PRISM Fall 2018 Issue 1

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September 20, 2018

Welcome to PRISM EDITED BY Sarah Molano

prism@bupipedream.com

Emily Kaufman

editor@bupipedream.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR Tykeem Banini

tbanini1@binghamton.edu

DESIGNED BY Cory Bremer

design@bupipedream.com

Atsuyo Shimizu

ashimiz2@binghamton.edu

DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR Daquan Taylor

dtaylor6@binghamton.edu

PHOTOS EDITED BY Joel Velasco

jvelasc2@binghamton.edu

Romel Adams

radams2@binghamton.edu

COPY EDITED BY Lia Berger lberger8@binghamton.edu

COORDINATED WITH Andy Jean-Baptiste

vpma@binghamtonsa.org

PRISM is published monthly during the fall and spring semesters, except during finals weeks and academic breaks.

The content of PRISM represents the opinions of its authors, and not necessarily the views of Pipe Dream.

Letter from the Editor SARAH MOLANO Happy Latinx Heritage Month, mi gente! I couldn’t be more ecstatic that PRISM’s first issue falls during the time of month when my culture and my people are in the spotlight. As your new editor, I’ve long recognized the need to amplify the voices of students of color at Binghamton University, and I’m so grateful to former editor Kara Jillian Brown and all of the other staff for responding to that need with a publication as beautiful as PRISM. Assisting Kara in launching PRISM last year was one of the most exciting experiences of my junior year, and I couldn’t be more proud to continue the legacy.

In this issue, we commemorate Latinx Heritage Month by highlighting the Latin American Student Union’s (LASU) plans to celebrate the month with its series of workshops centered around its theme this year: Afro-Latinx identity. While you learn more about the vibrant Latinx cultures and histories this month, you can supplement the experience and cook up some traditional Puerto Rican dishes by following a couple of recipes we’ve featured.

We also shine a light on the voices of two noteworthy figures on campus, Student Association (SA) President Jerry Toussaint and women’s basketball’s Director of Operations Kike Omowumi Rafiu. Toussaint shares his experience of being SA president as a black man, while Rafiu details how she empowers young girls in Nigeria through the nonprofit organization, Girls Rise Up, that she founded.

You can take a break from the lengthy articles with our back-to-school fashion spread and advice for new students of color. PRISM serves to show off BU’s beautiful multicultural community, after all, but should also be a guiding force to lead people of color on a path to success, happiness and fulfillment.

Rounding out the issue is a pair of opinions pieces relevant to the campus community. The first is centered around the Binghamton University Dining Services’ lack of adequate food options for African and Caribbean students, and the other describes cinema’s shift in its portrayal of law enforcement due to the increased ability of people of color to write and direct their own films.

I’ve watched PRISM grow from a small group of fewer than ten writers to a network and support system for students and faculty of color across this campus. For my last year at BU, I intend to continue welcoming, engaging and empowering our multicultural community, and I hope you’ll join me in reaching that goal.

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Voices of Binghamton TYKEEM BANINI Jerry Toussaint is currently the president of the Student Association (SA), the president of Kappa Alpha Psi and a senior majoring in philosophy, politics and law at Binghamton University. Toussaint was a former intern and chief of staff under former Student Association (SA) President Jermel McClure, ‘18.

PRISM: What made you run for SA president?

Jerry Toussaint: It’s interesting because I always wanted to be in a leadership position, but I didn’t know I wanted to be SA president, at least at first. Initially, during my sophomore year, I ran to be vice president for multicultural affairs. I lost that race to Joshua Gonzalez, ‘18.

But when I lost, I just realized that there was a reason it happened. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and once I lost, it just told me that, “Hey, this may not be necessarily the position for you. Maybe there’s something else out there.”

And that’s where I sort of turned to the president position. What really pushed me was the idea of setting an example for a lot of other young minority men and women who attend BU and feel as though they don’t belong. As someone who came into BU and just struggled initially with finding themselves and how they could fit in, I re-

ally wanted to be in a position where I could help others and show them if I can do it, you can, too. [I wanted] to be in that position where I can have all the resources of the SA at my disposal to help those students who actually need that development and need that reassurance that they’re here for a reason and that they’re not just lucky, especially with Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) kids and the notion that EOP kids aren’t smart or they’re a product of affirmative action. I just really wanted to go against that and be something that the younger students could look up to.

