Glendon Student Paper Headlines Racist, War-Mongering Article
By Gazawriter
PRO TEM’s latest front-page article, published anonymously on October 31st, is littered with self - contradictions and racist tropes while showing a cold disregard for the true victims of conflicts and war: humans like you and I.
From the start, the article eroticizes the zionist occupation’s latest escalations of its genocidal and expansionist campaigns as “blood-filled flirtation”. In the past weeks, we’ve seen the annexation and extermination of Gaza’s north1, two babies killed in their ICUs after Israeli fire hit oxygen equipment at the Kamal Adwan hospital2, and the deadly pager attacks terrorizing civilians preceding the so-called IDF’s carpet bombing and attempted ground invasion of Lebanon. If this is the author’s idea of flirting, I fear for anyone dating them.
Describing this conflict that has expanded far past the borders of Gaza and even Palestine as the “Israel-Hamas War” continues to downplay the zionist occupation’s deliberate targeting of civilians, including children, that has conservatively resulted in the deaths of about 200,000 people in Gaza alone.3 In the same vein, characterizations of Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations similar to ISIS and Al-Qaeda are born out of anti-Palestinian racism, anti-Arab racism, and Islamophobia.4 Such characterizations serve to manufacture consent for Israel’s aggression by dehumanizing its victims. Meanwhile, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has explicitly affirmed the right of Palestinians—and all people under foreign and colonial rule—to resist by all available means, including armed struggle (Resolutions 3314 (1974) and 37/43 (1982)). The “terrorist” label has become a political tool used to dismiss the legitimate resistance of colonized and oppressed peoples—Nelson Mandela was labeled a terrorist by the U.S. government until 2008. If the author has no insight to offer beyond uncritically repeating zionist rhetoric, they have no business commenting on Middle East politics.
(From the Publication on October 31 2024)
The article’s thesis, discernible only after picking through its numerous contradictions5, is that swift liberation from Iran’s current totalitarian regime is only possible via Israeli intervention. Such an idea—that only Western intervention can free a region’s native population from its backwards and barbaric way of life—has been seen time and time again, from the colonization of Turtle Island (our “home and native land”) to the many disastrous American interventions in Vietnam, the Middle East, the ongoing conquest of Palestine, and beyond. To be clear, the present article does not seek to defend Iran’s current totalitarian and violently repressive regime. It simply aims to dismantle the author’s argument that intervention by another self-described religious ethnostate with a proven track record of indiscriminate bombing of civilian regions could precipitate the liberation of Iran: “If Israel has the boldness and power to pull the trigger against the Islamic regime, it might be the only good thing that comes from the war.”
An opinion piece justifying Israeli violence on the population of Iran is, to me, simply unacceptable. PRO TEM’s decision
to publish the piece, on the front page no less, implies an endorsement of the views expressed therein. In this case, they’ve platformed a voice that eroticized violence while praising the military power responsible for killing 62% of Gaza’s children and labelling the resistance groups fighting it “terrorist organizations”. The article’s framing and characterizations exclude Palestinian narratives (“Israel-Hamas war”) and help justify violence against Palestinians, which constitutes anti-Palestinian racism (APR) according to the Arab-Canadian Lawyers Association (ACLA)6. Although I disagree with the article’s thesis, it could have been defended without alluding to the racist tropes I described above. The uncritical publication of such an article unfortunately demonstrates a level of institutional APR at PRO TEM that is not the fault of any individual editor or team member.
So, what can PRO TEM and its team do to take accountability and learn from this mistake? In the first draft of the present article I demanded the team retract the anonymous article by publishing this one on the front page, and for team members to resign if that could not be accomplished. While I
maintain that failing to feature a critical voice in the same spotlight as the original article constitutes APR through the exclusion of Palestinians and allies, my initial approach was more suited to large media organizations that are slow to change. On the contrary, the Editor in Chief of PRO TEM has taken responsibility for the publishing of the original article and indicated their intention to keep learning and to make positive changes. I suggested implementing the ACLA’s definition of anti-Palestinian racism into the journal’s constitution, which would back up PRO TEM’s commitment to welcome and amplify diverse perspectives within our community, perspectives which in this case have faced a hostile environment at York.7 Palestinians, Arabs, and allies alike know that by taking any of the steps I described, PRO TEM and its team are likely to face some of that hostility from York. Yet, I know that our community will rise to defend a publication which acknowledges and values our voices without bias or prejudice. To my community I ask: encourage PRO TEM to combat anti-Palestinian racism by defining it in their constitution by sharing this article and voicing your support via editor@protemglendon.com (CC me when you do!). Finally, I’d love to read and answer any comments or questions you, dear reader, may have. Reach me at gazawriter@protonmail.com.
2. https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/two-children-die-gazaskamal-adwan-hospital-following-raid
3. Estimate including those killed by disease, starvation, etc. Based on the death count from the Palestinian Ministry of Health as of Oct 9, 2024: 26,947 adults and 17,765 children (62.2%) killed in Gaza, plus 10,000 missing since Oct 7, 2023.
4. This isn’t to say Hamas and Hezbollah are immune to committing war crimes. For example, it is known that war crimes were committed by Hamas fighters and others during operation Al-Aqsa Flood on Oct 7. It is also known that the IDF committed systematic war crimes on a scale orders of magnitude beyond those of Hamas prior to, on, and following that
on
tage-taking. The argument is that applying the “terrorist”
the other is rooted in
to
to
but
. See “October 7: Forensic analysis shows Hamas abuses, many false Israeli claims” by Al Jazeera at the following link for details on war 5. The article states that the war could potentially involve Iran and Lebanon before describing the involvement of Iran and Lebanon. The article states Iran was “free and ready to thrive” before its religious rule, then mentions the terror and tyranny in the time of the Shah, which directly preceded the current religious regime. The article states Khomeini has gotten old and sick, but not closer to dying.
6. See “Anti-Palestinian Racism: Naming, Framing and Manifestations”. ACLA, May 24 2022.
7. See York’s Race Equity Caucus report titled “Surveilled & Silenced: A Report on Palestine Solidarity at York University”.
EDITORIAL
PRO TEM
Editor In Chief/Éditrice En Chef
Amie Sosa
Chief of operations/Chef des opérations
Flo Iyam Tierra
Layout Designer/Maquettiste
Roxanna Khosravi
Photographer/Photographe
Dona Nissangaratchie
Section Editor/Rédactrice de sections:
Leanne Eyre
Campus Life/Vie étudiant Arts & Entertainment/ Arts & Divertissement Metropolis Métropole
Christina Savoiardo
Issues & Ideas/Actualité & opinions Expressions/Expressions Health & Wellness/Santé & bien-être
English Editor/Rédactrice Anglaise
Destiny Chan
French Editor/Rédactrice Française
Natalia Tovilla-Bátiz
English Journalist/Journaliste Anglais
Connell Simkin-Watt
French Journalist/Journaliste Française
Iris Capron
Bilingual Journalist/Journaliste Bilingue
Geneviève Stacey
Letter from the editor
Greetings, Pro Tem readers!
Omg, did you hear that? It might just be the Glendon Ghost making its rounds in the halls—because November is full of surprises! From eye-opening conferences to stories of destiny, this issue is packed with exciting twists.
