November 1, 2012

Volume XVI, Issue four

November 1, 2012

The Scripps Voice Scripps alum runs for California State Senate

By Elizabeth Lee ‘16 Staff Writer

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bout forty-five years ago, Hannah Beth Jackson walked through Scripps College’s iconic Honnold Gate to begin her new life and journey as a Scripps woman. She was a first-year college student trying to figure out what to do with her life, studying for midterms, walking past the Denison Library, perhaps preparing for upcoming Halloween ck festivities—and so n still to fully realize her potential to affect the world beyond Scripps’ boundaries.

Today she is Hannah Beth Jackson, former State Assembly member of California’s 35th District, co-founder of two non-profit organizations, policymaker in residence at University of California Santa Barbara, adjunct professor at Antioch University, and now California State Senate candidate of District 19. Jackson

t o c o u r te s y | H a n n a

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is an example of the ambitious and spirited Scripps women who have the innate power to shape our society’s future by tackling endless domestic issues on our endless road of possibilities and interests.

After earning a joint degree in government and sociology, Jackson went on to earn her law degree from Boston University. She became the district attorney for Santa Barbara before going on to start a family law practice where she could take a stand against domestic violence and sexual assault. During her six years as a State Assembly member (1998-2004) she served as Chair of the Natural Resources, Coastal Protection, Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials, Budget, Judiciary, and Higher Education Committees, as well as of the bipartisan Legislative Women’s caucus.

She has written many impressive bills that have been signed into law. Jackson’s two non-profit organizations are Renew California and Speak Out California, which work to promote open and respectful communication between California citizens as well as provide voters with the information and insights of

progressive activists.

Now, as a State Senate candidate, Jackson stated that the three main priorities she wishes to address are: jobs and the economy, public education, and environmental protection, three issues she sees as interrelated. By encouraging investment in new, green, and local businesses she hopes to not only promote environmental protection and alternative energy research but also job growth and money circulation within California. In order to encourage these local businesses, she also considers strengthening public education, thereby also promoting an educated workforce, another priority and

Inside...

Interview with Scripps alum and author Nora Zelevansky page 2

continued on page 9

R E M E M B E R TO

VOTE!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6

HAVE YOUR

Voice

HEARD

Claremont students protest pro-life prayer vigil

The most haunted places at Scripps page 12

By Rosemary McClure ‘13 Editor-in-Chief

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n the morning of Saturday, Oct. 13, approximately 30 students from the 5Cs made their way to Montclair Family Planning and Associates to protest the ongoing pro-life 40 Days for Life prayer vigil. The Scripps chapter of Choice USA, a nationwide pro-choice organization founded by Gloria Steinem, organized the protest. According to organizer Liz McElvein (SC ’14), “the counter-protest had three major goals: to initiate dialogue among 5-C students about reproductive freedom, to empower students to take political action on behalf of their own convictions, and to demonstrate solidarity with the healthcare providers and patients of Montclair Family Planning.”

Choice USA member and counter-protest organizer Lily Foss (SC ’13) emphasized the goal was not to change the minds of the prayer vigil attendees, but to support the clinic’s employees and patients. “They brag about getting clinic employees to quit their jobs,” said Foss.

To demonstrate solidarity with Montclair Family Planning employees and patients, counter-protesters created and signed a thank-you card for the clinic. They also brought posters featuring messages such as “Against abortion? Don’t have one!” and “Prochoice, pro-family,” which were displayed for passing vehicles and pedestrians. 40 Days for Life organizes 40-day prayer and fasting vigils at reproductive health clinics around the world. The organization’s web site refers to these clinics as “abortion mills.” The purpose of the vigils is to change the minds of patients seeking

abortions and to disrupt the daily operation reproductive health clinics, eventually eliciting their permanent closure. This particular vigil is the second that has been held at Montclair Family Planning this year.

A video message on 40 Days for Life’s web site features national director David Bereit standing in front of a recently-closed family planning clinic. The organization is “celebrating the closure of this abortion facility following five 40 Days for Life campaigns outside its doors,” he says.” God heard, and God answered their prayers, and this abortion facility is now closed. If this can happen in La Puente, it can happen in Montclair.”

Testimonials from 40 Days for Life’s volunteers claim business drops significantly during their campaigns at these clinics.

Another update says, “Day 26 – 335 babies saved.” photo | Liz McElvein ‘14 Interactions between prayer vigil volunteers and the counter-protesters were civil overall, though several students characterized the volunteers’ comments as condescending and sexist. “One man congratulated me on being politically engaged—a benign yet patronizing remark premised on a sense of incredulity that that I would have the conviction and capacity for political organization,” said McElvein. One man hugged her. “I felt particularly uneasy because he did not ask for permission to touch me and left me with no choice but to squirm out of his grasp.” continued on page 8

Why don’t we care about sports? page 11

All things 5C a capella pages 6-7

1030 Columbia Avenue | Claremont, CA 91711 | Box 892 email: scrippsvoice@gmail.com | website: voice.scrippscollege.edu

2•News

Interview with Scripps alum, author 5CDC funding isBy Michelle No ‘12 of “Semi-Charmed Life” sues restrict dancers, Contributing Writer program N ora Zelevansky (’99) is a selfdeclared slob with a penchant for chronic tardiness. At 35 years old, however, her professional portfolio reflects none of the unemployable qualities she attributes to herself. After signing a two-book

contract with St. Martin’s Press, Nora published her first novel, “Semi-Charmed Life,” early this summer. The novel’s protagonist gets swept up in the life of a twentysomething socialite while ghost writing her blog.

While continuing to pen for the likes of the Los Angeles Times, Town & Country, and Elle, her short-term agenda includes an executive editorial role for a forthcoming wellness website, a second book, and a potential screen adaption of “Semi-Charmed Life.”

On Nov. 1, she will return to her alma mater to lead a writing workshop on Thursday, Nov. 1 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to celebrate the National Day of Writing.

This workshop is sponsored by the Scripps College Writing Program and the Alexa Fullerton Hampton Endowed Speaker Series.

For more information about the Scripps College Gallery or the Na-

tional Day of Writing Celebration, please contact Rosann Simeroth at RSimerot@scrippscollege.edu or Kimberly Drake at KDrake@ scrippscollege.edu. For more information on the National Day of Writing or the National Gallery of Writing, please see http://www.gal leryofwriting.org.

Zelevansky spoke to The Scripps Voice about directionless starts, National Novel Writing Month, and the impracticability of pleasing everyone.

Did your immediate post-graduate life resemble anything of your protagonist’s (directionless, emotionally conflicted)?

I felt a tug-of-war between the flashier world I had come from in New York and the more engaged one I had developed in college. I was confused about where I fit and I definitely, definitely wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life.

And I came from a family where everyone had a very specific direction.

I remember that being very difficult. [After graduating] I interned at George Clooney’s company, several film companies, and at VH1 for a hot second. I also worked in politics for a little while, at a company that ran democratic campaigns. As passionate as I am about politics, I was not very happy at that job.

I think what happened was, I really needed a creative outlet. I decided to take a personal essay class at UCLA, and it was a fantastic experience.

So how did the book happen following this beginning?

When you’re a freelance journalist, you’re at the mercy of someone else’s deadlines and needs. I decided to write a novel but wasn’t sure at

all that I was cut out to write fiction. I did National Novel Writing Month—which is every Nov. actually, sign up now!—and I loved every minute of the process.

And when I was done, I had a draft. When I read it, I guess I felt, “There’s something in this.”

What’s funny is, I’ve never been a structured or disciplined person.

I am disorganized, I am late all the time, I am a mess. But when it comes to writing, I never have trouble sitting myself down and doing the work. It’s an escape from real life. Writing fiction is like reading. You get to immerse yourself in another world.

What has been the most challenging step of the creative process?

