collegian.tccd.edu
Vacation takes a sinister turn PG. 2
Wednesday, August 25, 2021 – Volume 34 • Issue 1 Entertainment
Opinion
Opinion
Editorial
REMAKE HOLDS ITS OWN 2001 anime gets a facelift for modern audiences. PG. 2
STUDIO TOXICITY The unacceptable actions of the gaming industry. PG. 3
THERAPEUTIC SOLUTIONS How therapy can help students overcome adversity. PG. 3
PLANET’S HEATING UP The continued abuse of the Earth. PG. 3
Students return after 17 months
Jose Romero/The Collegian
Students walk down the D-Wing hallway in the main building of SE Campus on the second day of classes. The hallway houses admissions, registrar and business services.
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
Are campuses safe for physical TCC courses?
Faculty reflects on returning to campus after shutdown
Safety protocols questioned amid return
LOGAN EVANS
JOSE ROMERO editor-in-chief
TR biology student Marie Conley said they were ready to return to campus because cases were going down and they’re fully vaccinated. Now, they feel conflicted. “ I n o longer feel safe,” Conley said. Conley works on campus, so they have to be there physically. The Delta variant is the main cause for Conley’s concern because of its transmissibility. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the variant is twice as contagious as previous strains. If the college wants to stay open the entire semester with the lowest amount of deaths, a mask mandate is needed, Conley said. TCC ended its mask mandate June 3 and sent out an email Aug. 22 writing that masks will not be enforced but anybody who chooses to wear one can do so. NE library specialist Samantha Kayem questions whether a mask mandate would be the right call. “I believe that wearing masks reduces infections,” she said. “However, I am not sure it would be wise for TCC to defy the governor’s ban on mask mandates.” Kayem is referring to an order issued Aug. 11 by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott that prohibits government entities from mandating masks. “The path forward relies on personal responsibility — not government mandates,” Abbott wrote on Twitter. Vaccines are another option for transmission prevention. TCC currently doesn’t require COVID-19 vaccinations as well, which is following another order mandated by Abbott. In March, when vaccinations became available to a larger population in Texas, the number of cases dropped down by thousands, according to The New York Times. By late May and the majority of June, the seven-day average dropped to around 1,300. In Tarrant
County, some weeks had cases in double digits. Currently, cases are back to over a thousand. C o n l e y a n d K a y e m d o n ’t t h i n k mandatory vaccinations should be a required protocol. “TCC supports an underprivileged community that has less access to vaccinations than the rest of the population,” Conley said. “They shouldn’t mandate it, but they should have vaccine clinics weekly so those on campus can get their vaccines while attending class.” Kayem doesn’t think vaccines should be required because it hasn’t reached full approval from the Food and Drug Administration. As of Aug. 23, the FDA has approved the Pfizer vaccine. N W s t u d e n t J o s e A c o s t a v a l l e ’s perspective on returning to campus is more optimistic. “I think it is a good idea for those who are more visual learners and need to see what they learn in action,” he said. Acostavalle’s optimism is limited when it comes to how long he thinks the semester will stay physical. He said the increase in COVID-19 cases will cut on-campus classes short, leaving students to transition back into an online-only environment. Kayem doesn’t think campuses will shut down entirely like last year. “I assume campuses will stay physical with accommodations being made for students exposed to or infected with the coronavirus, which will allow those students to complete coursework remotely until they are well and no longer a risk to others,” she said. Kayem and Conley weren’t delighted with how the school handled course selection. “I think some classes must be offered physically,” Kayem said. “However, I wish that TCC would have offered a wider variety of online classes to reduce the spread of the virus and meet the needs of more students.” Conley said classes should be smaller, which could help prevent the spread of the virus.
managing editor
As nearly three semesters of virtual learning give way to an in-person Fall, TCC instructors prepare for a return to form and reflect on the lasting changes the pandemic will bring to their classrooms. “It’s definitely uncharted territory and new beginnings,” NE history professor Chloe Northrop said. Northrop, who had a baby during quarantine, feels strong empathy for students hesitant to return. While she is 35, healthy and vaccinated, other members of her family are severely more at-risk. Northrop’s grandmother, who often takes care of her infant child, is 84 — well into the most vulnerable age group for COVID-19. On top of that, her sister contracted a breakthrough case of the virus after being vaccinated.
“You appreciate the students in the room more. It’s something you take for granted, that one-on-one relationship that you get.”