Le mois de novembre est là, et avec lui, une vague de surprises et de réflexions. Ce numéro met en lumière l’article Finding Destiny, qui explore l’incroyable parcours d’une vie entre le Canada et la France. C’est un voyage fascinant, entre deux cultures, et une invitation à voir comment nos choix façonnent notre destin, même lorsque nous pensons être à la croisée des chemins.
As we navigate through life’s challenges, one thing that’s come up a lot lately is loneliness. In our very own Glendon community, the Loneliness Epidemic conference had us all thinking deeply about the ways isolation is impacting not just our campus, but the wider world. It’s a conversation that is both timely and necessary as we try to connect and support each other during these everchanging times.
And speaking of connections, we’ve had some fantastic feedback and lively discussions sparked by our previous articles. It’s been amazing to see how many of you are engaging with the ideas shared. If you’ve been following the conversation, you’ll know that the responses are diverse and thought-provoking. So if you want to keep the discussion going, don’t hesitate to send us your perspective—whether it’s about culture, loneliness, or anything else that’s been on your mind. We love hearing from you!
So, as we head into the colder months, let’s embrace the opportunities for connection—whether through shared experiences, meaningful conversations, or just enjoying the little things that make us feel alive. This issue is here to remind you that, no matter where you’re from or what challenges you face, you’re not alone.
Prenez un café chaud, installez-vous confortablement et plongez dans ce numéro. Avec des histoires inspirantes, des réflexions profondes sur la solitude, et des voyages à travers la France et le Canada, il y a de quoi faire rêver et réfléchir.
Stay inspired, stay connected, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @protemglendon for more updates, events, and exclusive content!
À très bientôt, Amie Sosa (Rédactrice en Chef)
DISCLAIMER!
Pro Tem is a unified organization that accepts and publishes articles from students, alumni, and community members. While we edit submissions for grammar and clarity, we stay true to each author’s voice and message. As an organization, we don’t endorse every viewpoint expressed; our goal is to amplify a wide range of perspectives within our community. For those interested in viewing an article in its original, unedited form, please contact our Editor-in-Chief at editor@protemglendon.com.
Website technichian/Technicienne de site Yasmina Albarqawi
Avis de non-responsabilité!
Pro Tem est une organisation unifiée qui accepte et publie des articles provenant des étudiants, des anciens élèves et des membres de la communauté. Bien que nous corrigeons les soumissions pour la grammaire et la clarté, nous restons fidèles à la voix et au message de chaque auteur. En tant qu’organisation, nous n’endossons pas nécessairement chaque point de vue exprimé; notre objectif est d’amplifier une diversité de perspectives au sein de notre communauté. Pour ceux qui souhaitent consulter un article dans sa version originale, non éditée, veuillez contacter notre rédacteur en chef à editor@protemglendon.com.
Editor In Chief: editor@protemglendon.com
Chief of Operations: operations@protemglendon.com
Photographer: photography@protemglendon.com
CAMPUS LIFE
Le Fantôme De Glendon Hante un Campus Divisé alors qu’un Article Controversé Suscite l’indignation
Par The Glendon Ghost
Un campus divisé : la controverse au Collège Glendon de l’Université de York, révélant des problèmes profonds d’inclusion et de sécurité au sein de son corps étudiant.
Je me présente comme étant le fantôme de Glendon, qui hante le campus de Glendon. L’article provocateur publié dans le journal d’étudiant Pro Tem semble être au cœur de cette tourmente. Cet article, qui paradoxalement prône l’intervention militaire et la violence sous couvert de paix, a tout particulièrement alarmé les étudiants d’origine arabe, juive, musulmane et iranienne, qui se sentent désormais visés et vulnérables.
L’incident a attiré l’attention du « Fantôme de Glendon », une figure allégorique qui représente la conscience collective du Collège. Le Fantôme déplore les divisions révélées par l’article, en soulignant qu’il ne s’agit pas d’une situation isolée : le Collège a déjà été confronté à des problèmes d’inclusion et de droits des minorités. La situation actuelle suscite une profonde inquiétude. En effet, on réprimande l’Association étudiante du collège Glendon (AECG) parce qu’elle a été poursuivie en justice et parce qu’elle a fait l’objet de vives critiques. Or, on laisse libre cours à des individus qui promeuvent la guerre et la violence. Il est allégué que l’administration d’avoir toléré la propagation de discours nocifs derrière le paravent de la liberté d’expression. Le Collège Glendon est déjà aux prises avec une baisse des inscriptions et la menace de fermeture de certains programmes. Cette situation pourrait décourager les futurs étudiants qui cherchent un milieu universitaire chaleureux et ouvert. Le corps enseignant a exprimé des préoccupations similaires. Un professeur juif, qui a souhaité garder l’anonymat, a craint que l’article n’incite à la discrimination et a noté que les opinions exprimées dans Pro Tem ne représentent pas la communauté juive de Glendon. L’incident a fait l’objet d’une discussion parmi les professeurs quant au subtil équilibre entre la liberté d’expression et la protection des groupes vulnérables. Les étudiants ressentent des émotions intenses. Dans la cafétéria, un d’entre eux a entendu quelqu’un déclarer : « Chacun devrait se sentir en sécurité, ce n’est pas une question de stéréotype. Dire qu’un certain groupe démographique a tort en raison de ses croyances religieuses est une attaque qui dure depuis des siècles, et je pense que trop, c’est trop. La croyance selon laquelle chaque pays devrait suivre les lois de l’Occident en raison de la soi-disant « liberté » n’est pas le point de vue de beaucoup d’entre nous. Notre liberté n’est pas basée sur ce que veut l’Occident.»
Ce commentaire exprime la profondeur des émotions des étudiants et leur exaspération face à la manière dont des sujets délicats sont abordés. Un autre étudiant a exprimé des préoccupations similaires, mettant en avant l’importance de traiter ce type de sujet avec prudence : « Pour moi, il s’agit d’un rappel de l’importance d’une réflexion approfondie pour des articles aussi polarisants... Certaines erreurs sur la première page et la manière dont les victimes sont abordées pourraient donner lieu à une interprétation erronée, ce qui pourrait nuire à la compréhension mutuelle entre les communautés.»
Les étudiants d’origine arabe, musulmane ou chrétienne m’ont partagé des avis anonymes exprimant des sentiments de rejet, d’insécurité et de crainte. Certaines personnes ont même évoqué la possibilité de changer d’université en raison de l’environnement hostile. Cet article ne fait qu’élargir le fossé au sein du corps étudiant, entravant ainsi l’unité et renforçant un sentiment de méfiance omniprésent.
Le Fantôme de Glendon critique les politiques du collège, affirmant qu’elles semblent donner la priorité à la protection de ceux qui propagent des idéologies néfastes par rapport à ceux qui en sont affectés. Le fantôme milite pour un changement politique visant à promouvoir l’acceptation et à tenir personnellement responsables les personnes qui contribuent à propager un langage polarisant. Cette critique fait écho aux sentiments de plusieurs personnes qui croient que le collège devrait adopter une position plus active dans la résolution de ces problèmes.
