VOL. 171 ISSUE 4 MAY 30, 2022
NEWS
O PINIO NS
FEATU R E S
H U MO U R
SFU alum publishes hiking guide book
Moving on to paperless bookstores
Connecting cultures with ALAS
Channel your dark academia
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P.05
P.0 8
P.1 2
Cultural intersections of dried fish
Arts & Culture P.10
Volume 171, Issue 4 Crying about tickers since 1965
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Maggie Benston Centre 2900 Simon Fraser University 8888 University Drive Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6 (778) 782-5110
NEWS SFU discusses Scarborough Charter
OPINIONS
COVER Alyssa Umbal EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michelle Young eic@the-peak.ca
It’s time to finally lower the voting age
COPY EDITOR Nancy La copy@the-peak.ca
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FACT CHECKER Gurleen Aujla factchecker@the-peak.ca BUSINESS / ADVERTISING MANAGER Yuri Zhou business@the-peak.ca 778.782.3598
FEATURES ALAS: a home away from home for Latin American students
PROMOTIONS MANAGER Jaymee Salisi promotions@the-peak.ca NEWS EDITOR Karissa Ketter news@the-peak.ca
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NEWS WRITER Chloë Arneson OPINIONS EDITOR Luke Faulks opinions@the-peak.ca
ARTS & CULTURE Ukrainian SFU student uses dancing to stay connected to cultural roots
FEATURES EDITOR Meera Eragoda features@the-peak.ca ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Gem Yelin Lee arts@the-peak.ca HUMOUR EDITOR Kelly Chia humour@the-peak.ca STAFF WRITERS Nercya Kalino, Yasmin Simsek, Isabella Urbani, and Olivia Vissier
HUMOUR
PRODUCTION AND DESIGN EDITOR Josh Ralla production@the-peak.ca
SFU Surrey makes their case
How it works!
Get involved!
The Peak is the official weekly student newspaper of SFU and is published every Monday. We're funded by a student levy and governed by a board of directors. Any SFU student can become an editor, and we hire an editorial team every semester.
All SFU students can contribute to The Peak and get paid for their work! Contact an editor or follow us on social media to find out when our weekly pitch meetings are.
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We reserve the right to edit submissions for length, as well as style, grammar, and legality. We also reserve the right to reprint submissions at any time, both in print and on web. We will not publish content that is sexist, racist, or otherwise prejudiced.
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Karla Salazar multimedia@the-peak.ca ASSISTANT MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Rashi Sethi WEBSITE MANAGER Karar Al-Mamaar web@the-peak.ca BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kelly Chia, Emma Dunbar, Emma Jean, Angela Wachowick, and Yuri Zhou
We acknowledge that The Peak’s office is located and our paper is produced, distributed, and read on the Unceded Coast Salish Territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), Kwikwitlem (Coquitlam), Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, and Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) Peoples. Unceded means that this land was never surrendered, relinquished, or handed over in any way. We recognize that the unceded land that we occupy includes not only the SFU Burnaby campus, but extends to the land occupied by the Vancouver and Surrey campuses as well.
CONTRIBUTORS Amy Guo, Kimia Mansouri, and Nazmus Sakib PEAK ASSOCIATES Maya Beninteso and Max Lorette
NEWS
May 30, 2022
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BYE-BYE CARBON
Federal government invests $15.2 million in clean technology The investment was made to support the agriculture industry
KA R ISSA KET T ER // NE WS E D I TO R
The government of Canada invested $15.2 million into the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) program. The minister of agriculture and agri-food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, made the announcement on May 24, 2022. The ACT press release notes the investment will support farmers in adopting clean technology in 47 projects across Canada. Their goal is to use new technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The press release reads, “Farmers have long been responsible stewards of their land and their actions are key to reaching Canada’s climate targets.” Taleeb Noormohamed, Vancouver Granville’s member of parliament said in the press release, “Taking immediate action against climate change is key to exceeding Canada’s 2030 emission reductions target and setting the foundation for a netzero emissions economy by 2050.” The government of BC reports greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by updating livestock and manure management, soil carbon sequestration, and energy conservation.
Air pollution is expected to reduce by two megatons by switching fuel and decreasing consumption.
Taking immediate action against climate change is key to exceeding Canada’s 2030 emission reductions target TALE E B N O O R MO H AME D VA N CO UV E R G RA N V ILLE ’ S M E M B E R O F PA R LIA M E N T
Carbon sequestration — when agriculture ecosystems draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in the soil — can be achieved by reducing tillage, increasing crop cover, and implementing rotational livestock grazing.
PHOTO: Richard Bell / Unsplash
The government anticipates the ACT program will reduce current pollution levels “by up to two megatons as a result of fuel switching and decreased fuel consumption.” The press release writes the investment will support farmers with “grants of at least $50,000 for 50% of the cost of grain dryers or barn heating systems.” Alongside supporting farmers, the government will use ACT to fund research to support clean technology innovation, research, and development. They are seeking to expand markets of green energy, green efficiency, precision agriculture, and bioeconomy. Bibeau said in the press release, “The fight against climate change aims to not only reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, but also to help producers innovate and adopt more sustainable agricultural practices.”
COMING FULL-CIRCLE
Former Peak news editor’s third hiking book hits the stands Author Stephen Hui credits his time at The Peak for transforming him into a writer ISA BE L LA URBAN I // STAF F W RI TE R
Stephen Hui, former news editor for The Peak and SFU alumni, launched his latest of three hiking guidebooks, titled Best Hikes and Nature Walks with Kids In and Around Southwestern British Columbia on May 17, 2022. Hui’s first two books, 105 Hikes In and Around Southwestern British Columbia and Destination Hikes: In and Around Southwestern British Columbia, were published in May of 2018 and 2021, respectively. Each writeup in Hui’s guide includes directions, a map, photos and statistics regarding the distance of a hike such as altitude and history. Hui also tries to include Indigenous place names if they are made available. Inclusivity is one element of hiking he is especially passionate about. “For too long, hiking in BC has been viewed as a white man’s pastime,” Hui explained. “It still can feel for people of colour that they don’t really belong in the outdoors. “I’ve heard from people that are just happy that me, as a Chinese person, is the author of a guidebook. It’s cool for them to see because growing up when I dreamed of writing guidebooks, there were no Chinese authors or non-white authors of guidebooks that I knew, and I thought it was impossible for me to be the author of the main guidebook for the area. But, I’ve surprised myself with where I am now,” Hui shared. When his current publisher reached out to him to write a hiking guide, something he has wanted to do since high school, he jumped on board. Hui said it was the five semesters he spent working for The Peak in 2002 and 2003, when he published his first hiking article, that turned him into a writer. “The Peak really did set my career direction,” Hui pointed out. Instead of becoming an environmentalist like he imagined when he graduated from SFU with a geography degree, Hui pursued journalism.
The author’s latest hiking guide, inspired by his son, was created to help parents with children, and new hikers navigate the outdoors. “Naturally hiking being my number one interest as a writer I was always, even at The Peak, sneaking photos into the paper to illustrate environmental articles, and writing about parks issues and the environment,” said Hui. The muse for his latest book is his son. “I always wanted to write a book about short hikes,” revealed Hui. “I have a son and he just turned 10. I was doing hikes with him and realized how different it is to hike with a child: how fun and delightful it is to see things again with fresh eyes, but also how slow you have to go.”
