The Resistance Issue Facing the aftermath of Trump’s travel ban Activists at UT start more than just a movement Students start small businesses and spark big ideas A new creative platform for women of color Curvy women redefine beauty standards
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The Resistance Issue
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a note from the editors. Coming into the spring semester, we didn’t know what to expect — from the election to the university’s administration, the political climate in our country and on our campus made us reevaluate the role of student journalism. We decided that we wanted ORANGE to play a part in the student movements happening on campus. As our last semester as editors-in-chief, we wanted to create a print issue that highlights the efforts students, particularly marginalized students, have put into resisting a system that constantly tries to silence them. From stories on Latinx and Muslim solidarity to the experiences of Black students on campus, we wanted to emphasize that the hardships marginalized students endured have brought these communities together. Despite the hardships, it is also important that we write about the things that bring us joy—read about Rihanna’s iconic looks, and the importance of culture and food. We’d like to thank our hard-working staff for putting this issue together and for writing the stories that matter most. And of course, without our readers and supporters, none of this would have been possible. Best,
Emily Nash
Imienfan Uhunmwuangho
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more content at orangemag.co All rights reserved. Please ask us before reproducing any parts of this magazine. Views expressed are those of the respective contributors and are not necessarily shared by ORANGE.
table of contents
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Close to Home
Public vs. Charter
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33
More than a Number
No Ban, No Wall
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54
Farewell to the Queen
Austin Food Culture Map
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68
Concert Horror Stories
Chulita Vinyl Club
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Thread by Thread
Shapes of UT
The Effect of President Trump’s Travel and Laptop Bans on Students
Misconceptions About the 4% at UT
Soul and Service of the Eastside
ORANGE Staffers Recall GA Concert Moments that Weren’t PG
Betsy DeVos & The Eastside Education Dilemma
Solidarity in Muslim and Latinx communities
Restaurants that Maintain and Develop the City’s Culinary Identity
A New Creative Platform for Women of Color
Fashion as an Innovative, Personal Artform
Curvy Women Redefine Beauty Standards
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Your Style is Not my Style
Profile: Nina Hawkins
A Guide to Avoiding Cultural Appropriation in Fashion
Creating Works of Art with the Click of Her Camera
How We Resist UT Students’ Experiences with Resistance at a Predominantly White Institution
Words by Imani Sebri Photos by Humza Ahmed
“ Resist” has become a buzzword in recent months with the election of President Donald Trump. It’s not hard to find articles of clothing or accessories that have been adorned with a trendy #resist. But what does it mean, and what does it look like to resist? 2
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The meaning and manifestations of resistance
telling the truth about the white supremacy that has
differs depending on the person, their experiences
existed in this country since its inception.”
and their capabilities. However, for people of color existing within predominantly white institutions, or
When western colonial perspectives are pushed as
PWIs, resistance is necessary for everyday survival.
the status quo, dissenting points of view are often
“Attending a PWI like the University of Texas at Austin
cast aside and delegitimized. Students find it hard to
is just a process,” Middle Eastern studies sophomore
see their experiences and struggles reflected and dis-
Sammy Homsi says. “You have to take it a day at a
cussed in academia.
time and surround yourself with the best people to avoid feeling alienation and disillusionment. Most of
That’s one way resistance manifests itself— in the form
the time I just navigate the space with caution. I have
of resisting a framework that pushes these one-sided
to be critical knowing that a lot of the information I’m
narratives. “A colonized education means the silencing
absorbing is coming from a white, western lens.”
of voices of those oppressed by the making of Eurocentric ideology and history,” Kurati says. “It’s important to
“It’s important to amplify the voices of
amplify the voices of marginalized groups and be very
marginalized groups and be very critical
critical of what and how we’re taught. I think that’s how
of what and how we’re taught.
I decolonize my learning,” she adds.
But, among students of color, there is nuance in their
Identity can be another aspect of resistance, spe-
experiences at PWIs. “As an Asian American, I feel that
cifically when that identity is marginalized through
I have internalized the [Asian-American] community’s
oppressive systems. Students search for and find
perceived socioeconomic proximity to whiteness to
comfort and strength in their culture. It provides them
the extent that it often seems like I am not adversely
a sense of familiarity and at times an alternate means
affected by the PWI environment,” Biochemistry soph-
of education. “I incorporate my culture through pol-
omore Chaitra Kurati says. “But when I see whiteness
itics, knowing that in the current political climate
where Asian presence and perspectives belong, such
my existence, as an Arab under Trump, is inherently
as white professors teaching Asian studies courses, I
political,” Homsi says.
realize how far from the truth that is.” In examining student resistance movements, espeThe extent of colonization is commonly thought to
cially from people of color, it’s apparent that
be the physical violence and erasure of indigenous
resistance comes in different forms that span across
ideologies, cultures and perspectives and while that
the spectrum- from organizing and attending protests
is true, the white, western lense that shape just about
to something as simple as engaging with your culture.
every institution, including our own education, is a form
While the notion of what it means to resist will remain
of colonialism. “To me a ‘colonized education’ is being
dynamic, there’s no question of the presence of resis-
taught everything through a settler colonial frame-
tance. As long as large scale oppressive institutions
work,” Homsi says. “It is the existence of an Israeli studies
exist, resistance can be found and no matter how big
department, which is itself a settler colonial state similar
or small the movement, the spirit remains.
to America. It is calling Black slaves ‘workers’ rather than 3
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Close to Home The Effect of President Trump’s Travel and Laptop Bans on Students and the Austin Community
Story by Danielle Drews Photos by Humza Ahmed
Trump’s travel and laptop bans sent shockwaves across the University of Texas at Austin campus, and many in the community are still dealing with the aftermath.
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he first travel ban, also known as the Muslim
expressed concerns about getting work permits after
Ban, was signed on Jan. 27 and immediately
graduation. As a precautionary measure for future
went into effect. It banned citizens of Iraq, Iran, Libya,
bans, the International Office began processing immi-
Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the
gration paperwork earlier than usual. Even though
country for 90 days. The ban also barred all refugees
there is not, at this time, an active travel ban in place,
for 120 days and refugees from Syria indefinitely. The
the International Office is advising students to be
second Muslim Ban was signed on March 6, after the
very cautious with their travel plans, urging them
first version of the ban was blocked by federal judges.
to only travel when it is absolutely necessary. “[The
It contained more information as to why the presi-
initial ban] created an atmosphere of confusion,
dent believes it is necessary, as well as other slight
distrust and general ambiguity about [the students’]
modifications. The second version of the travel ban
futures,” Woodman says. “Unfortunately it’s been very
was temporarily blocked by a federal judge in Hawaii
difficult for us to provide information. We don’t know
before it was scheduled to go into effect on March 16.
what’s going to happen next.”
This version of the ban could potentially come back into effect or be permanently blocked like the previous version. The electronics ban, otherwise known as the laptop ban, prohibits any electronic devices larger than a cell phone (laptops, tablets, etc.) on carry-on luggage from direct flights from certain airlines in the Middle East and North Africa. The ban was put into place by the Department of Homeland Security. Electronic devices on those flights must be in checked baggage because, according to DHS, the devices that scan bags are better at detecting potentially hidden explosives in laptops and other electronic devices.
“As university students, we should also be concerned about this because science, research and education are international. So to me, something like a travel ban is a direct impediment to collaboration and research across borders. It’s a threat to higher education and research.”
The Trump administration denies that the bans are
Even though Woldman reports that the student visa
meant to discriminate against Muslims. However, all
program is unlikely to be in danger, students are still
of the banned countries are predominantly Muslim
very anxious about renewing their visas and being
nations, and the airports and flights that are currently
stopped at a port of entry if they do decide to leave
restricted from carry-on electronics are all located
the country. “It’s just this general atmosphere of dis-
in the Middle East and North Africa. Because of this,
trust towards immigrants [and students] that is the
some people find it hard to believe that religious dis-
guiding policy right now in Washington, so they do
crimination did not play a role in the recent executive
not feel safe and secure.”
orders. Woldman believes that the bans have a broader Tatiana Woldman, assistant director of student advis-
impact as well as a personal impact for many stu-
ing services at the International Student and Scholar
dents who attend the university. “As university
Services at UT’s International Office, says that 110
students, we should also be concerned about this
people at UT were directly affected by Trump’s origi-
because science, research and education are inter-
nal travel ban. Most of these people were researchers
national,” Woldman says. “So to me, something like
and faculty from the seven countries.
a travel ban is a direct impediment to collaboration and research across borders. It’s a threat to higher
By the time the first version of the travel ban was
education and research.”
enacted, classes were already in full swing, so very few students, if any, were able to enter the country
President of the Muslim Students’ Association, Omar
after traveling for winter break, Woldman says.
Salim, says that although the majority of students in MSA were not directly affected in ways such
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However, there were students who contacted the
as getting stuck at an airport or being unable to
International Office about student visas, and some
travel, the first travel ban had an emotional impact
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on a lot of the students because of the uncertainty
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the rest of us were allowed to go, which is a bit weird.”
it created. Salim says that the students in MSA are still on-edge, because the first travel ban went so
However, for some members of the Nueces Mosque,
far. “It’s not one of those things that you see happen
harassment and discrimination began before the
and then forget about it,” Salim says. “It startled a lot
first travel ban was passed. “Since the beginning of
of people because I don’t think a lot of us thought it
the Trump campaign, I would say that was when the
could happen.” He predicts that students will remain
fear started setting in, because of his rhetoric,” Imam
on-edge as long as the current administration is still
Umer says.
in office, especially because none of them know what is going to happen in the future.
Three different students have told Imam Umer about how they have been harassed for wearing a hijab.
Students with family members in any of the seven
As one student was riding her bike, a car swerved
countries have encountered significant obstacles
dangerously close to her and the passengers in the
because of the travel ban. First year computer science
car laughed at her through rolled-down windows.
major, Mustafa Abban, has extended family that lives
Another student was walking along the sidewalk when
in Libya and were planning to immigrate to the U.S.
someone stood in front of her and told her, “Muslims
However, they have put those plans on hold due to
aren’t allowed here.” The third student experienced
the ambiguity of the future of the bans. “In terms of
extreme verbal harassment on her way to class where
me and my close family here in America, [...] we aren’t
her antagonizers said derogatory things about her
going to travel internationally for a while just because
and her religion. “And that’s just the ones that I know
we’re not too sure what will happen when we try to
of,” Imam Umer says. “I’m sure a lot of things happen,
come back in [to the U.S.]” Abban says. Abban himself
like verbal slurs, that don’t get reported to me.”
is an American citizen and has lived in the U.S. his entire life.
Imam Umer mentioned that the Muslim community at the Nueces Mosque has never experienced such
Even students from primarily Muslim countries that
hateful discrimination before—not even after 9/11.
were not banned worried if their countries would
“It seems like [the current administration] is going
be next. “We had a number of students from other
beyond their ways to demean the Muslim commu-
Muslim countries that had scheduled spring break
nity,” Imam Umer says.
plans asking, ‘should we cancel it? Should we go? What if something else comes out while I’m abroad?’”
Salim says all students in MSA and the Muslim com-
Woldman says. “We had students from countries not
munity reacted to the travel ban, not just students
even remotely affected [asking things like] ‘I’m a
with ties to the banned countries. “We have this
Taiwanese student studying engineering, should I be
saying from the Prophet Muhammad [that says], ‘If
concerned?’”
part of the body is aching, the whole body hurts.’ That applies to our community,” Salim says. “If someone
The effect of the bans can also be felt outside of
who bears Islam in their heart, regardless of who they
campus. Imam Umer of the Nueces Mosque recently
are, is affected by this, everyone bears their pain.”
went on a family vacation to Barbados after the second version of the travel ban was blocked. While
The International Office did not receive any major
he said he did not have a negative experience travel-
concerns from students about the laptop ban, but
ling, he and his family took precautionary measures
Imam Umer is concerned about the effect it will have.
to ensure they would not have any trouble. His family
“Since 9/11, there hasn’t been a single incident where
shipped their cellphones two days ahead of their
anybody tried to use a laptop [as a bomb],” Umer
flight coming back to Austin so they would not have
said. “I don’t think the ban is justified. The other thing
to bring them on the plane. They also avoided bring-
is, if you ban it on Muslim airlines, what’s going to
ing any laptops or tablets, in case they were stopped
stop a terrorist from buying a ticket on an American
to have their bags searched. Even though his family
airline?”
took certain precautions, his wife was stopped by customs, for reasons that are still unknown. “On the
There was a slightly humorous reaction to the laptop
way back, coming in [to the U.S.] they did haul my
ban from students in MSA, according to Salim,
wife for about half an hour,” Imam Umer says. “But,
because banning technology felt so insignificant to 7
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“I believe that this is really a foot in the door and there’s still an agenda that’s underlying this ban that’s very prevalent that the new president and his cabinet are in support of.” the overall issue of terrorism. However, the group
that’s very prevalent that the new president and his
still maintained a unified front. “[The laptop ban]
cabinet are in support of,” Abban says. “This ban is
still stimulated support,” Salim says. “We kept com-
merely just a first step into potentially something a
municating information out to our community, so our
lot worse. It’s important that we’re able to recognize
members would be aware.”
that and try to prevent that before it gets a lot worse than it already is.”
Though the Muslim community on campus supports each other, Salim says that the group could greatly
Attorneys from the Department of Justice have
benefit from outside support as well. Salim says that
claimed that the travel bans are necessary to protect
the best way for the student body to provide support
the security of the nation and better protect the
is emotionally, by having genuine relationships with
country from foreign terrorists. They have also said
others and talking to them to understand what they’re
that the second version of the travel ban had revised
going through. “[After the first travel ban], we started
legal issues that existed in the first version of the ban.
to think about how we could have better dialogue
But others, including a federal judge in Hawaii and a
outside of the bounds of our organization,” Salim
federal court of appeals have argued that the ban is
says. “We started to think about how we could be
still unconstitutional.
more expressive and public and communicate to the world the issues that are happening and how all of
The second version of the travel ban was temporar-
this travel ban is not right, and should not be consid-
ily restrained by a federal judge in Hawaii. Shortly
ered okay.”
after that happened, District Court Judge Derrick K. Watson prohibited the second version of the ban
Imam Umer echoes Salim’s beliefs and says that
from being enacted. On May 25, a federal appeals
regardless of religious beliefs, everyone should be
court blocked this version of the ban. The decision
expressing concern about the bans introduced by
was divided 10 to three. The three judges that dis-
President Trump and his administration. “I think all
agreed with decision were Republican appointees.
Americans should be concerned [about the bans]
Two judges appointed by former Republican presi-
because we are enacting policies targeting a specific
dents recused themselves. Jeff Sessions, U.S. Attorney
community of Americans which is unconstitutional,
General, has said he will appeal the decision to the
in essence,” Imam Umer says. “It seems like they are
supreme court. At this point in time, it is unclear
getting away with it.”
whether the ban will be allowed to come into effect; some judges from the appeals court have predicted
Abban says he has experienced remarkable support
that the ban will not have a good reception in the
from all types of people in the UT community. “I
Supreme Court. If the second version of the travel
still feel relatively safe because the community I’m
ban is blocked like the first version was, a possible
in through UT has been so strong [in their support]”
third version could potentially be created. The future
Abban says. He does, however, think that more people
is uncertain, but President Trump seems deter-
could better support those affected by the bans if
mined to get some version of his travel ban enacted.
they learned more about them. “It’s good to actually
However, Muslim students at UT are even more deter-
understand what you’re supporting and to really try
mined to fight against it.
to get out there and learn more,” Abban says. “Every single individual should be aware of what’s Abban thinks that most people don’t understand the
going on,” Salim says. “Our community is UT and we
true impact the bans can have even though the bans
seek support from the administration as well as the
would only bar citizens from the countries for 90
student body. Our community has learned that we
days. “I believe that this is really a foot in the door
can’t be complacent.”
and there’s still an agenda that’s underlying this ban 8
Differences Between Initial and Revised Travel Ban By Danielle Drews
Initial travel ban
Signed Jan 27 Effective immediately Closed borders to all refugees for 120 days Barred refugees from Syria indefinitely Citizens from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen barred for 90 days Stops the issuance of visas to people from certain countries Certain countries determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence Suspension of Visa Waiver Program No more than 50,000 refugees allowed to enter in the fiscal year of 2017
Revised travel ban
Signed Mar. 6 Effective Mar. 16 Replaces previous ban More justifications for why it’s necessary Courts said previous weren’t sufficient Says it doesn’t condone religious discrimination Excludes Iraq Hold on refugees from Syria for 120 days Green card holders exempt from ban Other official types of documents like diplomatic visas are exempt from ban. Widens the right of immigration officers to issue waivers Case-by-case issues Urges greater consultation between domestic and international entities for enforcement Allows people with previously revoked visas to enter
On May 25, a federal appeals court blocked this version of the ban. The decision was divided 10 to three. The three judges that disagreed with decision were Republican appointees. Two judges appointed by former Republican presidents recused themselves. Jeff Sessions, the Attorney General, has said he will appeal the decision to the supreme court. 9
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Public vs Charter: The Eastside Education Dilemma Words by Rochelle Friedewald Illustration by Ryan Hicks
Thousands upon thousands of calls poured into senators’ offices in early February, all with the same simple plea — vote no on Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education. An article in the New York Times heralded DeVos
that backfired when only 17 percent of the previous
as the most “jeered” cabinet member. Such outcry
student population enrolled in the new, unfamiliar
brought education reform into the media spotlight
system.
and highlighted the question state education advocates have been asking for years—how do we best
Low neighborhood enrollment was spurned by spec-
educate our underserved populations? The new
ulation on which students IDEA planned to serve
administration looks to charters, publicly funded but
and lack of opportunity. “They have low populations
privately run schools, to provide quality education
of special education students in comparison to east
for students in low income public schools deemed
Austin schools and AISD in general,” Tovar says.
“unfit.” On the other side, public education advocates
“They have hardly any African American students
condemn charters for their lax academic standards
enrolled in their school [systems], while east Austin
and questionable practices. While debate continues
has the highest amount in the district.” Additionally,
at the federal level, Austin’s own Independent School
the new IDEA system only accommodated kindergar-
District and various charter school systems search for
ten through 2nd grade and 6th grade alone, leaving
the best local solution.
a large portion of neighborhood kids out of the equation. The new administration quickly slashed all
AISD educates about 83,270 students in the city’s
music programs, art classes and even physical edu-
area according to the Texas Tribune, with half of its
cation. The library was gutted with the promise of a
students coming from underserved communities.
virtual learning center that was never constructed.
Although the district is dealing with slashed budgets
Not only did IDEA drastically change the curriculum,
and dwindling resources, one of its main concern is
but it also seemed to erode the community built
the poor performance within east Austin schools.
around Allan Elementary. According to Tovar, AISD
Solutions have come in the form of increases in
teachers were “phased out,” or gradually replaced,
assessments and improvement plans, but perhaps the
when they proved incompatible with new learning
most memorable attempt to improve public school
styles. Traditions regarded as a staple to the com-
performance came in the form of a charter school.
munity, like parents eating lunch with their children,
In 2012, Allan Elementary School in east Austin was
were eliminated.
handed over to the charter chain IDEA Public School with almost no information or warning, says east
These new changes were met with pushback from the
Austin parent and education activist, Vincent Tovar.
community. Cries of gentrification and of displacing
Tovar says the purpose of the charter implemen-
communities with a foreign school system were heard
tation was to help the east side community, a plan
throughout the neighborhood. An activist group,
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Pride of Eastside, banded together and helped termi-
several campuses across Austin, Scott expressed
nate the AISD contract with IDEA just a year after its
KIPP’s goal. “The common thread seems to be to
2012 implementation. While Allan never returned to
focus on students and families in Austin who don’t
its elementary school status, its building is now home
otherwise have a viable choice,” Scott says. “If you’re
to early childhood education programs and nonprof-
from an affluent neighborhood, that’s not a problem.
its around Austin. But, the IDEA experiment left a
You would have more options if you had money. Flip-
sour taste in the AISD community’s mouth.
side, you live under the poverty line, you don’t have many options.”
Administrators have similar criticisms for charter school systems, advocating strongly on the side of
Scott advocates that KIPP is the better option low
public school teachers. “Our teachers work so hard
income students need. However, statewide account-
for these kids, we all do,” says a local AISD princi-
ability scores seem to paint a different picture. While
pal who prefers to remain anonymous. “When you
KIPP Comunidad is branded as a bilingual learning
hear people like Betsy Devos say that our teachers
environment for underserved Latino students, its
aren’t here for every student and charters who have
reading and writing test scores are several points
no history of performing better than [Texas public
lower than AISD’s scores for bilingual education.
schools] are the answer to all our problems, it’s mis-
However, there are statistics that rule in favor of the
information.”
KIPP Austin system. According to a study done by the Texas government, the collegiate school has been
“The common thread seems to be to
hailed one of the strongest college prep programs in
focus on students and families in Austin
the state.
who don’t otherwise have a viable choice. If you’re from an affluent neighborhood,
These two starkly different charter school experi-
that’s not a problem.”
ences seem to leave Austin in limbo. AISD still suffers
After its unsuccessful trial run with the IDEA charter
cation, according to the state. This marks the district
system, AISD now takes a definitive stand against
as unable to provide students with an education that
charter
school
would prepare them for college. School board trust-
choice,” AISD media representative Jacob Barrett
ees condemn these ratings, arguing the scores rely
says. “We have many schools within the district that
too heavily on standardized tests and are put in place
students can go to if they want a better education
to embolden charter schools. Several east Austin
in music or tech. However, AISD absolutely does not
schools are registered as “needing improvement” by
support charter schools. AISD doesn’t believe the
the Texas Education Agency and are looking at pos-
charter systems can cater to all our student’s needs.”
sible closures if turnarounds in performance aren’t
Across town, the Knowledge is Power Program
made soon.
education.
“AISD
from “unacceptable” ratings in post-secondary edu-
does
support
(KIPP) Austin Comunidad has a much different view. This dual language branch of KIPP, a charter
While schools like KIPP believe independently-run
school system, identifies itself as a local champion
institutions are the solution, activists and east Austin
for underserved communities. Boasting a mission
parents like Vincent Tovar want a solution from
statement that explicitly serves Latino and African
within the neighborhood. “[After the IDEA charter in
American students, founding principal Justin Scott
East Austin], eastside parents, teachers and students
was quick to dispel myths and point out the bene-
started to realize their own power in determining
fits of the KIPP charter school system. “We have the
their own fates, as opposed to having decisions made
same testing standards,” Scott says. “Since we receive
for them, [which is] pretty rare in low income com-
public funds, we still are accountable in that way.
munities of color,” Tovar says. “We’re on a positive
Except we can innovate.”
trajectory when it comes to being active. We want public health care, public transportation, and public
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Scott referred to charter schools’ abilities to create
education. It’s a fight to make quality public goods
curriculums and determine its own programs. With
available to the public, and all of the public.”