P: When you had those feelings of not belonging, what did you do to make BU feel like home?

JT: Initially, I found a mentor. I feel like that’s one of the most important things for anyone just coming into college, but especially for young minorities who just feel very lost — someone who’s been through a lot of the things you are going through as a young freshman. I found my mentor at the end of my freshman year.

He was former Vice President for Academic Affairs Raul Cepin, ’18. I asked him to be my mentor, and then at the beginning of my sophomore year, Raul connected me to Jermel, who was vice president for multicultural affairs at the time, and because of that connection, I became an intern in Jermel’s office. So he was already plugging me in different places, just trying to get me to excel within myself. And Jermel really liked the fact that I connected with him early, so he made

JOEL VELASCO Student Association President Jerry Toussaint strives to support students of color at Binghamton University, whether it be in the form of providing personal advice or connecting them to vital resources. me his head intern that year.

I gained a lot of experience that year, and the year after, when Jermel became SA president, I went along with him and became chief of staff. So with two years of experience within the SA, I was aware of how the office worked, the different resources that were provided and what can really be done with the right person in charge.

P: Being that you’re the second black male SA president, what does that mean to you?

JT: As far as being the second black president, I think it just means a lot, especially within our political climate. Some would argue that Trump was elected due to ‘whitelash.’ [After] eight years of Obama, people just grew tired of it, and they retaliated by electing Trump. I feel that,

just in the scope of our campus — this microcosm society that we have in BU — it means a lot as far as the students seeing me as someone who’s adequate. They’re seeing beyond race. I mean, it’s always about race, but they’re seeing beyond that to some extent and just seeing me as someone who can adequately lead them. That just personally means a lot to me — that the students believed in me and they showed that through their votes, which I really appreciated. It also means a lot in the sense that it says Jermel wasn’t lucky; this wasn’t luck. We’re here as black students, we’re here to stay and we’re here for a reason. We deserve to be here and we’re showing that through the different positions each of us are in.

P: How will you advocate

for students of color with your position?

JT: As far as how to go about representing black students, I’m always looking to help young, black leaders in any way I can. I have been to BU over the summer multiple times to speak during orientation sessions. I also came during BU Enrichment Program (BEP) weekend and had a barbershop talk with some of BEP ‘18, answering a lot of their questions that they had.

[I even gave] them some of my contact information, and some of them contact me on the side with any personal advice they may need. I just try to be an asset to them however I can, whether that’s just being a mentor or providing them with leadership opportunities.

PRISM has edited this interview for length and clarity.

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September 20, 2018

LASU explores Afro-Latinx identity Group celebrates Latinx Heritage Month

SARAH MOLANO Every year, the Latin American Student Union (LASU) at Binghamton University picks a theme for its events during Latinx Heritage Month. This year’s festivities for Latinx Heritage Month, which occurs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, center around Afro-Latinx, or Afro-Latinidad, identity.

The Afro-Latinx community has always existed, but has often been ignored and devalued, even within the broader Latinx community. According to Marcela Garcia, treasurer for LASU and a junior double-majoring in human development and psychology, focusing on this community is an effort to stand in solidarity with the people within it while educating others about the concept of Afro-Latinx identity.

“Ultimately, I’d like for us to challenge our mentalities about being

Black and Latinx in order to dismantle stereotypes and remove the ignorance that is imposed on one’s identity,” Garcia wrote in an email. “This month should serve to support AfroLatinx individuals in finding their roots and accepting their identity.”

During the month, LASU will host a series of workshops twice a week with different cultural, political and social themes. Workshop topics will include “Decolonizing My Body,” “Black Latinos in the U.S. Census” and “Stepping Into My Afro-Latinx Identity.” The first workshop, “Azucar! What It Means to be Afro-Latinx” took place on Sept. 13 and served as an introduction to the discussion of Afro-Latinx identity. Rounding out the month will be LASU’s biannual spoken-word poetry event, “Palabras,” which imitates the style of the historic Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York City.