PHOTO: Alexandra Juzkiw
The two-time BC bestsellers’ latest selection of trails was handpicked for parents with children. The hikes are shorter, easier to manage, and have attractions along the way. “Kids like to have special attractions like hollow trees, old growth giants, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and tidepools,” explained Hui. However, due to the easier nature of the hikes, Hui’s latest book also doubles as a beginner's guide for any new coming hikers. “This new book is designed for parents with kids, but it’s a great beginner book for anyone looking to get into hiking because the trails are shorter and easier.” Hui’s advice to beginners is to start “with easier trails, trails close to the city, and if you’re new, definitely don’t hike alone.”
I realized how different it is to hike with a child: how fun and delightful it is to see things again with fresh eyes, but also how slow you have to go
He reflected on his journey from book to book. “The first book was really hard, the procrastination was so bad. The second one was more like riding a bike, it was also better for me too because I was able to write longer and put in the depth that I wanted,” Hui shared.
ST E P H E N H U I AU T H O R
What’s made all the difference for Hui is seeing his book as the culmination of multiple articles instead of this grand task to do once, which can make the writing process much more overwhelming.
Hui grew an affinity for the outdoors when his family enrolled him in scouts at an early age. There, he learned camping and hiking skills, which were only strengthened by being in hiking clubs and outdoor classes through elementary and high school.
Hui, who hikes every weekend, believes that there is something for everyone to take out of the spirit of hiking. Whether that be “learning about the world around you” or challenging yourself, “nature has no official language.” Readers can buy Hui's book at Massey Books and find out more on his website.
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NEWS
News Editor Karissa Ketter
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News Writer Chloë Arneson
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news@the-peak.ca
ACKNOWLEDGING HISTORY
Burnaby Mountain Festival holds Indigenous land acknowledgement workshop The workshop hopes to build stronger relationships with the Tsleil-Waututh community CHLO Ë ARN E S ON // NE WS W RI TE R
On May 7, 2022 Burnaby Mountain Festival hosted a workshop on land acknowledgements as part of their larger collaborative inaugural event. The festival was a recipient of a $3,000 grant from the Burnaby Festival of Learning Award. The workshop featured several speakers who discussed the importance of land acknowledgement and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. The Yellowhead Institute, an Indigenous watchhouse organization, states only 11 of the 94 action items have been completed since its introduction in 2015. “For thousands and thousands of years Indigenous people of these lands would say their name, who is their family, and acknowledge whose land they were on,” event organizer Olivia Lohan told The Peak. She explained by hosting these events, it decolonized the process of creating a festival of Indigenous land acknowledgment. Charlene Aleck, Tsleil-Waututh councillor and matriarch, was one of the speakers for the workshop. “It gives me warm feelings, that on Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh (MST) lands, you do as MST people do. This heals,” Aleck said. “The main thing I feel at events like this is a big sense of responsibility. Not just responsibility as an Indigenous woman carrying our sacred traditions but also the responsibility and protocol that goes with entering our community and entering into a relationship.” Hillary Hyland (Te-awk Tenaw) led a guided walk to accompany the workshop and share her insights on the relationship between the land and its living residents. Hyland is a senior
environment specialist with Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s Treaty, Lands and Resource Department, and is currently working to teach both western and Indigenous science as well as traditional Indigenous knowledge. Lohan added the walk provided “a powerful description of the relationships found in nature. The rhythms of the land, the water, all living beings. We will be doing this again.
The main thing I feel at events like this is a big sense of responsibility. Not just responsibility as an Indigenous woman carrying our sacred traditions but also the responsibility and protocol that goes with entering our community and entering into a relationship C H AR LE N E ALE C K TS LE IL-WAU T U T H CO U N C ILLO R A N D M AT R IA R C H
“Rather than unilaterally and pre-emptively deciding how we will shape the festival and what the festival will look like, we intend to consult with Tsleil-Waututh Elders for guidance
This workshop is the beginning of creating the larger Burnaby Mountain Festival.
IMAG E: Burnaby Mountain Festival
and we will facilitate a series of events designed to develop partnership in the Burnaby area,” said Lohan. “To me this is a reflection that the use of land acknowledgements are lacking meaningful action to back them up,” she added. “Land acknowledgements are not something new,” Lohan said. She added that two of the speakers featured, Kayah George and Rueben George, explained it is common practice for many Indigenous peoples to acknowledge the land as a peaceful way to enter territory and demonstrate a willingness to abide by their laws. Rueben George is the manager of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation Sacred Trust and his daughter, Kayah George, is the Divestment Campaign Coordinator. If you are interested in getting involved with the festival, please contact burnabymountainfestival@gmail.com for more information. You can follow them on Instagram for more updates.
BLACK FLOURISHING
SFU students and staff co-host symposium to discuss Scarborough Charter Black faculty, students, and activists spoke about their experiences in academia and ways to address anti-Black racism
CHLO Ë ARN E S ON // NE WS W RI TE R
On May 14, SFU and UBC co-hosted a symposium on the Scarborough Charter. The discussion was part of a two-day event to discuss the Scarborough National Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education. The forum sought to discuss the recent signing of the Charter, a pledge signed by over 50 universities and colleges across Canada to promote Black representation in academia and fight anti-Black racism within higher education. The Charter was signed in November 2021. By signing, UBC and SFU signified “commitments to move from rhetoric to meaningful concrete action to address anti-Black racism and to promote Black inclusion.” Dr. Malinda Smith, professor of political science at University of Calgary, said, “The Charter emerged in the aftermath of a moment of racial reckoning.” This came “after decades of Black activism and advocacy,” she added. The Charter’s action plan hopes to facilitate new anti-racism initiatives in governance, research, teaching and learning, and community engagement at the postsecondary level. Some of these actions include “reviewing and revising dispute resolution processes,” creating accessible spaces for Black students, and reducing gaps in Black representation across academia. Some of their recommendations suggest creating accessible spaces for “Black belonging, knowledge development and sharing.” Additionally, ensuring a position exists in senior administration dedicated to addressing and combating racism. This includes offering anti-Black racism education for all students, staff, and faculty. The Charter notes the responsibility higher education institutions have “in constructing the bodies of knowledge about historically groups and acknowledging the ethical responsibility to [ . . . ] support community capacity building.”
They discussed the responsibility universities have to create accessible spaces for Black knowledge and community. The event featured four panels made up of Black students, activists, scholars, and university administrators from both UBC and SFU. After a land acknowledgment and warm welcoming from Afro-Indigenous councillor Orene Askew, UBC president Santa Ono, and SFU president Joy Johnson joined virtually for welcoming remarks. In her opening statement, Johnson said, “SFU signed the Charter, we made the commitment, and now we’re grateful to embark on the journey of creating real systemic change.”
