TCC The Collegian September 28, 2022

Wednesday, September 28, 2022 – Volume 36 • Issue 6

@tccthecollegian • collegian.tccd.edu

NORTHWEST

NW parking lot closure causes frustration ALEX HOBEN

editor-in-chief alexandra.hoben@my.tccd.edu

NW Campus’ parking availability has been cut in half with the closure of one of its two main lots.

The south parking lot was shut down for use by the students and staff on Sept. 19 as part of the next phase of campus construction.

TCC health services sent out a notice Sept. 15 notifying students of the lot closure through Canvas.

The announcement had a graphic showing the campus map and the location and availability of the lots through colored highlighting. It also provided the dates that the lots would be closed. For instance, the south lot will be closed

from Sept. 19 to Jan. 31.

NW student Elizabeth Chi comes to school early and still has trouble finding adequate parking close to her classes.

“It has made myself and many other students late for their classes, especially on the first day of the closure,” Chi said. “Even though I am on campus before 8 a.m., the parking lot is still quite full in the early morning hours.”

She said the lot’s closing caused a traffic jam at the campus entrance off of Marine Creek Parkway, and it was quite hectic to get in for a few days. But, since the opening of the smaller parking area off to the side of the closed lot, the traffic has gone down significantly.

Chi said that though she un-

DISTRICT

derstands the expansion and construction of the campus will lead to inconveniences, the closing of the lot was not handled properly from a student perspective.

“I would have appreciated more planning involved in the closing of a parking lot that size,” Chi said. “It is one of the biggest, if not the biggest lot on the NW Campus. As we’ve recently found out, the capacity of the remaining open lots do not add up to the loss of our southern lot.”

She now has to walk through two buildings before she reaches one that has her classes. Around mid-morning, the available parking lots look like a sea of cars, some of them circling around trying to find a half-decent spot.

See Parking, Page 2

DISTRICT

Students highlight campus Wi-Fi issues XAVIER BOATNER

campus editor xavier.boatner@my.tccd.edu

TCC students have spoken about the issues they’ve had when trying to connect to Wi-Fi around campus.

In recent years, TCC has placed a great emphasis on virtual resources such as virtual assessments, textbooks and classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The integration of digital tools into the curriculum has changed the way some instructors distribute materials and the way some students receive those materials. A common issue that students have come across, however, is the Wi-Fi instability.

“The Wi-Fi is not good. Whenever I want to connect to the Wi-Fi, I need to unlock it with my email to accept, and it’s not secure,” NE student Ricardo Aleman said.

Aleman emphasized his frustrations with the Wi-Fi and addressed further concerns.

“It’s how a lot of hackers get into people’s PCs and phones,” Aleman said The Wi-Fi issues caused concern for Aleman. He said the issues have persisted for some time and have been acting up since the start of the semester.

“When I arrive to the campus,

Joel Solis/The Collegian

South parking lot under construction at NW Campus. The lot closed on Sept. 19 and will open Jan. 31.

I have to connect to the Wi-Fi, and when I connect with my email and password it stays connected, but then disconnects it,” NE student Emily Solis said.

She said it was a hassle for students to repeatedly use their email to connect.

“I have to switch my Wi-Fi going from building to building,” said NE student Ross Sanders.

“That’s ‘cause I use the public WiFi.” It isn’t just students that have had problems with the Wi-Fi. This issue impacts various people on campus, including instructors. They need to use the Wi-Fi networks to be able to teach their class and access materials for their students.

“I have not experienced too many issues on campus. One major one is Wi-Fi-related, either with students or the actual classroom computers themselves,” NE English adjunct instructor Becca Goodwin said.

She said the only major issue she experiences regularly while in the classroom is Wi-Fi related.

“There is not a problem within classrooms that have computer labs, but when a student needs to log in on their own device, there is an occasional issue with logging in or accessing Wi-Fi at all,” Goodwin said.

These Wi-Fi issues haven’t just affected Goodwin, though. NE See Wi-Fi, Page 2

Dancers Converge

Photos by Alex Hoben/The Collegian

Fuego Azul Ballet Folklorico member Virginia Barraza ends their performance “El Jarabe Loco.”

On Sept. 25 TCC and DFW dance groupsgathered together in Sundance Square to show their skills in dance through their performances.

Impulse Dance Company’s Ricky Waller leaps in “Mi Ciudad.”

Joel Solis/The Collegian

SE student Chidiebere Uchime uses computers provided to students at the SE Campus library.

“A Piece of My Heart” SE Campus production shows story of the Vietnam War Page 2

Biennial Exhibition SE Campus faculty display their works of art and inspiration Page 3

Mosaic Dance Project members sway to the beat during their performance “On the Run.” See Dancers, Page 2

“Brahmastra Part One: Shiva” A horrible “Avatar”-looking knock-off Page 4

Little Mermaid Controversy New Little Mermaid trailer sparks debate online Page 5

Feel the Rhythm NE Campus event teaches students Hispanic dances Page 6

2 • Wednesday, September 28, 2022

NEWS

SE play reveals hidden story of Vietnam War

tion was something personal to each woman in the story.

“There’s so many different ways to portray pain, and there’s so many different ways to express pain because all six of us women throughout the show, we start a certain way and the war changes us,” she said.

The cast had a big focus on doing the characters of the production justice, placing a heavy emphasis on correctly expressing the emotions of the characters through the performance.

