
John McCall /South Florida Sun Sentinel/TNS
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk of the 49ers dives into the end zone for a touchdown against the Chiefs during the Super Bowl on Feb. 2.
NBA Spotlight: Antetokounmpo and Lillard shine The point guard and forward have been instrumental in their teams' success BY BEN CONROY Asst. Sports Editor conrbd19@wfu.edu
The past weeks in the NBA have been filled to the brim with impressive individual performances. Players have dazzled night in and night out, stuffing the stat sheet and leaving crowds in awe in the process. While many players have contributed to the barrage of toptier outings, Portland Trailblazers point guard Damian Lillard and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo have been among the league’s finest, excelling in most measurable statistical categories. In his past 10 games, Lillard has dismantled nearly every defense’s come across, scoring 30 or more points on eight occasions, including a 50-point outing against the Indiana Pacers and an historic 61-point performance against the Golden State Warriors. Over that 10 game span, Lillard averaged nearly 41 points per game, leading the Trailblazers to six victories in the process. This recent flurry of high-octane offensive performances has elevated Lillard’s season scoring average to 29.7 points per game, good enough for third in the entire NBA. Lillard’s game, however, remained multi-faceted, as he recorded eight or more assists in five contests,
along with over six rebound performances. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this incredible stretch, however, was Lillard’s efficiency; his field goal percentage only once dipped below 40, including seven games in which he shot 50% or above. It’s also worth noting that Lillard’s free throw percentage has been off the charts in the past 10 contests, as he found the bottom of the net on nearly 90% of his attempts. His numbers are just as impressive from three-point range, connecting on over 40% of his attempts seven times during this most recent 10 game stretch. His dominance of late has turned heads across the NBA, and many are left wondering why Lillard was refused a spot among this year’s All-Star squad. Lillard and the Blazers currently sit at 23-28, aiming to pick up an important victory against the Spurs on Thursday night at home. Similarly, Antetokounmpo’s recent numbers have been a statistician’s fanDaniel A. Varela/Miami Herald/TNS tasy, as the reigning MVP has demonstrated why many consider him the Miami Heat guard Kendrick Nunn drives to the basket past most dominant player in the league. In Portland Trailblazers point guard Damian Lillard on Jan. 5. his past ten games, Antetokounmpo has on all occasions but one finished with a game, however, is his passing; the for- and the Phoenix Suns. The Bucks sit double-double, portraying his efficiency ward averaged nearly seven assists comfortably atop the Eastern conas both a rebounder and a scorer. In a over the past 10 games (5.9 APG for ference, boasting a league-best 43-7 particularly remarkable feat, Antetok- the season). The effects of Antetok- record and enjoying a seven-game ounmpo recorded 14 or more rebounds ounmpo’s recent outstanding play can cushion over the Toronto Raptors. in seven out of the last ten contests, be seen in the team’s record; the team Antetokounmpo looks to continue helping boost his season average to 13.2 suffered only two defeats in the entire his dominant campaign Thursday rebounds per game, placing him among month of January and have begun this night at home against the Philadelthe league’s best in that category. An month with a pair of resounding vic- phia 76ers in a crucial in-conference overlooked aspect of Antetokounmpo’s tories over the New Orleans Pelicans matchup.
Sports | Old Gold & Black
Thursday, February 6, 2020 | Page 13
Deacon Spotlight: Ody Oguama BY JAKE SINGER Staff Writer singjr19@wfu.edu
After coming off the bench for the first two games of the year, freshman Ody Oguama now starts most games for the Demon Deacons. The 6’9” power forward from Raleigh played his senior season at Woodstock Academy under Coach Tony Bergeron in Woodstock, Conn. While he is not one of the most prolific scorers, Oguama does all the little things that make him a fan favorite. Whether it’s an emphatic block to pump up the crowd or a thunderous dunk down the stretch, Oguama is the man for the job and always does what he’s asked to do on the court. This is certainly a promising start for what looks to be an illustrious career at Wake Forest for Oguama.
JS: Out of all the in-conference road trips this year, which ACC venue stood out the most to you? OO: Cameron [Indoor Stadium at Duke] was crazy. The history behind it and the experience of just going there and hearing the crowd ... was pretty awesome.
JS: Do you have a message for all the fans? OO: Thank you for taking the time out of your day to come and watch us play basketball. Thank you for showing the team all your love. The whole team, players and staff included, are grateful. Go Deacs!
Jake Singer: When did you first realize you had what it takes to become a Division I basketball player? Ody Oguama: I didn’t realize it until I was coming into my junior year of high school and playing AAU ball in the summer, which was where I picked up my first Division One offer. JS: Who is your biggest inspiration/role model? OO: I strive to be like my dad just because he’s such a hardworking individual. He’s taken care of me and my family for just as long as I know. Whatever we need, he always finds a way to provide it. JS: Why did you choose Wake Forest? OO: Apart from having such great athletics, Wake Forest is a great academic school. So it’s like the pinnacle of both athletics and academics. I figured that would be a great situation for me. JS: What are your expectations for the team for the end of this season and heading into next season? OO: I hope we just work hard over the course of the summer and into the pre-season. Each individual needs to learn more about the game and step it up, because we are losing a couple of guys. We need to work defensively to fill some roles we are going to be missing next year. JS: What do you like to do in your free time? OO: I typically like to sleep or work out. JS: What was your favorite game this year? OO: My favorite game this year, [jokingly] it sounds sort of selfish, is the Boston College game at home because that’s where I had my first career double-double. I really felt good that game and thought that there was a matchup that our bigs could exploit.