Beyond the theme, Latinx Heritage Month allows for the open celebration of many distinct Latinx cultures.

More than that, though, it facilitates an opportunity to spread knowledge of the histories and struggles of Lat-

in American countries that weren’t taught in school growing up. Garcia said that understanding the historical context can give students a new perspective on modern issues concerning these countries and their citizens.

“I wish the broader community would be more knowledgeable in the history of the United States and its foreign affairs in Latin America to better understand the circumstances that many Latinx communities confront today and further understand why they may take such extreme measures to improve their standard of living,” Garcia wrote.

Though the events are about the Latinx community, Garcia noted that the workshops are beneficial to nonLatinx students as well. For people who call themselves allies of the community, these open events are an invaluable way to get a real glimpse into the cultures, experiences and contributions of their Latinx peers.

As an organization, LASU has served as a home base for many Hispanic and Latinx students looking for a sense of community at the University, which is a predominantly white

institution. This welcoming nature is what inspired Jennifer Roman, a co-public relations chair for LASU and a sophomore majoring in integrative neuroscience, to join in the first place.

“They definitely provided me with a ‘home away from home’ feeling that I was definitely missing my first year in Binghamton,” Roman wrote in an email. “I wanted to provide others with the same feeling LASU gave me, and I was driven by the many political and social talks given by them.”

Garcia expressed a similar sentiment, highlighting LASU’s ability to provide comfort not typically found in other places.

“I appreciate LASU for being a space where I don’t have to defend my existence or the existence of my people or have to explain to others why my community deserves respect and equal rights — that is simply a given,” she wrote. “I can exist unapologetically.”

LASU’s Latinx Heritage Month workshops are held in University Union West Room 310 at 8 p.m. every Monday and Thursday night.

JOEL VELASCO The Latin American Student Union (LASU) chose to focus on Afro-Latinx identity during this year’s Latinx Heritage Month, which spans from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. LASU is hosting workshops every Monday and Thursday night throughout the month that focus on various aspects of Afro-Latinidad.

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Latinx cuisine to try this month Bringing you the flavors from Puerto Rico HABICHUELAS GUISADAS (PUERTO RICAN-STYLE RICE AND BEANS) Ingredients

GABRIELLA TRINIDAD With Latinx History Month from Sept. 15 until Oct. 15, the Latin American Student Union and other student-run organizations will be celebrating all month long with various events showcasing the culture and history of Latin America. If there’s anything that’s important to Latinx culture, it’s food.

If you want to get into the spirit of the culture, here’s how to make basic, easy bacalaítos (codfish fritters) and habichuelas guisadas (rice and beans) that are sure to please.

(Note: Bacalaítos are a traditional Puerto Rican dish, while rice and beans vary among different Latinx cultures and this is a Puerto Rican take on the staple dish.)

— 1 can of Goya red or black beans — Approx. 3 cups white or brown rice (can fluctuate based on how many servings intended) — 1 cup tomato sauce — 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil — ¼ cup diced red peppers — ¼ cup diced potatoes (or ¼ cup diced yellow squash; use either depending on preference) — 1 bay leaf — 1 teaspoon salt — 1 teaspoon pepper — ½ tablespoon Goya Sazón seasoning — ½ tablespoon Goya Adobo seasoning — ½ tablespoon cumin — 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of sofrito Sofrito is a base for many Latinx dishes, consisting of a refrigerated or frozen puree of green peppers, onions, garlic and cilantro.

— 1 quarter cup diced Goya Salchichon (op-

Directions Beans: 1. In a medium-sized pot on high heat, put in two to three tablespoons of olive, one to one and one-half tablespoons of sofrito, one-half to one cup of tomato sauce, one tablespoon of fresh ground garlic, one-half tablespoon of cumin, one-half tablespoon of Goya Adobo seasoning, one-half tablespoon of Goya Sazón seasoning, one teaspoon pepper, one bay leaf, one-half tablespoon of paprika, one-third cup of diced potatoes or yellow squash, one-quarter cup of red peppers and one-quarter cup diced GOYA Salchichon (salami; optional).