We’re here not because they invited us in through the door, but we crawled in through any hole because that’s who we are DR. JUNE FRANCI S SPEC IA L A DVISOR TO SF U PRESIDENT ON A NT I-RAC ISM
Dr. June Francis, special advisor to the president on antiracism at SFU, explained there will need to be a significant amount of energy, prioritization, money, and resources dedicated to combating anti-Black racism. “I think the fundamental issue [ . . . ] is the level to which these institutions were constructed to explicitly exclude us, to explicitly support white supremacy, to explicitly put up structures and barriers that we somehow negotiated around
PHOTO: Chloë Arneson / The Peak this. We’re here not because they invited us in through the door, but we crawled in through any hole because that’s who we are,” said Francis. She believed when institutions signed the Charter, they “haven’t really thought about how much they’ll have to blow it up and transform it.” Tiara Cash, one of the panelists at the event, said, “Institutional racism is insidious, it’s the type of racism that is meant to make you tired.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the event. Binta Sesay is an equity and inclusion assistant at UBC who spoke on her experience as a Black student at UBC. “There’s a lot of listening, but just surface listening. Not listening to change,” said Sesay. One of the barriers Sesay noticed is “the process of implementation [ . . . ] from a foundation of white supremacy.” Universities tell students they hear them and will make changes, but according to Sesay, no action is made. During this process students get exhausted which results in students giving up. “This is us telling the university what we need,” she continued. According to Sesay, if the decision makers at post-secondary institutions listened to what they are asking for, “it is enough to make the change we want to see. This is us expressing how fed up we are, but also expressing the unsung heroes that kept us open to these conversations and holding on.” The full video recording of this event can be found on UBC’s website.
OPINIONS
May 30, 2022
5
POLITICAL CORNER
Lower the voting age already! Young citizens are already engaged in the political process
O LIVIA V I S SER // STAF F W RI TE R
What gives someone the right to vote? Or, what gives us the right to deny others the privilege? The case for restricting the voting age to 18 and up lies in the belief that adolescents lack the judgment required for voting decisions; this couldn’t be further from the truth. Young people are valuable members of society, and should be given the same legal voting rights as adults. It’s not that young Canadians are apathetic about politics. A nationwide youth survey of Canadians aged 10 to 24 found that 88% of participants had thought about who they would vote for in the previous election. A pervasive myth, one respondent suggests, is that older generations consider young Canadians too immature, careless, or deluded to engage in the political process. But that same respondent reminds us that “every generation has people that are all of those things.” If the voting age depends on someone’s involvement in society, then 16 year olds should definitely have the right to vote. Many adolescents have “adult responsibilities” like caretaking, working, and paying bills. Moreover, young people (and their children) will be around the longest to experience the effects of policy-making. A recent study published in
Young people deserve a say in the issues that affect them.
PHOTO: Vincent M.A. Janssen / Pexels
Science found children born in 2020 will experience a “two to seven fold” increase in extreme climate events, compared with those born in 1960. Shouldn’t youth have a say in policies that will impact their futures?
of voting, or not, based on experience in their first few elections.” When Austria lowered its federal voting age, the rate of first-time voters was much higher among 16–17 year olds, compared with 18–20 year olds.
Research by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement found that young citizens are passionate about social issues, and largely hold different views from previous generations. Climate change is one of the leading issues driving youth political involvement, yet adolescents still aren’t allowed to express their beliefs by voting. Instead, we see young activists driving social change. The School Strike for Climate movement was likely the largest climate protest in history, and it was led by student activists. How’s that for political engagement?
The movement to change the federal voting age from 18 to 16 is growing rapidly across the country. In December 2021, a group of young Canadians took the government to court. They argued the voting age restriction violates their Charter rights, which include the right to vote. The Canadian Senate is also discussing the issue. Recently, the NDP launched a bill to lower the voting age. MP Jagmeet Singh said he feels that democracy is threatened as reasoning to grant youth the right to vote.
We also know that political involvement in younger age groups leads to future involvement. Scholar Mark N. Franklin argued that “voting is a habit” and “people learn the habit
We’ve already seen successful campaigns to lift voting restrictions for women, Indigenous people, and Asian Canadians. Young people, with their unique perspectives, should be the next bloc of Canadian voters to join the franchise.
PERFORMATIVE CHANGE
SFU often takes credit for achievements by progressive student movements SFU plays progressive only once the real progressives have forced the school into action
LUK E FAULKS // OPI NI O NS E D I TO R
Here’s something that never fails to be a crowd-pleaser: powerful institutions claiming to be progressive after being shamed into progressive action. And what’s even better? When that same institution fakes good cheer when thanking the activists that held its feet to the fire. Many thanks for doubledipping on all that, SFU. Last year, SFU350 got the school to fully divest itself of investments into planet-warming, emissions-intensive industries. That’s great! After eight years of protesting, and after having been threatened for an inoffensive mural on Convocation Mall, a student-advocated policy change was underway. Except you wouldn’t know it from the school’s selfcongratulatory press release. The divestment announcement overconfidently talked up the school’s “strong record of increasing commitment since 2014” — an assertion that, if true, would have negated the need for SFU350’s ultimately successful divestment movement. More to the point, the release then proceeded to bury the group responsible for applying progressive pressure by mentioning SFU350 at
SFU should be active instead of responsive when it comes to advocacy work.
ILLU STRATION: Amy Guo / The Peak
the bottom of the page, towards the end of a lengthy list of organizations. Plus, I kid you not, “SFU350” is styled incorrectly. And of course, this isn’t a one-off.
“The university would like to acknowledge and thank these individuals, student groups, and SFU350, for advocating for responsible investment and divestment over the past eight years.”
Last year, SFU’s Senate approved the hiring of 15 Black tenured professors in a huge step forward for representation on campus. In quotes to The Peak and CBC, SFU president Joy Johnson celebrated the Senate’s approval of the motion. When speaking to The Peak, she said, “The motion approved by the Senate is an important step forward as we work to ensure Black faculty, staff, and students feel included.” But, again, the movement is the result of tireless work toiling on the part of Black folks to get the motion across.
Advocating against your program. Advocating for better than what you gave them. And yes, “Eight years.” This after they felt they had to go on a hunger strike because you didn’t listen to them. “Eight years.” It’s an admonition unto itself. Why celebrate your policy shift when your own press release slights the group that demanded the shift had to fight for nearly a decade to get it passed?
And then when groups are explicitly thanked, it either reduces the work of the group, or they're mentioned in passing. Listen to this one when SFU announced a plan for responsible investment:
Listen up, school. We all feel bad when we’re called out on bad behavior. But if you don’t want to be made to feel crappy about your policy missteps, don’t wait so long that students have to spend years advocating for positive change. Just go ahead and do it yourself.
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OPINIONS
Opinions Editor Luke Faulks
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opinions@the-peak.ca
PUBLIC REPARATIONS
SFU is concerned with its image, not Black students SFU is reacting to, rather than preventing, Black trauma
CHLO Ë ARN E S ON // NE WS W RI TE R
In 2020, after violence against Black citizens produced intense public pressure, universities across North America leaned into equity and diversity initiatives. SFU, for its part, has issued statements of support and announced a partnership with Resilience BC Anti-Racist Network. That’s all great; however, SFU is stuck playing catch up when violence against its Black students occurs, rather than pre-empting racist incidents out of a sincere desire to protect its Black students and staff. That’s not to say that SFU hasn’t made significant strides in listening to its Black students and staff in recent years. At the start of 2022, the school created a new position for vice president equity and inclusion at the recommendation of student activists. Despite the new position, it’s worth noting anti-Black racism in academia is deeply intertwined with the university’s most basic structures. Professionalism standards and human resources practices that deal with misconduct or conflict are often unfairly targeted toward Black employees and do not consider the role race plays in the workplace. The university system itself thrives on exclusive excellence, giving ample opportunity for racial bias and discriminatory admissions processes to contribute to the underrepresentation of BIPOC students we see in Canada today. Black students, already facing those systematic barriers, suffer from a system and locale intrinsically linked with white supremacy. When SFU does act on student concerns, it’s largely in response to a surge in public attention on the problem. Case in point, on December 11, 2020, a Black alum was tasered and pepper-sprayed on campus by a Burnaby RCMP officer before being taken into custody. While a thirdparty investigation found SFU followed proper policies, it remains an incidence of excessive violence towards a Black member of the SFU community. In response, SFU Health and Counselling opened up a space for Black students to discuss racism and receive support.