A lesson everyone needs to learn as an author, or any kind of creator actually, is there’s no such thing as something everybody likes. One thing that made me feel better actually is, I looked up ratings for some of my favorite classics like “Catcher in the Rye,” and they all had really low ratings.

What’s next?

To me, the great thing about writing is that there’s all these different realms in which you can do it. I am actually a huge TV junkie and I’ve always had this fantasy of writing for TV. I would also love at some point to write a book of humorous essays. Personal essays are kind of my first love. I never really thought of myself as a humor writer, but the response that almost everyone had about “Semi-Charmed Life” was that it was funny. So I think maybe I am a little bit of a humor writer.

SASsy SAS Update

By Emily Jovais ‘13 SAS President

T

his past Wednesday, SAS held the first Student Senate meeting in its history. While the full impact of this change may not be felt immediately, this marks a long-awaited modification to the structure of SAS. I am proud to say that SAS officially has a representative structure in which the student body can interact with student advocates, faculty, and staff in a formal setting. The elected Hall Senators will be involved in all the discussions and decisions that come through SAS along with any student who chooses to attend the meetings—all students are welcome and encouraged to participate and any student who attends three meetings in a row is automatically eligible to vote as a Senator.

The meeting this month focused on the Hall Senators and their responsibilities as well as the overall goals of the monthly Senate Meetings. The goal of the Senate is to provide a space for honest and difficult dialogues about the Scripps experience and what we can do as students to improve it and ensure that Scripps policies support students and reflect their values. As a representative body, the Senate can take a formal stance on issues and policies, provide

feedback to administrators, invite staff and faculty to present on present issues and answer questions, and approve or deny the SAS budget for the upcoming year.

At Wednesday’s meeting, each of the nine committee chairs from the Executive and Programming branches presented their goals and tasks for the year, after which the Senators selected which committees they would like to sit on for the year. The 2012-2013 SAS Committees are: Diversity and Inclusivity, Elections, Holiday Dinner Planning, Intramural Liaison and Athlete Appreciation, Peer Advocates, Sexual Assault Awareness and Resources, Student Union, Sustainability, and Website and Publicity.

Through this body, our power and voice as a student body is infinitely greater. As a Senate, we can speak with a clear and unified voice, ensuring that people listen.

The next meeting will be held in November, and the entire student body is invited to attend. This body will represent you, so take advantage of the opportunity to be a part of it.

By Rachel Hennessey ‘13 Staff Writer

I

n an interview last Sunday, Taryn Ohashi (SCR ‘13) opened up about her dissatisfaction with dance funding at the Claremont Colleges. Ohashi, a lifelong dancer, has been on the 5 College Dance Company (5CDC) since her freshman year, and has held the title of Director for the past two. While Taryn acknowledges that the dance company’s funding situation has improved over the past four years, she still sees a lot of room for improvement.

As the name implies, the 5CDC is open to students from all campuses. Because all five schools are represented, you’d think that funding wouldn’t be such a challenge with five,

photo | Maya Horgan PO ‘13

as opposed to just two (PP) or three (CMS) schools giving their support. Unfortunately for Ohashi and her team members, this isn’t the case.

The company consists of fifteen women, all of whom must be able to cover the costs of performance attire. “It’s sad, but I’ve seen girls try out who can’t be on the team because they can’t afford to buy their own shoes or costumes,” Ohashi explained. Unlike other sports teams, members of the 5CDC receive no funding for their uniforms. “We’d love to make money a non-issue for all candidates, but don’t have the money to subsidize these items.”

Ohashi explained that the real funding issue is not dance outfits, but raising enough money to rent out Scripps’ Garrison Theatre twice annually for the company’s endof-semester showcases. Garrison charges the company approximately $700 per showcase night. This equals $1,400 per year that the 5CDC needs to put on its two free performances. Each of the five colleges only grants the team an average of $200 per year, (about half of what the cheerleading team gets) according to Ohashi. Thus, in addition to their practices and performances at 5C sporting events, the women are constantly fundraising throughout the year in order to accumulate that extra $400 for Spring Showcase.

The fundraising money that the team does receive comes from the treasurers of student-elected bodies such as SAS (Scripps), ASPC (Pomona), ASCMC (Claremont Mckenna), The Student Senate (Pitzer), and ASHMC (Harvey Mudd). Depending on how the treasurers decide to allocate finances, the 5CDC could have a lucky or unlucky year.

Still, Ohashi explains, even in the better years they’ve never received adequate funding to cover showcase costs without fundraising.

The 5CDC raises funds mainly by appealing to the same bodies that granted the initial money (SAS, ASPC, ASCMC, The Student Senate, and ASHMC). They are usually able to raise just about enough money to cover the difference, although some years they’ve still come up short. “This puts a lot of pressure on our team during the spring. We are constantly worried about reaching our goal so we can hold the showcase without charging for admission,” Ohashi said.

“I wish the 5C treasurers would just grant us that extra $100 in the first place, because they know every year we come asking for more in the spring.” continued on page 8

November 1, 2012 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XVI • Issue four

Opinions & Editorials•3

The Scripps Voice Editors-in-Chief Rosemary McClure & Lauren Prince Advisor Sam Haynes Design Editors Lily Comba Aidan Harley Hannah Webster Copy Editors Megan Petersen Star Schneider Alexandra Vallas Photo Editor Caroline Novit Business Manager Jasmine Kusumowidagdo Web Assistant Jane Condon Staff Writers and Columnists Lily Foss Rachael Hamilton Rachel Hennessey Stephanie Huang Kehau Jai Elizabeth Lee Hannah Long Dagny Lu Caroline Nelson Kara Odum Priya Srivats Stephanie Steinbrecher Abby Volkmann Staff Photographers Pink Chutrakul Tianna Sheih

Comments and letters can be sent to Scripps College The Scripps Voice, 1030 Columbia Ave, Box 892, Claremont, CA, 91711. You can also email The Scripps Voice at scrippsvoice@gmail.com or visit our website at voice.scrippscollege.edu.

If you want to contribute to The Scripps Voice send your articles or photos to editor.scrippsvoice@gmail.com. The Scripps Voice is a student forum and is not responsible for the opinions expressed in it.

What’s so funny

By Lily Foss ‘13 Feminist Columnist

I Am Scrippsie, Hear Me Roar

‘bout peace, love, and feminism?

Y

ou know, readers, as I walk through this Gee whiz, so many choices! It’s like the friggin’ wicked world searching for light in the Golden Age of Rape right now! darkness of patriarchy, I ask myself, “Is all hope Every time I read one of these ridiculous stolost? Is there only pain and hatred, and legiti- ries about some horrible public figure inventing mate rape?” And each time I feel like this inside, a new, narrower definition of “real rape,” I get there’s one thing I wanna know: what’s so funny outraged. But there’s just so many stories like ‘bout peace, love, and feminism? this. It’s like all these people are having some Okay, Elvis Costello homage over. But that contest to see who can be the most offensive. song pretty much sums up how I’ve been feeling And there just comes a point where all my femilately. It isn’t as though nist fury gets too much this is the first time I’m for me. It’s so draining realizing that sexism is, to be angry all the time. you know ... a thing. I And it’s times like mean, duh. Count the those when I wonder, number of female presi“How did we even get dents. Even when I was here?” “Here” not only a little kid I knew that being a point where evsomething was askew eryone and their father there. apparently have the It helps that my mom right to decide what told me early on that rape means, but “here” women have a sucky also being just patritime in this country. I archy in general. The remember her telling idea of a society where me multiple times that I’m automatically disthe “pro-life” moveadvantaged just because photo | Caroline Novit ‘14 ment is just a bunch of I have two X chromomen who want to control women’s bodies. Yeah, somes is so ridiculous. It makes zero sense. How she’s the best. But lately the patriarchal nature of did this happen? And what on Earth could I our society has just been hitting me really hard, possibly do about it? I want it to change, but like a rapist getting hit with jail time. Oh, except sometimes it’s just so hard to try and do it mythe opposite of that, because only one out of six- self. I get sick of being angry all the time. teen rapists will ever spend a day in prison.