Photo courtesy of Winston-Salem Journal
DEAC NOTES 2020 Spring Game set for April 4; fans will get first look at next season’s team
Demon Deacons fall to Boston College; Sharp records 19th career double-double
The 2020 Spring Game will officially be played on April 4 at BB&T Field. Admission is free and the kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. The annual game will offer Demon Deacon fans their first look at next season’s football team, which looks to make its fifth straight bowl appearance. Key returning players that will be showcased at the Spring Game will include redshirt junior Sage Surratt (right) and junior Nick Sciba.
The Wake Forest women’s basketball team suffered a 67-54 road defeat against Boston College on Sunday afternoon. However, senior Alex Sharp (right) continued to add to her career totals as she registered her second double-double of the weekend. It marks the 19th time in her career she has recorded a double-double. Junior Ivana Raca also posted double-figure points, finishing with 10 for the Demon Deacons.
Photo courtesy of Wake Forest Athletic Communications
Photo courtesy of Wake Forest Athletic Communications
Page 14 | Thursday, February 6, 2020
Old Gold & Black | Sports
American tennis star wins Australian Open Sofia Kenin unseats former No.1-ranked singles player; Garbine Muguruza defeated after shaky road to finals BY NIKO KOLEV Staff Writer kolens18@wfu.edu On Feb. 1, the winner of the Female Singles’ Australian Open Tournament was crowned. American rising star, Sofia Kenin, beat former No. 1-ranked singles player and Spaniard, Garbine Muguruza, winning her first major title and cementing herself as a top 10 female singles player in the world. For Kenin, the road to the championship was long and hard-fought. Some notable wins leading up to the finals, included beating the 15-year-old American sensation Coco Gauff, who has stolen the hearts of the tennis world. She also defeated the current No.1-ranked singles player Ashleigh Barty, quite a feat. Muguruza’s path to the finals on Saturday was certainly a bit shaky. She only played eight matches in all of 2019, ending with a record of 1-7. Injuries prohibited her from playing for much of the year. Ironically, it was the Australian Open championship that would be her eighth match of 2020. Kenin had significantly more official playing time than Muguruza in the last two years, but she didn’t and still doesn’t have the same accolades that Muguruza does. Muguruza has two major tournament titles and has spent considerable time as the No. 1-ranked singles player in the past. The match itself was very tense early on. Muguruza’s experience gave her the upper hand and forced Kenin
Mike Stocker/ Sun Sentinel/TNS
Tennis champion Sofia Kenin is pictured during her days a top-ranked Florida junior. to play very defensively. The Spaniard’s major advantage was her statline of winning 92% of first serve points; she completely controlled the tone of the first set and had a much stronger serve than Kenin. Despite the experiential and serving advantage, the Spanish superstar was unable to put much distance in the score between herself and Kenin. This issue came from many errors. These errors continually kept Kenin in very close hitting range, a pattern that would eventually be her downfall. Despite the issues, Muguruza was confident and won the first set 6-4. Kenin won the second set leaving her confident and in control, as she was able to reset her mind and treat
the set like it was the beginning of the match. Muguruza’s errors continued to plague her and there was some speculation that her injury or fitness was affecting her game. At one point, a trainer looked at Muguruza’s back. Both players were streaky and Kenin was hot-headed. However, this became her advantage as she was able to completely neutralize Muguruza by playing at a very fast offensive pace. Serving very quickly and getting points swiftly, Kenin won the second set 6-2. The third set is where Muguruza’s streakiness was truly exposed and exploited. Time after time she hit the ball out and seemed to lose all confidence in herself. She had nine aces during the whole match and even that couldn’t balance out all of the errors. There were glimpses of confidence and experience from Muguruza, but Kenin’s tenacity and burning passion to win managed to carry her forward. Muguruza had seven double faults in the match and had three double faults in a row that ended up giving up the points that cost her the match. Kenin won the third set. The last two and a half years have been very impactful in the world of women’s tennis. New stars are rising, and it seems like just yesterday superstars like Barty and Naomi Osaka were coming up. Now, they are the ones mentoring and challenging the younger players, such as Gauff and Kenin. It seems that there are more and more talented players emerging. As a result there will be no worry about entertainment or talent once the greats like Venus Williams and Serena Williams retire. This is a very optimistic future for women’s tennis — a future that will hopefully garner more respect and attention from general audiences.
European soccer’s transfer window closes Clubs spend hundreds of millions to bolster ranks; fans worldwide scrutinize movements of key players across clubs BY CHARLES HORN Staff Writer horncs18@wfu.edu
Deadline day, Jan. 31, was not only the United Kingdom’s last day in the European Union, but it also marked the end of the January transfer window. The window refers to the period in which clubs can transfer, sign or loan players between clubs, a period of tremendous excitement for soccer fans globally. Unlike the summer transfer window, January is often meant for shoring up weaknesses rather than superstar signings, although each window usually has one or two major players switching clubs. This year proved no exception, as clubs sought to strengthen sides rather than reorient the club around a single star. Inter Milan proved exceedingly busy, as the Antonio Conte-managed side sought to strengthen its depth while also providing the players necessary for Conte’s exacting system. Conte turned to a familiar face, Nigerian international Victor Moses, who played rightwing back in Conte’s famed three-center back system for Chelsea. Conte had revitalized the former Wigan star’s career through deploying him on the right in Chelsea’s triumphant 2016-17 campaign, and evidently feels Moses fits his current third place side. On the left side of defense, Inter secured the services of another former attacker-turned-defender, Ashley Young, who arrived at Inter after nine years at Manchester United. Young had emerged as a dynamic winger at Aston Villa, yet was moved to defense by Louis Van Gaal in 2014 and has been utilized there since.