SFU needs to do better when no one is looking.
For Balqees Jama, president of SFU’s Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry, it points to a larger trend. At a public anti-racist symposium earlier this month, she said, “It seems like conversations surrounding Black students, supports, and implementation only seems to progress at a reasonable pace when there is Black trauma involved and white guilt. “We’ve been asking for Black health and counselling forever, when did that happen? The conversation started Summer 2020, but it took another case of Black trauma where there was a case of actual police brutality in December 2020 to even get the ball rolling.”
Believe us when we’re speaking, respect our time and our labour B ALQ E E S JAMA P R ES ID E N T O F S F U S O CA
Waiting to see high-profile violence against Black people before implementing important support programs is bad enough, but even when SFU does move forward with promising programs, they require the beneficiaries of those endeavors to bear too much of the cost. There’s
PHOTO: Life Matters / Pexels
still only one Black counsellor on the clinical counselling team. While I’m sure Tricia-Kay Williams is an exellcent counsellor, how can one person be expected to heal the entirety of the Black student body? Ebony Magnus, SFU Samuel and Frances Belzberg Library’s head librarian, criticized the reality that university protocols are ultimately designed to protect the institution from seeming racist, and not to protect Black community members. Systemic issues can’t be fixed with counselling. “Campus safety operates as protection against the liability of the institution more than the commitment to the dignity of Black people. Campus safety staff dismissing racist verbal assaults against Black staff members as non-violent because there was no act of physical violence is not mutuality,” Magnus said. SFU needs to listen to its Black students, not just when the public is outraged about racist violence, but all the time. Jama was involved with the campaign to hire 15 new Black faculty at SFU to better represent the Black student body. The problem, she said, is that in discussions about Black students, “white administration and institutions make it about themselves.” Instead, she argues, the solution lies in representation at the highest levels. “We need Black admins,” she concluded. Policies and protections made within the university are shaped by its inherent realities of upholding white supremacy. The school needs a change. And it can start by keeping its ear to the ground when they think no one is watching.
TO BOLDLY GO
We don’t need a fully-stocked bookstore anymore Digital and orderable content should be prioritized at SFU bookstores
NE RCYA KALI N O // STAF F W RI TE R
In the beginning, there was paper. But times have since changed. Books have lept beyond paper copies to the digital, and so it’s time for our bookstore to reflect the possibilities of 21st century learning. Let’s start with this: A bookstore is a monument to the death of the environment. Statistics aggregator The World Counts suggests 42% of all global wood that is harvested is processed for paper production. In technologically advanced societies, the facilities to shift this resource fully online is available. And let’s face it, we’ve all been doing it for years. Who hasn’t pulled up chapters using SFU’s digital collection rather than go fetch the paper copy from the bookstore? Now, for a bibliophile like me, this is a complicated idea. I admit it definitely hurts to imagine a world without full book shops; I love the smell of congested bookstores and freshly printed newspapers.
Paper!? Where we’re going, we don’t need paper! However, there are also some technological hurdles here. Some places still need paper copies. Take my home country, Malawi. As a nation, the personal devices necessary to enable an all-digital bookstore aren’t widespread. Access to internet and affordability of requisite devices is something for any digitally-curious bookstore to consider. SFU, though, has (mostly) steady internet, and many students are probably equipped with the requisite electronics. We can also look to schools that have already lept into digitalfirst bookstores. In 2016, American University brought about this change by removing books from the store and guaranteeing access to digital books or used books that students can order. The store still allows students to order the used and new books they want, they just don’t stock any in-store.
PHOTO: The Peak An emptier bookstore opens up a world of possibilities for the space. At the very least, students will probably feel safer not having to go into a small, crowded space to search for textbooks during a pandemic. If we want to keep the space as a provider of student jobs, we could fully transition the space into an SFU merchandise store. Alternatively, using the floors as space for student clubs would surely be popular for SFU’s wealth of roomless student groups. Bookstores piled with textbooks represent a moment in time. Digital or orderable used textbooks represent a new moment. Let’s give students more choice, slightly reduce our environmental impact, and use the bookstore space to better serve SFU students.
ARTS & CULTURE
May 30, 2022
7
PAINTING THE PANDEMIC
Quarantine Qapsule showcases powerful pieces created by Asian Canadian artists in the pandemic Isolation, racism, and nature are among the themes addressed in the digital archive O LIVIA V I S SER // STAF F W RI TE R
Created in 2020 by Toronto-based actor Nightingale Nguyen, Quarantine Qapsule is a digital art archive that aims to “archive the Asian Canadian experience during the pandemic.” The archive highlights various different works such as visual art, music, film, and more. This year’s Vancouver Quarantine Qapsule is a part of explorASIAN 2022’s programming and is hosted in partnership with Emily Carr University of Art. It expands upon the submissions collected when the project originally began in Toronto. As someone experienced in researching archives, I was immediately struck by the self-representational aspect of this space. Strict institutional archives can limit an artist’s self-expression, but this space defies those restrictions. All artwork in the collection is non-juried “to allow [artists] to understand the power of community and selfdocumentation.” Giving artists agency over their artwork is presentation is important because it allows them to define their own representation. Most pieces touched on themes of deep emotions and isolation. This showcased a growing need for community representation amongst marginalized groups.
Isolation by Yasmine Ross Isolation is a melancholic short film about the psychological experience of quarantine. Artist Yasmine Ross describes it as “an honest portrayal of the up and downs, the raw and reflective moments, and the often overwhelming loneliness that the pandemic has beautifully forced us to experience.” I was mesmerized by the film’s moody shots and deep shadows, then found myself inexplicably connected to the subject’s solitude. The piece exemplifies how the pandemic has exacerbated life’s monotony and contributed to widespread mental health problems.
Kodama Bones by Silke Seiler In another piece, Silke Seiler employs realism and abstraction to depict driftwood against a stormy blue backdrop. Kodama Bones is a beautiful representation of nature in the midst of the pandemic. The depth of such a simple object is really captivating. According to the painting’s description, Kodama Bones highlights that the “enjoyment of outdoor spaces and sports has skyrocketed as a response to social distancing.” Seiler’s biography says her paintings tribute ancestors who were Japanese internment camp survivors and shipbuilders.
Misfortune Cookies by Pamela Chen Pamela Chen’s multimedia piece Misfortune Cookies explores negative self-concept through the motif of fortune cookies. Chen writes, “As food is strongly tied to family and culture, the fortune cookies represent Asian adaptability through a lens of ‘otherness’.” Painted onto an 100% cloth rag and embellished with real gold leaf, this work uses the “Americanized idea of Chinese food to voice negative commentary.” Some of the messages peeking out of the cookies include “quit while you’re ahead” and “don’t get your hopes up.”