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How Much Have You Changed Since High School? ATX Staff Collab
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“Sometimes it’s difficult to reflect on how much I’ve changed since high school because there are (seemingly continuous) moments of self-doubt and self-consciousness.”
Allyson Waller
as I struggled to fit into what society expected of
I was back in high school. I miss the friends I grew
nickname. I gained weight, lost confidence in myself
There are moments when I long for the days where up with, the routine I followed every day and seeing my family on a daily basis. However, there are things about high school that I definitely do not miss, such as the anxiety I felt every time my accomplishments didn’t measure up to someone else's or constantly feeling like I had to reach a level of unattainable perfection in everything I did. As cliche as it may seem, high school felt like a time of self discovery. There were so many realizations I went through concerning my faith, my confidence and my mental state. As a student who is almost done with her first year at the University of Texas at Austin, there are some changes I see in myself that make me different from Allyson, the high school freshman. I am stronger than I give myself credit for, and I am no longer afraid to admit when I don’t feel as strong as I wish I could be. By no means was the transition to college easy, but I think if I did not experience the struggles of high school, I would not be able to handle the current hardships. I may still be a shy person who is skeptical of change, but I am no longer afraid of the possibilities change can bring. I like my life, and recently it has been my
and was totally lost in where I wanted to go in life. However, when I visited the Counseling and Mental Health Center on campus, I received help and gained a new outlook on life. I always loved to read, draw, and write, but society told me I could not make a career out of being a creative. Determined, I changed my major to reflect my passions in these fields, but I still was unsure where I would go in life. That was until I bought a camera. After shooting the Affirmative Action Protest, I was thrown into a world I never even considered: journalism. The adrenaline pumping through my body as I ran ahead of a protest and the surreal feeling of capturing history in its making, helped me realize what I want to do in life. I am no longer the unsure, awkward kid I was in high school. I am confident and driven to achieve my own interpretation of success. Also, I have a new nickname. I am "The Young Humza."
Emanuela Schneider
My early college years felt like high school. I still had the same friends and even lived with my parents. I
goal to enjoy the season of life I am currently living.
grew up in Brazil and went to a very small bilingual
Humza Ahmed
mates were the same people I went to kindergarten
in my biology class gave me the nickname "Young
had meaningful relationships with students. We all
During my freshman year of high school, some kids Humma.” Back then, I was an awkward science nerd that was one of few brown Muslim students in a wealthy white suburb. The nickname stuck for some time. At first it was an ironic label for a very sheltered kid, but as I grew, I began to embrace the nickname and gave it my own definition. Every year something impacted my life, I upgraded my nickname. I became "Young Humma 2.0," "3.0," "4.0," and so on. But in college, I became someone else all together. Coming to UT was an immense struggle. I was leaving behind all my friends, family and everything I thought I knew about myself. I always thought I would become a doctor, pressured by years of South Asian culture valuing STEM over the humanities. My mental health declined rapidly 14
me. I found I was no longer able to "upgrade" my
high school. By very small, I mean most of my classwith. It was the type of place where faculty truly knew each other well: from friends, faculty and even parents, that high school was a beautiful bubble After graduating from high school, I studied journalism in the same city. When I decided to transfer to UT, I knew my bubble would finally pop. My parents came with me to Austin to help with my transition and stayed for about two weeks. The day they left, loneliness finally hit me. I was living alone for the first time in an unfamiliar city. You know the movie “How to Be Single?” That was me. I had to learn how to cook, how to clean and how to make friends again. Of course, the occasional Skype call with my friends in Brazil also helped me through that phase. But what caught me off guard the most was how I view my parents. Like most teenagers, I had moments with
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“Growing up is scary, and it scared me when I was 18 and scares me now at 21. But, what’s changed is that I’m learning to believe in and trust myself more.”
my parents that I’m not so proud of. However, I built
close knit high school where I knew everyone and
a mature relationship with them before leaving for
their mothers, quite literally. So jetting off to NYC
college, which made me value my parents even more.
where I had no friends or family? Unbelieveable and
They’re still my biggest support system.
potentially disastrous. However, I survived NYC with some lifelong friends and interesting stories to tell.
Danielle Drews
And listen, I know how cliche it is to talk about how
Even though I’ve only been out of high school for
life-changing NYC is, but I consider my time there a
about a year, I believe I’ve experienced a lot of per-
huge factor in my growth. I was living alone for the
sonal growth. Coming from a small high school in a
first time in this huge city that is drastically different
small town (my graduating class size was 129), almost
from Austin. I had the opportunity to explore my
every face that I saw on a daily basis was a familiar
identity and interests in full without the confining
face. I knew nearly everyone in my school. At UT, I
expectations of my parents or old high school
didn’t really know anyone, and the four hour drive
friends. It was there that I realized that independence
to get home removed a safety net I didn’t known was
was both not being able to ask my mom where my
there. The distance away from my friends and family
favorite socks were when I lost them, as well as
has helped me realize who I am as an individual,
grocery shopping for myself (needing bread and
uninfluenced by anyone else’s ideas about me. There
eggs but returning to my dorm with two bags of
have been some challenging moments (realizing my
mini donuts and doritos). Growing up is scary, and
dad couldn’t kill a bug for me) but there were many
it scared me when I was 18 and scares me now at 21.
fun, curfew-free moments as well. (In case my mom is
But, what’s changed is that I’m learning to believe in
reading this, I spent a lot of late nights at the library
and trust myself more. I’m excited to see where that
in study groups). The sense of freedom was different
will take me.
than what I had grown accustomed to, and it also made me more responsible. There were so many little things that I didn’t realize my parents did for me until
Katarina Brown
The blasé answer I normally give when people ask
I moved out. I’ve become more outgoing, by having
how I have changed since high school is that now
to meet new people and with writing for ORANGE.
I’m less uptight than I was back then. But that’s just
I’ve also realized that no matter how many times I go
an abbreviated and too-removed way to think about
home, it will always feel different, like the moment
what actually happened once I came to UT. If I’m
you realize you’re too big for your parents to pick you
giving an honest answer, I think I would say that I’ve
up anymore. But I’ve become more okay with that.
become less afraid since high school. To me, that
One thing that has not changed at all is my ability to
doesn’t mean being more assured in my future, being
remain painfully awkward in almost every situation.
excited at every strange turn or crying less (definitely not). Instead, it means that I’ve come to appreciate
Imani Sebri
the moments when everything feels like it’s falling
Sometimes it’s difficult to reflect on how much
apart. At the end of high school, I was petrified to
I’ve changed since high school because there are
leave my group of friends shunning all hope that I
(seemingly continuous) moments of self-doubt and
could ever meet people better suited to me than the
self-consciousness. My route to college was a little
circle I had built around me in my small, suburban
unconventional. After graduating from a high school
town. Now, as a senior, I’m on the cusp of even more
in Austin, I took a gap year, spent my freshman year
new things, but this time I’m ready and scared to be
attending college in New York City, and then found
open all at once, which is something that 18-year-old
myself back in Austin for my sophomore year. The
Katarina would never have wanted to accept—or even
decision to take a gap year and go to school in NYC
admit. That’s the difference.
was entirely unlike me. I attended an extremely 15
QUIZ
Quiz by Jacqueline Ramos and Allyson Waller
Which Austin Museum Are You?
Art is a medium in which stories can be creatively expressed, and history is preserved. Austin museums curate unique artwork as well as historical pieces and information which showcase the diverse backgrounds of the capital city, the state of Texas and the United States. Take this quiz to see which Austin museum best fits your personality.
Which UGS Course would you take?
A “Medici: Masters of Florence”
B Civil War, Vietnam, and Texas
B “Friday Night Lights”
C Race in the Age of Trump
C “The Get Down”
D Movements in the U.S.
D “Jane the Virgin”
Who would you add to your playlist?
What’s your favorite creative outlet?
A NÄM
A Drawing
B George Strait
B Filming
C Solange
C Writing
D Selena
D Photography
What’s your dream internship?
Which UT alum would you hang with?
A Writing for a local lifestyle publication
A Wes Anderson
B Interning at the Texas Capitol
B Matthew McConaughey
C Working at a history preservation non-profit
C Trevante Rhodes
D Curating local art exhibitions
D Robert Rodriguez
Which hashtag would you scroll through?
16
Which show would you binge watch?
A Zines/DIY Publishing
What’s your favorite Austin hotspot?
A #vscocam
A Spiderhouse Cafe
B #comeandtakeit
B Texas Capitol
C #representationmatters
C Antone’s Nightclub
D #NoBanNoWall
D Resistencia Bookstore
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MOSTLY A
The Contemporary Austin You are an art fanatic, and love to discover the coolest new trends. You love to learn about the world around you! That new local band? Yeah, you’ve heard of it — you might even be their keyboardist. Modern art might be weird and hard to understand to the rest but that’s your thing.
MOSTLY B
Bullock Texas State History Museum You’re not only a history buff, but a proud Texan too. You love to eat your barbecue, but you also want to learn the origins of its popularity. On the weekends, you can be found kicking it back at The Continental Club enjoying your favorite country tunes.
MOSTLY C
George Washington Carver Keeping the memory and the legacy alive for those who came before you is important. You are not afraid to speak up when injustice is not being addressed. Once you learn a part of history in class, you make sure to do extra research since you know they’re not always teaching the full story.
MOSTLY D
Mexic-Arte Museum Art is important to you, but so is representation and culture. Your weekends are spent trying new foods from places you’ve never been to. You love asking about people’s backgrounds, in a respectful matter of course. You might be a non-western art history major or focusing on culture, media, and the arts as an international relations major.
17
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The Grand Slam Champion WORDS BY DANIELLE DREWS
PHOTOS BY MARYBETH SCHMIDT
With his unique combination of passion, comedy, animation and sincerity, Weber makes a significant contribution to the artistic and talented 2017 Austin Poetry Slam team. 18
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O
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n April 1, the Austin Poetry Slam crowned
range of topics for his slam poems, Weber challenges
its new grand slam champion, Dave Weber.
himself to compose poems that present his topics in
Weber, along with the top four finishers will make up
different ways. “I don’t ever want to be pigeon-holed
this year’s Austin Poetry Slam team that will compete
into a type of poet,” Weber says. “I don’t want to be
in the National Poetry Slam in Colorado in the fall.
the funny poet or the political poet. I don’t want to
“I’ve had such a tremendous outpouring of love and
limit myself in any way. So for me, it’s trying to come
warmth from people,” Weber says. “It’s been really
up with new ideas and doing things differently than
wonderful. So it’s going to be a lot of hard work, but
what I see other people do.”
it’s totally worth it.” For Weber and other poets, slam poetry is also a form The Austin Poetry Slam is a nationally-ranked team
of therapy. “I joke that you could pay someone $100
that made it to the national semi-finals last year and
an hour to sit on a couch and listen to you, or you can
won the national group slam championships the year
pay six minutes and have 200 people actually care
before, according to Austin Poetry Slam Slam Master
about what you’re saying for a few minutes at a time,”
Jomar Valentin.
Weber says.
In 2016, the group heard poetry from over 250 poets.
Slam poetry is an outlet where many poets, including
Of those 250, 10 were chosen through a process of
Weber, can freely express themselves. He says that
qualifying slams. They were dubbed this year’s best
there are some things that he finds easier to express
and competed at the Grand Slam competition.
in a slam than in regular conversation, and that there are some things that he’s expressed in poetry that
Weber has lived in Austin for the past seven years,
he hasn’t talked to his family or friends about. “We
and this is his first year as a member of an Austin
always put on this social media facade, where our
Poetry Slam team. Before living in Austin, Weber
lives are absolutely perfect and there’s nothing to
lived in New York City where he attempted to do slam
worry about,” Weber says. “When in actuality, every-
poetry but did not find it as appealing as he did here
body has difficulties that they face, they have trials
in Austin. “There’s such a supportive and thriving
and tribulations, and it’s hard to talk about those with
community here,” Weber says. “It’s not really a com-
friends.”
petition—it’s more of a community, which makes a big difference for me.”
The Austin Poetry slam has changed Weber’s perception of slam poetry, because not all of the slam
Weber has been writing poetry since the age of six,
poems performed are dark, brooding or sad. There
and describes slam as a natural outlet for him. He
are some poems that use a comedic approach to
says he’s written 400 to 500 poems, with about 150
present deep issues in a metaphorical way. Through
of those being slam poems. He averages two poems
some of the other poets, Weber says he has gained a
a week, usually ending up with 50 to 75 poems a
deeper insight into some issues he didn’t completely
year. “I’ll always carry a notebook around with me,
understand before. “[Slam poetry] has actually made
and there’s always a few random lines that I’ll think
me change my perception of things,” Weber says. “I
of that I’ll jot down real quick,” Weber says. “So some
understand class struggles a lot better than I used to.
of those lines six months down the line may get put
The same thing with gender discrimination, gender
in a poem.”
identity and a lot of different issues that I would have never gotten the perspective of if I didn’t do slam
Weber describes his writing process as sporadic
poetry.”
and chaotic, with some of his best ideas coming at rather inopportune moments. Sometimes he’ll end up
The different perspectives that he’s been able to
having to pull over his car on the way to work so he
experience through other poets’ pieces have taught
can write a few lines in his notebook. A common area
him that slam poetry is not all about the recognition.
of inspiration for Weber’s poetry is conversations he
“We all have a story to tell,” Weber says. “We all have
has with people, and more recently, political topics.
something that, when we put it out in the world, will
But, he also finds inspiration from all facets of his life,
affect other people. I hope that someone in the audi-
and doesn’t draw from solely one area. With a diverse
ence has that one line that I say that affects them.” 19
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Through The UT Looking Glass 2016-2017 Story by Sayuri Kolombege
Illustration by Ryan Hicks
Students at the University of Texas at Austin have experienced a broad spectrum of emotions this past year. We’ve endured semesters filled with protests and public demonstrations, some that have warmed our hearts and others that have left a bad taste in our mouths. UT continues to uphold Austin’s reputation for being a hub for the hopeful as students represent the unique spirit of our city and this past year was no exception.
Cocks Not Glocks
Affirmative Action Bake Sale
starting a national conversation with the anti-carry
versial bake sale protesting the university’s policy on
protest, “Cocks not Glocks.” The country watched
affirmative action. Their efforts to protest affirma-
in awe and disbelief as news stations broadcasted
tive action eventually sparked hundreds of students
students huddled by the masses, waving around
coming out to picket the organization’s bake sale
thousands of adult sex toys on daytime television to
table that assigned prices according to race. While
express their grievances towards the Campus Carry
Asian males paid the most for a cookie, $1.50, Native
law. The organizer, Jessica Jin, claimed that the
Americans of both genders could get their baked
choice to use sex toys as part of the protest was to
good free of charge. The club members claimed
challenge the perception that carrying a gun should
they were trying to combat “institutionalized racism”
feel any more normal. The students who participated
but ended up being branded racists themselves for
wanted to show the outrageousness that there are
hosting such an event. The demonstration grabbed
state laws prohibiting dildos on campus, but not guns.
the attention of the national media once again by
“We’re just trying to fight absurdity with absurdity,”
making UT a front page story.
We kicked off the school year back in August by
junior history major Rosie Zander says. 20
The Young Conservatives of Texas hosted a contro-
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Farewell Charlie Strong
After three full seasons at UT, Charlie Strong was
as one of our generation's major mainstream icons.
relieved of his duties as head football coach for
Collin Wang, the contest winner, took the grand prize
the Longhorns, sending the campus into a frenzy of
by imitating Bey’s underwater pic that was posted to
emotion. There were statements and explanations,
her website just after the announcement of the twins.
but mostly there was something missing in the foot-
Wang may have won the golden ticket, but we all got
ball program after Strong took his leave. His players
to experience a little bit of the victory by having an
took it the hardest as they had to say goodbye to
entire UT day dedicated to Queen Bey.
the coach that “helped them grow into the men they are.” And when the cheers and cries came to a halt, the #StrongEra was all the buzz around campus for weeks to come.
Students Against the Travel Ban
After the Travel Ban, or the bill formally known as “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States,” went into effect, students
Standing Rock Benefit Concert
gathered around the East Mall to show solidarity
The UT Native American and Indigenous Studies
within the UT Community and express their support
Department launched an initiative to assist Standing
for Muslim students. Members of numerous campus
Rock by hosting a concert. Akshaya Tucker, a first
organizations such as the Texas Muslims Students’
year student at UT’s Master of Music Composition
Association made an appearance and spoke out
program, and Khristian Mendez, a graduate student
during the rally, stressing the importance of compas-
of Theatre and Dance, spearheaded the event with
sion and strength during unnerving times.
the intention of honoring the movement and raising awareness to the destruction of sacred ceremonial and burial sites. Students gathered to share their
Students Oppose the “Bathroom Bill”
Several UT students provided written testimonies
music, poetry and dance and at the end of the night
opposing the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act
100 percent of the funds collected were donated to
and various areas on campus including the Welch
the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe including many articles
Building that displayed signs that encouraged
of clothing to help keep them warm through their
students to use the restroom that they feel most
protests.
comfortable in. This bill coming to pass surprised few but will affect all transgender students on campus as
Trump’s Inauguration Protests
the university has vowed to act in accordance with
Thousands of UT students rallied around the tower
the law. Many students, however, have shown support
steps on the Friday morning after the inaugura-
through various social media platforms and claim
tion of President Trump. A walkout led by students
they find the bill “unnecessary,” and wish to have the
and faculty under the banner of the Anti-Trump
rights of all students here on campus protected.
J20 Organizing Committee attracted the attention of not only the UT campus, but also the entire city. This protest expanded and was able to reach various
The University encountered many obstacles through-
points in Austin including many city streets that were
out the year, but students also created extraordinary
completely blocked off and even the State Capitol.
moments of unity and resilience that made the
The rally lasted around four hours and had an
journey an interesting one. This year tested our
expected turnout of 3,500 which attracted a tremen-
empathy and strength as we made our way through
dous amount of spectators and only made this that
two semesters of constant unpredictability. As it
much more of a spectacle that had Austin watching
slowly comes to a close, students catch their last few
in astonishment.
glances at the Tower before the summer arrives. Like the Longhorn standing next to you, we all represent
Ellen Comes to UT
and embody this university as one entity. While the
The Ellen Show made a visit to the UT campus just
protests and marches may have given us outlets to
in time to hand out tickets to the GRAMMYs to the
put action behind our words, many of us are still left
student who best recreated Beyonce’s pregnancy
uncertain of the future. As we turn a new leaf and
photoshoot. UT quickly became a Beyonce look-book
begin fresh next semester we all remain hopeful, but
as students paraded around playing dress-up
smart enough to be vigilant of what’s to come.
21
MORE THAN A # Words by Jacqueline Briddell Photos by Mary Pistorius
In the 60-year span that black students have been allowed to enroll at the University of Texas at Austin, their population has never exceeded 4.9 percent of the entire student body, according to the Office of Institutional Reporting, Research and Information Systems. After integration, the first 90 African American undergraduate students, now known as the Precursors, made up less than 1 percent of the student body in 1956. Their brave initiatives were expected to pave the way for an influx of thousands of black undergraduates at this institution. However, fast forward to today and black students still only make up 3.9 percent of 51,000 enrolled students. These nearly 2,000 black students often refer to themselves as “The 4 Percent.” Although the number of black students at UT is grossly lacking, each of these individuals embody more than just this statistic. They must support and reaffirm one another’s existence in a space that lacks black representation.
Intersectionality plays a major role in the black
other black students. “I really don’t consider myself
community, seeing as many students encompass
part of ‘Black UT,’” George says.
multiple identities. Among the group of intersectional black undergraduates is government first-year Violla
George explains that “Black UT” is a colloquial term,
George. Born and raised in South Sudan, George
not to be confused with “The 4 Percent.” The term
moved to America with no friends and little knowl-
is attributed to a tight-knit, almost exclusive com-
edge of the English language at the age of six. Her
munity of black students who, to people that aren’t
family spent eight years living in Kansas City, Mis-
a part of the group, are seen as the overrepresented
souri and later moved to Austin when she was a
face of the black community. She says “Black UT” is
sophomore in high school. George is not only one of
composed of “cool black kids who can dance and
the 2,000 black undergraduate students at UT, but
dress nice,” which makes her feel very disconnected
she is also a Muslim.
from them. “We don’t have much in common other than that we’re black. That’s how I see it,” George
In many instances, George says she feels uncom-
says. “Besides, if you don’t come in knowing people
fortable in both black and Muslim environments on
already, or if you aren’t a part of ‘Black UT’ from the
account of her race and her religion. When George
beginning, it’s very hard to integrate later on.”
began her first semester at UT, she was too focused
22
on her academics and adjusting to college life to
Aside from her absence in the black community,
attend many of the events held by black organiza-
George says she doesn’t consider herself to be a
tions. She thinks that might have caused her to miss
part of the Muslim community on campus either.
out on being involved and forming friendships with
She notes that many Muslim student organizations,
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including the Muslim Student Association, are mostly
being Muslim and does not wear a hijab. She under-
composed of people of South Asian and Middle
stands that the overrepresentation of Arab Muslims
Eastern descent, with the exception of a handful of
causes many people to forget that the religion is
black students. Although they share the same faith,
associated with people of all racial and ethnic back-
George recognizes that there is an undertone of dis-
grounds. While brown Muslims make up a significant
comfort because their different ethnicities lead to a
percentage of the Islamic community and are often
difference in their experiences as Muslims. “People
considered “the face of the religion,” there are many
are always saying that we need to be Muslims before
people of the Islamic faith who are black, white, East
we are ourselves. They say we are one Muslim body,
Asian, Latinx and more.
but honestly, we’re not,” George says. She describes several instances in which non-black Muslims have
As an Afro-Latina, Nicolle Walters can relate all too
mistaken her for a tourist in her home country or
well to George’s double-identity dilemma. Both of
when she goes to a mosque to pray. This has lead her
her parents were born in the Dominican Republic,
to adopt a “black first” mentality in which her racial
and although she was raised in a predominantly
identity outweighs her faith due to the lack of accep-
black area in Houston, her family still upholds and
tance she has experienced among other Muslims.
celebrates many of their Dominican customs. She describes that her childhood consisted of eating lots
George prioritizes her black identity over her faith
of rice and beans, listening to Hispanic music, such as
because she says that is the forefront of her exis-
merengue, bachata and salsa and speaking Spanish at
tence. The color of her skin overpowers her affiliation
home. However, she does not feel like these experi-
with Islam, especially because she is not vocal about
ences detract from her blackness. 23
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Walters explains that the concept of her ethnicity
On the contrary, Jacob Hood, an English and sociol-
is confusing to some because it is hard for them to
ogy freshman, does not hesitate to vocalize his
understand that Afro-Latinx are Hispanic people
identity as a queer black man. Hood was born and
whose race just happens to be black. “When people
raised in Lubbock, a predominantly white city in
discover that I am Hispanic, I always get questions
northwestern Texas that is known for being ranked
like, ‘Are you mixed black and Mexican?’ as if that’s
one of the most conservative and LGBT-unfriendly
the only possibility, but an Afro Latina is really just a
cities in the nation.