Dans ce plaidoyer poignant pour l’unité, le fantôme de Glendon exprime sa tristesse face aux divisions qui ont fracturé la communauté du campus. Il exhorte vivement la direction, et plus
spécifiquement M. Fiola, à mettre en place des actions résolues afin d’instaurer une atmosphère chaleureuse pour chaque membre de la communauté estudiantine. Le message final du Fantôme est clair : un leadership proactif est nécessaire pour panser les blessures du passé et pour construire un campus qui valorise et protège véritablement chaque membre de sa communauté. En attendant, l’article de Pro Tem continue de susciter le débat sur le campus. Certains étudiants défendent sa publication comme étant un exercice de liberté d’expression, tandis que d’autres la considèrent comme une approbation dangereuse de la violence et de l’intolérance. Ce fossé reflète une tension sociétale plus large entre les principes de la liberté d’expression et la nécessité de protéger les individus contre les discours haineux.
Finalement, la polémique au Collège Glendon fonctionne comme un exemple de questions sociales plus larges. Elle met en lumière les difficultés auxquelles font face les institutions pour concilier les droits des individus à s’exprimer avec la création d’un environnement sécuritaire et accueillant. Alors que Glendon navigue dans ces eaux turbulentes, elle doit tenir compte de la voix de tous ses étudiants et s’efforcer de créer une communauté non seulement diversifiée, mais unie dans son engagement envers l’équité et la justice.
Maintenant que la poussière commence à se déposer, on espère que le Collège Glendon sera renforcé et plus résilient après avoir traversé cette crise. En mettant de l’avant ses valeurs d’inclusion et de respect, le collège a l’opportunité de transformer cette crise en catalyseur de changements positifs, servant ainsi de modèle à d’autres établissements faisant face à des défis similaires.
VIE ÉTUDIANTE
Unbearable Loneliness: The Hidden Crisis
By Leanne Eyre Section Editor
Surrounded by constant pings, likes, hundreds of “friends”, and perfectly curated posts, we are more connected than ever. Yet 1 in 10 Canadians report feeling lonely most or all of the time. Loneliness, distinct from social isolation, is the disparity between our desired level of social interaction and the reality of our relationships. It knows no boundaries, affecting individuals of all demographics, backgrounds, and professions.
The Glendon Global Dialogue, The Loneliness Epidemic: Connected as Ever yet Lonely, explored this paradox from a global perspective with insights from three distinguished experts: Harry Hobson, founder and director of Neighbourly Lab, a UK-based social research and development organization; Dr. Patrik Marier, political science professor at Concordia University and author of The Four Lenses of Population Aging; and Dr. Gordon Flett, psychology professor at York University and a world-renowned expert on the health impacts of perfectionism and loneliness.
The Impact of Loneliness
Loneliness is not just an individual problem—it affects entire communities, undermining their well-being and cohesion. Toronto, ranked as one of the loneliest cities in Canada1, exemplifies this crisis, bearing profound human and economic costs, including increased healthcare visits, rising mental health challenges, reduced workplace productivity, and more frequent sick days. To address this collective challenge, Harry Hobson stressed the importance of dismantling the stigma surrounding loneliness. He urged us to “lean into and accept our interdependence, which is both natural and desirable” as social beings, challenging the hyper-individualism ingrained in Western culture.
Who is Most Vulnerable?
Loneliness can reach a level of intensity that becomes unbearable, as Dr. Gordon Flett describes it. This extreme loneliness is characterized by a profound sense of emptiness and constant internal dialogue, such as “I am lonely, I have been lonely, and I will remain lonely.” Who is most susceptible to this severe loneliness? Hobson identified five factors: severe poverty, disability, single status, facing prejudice or discrimination, and relocating to a new environment. Loneliness is often triggered by life changes, whether they are positive or negative. Individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 are particularly vulnerable due to their frequent transitions, limited resources, and higher likelihood of being single. As a result, nearly a quarter of them report feeling lonely most or all of the time.2
The Essential Need to Matter
Flett highlights the strong correlation between loneliness and “mattering”, or the double jeopardy of feeling isolated, alone, unimportant and insignificant. In short, “mattering” is the universal
need to feel important, visible, and necessary for others. A recent New York Times article sparked a global conversation with the question: “When have you felt that you mattered?”3 Hundreds of students responded with personal stories and reflections, reinforcing the essential need to feel that we are valued and add value. Similarly, this Glendon Global Dialogue aimed to start a meaningful discussion, raise awareness of loneliness, and ultimately catalyze change by “normalizing and then neutralizing it.”
The Silver Lining of Loneliness
Hobson began his talk with a bold claim: loneliness is positive. It serves two important roles. Firstly, it acts as a prompt, urging us to reconnect and change our behavior. Secondly, loneliness serves as an alarm, signaling something is wrong with the way our city or society is structured. In other words, the environments where we spend our time aren’t set up quite right.
How Can We Tackle It?
Combating loneliness requires action at every level—individual, community, and government. It begins with small, everyday initiatives, but must also be supported by systemic changes. To bring about lasting change, we must first recognize the value of social connections as the single greatest contributor to happiness.
Hobson emphasized the power of small gestures—seemingly trivial interactions, like a saying hello or giving a compliment—that collectively foster a sense of community. Equally important is creating environments and infrastructure intentionally, where connection happens naturally. “Just as we design for accessibility,” Hobson argued, “we should design for connection.” This could involve reimagining spaces to promote interaction, such as redesigning layouts, introducing smaller, enclosed areas, and strategically timing events or activities to ensure people come together.
Dr. Patrik Marier expanded on this idea by discussing the role of government policies in addressing loneliness on a broader scale. Countries like Japan and the UK have already made significant strides by appointing ministers of loneliness, signaling a recognition of the issue at the national level. Marier emphasized the importance of reframing loneliness as a public health issue, noting that medical policies are often less politically polarized than social policies, which can pave the way for more effective action. He also stressed the need to support
existing organizations already addressing this issue by providing recurrent funding and resources to expand their reach and impact. Marier cited the example of older adults losing their driver’s licenses, which often leads to greater isolation. He suggested that policies could provide alternative transportation options, not just for medical appointments, but also for social, recreational, and community activities, helping the aging population stay connected.
Role of Schools
During the Q&A session, a crucial question emerged regarding the role of schools in combating loneliness. Flett pointed out that a single compassionate adult can significantly impact a student’s outlook, shifting it from “nobody cares” to “one person cares.” Despite educators’ busy schedules, many students lack the social skills needed for faceto-face interaction, as it is not a skill that is typically taught. Educational institutions play an essential role in developing well-rounded students, academically, socially, and emotionally. They can do so by providing students with the necessary skills to succeed in society. To facilitate this, the curriculum could include time for social-emotional learning, collaborative group activities, and peer support programs that foster student connections. Creating places where students can “let their guard down” and make real-life connections is essential in an increasingly technological world. Schools can facilitate this by designating phone-free zones and time slots for genuine conversation.