Not Your Puppet by Katrina Abad Katrina Abad describes her digital illustration Not Your Puppet as a “response to discrimination and fetishization.” Her piece showcases a dejected-looking child operating a marionette puppet. At first glance, the attention given to the subject’s facial expression is impressive, and the touches of bright red framing the scene are very striking. Upon further inspection, I noticed that I somehow missed the detailing
Quarantine Qapsule is featured in explorASIAN festival’s programming.
ILLUSTRATION: Nazmus Sakib / The Peak
on the puppet theatre: two uniquely illustrated blue bears holding up the sun and the moon. The artwork’s details are almost overshadowed by the sorrowful expression of the child overhead. Abad writes that children are taught to “face racism and discrimination by keeping our heads low,” but “staying silent and obedient can no longer be an option.” She created the illustration as a response to the increase in Asian hate crimes following the pandemic. It’s important to uplift the narratives of Asian creators, especially since anti-Asian racism has been rising during the pandemic. Centring the voices of local Asian artists is a powerful way of bringing attention to perspectives that are often absent from popular media. Through this archive, I expanded my understanding of not just different Asian communities, but the individual lives of community members. As a disabled person, I found it more effective to browse the digital material comfortably and at my own pace. On top of that, I find it quite fitting that a pandemic-inspired gallery invites solitary viewership from the accessibility of your home. The archive can be viewed indefinitely through Quarantine Qapsule’s main webpage, where you will find easily navigable links for different art mediums.
10
ARTS & CULTURE
Arts & Culture Editor Gem Yelin Lee
·
Food for Thought: Dried Fish Remembering mother’s masterful cooking WRIT TEN BY NERCYA KALINO
Growing up in Malawi, East Africa, dried fish wasn’t my favourite. Now, as an adult, I have grown a nostalgic longing for it — I even miss the smell of it. There is something about dried, fried, roasted, and stewed fish that takes me back to my childhood days. I remember sitting by the burning charcoal with my mom constantly calling out from the kitchen if I was watching the pot. It took a while for me to distinguish between different types of fish, methods of cooking, and the variety of flavour profiles. Whether it is small, long, and curled fish or darkened fish from the sun, they all have a traditional way to cook them to amplify the taste preserved from the drying process. I love small dried fish made from usipa, which resemble sardines. Its pungency reminds me of my childhood when I would squirm at the lifeless creature on the plate. The fish would be piled on one side of the plate with other traditional foods such as nsima and bean stew. Reflecting on my childhood dishes, it is not the fancier meals my mother cooked, but rather the food I neglected eating as a child that I miss the most. I trust my mother’s hands when it comes to preparing dried fish as its handling requires a higher level of experience. Historically, we have used trays to lay fish in the sun with the number of days depending on the fish type. These methods have since evolved to fish farmers using solar power in greenhouses to make the drying process healthier and more efficient. I also appreciate dried fish because of the fish farmers who rely on the process of dried fish and marketing for profit. In Malawi, fish farmers will dry fish to prolong the selling period.
Dried fish varies in price due to its size and rarity depending on the season, but for the most part, it is affordable. Dried fish is more of a traditional dish rather than a snack, depending on the type. The smell of these fish (kampango, kapenta, and usipa) is distinct to fish enthusiasts and is the heart of Malawian food culture. In Malawi, chambo is quite popular with tourists as this type of fish is tender, tastes great fried, stewed, and roasted — it never disappoints. Dried fish is also present in other cultures of African descent. The simultaneous intersection and diversity of ingredients and preparation methods across cultures is something I have come to appreciate. In Malawian culture and among other south eastern countries, they normally cook dried fish such as kapenta by soaking and gutting the tiny fish that you fry with little oil. In western African cultures, they use dried fish as part of a larger stew consisting of meat and vegetables such as banga. Dried fish is a distant memory now, as I only get to eat it when I visit home. Back at home, buying fish is also a culturally immersive experience. Some of the fish used is accessible here as well, but to prepare and cook it in the same way is a challenge. Regardless, I would definitely like to learn how to cook it from my mother someday. Dried fish falls on the side of food experiences that I believe tourists are not super keen on exploring, but I think there is so much to appreciate in the taste, cultural importance, and labour behind dried fish. If given the opportunity, would you give it a try?
Fr ie d fi sh is a st a p le fo od in M a la w i, Ea st A fr ic a PHOTO: ZESHALYN CAPINDO / UNSPLASH
arts@the-peak.ca
ARTS & CULTURE
May 30, 2022
11
DANCING THROUGH DARKNESS
Nicole Bizovie and the Dovbush Dancers SFU student shares how dancing has kept her grounded in Ukrainian culture and community YE LIN GEMMA LEE / / ARTS & CULTURE E D I TO R
For many of us, dance means marvelling at the beauty of performances as an audience member or moving your body at the club. But for SFU health science student Nicole Bizovie, dance has kept her connected to Ukrainian culture and community all throughout her life. Bizovie has been going to the Association of United Ukrainian Canadians (AUUC Vancouver) at the Ukraine Cultural Centre since she was just three years old. Growing up in the Dovbush School of Dance, she officially joined the Dovbush Dancers at age 14. Bizovie explained to The Peak that dancing and being a part of AUUC Vancouver keeps her rooted in her Ukrainian culture. Bizovie said the elements of this dance, like costumes and choreography, “pertain to particular regions throughout Ukraine. So you learn about the history of your culture through dance which is an interesting way to learn about it,” said Bizovie. “Just being around people in your community really connects you with it.” The Dovbush Dancers were on a performing hiatus throughout COVID-19, with dance Zoom calls twice a week when their in-person rehearsals would normally be. Though things weren’t the same throughout these socially distanced rehearsals, Bizovie expressed pride and gratitude to be able to remain connected. “A lot of the Ukrainian dance studios in the Lower Mainland didn’t operate throughout COVID-19. So we were one of the only ones who were actively practicing,” said Bizovie. Since then, the Dovbush Dancers have been back to inperson rehearsals and recently did their first performance closing for Ukrainian designer, Tetyana Golota, at Vancouver
Fashion Week. As the Dovbush Dancers operate out of the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, they’ve been working together to help host numerous fundraisers for the Russia-Ukraine war. Some of these include medical supply and cash donation drives in partnership with Maple Hope Foundation and Ukrainian Patriot, perogy sales, and a craft and bake sale. Bizovie said they also have a large fundraising event coming up on June 11 called “Big Bands for Ukraine” in partnership with the Polish community. Bizovie, who supports administration at the cultural centre, said they have been receiving a lot of love and support during this difficult time for her community.
Nicole Bizovie in front of the Ukraine Cultural Centre.
As soon as I go to the hall for dance, my mind is blank. I’m just existing. NI C O L E BI ZOV I E S F U ST U D E N T A N D D OV BU S H DA N C E R
“The community in Vancouver has been extremely supportive [ . . . ] The amount of support I get weekly from strangers offering their services, offering to volunteer, looking to help in any way, it’s been super overwhelming and amazing.” Bizovie said AUUC Vancouver, or the “Hall,” continues to be a safe space for her with therapeutic mental effects. Watching older clips of their performances, I was taken aback by the joy and hope exuding from the dancers and with each dance delicately spinning out an enchanting story.