A lot of times these feelings can be momenI’m the President of It Ends Here, so sexual tarily put aside by curling up in my fluffy Hello assault in the media is something to which I Kitty pajamas with my stuffed moose and a few pay particular attention. And there has certainly episodes of “Parks & Recreation.” But that relief been a lot to read about. Who knew rape came in is only momentary. And each time I feel it slipso many varieties, right? Apparently there’s legit- ping away, it just makes me wanna cry. What’s imate rape, forcible rape, emergency rape, rape so funny ‘bout peace, love, and feminism? rape, easy rape, and even God-sanctioned rape.

Environmental documentaries worth watching

By Abby Volkmann ‘13 Environmental Columnist Wa s t e L a n d Directed by Lucy Walker, Joao Jardim, and Karen Harley, 2010 “Waste Land” showcases artist Vik Muniz’s project from Jardim Gramacho, the world’s largest landfill located outside of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Muniz collaborates with interesting individuals called catadores, who live and work in the garbage, in order to create huge murals made entirely of trash such as toilet seats and bottle caps.

In extensive interviews with various catadores, we learn about how gender influences their collection preferences and how they have learned to read using books they discovered in the trash.

Muniz’s murals bring attention to these invisible people

Tree Hugger

and invisible garbage that most people forget about once it is removed from their homes. It is both moving and heartbreaking to see the catadores reflect on the impacts of Jardim Gramacho on the local ecological and social environments.

Muniz’s final products are beautiful. The films demonstrates the power of the intersection between art and humanitarianism. “Waste Land” is a wonderful documentary that touches the heart through the personal stories of the catadores.

Throughout the film the viewer is reminded of the importance of recycling and is forced to consider personal consumption habits and the life cycle of garbage.

The original art pieces were auctioned off and these profits were donated to the catadores

community. However, I wonder whether additional profits from the film benefited to these marginalized people, or if perhaps the producers exploited the catadores for personal profit. Regardless, the film is worth watching.

Flow: For the Love o f Wa t e r Directed by Steven Starr, 2010 The world’s water resources are in a state of considerable uncertainty: problems with water scarcity and quality are disproportionately affecting poor people throughout the world. The film highlights the sadbut-true politics behind this increasingly devastating water crisis.

The film reports on water crises throughout the world, but one particular case I found especially upsetting was the case of water privatiza Continued on page 5

November 1, 2012 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XVI • Issue Four

4•Opinions & Editorials

By Hannah Long ‘15 Food Columnist

M

alott Commons’ Meatless Monday is a program designed to promote healthy eating on campus, yet the structure and aims of the program can be confusing for many Scripps students. While the name suggests that Mondays at Malott are completely meat free, the actual aim of Meatless Monday is to provide vegetarian options in addition to the normal dining fare.

This program has developed a lot over the past year. Tom Adkins, the General Manager of Malott Commons, explains the new, long-term plan devised by the Scripps Food Committee in Sept. “We want customers to have the option of participating in Meatless Mondays while not alienating the customers who want to eat meat,” explains Adkins.

With this goal in mind, the new program includes a variety of specialty vegetarian options to be served on Mondays along with the usual meat fare. Vegan and vegetarian soups will be featured each Monday along with a vegetarian lunch special at the grill and a meatless option for Taco dinner. Adkins explains that this version of the program allows for a nice balance.

“We don’t want to force people to participate in the program if they don’t believe in it,” Adkins said, “but for those that do participate, it is a great way to show that you care about and believe in the principles of the program.”

In addition to catering to vegetarian students, the Meatless Monday program also aims to promote a more far-reaching healthy lifestyle on the Scripps campus. Studies have shown that copious meat consumption can lead to an increased risk of health problems such as diabetes and cancer. Equally worrisome are the

Malott Commons: Meatless Mondays environmental hazards generated by the meat industry, including excessive water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and pollution.

Adkins explains that the Meatless Monday program hopes to help combat these issues by reducing students’ reliance on meat products: “I believe that [the program] has great benefits for health and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Although reactions to the Meatless Monday program have been mixed, its attention to health is certainly a perk that many Scripps students appreciate. Devyn Parks (’15) says, “I think that the Meatless Monday program seems like a great initiative that could have a really positive effect on the Scripps campus. I’m really impressed by Malott’s dedication to sustainability.”

Balance, however, is key for Parks, who thinks that Meatless Monday successfully caters to many different students’ needs: “I’m really glad that Malott provides so many options for vegetarians and those who don’t want to eat meat, but I also like that they always serve hamburgers at the grill and have meat available.”

In the coming months, Adkins hopes to expand the Meatless Monday program to include even more unique vegetarian options: “We would like to develop even more recipes for the gluten-free and vegetarian stations.

We will also be featuring our Cheese tasting

photo | Caroline Novit ‘1

4

Dorm Foodie

event on Mondays this year, where we have local California vegetarian cheese available for everyone to taste.”

Another important component of the program is encouraging student input and participation. Information about Meatless Monday is distributed to the Scripps community each week via email and Malott’s Facebook page. In addition, Adkins hopes that this year students will be able to take a more direct role in determining Malott’s weekly menu: “We would like to have a vegan and vegetarian recipe contest with the winning recipes featured on Mondays for Meatless Monday.”

With so many varied components, it seems certain that the Meatless Monday program will make a positive contribution to the Scripps campus this year.

Review: Pho-Ha Vietnamese Restaurant in Pomona

By Priya Srivats ‘13 Staff Writer

S

o I’m six weeks into being back at school, which means I’m officially bored of all the restaurants in the village (except Dr. Grubbs, of course) and want/ need to find some new places.

Pho-Ha was exactly what I was looking for—cheap, quick, and delicious. The place was pretty busy when we arrived on a Friday night, but we were seated immediately.

I started off with a thai iced tea, which was delicious and not overly sweet, as they often are. All three of us opted for vermicelli (vermicelli noodles, meat or tofu, and fresh herbs in a flavorful, lukewarm broth). I must note that Pho-Ha does not offer a vegetarian pho option.

We started with two versions of veggie spring rolls—the

traditional one contained lettuce, tofu, vermicelli and carrots, while the summer version was stuffed with jicama, wood ear mushrooms, and tofu. Both rolls

were fresh and the flavours were mild and delicious.

Our vermicelli came out before the rolls. It was really tasty. It comes with herbs, bean sprouts,

and spring onions. We added plenty of Sriracha and hoisin sauce for flavor, although the broth they gave us to pour over the noodles had plenty of flavor on its own.

The egg rolls that came with my friend’s shrimp and egg roll vermicelli were crispy and not too greasy, and the tofu in my vermicelli was amazing! Really crispy, and it absorbed the broth flavours wonderfully. The best tofu I’ve had in a long time.

Pho-Ha is a great, nondescript strip mall joint with amazing flavours, prompt service and cheap eats—next time I need a break from the dining halls, I’ll know where to go!

Pho-Ha is located in Pomona at 695 Indian Hill Blvd.

photo | Priya Srivats

November 1, 2012 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XVI • Issue Four

Opinions & Editorials•5

Pandora’s Box Anonymus

W

hy are you crying? Please stope crying.”

I panicked. Pure and simple. Tears were streaming down my sister’s face, and I didn’t know how to stop them. Heck, I had no clue why she even started crying in the first place.

Okay. Maybe that’s not entirely true.

Everything had been going fine up until two minutes ago. My sister and I sat, side by side, watching a rom-com. She let out a dreamer’s sigh — as she’s wont to do when she watches these flicks — and asked, “Don’t you wish some prince would come sweep you off your feet like that?” The question was clearly rhetorical.