Final Takeaways
Flett’s advice to “find friends every decade” really resonated with me. It reminded me that friendships aren’t just for certain age groups, but are essential at every stage of life. After all, you never know who might be feeling lonely, so even a small act of kindness can have a profound impact on someone else. With Christmas just around the corner, take a moment to think about how you can express your gratitude to someone in your community. Sometimes, just one person can make another person feel seen. This winter, try to be that person. A small gesture can go a long way.
photo: Leanne Eyre
HEALTH WELLNESS
“Daylight Saving Time”? More Like “Daylight Wasting Time”
Par Christina Savoiardo Rédactrice de sections
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a system of advancing clocks by one hour in the summer to increase daylight hours.1 Many countries in the Northern Hemisphere, but not all, observe DST, moving clocks forward in March or April, and backward in September-November. DST is believed to improve the use of natural lighting in the evenings, particularly for those living further away from the equator.2 Many people believe that Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a pointless system that causes several issues. Are these people right?
One common complaint is that DST is bad for your health. Twice a year, the clocks change by an hour, only to revert a few months later. Although it may seem like a long time, it could take even longer for some people to adjust. A simple one-hour difference can disrupt the circadian rhythm (body clock) and cause noticeable fatigue. Some people may simply feel more tired after the start of DST, while others may experience more serious side effects. Studies show that DST increases the risk of heart attack, but that an extra hour of sleep after it ends reduces the risk.3 Other health issues include more frequent headaches, workplace injuries, car accidents and mental health problems caused by early evening darkness.4
The transition to Daylight Saving Time (DST) is notorious for causing a significant decrease in productivity. The Monday following DST is often referred to as one of the most exhausting days of the year, and the transition can impact worker productivity for up to two weeks.5 Research has shown that the human circadian clock is not able to adjust quickly enough, leading to fatigue and a decrease in productivity and quality of life. Since being productive in everyday life is important, especially for students and those with jobs, this exhaustion and lack of work completion may have long-term negative effects on their success.
Moreover, despite popular belief, daylight saving time (DST) can be financially burdensome. Contrary to common perception, researchers have found that implementing DST does not save energy, but rather incurs substantial expenses. The annual cost of adjusting clocks has been estimated at billions of dollars. The cost of additional heart attacks and work-related accidents has been discussed.6 Additionally, there is a financial burden associated with employee ‘cyberloafing’, which refers to using online resources for personal purposes while at work, such as browsing social media.7 A few minutes of personal online time can quickly turn into hours wasted because of a lack of motivation.
Given these considerations, it may be worth considering abandoning DST altogether. After all, it has been around for over a century, yet its usefulness remains unclear in modern society. Personally, I absolutely hate being woken up by the sun shining in my face at 7 a.m.—I need my sleep. As soon as it’s dark, I feel like going to bed, and the lack of daylight makes me unproductive. I haven’t been able to adjust to the time change this November, and I’ve been feeling really exhausted. I agree that DST is useless and that, without it, we’d probably be happier and more productive.
1. ‘Betts, Jonathan D. “Daylight Saving Time Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica,” November 4, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Daylight-Saving-Time
2. Anne Buckle, Vigdis Hocken, and Sara Kornberg. “What Is Daylight
3.
uoregon.edu/content/daylight-saving-time-linked-lost-worker-productivity
6. Dennison, Sean. “The Real Cost of Daylight Saving 2023.” Yahoo Finance, March 28, 2023. https://finance. yahoo.com/news/real-cost-daylight-savings-2023-140115498.html
7. Czekil, Pawel. “Definition Of Cyberloafing - How Much Does It Cost The Employer? Unrubble Blog,” June 11, 2024. https://unrubble.com/blog/definition-of-cyberloafing-how-much-does-it-cost-the-employer
photo: Pixabay
SANTÉ BIEN-ÊTRE
&
Biscuits à l’avoine, aux canneberges et à l’orange
Ingrédients
¾ tasse de beurre ou de margarine végétale
½ tasse de cassonade
½ tasse de sucre granulé
1 œuf de lin (1 cuillère à soupe de graines de lin moulues + 2 cuillères à soupe d’eau)
1 cuillère à soupe d’extrait d’orange
1 ⅓ tasse + 1 cuillère à soupe de farine
1 cuillère à thé de bicarbonate de soude
½ cuillère à thé de levure chimique
½ cuillère à thé de sel de mer
2 cuillères à thé de cannelle moulue
1 ¼ tasse de flocons d’avoine
⅓ tasse de pepitas (graines de citrouille rôties)
⅓ tasse de canneberges séchées
Instructions
1. Préchauffer le four à 355 °C et chemiser deux plaques à pâtisserie.
2.Dans un grand bol, mélanger la margarine avec la cassonade et le sucre blanc.
3. Ajouter l’œuf de lin et l’extrait d’orange, mélanger jusqu’à ce que le tout soit bien incorporé.
4. Tamiser la farine, le bicarbonate de soude, la levure chimique, le sel de mer et la cannelle moulue. Mélanger jusqu’à ce que le tout soit bien incorporé.
5. Incorporer l’avoine, les pepitas et les canneberges séchées.
6. Utiliser une cuillère à glace ou à biscuits pour mesurer les biscuits et les placer sur les plaques à pâtisserie. Aplatir légèrement chaque biscuit avec la paume de la main ou le fond d’un verre. Laisser au moins deux pouces entre chaque biscuit.
7. Faire cuire les biscuits pendant 12 à 14 minutes. Retirer du four et laisser refroidir sur la plaque de cuisson pendant au moins douze minutes, puis transférer sur une grille de refroidissement pour refroidir complètement.
Biscuits bretzels double chocolat
Ingrédients
½ tasse de cassonade ¼ tasse de sucre blanc ⅔ tasse d’huile de canola
¼ tasse de l’avoine non-sucré (ou quel que soit votre lait préféré)
1 cuillère à soupe de fécule de maïs
2 cuillères à thé d’extrait de vanille
1 ½ tasse de farine tout usage ½ cuillère à thé de bicarbonate de soude
½ cuillère à thé de sel ¼ tasse de morceaux de chocolat ¼ tasse de bretzels écrasés
Environ 20 carrés de chocolat (au pire, il vous restera quelques-uns)
Instructions
1. Préchauffer le four à 180 °C. Graisser légèrement deux plaques à pâtisserie en métal ou les recouvrir de plaques en silicone.
2.Mélanger les sucres, l’huile, le lait et la fécule de maïs. S’assurer de bien mélanger les ingrédients ; il se produit une sorte de réaction chimique importante lorsque les sucres et l’huile entrent en collision. Incorporer la vanille.
3. Tamiser ensemble la farine, le bicarbonate de soude et le sel. Mélanger jusqu’à ce que le tout soit bien incorporé, mais ne pas trop mélanger.
4. Incorporer les morceaux de chocolat et les morceaux de bretzels.
5. À l’aide d’une cuillère à soupe, déposer la pâte de biscuits sur les plaques (douze par plaque). Les aplatir légèrement, puis presser un carré de chocolat sur le dessus de chaque biscuit.