However, Inter’s biggest move was for the 27-year-old Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen, who moved from Tottenham Hotspur for upwards of $22 million. Eriksen possesses the talent to be among the world’s best midfielders. His peaks at Tottenham certainly put him in the conversation, yet his form dipped as he seemed determined to exit the North London club. Motivated both by Jose Mourinho’s lofty expectations and the influx of cash as a result of Eriksen’s exit, Tottenham Hotspur were big players in the January market, strengthening their offensive options as Harry Kane remains injured. The usually miserly side made permanent Argentinian midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso’s move from Real Betis. He had been on loan at Tottenham the first half of the season, and signed Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn for a combined fee of more than $68 million. Bergwijn has made an immediate impact, scoring the winning goal in his debut against Manchester City, and provides needed speed and chance creation for Tottenham. Elsewhere in England, clubs were characteristically wary to spend large sums of money in January, yet the biggest transfer was secured by typical large spenders Manchester United. The Red Devils shelled out a base fee of around $61 million with an additional $27.8 million available in bonuses of varying difficulty to Portugese club Sporting Lisbon for Portugese star Bruno Fernandes. The 25-year-old midfielder has long been linked with a move to Manchester, as his goal and assist production have firmly placed him among Europe’s brightest prospects. Manchester United were also heavily linked with perhaps the brightest prospect in European soccer, yet it was German club Borussia Dortmund who pulled the coup of the window by signing 19-year-old Norwegian phenom Erling Haaland. Signed from Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg, owned and operated by the energy-
drink conglomerate, Haaland has made an immediate impact, scoring a whopping seven goals in his first 136 minutes of play. Haaland’s debut substitute hat trick demonstrated the teenager’s goal-scoring ability that took the Champions League and Austrian Bundesliga by storm, a pattern Dortmund hopes continues in the German Bundesliga. Red Bull Salzburg also lost Japanese attacker Takumi Minamino to Premier League leaders Liverpool for around $10 million. Minamino impressed against Jurgen Kloop’s in Salzburg’s Champions League matches against Liverpool, and provides needed rotational support for Liverpool’s attacking trio. A surprising player in the window was newly-promoted Premier League club Sheffield United. The club broke their record fee, set in just August of 2019, to sign 21-year-old Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge for nearly $24 million. The move signifies how Chris Wilder’s side sees themselves in firm contention for a European qualifying spot. The top-four in the Premier league qualify for the Champions league and fifth and sixth gain entrance into the Europa league or Europa league qualifiers respectively, a shocking result for a team many predicted would be relegated. Sheffield United’s tactics have gained notoriety for the presence of overlapping attacking center-backs, yet much of their strength lies in controlling the center of the pitch, an area Berge is sure to improve. With the window closed, clubs must now wait till after the season to bolster their ranks. The Premier League alone spent nearly $300 million in January alone, with that number sure to be dwarfed come summer. Given the enormous financial commitment, the performance of new signings is immediately scrutinized, as fans worldwide look on with lofty expectations.
Thursday, February 6, 2020 | Page 15
Old Gold & Black | Sports
XFL to reboot kickoff Saturday — will it work? After failing catastrophically almost two decades ago, McMahon’s XFL looks to exceed expectations in 2020 BY WILL ZIMMERMAN Asst. Sports Editor zimmwj19@wfu.edu
While watching this year’s Super Bowl, between ads featuring Ellen DeGeneres for Amazon, Post Malone for Bud Light and Lil Nas X for Doritos, you might’ve missed the one for football. This commercial didn’t feature Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson or any other NFL player. In fact, it wasn’t even promoting the National Football League, this commercial was for the XFL. The commercial featured a “doctor” discussing the all-too-well-known state of depression football fans across America fall into post-Super Bowl, as devotees realize that they just watched the last game for the next six months. When asked what the cure might be for what the doctor called ‘football-withdrawal-syndrome’ he responded, “watching football wouldn’t hurt.” Watching football wouldn’t hurt, and if you don’t want to hurt, you’re in luck: the XFL kicks off this Saturday. The second iteration of the league will begin its 10-week schedule at 5 p.m. on Saturday, meaning there won’t be another weekend without football until May. Back in 2001, the XFL premiered (for the first time) the weekend after the Super Bowl under the helm of Vince McMahon, but for a whole host of reasons the league only lasted for a single season. McMahon, who was (and still is) the owner of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) designed his football league to look like a tougher, sexier version of the NFL, and it didn’t work. At first, the league fared well, drawing an impressive viewing of more than 50 million viewers during the first weekend. However, the XFL saw its viewership decline steadily over the course of the season as fans came to view the league as tacky and the players as disappointingly terrible. Fans’ disinterest in the league was reflected in the attendance at the games. Of the 10 teams, only half
were able to fill up more than 35% of their venue, on average. Bob Costas summed it up well, describing the league as “Mediocre high school football combined with a tawdry strip club.” The XFL is not the first league attempting to appeal to America’s love for football during the NFL’s offseason. Since the 1970’s, 18 different leagues have tried and failed at cementing themselves as competitors, let alone compliments, to the NFL. Most recently, the Alliance of American Football was added to the list of defunct leagues in 2019. It is not surprising that so many leagues have attempted to find a foothold among football fans. If a league was able to maintain their position for several seasons without going bankrupt, the operation could turn tremendously lucrative as there are billions of potential dollars in marketing and advertising. Unlike its predecessors, McMahon hopes that his second go at the XFL will make it to a fourth season, when the league would begin to make a profit. The track record of startup football leagues, though, is less than hopeful. Of the 18 defunct leagues, only three ever made it to a fourth season. But this league is going to be different, or so McMahon has promised. In this spirit, the businessman placed Oliver Luck as commissioner of the league. Luck, an ex-NFL quarterback himself and the father of the first overall pick back in 2012 (ex-Colts quarterback Andrew Luck) has stressed multiple times that the number one priority of the XFL is the quality of the product on the field. In an attempt to distance this league with the first iteration, this league will focus on promoting a family-friendly game that emphasizes player safety. But Luck also understands that the XFL has to be notably different from the NFL if it hopes to gain the attention of the American public and any sustained traction. To this end, the XFL has created a notably different rule book than any other startup league has put forth. Unlike the rules that often seemed gimmicky featured in the 2001 version of the league, Luck said new rules are designed to create “a game that’s fast-paced, highoctane, up-tempo, with a great rhythm, a great flow, [and] fewer stoppages in play.” per Forbes. com’s J.P. Pelzman.
Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Vipers/TNS
Former Florida Gator Antonio Callaway is starting fresh in the XFL with the Tampa Bay Vipers.
To this end, there will be no coin toss; two timeouts per team, per half; a shorter halftime period; and a running play clock for the entirety of the game, outside the last two minutes of each half. To make the game more exciting, rules have been created to make for a shootout style overtime, with each team rotating single-play possessions from the five-yard line; a one, two or three point option for the play immediately following a touchdown (rather than an extra point); and a rule that allows for multiple forward passes on each play, among others. Additionally, punts and kickoffs have been reimagined to promote excitement as well as player safety. Luck has reiterated that he is not trying to reinvent the wheel but rather “take a great game and make it a little bit better.” per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. At the end of the day, whether or not the XFL succeeds or fails comes down to whether or not the league can garner attention that translates into viewership and attendance. The games will be broadcasted on FOX, ESPN and ABC; whether anyone will tune in to watch them, we’ll just have to wait and see.
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LIFE
T H U R S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 6 , 2 0 2 0
PAG E 16
O n l i n e at : w w w. w f u o g b. co m e d i t o r : Catherine Regen, regecl17@wfu.edu A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R : A n d y K i l l e b r e w , k i l l a e 1 7 @ w f u . e d u OLD GOLD & BLACK
Sundance premieres thriller spy series Florence Pugh and Alexander Skarsgård star opposite one another in a new limited series based on a novel by John le Carré BY KYLE FERRER Senior Writer ferrka16@wfu.edu
The only words to describe The Little Drummer Girl in terms of public visibility would be criminally underseen. Its precious existence shimmers in the streaming sewage like hidden treasure, an invaluable antithesis to all pseudo-cinematic T.V. that cannot be overstated. Based on a John Le Carré novel, The Little Drummer Girl, a limited series streaming on Sundance Now (available through Amazon Prime) stars Florence Pugh, casting blinding starlight, Michael Shannon, lumbering with gravity, and Alexander Skarsgård, who not only inherited his old man’s cadence, but his subcutaneous emotional stoicism, too. Directed with an immersive style by acclaimed Korean director Chan-Wook Park (Oldboy, Thirst), The Little Drummer Girl succeeds in creative match-making, Photo courtesy of imdb.com pairing director and material in a love affair of detail, distraction and distortion. Convolution is germane to Pugh is the darling of this year's award season with leading roles in both anything Le Carré, a dim, often kind confusion that Little Women and Midsommar. This is her first leading role in a limited series. The Little Drummer Girl uses to gently evade clarity, calling on all its intoxicating visuals and sustained re- non is more than a little reminiscent of Dustin HoffPugh, the shape-shifting emotional fulcrum on straint. The first episode alone envelops one in such man in Wag The Dog, romanticizing an insidious op- which the entire series turns, gifts us with potentially abundant poetics that its coup, a scene on the Acrop- eration through bombastic insistence. The mission has her most complex performance (The show comes beolis, seems as much a visual truffle as a pedagogical a perilous edge mostly hidden from Charlie, and its fore Midsommar, Fighting With My Family, and Little reminder: this medium can leave you breathless. Park goal posts mutate based on Martin’s deliberate, mas- Women,). She’s as turned-around and frustrated as we really does make the entire limited series as smoky and terminded chaos. It’s all laissez-faire and ad hoc, yet are, at times, but never empties herself into a passive smart visually as Le Carré does verbally, imbuing every not, as it clings to the universe of controlled ambiguity puppet (for the characters to flick about or for the role shot with a creative fascination and layer-cake weight Le Carré is known for, and that Park carefully works itself to become disembodied dialogue); instead, she that augments our sense of investment, immersion and to steep us in. The agent closest to Charlie, Gadi Beck- organizes a grab-bag of mixed emotions in a fierce and thickness. er (Skarsgård), a gigantic, alluring enigma, helps her imaginative presence. Pugh slides along her character’s The plot centers around Charlie (Florence Pugh), weave an elaborate love-affair with a captured Pales- emotional spine, yet she drills every second with bare who is recruited by the Mossad for her radical poli- tinian (and, surprise, maybe himself ) so Charlie can and urgent energy. Even if she doesn’t always undertics and combative instincts to help defuse and deter convincingly emulate radical devotion. The plot, need- stand the machinations herself, Pugh’s Charlie is a hidPalestinian terrorism across Europe. Charlie is a stage less to say, tangles and thickens, yet remains as fasci- den symphony, pairing calculating confusion with an actor, and to infiltrate the terrorist cell she must act nating as a faint and distant opera, inciting half-guilty intrinsic, emotional