Hispanic woman whose race is black. It’s that simple,” Walters says.
Hood says he is comfortable with his sexuality now but he did not always feel this way. In his 18 years of
Similar to George’s experience in the Muslim com-
living in Lubbock, he only ever knew one openly gay
munity, Walters says that she resents having to prove
person, which discouraged him from ever coming out
her Latina identity to others while justifying that she
to the people in his hometown. In high school, he was
is also black. Walters explains that other black people
so fearful of being kicked out by his parents or being
have even excluded her from conversations because
physically and emotionally harmed by others that he
they felt as though she wasn’t “black enough” to
repressed his sexuality until he arrived in Austin.
relate to their experiences, but when it comes to interacting with other Latinx people, she also faces
Hood adds that Austin’s stance on LGBT rights and
isolation and discrimination. “Some [Latinx] are very
the city’s reputation as the “gay capital of Texas”
anti-black. They’ll meet an Afro Latina and be dis-
inspired him to start his coming out process. He went
gusted that a black woman is speaking Spanish to
on to proudly describe his experience of first coming
them,” Walters says.
out to his close friends, his mother and eventually becoming comfortable enough to announce his sexu-
Although Walters has not experienced this kind of
ality to just about anyone. “Now I don’t shut up about
discrimination on campus, she admits that there have
being gay,” Hood says with a huge grin on his face.
been multiple instances in her life in which others
“I think I’m definitely in the right place to be after
have shunned her for the color of her skin, especially
coming from where I did. I’m very proud of myself.”
older generations. Even as these divides between the black and Hispanic communities forced Walters to
Since arriving at UT, Hood has come closer to
question her identity, she now says that her heritage
accepting his queer identity as a black man, but he
does not take away from her ability to be a part of the
still tends to stray away from “Black UT” because he
black population on campus. She admits that since
feels that his sexual orientation is not welcomed in
arriving at the university last fall, she has felt “more
the community. “I’m gay, I’m not into sports, I’m in
welcomed by Black UT than Hispanic UT.”
a liberal arts major that has a bunch of non-black people in it,” Hood says. “I didn’t grow up with a lot
24
“‘Black UT’ is just small community of black kids who
of black people either, so I was never really exposed
walk around every day thinking about how they are
to the black community at all. And I know it’s like that
the only black kids in their class,” Walters says. “At
for a lot of other students, too, who don’t feel like
the end of the day, they just want to hang out with
they fit into a specific mold of what a black student is
people who are like them.”
supposed to be.”
Although she cherishes her place within “Black UT,”
Hood believes that his lack of exposure to large
and feels welcomed and comfortable, she avoids
groups of black people in his hometown has con-
bringing up her Hispanic heritage unless it’s abso-
tributed to his distance from other black students.
lutely necessary. She says that for the most part,
He also says that generally, any queer-identifying
she just identifies herself as black to other students
individuals are frowned upon in black spaces, even
until a certain situation might give away that she
at UT. Although he has not received any direct back-
is a Latina. “I might be talking on the phone with a
lash from other black students about his sexual
family member in Spanish or somebody will ask me
orientation, he has witnessed homophobic comments
for directions and I will answer them in Spanish and
made in “Black UT” group chats, which makes him
they’ll be like ‘What? You’re Hispanic?’ but usually
feel uncomfortable and unaccepted. “Especially in
I don’t bring it up until it just comes out somehow,”
the black community, being gay or having a type of
Walters says.
queer identity is very hard. You can feel very excluded
because there is a lot of homophobia and transphobia still present,” Hood says. To address these issues, Hood argues that the black community should focus on being more inclusive of all forms of blackness, including queer identities. He says that while he does celebrate and support many black liberation movements, their goals often do not include queer people of color in their conversations.
“I remember when same-sex marriage became the law of the land, and a lot of people in the community thought, ‘Oh, it’s over. We won. Everything is great now,’ but especially for a lot of gay people of color, it’s not,” Hood says. “Homeless rates for LGBT youth of color are insane, rates of HIV for people of color in the gay community are still extremely high and people didn’t really want to confront the fact that race can be intertwined with sexuality and that’s something that cannot be separated.” Hood has turned his passion into a career path, and he is now a public policy intern at Equality Texas, an advocacy group for LGBT rights. His duties include conducting research and finding witnesses and sources who oppose bills discriminating against queer communities. Most recently, he has written an amendment for SB-522, a bill that would allow county clerks to refuse to issue licenses to same-sex couples on the basis of religion. If the bill passes, his amendment would require them to notify both the commissioners court and the applications of the reasoning of their refusal, leaving a paper trail and forcing them to be more accountable for their actions. Hood hopes that his involvement with the foundation will help make big changes in both legislation and in his immediate surroundings. Similarly, George want to become a defense lawyer and hopes to one day become Secretary of State. Walters, a Physics major, hopes to increase the number of black students in fields of science, technology, engineering and math by mentoring younger
Black students at UT have come a long way since 1956, and their contributions to this university continue to make an important and direct impact on their lives and the lives of those around them. However, in order for all black students to feel welcomed and included, the black community must focus on addressing prominent anti-intersectional issues and start advocating for all black identities. “We can’t change unless we see other people’s perspectives. One black person isn’t the same as another black person,” George affirms. George, Walters and Hood agree that acceptance and inclusion of all forms of blackness are the key to making black spaces accessible to all black people. Whether they may consider themselves to be a part of “Black UT” or not, all three of these individuals and their experiences as black students make up an important part of the entire black body. It may be small in numbers, but black talent and ambition is greater than any statistic. Black students at the University of Texas at Austin are more than just 3.9 percent of the student population. They are unique. They are beautiful. And they are intersectional. They are The 4 Percent.
black students. She is interested in pursuing a career in aerospace engineering or radiation physics. 25
RESISTANCE
WORDS BY ROCHELE FRIEDEWALD PHOTOS BY MAYA COPLIN
26
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Images like these speak volumes, especially in terms of social activism. “Historically, art has always played a pivotal role in activism,” says Ali Vanderhider, a University of Texas at Austin art student. “Images of poverty in the Great Depression and images of protest and abuse during the civil rights movement called public attention to political issues and the need for activism.”
Considering the current political and social climate,
dynamic between people of two different, yet similar
there seems to be no better time for art activism
nations. “Our sculpture begins with a natural desert
than right now, and for many creative students at
landscape, using plants and rocks native to the
UT, activism is a natural extension of their pursuits.
United States and Mexico’s borderlands,” Vanderhider
“It’s impossible to separate art from the world it is
says. “Broken wooden boards [at the top] change this
created,” Vanderhider says. “I believe my personal
landscape into the chaotic maze, a narrative of the
and political values are evident in my work.”
chaotic politics of this border’s culture.”
Growing up on the rural Texas coast, Vanderhider
Working on such a politically charged project was
felt a certain compulsion to address environmental
extremely gratifying for Vanderhider. “The extraordi-
issues in her artwork. “I’m especially concerned with
nary effect art has on the way people view political
human encroachment on the environment and issues
topics is becoming more evident to me,” Vanderhider
of preservation and conservation,” Vanderhider says.
says. “Visuals seem to have an effect on the public in
“I intend to draw attention to this national concern by
a way words cannot.”
presenting visual images that could have more of an emotional impact than the statistics and the political
Other visual artists share similar beliefs. “Images are
debates that are lacking emotional resonance with
like a punch in the face; they have a way of con-
the public.”
veying emotions suddenly and impactfully.” says Miranda Chiechi, an Austin-based photographer and
Such an appeal seems necessary to garner attention
a UT student. She reflects on the intense vulnerability
and dispel misinformation. Only about 40 percent
she observed in March when she shot the Women’s
of Americans believe climate change will harm them
March in Austin, and the way in which her protest
personally according to Reuters, and about three
photography had the ability to stun its audience out
quarters of Americans are skeptical about the human
of complacency. “[When you shoot], you’re capturing
role in the global warming. “Currently, I’m working
the most raw emotions of people, when they’re fight-
on a photographic project that focuses on brown-
ing for what they believe in,” Chiechi says. “You’re
fields and deserted urban environment,” Vanderhider
capturing a moment in history, a moment in which
says. “I want to use my work to shed light on topics
the people in the picture don’t even realize they’re
of human impacts on the environment that I believe
experiencing. You can see in the image exactly what
require visuals to encourage activism.”
they’re fighting for and it makes you feel it too.”
But, as the current political environment unfolds,
Politically conscious messages aren’t just the domain
Vanderhider found herself drawn to topics reflective
of the individual or of the traditional artist. Some-
on the policy of our current commander-in-chief.
times, art activism comes from a team of creatives
Vanderhider collaborated with fellow artists Lara
in an advertising agency. Recently, corporations have
Ksiazek and Brittney Phan to create a sculpture
started to take a stand against policies and political
embodying the notion of political borders, namely
agendas through advertising campaigns. However,
Trump’s proposed Mexican-US border. For her, the
tone deaf advertising like the Pepsi commercial star-
structure was yet another man made intrusion, a dis-
ring Kendall Jenner which was meant to allude to the
turbing political divide that interrupted the natural
brave actions of Ieshia Evans, prompts 27
the question: is it moral for companies to use activ-
UT artist Christina Willis always knew her art was
ist imagery or politically charged content to sell a
going to say something. “I kept noticing in the images
product?
that I produced—no matter what medium [I used]— that I repeated an iconography which brought into
UT advertising student Sandy Sanchez discussed
light daily struggles for me and for other women,
companies that promote their brands through a
such as objectification, sexism, sexual assault and
social justice narrative. “Some brands are inherently
even inner struggles to accomplish impossible beauty
genuine and have good intentions to make a message,
standards.”
whereas others will take advantage of their power and exploit it,” Sanchez says. “Some brands capitalize
One of her pieces on display in the Fine Arts Library is
on social issues without even having any knowledge
a giant mirrored installation that has the words “Pretty
and that’s where things go wrong.” A creative depart-
is as Pretty does, Dear” inscribed. “The saying is some-
ment that lacks diversity is one of the main reasons
thing my mother used to say to me, and something her
for the disconnect between brands and their audi-
mother told her as well,” Willis says. “The notion of
ences, Sanchez says. “I personally want to use my
‘pretty’ as being important for [women] is so ingrained
creativity and perspectives to increase representation
into our society that it works its way into our upbring-
and diversity in advertising for the good of society.”
ing, our nurturing.” For her, the physical evidence of such an oppressive mantra in her life, and the lives
28
While students like Sanchez focus on delivering pow-
of millions of other girls speaks volumes. “It was con-
erful messages through large, far reaching platforms,
frontational, haunting,” Willis says. “Artistic expression
some creative minds at UT have a focus that is more
interacts with our activism in that it makes visible
personal.
thoughts and struggles that need to be fought for.”
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29
Story by Sayuri Kolombege Illustrations by Jesus A. Acosta
WHY WE SHOULD ALL CARE ABOUT HEALTH CARE Since the early days of his campaign, President Donald Trump has vowed to repeal Obamacare. On March 6, the House Republicans released a new health care bill. The American Health Care Act (ACHA) was pulled by the GOP on March 24 after a failed floor vote by the House. Though we thought it to be pocketed while Trump set his sights on tax reform, the bill managed to be voted in by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 4, just two months later. This action essentially dismantles all but some aspects of the Affordable Care Act and sends Trump’s healthcare proposal to the Senate, where they’ll decide the fate of the American medical system going forward. Upon its arrival, the ACHA quickly gained the disap-
Virginia, as he explained that the bill was all politics
proval of many organizations including the American
and not enough policy.
Medical Association, American Hospital Association, AARP and the American Nurses Association. The bill
The bill might not have passed, but Congressional
even managed to create friction within the Republi-
Republicans and Trump are sure to address health-
can Party. Warren Davidson, a member of the House
care within the presidency. As a result, it’s worth
Freedom Caucus, said that it was not, “the change
taking note of what we should expect with the repeal
that we all talked about,” and that it didn’t necessarily
of Obamacare and the installment of what Trump
drive down any costs. “Repeal does not mean repeat,”
considers an act worth stamping his name on.
said Dave Brat, a House Representative serving 30
orange magazine
WHAT WE LOSE: Premium Tax Credits Premium Tax Credits (PTC) are a refundable tax credit designed to help low or moderate income individuals or families afford health care purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The amount dispensed depends on several factors, including income. WHAT WE GAIN: Flat Tax Credit A refundable tax credit that would be based on age. The proposal provides tax credits to assist with premiums, with those under the age of 30 receiving $2,000, and those over the age of 60 receiving $4,000. WHAT THIS MEANS With AHCA, the older you are the more money you’re guaranteed to get. However, this kind of blanket coverage system leaves many young people in need of medical attention with significantly less money than what they are usually able to receive. A study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation also found that this revision could reduce your credit by two-thirds and subsequently hurt those with a lower income more than any other demographic. WHAT WE LOSE: Billions in Medicaid funding Medicaid is a program that provides healthcare to poor and disabled Americans. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that the new bill will be cutting upwards of $370 billion in funding over the next 10 years. WHAT WE GET: Block granting back to states Presumably, the states would spend the money that was cut from Medicaid on other public services such as education or law enforcement. WHAT THIS MEANS The states would have to make up the difference of lost funding to maintain current levels of coverage for those who depend on medicaid, which is a difficult task that may leave millions of Americans without health insurance. People depend on medicaid, and without it there will be individuals who are left with no option but to struggle to pay out of pocket or be forced to go without medical attention. WHAT WE LOSE: Individual mandate Obamacare’s requirement for all citizens under law to be insured or be faced with a fine was considered one of its more faulty aspects. This was a point of attack for many reasons, the main being that individuals who couldn’t afford health care while under the bill were penalized for essentially “being poor.” Already being unable to make the payment is out of the hands of the people who can’t afford the payments required to be insured, so the fees installed to ideally
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help would end up only hurting low income households and further handicapping them. WHAT WE GAIN: Annual premium penalties The GOP bill tossed out the demand for citizens to carry health insurance. However, the principle of punishing those who are uninsured remained. Under the new legislation, if a citizen decides to discontinue their coverage for longer than two months, then they face a 30 percent premium surcharge for the year if they decide to resume coverage. WHAT THIS MEANS For those already struggling to stay insured, facing penalties for not having health insurance only makes it harder to regain a health care plan. This could lead to a perpetual cycle of being uncovered due to the large surcharges. Mirroring what was said about Obamacare’s individual mandate— the poor are punished. WHAT WE LOSE: Employer Mandate Under the Affordable Care Act, employers with more than 50 full or part-time equivalent employees must offer minimum essential coverage or they will be penalized. This forces small businesses to provide some sort of base coverage for at least 95 percent of their workers. WHAT WE GAIN: There is no replacement for the Employer Mandate. WHAT THIS MEANS Employers are expected to drop employee coverage once the mandate is repealed. This will once again leave many Americans uninsured and unable to find the money for their own coverage. However, studies have also suggested that businesses will keep the base plans as a form of recruitment to attract employees. Regardless of whether that is true or not, it’s inevitable that a large portion of those who depend on the minimums provided by their employer will be left uninsured. While the American Health Care Act is currently on the back burner, the Trump administration is still actively working to put together a plan that will gain the approval of the US House of Representatives. Many Republican governors and members of Congress have expressed concerns for a piece of legislation like the American Health Care Act hurting their state. Even though a repeal of Obamacare isn’t in the near future, the importance of knowing what will replace it hangs between millions of people having health care and being uninsured. 31
WORDS BY SABRINA MARTINEZ PHOTOS BY ROHAN MIRCHANDANI
Several students at the University of Texas at Austin founded their own business and continue to operate them. The following students discovered their businesses in high school and have gone on to profit from their ideas. Their creativity and services are offered to a wider customer base that increases the popularity of their businesses on campus.
32
Catherine Song, senior mathematics major, was in her last year of high school when she and some friends came up with the idea to make and sell jewelry at a convention. She combined her love for art and design to create beautiful pieces. “I really love the designing aspect of it. There’s nothing more satisfying than sharing your art with the world,” Song says.
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Song began selling jewelry in December 2012 and now
Aggarwal mentions how he has
has created her own online Etsy shop. “I’ve learned
lessons throughout his journey with Top Tier Learn-
learned valuable
that it’s not enough to rely on talent alone,” Song
ing from leadership experience to the mechanics of
says. “Even though there’s so many talented designers
mobile applications to client relationships. “Top Tier
out there, it really also depends on how hard you’re
Learning has taught me more than any of my business
willing to market yourself out there. It really brings
classes. The hands-on experience in every area of
you out of your shell.”
business, from finances to management to marketing, have really helped my skills develop.”
Her jewelry is unique and includes pendants and necklaces made with materials from specialized
His favorite part of his business is working with his
vendors. She makes and sells beautiful keys with
team and watching his students grow. “My favor-
gemstones, sparkling druzies, colored stone shaped
ite phone calls are the ones from parents who
necklaces, pendants and earrings. “It’s just fun to take
are ecstatic that students improved and that our
everyday ordinary ideas or things and just give it an
company has changed their futures,” Aggarwal says.
interesting twist,” Song says. Anthony Matthews, sophomore marketing major, Song says she gets her inspiration from anything or
was in high school when he fixed his first iPhone. His
anyone around her, especially colors. “I was in art for
friends then hired him to fix their phone and word
the longest time so that’s probably what gave me the
spread across the small town of Abilene, Texas. After
foundation to pull my designs from,” Song says. What
fixing dozens of phones, Matthews decided to start
started as an idea for a table at a convention turned
an official company, iGoRepair. “I had my customers
into an Etsy shop that has sold over 600 items and
post shout outs on Instagram as well and then from
rising.
there their friends would ask me for repairs,” Matthews says. “It was a snowball effect.”
Anish Aggarwal, senior finance major, was a junior in high school when he found himself paying $80 an
Matthews brought the company to Austin when he
hour for calculus tutoring. Instead of overpaying, he
graduated high school, knowing that he would reach
decided to hire a friend to tutor him for $10 an hour
new clients from the university. “My company is dif-
instead. Aggarwal says that he found this method to
ferent than your typical iPhone repair shop because
be more effective for him and it benefitted his friend
unlike them, we come to you,” Matthews says. To get
as well. He was determined to provide peer-tutoring
a phone repaired, customers would make an appoint-
to other students as an alternative to overpaying for
ment and he goes to wherever the customer is and
tutoring services.
the phone is fixed in as little as ten minutes with a sixty day warranty. “What’s different about us is that
Aggarwal went to his local YMCA and the Boys and
we are transparent. You get to monitor us while we do
Girls Clubs to ask the organization to partner with him
the repair. This makes you feel assured that we aren’t
in order to start building a clientele, which became
going through your phone and that we are handling
the beginning of Top Tier Learning. “Top Tier Learn-
your phone with care.”
ing is unique in that we are completely student-run,” Aggarwal says. “This is because I have always believed
Throughout his experience with iGoRepair, Matthews
in the potential of students to lead and excel, even if
says he has learned business and customer service
they may not have a lot of prior work experience.”
skills. Mathews says that his favorite part of the business is meeting new people. “I have done thou-
Over the last two years, Aggarwal’s business has
sands of repairs and have talked to each customer an
expanded to 15 branches in seven states. The service
average of 15 minutes each,” Matthews says. “I have
only employs high school students as tutors and
made new friends, established business connec-
focuses on meeting in public settings. Aggarwal says
tions and networked with many folks. Everyone has
that students are more comfortable and willing to ask
their own story and it’s so interesting to see where
more questions than they would with a regular tutor.
someone is from, what they do, and what they plan to
“Often our tutors serve as role models to our younger
do with their life.”
students as well—we care about developing our students in every facet,” Aggarwal says. 33
Solidarity between Muslim and Latinx Communities WORDS BY ALEX PUENTE ILLUSTRATION BY JESUS A. ACOSTA
34
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Following the results of the 2016 presidential election, many marginalized groups stood their ground and defended their basic human rights. Muslim refugees and undocumented Latinx individuals have faced the threats of travel bans and deportation from the Trump administration. These issues have united the two groups and they are using their strength in numbers to protect their communities. Hateful rhetoric toward the Muslim and Latinx com-
a sanctuary city, which would ensure less coopera-
munities grew before the election and escalated after
tion with the national government in order to protect
Trump’s inauguration. An anti-immigration plan that
undocumented immigrants. Travis County Sheriff
would require building a wall on the Mexican border,
Sally Hernandez also created a policy that would limit
and would allegedly be paid for by Mexico, was one
cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforce-
of the most prominent points of Trump’s campaign
ment (ICE).
platform. This became part of an executive order that criminalized undocumented immigrants and
Despite these attempts to offer safety to undoc-
called for tighter border security and enforcement.
umented citizens both on and off campus, many
Another executive order signed by Trump in January
incidents have threatened their safety and well-being.
closed America’s border to multiple Muslim-majority
Governor Greg Abbott threatened to cut funding for
countries, and chaos ensued at major airports. Many
Travis County shortly after Adler’s announcement. In
people from Syria, Iran, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia and
the weeks that followed, ICE raids took place within
Libya, who had flown to the U.S. were detained and
the city of Austin and resulted in the unfounded
prevented from entering the country. Others from
arrests of 51 undocumented immigrants. A federal
those banned countries who had yet to fly to the U.S.
judge confirmed that these raids were in direct retali-
were unable to board their flights.
ation to Hernandez’s policy.