6. Faire cuire au four pendant environ 8 minutes.
7. Laisser refroidir pendant environ 8 minutes, puis transférer sur une grille de refroidissement.
Par Geneviève Stacey Journaliste Bilingue
Par Geneviève Stacey Journaliste Bilingue
IDEAS &
Élections américaines 2024 : L’avenir de notre monde aux mains d’un homme poursuivi par la justice
Par Iris Capron Journaliste Française
Depuis de longs mois, le parti républicain et le parti démocrate s’affrontent lors d’une campagne animée par des scandales, des débats et surtout des rebondissements. Le 21 juillet, Joe Biden, l’actuel président des ÉtatsUnis, s’est retiré de la course. Peu après, Kamala Harris, vice-présidente du pays, a annoncé sa candidature face à celle de Donald Trump. Au cours de multiples événements électoraux, les deux prétendants ont tenté de séduire les électeurs en présentant leurs programmes respectifs et en critiquant leur adversaire.
Comme c’est souvent le cas lors des élections présidentielles américaines, les jugements de valeur et les scandales ont abondé. Les discours du candidat républicain continuent de hanter les esprits des Américains. La phrase « They’re eating the dogs, they’re eating the cats » a été largement diffusée sur diverses plateformes, ce qui a contribué à la notoriété de Donald Trump au détriment de Kamala Harris. Chômage, pouvoir d’achat, dérèglement climatique, droits des femmes, immigration et conflit israélo-palestinien : tous les sujets d’actualité ont été plus ou moins abordés durant cette campagne. Les deux principaux candidats ont
exprimé leurs points de vue et présenté leurs programmes, affirmant être les plus qualifiés pour relever ces défis. Malgré un bombardement de publicités électorales, les Américains ont finalement fait un choix.
Le 6 novembre, les électeurs américains ont de nouveau confié les rênes de la Maison-Blanche au Parti républicain. La plus grande puissance du monde a scellé son destin pour les quatre prochaines années en obtenant plus de 270 grands électeurs pour Donald Trump. Cette année, il n’y a pas eu de dénonciation d’une prétendue fraude électorale ni d’incitation à la violence au Capitole chez les républicains. Ceux-ci ont facilement admis leur victoire. Le mercredi 13 novembre, une semaine après les premiers résultats, la majorité républicaine au Congrès a été confirmée. Le trio gagnant pour Trump : le Sénat, la Chambre des représentants et le poste présidentiel seront en janvier prochain aux mains des républicains. Certains parlent d’un « plein pouvoir » pour le gagnant de l’élection.
Bien que cette élection concerne en théorie seulement les États-Unis, elle est en réalité une élection « internationale ». À la tête de la plus grande puissance mondiale, le président américain a le pouvoir de mod-
ifier l’issue de grands conflits, comme ceux qui se déroulent en Ukraine ou entre Israël et la Palestine. Les États-Unis sont décisifs, et leurs positions peuvent changer le destin de nombreux pays. L’avenir du monde, ainsi que celui des femmes américaines, repose sur leurs épaules. Après l’annulation de l’arrêt Roe v Wade, les conservateurs ne semblent pas vouloir s’arrêter là, surtout avec le soutien de la majorité des juges de la Cour Suprême. « My body, my choice » ne semble pas être un slogan qui résonne chez Donald Trump et ses camarades. Aujourd’hui, des millions d’Américaines s’inquiètent pour leurs droits et leur liberté. Devront-elles mettre au monde un enfant qu’elles se sentent incapables d’élever ? Leurs filles pourront-elles décider de mettre fin à leur grossesse en cas de viol ? Mais quels actes seront encore considérés comme des viols, comme des agressions sexuelles ? Les droits des femmes sont-ils toujours garantis ? Peut-on encore parler de démocratie lorsque la moitié de la population voit ses droits bafoués ?
Aujourd’hui, les électeurs américains ont choisi, mais l’avenir est encore plus incertain : le doute plane sur le futur des ÉtatsUnis, du monde et de la démocratie.
Aujourd’hui, être poursuivi par la justice n’empêche pas de devenir Président.
Aujourd’hui, être sexiste ou raciste vous permet d’accéder à l’un des plus hauts postes du monde.
Aujourd’hui, la justice et la démocratie sont en crise.
Aujourd’hui, le 14 novembre 2024, j’ai peur pour le monde de demain.
Clause de non-responsabilité : la position adoptée dans cet article ne concerne que moi, Iris Capron, et n’est en aucun cas une prise de position de la part de la rédaction de Pro Tem
Article Raciste Et Belliciste Publié à La Une Du Journal Étudiant De Glendon
Par gazawriter (gazawriter@protonmail.com)
Le dernier article de Pro Tem, publié anonymement à la une de son édition du 31 octobre, comporte plusieurs contradictions et idées qui semblent refléter des préjugés racistes. De plus, il montre un certain mépris pour les victimes des conflits et des guerres: des êtres humains comme toi et moi.
Du début, l’article érotise les récentes et terribles violences infligées par l’État sioniste au peuple palestinien et au Liban en les traitant de « flirtation sanglante »1. Au cours des derniers mois, nous avons assisté à l’élimination et à l’annexion du nord de la bande de Gaza, à l’immolation vive de malades de l’hôpital Kamal Adwan, ainsi qu’à une attaque de « pagers » qui a terrifié la population libanaise, suivie de bombardements massifs et de multiples tentatives d’invasion de son territoire.
Ce conflit, qui surpasse de loin les frontières de la Palestine occupée, est représenté par l’auteur en tant que « guerre Israël-Hamas ». Cela contribue à minimiser les violents massacres de civils effectués par les forces de « défense » israéliennes, dont presque les deux-tiers des victimes sont des enfants.2 De plus, La catégorisation de groupes comme le Hamas et le Hezbollah aux côtés d’ISIS et d’Al-Qaïda reflète des cadres géopolitiques qui peuvent se recouper avec le sentiment anti-palestinien, la discrimination anti-arabe et l’islamophobie.3 En revanche, l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies a, à plusieurs re-
prises, affirmé le droit des Palestiniens (et de tout peuple sous occupation étrangère) de résister par tous les moyens disponibles, y compris la lutte armée (résolutions 3314 (1974) et 37/43 (1982)). Le terme « terroriste » est donc un outil politique servant à mépriser la juste résistance des peuples occupés qu’il désigne et à éteindre toute discussion nuancée en la condamnant pas sur-le-champ. Gardez en tête que Nelson Mandela resta désigné en tant que terroriste par les États-Unis jusqu’en 2008.
Les caractérisations de l’auteur anonyme décrites ci-dessus servent donc à légitimer l’agression israélienne en ôtant l’humanité de ses victimes.
La thèse de l’article est que seule une intervention Israélienne pourra précipiter la libération du peuple iranien de son présent régime
totalitaire. L’idée que l’intervention occidentale est le seul moyen de libérer ou de civiliser une population autochtone vue barbare et arriérée était présente depuis la colonisation de l’Île de la Tortue (la « terre de nos aïeux »), fut péniblement ressentie durant les désastreuses interventions américaines au Vietnam et dans le monde entier, et continue de l’être au cours de la présente conquête de la Palestine. Encore une fois, je ne cherche pas à défendre le régime violent et répressif de l’Iran ; je cherche simplement à démanteler l’argument présenté par l’auteur anonyme que l’intervention d’un autre pouvoir religieux, connu pour ses bombardements systématiques de régions peuplées, est présentement le seul moyen de libérer l’Iran : « Si Israël a l’audace d’appuyer la gâchette contre le
régime islamique, ça pourrait-être la seule bonne chose qui sortira de cette guerre. »
Il est profondément troublant qu’un article d’opinion publié en première page de Pro Tem ait manifesté un soutien à la violence contre la population iranienne. Si le journal joue un rôle important en tant que plateforme pour les voix étudiantes, il est tout aussi crucial que les articles publiés respectent des normes éthiques et favorisent un dialogue constructif. Face à la gravité de cette question, j’encourage vivement l’équipe éditoriale à publier cette réponse, qui ouvrirait la porte à d’autres perspectives et encouragerait un véritable échange d’idées au sein de notre campus.