I responded anyways, a twinge in my gut. No matter how many times I’ve said it, the twinge appears. In some bizarre way, that twinge has steadily become my constant companion.

“Actually, no. I don’t.” The silence that followed nearly choked my next words. This wouldn’t be the first time I’d come out. It most certainly wouldn’t be the last. I knew I had to, but telling my family [...] the uncertainty nearly killed me. What would my dad’s reaction be? My mom’s? My sister’s? They would support me—they always support me—but things would change, as much as I wished they wouldn’t.

“Sorry. Don’t you wish someone would come sweep you off your feet?” The apologetic smile on her face gave me courage, so I pressed on.

“I mean, I’m aromantic.”

And then, she was crying. I didn’t get it. Why, when I told her that I didn’t just find men attractive, did she just smile and go on with her life?

Why was this different? I asked her as much.

“I just want you to be happy!”

Oh. That.

Throughout my life, I’ve felt some pressure to be in a romantic relationship, or at least aspire to be in one. Everywhere I look, it seems as if the world is saying I can only be truly, deeply happy if I find that “special someone.” I’ve done the dating thing. I’ve been in relationships. They don’t feel right to me, and it has taken me a long time to realize that’s OK. But it took even longer to realize that I’m not the only one who felt this way.

The stigmas surrounding aromanticism Sure, somewhere deep in the back of my mind I must have realized I wasn’t the only person who didn’t care for romantic relationships. It’s not something people talk about a lot though. Up until about three years ago, I didn’t even know there was a word to describe the way I felt, let alone one adopted by many other people.

But do orientations like aromanticism deserve to be discussed to the same extent as other, more common non-heteronormative ones?

Hell yeah.

I’ve had plenty of assumptions cast onto me.

I have rewarding relationships with both friends and family—my aromanticism doesn’t change that. I have had spectacularly bad romantic relationships, but that speaks more to my poor social skills than being “unlucky in love.” No, just because I’m aromantic does not automatically mean I am also asexual (I happen to really like sex).

And, no, I don’t feel like I’m lacking something or missing out on something.

While I can’t say that every other aromantic has had to say things like this to close friends, family, or even strangers, I can guarantee I’m not the only one. I can’t tell you how many times someone’s said to me, “When you get married...” as if it’s

a given. This assumption that monogamous relationships, or even just romantic relationships in general, are practiced by everyone is all around us, in the little things. For instance, I’m honestly shocked when I see a movie that doesn’t involve a romantic subplot (if it’s not already the main plot). Seeing romance in movies doesn’t upset me, but when it becomes hard for me to name more than five protagonists that aren’t romantically involved with someone or seeking to become so, it makes me feel... not as if I wish I wasn’t aromantic, but it makes me long for a world where others are like me. The thing is, I do live in a world where others are like me. I know there are other people who are aromantic, but I also know it is rare to see someone explicitly aromantic in the media.

Even if aromanticism isn’t as prevalent as other orientations, sexual or romantic, extending the dialogue to regularly include it is important and valuable. It’s important for me to recognize that identifying with a romantic orientation or sexual orientation does not mean that everyone else who identifies with one of these terms is exactly like me, nor does it mean they define that term in the same way.

It’s valuable to confront heteronormativity and look at the ways in which it influences not just us, but those around us.

I’m tired of people assuming I’m straight, that I’m interested in romance, that I’d be happier only if _____. But I know that people can change their minds.

I remember my sister’s tearful words, “I just want you to be happy,” because they speak to a prevalent issue in our society. There is an assumption that happiness is a result of X, Y, or Z, and only X, Y, or Z. But I also remember telling my sister I was happy, and I remember the smile and the soft “oh, okay then” she gave me in response.

That moment may not have been a significant milestone in the grand scheme of things, but to me, it was proof that, through discussion, I could begin to challenge constricting social hierarchies and norms, and—as clichéd as it sounds—make a difference.

Environmental documentaries continued from page 3

tion and profiteering in Bolivia.

In Cochabamba, Bolivian people went to war in 2000 because their water supplies had been stolen and sold to foreign multinationals for profit.

Another alarming case examined in the film is that of the bottled water industry. People spend millions on bottled water each year, yet in many cases “bottled” is merely treated municipal tap water. The film made me wonder why those who most commonly buy bottled water are those already with access to safe tap water.

Although the current politics of water seem pretty dismal, the film does an excellent job showing how communities around the globe are fighting for their water rights. FLOW does an excellent job of illustrating

The Cove Directed by Fisher Stevens, 2009 This disturbing yet informative film uncovers the truth behind the annual killing of dolphins in the Taiji National Park in Japan. The Cove follows former dolphin trainer Ric O’Barry who uses hidden camera footage to expose corrupt and inhumane dolphin massacres in Japan.

Live dolphins captured off Taiji’s coast sell for roughly $150,000, then are sent to theme parks and supply many of the swim-with-dolphin programs all over the world. image | Steven Starr Productions Yet an astronomical number of dolthe variety of problems our planet is phins are killed in Taiji each year. The facing regarding water resources and fishermen lure dolphins into a cove ultimately inspired me to write my se- and trap them by creating a wall of nior thesis on water politics. I highly sound on the ocean floor. recommend the film.

I was surprised to learn about dol-

image | Fish Films

phin personalities: they are extremely intelligent and sensitive animals. Seeing the brutality that these animals face is disturbing. The film exposes an important industry that needs to be regulated and changed. I strongly recommend this film, but I must caution viewers about its unsettling and graphic scenes of dolphin killings.

November 1, 2012 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XVI • Issue Four

6•Features

A Cappella h

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Features•7

Find out what makes each of Claremont’s eight* a cappella groups u n i q u e just in time for their performances at the 17th annual Southern California A Cappella Music Festival (SCAMFEST) on Friday, Nov. 9th at Bridges Auditorium!

The

The

Claremont Blue White Shades Women’s

and

Year Formed: early 1980s Number of current members: 17 Signature songs/performances: “Wasted On the Way” by Crosby, Stills, and Nash The Women’s Blue and White was founded at Pomona and were named after the school colors. “We are the only all-female a cappella group on the 5Cs. So basically, if you’ve seen Pitch Perfect, that’s us—only without the projectile puking,” said Stephanie Parks (SC ‘13).

The group gets together to practice three times each week. “WBW is like its own little family. We’re serious, but at the same time we’re a pretty goofy group of individuals, and we like to have fun,” said Parks.

Parks shared with us her most memorable experience as a member of the group. “Last year, we took an impromptu trip to Baldy for one of our rehearsals. Singing up in the mountains and being able to look up and see the stars was incredible. It’s the little things like that that makes WBW so fun.”

The group performs at events throughout the year such as Pomona’s Founder’s Day, The Shakedown Café Birthday Party, and Alumni weekend.

“We usually hold at least one snack concert and one end-of-semester concert every semester,” said Parks.

The Claremont Shades photo | courtesy of The Claremont Shades

After School Special photo | Tianna Sheih ‘16

Year Formed: 1995 Number of current members: 16 Signature songs/performances: “Fuck You” by Cee Lo Green “God Bless the Broken Road” “The Winter Song” The Claremont Shades is the first co-ed a cappella group at the Claremont Colleges. Founded in 1995 as the Claremont Shades Of Harmony, the group currently includes sixteen members from all five colleges.

“We are like a big family. Everyone in the group is really close. We are all very supportive of one another and members usually stay in touch after graduation, ” said Priya Srivats, a senior at Scripps College and the event coordinator of the group this year.

Priya joined The Claremont Shades in her spring semester of freshmen year. “I love to sing, and being a member of Shades has been a great way for me to keep music in my life throughout college. It has also helped me develop my leadership skills.”