momentum that weaves vivid reala fiction of devotion to the anti-Zionist cause. Her exhilaration. Why half-guilty? Because one always feels ism in a room of smoke. The best the rest of the cast can recruiter, Martin Kurtz (Michael Shannon) is a self- vaguely ashamed by compelling confusion, something hope to do is parry Pugh’s own force with a distinctive proclaimed producer/director who puts all the pieces we see dancing delicately around us, yet still keeping stroke. Luckily, Shannon’s in The Little Drummer Girl, and can do so with his character’s trenchant style and in play, always seeing a bigger picture up ahead. Shan- us in thrall. undignified resolve. In a performance heightened by Shannon’s physical talent (his lean frame and amused growl add notable dimension), the actor mainly draws blood through Marty’s rakish intelligence. Though the pace is set by Pugh, Shannon constantly probes her endurance with a wild focus, and the two make wonderful sparring partners. “A night without sleep is a day without perception,” Marty says to Gadi. One needs to be well-rested to keep up with The Little Drummer Girl, if only to snatch at the visual riches and performative nuance living in it. With much love, the show confounds us, as Le Carré has always done, and slinks along as a moody, diligent piece of art. I wrote a few weeks ago about Chinatown’s pre-eminent place in the canon, even though the film remains opaque for most of its run time. The Little Drummer Girl isn’t quite that evasive, but the lesson still proves true. Some of the most impactful art reorganizes the category. An aesthetic, provocative achievement trumps linearity most days, and with Chan-Wook Park helming John Le Carré, together with a troupe of Photo courtesy of imdb.com great actors, the achievement is as indelible as a kiss let Pugh plays Charmain Ross, an English actress recruited by an Israeli intelligence offi- tingle on the lips, a lover’s sweet universe trailing away cer to inflitrate a Palestinian terrorst cell that has been targeting prominent Israelis. into memory, forever.
Thursday, February 6, 2020 | Page 17
Life | Old Gold & Black
T.V. Review | CHEER
THE HOT Cheerleaders are the center of new series In CHEER, college students LIST work to keep their national title at Daytona Beach BY CATHERINE REGEN Life Editor regecl17@wfu.edu
In early January 2020, Netflix gifted its subscribers with a new docuseries chronicling the journey of a collegiate cheerleading team. Unlike its predecessors, such as any movie with “Bring It On” in the title, CHEER gives a bold uncensored look at the high stakes of college cheer. The camera doesn’t shy away from, or cut away from, the brutal realities of the sport. This is your trigger warning: you will see broken bones, a dislocated elbow, people being dropped on their heads, or from the top of a pyramid. But if you can stomach the physical pain depicted, the strength shown is an incredible feat of athleticism. The series follows the Navarro cheer team, who attend the Navarro Junior College in Corsicana, Texas. The team is coached by Monica Aldama, the woman who is credited with leading her team into being 17-time national champions. The series follows the team through their training for the 2019 championship in Daytona, Fla. The team faces a ridiculous amount of obstacles including a string of seem-
ingly unprecedented injuries, but also members garnering millions of folthe outside pressure of meeting the lowers across social media platforms. expectations of the cheer community Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and and defending their titles. The chal- Kendall Jenner have met the members lenge is clear, the fear of failure is pal- or parodied them in videos on Instapable, the blood, sweat and tears glis- gram and YouTube. With all the atten on the screen. tention being paid to the show and its While the show follows the team as a cast, it’s no surprise that Netflix has whole, it singles out a few of the mem- greenlighted a second season. Howbers in, what seems to be, an attempt ever, some new regulations have been to highlight the individual pressures passed by the conglomerate that conon some of the cheerleaders. Gabi trols the Daytona competition, so the Butler is a rising cheer star with brand next question is if the reigning nationdeals and constant media coverage, al champions can even compete again, but her life is managed by her parents let alone win. and the need she feels to always be the best is taking a toll. Jerry Harris loved cheer from a young age, and his mother sacrificed everything so he could succeed. When she died, he was taken in by the cheer community, and taking inspiration from that loss is why he is known for his optimism. Morgan Simianer has spent most of her life alone, abandoned by her brother and father, so she has an undying loyalty to Aldama for taking a chance on her and giving her a family. She has a yearning to prove herself and it’s her willingness to show up, no matter the cost, that helps her make mat. Let’s talk about “making mat,” and the other cheerleading colloquialisms that have pervaded the social psyche since the release of this show. The rePhoto courtesy of imdb.com sponse to this show has far exceeded what the cast and crew initially ex- The Navarro Cheer team overcomes pected, with the individual team severe injuries and dangerous stunts.