Jay Adkins
SE associate professor of music
These close-to-home factors have given Northrop an acute sense of the anxiety many students face as cases in Texas continue to rise. Going forward, she plans to record her on-campus lectures for students who may need to stay home from classes. Northrop’s biggest priority is making sure students feel safe in the classroom. “I don’t want them to take unnecessary risks because of a harsh attendance policy,” she said. “At TCC, we need to listen to what our students need. I want to make sure I’m meeting those needs, which are incredibly diverse.” The addition of virtual alternatives
to in-person courses is an unexpected but welcome element to the post-virtual semester, NW associate professor of Spanish Mayra Fuentes said. “I think the organization online learning forced us to have is going to be very beneficial,” she said. “It’s not something we can just get rid of.” Still, Fuentes is excited about the connection that returning face-to-face will bring — a connection that was lost while teaching a subject like language which relies on interpersonal communication. “Most of the faculty here are in this field because we’re passionate about what we teach and we love interacting with the students,” she said. “So having that conversation and expanding their way of thinking — we’re craving that.” For Jay Adkins, SE associate professor of music, the upcoming semester is all about rebuilding. Most of his students who were enrolled in a two-year music program at the start of the pandemic have either graduated or moved on in the two semesters since last meeting. “We’re having to recruit and start over,” he said. Like Fuentes’ experience with teaching a foreign language online, Adkins found that playing music virtually pales in comparison to playing in person. While the online semesters were tailored more toward recorded performance, some students did not have access to the high quality equipment that others had, which caused a disparity. “We tried to put things online and a lot of students did not like it at all,” he said. “I did a number of records like that with my other groups and it’s not the same.” Music — like language for Fuentes — is built on personal connection for Adkins. While he plans to incorporate virtual elements like listening assignments into his future courses, he looks forward to recapturing the connection with his students that only face-to-face instruction can bring. “You appreciate the students in the room more,” he said. “It’s something you take for granted, that one-on-one relationship that you get.”
ENTERTAINMENT
2 • Wednesday, August 25, 2021 MOVIE REVIEW
Traveling mishap makes chilling thriller
Photos courtesy of Neflix
Beckett, played by John David Washington, takes photos with his girlfriend April, played by Alicia Vikander. They’re on a vacation in Greece when things go awry.
Washington escapes his father’s shadow, delivering a masterful tale of suspense MICHAEL FOSTER-SANDERS senior producer
Beckett tries to find his way out of Greece during a political uprising.
There are not too many movies like “Beckett.” Sure, there are films that are mashups of different genres, but rest assured that “Beckett” is in a league of its own. Director Ferdinando Cito Filomarino crafts a tale that takes the viewer on a journey and makes them second guess about traveling internationally. And, also, might give a person anxiety, or a heart attack with all the chestclutching tension, and action that occurs throughout the film. John David Washington plays Beckett, a regular everyman who is traveling through Greece with his girlfriend April, who is played by Alica Vikander. They decide to leave Athens early to avoid political unrest and visit the countryside. The two are madly in love and come off as the realistic portrayal of a late 20s couple that are partners, and that is refreshing. Tropes can make or break characters, but having them just be is one of the first act highlights that brings the viewers into their world. While traveling to their next destination the couple makes the unfortunate decision to travel late in the evening, triggering a devastating chain reaction that will change their lives forever. Filomarino loves to toy with viewers by doing things such as placing a mouse into a snake den, conveying a sense of dread and hopelessness. He punishes characters for being at the wrong place at the wrong time, leaving audiences to question if it’s
atonement for being tired and careless. Movies live and die by their leads, and no one knows this more than Washington, son of veteran Hollywood A-list actor Denzel Washington. Washington, coming off the critically panned love story “Malcolm & Marie,” makes it his business to prove to the world that he made it to the big screen due to his acting chops and not nepotism. He gives the performance of a lifetime as the unfortunate Beckett. Washington made sure to humanize the character by making him a man just trying to survive the unfortunate, and not being a superhero. Beckett makes mistakes that have the viewer feeling sorry for him. He’s just one man caught into a web of deceit that no one deserves. Aw a r d - w i n n i n g C i n e m a t o g r a p h e r Sayombhu Mukdeeprom captures the open countryside of Greece’s haunting beauty while capturing the pressure of claustrophobic action scenes in Athens amid political unrest during a protest that turns violent. The editing feels satisfying and cohesive, keeping the audience engaged thanks to editor Walter Fasano. The only gripe one could have with the movie is the slow first act, but that’s only for those who suffer from a short attention span. But those who eat delicious barbecue know you can’t rush a brisket; it's a process to achieve greatness, and that Beckett does graciously.