2. Let all ingredients sauté in the olive oil for a few minutes.

3. After, pour one can of Goya beans into pot. Once the beans are poured into the pot, fill can completely three times with water and pour the water into the pot. Then, on high flames, let everything boil.

4. Once bubbly, taste to see if salt or other seasonings are needed.

5. Then put the pot on low heat. Stir as needed. The beans are cooked once the mixture has a gravy-like consistency and texture.

6. Traditionally, the beans were prepared using bagged beans, but today, many make it with canned beans as a timesaving convenience.

Directions Rice: Put water in a deep pot with olive or canola oil and salt, let boil. Depending on how many servings, follow the instructions on the bag of rice.

Recipe adapted from GOYA

BACALAÍTOS (PUERTO RICAN CODFISH FRITTERS) Ingredients — 1 pound dry salted codfish — 2 cups water — 2 cups all-purpose flour — ½ tablespoon crushed garlic — 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro — 1 teaspoon salt — 1 teaspoon pepper — 2 teaspoons of baking powder — 1 teaspoon paprika (optional) — 1 cup vegetable oil for frying

Directions 1. Boil a deep pot of water on high heat to cook the codfish.

2. While the water is boiling, rinse excess salt off of the codfish.

3. Place the codfish in the boiling water. Wait about one hour until the fish is done boiling.

4. While the codfish is boiling, in a bowl, put two cups of flour, one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of pepper, one tablespoon of fresh chopped cilantro, at least one-half tablespoon crushed garlic (add more depending on preference) and two teaspoons of baking powder. After the dry ingredients, pour two cups of water, mixing until a pancake batter-like consistency is achieved. Taste for flavor, add salt and pepper as preferred. Optional for coloring, add one teaspoon of paprika.

5. Once the fish is done boiling, drain it and let sit until cooled. Once cooled, shred the fish by hand (but not completely).

6. Put a frying pan on medium heat with vegetable oil.

7. On a separate plate, make pancake-sized bunches of codfish. Dunk the codfish in the batter and place into the frying pan.

8. Fry until there’s a golden-brown coloring on both sides.

9. Remove excess oil by placing fried bacalaítos on a paper towel.

10. Let cool a bit and enjoy. Typically eaten with red or black beans and rice, but it’s up to preference.

Recipe adapted from GOYA.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL FASHION “DEFINITELY THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM” LESLIE ALMANZAR Junior majoring in economics

“READY FOR BINGHAMTON ROUND FIVE” JOSHUA GONZALEZ First-year graduate student studying geography

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“WE JUST OUT HERE TRYING TO MAINTAIN” ANGEL REYES Senior majoring in accounting

“A CHANGE IN CLASS” MARIA MARTINEZGUERRERO Senior majoring in human development

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September 20, 2018

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Kike Rafiu, founder of Girls Rise Up Nigerian nonprofit empowers girls through sports

SARAH MOLANO Growing up, Kike (pronounced key-kay) Omowumi Rafiu had to jump through hoops to get a pair of sneakers. Today, her nonprofit organization makes sure young girls in her position don’t have the same problem. None of this would have been possible, though, without one thing: basketball.

Rafiu, a Nigeria native, was hired as the director of operations for Binghamton University’s women’s basketball team in August. Though the sport plays a significant role in her life, Rafiu remembers a time when basketball was foreign to her.

“It was luck and it was coincidence, because I never knew what basketball was,” Rafiu said. “I just saw a boy with a pretty ball — that’s what I called it back then — and I was like, ‘What is that?’”

It didn’t take long for Rafiu to fall in love with the sport, and her hard work earned her a scholarship to play basketball in the United States. She finished her last two years of high school at Neumann-Goretti High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before packing her bags for Georgetown University, where she got a scholarship. While she packed, however, Rafiu realized something.

“I had to start thinking of moving my stuff to college, and I had so many shoes,” Rafiu said. “That was the moment that hit me like, damn, there’s a lot of girls that are going through what I went through

and I see no reason why I need six, seven, 10 pairs of sneakers when I barely wear them.”