It is one of the group’s traditions that at their end-of-the-year party each year, the seniors will “re-audition” in front of the rest of the group by performing the songs they sang for their auditions back when they first became a member of the group.

The Claremont Shades practices three times each week and sometimes more before big events. “We love to make music and have fun. Music is really important to every member of the group, and we choose songs that we think the audience will enjoy,” said Srivats.

The group performs at different schools events throughout the year such as the new student orientation and snack concerts.

“We also do two tours each year, one in spring and one in fall, for which we travel to sing at schools, hospitals, farmer’s markets, etc. For our last fall tour we went to Berkley and performed at the local farmer’s market,” says Srivats.

The Claremont Shades will be hosting SCAMfest on Nov. 9 in the Big Bridges Auditorium at Pomona College.

The

After

School Special

Year Formed: ~ 2002 Number of current members: 13 Signature songs/performances: “The Heart Medley,” a mashup of three different sappy boyband songs. A Lady Gaga medley they started performing right after “Bad Romance” came out.

The After School Special probably has one of the sexiest acronyms on campus, and they certainly know it.

“Our green trucker hats that we all wear for every show have ASS printed on the front, and it is tradition of ours that after every performance we always bow backwards to give the audience a good look at our ASSes!” said Bryn Morgan, a senior at Scripps and the group’s event coordinator this year.

At ASS, members proudly refer to themselves as ASSlings. “New members are called ASS babies and our fans are our ASSets!” said Morgan.

Bryn Morgan joined The After School Special during her first semester at Scripps College. “I was instantly part of a hilarious, musical, and loving family. We spend a lot of time together both in and out of rehearsals.

We are all close friends and provide support for one another no matter what. It’s a special connection,” said Morgan. “If there’s one thing that has made my college experience fantastic, it’s been being a part of ASS!” The 5-C a cappella group performs at various school snacks and campus events through out the year. “We’re getting into touring more also—we were down in San Diego a few weeks ago for an a cappella invitational concert and have been talking about doing a tour of a number of schools in California,” said Morgan.

Bryn also shared with us the group’s creative process. “We like to cycle through music—singing the songs for too long is not only boring for audiences but it’s boring for us!” said Morgan. “We are really collaborative and we love to have fun while making music. Sometimes if we want to arrange a song, rather than having one or two people sit down and arrange it, we’ll just stand in a circle and improvise until it starts sounding good, each person making up a part.

We like to change things as we go to improve, for example I’m writing a rap verse right now to replace one that none of us liked on one of our songs.”

The Mood

Swing

Year Formed: 2004 Number of current member: 18 Signature songs/performances: “A Change In My Life”

The Mood Swing likes to keep that sense of whimsy in their song choices.

“We like to challenge ourselves with different styles of music and we are always open to learning new things.

There isn’t any song, artist, or type of music that we won’t rendition. Mood Swing sings it all!” Stephanie Kim, the music director of Mood Swing this year and a sophomore at Scripps College, shares with us the essence behind the name of the group.

Stephanie Kim has been a member of the group since her first semester at Scripps College. “I had done a cappella in high school and wanted to keep doing it when I came to Scripps.

I think it is a great way to meet people while doing music.”

The group practices three times each week. Members spend a lot of times together outside of practices as well. “The time we spend together outside of concerts and practices has been one of the most memorable experience for me as a member of the group. We go to parties together, hang out at Fruizen, and have movie marathons. It’s like having a new family. We always have a great time!” said Kim. What qualities do you look for in new member? “We look for people with fun personalities and who are open to new things,” said Kim. The Mood Swing performs at different school events through out the year.

Midnight Echo Year Formed: late 1990s Number of current members: 13 Signature songs/performances: “Baby” by Justin Bieber Songs by MIKA

“You know you’ve spotted a Midnight Echo member when they are wearing crazy pants,” said Charlotte Leasia (SC ’13) about what sets her fun-loving a cappella group apart.

“Crazy pants are the signature item of our a cappella group. Their wackiness and quirky details help make the performance interesting. They nicely

The Kosher Chords photo | Tianna Sheih ‘16

complement our singing and dance moves.”

Currently with 13 members (not counting the members who are studying abroad), Midnight Echo has members from all 5Cs. Midnight Echo performs frequently at the Snack Concerts on the Frary steps and enjoys singing for donuts at Mudd.

Midnight Echo have found inspiration in and have derived their identity from “Baby” by Justin Bieber and gutsy and sassy songs by MIKA. “We are in the process of considering bringing Britney back,” said Leasia, shedding some light perhaps on upcoming projects by the a cappella group.

The group practices three days a week. Leasia admits that there is not a common characteristic about the group’s musical choices, but this only serves to add to Midnight Echo’s unique personality: “our songs change all the time, like the colors of our crazy pants!”

The Mood Swing photo | Tianna Sheih ‘16

*MEN’S BLUE AND WHITE COULD NOT BE REACHED FOR COMMENT.

The Women’s Blue and White photo | courtesy of The Women’s Blue and White

Ninth Street Hooligans Year Formed: 2009 Number of current members: 19 Signature songs/performances: “Ridin’ Dirty” by Chamillionaire “Whip My Hair” by Willow Smith

Kosher

Chords

Year Formed: 2009 Number of current members: 13 Signature songs/performances: “Shalom Ray” “Kiss the Girl” from “The Little Mermaid”

The Kosher Chords pride themselves on beIt all started for the black and lav- ing the Jewish a cappella ender-clad Ninth Street Hooligans in group (although not all the fall of 2009, making the group the members are Jewish) at youngest a cappella group at the Cla- the 5Cs. remont Colleges. “We’ve had to find “We sing chords. our own unique style and audience, These chords are kosher. and I think we’ve done just that. Our I wish this were a lonperformance of Chamillionaire’s ‘Ri- ger story,” said member din’ Dirty’ and Willow Smith’s ‘Whip Sarah Loebner (SC ’14) My Hair’ at last year’s SCAMfest about the source of her helped establish us as one of the group’s name. more comedic groups,” said presiPracticing three times dent Mark Irwin (PZ ’14). a week, the group “can’t get enough Currently at 19 members with of each other,” said Loebner. “We’re 7 graduating this year, members pretty much up for anything. We try come from six of the seven Cla- to include songs related, however disremont Colleges and hail from all tantly, vaguely, or tenuously, to Judaover the world—Singapore, Chi- ism, but even that we don’t always na, Korea, Botswana, Egypt, and adhere to,” she said, citing a Hebrew India. This diversity only adds to the song entitled “Shalom Rav” as their group’s uniqueness. favorite as well as their rendition of When auditioning new members, “Kiss the Girl” from “The Little Meror “Nooligans,” the group looks for maid.” a mix of personality and vocal blendThe group loves to have a good ing, skills, tonality, pitch, and range. time, as demonstrated by a particuWhen asked what the most impor- larly unique tradition: “If someone tant quality in a potential Nooligan says the word “everybody” during reis, though, Irwin cited what Hooli- hearsal, we spontaneously jump into a gans call THE X FACTOR. “This is lively rendition of ‘Everybody (Backa combination of hatred and latent street’s Back).’” sexual tension buried deep within a Kosher Chords members are an inperson’s soul. When harnessed, THE credibly close and humorous group of X FACTOR is an almost unstoppable people, with representation from all force.” but one Claremont school.

Comedic geniuses, incredible voWhen asked about what she has calists, and possessors of this special gained from being a member of this a trait, Ninth Street Hooligans look to cappella group, Loebner said, “I think DionyKosher Chords has sus, their given me invaluable in-house experience as being deity, as one part of a whole. well as the Teamwork is somepigeon, thing we can all utitheir spirit lize when we take that animal, big step into the ‘real to fuel world’ after we gradutheir inate … I know that spiration the time we spend toto rendigether is dedicated to tion songs The Ninth Street Hooligans reaching that goal of such as Ke- photo | courtesy of The Ninth Street creating harmonious music Hooligans lis’ “Milktogether, but it’s amazing to shake” (anunwind and just sing away other crowd favorite). the stress, pressure, and anxiety of If one thing is certain, it is that this college life.” group is serious about their music.