ANIME REVIEW
‘Shaman King’ remake sticks closely to source KRISTAL BLAN BLANKINSHIP KINSHIP web coordinator
The 2021 “Shaman King” remake is a chance for fans of the series to dive headfirst into a childhood classic and rediscover their inner nerd. Netflix released the first season of “Shaman King” Aug. 9, nearly 20 years after the original series aired in 2001. The series — based on Hiroyuki Takei’s manga of the same name — follows Yoh Asakura, a 13-year-old boy who can see ghosts and aspires to become the Shaman king through a tournament that happens once every 500 years. Alongside his samurai spirit, Amidamaru, Yoh enters the long-awaited battle to earn the title and become the shaman who connects with the great spirit and helps reshape the world. There are some similarities between Shaman King’s 2021 and 2001 adaptations. The first season of both adaptations follow Yoh in the early stages of the battle to become Shaman king. He befriends classmate Manta Oyamada and during the tournament in Tokyo he fights with Ren Tao, Horohoro and Faust VII. The events of the 2021 edition of the show are the same as its 2001 counterpart, namely both are accurate depictions of the manga in their early stages. The 2001 anime series did diverge from its source material in its second half and featured a completely
different ending that was written specifically for the anime as it was made before the manga had finished. A number of the Japanese and English voice cast that was featured in the 2001 version of the anime return to the 2021 remake. Oliver Wyman returned as the voice of Manta, though his character was called Morty in the 2001 version. Tara Jayne also reprises her role as Yoh’s fiancé Anna Kyoyama. In the Japanese voice cast, Minami Taykayama returns as Hao, Inuko inuyama voices Manta, Megumi Hayashiba reprises her role as Anna, Romi Park is back as Ren and Katsuyuki Konishi plays Amidamaru in both series. While the remake features the same storyline, it is different from the original because it does dwell on a subject in an episode for a shorter amount of time. This is because the battles between Yoh and his opponents in the remake last for an entire episode, whereas in the original series battles were drawn out over multiple episodes to add to the show’s heart-pounding intensity. The remake takes advantage of the modern animation technology with smoother, detailed fight scenes in an updated look. There is a high chance that the 2021 “Shaman King” remake will be the perfect adaptation of Hiroyuki Takei’s story.
Photo courtesy of Neflix
Remake of the 2001 “Shaman King” brings in some of the original voice cast for the English and Japanese dubs. The remake’s first episode premiered Aug. 9.
OPINION
Wednesday, August 25, 2021 • 3
EDITORIAL
Irreversible damage has been done to Earth The continued use of greenhouse gases has created an uncertain, hot future. Some irreversible damage to the planet has already been done, but more is sure to follow if action isn’t taken, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. Rising surface temperature, floods, droughts and rising sea levels; it’s all happening, and it seems as if Republican officials don’t care. According to Pew Research Center, only 10% have it as a top priority, which is in contrast to the 49% in the Democratic Party. The Democrats do have a higher percentage, but this should be a top priority for the majority of both parties. Climate change is a humankind issue, not a political one. It shouldn’t be up for debate whether or not to do something about it. Seeing words like “partisan” being used to discuss new policies on climate change, health and education is disheartening, to say the least. Fortunately, there’s a chance. A chance to finally fight back against climate change and create a cleaner, brighter world. Perhaps it’s blind optimism, but the $1 trillion infrastructure bill is a step in the right direction. But, it’s only just a step. The Senate approved the bill Aug. 10 and was surprisingly supported by both sides. The purpose of the bill is to put the money toward projects such as expanding highspeed internet access, fixing and building roads, bridges and more. The bill includes the allocation of billions of dollars toward climate change, but the sum falls short of
the amount Biden’s administration initially wanted to invest, according to The New York Times. Fortunately, there’s another way to give climate change the attention it deserves. Senate Democrats proposed a $3.5 trillion social policy bill that would expand upon the initial investment for climate change. The bill aims for 80% of the U.S.’s electricity to use clean energy
by 2030. As great as that sounds, it’s important to note it’s not guaranteed. There’s no promise that 80% of energy will be clean by 2030, but it’s a good stepping stone. Also, the bill says companies not trying to make progress toward reduction will be fined. That may not be enough. Depending on the fine, it could be a slap on the wrist to some megacorporations. Similar to how some
Amber Davis/The Collegian
crimes are just suggestions to the wealthy. Research for new renewable energy technologies would also gain more funding. Science has been shoved to the sidelines for far too long because it doesn’t fit a political agenda. Giving scientists the money needed to do their job could yield positive results. Another proposition is a tariff
on countries without restrictions on emissions. All of these plans sound great. That’s not even mentioning the other stuff in the bill such as free community college, expanding Medicare and more. But, this could all be a pipe dream. First, it needs unanimous support from all Democrats in the Senate. Since Democrats have the majority, it doesn’t need any votes from Republicans. There are some moderates in the Democratic Senate which is a cause for concern. If they want to make any alterations at all, it stops the process, delaying the necessary action toward climate change. As scientists have continued saying, we can’t wait too long to do something about it. If the social policy bill doesn’t pass, climate change could be left as a sticky note with “do something about this later” written in crayon on a refrigerator. As the Senate keeps bickering about whether or not to pass it, more and more damage is being done. Ecosystems are getting destroyed, people continuously bootlick multibillionaires that don’t care about their employees and there’s a virus spreading to millions around the world. It’s no wonder mental health in America is dwindling. The more delay there is to do something, the more people will die waiting for elected officials to give a damn. It’s exhausting watching the planet rapidly fade away, hoping that someone will step up and do their job.