She decided to take her excess shoes and clothes back to Nigeria and partnered with a high school there, donating her items to the basketball team. Thus, Rafiu’s nonprofit organization, Girls Rise Up, was born. It aims to empower girls in Nigeria by encouraging participation in sports, providing leadership skills and emphasizing the importance of education. Though the idea for Girls Rise Up was conceived in 2012, the organization officially came into existence in 2015.

Rafiu said that she drew from her own experiences when creating Girls Rise Up, since growing up as a girl who likes basketball was a challenge she wanted to help other young girls to overcome. She recalls being asked, “What are you doing with sneakers?” The challenges only continued when Rafiu came to the United States, especially as a black Muslim woman, but once again, her involvement in basketball motivated her to push forward.

“I’m not just a black girl, I’m also a Muslim black girl, so that’s like ‘triple jeopardy’ for me,” she said. “I think I give the utmost credit to my teammates, you know, they supported me all through it. Me, being a Muslim on the team, it’s just something a little different, something they’re not used to, but they really welcomed me, embraced me … they made it memorable for me.”

Still, Rafiu stated that being Muslim could go against her sometimes. In those moments, though, she encouraged students of color like herself to practice patience and to educate those making

PROVIDED BY BUBEARCATS.COM Kike Omowumi Rafiu, director of operations for women’s basketball, founded the nonprofit organization Girls Rise Up in her native Nigeria. ignorant statements.

“I don’t care what color you are, you can find yourself making ignorant statements and later on, with the help of somebody educating you, you’d be like, ‘Oh damn, I messed up, I’m really sorry,’ you know,” Rafiu said. “It only went down

the right way because you educated me in a polite, educating manner. And I think we students of color have to do that more.”

As for Girls Rise Up, Rafiu said she intends to expand the organization to the whole African continent. In her view,

pushing girls to get involved in sports is important, but the educational and leadership building aspects of Girls Rise Up are much more long-lasting and far-reaching in giving girls a brighter future.

“Girls can, and I believe girls will,” she said.

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How to thrive at a PWI Surviving a predominantly white institution

DAQUAN TAYLOR As I worked as an orientation adviser this past summer, I came across quite a few students of color who were culture-shocked as they entered into a predominantly white space for the first time.

I couldn’t help but resonate with their nerves as I was just in their position last year. For tips on how to tackle your first year, check out the keys below.

Don’t be afraid to speak to upperclassmen of color We want to meet and connect with you all. We understand the most what you all are currently experiencing — we got y’all. The Black, Latinx and Asian communities are willing to embrace and mentor the new generation of young leaders. When connecting with upperclassmen, you will be linked to jobs, internships and leadership positions on and off campus, gain life experience and expand your social network.

Use everything and everyone as a resource At Binghamton University, there’s an abundance of resources at your disposal, such as résumé-building, finding jobs and internships at the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Develop-

ment, connecting with professors and academic counselors, resident assistants of color in your residential communities, tutoring, financial literary events and the Student Association. These are all resources that you pay for, so put them to use. College is much more than academics.

The most important skills you will learn are outside of the classroom.

You earned your seat at the table Don’t let anyone’s ignorance distract you from what you’re destined to achieve.

You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. If someone says you don’t belong here, trust me: you do. You put in the hard work to earn your seat at the table. We all had someone who doubted us and told us we weren’t good enough. But no matter the circumstance, we persevered and proved them all wrong, so continue to keep that same energy. Prioritize your time. Your academics should always come first. You earned your seat, so now you have to work hard to keep it.

Not everyone is your friend You will meet new people every day, and at times, you might not even remember their names. However, it’s immensely important to understand that not everyone has your best interest at heart.

Some people are only your friend because you benefit them. In life, people will use you until they have no need

for you. So be aware of who you hang out with. If you feel that someone is bringing you down, don’t just cut them off.

You deserve the same genuine care and respect that you give to others. Remember who you are and always know your worth.

Keep your mental health in check College will get rough at times, whether you’re having a hard time in a class or dealing with family issues back home. It’s important to know that it’s OK if you need help; it doesn’t make you weak. The University Counseling Center has counselors that specialize in helping students of color. If you don’t feel comfortable going to counseling, make sure you utilize your friends or someone you trust as an outlet to unpack your emotional baggage. Build bonds with others and hold each other accountable for maintaining a healthy mentality.