See them perform at Human Symphony, Hillel functions, Wednesday Nighters at Harvey Mudd College, and Pomona performances like Snack Concerts.

October 11, 2012 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XVI • Issue Three

Midnight Echo photo | Tianna Sheih ‘16

8•Features

5CDC funding issues continued from page 2

Scripps treasurer Evelyn Wong (‘13) explained why SAS and the other student governments are unable to give more money to the 5CDC and other clubs in need: “As student fees do not rise by much every year, we cannot give each club as much as they are applying for. If we did, the total CLORG budget would be 60% of student fees, which would cut down significantly on the other portions of the SAS budget,” Wong explained. SAS also makes sure to set aside enough money annually so that students can apply for more research or club money through the Funding Advisory Committee, one of the sources Ohashi uses in the spring to make ends meet before Showcase.

Having to allot so much time and energy towards fundraising puts extra stress on all team members and makes joining the 5CDC a pledge to commit to more than just dancing. Since CMC graduate Jaclyn D’Arcy’s creation of the dance company in 2008, all showcases have been free of admission fees, and Ohashi hopes to keep it that way, even if it means constant fundraising or resorting to out-of-pocketmoney for her and her teammates.

The 5CDC provides viewers with the only free dance show on campus. Other clubs, such as the Claremont Colleges Ballroom Dance Company and REVERB do charge admission fees to help with costs. Ohashi, on the other hand, feels that her show will achieve better turnout without the fees. “We are trying

to get a bigger audience and don’t want price to discourage people from coming to see art,” Ohashi said.

While Ohashi recognizes that money is limited and is thankful for the grants that her team does receive, she expressed frustration with how people regard dance at the Claremont Colleges. “It’s not a debate about whether dance qualifies as a sport or not. Either way, what we do – rally school spirit, while engaging in an athletic activity -- is the similar to what the soccer team, baseball team and cheerleading squad do.

I don’t understand why we’re treated differently.”

Choice USA continued from page 1

Counter-protest attendees indicated their campaign was successful, citing supportive honks and hand gestures from passing traffic. Some students were surprised at the small size of the prayer vigil.

Only around five people attended, all of whom were men.

There will be another counter-protest from 9-11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4, which is the last day of the prayer vigil. For McElvein, these protests are opportunities to “practice framing and defending a reproductive freedom framework.” Individuals interested in attending should contact Liz McElvein (elizabeth.mcelvein@ scrippscollege.edu) or Lily Foss (lily.foss@ scrippscollege.edu) for more information.

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Editors’ Rant

Emojis that should exist, and stop saying “Walk of Shame”

By Rosemary McClure ‘13 and Lauren Prince ‘14 Editors-in-Chief

Facepalm

Because I can’t tell you how many times a day I see people actually facepalming.

Example:

My professor just saw my boob [facepalm].

Rainbow flag

Because the existing flags are not cutting it.

Example:

I’m going to Pride this weekend [rainbow flag].

Honey Boo Boo

Because the Honey Boo Boo attitude can’t be conveyed any other way.

Example:

Guess what! [honey boo boo] endorsed Obama!

Sad poo

Because you have to make a friend for the happy poo!

Example:

I got my midterm back [sad poo].

Shit didn’t go well.

We invite you to join us November 4, 10:30 a.m. in of observance of

el Día de los Muertos

...a day to remember and pray for those who have died

bring a picture, a rememberance of those who have passed on before you but continue to shape your thoughts and your life.

Mittens For making fun of Mitt Romney.

Example:

After [mittens] said binders “full of women” in the debate, I checked out the tumblr full of memes made 30 seconds later.

Service will be led by Abraham Peraza

I’d vote for before I’d vote Please join us after service for fellowship and refreshfor because he is a piece of ments who doesn’t support rights.

About the “Walk of Shame”...

One morning a while back, I was walking home from Pitzer in my dress from the night before, minding my own damn business, when the entire Pitzer-Pomona baseball team saw me and began chanting “WALK OF SHAME! WALK OF SHAME! WALK OF SHAME!” Recently I overheard this gem: “Did you see that girl walk of shaming home in her costume this morning?” Seriously, assholes?? I’m very sorry you all didn’t get laid last night. Wait, no I’m not. But seriously, that is not even grammatically correct. It’s also the definition of slut shaming, which makes you decidedly less likely to get laid in the future. And you don’t even know if I had sex with anyone!!!! (I did) I don’t see nothin’ wrong with being a slut, a word I request you begin using only in the sex-positive “reclaiming slut!” kind of way. Thank you kindly.

October 11, 2012 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XVI • Issue Three

arts & entertainment • 9

No if, ands, or butts.

Or boobs.

The dress code at TFH

Keep it Reel This week’s Netflix Instant fix: “The Night of the

By Rachael Hamilton ‘16 and Rosemary McClure ‘13 Staff Writer, Editor-in-Chief

I

f Halloween failed to terrify, you might want to turn to “The Night of the Hunter.” Though this classic came out in 1955, the intervening decades have not even come close to stripping it of its power to disturb. “The Night of the Hunter” is probably one of the first great stories of serial killers on film with one of cinema’s first great serial killers, Harry Powell, a maniacal preacher with the words “love” and “hate” tattooed across his hands. Powell is one of cinema’s greatest villains. He is a misogynist who believes he and God have conversations and for whom violence sex and religion are braided together. He has gotten under our cultural skin to the point where sinister characters everywhere from “The Simpsons” to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” follow his lead and even those seeing the film for the first time will recognize his knuckle tattoos or the discovery of one of his victims.

The film centers around Powell’s pursuit of two children through the Depression-era South. Through the criminal actions of their father, the two siblings come in to the possession of a large amount of money, the existence of which Powell soon

photo | Slant Magazine

learns about.

He proceeds to charm his way into a position of leadership in their town—and more insidiously, into their home. Much of the impact of this struggle on the viewer derives from the fact that there is so little to shield innocence from depravity. Not only has the Depression wreaked havoc on the fabric of community, but also the majority of adults fail to recognize or oppose the threat that presents itself to them. Key among these adults is the children’s mother, played with by the inimitable Shelley Winters.

However, this film undeniably belongs to Robert Mitchum as Powell. Compelling and charismatic, particularly at his most deranged, Mitchum brings this character to vividly demonic life.

Like the rest of the film he manages to be both very natural and

photo | gameinformer.com

deeply theatrical. This probably springs from the film’s unusual mishmash of style and mood. It is typically considered a film noir, but lacks most of the staples of that genre. It is quiet clearly a serial killer drama but includes flights of fancy more appropriate to a fable or fairy tale. The only person capable of seeing through Harry’s façade, a pious gun-toting woman played by the great silent film star Lillian Gish, seems to have wandered in from a Western. The tone is that of Southern Gothic shot in the style of German Expressionism. But the great thing about this film is that all of these seemingly disparate elements come together seamlessly to create something that feels less like a movie and more like a dream, or more accurately, a nightmare.

Y

ou might think that one of sexualizing, and stigmatizing the unique perks of a women’s women’s nipples. Women without college is theprivilege of tanning boobs or nipples have to wear topless when and where you want, tops, but men with large pectorals or at least during women-only hours resembling women’s breasts don’t? at the pool. There are many rumors Got it. about what constitute acceptable dress at Sallie Tiernan Field House.

What they may not realize is that the Field House has a fairly restrictive dress code already in place.