Muslim and Latinx communities have taken the ini-
These cultures are being nationally publicized
tiative to organize and stand up for their beliefs and
with misconceptions and threats with their
right to exist. Chants were repeatedly shouted during
basic humanity being questioned.
protest marches to demand respect for immigrants and refugees. “No ban, no wall” became a popular
Finance and economics senior Santiago Rosales is
chant to unify the communities, as it rejects the trou-
a speaker of the Student Government assembly and
bles caused by the so-called refugee ban and support
author of the sanctuary campus bill. He works to
for a border wall. These executive orders are framed
protect the rights of undocumented students at the
in a way that reject groups of people, primarily people
University of Texas at Austin. “The undocumented
of color, from the U.S.
community is very vulnerable to actions by executive administrations,” Rosales says. “Federal immigration
Psychology freshman Bianca Vazquez emphasizes
laws are enforced in a way that is very counterintu-
how important it is that these communities under-
itive to what should be a constitutionally protected
stand their differences before they can stand in unity.
right, as the 14th Amendment guarantees equal pro-
“Once understanding these differences, it’s important
tection under the law.”
to understand the action of standing in solidarity between Latinx and Muslim communities,” Vazquez
Hate
says. “These cultures are being nationally publicized
occurred near UT even before the election. Back in
crimes
against
marginalized
groups
had
with misconceptions and threats with their basic
December 2015, a Muslim student was insulted for
humanity being questioned.”
her religious beliefs at Kerbey Lane Cafe, a frequently visited spot located on the Drag. Nothing was done
Since Austin is home to many undocumented cit-
to remedy the verbal abuse, and incidents such as
izens, efforts have been made to protect their
this have only escalated since the election results. In
livelihoods here. During an immigration rally back
February, a white supremacist group distributed fliers
in November, Austin Mayor Steve Adler vowed to
that called for a “Muslim-Free America.” The same
stand by immigrant families and make Austin into
group put up flyers targeting undocumented
35
immigrants, calling for people to report them to ICE. While the flyers have since been taken down, the lack of action against hate speech has created an unsafe environment for minorities on campus. Many Latinx and Muslim students on campus have faced adversities while growing up due to their identities. Even prior to the Trump administration, minorities in the U.S. have struggled to find safety and acceptance. Often times, fear that stems from ignorance influences people to act irrationally and violently towards these groups, and such acts make it much more difficult for marginalized groups to even leave their homes. Supply chain management and history sophomore Sarah Youssef says that islamophobia has not been a new experience for her or her family. “While growing up, my family has always felt the racism that’s come toward us,” Youssef says. “I remember when I was younger, my dad had the police called on him at a store. He has prominent Arab features, and he was accused of being a terrorist. This prejudice has always been there, but with the bans it’s been heightened.” Youssef says. “These are things that make you feel like you’re unwanted in the country- like you’re a second class citizen.” Now more than ever, it is crucial for marginalized groups to come together and strengthen their unity. The solidarity between many minorities moves beyond protests, rallies and demonstrations and into daily life. The No Ban, No Wall movement has stood strong against adversity, and Muslim and Latinx communities will only continue to fight for their rights. “When people come together, it is harder to be threatened by the oppressor,” Vazquez says. “Latinx and Muslim communities can come together with their differences and similarities to show that the hate the oppressor brings upon them is not strong enough to separate. It does not belittle us, but makes us bigger, especially when we can stand side by side with one another.”
36
Racist Incidents Concerning Muslim & Latinx Students on UT Campus Bleach bombs are thrown at students of color in West Campus. August 2013 Young Conservatives of Texas plans to host a “catch an illegal immigrant” game on campus. November 2013 Fiji fraternity hosts a “border patrol” themed party. February 2015 Published Fiji pledge rules surface online. Rules include “no Mexicans,” “no interracial dating” and “no fagetry” 2007, resurfaced in March 2015 Muslim student are spat on and accused of receiving orders from ISIS - November 2015 Members of the Palestine Solidarity Committee are intimidated by a UT professor at a public lecture on Israeli Defense Forces November 2015 Two SAE members throw bottles at a black student in West Campus while yelling racial slurs. February 2016 Young Conservatives of Texas holds an affirmative action bake sale, with prices based on race. 2013 and again October 2016 Racist posters targeting Muslims and undocumented immigrants are posted on statutes by a white nationalist group. - February 2017
orange magazine
food + drink
Four Cookbooks Even College Students Can Use
by London Gibson
Ever try to make a meal and fail miserably? Maybe you need some help in the kitchen, or maybe you’re just looking to expand your culinary skills. Either way, take a look inside these four cookbooks for some easy, yet delicious recipes perfectly suited for the life of a student.
The I Hate to Cook Book by Peg Bracken and Jo Bracken
This book has dishes for every situation, including luncheons, potluck suppers and kids’ parties. The I Hate to Cook Book is stuffed with recipes tailor-made for beginners, and as college students, aren’t we all?
Fifty Shades of Chicken by F.L. Fowler
It’s not what you think. This parody cookbook features fifty ways to prepare chicken, from stuffing to frying and broiling and dressing. Complete with seductive photos of everyone’s favorite bird to eat, this cookbook is actually very helpful in the kitchen – and who doesn’t like chicken?
Eat Your Feelings: Recipes for Self-Loathing by Heather Whaley
Being in college is hard. This is the cookbook you keep for that Sunday night when you begrudgingly drag yourself to the kitchen to cook dinner because you have no choice but to be an adult now. Whaley’s straightforward comfort food recipes are all capped with hilarious titles. Hopefully they’ll distract you from the mountain of homework awaiting you after dinner.
Microwave Cooking for One by Marie Smith
You might have seen this cookbook as nothing more than a recent meme, but all jokes aside, there are some scrumptious and simple recipes in this book. Don’t let the faded paper and cheesy ‘90s cover scare you away from the over 200 pages of oven-less recipes in this timeless beauty.
37
queen Story by Rochelle Friedewald
SOUL AND SERVICE OF THE EASTSIDE Photos by Emily Nash
The walls of Nubian Queen Lola’s Cajun Soul Food were covered in posters and sweet thank you notes. A large, stately painting of the last supper hung above the customers. Mardi Gras beads dangled from the ceiling, reminding patrons of the chef Lola’s Louisiana ties. Rows and rows of trinkets sat on the shelves. Like a proud grandma, Lola displayed small pictures of family and friends around her cozy kitchen.
Lola was famous for picking dishes for the soul food
“First there’s God, and then there’s family,” Lola says,
later. Originally, Austin was just a stop in between her
rookies. The chicken and fried shrimp were some fan favorites, the gumbo was a surefire hit every time, and her homemade sweet tea was praised by many. The flavors conveyed one thing her customers already knew—Lola’s food didn’t come from any sort of cookbook, but from generations of rich family cooking. And it’s exactly that. Lola grew up in a small town in Louisiana, where she watched her mother in the kitchen from a very young age. Her household was a big one, so she learned how to cook in huge quantities like a restaurant chef ever since she first picked up a pan. However, her cooking career didn’t kick in until much
in an almost all-knowing voice.
home state of Louisiana and the stardom waiting for
Lola herself seemed to be an extension of her eccen-
capitol for much longer than originally planned. She
tric, homey establishment. Brightly-hued hair framed her heavily-pierced face. Her huge bedazzled cross earrings swung as she walked from table to table, talking to customers and friends alike.
her in California. But family kept Lola in the Texas decided that Texas would be her new home. As soon as she settled, though, things took a turn for the worst. Lola ended up homeless, her sister passed
orange magazine
food + drink
away, but her will stayed strong. She started having
Sure enough, on a Thursday afternoon, Lola was
vivid dreams about her sister and their plans to open
nowhere to be found. The door was locked, the open
a restaurant. “And one day, I just saw the sign out in
sign in the front window was flashing, but the dining
front of this place,” Lola says. “Seemed like God was
room was pitch black. I called the number listed
telling me something.”
and nothing. At the time, the shop was on its way to closing its doors for good, so I wanted to know every-
Starting her own restaurant with zero funds was
thing there was to know before the Nubian Queen
already a stretch, but Lola knew she was destined to
made her exit from Austin.
do more than cook for her customers. “God told me to feed the homeless,” Lola says. “Doesn’t matter that
I walked over to the building next to the kitchen,
I was broke. I could do something.” Every Sunday, the
eager to see if I could track down the flighty Cajun
little eastside kitchen closes in order to feed the less
cook. “Have you seen Lola?” I asked a man in the
fortunate. Lola and a squadron of volunteers load up
storefront next door.
large buses with food to deliver around the neighborhood. She has been serving the community and doing
He laughed. “They’re always asking me,” he says. “I
“God’s work” every Sunday for thirteen years.
saw her here this morning, but heck, she’s always running around. You know all she does for the neigh-
For Lola, it’s nothing to ogle over. For her, feeding
borhood and all. She’s probably out on that bus. She’s
everyone is just a part of Louisiana hospitality. “I’m
out there feeding everyone.”
just a cook,” Lola says. But clearly, she’s so much more than a cook. It’s evident by the gushing compliments of all the customers, all the sweet thank you notes that plaster the walls, and the warm smile permanently perched on the Nubian Queen’s face. The Austin community isn’t the only one who has noticed Lola’s quiet altruism. Earlier last year, Tyson Foods donated a brand new bus to the restaurant, complete with a sink and warmers, in an effort to make the chef’s free meal delivery service more efficient. The flavor and the sense of community keeps people coming back. However, after thirteen years of business and community service, Nubian Queen Lola’s is set to close. Not from lack of soul, the Queen reassures. Lola’s ready for a new scene, a new community in Taylor, Texas to serve. And after a particularly difficult few years with the landlord, she thought now was the time. The only complaints about Nubian Queen Lola’s concern the locked front door. Bring up the name around any soul food-loving Austinite, and one of the first things they’ll tell you is that the Queen herself is never there. “Her hours during the week are a hit or miss,” says regular customer and International Relations and Global Studies senior Karla Chavez. “I went last Tuesday and her door was locked. Tried the week before and she wasn’t there either.”
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QUIZ
What signature Austin cocktail are you? Words by Jasmine Valencia Photos by Ravin Lee
The Realist
The Adrenaline Junkie
The Explorer 40
The Romantic
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food + drink
The Realist
Cucumber Jalapeno Rita You’re the one everyone is comfortable to be around, whether it’s first impressions or life-long friends, you bring everyone down- to- earth with your infectious attitude. Like this refreshing cucumber cocktail that leaves an exciting kick at the end, you both are impossible to forget. JACK ALLEN’S
The Explorer
The French 75 Call off Indiana Jones, you’re the real adventurer here. Whether it’s a nighttime prowl through the catacombs of Paris or hiking up Machu Picchu, you’re sure to be up for anything. This simple gin cocktail comes bubbly, because we know you like a bit of excitement in your life. PECHE
The Romantic
Watermelon-Elderflower Martini Rose colored glasses? No problem. For you, life is charming and everything is better with a little bit of flair. This fresh cocktail has a sweet, light taste and a summery feel. Just like you, this cocktail has a fun blend of simplicity and uniqueness. LA CONDESA
The Adrenaline Junkie
El Diablo
Habanero-infused Milagro Silver tequila and lime juice make up this cocktail, which is the perfect drink for an adrenaline junkie like you. You like the exciting things in life -- for you, it’s not a good time unless it gets your heart pumping and your palms sweating. STAY GOLD
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food + drink
In Memoriam Food + Drink Staffers Reflect on the “Drag” Dishes They Miss the Most Illustration by Jac Alford
London Gibson – Big Bite
Ali Garza – Noodles & Company
all know the best part about this greasy, 3 a.m.
matter the restaurant. So when I saw that Noodles &
college-life joint were the “phat” sandwiches. Where
Company was gone from its previous home on the
else can you get a sandwich with french fries in it?
Drag, it was quite sad. When I was a freshman at the
Each sandwich could count as an entire meal—I
University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, I
think I gained ten pounds every time I stepped foot
traveled to Austin to visit the Forty Acres. When it
in the place. My favorite sandwich was the Phat
was time for lunch, my friend and I were craving a
Austin, which was pure heaven stuffed in bread. With
bowl of noodles and came across this gem. Noodles
chicken tenders, french fries, mozzarella sticks and
and Company is where I had my first “Wisconsin Mac
ranch dressing, this sandwich was terrible for my
& Cheese” with spinach. It may not sound like the
arteries, but made my heart happy each time I ate it.
best combination, but I beg to differ. After transfer-
Big Bite is a self-proclaimed pizza place, but we
I will always be a sucker for mac-and-cheese, no
ring to the University of Texas at Austin in the fall of
Sarah Hollis – Kismet Cafe
2016, I always desired that creamy, buttery mixture of
When I found out Kismet Cafe was moving from
melted cheese and leafy greens, and was heartbro-
its convenient campus location, I was heartbroken.
ken when I could no longer satisfy my craving.
During the first semester of my freshman year I visited Kismet every week, sometimes multiple times a week, both during the day and at night. My
Rochelle Friedewald – Veggie Heaven
After being told Austin was a vegetarian oasis in the
favorite dish was the “No. 7 Platter: Hummus & Meat”
barbecue-loving state of Texas, I was excited at the
with tzatziki sauce and a side of fries tossed in a
prospect of vegetarian-friendly food when arriving
lime-chili spice blend. That first bite of gyro was all
at UT. Veggie Heaven was constantly recommended
it took to transport me to a comfortable, safe place
by my vegetarian friends as a restaurant to try. It was
at a time of radical change in my life. Sure, there are
a mixture of all my favorite things — family-owned
some Halal Bros devotees that will say it's not a huge
businesses, Asian-inspired flavors and vegan munch-
loss, but my mediterranean cravings and nostalgia
ies. I was only a semester into my freshman year
will never be as satiated without Kismet.
when it was announced that Mrs. Chen, who owned and operated the restaurant for almost 16 years, was
Abby Moore – Pizza Vetri
closing its doors. I was truly devastated. I swear I’ve
Before the creation of Urban Outfitters’ Space 24
been on the hunt for vegan pork buns ever since
Twenty was Pizzeria Vetri, a quaint and delicious
Veggie Heaven left. Luckily, rumours around seem to
pizza shop. Thriving only from November 2015 to
point to a new location near downtown Austin. Trust
January 2017, this establishment closed before
me, if Mrs. Chen decides to come out of retirement
Austin gave it a chance to become a local favorite.
to serve Austinites vegan Asian bites, I’ll be first in
Pricier than a late night slice of Austin’s Pizza or a
line at the opening.
convenient delivery of Domino’s may have been, Pizzeria Vetri was still a worthy candidate in my
Abby Morgan – Twisted Root
Twisted Root wasn’t just my favorite place to get a
book. I only visited the restaurant once, but the
“lots-a-shroom” burger; it was a part of my pre-game
variety of pizza flavors baked in the wood-fired oven
tradition before any UT football game for years. This
made for a perfect, crispy, carb-filled meal.
tradition began when I was still deciding where to 43
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go for college. When my sister took me to grab a Twisted Root burger before the big game, UT crushed their opponent. Typically, I’m not superstitious, but the food was so mouth-watering and the crowded, nervous energy was so fun that I kept going back. I’m not saying one burger place decided my life for the next four years, but the excitement of game-day mixed with a redefined, simple food created a fun way to enjoy my prospective years.
Andrea Cos – Kismet Cafe
To my utter devastation, Kismet Cafe left the West Campus food scene after 22 years of sitting on the corner of 24th and Guadalupe Street. This long-time student favorite served Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, and it served the best dish I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating: the “Kata Kebob.” For those of you who, like me, are new to the wonders of Mediterranean cuisine, the Kata Kebob is a pita sandwich with lean ground beef and parsley, topped off with a lemon tahini dressing. This restaurant reminds me of everything I loved about my freshman year: late nights, loud laughs and close friends. Even though Kismet Cafe has reopened on 41st Street, I will always remember the food and great memories this particular establishment fostered during one of the most pivotal years of my life.
food + drink
Sunny Kim – Madam Mam’s I remember walking into Madam Mam’s during my freshman year. I was with two friends I had met at orientation and we were all sweaty and starving. We sat down, drank the ice cold water and ordered stir-fried noodles to fill our empty stomachs. I ordered the “Chicken Pad Sea-Ew,” a flat vermicelli rice noodle stir-fried with broccoli, egg and special soy sauce. When my order came, the inviting smell filled my nose. The hot, steamy noodles were overflowing the plate and I doubted whether I could finish the meal. The noodles were perfectly al-dente, the chicken roasted just right and the vegetables were cooked with panache. I took another spoonful and immediately thought, “This is comfort food.” Although Madam Mam’s is not moving very far, I will still miss its old spot, where I had my first substantial college meal.
Alyssa Arnold – Green Cos
When Green Gos’ West Campus location closed a year and a half ago, I was devastated. As a vegetarian for over seven years, limp salad in my freshman dorm just wasn’t cutting it, and I used to walk to Green Gos at least once a week for a fresh soup or salad. I constantly looked forward to “The Superfood Salad” with kale, green apple chunks, feta cheese, craisins, pumpkin seeds and a spicy mustard vinaigrette. Luckily, I snagged the recipe for the spicy mustard dressing, and I still make it in my apartment to put on almost all of my salads.
I Got It From My Mama: Texas Sheet Cake Recipe Texas Sheet Cake 1 cup margarine 1/4 cup cocoa 1 cup water 2 cups flour 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup buttermilk
Cocoa Icing 2 eggs 1 tsp soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Grease and flour a 15 x 10 inch sheet pan. 3. Combine margarine, cocoa and water in saucepan. Heat until margarine melts, then remove from heat.
1 (1 lb.) box powdered sugar 1/2 cup margarine (1 stick) 1/4 cup cocoa 6 tbsp buttermilk 1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1. Combine sifted powdered sugar, margarine, cocoa and milk. Mix well. 2. Stir in pecans and vanilla. 3. Spread on cake while cake is hot.
4. Sift flour and sugar into large mixing bowl. 5. Add soda, salt and cinnamon. Beat in chocolate mixture at medium speed until well blended. 6. Continue beating while adding buttermilk, eggs and vanilla. 7. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes. 8. Ice with cocoa icing immediately. 44
My mom made this cake for all of my birthdays when I was little. She would wrap quarters in saran wrap and hide them in the cake like my grandmother did for her.
I Got It From My Mama The story of how food ties my family together. Story by Sarah Hollis Photo by Ravin René
I REMEMBER the first time that I flipped through the pages of my grandmother’s aged, teal recipe book. It was bursting at the seams with handwritten recipes, clippings from magazines and yellowed recipe cards shared between friends; a history book and a diary in one. Looking through the recipes my grandmother collected over the years brought me closer to the woman that I had never been able to know in the way I desired. I hounded my mom with questions about the Jell-O molds that my grandmother made for her, my aunt and my uncle in their childhood. Did she ever make tuna noodle casserole? Yes. Was it any good? No. Each recipe told a brief story about a part
through the recipes that made up her collection, I felt I was rediscovering the woman who raised me. There were the recipes from classes she had taken before meeting my dad, the recipes of extravagant desserts she clipped from cookbooks and had yet to make, recipes from her mother and her great-grandmother and even a collection of “recipes” I had written as a five or six year-old. It wasn’t until adulthood that I realized all of my fondest memories centered around the same thing: food and the unity that it brought my family. Thanksgiving, arguably the most food-centric holiday, was
of my grandmother’s life and the people in it.
our time to be together as a family, all under the
Recipe books are more intimate than most people
focused on planning the feast, shopping for the ingre-
may think. Most recipes that make it into someone’s private collection have a story attached, such as my great-grandmother Sadie’s caramels. Sadie, which was a nickname for Sarah, was my namesake who I never knew, but making her caramel recipes with my mom, aunt and cousin connected me to her in the communion that food creates between people. I remember being around 10 years-old, waiting patiently as my mom stirred the caramel, eager to wrap the candies in wax paper with my cousin. I remember the first time that I got to stir the caramel and had the responsibility of watching it turn from a cream to a dark caramel color.
roof of my grandparents’ house. The entire week was dients and creating the meal. Everything culminated in one shared experience and yes, it was a wonderful meal year after year, but the real excitement came from the preparation. To me, preparing Thanksgiving dinner felt like a symphony, and my mom and aunt were the conductors. Generations of family members before me each had their own legacy through food. My grandpa’s was his chili, my mom’s her green beans, my dad’s his bananas foster. In essence, what makes everyone yearn for home-cooked food are the memories to which they are tied and the fondness we have for those who make them.
In the winter of last year, I decided to make a recipe book for my mom as a Christmas gift. Again, as I sifted 45
protein, LET’S BREAK IT DOWN
STORY BY ABBY MORGAN
orange magazine
Protein-high diets are quickly becoming the diet of choice for Americans. The concept is simple: slashing down fats and carbohydrates while loading up on protein. The diet aims to keep the stomach full, which makes it easier to eat less and lose weight. However, many people are jumping into this diet without fully understanding what protein is, what it does for the body and how it functions as the body’s main source of daily energy. Protein is one of three macronutrients, along with fat and carbohydrates. A macronutrient is essential for muscle development and sustainability, and while it is important to have sufficient protein, the average American consumes too much in one day. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, adults in the U.S. should gain 10 to 35 percent of their daily kilocalories from protein. That number translates to about 46 grams of protein for women and 56 grams of protein daily for men. Yet the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2005-2006 found that men were consuming 101.9 grams and women were consuming 70.1 grams daily. The recommended daily protein intake is relatively easy to achieve, and the increased interest in protein as a source to “bulk up” or tone muscles is a distortion of fact.There is a limit to how much protein
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The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics explains that simply eating large amounts of lean protein does not translate to having a tone body. When anyone eats too much protein and not enough carbohydrates and fats, their body has to use the excess protein for energy. However, if they have a balanced diet, their body can use the protein to maintain and build muscle mass. Just because a person exercises does not mean they need more protein. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, working out an hour a couple of times per week does not mean a person needs to increase their protein intake. Strength trainers and endurance athletes who work out several hours a day are the main of people who need more protein along with pregnant and breastfeeding women. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends not using supplements for this increase in protein for athletes, but rather suggests whole foods such as lentils or eggs. Protein is essential for a person’s diet and their overall health, but knowing how much to consume and the best sources for it are key. Plant-based proteins such as quinoa and beans are a great source of protein because they are lower in fats than meat sources. Red meats are appropriate to eat in moderation, but lean, white meats such as chicken (skinless) and fish are better to eat on a regular basis, because they are lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. People should keep trying new foods that work for them and their dietary needs. What is important is that they are aware of the effects their choices make on their body and mind, so they can keep learning and trying new ways to stay healthy.
the body can absorb in one day. Eating an excessive amount of protein while missing out on other foods because a person feel full puts the body in danger of missing key nutrients.
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Q& A Inside Look With Juliet Mullins By Alyssa Arnold
We look at food as something to create, eat and share with friends. Yet, what happens when you share your food with over 18,000 other people? Juliet Mullins of the Austin-based food Instagram, @juliet_ate_romeo, gives an inside look into what it means to be a food instagrammer, how to take the perfect food photo and where to eat in Austin.
How did you begin your journey into food photography? I started photographing food for my own personal Instagram account when I attended the University of Texas at Austin, and had a lot of fun with it. My roommate recommended I turn it into something separate as I spent more and more time trying out new restaurants.
When did you start to build your now famous Instagram, and how did you gain your very impressive 18.9 thousand followers? I started the account in the summer of 2015 just after my graduation. I think a lot of my following has come from constantly engaging with my audience and giving genuine insight into my restaurant experiences.
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Do you have any tips for capturing the perfect Instagram food shot? I would say committing to your angle is important. Either down a top-down shot if you have an appealing flat lay, or if something looks better from the side, flip your iPhone upside down for a lower vantage
food + drink
a big believer in ordering a bunch of items and just splitting them all, which is a great way to try (and photograph) a bit of everything!
How do you decide which restaurants to post photos of?
point and focus in on the tastiest part of the dish.