Support each other We only have strength in numbers, so supporting each other is tremendously essential. If you see someone doing something good, compliment them on it. Reassurance makes people feel really good.

Go to the multicultural student organizations’ general body meetings and events BU caters to about 100 cultural student organizations.

Within these student clubs, you have the opportunity to celebrate your culture, be-

come a leader on an executive board and meet a lot of people. You’ll experience everything from fashion shows, to banquets and food that will remind you of home, to trap karaoke.

Understand that you don’t have the same luxury as your white counterparts Remember that you are a person of color first, no matter who you surround yourself with. Don’t feel that you have to assimilate to the white power dynamic just to fit in.

Also, be wise about the choices you make. If you go out to a party, don’t act wild and be a fool because historically, time and time again, we have seen the unequal treatment of individuals due to their pigmentation, so beware and stay safe.

Enjoy this new chapter You worked so hard to get here; celebrate it. As you begin your new journey, there will be good times and bad times.

The hard truth is in life, you’re going to fail, you will make mistakes and bad things will happen. Life will punch you in the face. But when it happens, don’t you dare give up. You pick yourself up, learn from your mistakes and keep going no matter what. You use what knocked you down to motivate you to get you to where you want to be. All of these experiences will help you grow. Your freshman year will be full of adventure. Just remember to maintain your peace, stay focused and stay up.

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September 20, 2018

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Where BU Dining Services falls short Addressing the lack of African and Caribbean cuisine

ROMEL ADAMS If you’re a returning student, you’re already aware, and freshmen, you’ll soon discover the monotony that is the Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) menu here at Binghamton University. Sure, eggs, bacon and hash browns are staples in the American breakfast paradigm — there are no complaints to be had there. But

the other mealtime options, put simply, are quite bland.

The usual options of pizza, Boar’s Head, or deep-fried whatever is not nearly enough to satisfy those outside of the University’s majority. But before I continue, I would like to acknowledge that, yes, there are other options on campus like the “Asian cuisine” in the Hinman College Dining Hall and the Marketplace, the burrito spot in Appalachian Collegiate Center and the College-in-the-Woods (CIW) Dining Hall and the barbecue chicken spot on the ground floor of CIW Dining Hall.

These, along with the generic pastas, pizza and various sandwich combina-

tions offered around campus, pretty much sum up what’s available here.

However, in all the aforementioned, none were geared toward students of African descent, who make up roughly 5 percent of the student body.

As we all know, food is a basic necessity of life, and for most, if not all of us, it is quite difficult when you lack food representative of your own culture and what you’ve grown up eating your entire life. Certain foods are not customarily consumed as often — or even at all — in certain cultures during our upbringing, and such a sudden shift in diet can upset not only your approach to eating, but also your

ROMEL ADAMS Julion’s Kitchen, a Caribbean-Nigerian pop-up shop that took over Chick-N-Bap’s space for a few hours in February, sold out in an hour and a half. This demonstrates that there is a definite market for African and Caribbean cuisine on campus, and Binghamton University Dining Services should respond to that need.

stomach during digestion. It’s even harder when you’re in a whole new setting and the only options available to you during dinner time are either overly salted or completely void of flavor. This, at times, is enough to dissuade students from even making the effort to venture to the dining halls knowing that the options will be short of satisfying, even in full awareness of having paid hundreds of dollars for a meal plan.

The only plausible response to this need for food that is both representative and seasoned would be to provide a permanent option like Julion’s Kitchen. Julion’s Kitchen was a limited-time event held on Feb. 4, 2018 where Chick-N-Bap currently operates, which offered an array of African and Caribbean cuisine. This included jollof rice, steamed cabbage, rice and peas, stew beef and jerk barbecue, as well as other vegan options; it was a well-rounded event and a total success.

Julion’s Kitchen was so popular and celebrated, it sold out within the first hour and a half of its scheduled fivehour time slot, which was supposed to be between the hours of 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. This goes to show how dire the need for well-prepared, seasoned food among students of African descent is on this campus as well as the profitability of such a venue.