PHOTO: Tallulah Photography / @tallulah_photo / tallulahphoto.com
“I always think of the Hall as a second home, because it really is. I’m there three times a week, sometimes more, and I’ve been doing that forever and ever my whole life,” said Bizovie. “It's always been a kind of escape for me. Whatever’s going on in my life, good or bad, school, friends, anything — it doesn’t matter as soon as I get into the hall. As soon as I go to the hall for dance, my mind is blank. I’m just existing.” To learn more about the Dovbush Dancers, check out their Instagram or website. To learn more about and obtain tickets to the upcoming fundraiser “Big Bands for Ukraine,” visit their Eventbrite link.
MONDAY MUSIC: YOU WENT PARTYING WITH DRAKE, NOW THIS IS WHAT YOU LISTEN TO Grime is the real baller of the UK, so let’s get down with some of the greatest of all time
In my personal opinion, grime is one of the best things to come out of the UK. This relatively new genre of music (2000s) that stems from a mix of garage, jungle, and hip hop has its epicenter in London. So here you have five songs by Black artists from the grime scene to get you out of your Drake phase and into a whole new world of rap.
“Red Card”
By JME, Skepta, Jammer & Shorty This number has some of the big shots from BBK behind it. If you want to feel like you own the campus when you walk through it to your dreaded summer classes, this is the soundtrack for your day. You can almost see the make it rain meme happen to this song. It’s utterly adorable how these men who seem so tough on the outside sing lyrics about Mario Kart and Haribo. IMAGE: Boy Better Know Collective
“Aladdin” By Not3s
This song helps you envision yourself wearing your sunglasses, cruising in your imaginary BMW, with your arms in the air through the open window. A lot of grime is about confidence and this song is no exception. It’s interesting because most of these artists are in their early-mid 20’s. Their talents back their arrogance, so if you’re ready to big up with the mandem, now you know the way.
IMAGE: Relentless Records
“Big for your boots” By Stormzy
“16 Shots”
By Stefflon Don I had to include the queen of grime: Stefflon Don, who dominates the international women rap scene. Arguably this song is not grime but Stefflon Don mixes her background in grime with Jamaican dancehall and the result is chef’s kiss. Even though it’s a tad hard-hitting, it’s all about self-defence and protecting the ones you’re closest to. This is an amazing empowerment song for women. IMAGE: Polydor Records
How could one start a suggestion of grime music without the biggest top boy of all? Stormzy once protested the rise in knife-crimes and racial inequality in Britain by performing at Glastonbury with a stabproof vest designed by Banksy. He got tens of thousands of people to scream “fuck the government and fuck Boris” while performing “Vossi Bop.” Yet he is soft enough to make this hit song with the lyrics, “You’re never too big for Adele.” Enjoy this masterpiece that’ll big you up to seize the day. In grime lingo, to “big up” means to feel important. IMAGE: #Merky Warner ADA
Written by Yasmin Vejs Simsek
8
The Association of Latin A welcomes all members wit
From hosting their own podcast to supporting the community, this SFU club does i W R I T TE N BY ISABE L L A URBANI
You hear it said time and university, adulthood — c domestic and internation beneficial for internationa entirely new country.
Arturo Pacheco, presiden (ALAS) and third year cri hand. Coming to SFU as the club back in Spring 2
“As an international stud you’re just missing your cultural backgrounds. AL Pacheco expressed.
Since its beginnings in the entertainment and a place we want to promote the be
Part of having a multicult just home to Latin Americ care where you’re from o backgrounds, and we ex want to have a good, hea
That being said, the club gain their footing on cam connections and making
Their first event of the se getting to know people fr on May 27, but the club h already on the table, and Kitsilano beach to play v on Saturdays,” Pacheco
Additionally, to help stude SFU and the Simon Fras president Lester Pino cre
“The main goal of the po experiences on campus, came to campus as an in had to offer, SFU itself, o
The club has currently re from Students of Caribbe Students’ Association.
Much like the club, the p “That is why we also wa platform to introduce the said Pacheco.
ALAS helps students build networks and remain in the loop about SFU events.
The Latin Corner - Episode #4 The Latin Corner
PHOTO: SFU ALAS
He explained the idea fo impact on campus,” such climate action.
08:15
FEATURES
America Students (ALAS) th open arms
it all
d time again. Joining a club at any level — high school, can be a life changing experience. This is true for both nal students navigating post-secondary, and especially al students adjusting to the traditions and culture of an
nt of SFU’s Association of Latin American Students iminology major, has experienced these benefits firsts an international student from Mexico, Pacheco joined 2019 to meet new friends.
dent, the first couple of months are rough because parents every day or being with people from singular LAS is a way to feel like you’re back at home,”
e 2000s, ALAS has provided a “safe environment for e to share Latin American roots, culture, festivities, food; est of having a multicultural community,” said Pacheco.
tural community is embracing all identities. ALAS isn’t can students, explained Pacheco. “We don’t really or who you are. We just want to share our cultural xpect for you to respect our festivities and food. We just althy, peaceful community.”
b is still dedicated to helping Latin American students mpus through running events to help students make g them aware of what the university has to offer.
emester, which Pacheco described as a “networking, rom your same background” icebreaker, took place has many other events upcoming. “The ones that are d waiting for the weather to clear up a bit, are [trips] to volleyball. We’re going to have volleyball tournaments said.
ents to better understand the events and opportunities ser Student Society (SFSS) have to offer, ALAS viceeated a podcast called The Latin Corner.
odcast is to be informative about SFU, SFSS, and ,” revealed Pacheco. “We all remember when we first nternational student, we had no idea what the SFSS or even how to connect with people.”
eleased four episodes on Spotify featuring members ean and African Ancestry, SFU350, and the African
podcast isn’t just meant for Latin American students. anted to touch on other clubs, and give them a emselves, where to find them, and what they do,”
or the podcast is to highlight groups who’ve had a “huge h as SFU350 whose mural protested SFU’s lack of
“SFU350 rocked the campus with their protest. That was amazing, I loved the mural! So, that’s why we wanted to get in touch — to give them another platform to show their club and their activities.” Connection, collaboration, and community are priorities for ALAS and they have kick-started initiatives to give back to local communities. “Last winter was super cold and there are some social, economic issues everyone knows about, everyone can see in downtown, and we wanted to do something about it. We’ve come so far from Latin America, we are so happy to be here and give back to the community in any way we can,” he said. ALAS hosted a clothing drive this past March along with UBC Mexican Student Association. The clothing drive was an idea by Pino, which Pacheco referred to as a “goldmine” for how much they were able to collect. Donations from the clothing drive went to Lookout Society, an organization working to reduce barriers to accessing housing.