According to Field House director Tamsen Burke, the “Field House Policies and Regulations” stipulates that one must wear “appropriate swimwear…which covers breasts, buttocks, genitals and the pubic region”—which means no tanning topless.

According to Burke, there have been requests in the past by students to allow topless tanning during Scripps- or women-only hours; however, the Field House’s main concern is to make sure everyone feels comfortable, and there are occasionally male life guards during the Scripps—women-only— W h e t h e r shifts. The only exception sports bras alone is that a student may untie are appropriate the back of her bikini top workout wear a while lying on her stomach. is not another Hu ie Because swimwear ambiguity. n ph ot a o s | Ste p h has gendered norms, Students may constructing a dress code for it is wear sports bras without a T-shirt problematic. It specifies that breasts on cardio equipment or during and buttocks must be covered, but FitScripps classes such as kickboxing, is unclear how much. Women’s but everyone is required to wear a swimsuit bottoms, including T-shirt to use the weight machines. standard competitive suits, do not This practice prevents the spread cover 100 percent of one’s butt of infectious skin diseases such as cheeks. Bikini tops are even more staphylococcus bacteria, in accordance ambiguous—what percentage of my with California and Los Angeles boob has to be covered? 50 percent? County health and safety guidelines.

Just the nipple?

The Do’s and Don’ts are not posted Breast politics have been in the anywhere in the Field House, and news plenty as of late. Seattle breast can only be found on the Scripps cancer survivor Jodi Jaecks made the website. The rules and regulations news after being told in March she were made by a committee of couldn’t swim topless at a city pool, administrative members of Scripps despite having undergone a double College, Harvey Mudd College, and mastectomy. She literally doesn’t Claremont Mc- Kenna College, as have breasts. Jezebel subsequently well as members of the Field House published an article called “Hey staff and representatives from SAS. Everyone: Stop Giving a Shit About What do you think, readers? Head Naked Boobs Already,” highlighting to our website and let us know in the the utter absurdity of censoring, comments: voice.scrippscollege.edu.

‘16

By Caroline Nelson ‘16 Film Columnist

ng

Hunter”

Scripps Alum continued from page 1

a process that should heavily engage those who are most involved--the teachers.

Hannah Beth Jackson’s career and future plans seem to reflect the familiar optimism and motivation of her fellow Scripps wom-

en. Whether or not Scripps’s up-and-coming women decide to support or agree with Jackson’s political ideas, they can nonetheless recognize her as an indicator of their own potential.

November 1, 2012 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XVI • Issue four

10 • arts & entertainment High-Stitched Voice

Dressing to make art, not a statement

By Stephanie Huang ‘16 Fashion Columnist

I

often feel that the line between dressing for fashion and dressing for appearance is blurred, and people rarely understand the difference. I can’t help but feel offended when people confuse the two, though I rarely feel so opinionated about other issues.

Some people claim to have an ardent love of fashion yet dress solely to make themselves more attractive. Sometimes it seems like all we see is an endless array of bandage skirts and crop tops. As blogger Jennifer Wang from Art in Our Blood aptly puts it, “People have lost track of a sense of balance. You can flaunt whatever body part you like tastefully, as long as you don’t flaunt everything else at the same time.”

People no longer seem to care about the aesthetics of proportions or modification. Similarly, makeup is often used as a tool to enhance one’s appearance rather than to serve as an art. Gone are the days of Twiggy lashes.

The truth is, fashion is not at all about making yourself look better. It’s about expressionism and creativity, playing with proportions, textures, patterns, colors, and ultimately, creating the kind of compelling juxtaposition that can become embedded in the fashion world as a movement.

Take the runway’s sports luxe trend for example: Isabel Marant’s juicy wedge sneakers and Joseph’s silk sweatpants, for instance, work to abolish pre-

existing notions about what sportswear is confidence in their own skin. This lack of typically used for. In this sense, fashion is confidence is often the result of harmful about overturning the norms, pursuing cultural ideas in the media about how people, especially women, need to look. the unexpected, and taking a gamble.

It’s not that I have anything against Rather than suggesting that people clothing that exists purely to flatter avoid horizontal stripes, magazines one’s assets, but I should be instigators of confidence and choice wonder—what’s the point? What’s to create art without guidelines. the point of formfitting or revealing Here lies the difference between fashion and clothing other than consumerism. Popular to influence how media, like magazines, others perceive you? portray trends that Hence, there is no significance in reflect the current-day consumer-oriented highlighting your society. Yet the fact is, attributes and what is popular among concealing your the masses, like dressing flaws other than to make yourself look for one’s figure, is not always popular in the more attractive. photo | Stephanie Huang fashion industry. It While magazines may suggest what to wear for your body is a distinction I find myself making type, be it “ruler,” “pear,” or “curvy all often. But it would be empowering and over,” these suggestions don’t really refreshing to see more people dressing to belong in the “fashion” section, because create art. they are tailored for people who lack

5C Artistically Talented Leah Hughes SC‘15

Phoebe Maddox PO‘13

Noor Asif SC ‘16

November 1, 2012 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XVI • Issue four

Student Life•11

CLORG Spotlight: Scripps Live Arts

By Kehau Jai ‘16 Staff Writer

P

andora and Spotify are great ways to listen to your favorite music free online (if you can get past the advertising), but there’s nothing quite like being at a live concert. But if you don’t have a car—or even if you do—it can be difficult and expensive to get to Los Angeles to attend live music events. Fortunately, we have organizations like Scripps Live Arts.

Co-leaders Anna Petkovich (‘14) and Caitlin Sweeney (‘13) aim to bring live performances and concerts to Scripps and the 5C community free of charge. Scripps Live Arts offers a range of events, from live musical performances to poetry readings. Petkovich views this focus on drawing artistic talent to Scripps College as their “contribution to the Scripps community,” since before “students had to go off campus to go to live shows.”

Scripps Live Arts focuses on organizing live events. Anyone interested can get involved.

The club provides “resources for students to bring those people they’re excited about,” says Sweeney.

Live Arts also works to give members experience in the entertainment industry through involvement in event planning.

This includes learning how to book artists, obtain financing, use sound and monitoring equipment, and advertise shows.

Live Arts will have different focus each semester. This semester “we’re exclusively doing music,” says Sweeney. Petkovich noted that “folky” singer-songwriter Katie Colver will

peform at the Motley Coffeehouse on Nov. 8 at 8:00 p.m.

“Post-punk surf rock” band Jaawwzz (try saying that out loud) will perform at the Student Union at 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 16.

On Dec. 8, Grass Widow, an all-female punk band will come to campus.

Besides bringing in outside artists, Scripps Live Arts also promote 5C artists: singersongwriter Olivia Buntaine (SCR ’15) will open for the Colver concert.

Scripps Live Arts looks and sounds as good as the events they organize. They welcome anyone who wants to foster art and performance in the community. Petkovich said, “This club is really what students make it. We’re open to anything and we hope that interested students will come to us with their ideas.”

To learn more about becoming involved with Scripps Live Arts or to learn about their events, contact scrippslivearts@gmail.com, like their page on Facebook, or attend their club meetings on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Union.

Where’s the “S” in “CMS”?

Lauren Prince ‘14 Editor-in-Chief

W

hen was the last time you came out to support one of our sports teams? The majority of you are probably thinking “never.”

CMS sports teams are often rewarded for their hard work with empty stands and little attention from the student body, regardless of the score.

The lazy explanation for our lack of sportsmanship might be that we go to a women’s college and girls don’t care about sports. But that idea is outdated and false, as evidenced by the sheer number of Scripps students who play sports. What other factors might contribute, then?

Some people speculate that we’re all just too busy.

“Most of the time it’s a combination of either not knowing where or when the game is or being busy with other things,” said Laura Wessbecher (’15).