I only want to post restaurants I support and would
What are some of your favorite Austin restaurants?
rant I haven’t personally eaten at. I try to post from
I’m constantly asked for my favorite restaurants and it is just so tough to narrow down all the restaurants I love. Some restaurants that are near and dear to me would be Barley Swine, Kome, VOX Table and Freedmen’s.
How do you eat all of the food you take photos of? Sometimes I will take photos of my friend’s food if it’s more photogenic than my own (I often get serious order envy). But it is a constant struggle between
personally vouch for. I won’t ever promote a restaueverywhere I try, but when a restaurant has bad lighting it becomes harder and harder to snap a great shot.
What are you up to besides posting droolworthy pictures of food on Instagram? Instagramming is just a fun hobby for me (which keeps me well fed). I work at UberEATS as New Orleans’ Restaurant Partnerships Manager. It is kind of my dream job because I get to work with restaurants all day and eat in one of the best cities for food in the country, besides Austin, of course!
ordering something that is good for me or ordering something I know will look - and taste- amazing. I’m
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food + drink
Local Restaurants with a Cause
My Name Is Joe Coffee Co.
Words by Abby Morgan Photo by Mary Pistorius
At some point in your life, you have probably given back to your community through donating time, money or valuables. Maybe you’ve collected cans to donate to a local food bank or held a bake sale to help an animal shelter. In doing each of these acts, the purpose behind the actions kept you motivated. You wanted to make a difference and see a tangible, positive change. These local restaurants found a way to do just that with a cause they are passionate about. From creating an environment for those in recovery to enjoy a cup of coffee, to collecting toys for children at Christmas, they have successfully impacted the Austin community with hopes of inspiring others to do the same.
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food + drink
My Name Is Joe Coffee Co. William Ball was running a bar in downtown Austin
life mechanically with routines, so I thought it’d be
when he realized he wanted a different life. He went
really cool if we encouraged people to sit with their
on a spiritual journey to discover life without drugs
coffee and just be there and appreciate the day.”
and alcohol, and decided to open a business focusing on the idea of life after addiction. He opened My
My Name is Joe gave Ball and Speer a chance to form
Name is Joe Coffee Co. next door to the bar he owns
a resource for people like them, who were looking
and still operates to this day. “I run that bar and I love
to create and spend their time constructively. The
that bar, but my passion now is a healthy lifestyle,”
service industry can be a hard place for people to
Ball says. He and chef Philip Speer, who is also in
stay sober, but My Name is Joe is a supportive envi-
recovery, worked to develop a menu that was healthy
ronment that understands the value of the simple
and created a space to allow those in recovery to
things, like a cup of coffee and good company.
benefit from the environment.
Chuy’s Tex Mex In 1987, co-owner Mike Young of the popular Tex-Mex restaurant Chuy’s wanted to find a way to give back to the Austin community. In order to do so, he decided to join the Operation Blue Santa Program. That year, Chuy’s hosted a toy drive at two restaurant locations. After a couple years of success, they have expanded their operation into a parade — and nearly tripled the number of donations they receive. In 2016 Chuy’s helped Operation Blue Santa serve about 5,000 families. Now, 29 years later, the annual parade happens every year in front of the State Capitol building a few weeks before Christmas. Each annual parade is planned a Ball says one of the key steps to recovery is finding a
year in advance and involves community volunteers
new way to stay engaged and find a greater purpose
and sponsors. Groups such as Austin Girl’s Choir and
to keep moving. His aim is to offer new passions and
local businesses, like Shady Grove have marched in
interests for those in recovery through his food truck.
the parade and make elaborate floats for people to enjoy. “We have three goals of the parade: collect
Ball’s system allows employees to go through recovery in a safe environment and rely on each other for support and understanding. “My original vision was: let’s take someone early in recovery with no skill set and let’s give them a job, skill set and a place where they can be around other people who are staying sober,” Ball says. He looks at his truck as a resource for those not only in recovery, but those who are looking to start and have questions. Every coffee cup is marked with
a phrase with a
message about of changing the way one views see the world and themselves. “Sip in the present” and “One cup at a time” are examples of a few of these quotes. “‘One cup at a time’ encourages people to sit in the present with their coffee,” Ball says. “We go through
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toys for kids, teach kids about giving and put on a
on these smaller organizations with our donations
fun event for people to enjoy,” parade coordinator
than we would on a larger, national organization,”
Brooke Cox says.
Manley says. “That’s why we chose to go down this path.”
Chuy’s asks parade-goers to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to struggling families, so that their children can have gifts to open at Christmas. Chuy’s also accepts toys at their locations a week after the parade for those who could not attend but still want to give to the cause. This year’s event will take place on Nov. 18 and is open to anyone who wants to give back during the holidays and have fun doing it.
Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill Z’Tejas got its start in Austin on Sixth Street and now has eight locations throughout Texas and Arizona. In 2015, they launched Cornbread for a Cause, a fundraising effort for smaller scale charities in the local
Last year the restaurant helped raise funds for The
communities around their restaurants.
American Widow Project, an organization dedicated to providing resources and support to those who have
“We’re proud of the fact that the charities we choose
lost family members in the military. “Knowing the
are small and the dollars we raise go a long way
Cornbread for a Cause donation really helped them
towards each organization's ability to carry out their
to fund services for these widows was huge—their
individual missions,” owner Gary Manley says. In
group is the biggest support resource the widows
Austin, the program has made major contributions to
have,” Manley says.
Dell Children’s Medical Center, Cheyanna’s Champions 4 Children and The American Widow Project. The
The owners of Z’Tejas and their efforts in supporting
people at Cornbread for a Cause are now working to
local charities shows that no act is too small when
fundraise for Marbridge Ranch, a home for people
helping those less fortunate. By simply buying an
with cognitive challenges.
appetizer, customers can be a part of the cause and make an impact. Their message is “Cornbread can
Each time a guest enters the restaurant, they find
make a difference,” but it is their customers that
a note on their table about Cornbread for a Cause.
allow them to make tangible change.
Should they choose to order the cornbread, the restaurant donates a portion of the proceeds to their current charity partner. “We make a lot bigger impact
My Name Is Joe Coffee Co.
Chuy’s Tex Mex
Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill
503 Colorado St, Austin, TX
1728 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX
1110 W 6th St, Austin, TX 9400 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX
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food + drink
Story by Andrea Cos Illustrations by Bolora Munkhbold
orange magazine
food + drink
We are a nation of immigrants. This truth in turn has
number of Thai restaurants that represent these culi-
become a reflection of the country’s, and conse-
nary traditions and provide a deeper understanding of
quently Austin’s, culinary diversity. A fundamental key
Thai culture.
to understanding culture lies in understanding their
Titaya’s—5501 N Lamar # C101
food. Food—the way it’s prepared, the way it’s enjoyed
Madam Mam’s—510 W 26th St
and the traditions it exemplifies—says a lot about
Mai Thai—207 San Jacinto Blvd #201
one’s culture. Below is a map of the most prominent international restaurants that ultimately maintain and
Indian Cuisine
develop the city’s culinary identity.
Indian cuisine is the epitome of diversity. It incorporates a complete range of possible seasonings—spicy,
Italian Cuisine
sour, sweet and hot—in almost every bite. Further-
Italian food has become a well-known and timeless
more, it combines different techniques from other
staple in the United States, and for good reason. Just
cuisines with their own regional spices in order to
the thought of an al dente pasta casserole or a cheesy
create an exciting and mouthwatering experience.
Neapolitan pizza has the ability to make anyone’s
The Clay Pit—1601 Guadalupe St
mouth water. Austin’s Italian food scene has boomed
Bombay Dhaba—1207 S 1st St
in recent years, and now more than ever it has become
Asiana Indian Cuisine—801 E William Cannon Dr
an integral part of our city’s identity. Patrizi’s—2307 Manor Rd
Mediterranean Cuisine
Andiamo Ristorante—2521 Rutland Dr #325
Mediterranean cuisine is all about the traditional
Carmelo’s Ristorante—504 E 5th St
Mediterranean lifestyle. It emphasizes healthy eating and relationships by making food an integral part of
Chinese Cuisine
societal interaction. Eating healthfully with family and
The incorporation of Chinese food into the fabric of
friends is a big part of Austin food culture as well, and
the United States’ culinary culture often carries the
could perhaps be partially attributed to the influence
stigma of being too “Americanized.” Some people
of Mediterranean restaurants, like the ones listed
judge its authenticity, considering mainstream restau-
below.
rants like Panda Express. The following restaurants
Abo Youssef—2101 Manor Rd
provide Chinese recipes carefully preserved and
Tarbouch Lebanese Grill—534 E Oltorf St
passed down through generations.
Peace Bakery + Deli—11220 N Lamar
Julie’s Handmade Noodles—2512 Rio Grande St Wu Chow—500 W 5th St #168
Mexican Cuisine
Old Thousand—1000 E 11th St
The incorporation of Mexican culture through food is particularly prevalent in Austin, a city that adores and
Japanese Cuisine
takes pride in its succulent breakfast tacos. Authen-
Many chefs have responded to Austin’s subtle need
tic Mexican cuisine is such an integral part of the city
for more variety and diversity in food options, giving
that most people know how to find and differentiate
way to the opening of the following restaurants. These
Tex-Mex from the real deal. These authentic Mexican
Japanese restaurants have been a big hit among
restaurants gives us a glimpse of Mexican heritage
college students and working executives alike, proving
and culture, particularly in their love for corn tortilla
that the city’s demand for culinary diversity has been
tacos and spicy sauces.
increasing.
El Naranjo—85 Rainey St
Don Japanese Food Truck—2716 Guadalupe St
Licha’s Cantina—1306 E 6th St
Ramen Tatsu-Ya—1234 S Lamar Blvd
Veracruz All Natural—1704 E Cesar Chavez St
Fukumoto Sushi—514 Medina St Food is one of the most enjoyable paths to under-
Thai Cuisine
standing a culture. It is a universal way of expressing
In Thailand, food provides the basis for any and every
both heritage and tradition. The city of Austin is
social occasion. A traditional Thai eating experience
brought to life through the merging of different
often involves ordering small plates to share, enhanc-
people with different backgrounds, different beliefs
ing the belief that eating is a social experience. These
and ultimately, different culinary traditions. If culinary
traditions, along with their masterful use of spices,
diversity is a reflection of our cultural diversity, where
have taken the city of Austin by storm. Below are a
would we be without our international restaurants? 55
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food + drink
How Much Sugar is Too Much Sugar?
Story by Andrea Cos 56
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food + drink
Sugars, particularly added sugars, have long been recognized as a source of empty calories, providing virtually no nutritional value. Regardless of how delicious that ice cream cone is or how inoffensive that bowl of Skittles looks, there is new research suggesting that sugar may very well be a silent killer. So how does sugar affect the body? Glucose, found in
it’s better to consume natural sugars as opposed to
sugar, is the simplest form of energy. Sugar increases
added ones.
your body’s need to produce insulin in order for the sugar to be absorbed into your cells for energy use,
Most experts advise limiting the consumption of
according to Marina Chaparro, an expert on children’s
added sugars, according to the Department of
nutrition and diabetes. Sugar in its simplest form is a
Agriculture Dietary Guidelines. Furthermore, the
source of energy for your body, she says.
American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to 100 calories per day (about 6 tea-
However, new research suggests there could be a
spoons) for women and 150 calories per day (about 9
relationship between increased sugar intake and a
teaspoons) for men.
disorder known as metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is dangerous because it can potentially
To put everything in perspective, a 12-ounce can of
incite chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart
soda has 9 teaspoons of added sugars and a glazed
disease and obesity. This disorder affects more than
doughnut has a little over three teaspoons of added
75 million Americans, according to the Centers for
sugars. Most Americans consume 22 teaspoons a day,
Disease Control and Prevention. However, evidence
according to a report published by the Food Network.
supporting this claim is very ambiguous and scientists can’t say for sure if the research is completely
Unfortunately, we live in a society that can’t escape
accurate.
added sugars.They hide in plain sight, and most of us are completely unaware of them. For example, the
Still, we all know that too much sugar is bad for you.
following is a list of every day foods that have a high
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found
sugar content:
that eating too much added sugar increases the risk of dying with heart disease. Additionally, too much sugar can damage your liver, and can cause high
Ketchup:
A 2 tablespoon serving has about 4.3 grams of added
blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
sugar (roughly the size of 1 sugar cube).
So, what exactly is too much sugar?
Energy drinks:
The average 20-oz. sports drink has 8 tablespoons of First, it’s important to know the difference between
added sugar (or 8 sugar cubes).
added sugars and natural sugars. Natural sugars are those that naturally occur in unprocessed whole foods. A perfect example would be the fructose in a
Flavored yogurt:
On average, a 6-oz. flavored non-fat yogurt has 19
piece of fruit or the lactose sugar found in milk.
grams of added sugar (or 4 3/4 sugar cubes).
Added sugars, on the other hand, are sugars that have
Bread:
been put in foods during processing. These can be in food items like soda, desserts, and candy. Food
Some varieties of bread have an average of 2 grams of sugar (or 1/2 a sugar cube).
manufacturers often add sugar to things you wouldn’t expect, like sandwich bread, nut milks and peanut butter. It’s important to always read labels to see if
Granola bars:
Some brands contain up to 9 grams of sugar per bar
sugar is an added ingredient.
(or about 2 sugar cubes).
While a high intake of any type of sugar can prove to
Everything is fine in moderation. People can still
be bad for you, if you’re going to eat sugary foods,
enjoy sweets as long as they limit the amount. 57
Music Staff Collab Illustration by Jesus A. Acosta
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Hayli Rudolph
In 2015, I waited all day for a Walk the Moon concert. It was extremely hot, and by the end of the opening act, everyone was drenched in sweat. As Walk the Moon began their dance-driven set, the girl in front of me threw her hair out of her face and into my mouth while I was trying to sing along with the band. Seeing as though we were all sticky and sweating from the dancing, her hair stuck to me like glue. I was spitting out her hair while also trying to pull each strand off of me. When I finally freed myself from her hair’s grasp, a girl lifted her arms and rubbed her dirty armpit across the side of my face. It’s safe to say that I was very excited to shower after the show.
Onaje McDowelle
There is no greater moment of invigorating terror than being stuck in the crossfires of a moshpit. The pit stops on its own command, consumes bodies like a tornado destroying everything in its path and relents sympathy to none. Sure enough, at Leaders of the New Cool’s SXSW showcase in March, which featured a slew of underground hip hop artists, including Rob $tone, Saba, WifisFuneral, Dice Soho, Jay IDK, Donmonique and Indigo Child Rick, I found myself trapped in a maze of flying limbs and high energy without an outlet to escape. I was pretty amped to go enjoy the show, considering that Rob $tone had recently gained popularity with his single “Chill Bill,” in combination with the fact that I am a pretty avid fan of Indigo Child Rick as well. After discovering his unconventional chill trap on SoundCloud, songs like “Wow!” “Coogi” and “Back on the Block” quickly became a few of my favorite songs to turn up to with friends who shared his liking. I realized early on that his music was pretty intense in both content and production, and I understood that it would make for an equally energetic live performance. I’ll save the disturbing details, but throughout his set, IndigoChildRick knocked several of his fans unconscious. He and one guy in the crowd ran around the venue body slamming each other and throwing punches at bystanders as well. After a moment of shock and a couple of close calls, it occurred to me that I should probably get out of the way. After finding a corner to hide in for the rest of the set, things just kept getting weirder and I decided to call it a night. Since that night, the sound and nature of his music make so much more sense. Here’s what I’ve learned from this experience and several others; before jumping straight in, take the steps you need to stay safe in the midst of the mosh’s madness, or you’ll get punched in the face. Literally.
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Jordan Steyer
I was at the 2016 Neon Desert Music Festival in El Paso where DJ Carnage had the last set time of the first night of the fest. I’m not too wild about his stuff, but the festival’s poster said “Carnage with special guests.” There were rumors floating around that he was going to bring out Migos or Lil Uzi Vert, and I got pretty excited about that. I stood around for his entire two hour set, just to have a drunk guy pee on my foot, and for Carnage to bring out Trill Sammy, who was already on the Neon lineup. I was so angry that I stood through a two-hour a set just to see a disappointing act and have pee-soaked sandals.
Gabrielle Sanchez
Two years ago, The 1975 played a show on the outdoor stage at Stubb’s. It was the end of May, so it was reaching close to 100 degrees, and after waiting in line for nine hours, I was not ecstatic to be jammed so close to Matty stans that I could not move. I guess the heat really got to some people, because at some point two girls got in a fist fight in the crowd because of pushing. The girls standing behind me were already loud, pushy and obviously paid no attention to the comfort levels of those around them. In order to combat the heat, one of the girls carried a handheld fan to blow on her face. Well, she didn’t pay close enough attention to what she was doing and suddenly the fan grabbed my hair and spun until enough of my hair finally slowed it down, jumbled stuck in a giant knot. I tried not to lose my temper with her, but my hair wouldn’t come out until the fan itself was disassembled. She then went on to brag about how she had shown up an hour before the show, snuck in without a ticket and then finessed her way into the crowd, and unfortunately, right behind me. The rest of the concert went on without any other disturbances, but when I got home I could not brush the knot out and had to cut a large chunk of my hair to get rid of it for good. I have not been to any of The 1975’s shows since then.
Marilee Bodden
In retrospect, I probably should have been prepared for something like this to happen since my concert horror story took place at Vans Warped Tour in Hartford, Connecticut. In case you aren’t aware, Vans Warped Tour is a hardcore/screamo/punk/etc. festival that tours all around the United States every summer. Upon entering this magically dark world, my eyes were greeted with a sea of black, my ears were welcomed with guttural screaming and my 59
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15-year-old, pop-punk obsessed heart could not have been more full. The sun was beaming down as people moshed, jumped, pushed, yelled, sweated (and when I say sweated, I mean I was drenched in sweat), and I was right in the middle of it all. I can’t remember exactly whose show I was seeing at the time that this horrible thing occurred, but whoever it was, they were going hard. I was being pushed forward and jammed into the people in front of me by a wall of sweaty, screamo-crazed individuals who were trying to get closer to stage. Some of these individuals had the genius idea to hurl themselves onto the top of the crowd, forcing the poor beings beneath them to hoist them up and parade them around like champions. Just to put things into perspective, I despise crowd surfing, as I think forcing people who are just trying to enjoy some music to hold your body in the air is both a selfish act and a surefire way to get groped by a lot of strangers. When a stranger next to me decided to transcend to the top of the crowd, I, of course, tried to back away. Unfortunately, I was blocked in at all sides by walls of raging concert-goers, and I could not escape what was coming to me. Accepting my fate, I ducked my head, held up my hands, and was promptly smashed in the face by the foot of a despicable crowdsurfer. Dizzy and head reeling, I grabbed my nose and began the long journey of extricating myself from a crowd packed so tightly it might as well have been jello. My nose was sore for a few days and I lost my favorite sunglasses, but I left the show otherwise unscathed. I do, however, now live in fear regarding the cringeworthy memory, and every time I see a crowd surfer, I bolt for the hills.
Max Friedman
Two years ago at SXSW, I got a pretty horrifying view of a relationship falling to pieces while another guy’s future took a nasty hit. I was at a free Spoon show at Auditorium Shores, after they released “They Want My Soul.” My girlfriend and I loved the album a lot, and we couldn’t wait to see it live. The fact that we got to see Spoon for free made the whole experience all the better. About halfway through the performance though, one of the two guys in front of us (let’s call him Fred for clarification purposes) started dancing with a very intoxicated girl from the crowd (let’s call her Sally). Soon, the dancing turned into making out, and horrifyingly enough, the making out quickly morphed into third base. My girlfriend and I were horrified, so we tried to just focus on the music. But they were really 60
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going at it, and not being discrete at all. Because of how close we were, we could see the guy’s friend, who I’ll call Dave, start to get upset. After 15 minutes or so, Dave holds up his phone with a text message typed out which read: “DUDE, YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND.” But Fred, who was obviously busy with Sally, brushed Dave away and kept going at it. Dave became even more distraught. Little did he know that his life was going to get even worse. After another 15 minutes or so, Dave takes out his phone and opens a new text message. Again, because of how close we were, we could read what it said. It was Dave’s rugby coach telling him that he’d been kicked off the team. Dave burst into tears. When he turned to Fred to let him know, he was so busy with his vertical fornication that he completely ignored his emotional friend. So my girlfriend and I tried our best to enjoy Austin’s best, despite the shattered dreams and humping teens in our way.
Shelby Light
Two years ago, my sister and I road-tripped to Kansas City, Missouri to see One Direction on their “On the Road Again” stadium tour. This was my third One Direction concert with floor tickets, so I was prepared for the insanity that was about to ensue. Even though it was an extremely hot August day, the concert was amazing. Harry completely sweated through his gray t-shirt, Louis and Liam smashed a Naughty Boy piñata and then they all got in a Gatorade throwing fight during the encore. Best wet t-shirt contest ever. But, when the concert was over everyone on the floor had to exit the stadium through the same concrete tunnel. It was partially underground with no windows and packed with hundreds of sweaty bodies. Everyone was tired and irritated and started pushing, yelling and crying. I’ve never considered myself a claustrophobic person, but this was terrifying. Once you descended into the tunnel there was no event staff to help guide traffic. It was everyone for themselves down there. My sister had to hold onto my shirt to keep from getting lost and it took us about an hour to finally escape from the tunnel of hell. After we got out, we couldn’t remember where we’d parked and spent another hour and half wandering around the expansive Arrowhead Stadium parking lot trying to find our vehicle. Once we located our SUV, we spent two more hours in traffic trying to leave the stadium. We finally got out of the traffic jam at around 3 a.m. and ended up spending the night at a truck stop.
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I didn’t know it at the time, but I had just seen my last One Direction concert, as they went on indefinite hiatus later that year. Looking back on it, it feels sacrilegious to complain about this amazing experience. The truly horrifying part of this story is the fact that I now find myself in a world with no One Direction.
Caroline Hager
Back in high school, I managed to sneak into a Wiz Khalifa in concert. I bought my tickets before making any formal plans with my friends, since I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity. By the time the concert rolled around, I found a group of friends to go with. While we were in line, two of us realized that we didn’t have general admission tickets like the rest of our friends. After thinking of a quick plan to sneak our way into GA, my friend managed to swipe one from a nearby check-in stand. In the meantime, I found a blue bracelet on the ground that resembled
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the blue color of the GA wristbands. The entrance to the GA arena was guarded by two security guards on both sides of the door. To get in, attendants raised their hands while walking into the arena to display their wristbands. So, my friend and I entered within a large group to shield us from any problems at the entrance. As we were walking in, one of the security guards noticed that my wristband was not the same as the others and tried to stop me from entering. My fight or flight response kicked in as I bolted towards the crowd. Luckily, I managed to slither into the crowd so the security guard could not find me anymore. After a few minutes, I found my friends and joined them. Heart racing and adrenaline pumping, I was ready to enjoy the concert from the front row spot I finessed. Sometimes what seems like a horror story, turns out alright.