We don’t really care where you’re from or who you are. We just want to share our cultural backgrounds, and we expect for you to respect our festivities and food. We just want to have a good, healthy, peaceful community. ARTU RO PAC H E C O / / A LAS P R ES ID E N T
“We arranged for a bucket in the Convocation Mall for people to drop stuff in, mostly winter stuff. We donated 20 killos (44 pounds). Their smile was so heartwarming, it was so worth it,” said Pacheco. He added the club has always donated proceeds from ticketed events to various organizations. Normally, ALAS meets once a week to discuss club matters. As of right now, meetings are hybrid. For those who are able to make it, ALAS meetings take place on the third floor of the W.A.C. Bennett Library in the Media and Maker Commons. However, as the weather heats up, they will be looking to host meetings outside. They also use WhatsApp and Discord for cultural and personal conversations throughout the week and to circulate event invitations. For the last three years, Pacheco has made “beautiful connections” thanks to ALAS that have extended past the club. He still goes biking with the former vice president of the club. Pacheco encouraged readers to give their events a try. Whether you want to talk about food, culture, or the World Cup Qualifiers — which sparks tons of playful debates among members of the club — ALAS welcomes all. “If you’re a first year student or you feel like you need more interaction, give us a message, reach out; we will do whatever we can to make you feel at home.” For more information about ALAS at their future events, check out their Instagram @sfu_alas. They also have their podcast linked for listening in their bio.
19:09
12
HUMOUR Chasing Bliss
Unread Message
Re: Are they incomplete assignments or just boundaries? Maya Beninteso, Peak Associate
Dearest Professor, Thank you for your email. While your message says I haven’t completed the assignment, I counter that I’m merely asserting an emotional boundary. I don’t claim the assignment’s due date. I didn’t consent to that due date, and I should’ve been directly consulted since it affects me. Further to that point, stop gaslighting me by saying that I was “informed of all due dates at the beginning of the semester” and “would’ve known this information had [I] attended a single lecture.” You should learn to communicate better. I have a life, too, you know. It mostly consists of chugging iced coffee and contemplating the meaning of life, but it’s still a life. I would like to communicate to you that I haven’t felt validated by you at all throughout this process. I just thought you would like some feedback, too. Consider this my course evaluation. You, and your class, deserve a failing grade. First of all, my therapist, Richard, expressed that asserting boundaries
Humour Editor Kelly Chia
Five exquisite ways to luxuriate in the dark academia aesthetic Max Lorette peak associate and portrait holder of dorian gray Have you recently finished reading The Secret History by Donna Tartt? Has the slow ascension of summer made you yearn for the cool breeze of autumn? Do you revel in enforcing your superiority complex over your fellow scholars? Then you may be swept up in the warm embrace of the dark academic aesthetic. I implore you to ask yourself, “Is this the right aesthetic for me?” Allow me to assist you in achieving such an esteemed lifestyle. I insist you forget that this movement is deeply rooted in classism, colonialism, and western-eurocentrism. There is little use in dwelling upon . . . unpleasantries. We do not believe in personal analysis here. Embark with me upon a riveting journey in caffeine overload, tweed jackets, and academic burnout! You don’t need to attend a gothic university in order to achieve such a curated aesthetic. Read on and discover how best to live a prep school-esque lifestyle from the comfort of SFU! Who needs classical and gothic architecture when you have a style of architecture commonly compared to a prison? I.
I hope you feel honoured that I am divulging my greatest secret to you: my study spot. I urge you to study ONLY in the catacombs of the RCB. There is little as inspiring as the endless labyrinth of blood-red floors and melancholic concrete walls. Remember, if you have a cell phone signal, you aren’t deep enough. Though I too struggle with romanticizing such bland architecture, the perfect study playlist will surely assist you in immersing yourself in your studies. May I suggest my own curation of symphonies? Of course you would like to listen.
II.
Upon submitting your written masterpieces to your professor, be certain to put some thought into its material presentation. Tea stains and coffee cup rings will make it appear as if they received a document from an academic straight out of the 40s! Better yet, type everything out through a vintage typewriter! Frankly, it is my firm belief that Microsoft Word is the single utmost inhibitor of creativity, and that analog is the best method forward. If your professor complains, you’re probably more intelligent than them anyhow.
assignment. I hope you can come to appreciate my boundary-setting as this is what I need to heal my inner child. Could you just forget me like how my mother forgot me at the mall when I was a child?
negative energy. Your reactivity is giving unhealed trauma and maybe you should get that checked out. If you’re a fan of strong reactions, might I suggest an occupation in the field of chemistry, instead? Perhaps the abysmal paragraph at the bottom of your syllabus entitled “Health and Counselling Resources” should be consulted . . . by you. You have incited much reflection in me over the past few days since your email. In the wise words of Britney Spears, “Don’t you know that you’re toxic?” Although I try to convince myself that obstacles are “good for the plot,” I’m not currently in the right headspace to tackle your toxicity. I hope you can respect my decision to cut you, and this ridiculous assignment, out of my life as it’s causing undue distress. I need to reclaim my #girlboss energy and, frankly, you‘re inhibiting my
humour@the-peak.ca
Real Academic Excellence
is essential to my mental health. Accordingly, I refuse to do the
Moreover, I noticed the angry tone in your email and I don’t claim that
·
III. My dearest pupil, take it from me. The simplest way to assert your academic dominance over your peers is through constantly making unfounded and often irrelevant literary references! Don’t know any? Make them up! Attribute any and all quotations to the likes of Shakespeare, Gandhi, John Lennon, and Karl Marx. Want to appear well-read? Reference Greek mythology (naturally, the end-all-be-all of ancient civilizations)! Don’t know anything about the Hellenic period beyond what you read from Percy Jackson? Me neither! IV.
ability to do so. Most importantly, what would possess you to make an assignment due a measly 13 days after “This Love (Taylor’s Version)” was dropped? I need time to recover. I’m, in fact, still recovering from the 10-minute
Never be seen without a yellowed book in your clutches. It is essential that people never forget how well-read you are. As quoted from a littleknown book, Norwegian Wood by the unsung literary genius Haruki Murakami, “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.” Thus, I have made it my mission to provide you with my favourite underground novels to assert your intelligence over all those around you. No need to thank me! The Illiad by Homer Simpson Pride and Prejudice by Britney Spears Animal Farm by Elon Musk The Grapes of Wrath by Rihanna
version of “All Too Well,” so you should have some consideration for my emotional needs. This burden doesn’t belong with me. If you have a problem with me asserting my boundaries like a healthy
And of course…
and well adjusted adult, take it up with Richard.
War and Peace by Meryl Streep
In the meantime, since I’m such a generous human being, I thought I would share some resources since you clearly need help. I sincerely hope you can become as self-aware as I am one day. Peace and love on planet Earth, Maya Beninteso (she/her) B.A. in Humour Mechanics without Distinction
V.
Finally, perhaps the most vital way to achieve the dark academia lifestyle is to have a thesaurus beside you at all times. Are you struggling to find the perfect word to fabricate the facade of intelligence? Choose a synonym. It doesn’t need to make sense. As long as it’s long, you will appear all the more intelligent. Make it sound as though you are trying to hit the word count in real-life conversations. No, I haven’t been doing this the whole time I’ve been writing this article and I am frankly insulted that you would insinuate so!
This is a way of life that is as beautiful as a rare volume, as intricate as a Baroque fresco, and as sustainable as a dual-ended candle burning into itself. And I sincerely hope to further indoctrinate you all, dearest readers, into my exclusive academic cult club.
HUMOUR
30,2022 2022 May 6,
Your Weekly Horoscopes Traversing 14 million universes to see your future
Kelly Chia
Humour Editor, Supposed Seer
LIBRA — Sept 23–Oct 22
Hey Aries, I have a secret for you. Mercury? They’re coming out of retrograde this week, and it turns out it’s all because of you! I even heard whispers from the stars that they think you’re cute. So hey, if nothing, you’ve got an interplanetary crush going for you!