VIEWPOINTS
Mental health is necessary for student wellness, safety
Lack of repercussions leads to industry filled with harassment
It’s hard to be vulnerable, stigma or not, but giving yourself over to guided therapy is one of the most important things a person can do when trying to understand themself. TCC provides students with several options for on-campus and off-campus counseling and crisis services, many of which are detailed under the “Support Services” page of the TCC website. While it’s important for students to be familiar with the resources available to them, it’s just as important to be willing to let those resources help. The simple act of putting troubled thoughts into words can work wonders when trying to understand the beautiful and complicated thing that is the mind. Don’t be afraid to feel. There are dark corners in all of us that have either not been explored or have been intentionally neglected, and walking through them with an objective, trained professional can demystify that darkness. Often, we get so consumed by our own thinking that we start to bend our own reality from within — something called cognitive distortion. Speaking with a therapist can help you make better sense of this warped perspective. Working through your thoughts out loud can help you understand the hurt you might feel, the hurt you might have caused, and give you a clarity you might not be able to reach alone. When we put physical voice to the negative thoughts in our heads, however jumbled and confusing they might be, we find that those thoughts are just another part of us — not some wicked force to be hidden away, but a working part of our soul to be nurtured and understood.
LOGAN EVANS
managing editor Sometimes, the best way to snuff out the worst thoughts in your head is by giving them a voice. Like a nasty mold, bad thoughts grow best in the dark, locked up in the damp attic of the brain. They look ugly and feel strange to the touch, so we tend to ignore them. We turn off the lights and we don’t tell a soul about them, however damaging they might be. Because telling makes them real. But then, when we start to feel their tendrils reaching down from the attic door into the comfortable living spaces of our heads, they become real anyway. Seventy five percent of college students who suffer from mental illness fail to seek the help they need, according to Healthline. While the longstanding stigmas against therapy and professional counseling have declined in recent years, there still exists a significant portion of young people who feel uncomfortable shedding light on their troubled thoughts.
JOSE ROMERO editor-in-chief
From the outside, video games are an enjoyable pastime filled with hours of entertainment for players. Unfortunately, some studios behind them are filled with toxic practices and work environments. Toxicity in studios’ workplaces is nothing new. It’s been swept under the rug for far too long, but chickens are finally coming home to roost. In July, California filed a lawsuit against one of the largest game studios in the world, Activision Blizzard Inc. The lawsuit includes misdeeds such as sexual harassment, unequal pay and discrimination against female employees. The suit paints a picture of a stark reality in which people in positions of power will abuse that power to diminish their coworkers. Former Blizzard game director Alex Afrasiabi was allegedly sexually harassing female employees, and he went many years without any kind of punishment. He wasn’t fired until 2020, but his allegations go back
to 2013. Other employees knew about how he treated females in the workplace, but it was so normalized at the Blizzard offices that it was just shrugged off. Being a game director puts a person in quite the position of power. They mandate who is tasked with a certain job and can choose which team members get to stay on board. It’s simple to see how an employee could be too fearful for their career to speak up against their boss. That sentiment goes for any workplace. Nobody wants to lose their job, even if it means having to endure some awful situations. The misogyny in the gaming industry has been prevalent for far too long. California’s lawsuit gives victims the chance to have a voice and have it be heard. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time in which a gaming studio’s toxicity has been spotlighted. It’s just one of the first times where something major is happening against it. Ubisoft, another large studio, was sued this year as well for similar misdoings. According to the gaming news outlet Kotaku, a French worker union filed a lawsuit saying Ubisoft kept the accused employees on the staff because it’s more profitable to do so rather than protecting its employees. That’s a depressing statement, and one with evidence all over the industry. It’s easy to sit down and play these studios’ games, but it’s important to evaluate the human cost of these multi-million dollar projects. No game is worth lifelong trauma to a person.
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