Fashion Column | New York Fashion Week
A new era for New York Fashion Week Sustainability becomes a trend in designer shows across the globe BY SOPHIA MARCHELI Contributing Writer marcsl19@wfu.edu
It’s finally February and every lover of fashion knows that the only real holiday of February isn’t about candy hearts and love; fashion week is what really counts. It is finally upon us, and so the month long fashion marathon begins. Haute couture opened up the year in Paris during January and set the fashion world up for another exciting round of new styles and ideas. Valentino’s pieces were distinguished by their bright colors and stark contrasts, while Elie Saab brought together influences from Europe and Mexico. Vaulthier’s show saw the return of dramatic 80s styles. In the wake of the loss of Karl Lagerfeld last year, the Chanel show revealed elegant black and white pieces reflecting on founder Gabrielle Chanel’s childhood. Now with New York Fashion Week (NYFW) beginning Feb. 6, most are wondering what to expect. Last year’s
NYFW strayed from the usual attack on world issues, focusing instead on more self identity issues and dialing back on aggression. Designers broadened the distinction between femininity and masculinity by employing more androgynous models. They also brought climate change to the forefront of the conversation by taking responsibility as some of the biggest contributors to the crisis, and highlighting the steps they’re taking to become more environmentally-sound. So what is in store for this coming week? This NYFW is already proving to be unconventional, beginning with the loss of several classic designers from the lineup (including Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford). Despite these absences, there should still be many exciting upcoming collections from designers like Longchamp, Jason Wu, Anna Sui and Carolina Herrera. Last year’s NYFW showed that change was in the air, and I can only hope that this week will bring out even more diversity overall. Hopefully designers will take this week to introduce new faces of all races, bodytypes and gender identities. After all, it is 2020 and fashion is all-inclusive. Not only should diversity be one of the main focuses, but seeing as it’s
New York, expectations are high for shows to make political statements — whether bold or subtle. With the election coming up and the looming results of the impeachment vote, there are bound to be a few candid or surprise statements made on the runway. While 2019 NYFW showcased many designers starting to make a conscious effort to become more environmentally aware, I can imagine this year, with influencers like Greta Thunberg hanging over their heads, collections will become much more sustainable overall. One can hope that this sustainability will not only be reflected in the designs, but in the actual production of the shows as well. With so many issues and conflicts arising right now, it is only natural for the artists of the world to make their own statements and reflect on what is happening. Designers in the world of fashion are no exception. The fashion community, and the world beyond, is eagerly awaiting to hear, or more accurately, see, what emotional issues the designers will weave into the fabric of their shows. I, for one, am among the many who are excited to see where this season of fashion will go.
Top 10 Things I Will Miss About Wake By Amanda Wilcox
1.
Senioritis is hitting hard and I’m feeling sentimental Hearing the Wait Chapel bells chime at 5 p.m. All my friends being right around the corner
3.
The coffee at Lovefeast
5.
The Pit (even though that’s hard to admit)
Early morning swims in the beautiful pool
The hike to Hanging Rock
7.
The atrium of ZSR, which is where I actually live Campus Grounds chai lattes
9.
Late production nights editing the newspaper The wonderful Old Gold & Black staff
DRINK OF THE WEEK Emma’s Coffee Is this a rip-off of a juice shop smootie? Maybe...
• 800 ml. water • 3 Chamberlain coffee bags • 1/3 cup vanilla almond milk • 2 tbsp. of Pods vanilla creamer • Ice
Cold brew the coffee overnight. fill a mason jar with ice and fill 2/3 the way with cold brew. Add the milk and creamer. Stir with a reusable straw and enjoy while watching Emma Chamberlain’s videos on YouTube.
Courtesy of chamberlaincoffee.com
Page 18 | Thursday, February 6, 2020
Old Gold & Black | Life
Album Review | zer0
Krewella fails after split from producer The EDM sister duo disappoints fans with new independent album
BY NIKO KOLEV Staff Writer kolens18@wfu.edu American electronic dance music (EDM) duo Krewella released their newest project zer0 this week. It’s unfortunate to say, but it’s unlikely Krewella will ever return to the old glory that they had garnered from their 2013 album Get Wet. Part of Krewella’s charm were the vocals given by the main singing sisters, Jahan and Yasmine Yousaf. They matched perfectly with the energetic EDM sound that their original producer Rainman provided. Not only did the group have an edge to them, but the lyrics included swear words and the vocals had explicit content, which was a refreshing break from the nebulous lyrics of most EDM tracks. Their sound was also uniquely catchy, enabling Krewella to have their own independent brand. This could not be further from the truth with zer0. The EDM traits that had made Krewella fun and unique, have faded away
to very forgettable sounds. This is not surprising because most of the projects that have come out after their split from one of the other founding members, Rainman, have an increasingly boring sound. Straying further and further away from their original identity, the only thing that holds this project together is the rare familiarity of the vocals. Even then, they are very seldom included. The sound that the album is going for seems to be more oriented around drums and exotic beats. It is not so much a tribal, sound but something foreign and this style does not mesh very well with the vocals. On some tracks, the background electronics become very minimal and it seems like the sisters are going for an awful R&B vibe. The song “Anxiety” is just awful to listen to. It’s easy to imagine this song being used in a terrible hipster movie from the early 2000s. Lines like “some people are allergic to sobriety” seem to be framed as profound statements. The music swells when the line comes as if to add extra attention to the ‘profound’ statement. In a weird way, the track “Anxiety” brings to mind a song that would be used in a trailer for some awful romantic movie. As an aside, it wouldn’t hurt Krewella to have their legal team ready after this re-
lease, because the track “Paradise” sounds so similar to a Justin Bieber style song. Though this is most definitely a coincidence, and indicative of the trends in EDM music. In a very refreshing and actually quite good surprise, the track “Ghost” shows its glory. The album has an interesting background sound that has echoes of the angrier, classic Krewella of the past. The interludes of just electronic sounds allow for breathing room between the vocals and give the producers time to really prove their worth. Overall, zer0 is rather disappointing. It’s very frustrating to see this duo fall so far. Longing for the days of dance hits like “Alive” and “Live for the Night” that had absolute bombshell drops, is growing with every released project. The “dumbing down” of EDM is not a new trend. Producers like Marshmello and Zedd have figured out how to make a track appeal to the widest audience as possible. The consequence is that the tracks coming out are boring and repetitive. The bass drops that are distinctive of the EDM genre have become completely obsolete. Listen to Get Wet to get your Krewella fix, and maybe avoid zer0. The project is a 2/10. It is extremely difficult to listen to, without wishing I was listening to their older projects.
Photo courtesy of amazon.com
Krewella’s new album Zer0 features a hand on its cover.