General Admission Concert Survival Guide Is it your first time attending a general admission concert? No worries—ORANGE has your back with this general admission survival guide. Here are some tips to ensure that you make the most out of your concert experience. By Caroline Hager
Do your research.
Becoming more familiar with the performer you are going to see beforehand will make the experience more enjoyable. Be sure to feel out the vibe of the concert you are attending. For example, if you’re headed to a Wiz Khalifa concert on an outdoor lawn, you’re going to want a large group of friends to accompany you because of the party-like atmosphere that the show will have.
Don’t wear your nicest clothing.
Concerts can get rowdy. While we all want use concerts as an opportunity to get fresh, the reality is that drinks are spilled and bodily fluids are present, so you want to avoid any mishaps. You will most likely get stepped on, so leave the heels and sandals at home. As for clothing, wear something comfortable that you can move in. Light layers are key because it will get hot and sweaty.
Bring your ID.
Even if the concert or festival welcomes all ages, security usually asks for identification. Additionally,
don’t forget your ticket—nothing is worse than waiting in line for what seems like ages just to realize you forgot something.
Get a good spot.
Arriving early to the show will give you the best chance to stand where you want in the venue. Mosh pits usually form at the front center of many concerts. If that’s your thing, go for it. If hanging out and grooving along is more your speed, keep your distance. If all of that isn’t tricky enough, t you might want to avoid the big speakers on the left and right corners of most stages. If this fails, you will probably experience partial deafness in one ear the following day.
Hydrate.
Concerts get hot and your body exerts itself while dancing, so drink lots of water before, during and after the show. This is especially important if you or your friends are consuming alcohol or other substances. Safety always comes first. Have fun and replenish yourself while doing so. 61
Song to Song Brings the Austin Music Scene to the Silver Screen WORDS BY ALEX PUENTE ILLUSTRATION BY JESUS A. ACOSTA
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At the world premiere of Terrence Mallick’s new film
the appearance of the ill-fated waitress Rhonda
“Song to Song,” SXSW attendees and Austinites alike
(Natalie Portman). What became immediately appar-
were treated to a lush, unique love letter of a film
ent was how Austin-centric the entire film was from
made by and for Austin. The film focuses on a toxic
start to finish. Austin landmarks like the 360 bridge
love triangle between the main characters—record
and the downtown landscape were front and center,
producer Cook (Michael Fassbender), and aspir-
as well as the various music festivals and venues
ing musicians BV (Ryan Gosling) and Faye (Rooney
which have helped the city earn its reputation as the
Mara)—which briefly becomes a steamy square with
live music capital of the world.
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The soundtrack of the film itself is remarkably diverse
asked me to sing a song and when I started, the whole
and eclectic, featuring a variety of different artists,
set went quiet and suddenly I was performing for the
while also including a special focus on Austin musi-
whole cast, including Rooney and Ryan Gosling, and
cians. A lot of the scenery is paired with classical
all the cameras started rolling,” Falconberry says. “I
compositions and tunes from more well-known artists
almost shit myself.”
like Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Sharon Van Etten and Julianna Barwick, which Mallick pairs with the city’s
During her day on set, the crew filmed all around
musical scenery to show Austin as the epicenter of all
Austin, eventually stopping to do a scene at a food
things musical.
truck on South Congress. “I stumbled my way through the scene like an idiot, trying to ignore the fact that
A handful of Austin musical acts were thrown into the
my first attempt at acting was improv with Ryan
mix as well, including snippets of tracks from Dana
Gosling,” Falconberry says. “The guy working the
Falconberry, BLXPLTN, Reed Turner, Sleep Good, Sun
sandwich truck and I both didn’t know if he was actu-
June, GAL PALS and Hundred Visions. When we don’t
ally supposed make the sandwich, so he did and I paid
hear music, we still see musicians all around. Rooney
him $8.50 for it. I offered it up in the car later on, and
Mara and Neon Indian’s Alan Palomo have a chat on
Ryan grabbed it.”
the Mohawk outdoor balcony. Other scenes feature Iggy Pop, John Lydon and the Red Hot Chili Peppers
Falconberry isn’t the only musician who acts in the
performing at Austin City Limits and Fun Fun Fun
film, as there are appearances from Lykke Li and Patti
Fest.
Smith. Both musicians play themselves, and Smith actually gets a good amount of screen time, in which
“Ryan Gosling still owes me a sandwich.”
she teaches Faye about life and love. One of the film’s most resonant scenes comes from one of these encounters, in which a love-sick Faye listens to Patti
The Fun Fun Fun performance blends the film’s nar-
talk about her late husband. Smith explains that she’s
rative and music together in a unique way, as the
been a widow since 1994, but she still wears a special
viewer learns that Faye is part of a band that looks
ring every day because they never got divorced. “It’s
and sounds a lot like The Black Lips. The band, which
the kind of ring they give runners who didn’t win the
consists of actual Black Lips members, as well as Faye
marathon but finished the race,” Smith says.
and Duane (Val Kilmer) takes the stage. Instead of singing, Duane mostly screams obscenities and splits
As far as the portrayal of the Austin music scene,
an amplifier in half with a chainsaw. All the while,
Falconberry noted that she didn’t think the film was
Rooney Mara cheekily strums a guitar in the back-
necessarily obligated to put Austin bands on display.
ground. The experience was kind of ridiculous for all
“This wasn’t made as a documentary about Austin
involved, explains Black Lips bassist Jared Swilley.“We
music,” Falconberry says. “It set out to be a fictional
kind of got a rundown of what was going to happen
story set in the Austin music scene, and I think that
the night before,” Swilley says. “But, the audience was
gives the director the freedom to add as much music
very confused. We all thought it was pretty hilarious.”
as they see fit.”
Swilley admits to being a huge Terrence Mallick fan, and to loving the way the Austin music scene has
It would be difficult to give a completely true-to-life
treated them over the years. “Austin’s been really
glimpse into the Austin music scene for a variety
good for us since the beginning,” Swilley says. “From
of reasons, and Falconberry doesn’t see this as the
shows at Beerland, to Emo’s, to SXSW, Fun Fun Fun
point of the film. “Unless the film shows musicians
and Psychfest.”
working hard at their day jobs and trying to stay awake for their shows at night, I doubt it’s a realistic
The most prominent Austin connection is perhaps the
portrayal of the scene,” Falconberry says. “Regard-
appearance of Dana Falconberry, who appears in the
less, I’m a huge Mallick fan and it was an honor to be
small role of Faye’s sister, in addition to having one
in one of his films. And yes, Ryan Gosling still owes
of her songs featured in the soundtrack. Falconberry
me a sandwich.”
recalls her day on set as exhilarating and confusing all at once. “The most intense moment was that at some point during a break, the director of photography
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By Onaje McDowelle and Hayli Rudolph
You may know the songs and you may know the characters, but can you name the familiar voices who hide beneath the nostalgia of your favorite original disney ballads?
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A GOOFY MOVIE
PHIL COLLINS
THE LION KING
SHAKIRA
MULAN
FALL OUT BOY
“You’ll Be In My Heart”
TARZAN
CHRISTINA AGUILERA
THE LION KING
VANESSA WILLIAMS
“Stand Out” “I 2 I”h
“Be Prepared”
“True To Your Heart”
---
--
“Hakuna Matata”
---
ZOOTOPIA
ELTON JOHN
---
“Try Everything”
---
BIG HERO 6
ROBIN WILLIAMS
---
---
“Immortals”h
CARS
---
---
“Route 66”
---
MULAN
ELTON JOHN
POCAHONTAS
---
---
“Reflection”
TEVIN CAMPBELL
“Colors of The Wind”
STEVIE WONDER
ALADDIN
WHOOPI GOLDBERG
THE LION KING
JOHN MAYER
“A Friend Like Me”
“The Circle of Life”
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back to the the resurgence of vinyl
Vinyl records used to be the only way to listen to the music that an individual enjoyed, giving them agency over what they listened to and the ability to build their own unique music tastes. Forms of music have rapidly changed over the last few decades, moving from vinyl to cassettes to CD, and now streaming. However people are now returning to vinyl despite living in a time when everything seems to be going digital. Written by Gabrielle Sanchez Photos by Caleb Guadarrama Even 10 years ago, vinyl records were something that only hardcore collectors or our parents owned. But, in recent years, vinyl records have made a trendy comeback, making their reappearance as coveted items in retail stores and aesthetic decor in the homes and bedrooms of young people. According to a 2016 study by Music analytics service BuzzAngle Music, vinyl records sales increased by 26 percent. Furthermore, an article published in 66
the Washington Post stated that vinyls even outsold digital copies during one week last year. Even with endless quantities of digital content from a variety of sources, people are increasingly drawn back to the large, black, petroleum disks. Vinyl has served many purposes throughout its almost 70-year history. For awhile it was the only way to get any media of choice into a personal setting like a home or office, which is why odd sounds such as whale noises, or karate and exercise lessons can be found on vinyl. As other formats such as cassettes and CDs began to enter the marketplace, vinyl offered an avenue to get music from genres that often weren’t available in these formats, such as punk rock. Furthermore, vinyl has always played an important role in DJing and hip-hop music, which started in the ‘70s. Until the laptop came around, if an artist wanted a sample from a song, it had to be from a record, making it a cornerstone in the production of much of the hip-hop music we have today. What makes vinyl records truly special for listeners and sets them apart from other media formats is the physicality of the entire experience. It’s one
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that appeals to all the senses. From the smell of the
genre of jazz lend themselves to be played on vinyl.
packaging and the feeling of weight in one’s hand, to
These reissues allow the music to be listened to in its
listening to the music itself, vinyl offers an immersive
intended format, and can bring the listener closer to
experience that simply cannot be found elsewhere.
the artist and the way the music was intended to be
Andrew Brown, music manager at Exploded Records,
heard. This is crucial for music lovers like Brown. “If
compares it to reading a book or seeing a movie in
you’re going to experience music, listen to it the way
theatres. These experiences can be emulated on a
the artist wanted you to,” Brown says. “You’ll probably
computer, but it cannot capture the essence com-
get more out of it.”
pletely. Perhaps this is why the experience of vinyl has become especially important for young people
According to the New York Times, other music
who have grown up in the age of digitization. “I think
formats like CDs and digital downloads have not
there’s a whole generation of people now who grew
shared the same success and growth as vinyl, and
up with Youtube and being able to pull up a song
continue to face declines year after year as streaming
casually for free whenever they wanted,” Brown says.
cut larger chunks of music’s revenue. When looking at
“Now, a lot of those people are interested in records
what makes vinyl special, LaRue thinks that some of it
because they’re like ‘okay, I’ve had the free com-
has to do with the fact that unlike CDs, vinyl records
pressed kind of watered down experience and now I
cannot be easily replicated on a computer and given
want the full thing.’”
to friends or the internet. Everything that comes with a vinyl record, from the artwork to the vinyl itself,
Josh LaRue, co-owner of Breakaway Records, also
cannot be copied over and over again. “You can’t
expresses sentiments about the physical experience
copy a record, I mean you can put it on tape and you
of music that digital copies do not offer. The entire
can digitize it, but something gets changed,” LaRue
process, from pulling the record out, placing it on the
says. “Whatever you transfer it to doesn’t sound like it
turntable and setting the needle down involves the
sounds when you listen to it on a record. It’s a unique
listener much more than pressing playing on a device.
kind of object.”
“There’s something to read and look at, there’s more of an experience buying it at a store than download-
Physical copies of music may always carry their
ing something that takes 20 seconds,” LaRue says.
importance as long as people seek a close rela-
“There’s a lot more tangible and tactile things going
tionship to music. Whether it be for novelty or for
on.”
the intense love of music, listeners will continue to seek the origin point of personal music. “I’m of the
BuzzAngle Music’s 2016 study showed that some of
age where I’ve seen all these things kind of come
the highest selling records on vinyl last year were not
along and try to replace it, or the industry wants to
new music, but reissues of music from bands such as
replace it because they want to sell you a new version
The Beatles and David Bowie. Other artists such as
of something,” LaRue says. “There’s just always been
Amy Winehouse and her album “Back to Black” also
people who have stuck with records.” It looks like it
remain very high on the top seller list. Although Wine-
will stay that way.
house’s music was created within the last 10 years, her sounds along with many other musicians in the
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A New Creative Platform for Women of Color
Words by Jennifer Hernandez Photos by Aaron Dehn
In this club, you don’t need to recite a chant, wear your clothes a certain way or perform ridiculous tasks to get in. In fact, you don’t need to change a thing about yourself. Your individuality is enough—all you’ll need is a rad vinyl collection to go with it.
Chulita Vinyl Club is a collective composed of
In April, Resistencia Fest brought the community
has a massive following on social media with over
together at Austin’s Pan Am Park with music, food and voter registration. Families danced to the live music performed by local artists while others enjoyed fresh fruit with chili powder. Important community figures also made appearances, including Delia Garza, Austin’s first Latina City Council Member, to make an important point about getting the Latinx community involved in civic engagement efforts. Among the attendees were Jennifer Rother and Xochi Solis, Chulita Vinyl Club members who were ready to spin some vinyl for the crowd to enjoy. 68
self-identified women of color who provide music at different events within their community. There are currently seven Chulita Vinyl Clubs in the country including chapters in the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Launched in December of 2014, the Chulita Vinyl Club already 15,000 followers on Instagram and over 6,000 followers on its Facebook page. Solis, who works as a full time visual artist, is the leader of the Austin chapter. “There’s no repertoire in the Chulitas,” Solis says. “I think what’s cool for us is to share each other’s personal tastes, and kind of have this larger umbrella of the collective to perform that music. We can perform anything from records that we got handed down [to us] from family members or grandparents, to new things we collect when we go shopping at the local record store.”
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All of their music is vinyl. In fact, Solis has been
that were very indigenous to this borderland,” Solis
collecting vinyl since she was a teenager. Her music
says. “[That music] wasn’t being pressed and shared.
tastes have changed over the years, which has helped
It’s a story that often goes untold so we get to tell it
cultivate the broad collection that she plays today.
through the music we play.”
There is no specific genre that stands out when Chulitas play. From cumbias and punk rock, to genres
I think in the way that CVC stands as a group
like motown and dancehall reggae, their music tastes
of empowered women is a political stance
shine through during their sets. “I am a big fan of ‘80s music and disco funk,” Rother says. “I’m all about
Many of the Chulitas identify as Tejana, Chicana or
anything that will make people dance.”
Latinx, which has shaped their inspiration and use of music. Their personal experiences as women of color
Chulitas get a chance to create their own mix made
in the areas they grew up in influence their stories,
straight from their vinyl collections. Every Tuesday, a
which they express in their original mixes. “We have
new mix is published onto the official Chulita Vinyl
all of these layers of our identity, and we want them
Club Soundcloud page for the world to hear. The
to be represented,” Solis says. “Some of us identify
mixes are typically dedicated to an important figure
with different levels of cultural, ethnic and racial
or inspiration that the creator holds close to them.
identities, but all of that adds on to how we are
Similar to their live sets, there is not one genre or
lensed and how we see things.”
style that particularly stands out in each of these mixes. One could hear the distinct personality of
Being part of an organization means more than just
Chulitas at the Resistencia Fest—the crowd got to
association. It creates a powerful statement. Many
hear Tejano music, oldies and Prince all in one sitting.
Chulitas are activists who participate in initiatives that help marginalized communities in Austin. Chulita
As a Tejana, Solis is particularly interested in Tejano
Vinyl Club only plays at events that share the same
music. Many generations of her family have been in,
values as them, whether it’s a nonprofit event, a fund-
according to Solis, the land now called Texas. “I’m
raiser or designing art,
really interested in learning the cultural roots coming out of all the Tejano labels that came to be because
Chulita Vinyl Club stays true to its roots and helps
major labels were not recognizing the musical strains
their community in any way they can. “I think in
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the way that CVC stands as a group of empowered
and music. Although there are many outlets in the
women is a political stance,” Solis says. “The events
city of Austin where one can go to express themselves
we choose to do are supporting POC communities,
creatively, Chulita Vinyl Club gives the mic, or in this
and also communities that require solidarity to create
case, the turntable, to members of the collective to
a safe space for action. When we are coming together
share their stories without interruption. “I guess it
with other organizations with similarly aligned values,
sounds strange, but what I wish for CVC in the future
we become stronger and more potent. Playing a show
is for it to not be such an oddity,” Solis says. “I think
comes with careful consideration on who we want to
so many people are like, ‘Wow, there are brown
align ourselves with because we think it’s so powerful
women doing this.’ We enjoy getting to talk about it
when you unite yourself with another person,” Solis
and sharing it but hopefully this isn’t something that’s
says.
out of the ordinary and something that’s very equally represented.”
What makes Chulita Vinyl Club unique is the open space for women of color to express themselves and
In such a short amount of time, Chulita Vinyl Club
be who they are through doing what they love . For
became a known success. As the collective grows,
Rother, being part of Chulita Vinyl Club has given her
Chulita Vinyl Club will strive to inspire listeners,
a new sense of community with people who share
break barriers, tell stories and stand with communi-
similar identities. “Community is a big thing for me,”
ties to advocate change all through the love of music.
Rother says.
“It means even more as women and
“I am a woman of color, I come from Mexican her-
people of color, which I feel like in today’s present
itage and this is what I have to say,” Solis says. “In
times is important more than ever.”
CVC, I at least have a posse that gives me strength to be able to have a space to say it. A very simple thing
Resistencia Fest encompassed all the things that Chulita Vinyl Club stands for; community, culture
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can be very powerful like that.”
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Girls Rock Austin Nonprofit Empowers Austin Youth Through Music Words by Jennifer Hernandez Photo by Kiana Fernandez
Every year, students arrive at Trinity Church for a week of music, songwriting and an escape from summer boredom. Volunteers greet eager and sometimes nervous students who may not know what the week has in store. While this week-long summer camp turns students into rockstars, it is also be a life-changing experience spent sharing heartwarming stories, learning about feminism and shedding lots of happy tears.
Girls Rock Austin is a nonprofit that serves to build
The camp creates a safe and welcoming environ-
confidence among young self-identified girls and
ment for all of the campers. Aspects as intricate as
non-binary youth in classroom settings by teaching
room names, which are named after famous female
music instrumentation, songwriting and performance.
musicians such as Janet Jackson and Queen Latifah,
Social justice and empowerment are core values of
serve as sources of empowering inspiration. Through-
Girls Rock Austin and the organization addresses this
out the duration of the week, campers work hard to
by providing safe spaces for discussion and expres-
create their best piece of music while having fun and
sion for its members. The organization has been
creating incredible memories. ”We are on our tenth
around for 10 years, providing activities and work-
year of camp and there is not a year of camp where
shops for their members. Girls Rock Austin provides
we don’t get the happy tears,” Bahr says.
numerous workshops where help is needed including yoga, meditation, zine making, technology, recording,
One of Bahr’s favorite stories involves a quiet and
engineering and 3D printing. Their most significant
timid camper named Valeria who was insecure about
event is their music summer camp in which students
her accent because English was not her first lan-
get the opportunity to work with local musicians to
guage. However, Valeria later overcame her shyness
compose and perform original music.
as she performed a booming rendition of a Beatles classic. “When it came time to perform, she gets up
This program is not only occurring in Austin. Girls
there and she starts singing,” Bahr says. “Her voice is
Rock Austin is one of the many chapters which are
so pretty, but it’s very quiet. Then she finally gets to
a part of the Girls Rock Alliance, an international
the chorus and she fills the room. There wasn’t a dry
network with chapters established across the globe
eye in the house. Everyone had goosebumps because
in places like Germany, Peru, Melbourne and France.
it was amazing to see this little girl who at the beginning of the week spoke so softly that you couldn’t
“This whole inclusivity aspect is really important to
even hear her voice suddenly fill a whole room in
us and having that empowering stance as well,” says
front of all of these kids. Everyone was cheering for
Jamie Bahr, President of the Board of Directors of
her. I do my job for moments like that.”
Girls Rock Austin. “Here at Girls Rock, there is no judgement. We are super supportive of each other
The encouragement and positivity of Bahr and other
and are here to lift each other up, as opposed to
volunteers within the program helps campers become
tearing each other down.”
confident in themselves. Some students do 73
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“Right when I started seeing all these other girls being active and learning how to do new things, I started putting myself out there. It helped me believe in myself more.”
not have the needed support in their personal lives
things, I started putting myself out there. It helped me
to trust someone with internal struggles and other
believe in myself more.”
issues such as abuse, thoughts of suicide or coming out. Band instructor and volunteer Suna Wakeum
Many girls already have previous experience playing
has experience as a trusted person for campers to
instruments and then learn how to play other instru-
confide in. “There’s a gender and identity workshop
ments after camp. One camper is playing the drums
at camp and it always winds up with a lot of campers
and is currently learning electric guitar. During her
sharing really personal stories,” Wakeum says. “It’s
time in camp, she learned an important lesson in
just so bounding and beautiful. Every time it happens,
teamwork. “Sometimes, it’s hard to get along with
people usually cry and hug each other and it’s just
your band members because something doesn’t go
so great. No matter how rough the week might have
right, but then you figure out that it should not just
been, that moment makes your work worth every-
be one person agreeing on things the entire time, the
thing.”.
whole team has to agree too.”
Bahr has also seen campers bonding through historic
One can’t help but wonder how life-changing this
moments, which can directly impact young girls. One
camp can be for young girls. Although Girls Rock
of Bahr’s favorite moments at camp was the summer
Austin was not around when other people were
of 2015 when the Supreme Court repealed the
younger, making a difference in others’ lives matters
Defense of Marriage Act, making gay marriage legal.
and impacts us by shaping future leaders. “You get
“Every morning we start with a shout out circle where
to camp and see mini versions of yourself,” Wakeum
everyone goes around and says something they like
says. “I always get there and wish I had that same
about themselves, someone else or something they
experience as a kid. It’s kind of like making up for the
like that happened the day before. Most of us didn’t
fact that I didn’t get that same attention or support
know of the news because we were away from our
when it came to music.
phone for hours each day. One of the girls came in and her shout out was to the government for allow-
As people become more aware of how media, culture
ing gay people to get married, and immediately, all
and politics directly affect young girls, the desire
the kids started jumping up and down, hugging each
to empower their voices becomes vital. Opportuni-
other and cheering,” Bahr says.
ties like Girls Rock Austin have the power to instill strength and self-esteem in a new generation of girls
The girls themselves have learned a lot during
who will change the world.
their time with Girls Rock Austin. One camper says
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her favorite part about camp is playing different
“The camp experience in itself isn’t just about music,
instruments and meeting new people. “Before I got
it’s about getting up there and doing something no
involved, I was less active and less communicative,”
one’s ever done and not caring about being judged,”
says the camper. ”Right when I started seeing all these
Wakeum says.
other girls being active and learning how to do new
*denotes campers who preferred to remain anonymous.