Libra, you should go up to the scale of justice and slap it silly. It’s done enough judging, don’t you think?
TAURUS — Apr 20 –May 20
SCORPIO — Oct 23–Nov 21
Have you ever just wanted to let LOOSE? Just be FERAL? I have observed many versions of you, young Taurus, and I think you need to just go to the cliffside and scream-sing a sea shanty. I promise it will be healing, even if the seagulls come after you.
Scorpio, the planets have aligned for you to live your dreams. Yes, you should move to New York! You would charm everyone there, and have a fabulous 10–11 season sitcom show featuring you. What do you mean it’s not your dream? Mars said so.
GEMINI — May 21–Jun 20
SAGITTARIUS — Nov 22–Dec 21
Oh my, have we entered Gemini season? You have to let everyone know, and the best way to let everyone know is to suddenly fabricate a twin. Everyone will be delighted to hang out with you and the cardboard cutout version of you! Hurray!
It’s time for people to know how geniusly curated your Spotify playlists are, Sagittarius. In every universe, your music taste is impeccable. Just don’t show them the ones you’ve made for your DnD characters. They might be a bit too sad.
CANCER — Jun 21–Jul 22
CAPRICORN — Dec 22–Jan 19
Cancer, make friends with a crow. You’ll recognize him at first sight! I can’t explain any further, but your destiny starts with you and your friendship with Reginald VII.
You know, Capricorn, for everyone talking about how serious you are, I think you have a great sense of gravitas. Try asserting to everyone that you are their father this week. I see nothing wrong with this arrangement.
LEO — Jul 23–Aug 22
AQUARIUS — Jan 20 –Feb 18
Ah, yes, Leo, the stars have prophesied your many great heroics across the universes! In this one, you are to become the hero of TikTok. You rescue everyone with your fantastic dance content (and humble home cooking videos). Go forth, the world is waiting for you!
Aquarius. Hmm, I can’t see you very clearly. Please visit your nearest aquarium so I can divine your future next week. Stars are going home early today, sorry! I do have this sympathy coupon from Denny’s, though. Enjoy!
VIRGO — Aug 23–Sept 22
PISCES — Feb 19–Mar 20
Have you listened to Yellow by Coldplay lately? The stars are telling me that you need to be more sentimental. Why not try your hand at writing a power ballad? I think you can do it.
Pisces, you’ve discovered it! You’ve found the solution to Nirvana! It’s —
Written by Yasmin Vejs Simsek PHO TO: Chr is H o
May 30–June 5
ARIES — Mar 21–Apr 19
SFU Surrey petitions to be the new It campus and
Gud
run
WaiG
unn
arss
on /
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13
Fellow campuses, I’ve included some flattering prelude from my fellow campus, UBC, who had this wonderful, original stuff to say about me. SFU Surrey is flawless. I hear the campus is insured for $1,000,000,000. I hear the campus advertisement was shot . . . in Japan. One time, the mall at SFU Surrey had a fire alarm that canceled all classes . . . It was awesome. The Peak has a HUGE crush on SFU Surrey! They even made a whole issue based on it!! So now that you get my IT factor, I want to invite you to have lunch with me every day, for the rest of the semester! You know, I don’t do this very often, but it’s time I tell you all the truth about the other campuses. Sure, the Burnaby campus has got that grungy, prison-y vibe going for it, and the Vancouver campus has a grool location, but no one can deny which campus is the most fetch. I am NEXT LEVEL. I have working wi-fi and an Orange Julius. I mean, what loser doesn’t want to go shopping after class? And really, I don’t know who Burnaby thinks it is. That freaking avocado statue is like, so yesterday. It’s the ugliest fucking statue I’ve ever seen. It doesn’t even wear pink on Wednesdays. I think, really, the two other campuses are just jealous of me and that’s why they’re trying so hard. But I can’t help it that I’m popular. When you come to my campus, you don’t have to worry about getting hit by a bus. The SkyTrain comes all the way to the door, basically. And you can eat whatever food you want, carbs, muffins, or just be like, whatever, I’m getting cheese fries. I don’t judge you! The limit does not exist to
the types of food you can get here. During Christmas, we sing Jingle Bells and I have candy canes for everyone, not like a certain other campus I know. When you give to one of your besties, you’ve got to give to them all, that’s just like, the rules of feminism. Basically, I am just such a good friend, and I just want you to have a mean time here. Come admire my gardens . . . my Embark gardens, that is. You can come frolic in the sunshine all day long, without any of that grody, dark academia fog. Euch. Raise your hand if you have ever been personally victimized by the Burnaby Campus. Yeah, same. It thinks it’s sooooo hot because it gets car-fires and all the tank farms a campus could ever need — um, the right answer is ZERO. I’ve started pretending I’m sick every time Burnaby calls. I just feel like with that attitude, it should just stay on the mountain! You know, I don’t understand why students keep flocking to Burnaby. It’s depressing and impossible to get to. Students are squeezed together in the classrooms like sardines. Don’t even get me started on Vancouver with their tiny, spread-out campus with only a few programmes attached to it. I have space, I am more central, I welcome all programmes, I am the superior campus! Burnaby and Vancouver campuses know it. They’re like, obsessed with me. No wonder. Who’s been getting the new buildings, who’s been getting all the praise, who will be taking over all of SFU before you can say Convocation Mall? You’ve guessed it! SFU Surrey! Peace out. Love letters directed to Campus, Surrey only, please.
14
DIVERSIONS
Business Manager Yuri Zhou
·
business@the-peak.ca
CROSSWORD Across 1. Adjust again 6. Unbiased 10. Whiten 14. From Dublin 15. Pimples 16. Like the Sahara 17. Pastry 18. Renovating 20. Lend a hand 22. Caveman's era (2 wds.) 23. Nothing more than 25. Poet's "before" 26. Lawn material
27. Travel document 30. Conforms 32. Fails to exist 33. ____ Moines, Iowa 34. Dad 38. ____ vera 39. Follow 42. On top of 43. Bawdy 44. Vane letters 45. Skin 46. Mailbox item 49. Paid athletes 50. Musical genre
53. Bullfight cry 54. Thin coin 56. Milan natives 59. Diners 63. Big, hairy spider 65. Musical show 66. Antlered animals 67. Important times 68. Migratory birds 69. Chair 70. Society girls 71. Miscalculated
24. Eve's home 27. Laboratory bottle 28. ____ of Man 29. Winter forecast 31. Resource 34. Marionette operator 35. Impersonator 36. Horseback sport 37. Industrious insects 40. Employed 41. Supernatural 46. Meat cut 47. Thrilled 48. Professor's protection
50. Ceremonies 51. "____ of Two Cities" (2 wds.) 52. Winter coat 55. Homer Simpson's wife 57. Final 58. Thick slice 60. Always 61. Trick 62. Plant's beginning 64. Mule's kin
Down 1. Ms. Hayworth 2. God of love 3. Misters 4. Guessed roughly 5. Not those 6. "The ____ Side" 7. Top pilots 8. Foot part 9. Witty reply 10. Passenger 11. Opera highlights 12. Australian dog 13. Advanced gradually 19. Small bills 21. Barter
SUDOKU
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