Cette démarche représenterait une opportunité pour Pro Tem de réaffirmer son engagement envers une communauté étudiante diversifiée et inclusive. Aux lecteurs qui partagent ces préoccupations, je lance un appel : exprimez votre opinion en écrivant à l’équipe de Pro Tem à l’adresse editor@protemglendon. com. Votre voix est essentielle pour promouvoir un journalisme réfléchi, respectueux et empreint d’humanité dans notre journal étudiant.
maladies et à la faim, entre autres. Basé sur le taux officiel issu du ministre de santé palestinien le 9 octobre 2023 : 26 947 adultes et 17 765 enfants (62.2 %) tués à Gaza, et environ 10 000 personnes manquantes depuis le 7 octobre 2023.
3. Cela ne signifie pas que le Hamas et le Hezbollah sont exempts de crimes de guerre. Par exemple, il est reconnu que des crimes de guerre ont été commis par des combattants du Hamas et d’autres lors de l’opération Al-Aqsa Flood le 7 octobre. Il est également connu que l’IDF a commis des crimes de guerre systématiques à une échelle bien plus vaste que ceux du Hamas, avant, pendant et après cette date, y compris en tuant leurs propres civils le 7 octobre pour éviter la prise d’otages. L’argument ici est que l’application de l’étiquette de « terroriste » à un groupe mais pas à l’autre repose sur un racisme systémique. Pour plus de détails sur les crimes de guerre, consultez l’analyse médico-légale d’Al Jazeera intitulée « October 7: Forensic analysis shows Hamas abuses, many false Israeli claims » à ce lien : https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/21/october-7-forensic-analysis-shows-hamas-abuses-many-false-israeli-claims.
DISCLAIMER!
Pro Tem is a unified organization that accepts and publishes articles from students, alumni, and community members. While we edit submissions for grammar and clarity, we stay true to each author’s voice and message. As an organization, we don’t endorse every viewpoint expressed; our goal is to amplify a wide range of perspectives within our community. For those interested in viewing an article in its original, unedited form, please contact our Editor-in-Chief at editor@protemglendon.com.
Avis de non-responsabilité!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 2024
Pro Tem est une organisation unifiée qui accepte et publie des articles provenant des étudiants, des anciens élèves et des membres de la communauté. Bien que nous corrigeons les soumissions pour la grammaire et la clarté, nous restons fidèles à la voix et au message de chaque auteur. En tant qu’organisation, nous n’endossons pas nécessairement chaque point de vue exprimé; notre objectif est d’amplifier une diversité de perspectives au sein de notre communauté. Pour ceux qui souhaitent consulter un article dans sa version originale, non éditée, veuillez contacter notre rédacteur en chef à editor@protemglendon.com.
Le changement
Par Christina Savoiardo Rédactrice de sections
Le changement est inévitable. On ne peut pas toujours contrôler ce qui se passe dans la vie. Les choses évoluent et il faut s’adapter, qu’on le veuille ou non. Le changement me fait honte. J’ai peur que les choses deviennent complètement différentes. Je ne suis jamais prête pour le changement ; personne n’est prêt. Chaque matin, je me réveille et je dois me préparer pour n’importe quelle situation. Peut-être qu’aujourd’hui quelqu’un va décider que c’est la fin de notre amitié. Peut-être que je recevrais un échec dans un travail d’un cours obligatoire. Peut-être que ma vie va complètement changer au moment
Why?
By Anonymous
It’s always the same. I’m always left, as an option, An afterthought.
Sometimes I’m not even considered. It’s always been like this
Yet it hurts more each time.
I’m just a background character, An extra.
The care I show to others Is always discarded, brushed away. No matter my efforts, Kindness or actions, It’s never going to be enough. What else do I have to do
To get the acknowledgment I deserve?
où je ne m’y attendais pas. C’est ça qui me fait peur. Je fais quoi si quelque chose arrive et je ne sais pas quoi faire? Je ne veux pas être prise au dépourvu. Je ne veux pas être pessimiste non plus. Et si ma vie allait complètement changer et s’améliorer? Peut-être que j’aurais finalement un emploi. Peut-être que j’aurais une nouvelle opportunité importante. Peut-être que je vais rencontrer une nouvelle amie qui restera à mes côtés pour la vie. Le changement me fait vraiment peur, mais ça fait partie de la vie. Le changement pourrait me faire du mal, mais pour moi, ça veut dire que c’était simplement une leçon. Je déteste ne pas être préparée, mais je ne peux rien faire. Le changement est difficile à accepter, mais il est inévitable.
Less
By Destiny Chan English Editor
He said he needed the relationship to be less intense
Be less
Do less
Feel less
“I’m trying” “Try less”
Why do others receive care without asking?
Why does it feel like kindness is something to be earned?
Why does this always happen?
Why can’t I be treated fairly?
Looking out the window, I can’t help but think: Why?
Why, why, why?
Pourquoi?
Why is the world like this?
Why is it so unfair?
Why can’t I feel appreciated? Why should I accept this?
Why do I feel this way?
All I can ask is why.
image: Pixabay
photo: Pixabay
&
ART DIVERTISSEMENT
Paul’s Win Against Tyson: Results, Opinion and Future of Live Sports
As you read this article, the much-anticipated live boxing event between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, streamed on Netflix, will have already taken place. Despite the match being over, it is still worth discussing how it ended. The long-anticipated battle between social media sensation Jake Paul and boxing legend Mike Tyson was billed as a showdown, combining the latest trend of influencer boxing with the timeless allure of heavyweight icons. On November 15th, a Netflix live event was held, showcasing a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders performance and providing viewers with exclusive behind-the-scenes content and commentary to enhance the streaming experience for fans worldwide. Celebrities such as Shaquille O’Neal, Joe Jonas, Simu Liu, and Daddy Yankee were present, with Tori Kelly performing the national anthem.
Despite limited exposure to boxing beyond the Rocky films and glimpses of Mike Tyson’s legendary fights, I was eagerly anticipating the match between Jake Paul and Tyson. True and loyal boxing fans were expecting Mike Tyson to knock out Jake Paul in the first or second round, as per Tyson’s usual outcome in his glory days. Conversely, young admirers of Paul harboured hopes of witnessing an authentic duel, one that would supplant Tyson and crown Paul as the latest icon.
While many viewers, critics and fans who paid thousands of dollars to see this live match have said it was a disappointment, I have no choice but to agree for different reasons. For starters, the pre-game fights and shows lasted way too long. For context, Netflix advertised the start time as 8 p.m., so anyone could reasonably expect the fight to begin at 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. after the pre-game fights. However, although the event began at 8 p.m., the actual fight started at midnight, which tested the patience of those watching from home. I was joking with my family that someone could go to any concert in downtown Toronto and still have enough time to come home, shower, eat, do laundry, and watch the match. The point is, if you wanted to just tune in at 10 p.m. for commentary, a pre-game show, and a pre-game fight before the actual match, you had to wait a long time.