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Dissolving the Taboo Around Tattoos in the Workplace
Story by Thalia Carrillo Illustration by Ryan Hicks
If you’ve ever gotten a tattoo or a piercing somewhere other than your ears, or you dyed your hair a bright color, you were probably asked, “How do you expect to get a job?” Chances are the person questioning your choice of fashion was much older than you. That’s because most of us young professionals do not see an issue with having tattoos, piercings, etc. in the workplace, according to a study done by the Huffington Post.
The negative stigma around tattoos, piercings and
unprofessional,” Bonner says. “I think you shouldn’t
colored hair still exists, but it is becoming clear that
base your opinion off of my appearance. Let me
this will not be true for much longer.
prove to you how professional I can be.”
In a research
study featured in the Huffington Post, it was concluded that both students and professionals see
“I think you shouldn’t base your opinion
almost no negative effect of having these body mod-
off of my appearance. Let me prove to you
ifications in a corporate environment, so long as the
how professional I can be.”
person is well-groomed. UT sophomores Emma Robertson and Zoe KayIf you were to walk into a Whole Foods, Target, Lush
Njemanze feel similarly. “I have two rather visible
or Best Buy, it would not be surprising to see an
tattoos and a nose ring,” Robertson says. “I’m hoping
employee or two with tattoos and piercings, or even
to go into international or human rights law.” She
bright colored
These places are among the
likes how tattoos are becoming more acceptable in
top 36 most tattoo-friendly U.S. companies, accord-
the workplace, and says she has one on her bicep and
ing to Skinfo’s website, a blog dedicated to specialty
one on her wrist. “I have six ear piercings, three on
skincare, run by professional dermatologist Dr. Amy
each ear, and I usually have different colored hair,”
Forman Taub, whose work has been featured on ABC,
says Kay-Njemanze, who has had green and pink hair
CBS, Harper’s Bazaar and Allure Magazine. Accord-
and is currently sporting white hair. She wishes to
ing to an article on JobMonkey, 45 million people in
work for a nonprofit or help write health policy.
hair.
the U.S. have at least one tattoo. Of these people, the majority work in fields such as the military, agricul-
Luckily, Austin is the second most tattoo-friendly city
ture and hospitality, with the least amount working
in the U.S., according to Skinfo’s research. So, don’t
in engineering, IT and government. Professionals in
be ashamed of your fashion and lifestyle choices.
finance, healthcare and education fall right in the
Embrace the look and become the best professional
middle.
you can be.
For UT students who have any sort of body modifi-
The new professional looks however they wish and
cations and who are soon to be professionals, it is
that could mean that they have a finger tattoo, nose
important to understand how society views this com-
ring or blue highlights. The new professional should
bination. Sophomore Savannah Bonner who hopes
not and will not be stigmatized for their physical
to go into ministry or politics talked about what
appearance, but rather, appreciated for their work
it is like to be in her shoes. “I’ve been told that my
ethic and abilities.
piercings and tattoos make me look immature and 75
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Thread by Thread Fashion as an Innovative, Personal Artform
Words by Rachana Jadala Photos by Humza Ahmed
Fashion is expressive, not only for people who wear the clothes, but also for designers. Fashion design as an art is an extremely personal form of expression created with the specific intent to be worn on the body. This physicality makes fashion a unique art; it is performed each time someone puts on an item of clothing. In Austin, three designers are creating fashion designs based on their cultural backgrounds, personal politics and artistic inspirations.
Tre Miles, a fifth-year retail merchandising major,
“I grew up with a father who worked on making shoes,
has always loved fashion design. “I remember my first
bags, wallets, etc.,” Theodasia Shayo, a local Austin
experience with fashion was when I was maybe four
designer, says. He uses leather, fabrics and even made
or five and put on my grandmother’s leather taupe
drums and other African curios and carvings to sell to
Mary Janes,” Miles says. “This wasn’t some expression
tourists in his shop in downtown Dar Es Salaam.”
of my gender but a real fascination with the aesthetics of that taupe heel on my black little foot.” Miles
However, not all designers grow up knowing they love
would dress up Barbies and not let anyone touch
fashion. Jordan Butler, a fourth-year design major,
them for hours, and by second grade he would use
was introduced to fashion only after coming to UT.
colored construction paper and block the page and
Butler was originally a biochemistry major, but after
use that to design women’s apparel.
attending the UT fashion show she decided that she
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needed to switch majors. ”There was something super
Political influences can come from experiences. An
intriguing about the designs to me,” Butler says. “It
individual's social position is intimately linked to the
made me imagine what designs I could create.” They
way they view the world. Gender and race play key
ended up doing both majors for awhile before ulti-
roles in shaping the experiences and perceptions of
mately switching into design because that was where
individuals because people are treated differently
their heart was.
based on these attributes. “Gender has been an important influence,” Butler says. “Men have always
Similarly, Shayo also had a strong passion for design.
told me I looked like a man because I'm tall and have
Shayo had experience with fashion design from a
some masculine features. I thought I needed to look
young age, which has allowed their to become a
a certain way to feel womanly.” Designing has helped
successful business woman and fashion designer
Butler gain the self confidence she lost when she was
in Austin. Shayo would alter some of the clothes in
younger. Designing has also allowed them to enjoy
their father’s shop, even though they risked getting in
wearing men’s clothing, which is something she could
trouble. Most of these “altered designs” sold quickly
not imagine earlier in her life.
and would go unnoticed. “I think working with my dad and his team at a young age made me learn a
Although the fashion industry is an exciting place to
lot about business, people, and I truly appreciated the
explore creative outlets and make personal state-
value of creativity and hard work,” Shayo says.
ments, it is also dominated by monolithic expressions. “I personally hate the fast fashion movement and the
Inspiration for the clothes themselves are a mix of
industry’s blindness to cultural appropriation,” Miles
personal experiences, aesthetics and influences. “The
says. “I consider the former as the death of creativity
moments that have forever shaped me would have
and makes clothes superfluous. I feel, like many other
to be every look the Spice Girls wear in their Spice
facets of society, fashion has become more about
World movie, J.Lo’s velour pink suit from her “I’m Real
over-accessibility and less about nutritional value,”
(Murder Remix)” music video and the inflatable igloo
Miles says.
dress from The Lizzie McGuire Movie,” Miles says. Miles also looks forward to specific designers such
Fashion is also dominated by established giants,
as HBA, Palomo, Thome Brown, Opening Ceremony,
“cliques” based on geographic location and style. “I
V-Files, Thom Browne, Alexander Lewis, Schiaparelli
am taken back by the ‘cliquishness’ in the fashion
and Blindness.
scene,” Shayo says. “Being an immigrant with an accent and not being that experienced or having a
As young designers, they use their experiences and
fancy fashion education used to make me feel inse-
social issues to inspire their designs and fashion to
cure.” She now feels that her unique upbringing is an
make bold statements. “My designs are inspired by
asset and has created space for herself in the Austin
the political conversation I’m having at the time,”
fashion design community.
Miles says. “As I’ve grown more into myself, I base my ideas and designs on the people in my life and the
Marginalized designers are slowly gaining a foothold
social dialogue that goes on around me.”
in a Eurocentric industry. This dynamic is particularly interesting, considering the fact that women’s fashion
“Fashion has the ability to subliminally
is more highly regarded in terms of both popularity
change and influence what we see.”
and critical acclaim. White men are praised for cloth-
Historically, many artists, including fashion designers
of what women should present as. Clothing in general
such as Alexander McQueen and Katherine Hamnett,
is considered a hobby for women. For example, shop-
have created political images with their art. “What I
ping is a very gendered hobby. In contrast, the most
enjoy is that fashion has the ability to subliminally
highly paid and respected designers are men. This
change and influence what we see,” Miles says. “You
contradiction indicates a gendered dynamic in the
do not have to say much but just present something
clothing industry, especially since the designs that get
on the runway. Yes, I could say it a thousand times
the most attention are generally for women.
ing and representing women based on their own ideas
but until someone visually sees it and are exposed, the impact is not the same as with words, which is a
“Here at UT, we only learn about the European
great thing about fashion.”
fashion history, so even though I understand why it's important, that's all we focus on.” The models
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they use are always European, and even the models of color generally have a European look and European features. Butler thinks that it is difficult to create designs with non-binary genders in mind since clothing is made with a very specific fit in mind. This means that body types in between male and female are not easily accounted for. Despite their issues with the industry and the obstacles they face, designers choose to enter the industry because of their love for design. In addition to gender, racial identity has influenced both UT Butler and Miles. Black designers and influencers have never been credited with their impact on both pop culture and fashion. Hip-hop fashion icons have existed since the music genre was created but are not respected in the same way that white fashion designers have been commended. “I am able to recognize being black as a gift. Although black life is not
“I try to incorporate my art, identity, culture and activism when I create.”
appreciated and respected as much as it should be, I believe our culture is present in everything. As of the past few years, my perspective has been shaped by my inclusion of black voices and bodies.” Miles says. His senior design collection was worn by black models, and this year they were the president of the University Fashion Group, a predominantly white membership, which now has a sister organization named Hip-Hop Couture. Blackness is not a singular experience, especially in the United States where black people and designers are both born and migrate here. “Where I am from in Tanzania, there is no such thing as blackness, but after educating myself and experiencing life in the United States, I had an epiphany,” Shayo says. “It is important community. I try to incorporate my art, identity, culture and activism when I create.” She feels that as a black business owner and an African woman, her identity will always be present. She attempts to find new ways to engage this identity while also creating designs that resonate with her customers. These designers have a vision not only for themselves, but for what fashion can do for others and the role it can play in a larger social narrative. “I’m at the point in my life where although I understand that I benefit from colorism privilege, I try to elevate black stories by telling my own, as well as providing a platform for others and passing the mic whenever possible,” Miles says. Miles and Butler have both decided that they would like to use their platforms as fashion designers to uplift marginalized voices.
“The ultimate big plan for our social impact aspect of our business is to move into the manufacturing space and set up in East Africa in order to give employment to women in that region,” Shayo says. “My plan is to bridge the gap in the community by doing what we love and simultaneously connect the two continents, Africa and North America, in an ethical and sustainable way,” Shayo says. Unique collections and platforms can come together to create something truly innovative. “I would love to create a collection that uses marginalized voices in a way that is also represented through clothing,” Butler says. “It would be a collaborative piece that credits everyone who contributes. I would want to make sure that they’re recognized primarily so that my collection tells not only my own story but the stories of others as well.” The world of fashion is constantly changing, and new designers are a huge part of that change. “I am currently choosing where to work based on how socially responsible they are, which is difficult. My ideal place to work doesn't exist, so I would have to create it,” Butler says. With a vision in mind, these designers will bring their ingenuity, passion and social experiences to fashion design. Shayo says, “I speak about movements about women of colors, body types etc; Fashion is for everyone regardless on how they look like, or how they speak.”
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Shapes of UT Curvy women redefine beauty standards. 80
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Growing up in an age when Barbie was our best friend, young girls would look to the screens or turn the pages of magazines and see the ideal beauty standard as having a model’s thin body. However, with the increasing popularity of Instagram models and portrayal of women with curvy, picturesque hourglass figures, it seems as though there has been a shift in what society considers beautiful.
Story by Alexis Green Photos by Marybeth Schmidt
While the portrayal of curvier women seems great
than having perfect breasts and butts. “Their bodies,
on the surface, this “ideal” image of curvy women
with perfect everything, do not make sense to me,”
with perfect breasts, hips and flat stomachs does
Okeyemi says. “I see curvy as having a stomach.”
not always represent the body type of the average curvy person. Five women at the University of Texas
Although a lot of people deny being curvy because
at Austin discuss the evolving perception of beauty
of the stigma the term can sometimes carry, fresh-
standards that fails to recognize the diverse shapes
men human development and family sciences major
and sizes of all curvier women.
Mbayi Aben proudly accepts the label. “I see myself [as] curvy because I have a nice butt and top area,
“This idea of curvy as having a larger butt and breasts
but also a little stomach, and I embrace it,” Aben says.
with a smaller waist, which I don’t identify with at all,
“People want to be slim thick, but I embrace all my
is trending,” says freshman public relations major
thickness.”
Oriana Davila. For others, curvy has no definition. It is about what With the rise of Instagram models and public figures
a person chooses to identify themselves as, if they
like the Kardashians, the perfect image has become
choose to identify as anything at all. “You can’t take
having curves in only the right places, which can
[curvy] and make it into a mold that someone has to
be dangerous for people that do not fit that mold.
fit,” freshmen plan II and film major Nicole Ozuna
According to a study by DoSomething.org, an orga-
says. She sees body types as fluid because nobody is
nization that promotes healthy relationships and
truly the same. “It’s about individuality,” Ozuna says.
self-esteem for young people, only five percent of
“You are what you assign yourself to be.”
women naturally possess the body type portrayed by the media. However, people are challenging the idea
There is no perfect body type for what it means to be
of what it means to be beautiful, and it is not always
curvy. “When I think of curvy, I don't think of Kylie
synonymous with society’s idea of perfection.
[Jenner],” Ozuna says. “I think of people within the community I know, like Barbie Ferreira or women
Fola Okeyemi, a freshman human development and
defying the norms of beauty, but we all know [Kylie]
family sciences major, sees curvy as being more
is considered perfect,” Ozuna says. 81
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Kayla’s look is flawlessly simple and perfect for the warmer weather.
“The most important thing is to celebrate and appreciate what we look like in the moment because there is always something you have that someone wished they had, and to be mindful of speaking positivity and vibrancy over our bodies instead of dangerously condemning ourselves.”
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Plus-sized models like Barbie Ferreira and Ashley
It wasn’t until Davila started to rebel those harmful
Graham have shown that fashion has room for all
beauty standards that she learned the importance of
shapes and sizes. Cellulite and stretch marks are no
accepting her beauty and her body. “You realize the
longer left out of the conversation of what charac-
person you don’t want to be is who you actually are
teristics a woman’s body should possess to be seen
and who you’re meant to be,” Davila says.
as beautiful. However, Ferreira and Graham are the exception, not the rule. According to a study by the
Aben has had similar experiences. “When I was
Fashion Spot, only 1.4 percent of spring 2016 ads fea-
younger, I wanted to be slim because in my environ-
tured women above a size 12. Furthermore, according
ment, everyone that was cute and popular was slim,”
to Entity Magazine, Spring 2017 New York Fashion
Aben says. It was only when she moved to diverse
Week featured only 16 plus-size models. To put that
areas and saw people like herself that she truly
into perspective, a study done by Refinery29 found
started not only accepting her body, but also loving it.
that 67 percent of women wear a size 14 or higher. But while plus-size representation in the mainstream
Regardless of background, confidence can be hard to
media is slowly increasing for some, African-Amer-
come by and does not take place overnight. Personal
ican curvy girls are often still excluded from the
value goes untaught and girls are made to feel a need
picture or hypersexualized. African-American women
to compare themselves to others.
are often fetishized for their curves and are made to feel as though darker complexions have no place
“Younger girls should be taught that however you
within the high fashion industry.
look is fine, so don’t force it or hurt yourself trying to look like someone else,” Okeyemi says.
“I feel like if I wanted to do fashion, I would have to do sexualized commercial modeling,” Aben says. “I
From a young age, people are exposed to images
would have to take pictures with no clothing on to be
that make them feel bad for not fitting into a perfect
publicly noticed instead of me being praised for my
mold. “For a lot of people, it starts at puberty because
other natural features.”
they start looking in the mirror while thinking about buying bras or makeup and notice they don’t fit the
“If nobody else is going to validate your beauty, you have to validate yourself.”
standards of beauty,” Ozuna says. These standards create false ideas of a need to look slim by wearing black or covering up your body when
This sentiment is shared by other women like fresh-
you are plus sized. It sets practices in place that can
man public health major Kayla Eboreime. “More and
be not only be detrimental to a person’s sense of
more, it’s changing, but we celebrate skinny, light-
style, but their sense of self worth.
skinned girls with a loose curl pattern, and I am the complete antithesis of that with my tight curl pattern,
In regards to following style rules, Ozuna says people
very dark skin and thick build,” Eboreime says. For
around her would try to enforce nonexistent fashion
her, self-celebration and confidence is key in a world
rules that limit her self-expression. “It’s very crippling
that tries to take away her personal worth. “If nobody
and disheartening to live your life like that,” she says.
else is going to validate your beauty, you have to validate yourself,” Eboreime says.
To counteract these internalized misconceptions of beauty, Ozuna believes there are two routes to take.
This need for validation often feels crucial when
“One is to just remain unconfident, and that is a det-
growing up and can be difficult to come by when put
riment to everything you do, or choose the route of
in environment in which the people in the magazines
liberation and not caring and realizing I am gorgeous
or even around you are people you can identify with.
and I am worthy,” Ozuna says.
“I struggled a lot in school because I was always the tallest one and biggest one, while all the other girls
However, having such confidence can be frowned
were petite and tiny,” Davila says, reflecting on her
upon, especially regarding women.
youth. “My cousins would be like, ‘You should wear this’ and I would be like ‘I can’t wear that’ and it made
Davila explains that she often feels beautiful, yet
me feel horrible.”
when asked about it, feels pressured to respond with 83
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Mbayi keeps her spring look fun and flirty!
style
Fola paired an off the shoulder top with a black skirt.
“Women are told not to take up space in any way—physically, emotionally and mentally, so when you say something like, ‘I am beautiful, I’m smart, I’m ambitious,’ you get judged,” “I think I’m pretty but not beautiful” and questions “why do they make us feel bad about feeling good?” “It has to do with taking up space,” Ozuna says. “Women are told not to take up space in any way— physically, emotionally and mentally, so when you say something like, ‘I am beautiful, I’m smart, I’m ambitious,’ you get judged,” Ozuna says. Despite attempts to hold women down, knowing your self-worth, regardless of gender, is important. “In anything, but especially fashion, fake it to make it,” Ozuna says. “If you exude confidence, people will 84
think you’re wearing something well. You don’t have to be big about it, but hold your head up, don’t be ashamed in what you’re wearing or who you are.” It is easy to get caught up and compare ourselves to others, especially when seeing actresses and models with certain traits, but as individuals everyone possesses something unique. Being different often has a negative connotation, but this uniqueness is what makes us who we are and should be proudly acknowledged. “The most important thing is to celebrate and appreciate what we look like in the moment because there is always something you have that someone wished they had, and to be mindful of speaking positivity and vibrancy over our bodies instead of dangerously condemning ourselves,” Eboreime says.
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FAVORITE DECADE OF FASHION
Style Staff Collab Photos by Marybeth Schmidt
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Fashion has a habit of repeating itself. Trends that were once long gone always tend to resurface, sometimes unchanged. Suede skirts from the ‘70s were a huge fall staple, and juicy couture tracksuits from the early 2000s are making a much needed come back. ORANGE style staff has come together to share our current favorite trends that are making their way from the past into the present.
Samantha Favela
Florals, flowy and free are the three words that describe my style. It comes at no surprise that I find the most inspiration from the ‘70s fashion trends. From high-waist pants to off-the-shoulder tops, the trends from this decade always sneak their way into my wardrobe. Whether it is a full on ‘70s inspired outfit or just a single accessory, this decade can be found in whatever I am wearing.
Itohan Osagie
As someone who regards the Civil Rights Movement as not only a pivotal time for the United States socially, but also as a period in which the style of young black Americans served as a symbol of their heritage, the ‘60s are by far my favorite decade of fashion. Coming from a Nigerian household, much of my childhood consisted of my father wearing dashikis filled with bright colors, intricate patterns and detailed embroidery, which first became mainstream during the late ‘60s. For me, the infusion of Afrocentric attire into my wardrobe represents a connection to my ancestry, as I’m sure it did for many who adorned similar clothing in that time.
Brandon Pegram
This may sound very pompous, but I consider my style a true fusion of many different eras and styles, and difficult to pin to just one era. Yet an era that has influenced my style a lot lately would be the ‘90s. I love bright colors and busy patterns, and fusing that with a grungier look of ripped skinny jeans completes many of my favorite looks. Some of the best runners and classic shoes came out in the ‘90s, so as a self-prescribed “sneakerhead,” the ‘90s definitely has a special place in my heart.
Jacqueline Briddell
My personal style has fluctuated a lot throughout my lifetime. I’ve never consciously drawn my sense of fashion from a specific decade because I’m a sucker for experimenting with the latest trends and mixing and matching unconventional pieces to create a cool look. However, anyone who is familiar with fashion culture knows that a lot of old trends are making a comeback. In other words, fashion continues to repeat itself. With that being said, my favorite fashion decades would have to be both the ‘90s and the late 2010s. The epitome of my style is bright colors, layers, denim and statement jewelry. While many of these characteristics are currently popular trends, they originally derive from the ‘90s,and in some cases, even earlier than that. 86
Liam Alteneder
Of all the decades, the ‘90s is probably where I draw the most inspiration from when it comes to everyday style. All other decades are so distinct with their respective trends that existed during that time, but the ‘90s has transcended its 10-year constriction. From ‘90s grunge to denim-on-denim, many of these trends are still considered a fashionable choice today.
Avery Long
As a sucker for all things flared, I’d have to say the ‘70s is my decade of choice. From Jane Birkin’s trove of impeccably woven purses to Jerry Hall’s effortless golden mane, 1970s style was characterized by an unabashed lack of formality, rigidity and structure. Although the immense pervasiveness of the flower crown in big box retailers can be disconcerting at times, it’s pleasing to see modern interpretations of ‘70s fashion becoming more readily accessible to consumers.
Kristina Nguyen
With my arsenal of flared pants and mule heels, the ‘70s wins as my favorite fashion decade. With so many style superstars, the decade offers an endless treasure trove of trends to recycle. I often find myself taking inspiration from the disco era’s ‘bigger is better’ motto and its iconic outfits, channeling Cher’s bare midriff ensembles to Farrah Fawcett’s famous feathered hairstyle. The decade was also filled with provocative figures such as Grace Jones, who defied gender and sexual stereotypes to push fashion boundaries with her experimental style.
Alexis Green
Last year marked a TV binging period in which Kelly Taylor was a style icon and Brandon Walsh was my screensaver. Shows like Beverly Hills 90210, Moesha and Buffy the Vampire Slayer introduced me to amazing female characters who kicked butt, both literally and figuratively, in style. The fusion of femininity with the edginess of grunge truly makes the ‘90s my favorite decade of style. From chokers, crop tops and Dr. Martens, the ‘90s has definitely made a reappearance within my wardrobe.
Katharine Noe
As someone who tries to not pay mind to what’s “in” and what’s “out," I have always appreciated ‘70s fashion for not being afraid to stray from conventional style standards and embrace individuality. Though it has been almost 40 years since the fashion world experienced one of its most diverse and eclectic eras, the ‘70s has continued to have a strong influence on the fashion industry, shaping the racks of stores and closets all over, particularly my own. Whether it be hippy-chic flares flooded with print and color or a romantic peasant top and maxi skirt to match, the ‘70s was an era of effortless fashion fun that has significantly shaped my personal style.