This isn’t a request that can go unanswered, as BUDS is more than capable of implementing a space for African and Caribbean cuisine, considering it has included bubble tea in the CIW Dining Hall, F’real milkshakes and the expensive and somewhat exclusive options in the Chenango Room. That’s not to mention the billions of dollars being made annually by the company in the U.S. alone. With that being said, all we need is a place where we can get food that matches our culture and upbringing — not only for the taste, but also for a sense of belonging here at BU. It’s similar to how we universally welcome a new person into our home — we offer them a dish typically consumed in our culture.

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Changing representations of police in film POC perspectives reshape the portrayal of authority

STEVEN GONZALEZ Institutions of power are being seen in a different narrative in film, with a specific focus on policing and capitalism versus the people. This critical lens of the capitalist state and its guard dogs displays sentiment felt for generations, especially within the community of people of color. In particular, this summer’s releases boasted “Blindspotting,” directed by Carlos Lopez Estrada and “Sorry to Bother You,” directed by Boots Riley, both of which challenge the often complacent view of police and capitalism present in Hollywood cinema.

It isn’t a new trend, however.

For a majority of its existence, American cinema has touted police officers as stoic action figures, certain of every shot and capable in any situation. This began to change around the 1950s with the popularity of film noir. Noir introduced dark, morally gray narratives with common tropes of seedy detectives caught in corrupt webs of lies and deceit. The portrayal of corruption on the silver screen began to steadily grow until the later part of the century, especially from the ‘70s onward. Films depicting corrupt cops such as “Serpico” (1973) — which came a decade after the civil rights movement, or “Cop Land” (1997) — which premiered only a few years after the notorious Rodney King case — began to succeed at the box office. You can clearly see that the long-term effects of unchecked corruption had begun to taint how we view police and how we portray them in media.

However, it is important to

PROVIDED BY ANNAPURNA PICTURES Tessa Thompson and Lakeith Stanfield star in Boots Riley’s directorial debut, “Sorry to Bother You.” The film marks a shift in how cinema today represents race, police and the struggles people face under capitalism. note that these films represent a smaller fraction of cinema, albeit a growing fraction, than the violently naive representation of the police Hollywood has largely produced. Another aspect of these films is that most of the corruption we do end up seeing on screen usually tends to deal between police and an outside corrupting force, like working for the mafia or taking bribes from politicians. It is rarer to see portrayals of the police attacking citizens out of their own volition. This ultimately brings us to the most important note of all: What happens when films not only begin to show the police versus the people, but the same people who are being affected are

also now the ones telling the story? And what happens when these people don’t stop there and come for the capitalist institutions the police protect?

You can find this line of questioning in current films such as “Blindspotting” and “Sorry to Bother You.” “Blindspotting” takes a closer look at the police presence in an ex-convict’s life as he tries to reintegrate himself into a recently gentrified Oakland. “Sorry to Bother You” follows Cassius Green’s attempts to make it to the top of the telemarketing company ladder and the many pitfalls and cruelties that come with capitalism. The two films focus on a different side of the coin of police

and capitalism, but still manage to offer nuanced rhetoric and stark imagery on both of these issues.

“Sorry to Bother You” in particular presents radical views of anti-capitalism that are even rarer to find in American cinema. Other than the occasional scene of surface-level monotony at a cubicle or factory, it is very rare to see a complete upheaval of institutions that keep millions in wage slavery as depicted here. Hollywood loves the police, but nothing is more American than consumerism.

More often than not, art is an expression of emotion at a moment in time, and we must consider the contexts of that time. People have the ability to affect media — to will

what gets created onto the screen — and media, in turn, affects us back and changes us as a society; we get caught in a feedback loop.

But oftentimes we forget — who gets to tell their story and affect the media? Not every group has had the same privilege to decide what gets told. These films signify a paradigm shift in how we view police and the oppressive power they use to keep the cogs of capitalism in check. This is because these stories are being told by the same black and brown bodies being affected by these intersecting forces. Film is finally catching up to what people of color have felt for decades, and what white people have known all along.

JOEL VELASCO X-Fact’r Step Team, the Latino Greek Council and the Black Dance Repertoire performing at the third annual Multicultural Extravaganza.