All the build-up to the Paul vs. Tyson match failed to live up to the hype. Mike Tyson’s entrance into the ring, with his signature intimidating and powerful demeanour, brought a glimmer of hope. However, I found myself cringing at Paul’s over-the-top entrance, complete with a customized Chevy and a grandiose entrance. Despite the hopeful entrance of Mike Tyson, Paul’s decision not to destroy him, despite being able to, was controversial. Jake Paul could have knocked out Mike Tyson in the third or fourth rounds. It was clear that Paul was holding back, not wanting to seriously hurt Tyson. The crowd was visibly frustrated in the final two minutes of the eighth round, booing loudly. Ultimately, the conclusion of the fight left spectators unenthusiastic and visibly displeased, an unexpected reaction considering the high-profile nature of the matchup. Several factors contribute to my belief that Jake Paul failed to finish off Mike Tyson during their boxing match.
1. Financial Gain: Regardless of the outcome, Paul was guaranteed substantial compensation, making it unnecessary for him to take risks. Additionally, both fighters likely shared an interest in delivering a thrilling performance rather than prolonging the bout.
2. Time Consideration: The anticipated duration of the encounter, estimated at under 10 minutes, posed a challenge. Both fighters likely wanted to entertain rather than bore the audience with a long, drawn-out fight.
3. Reputation: Jake Paul was fully aware that if he defeated Mike Tyson, he would face a significant backlash, both online and in person. Such an outcome would tarnish his reputation by suggesting that he had exposed Tyson’s weaknesses, diminishing the former champion’s legacy. In Paul’s face, I could see him thinking: “Should I or should I not? How good would it be to seriously pummel and defeat an opponent who is a 58-year-old grandparent and a longtime American favourite?” In this respect, it ultimately came down to thinking: “Does Paul need this win if it is already clear enough thus far into the fight that he could easily take out Tyson?”
I believe that Paul knew deep down that he didn’t need a nasty win or the potential negative publicity or career damage that could have come with it.
4. Respect: Paul has a lot of respect for Mike Tyson, having already expressed his admiration for the boxer in the sport. The social cues and physical gestures, such as a bow to express respect for Mike Tyson, were apparent throughout the encounter.
The 16-minute battle between Paul and Tyson was challenging to endure, particularly once it became clear in the third round that both fighters were performing for their audience. As each round progressed, fans around the world wondered whether Jake Paul would show mercy throughout the fight, or whether he would hold back and take Tyson out in the final round. Sadly, fans knew Tyson was finished after the fourth round due to his mouthguard problems and the punches/jabs he received from Paul. It was clear that Tyson’s balance was suffering, and he was too weak to win the match as he usually did.
Overall, this match made history by streaming the highly anticipated Paul vs. Tyson boxing match, marking Netflix’s debut in live sports entertainment. However, ESPN, the largest and best-known sports broadcasting network, which has also helped keep cable television alive, must be careful. Netflix is entering a new realm of the entertainment industry and with Netflix’s global reach, this match could redefine how sports are consumed, potentially putting the future of ESPN in jeopardy.
The Cultural Phenomenon of Spotify Wrapped
By Connell Simkin-Watt English Journalist
Toward the end of each year, Spotify users eagerly anticipate receiving their personalized Spotify Wrapped, a visual summary of their top listened-to songs, artists, and genres, along with the total number of listening hours. Since its debut in 2016, the annual recap feature ‘Spotify Wrapped’ has evolved beyond just being a reflection on an individual’s musical taste. Now, it’s a cultural sensation, influencing everything from social media trends to the music industry.
Spotify Wrapped acts as a digital diary, appealing to the universal notion of self-reflection. Millions of Spotify subscribers eagerly review their past year’s listening history, reflecting on their musical tastes and preferences. The tracks that individuals have listened to, along with the amount of time they have devoted to each one, do not merely constitute raw data. Rather, they serve as a mirror of the emotions, milestones, and experiences of the previous twelve months. A song might symbolize a challenging period, an unforgettable summer, or the start of a new romance. Taking a retrospective look at their most-played artists and songs from a given year offers a chance for self-examination and personal growth. Looking through their Spotify Wrapped can often show users’ listening trends lining up with their personal lives. For example, someone who went through a breakup may have found themselves listening to meaningful R&B
songs or sad ballads. The release of Spotify Wrapped offers a deeper insight into one’s journey throughout the past year, leading many Spotify subscribers to eagerly anticipate its arrival.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of Spotify Wrapped is its effect on social media. After its release, users’ social media feeds are filled with posts from various platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok and Twitter/X. They compare their listening statistics, discover shared interests in artists, and tease those with unusual listening habits. The fact that many users publicize their Wrapped results adds a layer of performance, as users can brand themselves via their musical tastes. Whether that means embracing a niche genre or showing off a mainstream pop fandom, some users have even begun to craft their listening habits so that they can get the kind of Wrapped that they want to share. This is done either by listening to specific artists more frequently or expanding their musical horizons deliberately. As a result, Wrapped has become a kind of “musical resume,” making music taste more significant and giving fans another way to express themselves online.
In addition to having a significant impact on fans, Spotify Wrapped also has a deep impact on artists. For musicians, Spotfiy Wrapped lets them not only track their
listening stats, it has also become a major promotional tool that provides artists with a means to measure their success. Just like their fans, artists can also often be seen posting their Spotify Wrapped, displaying statistics such as streams and listener numbers. Wrapped also allows fans and artists to connect, as Spotify users can see what percentile of listeners they ranked in for their top artist. Additionally, fans sharing their Spotify Wrapped results can give smaller artists exposure if they make it into their top artist category. The success of Spotify Wrapped has ushered in a new era of digital retrospection. Its success has inspired similar year-end recaps on other music streaming platforms, including Apple Music’s End-of-Year Replay, which, like Spotify Wrapped, provides users with a summary of their listening habits over the previous 12 months. The impact of Spotify Wrapped has become a testament to the enduring popularity of music as a way for people to reflect on their past year. Since its launch in 2016, this annual feature has become a beloved tradition for millions of users worldwide.