Thalia Carrillo
The style of the early 2000s is my guilty pleasure. It just doesn’t get enough credit. Sure, a lot of it was cheesy (cough, dresses over jeans and juicy couture tracksuits, cough), but I happen to think it’s super fun! If you wear chokers, denim on denim, colored-lens sunglasses or mini skirts, you’re repping the early 2000s without even knowing it. 87
your style is my style A Guide to Avoiding Cultural Appropriation in Fashion Story by Thalia Carrillo Illustrations by Alex Guillen
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It’s 2017, and some people still haven’t grasped the concept of cultural appropriation. Before adopting a style that you think is cool or unique, consider this: is the trend appropriating a culture that doesn’t belong to you? Cultural appropriation can be offensive to those who actually practice the culture you’re “borrowing” from. It is particularly harmful to minority groups that have historically been oppressed and exploited. While those taking credit for appropriated styles are viewed as edgy, the original members of these cultures continue to face negative stereotypes. Instead of appropriating a culture that’s not yours, here’s what you can do:
The Baby Hairs look
Chola Style
Laying down edges, or baby hairs (shorter hairs that
The chola style typically encompasses big hooped
line parameter of one’s head) has been a long stand-
earrings, a bandana and heavy lip-liner, however, the
ing practice in the Black community. Black people
culture includes much more than aesthetic. The term
slick down their edges to help their wigs and weaves
chola has historically held a negative stereotype for
look more natural, to help tame those short kinky
low-income Chicanas in the past several decades.
curls that often accompany Black hair, or simply
For Mexican-American women, chola culture means
just because they like the look. This cultural practice
defending the neighborhood, providing for families,
has made it’s way into the mainstream media, and
having a badass attitude and, as far as style goes,
non-Black celebrities such as Katy Perry, Lucy Hale
feminizing the cholo gangster look with accessories
and several models decided to appropriate the look.
like cheap, gold-plated jewelry.
However, if you’re a non-Black person—even if you’re still a person of color—who is considering trying this
Before wearing the hooped earrings, lip-liner and
“trend,” don’t do it. Black people, particularly dark-
bandana combo, keep in mind that the term chola
skinned black girls, are often considered “ghetto”
has carried a negative connotation for Chicanas, and
or “ratchet” for wearing their hair this. You, as white
by adopting chola culture, you aren’t being trendy—
person or non-Black person of color, won’t face the
you’re essentially mocking it. Instead taking up chola
same stigma as Black people do simply for wearing
style, opt for one element, like a cute headband or
their hair. The practice of slicking down baby hairs
silver hoops.
is unique to the Black community, and it should stay that way.
Henna Tattoos Henna tattoos or “mehndi” are especially in demand
Instead of slicking down your baby hairs, opt for a
at events including music festivals and parties. With
headband that will push those shorter hairs out of
an array of designs and distinct colors, henna tattoos
you face.
are beautiful, unique and can last for a few weeks.
The Bindi
However, they are often reduced to an aesthetic and lose meaning when popularized at festivals and
Every year, festival-goers appropriate South Asian
other events. It is important to remember the roots
culture at Coachella, particularly with the concept of
of mehndi as a cultural component at religious cere-
the Bindi. Face jewels are a popular accessory that
monies and weddings, dating back to Ancient Egypt.
festival-goers use to attempt to look “exotic” and
When mehndi is applied simply to be trendy or artsy,
while the jewels may seem innocent, there exhibit
these cultural roots are easily forgotten.
underlying tones of appropriation. The Bindi is a red dot worn on the forehead by women across South
Instead of buying a DIY henna-kit from Urban Outfit-
Asia. The symbol holds religious and cultural value
ters, try to understand that henna tattooes are more
for those in the region. When festival-goers at Coach-
than just a trend and have been used for centuries
ella put on face jewels on their forehead or between
across cultures. Opt for temporary tattoos that are
their eyebrows to achieve a certain aesthetic, they
slowly becoming more fashionable and learn about
trivialize South Asian culture and the importance of
the significance of mehndi before approaching a
the Bindi.
henna stand at your next festival.
Instead, try putting those jewels somewhere else your face, like on your cheeks or around your eyes. It’s a simple fix and nobody gets hurt. 89
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Social Justice Enacted A Look at Some of UT’s Activists Story by Alexis Tatum and Brandon Pegram Photos by Maya Coplin
The fight against social injustice is not a new phe-
shirt, I tell them what we stand for.” The shirt he’s
nomenon. Throughout history, people have suffered
referring to depicts a burnt orange fist, symbolizing
and struggled for the right to express themselves
the black power fist that has become a universal sign
freely. Since the start of the popular hashtag and
of solidarity and support.
subsequent #BlackLivesMatter movement in 2013, it seems as though the battle against social injustice
The work of social activism is not easy. It is a grind-
has been revamped. Today, more people are joining
ing effort that often goes unnoticed and conflicts to
the difficult conversations about politics, race, gender
those in power. For Cal Goulet, these are the chal-
identity and sexual orientation. They’re marching,
lenges people must be ready to tackle if it means
waving flags, making shirts, creating more hashtags.
that others will be heard. “Nowadays it’s easy to get
People are standing up for themselves and others.
caught up in saying you'll get stuff done but not actually doing it,” Goulet says.
Many of these passionate young people attend the University of Texas at Austin and are taking steps to fight the social injustice that they have experienced or witnessed. ORANGE spoke with some of them to
“Every community on this campus is strongly dedicated to what they believe in.”
understand the ways they express themselves and commit to ending injustices while doing so.
This past year, Goulet collaborated with UT’s Gender and Sexuality Center to help LGBTQ+ students locate
Kasim Kabbar is a second-year undergraduate
gender-neutral restrooms around campus because
studies major, a member of the UT Diversity Inclu-
the administration does not provide clear direction
sion Agency and an executive officer for UT’s Black
on where these bathrooms are located across UT’s
Student Alliance. Kabbar is adamant about the
large campus. Goulet hopes that their efforts will
importance of inclusion and representation of the
change that and provide assistance to the students
black community. “Every community on this campus
on campus who need them. By working tirelessly to
is strongly dedicated to what they believe in,” Kabbar
bring change on and around campus, Goulet wishes
says. “We do what we have to do.” Kabbar believes
to bring about a more inclusive environment for stu-
that the organizations he has joined helped him
dents often neglected by the university. For Goulet,
become more knowledgeable about social injustice.
expressing their social activism is straightforward. “By
“Being a member of BSA and DIA, I think our job is to
simply being unapologetically me, non-binary and
put these issues on the forefront,” Kabbar says. “We
damn proud,” Goulet says.
let people in our communities know that they’re not alone, we offer them assurance.
It is no secret that in a capitalist society, money runs the world. Public health junior Chioma Ujari uses this
As for people who don’t relate to these issues, Kabbar
insight to her advantage to battle social inequality.
believes that the best route to take is education. “I
“When I learned the spending power African-Amer-
educate my friends from different backgrounds, and I
icans had in America could be the GDP of a small
talk about my experience as a black man in general,”
country, I knew that this was a form of activism that
Kabbar says “When people ask me about my BSA
could be quite tangible,” Ujari says. 91
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“My activism is intersectional and inclusive, refusing to focus on one single issue because of the awareness that the majority of social issues are inextricably intertwined.”
Although she uses her buying power as her main
wears her struggle on her chest. Her shirts exemplify
vehicle for social change by only supporting com-
a common form of symbolism used by young activ-
panies who share similar beliefs as her, Ujari also
ists: satirical slogans and phrases worn boldly in the
understands that her platform gives her an influence
form of clothing help bring attention to issues very
that others don’t have. “I know that with my position
easily. “Even if I can change or engage the mind of
as African American Culture committee chair or just
one person, that’s a victory,” Düster says. “Actively
a person who is active in the black and UT commu-
participating in resistance is powerful.”
nity, my words can hold a lot of weight,” Ujari says. “I want to be the voice for those who haven’t found
Some may forget that protests are not solely com-
in themselves yet to speak up.” Ujari has used her
piled of marginalized people. Allies are can be an
platform to lead her socially conscious organization.
important asset in the fight against inequity because
While her stances are her own and not reflective of
they actively seek out equal treatment for people who
AACC, by becoming a visible leader in her commu-
are not like themselves. For example, Edith Muleiro,
nity, Chioma has shown that a positive use of your
a first-year Plan II and government major, spends
platform and wallet can bring change.
her time helping refugees and undocumented immigrants. Her inspiration stems from her experiences
Though many people choose to combat a single
volunteering at Syrian refugee camps on the Mace-
social inequity, there are some who choose to fight
donian border last year. “It’s so hard to leave where
against more. Maria Düster fights social injustice as
you’re from,” Muleiro says. Now she serves whenever
a systemic problem rather than focusing on a single
and wherever she can as a member of many refugee
issue. “My activism is intersectional and inclusive,
support groups, including the Liberal Arts Refugee
refusing to focus on one single issue because of the
Alliance. She was also instrumental in helping gain
awareness that the majority of social issues are inex-
testimonies against the anti-sanctuary city bill in the
tricably intertwined,” Düster says.
Texas Legislature this year.
Though it is only her first year at UT, Düster is already
Social activism centuries, in our country and on our
involved in organizations like University Democrats
campus. Those willing to put forward the grueling
and Students Against Campus Carry, participating at
effort for change have led many powerful move-
protests and engaging in community work. She credits
ments. Yet there are still many people unwilling to
her inspiration for activism to her identity, describing
listen to the voices of the communities they margin-
herself as “a bisexual mixed woman of color.”
alize. This year alone, students have seen instances
Düster says she believes that social media is benefi-
both on campus and in America, from the shutdown
cial to her activism. “Social media has many glaring
of the racist bake sale at UT to the Women’s March
flaws, but one of the strengths it possesses is the
that shook the world. UT has many students willing
ability to constantly engage others, to make them
to be on the right side of history, who use their plat-
more aware of the injustice going on in the world
forms, privileges and even their clothes to uplift the
around them,” Düster says. She admittedly owns her
voices of those without one.
“fair share of feminist/activist t-shirts,” and often 92
by Maya Coplin
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QUIZ
Which Iconic Rihanna Ensemble Are You?
Words by Avery Long Illustrations by Alex Guillen
Your friends would most likely describe you as… A Cute but a little crazy B Always excited to go out on Sixth C Too “dressed-up” for class D High-maintenance (insert nail-painting emoji)
Your favorite way to make it through an agonizingly dull lecture is to... A Feverishly scour your ex-boyfriend’s Instagram B Brainstorm cocktail ideas for Friday night C Take notes. You’re bored, not looking to fail the next exam. D Message one of your many suitors via Tinder
RiRi can lyrically do no wrong – but if you had to choose a song from “Anti”... A “Same Ol’ Mistakes” B “Pose” C “Love on the Brain” D “Work”
Which emoji is quintessentially you? A The rose (à la “Beauty and the Beast”) B The hysterically crying/laughing face C The pink sparkly heart D The smirking purple devil
Your go-to beverage of choice is… A Coconut water B Sunday morning mimosas (brunch is a must) C A strawberry milkshake with whipped cream on top, naturally D A Diet Coke with a straw, so I don’t smudge my MAC lipstick
What’s your sign? A Taurus, Gemini or Cancer B Leo, Virgo or Libra C Aquarius, Pisces or Aries D Scorpio, Sagittarius or Capricorn
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MOSTLY A
“Spoiled” Shirt 2015 NBA All-Star Game
As flawlessly conveyed by our girl’s ultra-cute T-shirt, you’re slightly cheeky but still massively sweet. You’re a sucker for all things pink and heart-shaped, but that doesn’t mean you’re someone to be messed with. While your romantic inclinations occasionally lead you down the wrong path, you know better than to ultimately be with someone who doesn’t truly spoil you.
MOSTLY B
Green Versace Outfit 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards
Much like RiRi’s seemingly St. Patty’s Day-inspired look, you’re simultaneously vibrant and daring. In both life and fashion, you’re a risk-taker with a propensity for excitement. Whether you’re going out on the town or staying in for the evening, you’re someone who knows how to treat your friends to a good time, with or without the presence of tequila.
MOSTLY C
Sheer Swarovski Gown 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards
With the amount of accomplishments you have under your belt, an immaculate award ceremony gown suits you perfectly. A true go-getter with a sparkling personality to boot, you are envied by all who encounter you. While this type of attention could rapidly inflate someone’s ego, you earnestly use your influence to inspire rather than criticize.
MOSTLY D
Pink Puma Look Fenty x Puma Spring 2017 Show
Like you, this powderpuff pink ensemble demands attention and conveys drama in the best ways possible. On most days, you can be found at home wearing your cutest silk robe while perusing the newest copy of British Vogue. While you love being pampered at the spa downtown, there’s nothing you enjoy more than gossiping over a bottle of champagne with your friends.
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Story by Thalia Carrillo Photos by Mario G. Clark
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“Take her swimming on the first date,” they say. “Makeup is false advertising.” “You don’t look like that in person.”
The latest targets of misogynistic social media trolls
all insecurities, but I disagree,” says Ale Flores, a UT
are people who enjoy wearing makeup.
sophomore and a business honors and accounting major.
With the expansion of the beauty industry to social media, makeup artistry is no longer limited to the
In 2015, several beauty gurus and makeup artists on
Kevyn Aucoins and Pat McGraths of the world. You
social media, mostly YouTube, used their platforms as
don’t need to be rich or famous to get the look.
a means of communicating the idea that makeup can
YouTube and Instagram are full of self-made beauty
be used for empowerment. The movement became
gurus. Now, anyone can learn to master blended eye-
known as the “Power of Makeup,” and continues to
shadow or soft contour from virtually anywhere. More
leave its mark on the beauty world. People began
and more people have integrated this artistry into
making videos and posting videos of makeup on only
their everyday lives. It isn’t unusual to see someone
half of their face, leaving the other side bare to show
with a blinding highlight or sharp winged liner in the
that there is beauty in expressing oneself through
classroom or at the office.
makeup. From professional makeup artists to the average YouTube viewer, everyone was encouraged to
However, the accessibility of makeup has its down-
participate in the trend. “It makes me feel beautiful
fall: makeup shaming. Makeup shaming is defined
and empowered,” says Amanda Sanchez, second-year
is shaming or looking down on someone for the
architecture engineering major.
amount of makeup they where, or the style in which one chooses to do their makeup. While women have
It ultimately comes down to the this: those who
always been shamed for wearing makeup and choos-
wear makeup should have the freedom to make that
ing to participate in other beauty-related activities,
choice without judgment. “It’s art, and it shouldn’t
it seems like makeup shaming became more visible
offend anyone. It’s crazy how people get so upset
with social media.
about what another person does to their face,” says Julie Garcia, first-year journalism major.
“It’s art, and it shouldn’t offend anyone. It’s crazy how people get so upset about what another person does to their face”
The power of makeup doesn’t necessarily lay in its ability to make someone physically “beautiful,” but in its ability to the give those who wear it a creative outlet, a means of expressing themselves, or just simply something to do for fun. “Makeup makes me feel happy. I believe it’s fun to be able to enhance your features and be creative,” Flores says. Although no one can stop trolls and haters, they
Memes and posts surfaced on the internet implying
can be educated. “It is unacceptable,” Sanchez says.
that women shouldn’t prefer makeup because men
“Someone’s decision whether or not to wear makeup
prefer “natural beauty,” women should be taken
is absolutely no one else’s business. Makeup is an
swimming on the first date, and that women who wear
artform, and it is not going anywhere. “I just think
makeup are insecure about they look. “There is a mis-
that the world still has a lot of changing to do,” Flores
conception that using makeup should not empower
says. Makeup or no makeup, these girls are changing
individuals—that makeup is just a mask used to hide
the way makeup haters view cosmetic artistry.
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PROFILE:
As a young girl in Ukraine, Nina Hawkins watched runway shows on FashionTV and dreamt of the day when she would be a successful fashion designer.
Words by Kristina Nguyen Photos by Rohan Mirchandani
BEAUTIFUL FIGURES in shiny makeup pose their distorted bodies beneath a flood of dark, smoky light. Models bite into pearls and baubles and chains between their teeth, standing next to boys surrounded by ennui and cotton candy girls. Animated colors and patterns flash and wiggle their way off of the screen. These fantastical images live between the pages of Nina Hawkins’ portfolio. Creating works of art with the click of her camera, the Austin-based photographer and model has enjoyed an illustrious career that
the industry and developed a passion for pursuing photography professionally. Her first professional experience was at Elle Magazine in Vietnam, where she was hired after they noticed her in a photograph wearing Jeffrey Campbell shoes at a fashion show. There, she gained insight into working on full-scale fashion productions. Born to a Vietnamese mother and Russian father, Hawkins says she’s had the best of both worlds.
spans three continents and almost two decades.
“Being from different countries, moving from place to
As a self-taught photographer and videographer,
experience,” Hawkins says. “Being half-Asian and
it’s hard to believe that Hawkins has managed to develop an expansive portfolio full of edgy fashion films, editorials, lookbooks and commercial work that have been featured in publications across the globe. “Fashion is always pushing people to their limits to do
place, it gives me more perspective, a little bit more half-white helps me to see both of those worlds, and I kind of can bring that understanding and knowledge into my photography.”
“Fashion is always pushing people to
better and better,” Hawkins says. “It teaches you how
their limits to do better and better.
to be tough.” Hawkins has embodied this philosophy
It teaches you how to be tough.”
throughout her career, always seeking out adventures in her assignments. “I always try to push myself out of
Hawkins sometimes incorporates the maximalism
my comfort zone as much as possible,” Hawkins says.
of Russian and Vietnamese fashion into her work,
As a young girl growing up in Ukraine, Hawkins
tographers in Austin who prefer more minimal and
watched runway shows on FashionTV and dreamed of the day when she would be a successful fashion designer. “I was styling all my friends like, ‘One day you’ll see me on FashionTV,’” Hawkins says. Although she never made it onto the big screen, she eventually got her start in the industry after finishing high school in her hometown of Moscow, Russia, and entering modeling school. She was later accepted into an agency founded by Russian designer Yegor Zaitsev, where she learned the inner-workings of
which she says separates her from many of the phosimple layouts. “I try to have some work like [that] too, but sometimes I like to add everything in the shoot,” Hawkins says, explaining that she doesn’t shy away from indulging in excessive lighting, styling and makeup. Her larger-than-life creations show her tendency toward the bold and experimental. Hawkins’ edgy, futuristic style is self-described as “Rick Owens marrying Y-3 and adopting HBA, Creepy Crown Asia Dolls, Weirdo Nerd Chic and Princess
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“Being from different countries, moving from place to place, it gives me more perspective, a little bit more experience. Being half-Asian and half-white helps me to see both of those worlds, and I kind of can bring that understanding and knowledge into my photography.” Bubblegum.” In her work, she “always seek[s] to reveal
Hawkin’s “never say never” attitude has carried
an edge and a quirk,” which has attracted the eye of
through her experiences, traveling to different coun-
publications such as HUF USA, Kaltblut Germany
tries and working for top fashion brands. Despite her
and Vanity Teen UK. Recently, she’s ventured into
claims that she fears change, she says that always
the world of 3D virtual staging, where she creates
leaves room for unexpected things to happen.
online interior designs. No matter which project she’s working on, she makes sure that it’s something beau-
Since moving to the United States, Hawkins says she’s
tiful. “I think I just like beauty,” Hawkins says. “I like to
begun to slow down to do other projects, but hopes
surround myself with beautiful people and beautiful
to eventually focus more on fashion work. In addition
clothes and beautiful makeup.”
to the two editorials she’s had published this year, she has three upcoming music videos and various
As the fashion scene in Austin continues to develop,
commercial photoshoots lined up. She also looks to
Hawkins says she has found her place among the
experiment with her image-making style and incorpo-
creative greats, having worked with local fashion
rate artwork into her photography.
week events, boutiques and even some of the Uni-
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versity of Texas at Austin’s productions. She says that
Although there are busy months ahead, Hawkins
meeting other people in the industry has allowed her
hopes to see herself signed to a top agency and
to progress her style even further, citing her friend
shooting for big brands like Alexander Wang and
Kaidon Ho, an Austin-based artist who works as a
Kenzo within the next 10 years. Her move to Austin
stylist, as a specific influence. “[My style] had some
has taken her a step closer to that dream, allowing
kind of potential, but I didn’t know where to grow,”
her more freedom to pursue her passion for beauty
Hawkins says. “After meeting Kaidon, it kind of devel-
and out-of-the-box style. “I thought, ‘America has a
oped better, it became more full.” She now has more
lot of good opportunities to grow,’ so it’s been a hard
knowledge on how to achieve her styling goals. She
journey, but it’s paying off,” Hawkins says, adding that
also cites Essential Studios as integral to progressing
she’s become happy with her portfolio’s growth. “It’s
her art and helping her work become “more weird.”
only going to get better, I hope.”
contributors EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
MANAGING EDITORS
Emily Nash
Ethan Elkins
Mia Uhunmwangho
Alejandra Martinez Hannah McMorris
CREATIVE DIRECTION
Jesus Acosta Ryan Hicks
Zoya Zia WRITERS
Humza Ahmed SECTION EDITORS
Angela Bonilla Maya Coplin Ali Garza London Gibson Natalie Heineman Sarah Holdeman Guneez Ibrahim Onaje McDowelle Kristina Nguyen Itohan Osagie Mary E. Pistorius Jacqueline Ramos Hayli Rudolph Allyson Waller PHOTOGRAPHERS
Liam Alteneder Alyssa Arnold Elise Barbin Marilee Bodden Jacqueline Briddell Katarina Brown Thalia Carillo Andrea Cos Danielle Drews Samantha Favela Rochelle Friedewald Max Friedman Ali Garza London Gibson Alexis Green Caroline Hager Sarah Hollis Rachana Jadala
Humza Ahmed
Sunny Kim
Jac Alford
Sayuri Kolombege
Mario G. Clark
Shelby Light
Maya Coplin
Avery Long
Aaron Brock Dehn
Sabrina Martinez
Kiana Fernandez
Onaje McDowelle
Laura Godinez
Sofia Mendiola
Caleb Guardarrama
Abby Moore
Ravin Lee
Abby Morgan
Brittany Mendez
Kristina Nguyen
Rohan Mirchandani
Katharine Noe
Mary E. Pistorius
Itohan Osagie
Marybeth Schmidt
Brandon Pegram Alex Puente
ILLUSTRATORS
Jesus Acosta Alex Guillen Jaclyn Alford Ryan Hicks Urub Khawaja Sonia Margolin
Jacqueline Ramos Hayli Rudolph Gabrielle Sanchez Emanuela Schneider Imani Sebri Jordan Steyer Alexis Tatum Jasmine Valencia Allyson Waller
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