Documentary Review | Miss Americana
Netflix releases Taylor Swift documentary
Miss Americana gives a behind-the-scenes look at the pop superstar BY KHUSHI ARYA Contributing Writer aryak19@wfu.edu Whether or not you like Taylor Swift, Lana Wilson’s documentary about her is an eye-opener for everyone. It is common to think of celebrities as special creatures, with perfect lives. Miss Americana gives Swift’s perspective of her own story in becoming one of the biggest icons of the global music industry. It brings to light that, amidst all the headlines, drama, criticism and bullying, there was a human being who was hurting. Swift looks back at her career and narrates the different emotions she felt at those times in a voiceover that runs throughout the course of the film. She talks about how she was taught to be a “good girl” in order to be successful. Her idea of happiness revolved around being liked by everyone because, by her logic if you are nice to people you would expect them to be nice to you in return. As we know, that’s not what happened. In 2014 Swift’s career was at its peak, with 1989 eventually winning album of the year at the Grammys. What followed next was a dehumanizing experience that, I believe, no person should ever have to go through. To everyone who has ever said that they hate Swift, my question to you is: do you even know her?
Swift discussed the hashtag #TaylorSwiftIsOverParty trending on Twitter and the excessive hate she received online for simply existing. The documentary highlights the ability of social media to make it easier for people to anonymously attack others, often without thinking about the consequences of their disgusting actions. There is a clip in the documentary from Kanye West’s concert where he led his audience in a chant of “F*** Taylor Swift.” Did anyone in that crowd think of the impact that could have on a person? I’m sorry if I offend any West fans, but his actions discrediting Swift’s Grammy win at 17, and continuing to bully her for years, is not okay. The next issue the documentary delves into is Swift’s eating disorder, often triggered by critical headlines and paparazzi photos that she felt were a violation of her privacy. At one point she says, “I had to deconstruct an entire belief system for my own personal sanity.” She disappeared from the public for over a year, thinking that’s what people wanted. But it lead to her understanding that the media will always twist the truth anyway. The documentary shows the release of her album Reputation, which was her creative response to all the hate she received. She was unapologetic, and it was beautiful. As hard as it was to watch Swift cry while talking about her sexual assault trial, clips of her with her mom and her boyfriend really warmed my heart. At the end of the day, it was only her friends, family and fans that mattered to her, and I’m glad they stuck around.
Swift finally decided to share her political opinions after years of being secretive about them, during the midterm elections in 2018. In a heartbreaking scene she talks about the voting record of conservative senator Marsha Blackburn, who voted against the Protection of Women Act, and how she couldn’t let Blackburn represent Tennessee. Swift risked losing money, fans and power to fight the system. Honestly, if that’s not genuine, I don’t know what is. The song specifically written for the film Only the Young encourages young listeners to take charge and sway American politics in the right direction. The documentary also exposes the patriarchy in the music industry, an issue on which Swift has spoken about at length. Swift’s song “The Man” perfectly encapsulates her stance on the bold and subtle ways in which male domination continues to exist. In another heartbreaking line, she said “I want to work really hard while society is still tolerating me being successful.” Lesser known songs like “Clean,” “All too well” and “Out of the Woods” were also featured in the documentary. Overall, Miss Americana was a real, vulnerable and powerful documentary that highlighted the negative effects of the media, patriarchy and American politics, while illustrating the importance of owning who you are. Swift’s story is inspiring, thought provoking and heartbreaking, all at the same time. It’s upsetting that a woman as powerful as she is, had to fight to prove her merit in a world that was constantly attacking her. After watching Miss Americana, you are guaranteed to respect her as an
artist and as a person. If you still, by any chance, want to remain in the “I hate Taylor Swift club,” good luck because Swift is here to stay, and she will shine regardless of anyone’s unwanted opinion.
Photo courtesy of imdb.com
Swift opens up like never before in her new striking documentary.
Life | Old Gold & Black
Thursday, February 6, 2020 | Page 19
Restaurant Review | Part 3
Burrito Boys: Mi Pueblo ahead in the ranking
The first word that comes to mind upon entering Mi Pueblo is “colorful.” Traditional papel picado line the walls of the restaurant, painting the extent of the restaurant in a lively shade of rainbow. Being a traditional sit-down grill, it’s important to factor in the impending tip that the em-
The first bite of the California Burrito tasted like heaven in my mouth. The tortilla was soft, not too rigid, and it encapsulated the warm beans and rice with a firmness that is seldom found in the burrito industry. To my surprise, the burrito didn’t fall apart once. Mi Pueblo recognizes that a good meal requires simple ingredients and advanced technique. The burrito was drizzled with a handmade salsa and fresh cilantro, adding a wellreceived break in texture that completed the burrito. For those looking to break out of the burrito genre, Mi Pueblo offers excellent fajita, quesadilla and fish taco options.
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Price - 7.6
Quality - 9.0
Mi Pueblo has somehow managed to perfect the art of soft shell tortilla folding, while still adding an element of crunch. The burrito warmed my hands as I ate it, as though it had just popped off the grill. Between the ingredients and the preparation, the California Burrito was the exact meal I was looking for after a long day of classes.
&B
Back again with the newest take on the Mi Pueblo burrito, Burrito Boys are now ready to present the official top three burritos in Winston-Salem. Native to the city, Mi Pueblo has been serving up top notch mexican grill in their eight locations for decades - ever since its founders, Jesus and Maria Ruiz immigrated to the region from Mexico. In 1989, the ambitious couple decided to take a chance on their family’s recipes, and launch a restaurant that would bring the flavors of Mexico to the Winston-Salem community.