photo: Getty Images
By Natalia Tovilla-Bátiz Rédactrice Française
GAMES FUN
WINTER WONDERLAND/ PAYS DES MERVEILLES
Crossword / Mots croisés
Créé par Amie Sosa
ACROSS:
3. Ce qui peut recouvrir le sol en hiver, rendant la surface glissante
7. Une boisson chaude souvent dégustée par temps froid
9. What you wear to keep your hands warm
11. Un type de précipitation glacée
DOWN:
1. The temperature when water turns to ice
2. Un vêtement chaud porté en hiver
4. To breathe out visible air because of cold temperatures
5. White flakes that fall from the sky in winter
6. L’eau qui est devenue solide
8. La saison après l’automne
10. A popular cold-weather sport
PARTICIPEZ POUR GAGNER UN PRIX AVANT 12 DECEMBRE
Envoyez vos réponses aux mots croisés à :
COURRIEL: operations@protemglendon.com INSTAGRAM: @protemglendon
ENTER TO WIN A PRIZE BEFORE DECEMBER 12
Send your crossword answers to: EMAIL: operations@protemglendon.com INSTAGRAM: @protemglendon
NOVEMBER/NOVEMBRE
WORD SEARCH /MOTS MÊLÉS
ACORN APPLE CIDER AUTUMN
BLACK FRIDAY
BONFIRE
CHILLY
CORNUCOPIA
CRANBERRY
FAMILY
FEAST
FOOTBALL
GOBBLE
GRATITUDE
GRAVY
HARVEST
HAYRIDE
LEAVES
MIGRATORY BIRDS
NATIVE AMERICAN NOVEMBER
PECAN
PILGRIM
PUMPKIN
REMEMBRANCE
SCARF STUFFING SWEATER THANKSGIVING TURKEY VETERANS
Finding Destiny in France: La vie quotidienne à Montferrier-sur-Lez
By Destiny Chan English Editor
By the time of printing, I will have been in France for 3 months out of the 10-11 months I plan on staying here. It’s only a quarter of the way through, but it feels like a whole lifetime has already passed. After living in the expensive GTA all my life in a lower-income family, I now live in a new city. Well…village. Montferrier-sur-Lez is a suburb of Montpellier. The latter being the third-largest city in the southern region of France. The small-town square has a small one of everything (postal office, épicerie, boucherie, pharmacie, police station…) I have neighbours who own goats, chickens and horses. There are many friendly neighbourhood cats. Almost every house on our street has an outdoor pool. Almost everybody is white.
My name is Destiny Chan and I am a Glendon student currently taking a gap year in the south of France as an au pair. An au pair is basically an after-school babysitter for your host family’s kids in exchange for room, board and pocket money. I plan to write a column for hopefully every issue, each with a different topic, like a new word, culture shock, experience, etc.
At first, every day was an uphill battle and adventure. Every product, every meal, every street, every person was different. I had to learn new habits; how to live and exist in a new space. Some challenges included taking a month to find conditioner (which is called après-shampooing here and rarely used by locals), learning how to drive manual stick shift (almost all the cars here, EVEN THE BUSES, are not automatic), getting rejected 7 times for the transportation pass (I have never had to prove my identity more than to the French administration), getting used to the grocery stores (Carrefour is their Walmart and Monoprix is their higher-end Target), getting used to the roads (did you know France is the country with the most roundabouts in the world?), learning how to ride a vélo électrique (a lot easier than driving) and getting used to the different and more limited access to Asian food (everything seems slightly changed to accommodate a more European palate, e.g. smaller portion sizes, broths that are blander and lighter, bubble tea without black tapioca but instead, spherical bursting jellies).
My everyday life includes picking up the kids from school, helping Alban with his homework, helping with meal preparation, taking the kids to the local French library and lots of free time for myself to rest, read, write and discover new places. In total, I only work a maximum of 25 hours per week, which leaves Friday, Saturday and Sunday open to explore the city, hang with new friends and
volunteers, hibernate in bed and go on weekend trips. On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, I work about 3-4 hours. I get to school either by walking (25 mins), biking (7 mins) or by car (4 mins) depending on the weather and if they rode their bikes to school. The long walk is usually what we do. I find it great for my mental health, as we are being active and surrounded by all the lush greenery and charming Tuscan-style homes. On Wednesdays, the kids do not have school, which means I look after them for the whole day. This includes organizing their schedule around their extracurricular activities (Alban goes to football (soccer) and Cléo to dance class).
My host family is definitely not your idea of a typical French family. My host parents spent three years living in the United States and are fluent in English, which is how we usually converse. They do not subscribe to nationalistic ideas but instead, take a global community approach to the world. They often take international work trips for weeks at a time around Europe and Asia, and in the past, Africa. They even have a paper subscription to Courrier International, a Paris-based weekly newspaper which translates and publishes excerpts from over 900 international newspapers, often on the same current event (the last issue was surrounding the U.S. Elections). In contrast, their kids and grandparents have never spent a long enough time outside of France to learn another language or culture in a significant way. The parents’ goal of bringing an English-speaking au pair to their home is so the kids can learn English and be exposed to new cultures.
French table etiquette is something the parents still loosely enforce, which was passed onto them from their strict Catholic upbringing. When the grandparents came to visit, I had the opportunity to learn about French history and monuments at the dinner table, including Napoleon, Parisian landmarks, and the Pyrenees. I also practised my French skills and received feedback. It was interesting to see a glimpse of a more traditional host family. In preparation for their visit, I tried extra hard to practise French table etiquette. The family’s couvert consists of a fork, knife and small spoon for EVERY MEAL as well as a big spoon (if there is soup). Growing up, we only used chopsticks for almost every meal, one fork if we were eating spaghetti and a knife if there was meat to cut. In France, whilst sitting up straight, you do not bring your mouth to your food, but your food to your mouth. Le maître ou la maîtresse de maison serves you—you do not give yourself food or reach across anyone to get anything (like salt or water) but instead, ask politely. In Cantonese restaurants, you will find a lazy Susan specifically so that everybody can serve themselves. I have never felt more in jail than looking at the food right in front of me whilst hungry and waiting for a gap in the conversation to ask for it in a polite French way.
But let me tell you, the home-cooked full-course meals are no joke. Maybe we’ll do un apératif (like a cocktail), then une entrée of soup or salad, followed by a healthy and mostly plant-based plat principal, like zucchini, carrot and cheese quiche or potato, cauliflower and ham gratin, followed by pain et fromage (real bread, not the Wonderbread we kept in the fridge growing up and real cheese—bûche de chèvre, Roquefort, Camembert, comté from actual goat, sheep, cow milk, etc.) and finally dessert like a chocolate mousse, yogurt or simply fruit, with, of course, wine throughout. I grew up in a Cantonese household, where dessert was not common and chopsticks were the only utensils used. This surprised my host kids. Not every day will they have all of these elements, but at least a main and a dessert.
In other news, it’s been a month since I went to Paris for a week and I’m saving this special once-in-a-lifetime topic for the last issue before the festive holidays and the end of the semester. Here is a poem I wrote one late night after returning to my all-female hostel room where all three of my other hostel mates were already sleeping.
Shedding
I’m shedding
Shedding friends
Shedding expectations
Shedding old experiences
Shedding past energies
Shedding unwanted realities
Imagining anew
It doesn’t matter how many years I’ve held on It doesn’t matter how many years we’ve known each other
It’s not fair
I always show up for you
But have hardly heard from you
Since being here
I am a caterpillar
Cocooned
In a chrysalis
Transforming
Resting
Shedding
Shedding you
Becoming someone different
Becoming someone new
Someone who accepts
When energy and love and care are not matched
Someone who says
Thank you,
And then
Is able
To let go
So thank you
For being in my life
At that time
I’m ready
To let you go now
After this
I don’t want to feel
Like I’m pulling teeth
Trying to get people
To stay
I’m shedding, I’m shedding, I’m shedding and shedding I’m becoming, I’m becoming, I’m becoming and becoming
Thank you and goodbye
Thank you
And goodbye
Thank you And Good Bye
photo: Destiny Chan