While I can sympathize with any double-majoring, over-committed Scripps student, many of us played (and supported!) our sports teams in high school, where we were similarly overloaded with work. “I remember supporting my friends’ games in high school and getting all painted for homecoming.

We would compete to see which class had the most spirit. I didn’t even know when the homecoming game was last year,” said Megan Peterson (’15).

Personally I think that because the CMS home base is located at CMC, Scripps is put at a disadvantage.

We are not given updates about when and where the games are or how the teams are doing. Alexandra Ronco (’15) believes that if students were kept up to date about how the teams were doing, more students would come to games. While every other event on campus gets a bunch of posters, a Facebook event, and a space on the weekly SAS emails, sports are notably absent. Ronco sees such promotion as the job of the athletic department coaches.

It may also be that Scripps students do not attend CMS sporting events “because most games take place at CMC, it feels more like a CMC event rather than CMS,” said Scripps student and CMS basketball and lacrosse player Kyra Ray (’14). “Especially since a majority of both teams I’m on are CMCers.”

I understand that CMS means we share resources.

It makes sense. But all of the sporting events, offices, coaches, and practices are located at C. Where’s the MS? Is this a lack of communication between schools?

Or do Harvey Mudd students feel just as disconnected?

Scripps’ new Alumnae field, built in 2008, is not regulation size. With all the money we spent for our fabulous Field House, it seems odd to not build a field that could be used for competition. It would have made varsity games on Scripps campus possible.

Is Scripps really that committed to being a pristine campus void of cheering fans? Is that why we do not have a gymnasium, basketball hoops, or volleyball nets? When all of the other four schools have a gym— a place for their students to go support their friends and blow off some steam— this seems like a deliberate choice. All of these factors contributes to our lack of CMS spirit.

Scripps culture also appears to be blatantly hostile to sports. “Twice now I have had a recruit tell me that while doing the on-campus tour for Scripps, the student leading the tour talked negatively about sports and sports attendance. They even went as far as to say that the students at Scripps don’t support athletics because it’s not part of the culture at Scripps.

Because of that, it is hard to encourage families to take the tour if they are potential recruits. After all of this though, I still push very hard for Scripps players,” said Kurt Vlasich, CMS head volleyball coach. While CMS coaches want all three schools represent-

ed on their teams and continue to search for the best athletes possible, the recruitment process becomes Scripps sports are stigmatized.

While Vlasich is hopeful that the culture can change, I am skeptical. There are a lot of factors that have influenced the Scripps sports culture we have today. Scripps students do not attend games, which cyclically shapes a Scripps culture that does not include going to games. As incoming students see that sports are not a part of the culture, generation after generation of Scripps students will not attend games.

We as students are perpetuating the lack of sports culture and continuing the cycle by telling prospective Scripps students that sports aren’t important here. While few students attend games, Scrippsies are well-represented on CMS teams.

I would love to see Scripps rally around sports and make it a bigger deal. A larger sense of camaraderie can only benefit the Scripps “community” that we so dearly pride ourselves on.

So, I ask that community: would you like Scripps to care about sports? Would it help if The Scripps Voice reported on how the teams are doing and upcoming games? Do you want to know who the Scripps athletes are? Or do we really not care?

photo | Tianna Sheih ‘16

November 1, 2012 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XVI • Issue Four

12•Student Life

The most haunted places at Scripps

By Rachel Hennessey ‘13 Staff Writer

I

f you’re a student at the 5Cs, chances are you’ve heard at least a few stories about haunted places around campus. In the midst of all this Halloween spirit, ghost-related gossip is all around us. Many stories and sightings, old and new, have come out of Scripps in particular. If ghost tales make you nervous, think twice before reading on; these accounts may cause you to look at your favorite dorm or hangout spot in a different light.

Scripps students’ accounts of ghost sightings and paranormal experiences mostly occur in residential areas, not academic facilities, according to Judy Harvey Sahak, a lifelong Scrippsie and current director of Denison Library. Since rejoining the Scripps community as a faculty member in 1976, Harvey Sahak has been the go-to person for all things supernatural. She has a knack for drawing out historical connections from student reports about ghost sightings in locations such as Clark, Toll, Frankel residence halls, and the President’s house.

Some of the more notable stories have occurred in recent years. In 2009, a group of freshmen spotted a woman in the courtyard of Clark, who reportedly enticed them to join her outside. The students declined her offer, but found that small things in the room changed thereafter, like the placement of magnets on their refrigerator and flickering lights. “I think the ghost was trying to figure out if we were receptive to its presence,” one of the students said. They described the woman as a redhead wearing a long white dress. Harvey Sahak

had heard reports of this red-haired woman around the Clark courtyard years earlier, unbeknownst to these students in 2009.

The Toll browsing room is the most haunted place at Scripps, according to Harvey Sahak. Just this year, a freshman was reciting her presentation aloud alone in the room when she heard three loud thuds rattle the wall behind her, as if someone disapproved of her speaking. In recent years, students have also reported hearing loud voices from outside the room’s door, only to find no one on the other side.

Harvey Sahak believes the spirit of Eleanor J. Toll, a board member-to-be in the 1920s who died of a heart attack the night before she was to begin her term, is the spirit behind these incidents. As legend has it, there was also an admitted student who passed away before her freshman fall, whose mother donated a chair that now sits in the Toll browsing room. The chair is said to be haunted, and Harvey Sahak has heard multiple reports of students hearing strange noises while sitting in the chair at night.

A few years back, there was an event in the living room of the Scripps President’s house, during which attendees heard a thud from the hallway. When a member of the catering staff went to check what the calamity was, she saw a man standing in a blue sweater, hands in his pockets. Harvey Sahak believes she may have seen the spirit of Scripps’ founder and first president, Ernest Jaqua. Jaqua apparently disliked the President’s house, and was once photographed

standing with his hands in the pockets of his blue blazer – coincidence?

In 2010, freshman Willa Oddleifson spotted a ghost on the third floor of Frankel twice. Both times, she was garbed in a long white dress. “I felt oddly comforted and at peace when I saw her. She was

completely harmless,” Oddleifson said.

Other places at Scripps with repeated sightings include Denison Library and the second floor singles in Dorsey, which have a ghost whom two students have described as being “comforting, gentle and consoling,” Harvey Sahak said.

photo | Rachel Hennessey

Running like goddesses: Athenas soar at SCIAC

By Julia Rigby ‘12 Contributing Writer

I

f you happen to see a pack of wing-footed goddesses gliding through campus, you’ll know you’ve sighted one of the fastest teams in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). The Athenas’ cross-country team has championed a historic season thus far and have consistently been ranked in the top 10 in the nation.

On Saturday, Oct. 27 they ran in an exceptionally tight pack at the SCIAC Championships in Prado Park. Both the Athenas and Stags won.

Scripps senior and Athenas member Marnie Hogue says of the Athenas: “This team is so unique. All of our girls have such a love for each other, a love that we can feel alongside each

other in races, at 6:00 a.m. practice, during morning sunrise runs ... there

each other. It’s such a special team.”

Alison Barnwell soared to finish first for the Athenas (2nd overall in 22:57), followed by Bridget Blum (4th in 23:23), Sara Mostatabi (5th in 23:32), Marnie Hogue (9th in 23:47), Aubrey Zimmerling (10th, 23:55), Lisa Beem (12th, 24:11), Kate Crawford (13th, 24:11), Laura Wyatt (21, 24:39), Kaitlyn Spees (22, 24:40), and Taia Wu (24th, 24:48). The Athenas came in 36 points ahead of Occidental University, Pomona-Pitzer came in third, and La Verne finished 4th.

Univ. of Redlands was 7th. photo | Rachel Hennessey ‘13 The team will be heading to is a strong connection between all of Salem, Ore. for regionals on Nov. 1. us. We work with each other and for

November 1, 2012 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XVI • Issue Four