Gra phi cb yM ica hP or te r/ O
Freshness - 8.9
old
BY MICAH PORTER Staff Writer portmj19@wfu.edu
ployees work so diligently to deserve. It’s also important to remember that good things come at a price, and a Mi Pueblo burrito is about as good as it gets. A typical dinner consisting of an entree and small side will run $12.99 - $15.99. I ordered the $10.99 dinner California Burrito with chicken, but the lunch version would have only run me $2 more. This signature burrito is served hot with beans and rice wrapped in a 12” flour tortilla. And let me tell you, it was worth every bite.
G ld
A Winston-Salem staple brings better quality to the mix
Customer Experience - 7.7
With an easy to read menu and helpful wait staff, it’s no challenge ordering exactly what you want; the problem with Mi Pueblo is entirely due to their wait times. Long wait times can mean one of two things: 1) you’ve offended the wait staff and now they are meticulously getting their revenge through means of sullying your meal 2) the cooks are
pouring their heart and souls into your meal. Either way, Mi Pueblo’s food passes the test. Overall: 8.3 Current Standings #1 Mi Pueblo: 8.3 #2 Chipotle: 8.2 #3 Moe’s: 6.2
Humor Column | Classroom Advice
Effective class participation is simple Some sage wisdom from the King of Participation himself, Andy Killebrew BY ANDY KILLEBREW Staff Writer killae17@wfu.edu
Perhaps you’ve found yourself paralyzed in a similar position to the one that I’m about to describe. You’ve done the reading for a class, formed independent opinions and grown confident enough to articulate yourself in front of the classroom. At the point right before you open your mouth to make your point, there’s a brief burst of confidence when your insight seems valuable; your tongue feels light and able; your argument appears to be cogent. Then, you open your mouth, fumble through the first few words, stumble into your argument (of course forgetting several points in the panic), before you finally tumble into a timid conclusion. You look around, anxious questions flooding into your brain: “Was I right? Well, did my professor agree with me? What did my classmates think? Did they even listen? How did I look while
I was talking? Did I sound smart? Did I come across as a nerd? And, most importantly, did I accidentally sound like I was personally attached to a particular opinion? If you’ve ever experienced this sort of anxiety, don’t worry. Below, I have offered suggestions on how to healthily contribute to class without the awkwardness of having to make yourself vulnerable, to having an incorrect opinion or looking like a clown. With the tips below, you’ll be ready to earn those valuable participation points in your next divisional without any stress. 1. Don’t do any reading for class Unless your teacher is one of those callous characters who cold calls, this is a pretty easy way to avoid looking like a fool in front of your peers. Without the background knowledge typically necessary to chime in, the chances of compromising yourself with an unflattering take on the material are very low. Besides, without forming prejudices that can arise during the reading, you’re even more prepared to absorb the wealth of knowledge being offered up during class discussions with an unfettered mind.
Pro tip: primary times to chime in here lay when the conversation begins to drift away from concrete details and towards the general. If you’re vigilant, there’s typically an opportunity here to slip in a personal anecdote or reference to a TV show you’ve recently seen. It’s noncommittal, interdisciplinary and is very effective at proving to your professor that you’re critically engaged with the material. Just be careful not to go too far off topic. 2. Skim over the text for broad points to bring up If you can’t quite get over the mental block of walking into class without doing any preparation, then this method might be for you. The skimming method can lend a lot of mileage with only a few minutes of preparation; you can even drive discussion! Here, the key is to know at least one “big idea,” if not a couple just to be safe. During any lull in conversation, feel free to lob in a question like: “So, I thought that this particular comment was pretty interesting, what did people think about it personally?” Or, “Can we spend a little time chewing through this part of the reading? I wanted to hear what other people had
to say about it.” These sorts of contributions show a remarkable amount of dispassionate initiative and are sure to satisfy even the strictest participation standards. 3. Guess how someone else might reply This tip is for those of you feeling motivated enough to go into class fully prepared, but too socially selfconscious to risk throwing out a potentially problematic position. All that you have to do is exercise a little bit of imagination and think of how someone else might respond to the material. Potentially useful statements include things such as: “I could see this being problematic for X group of people if they took away from it Y things” or: “If I were a critic, I think I would have this opinion on the subject.” This way, you can still find a way to wrestle with class themes without the worry of having an incorrect opinion or compromising your image with your classmates. Hopefully, these tips will give you a toolbox for navigating the perils of classroom discussion. Good luck in your next seminar, and make sure to keep my advice in mind.
Page 20 | Thursday, February 6, 2020
Old Gold & Black | Life
QUAD FASHION: RAINY DAY EDITION Although students have only been back in school for three weeks, there has been a diverse range in weather from snow to sun to rain. Quad Fashion features functional and fashionable outfits perfect for staying dry. BY CATHERINE REGEN Life Editor regecl17@wfu.edu
Markus Minanov Junior
Lauren Robertson Sophomore
Addie Griffin Junior
Catherine Regen / Old Gold & Black
Despite forgetting to wear pants, as required for his Biology Lab, junior Markus Minanov is excited about promoting casual Wednesdays in the Old Gold & Black. Sporting a lululemon long-sleeved tee and some yeezy sneakers, Minanov is the picture of casual perfection.
Sophomore Lauren Robertson wanted a cozy, but cute look for her day of class and studying in the library. She wore practical rainboots for the rainy weaather, but dressed up her look with some statement earrings and a patterned scarf in her hair.
Junior Addie Griffin decided to brighten her day by wearing her favorite pair of pants. She matched the stripes on the side with a striped shirt and some simple brown Chelsea boots. Keeping the fuss to a minimum, she tucked her hair back into a low ponytail, as she grabbed lunch with a friend.