“There’s a lot of different perspectives and that each character has their own story, but in some way, it’s intertwined,” said SE student Toni Colbert, who plays Sissy.

Mikayla Everheart, who plays Maryjo, said the play actually has a special connection to her family.

“Us being able to portray what they have gone through is something I am very proud of myself. My grandfather was in Vietnam, him and my great uncle,” Everheart said. “I want to give them so much justice for this.”

Other cast members agreed, like DaShaun Ellis, who said he acknowledged the process the cast went through to become the characters.

“One thing that I noticed, especially in the beginning when we started off, that a lot of people had to really go outside of themselves for the role,” he said. “The multiple characters that we’re all going to be playing, the cast has done a very good job differentiating them, especially my boy here, Marc.”

Student and cast member Marc Aldridge, along with Ellis, will split and act as 16 characters. Along with this, Alridge explained that some of the costumes the cast will be using were from the Vietnam War. “One thing that I definitely do love about this play is the fact that you get to see the heroic side from the women in Vietnam,” Valedores said. “Even though it does have its heartbreaking moments, it has a lot of heroic moments where the female is the hero, and I love that. It gave a different perspective on the war that I had no idea about before this play.”

Cast members gave tips on how to appreciate the production.

“Be prepared, it’s very intense in some spots,” Everhart said.

“Bring tissues,” Clouse added.

“Come watch it!” Cast members agreed.

classrooms needs an upgrade to keep the instructors on the same level as far as accessibility to resources is concerned.

Wisely also said that providing instructors like herself with troubleshooting guides to help them better navigate their stations is needed.

“Obviously, technical difficulties negatively impact the students,” Wisely said. “I know that there are teachers who, when the tech fails, will just end the class early. That may sound like a great solution, but it will hurt in the long run because your class will be behind.”

HOPE SMITH

campus editor hope.smith393@my.tccd.edu

SE Campus drama will be producing a hidden story of Vietnam, “A Piece of My Heart.”

Set to begin the first fall production on Oct. 4, the cast and crew have been working thoroughly to bring to life the story of six women who served in the Vietnam War. The cast, made of eight actors, represents characters based on real-life people following them before, during and after their experiences serving in the war.

“I’m excited to tell a story that needs to be heard,” said SE student Liyah Vialdores, who plays Steele.

“They really were the forgotten heroes of this war,” associate professor of drama and director Angela Inman said. ”Because even to this day, we don’t know how many women were there. The Army never bothered to count the number of women. They were just kind of an expendable resource.”

This reasoned that the women, involved as they were, were simply forgotten, but the play has helped to educate.

“It has a lot of heroic moments that where the female is the hero, and I love that,” Vialdores said. “It gave a different perspective on the war that I had no idea about before this play.”

Ash Swan, who plays Martha, wanted to show the audience the real experiences of the women and the trauma they endured.

“I am excited to really show everyone

Wi-Fi

Alex Hoben/The Collegian

NE students and cast members Kate Shugart and Lily Clouse hand off a prop IV bag while they practice the scene surrounded by their castmates. how hard we all worked for this and this story that really is a hidden aspect of the Vietnam War that not a lot of people get to see, and that is a really important aspect,” she said.

Lily Clouse, who plays LeeAnn, made the point that it was difficult for the cast to portray the experiences throughout the story.

“I think so far this has been one of my favorite shows that I’ve done, solely because it kind of shows a side to the Vietnam War that nobody talks about and the kinds of struggles and prejudice and trauma that women face,” Clouse said.

Characterizing the people in the play proved to be a challenge emotionally, as Clouse explained, because the range of emo-

(continued from page 1)

history associate professor Karen Wisely also voiced her concerns with the Wi-Fi issues and its impact on students.

“I think that we professors have become almost entirely dependent on technology in our teaching,” Wisely said. “It’s understandable, but I think that creates issues when the

Dancers

technology doesn’t work. We need to be a bit more flexible.

“And, mind you, I am speaking from the perspective of a history professor. I don’t know if the hard sciences are going to be able to adjust as easily.”

She said she believes the technology in

(continued from page 1)

Photos by Alex Hoben/The Collegian

North Texas Dance Arts members performing their production “Lights.” The event happened on Sept. 25 in Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth.

Fusion Dance Company members Kaylee Withrow and Elizabeth Yantis sharing a moment in their production of “After the Clearing.”

Parking

Movers Unlimited Dance Company members dancing in their production of “[Yeon] Bridging Our Paths (Excerpt).”

(continued from page 1)

“It was quite the sight to see so many warning parking tickets on the cars as well,” Chi said. “In desperation, many chose to park on the grass or the sides of the overflow lot, and they received warning tickets for this.”

NW Student Government Association president Samuel Jepsen said both the SGA and campus administration are aware of the difficulties caused by the closing of the lot and have been working to resolve them as best as possible.

“We’ve been in close contact with the

campus administration on all campus concerns and parking lot matters,” Jepsen said.

He said since the closing of the south lot there have been numerous reports of students being late and getting stuck in traffic due to the packing of the overflow and north parking lots.

“The campus administration is aware of these issues and have put many measures in place so that students who are late do not receive any sort of penalty,” he said. “I recommend to students that they should leave

the house earlier and to not rush to school.

Safety is our number one concern at TCC Northwest.”

Jepsen’s experience with the construction at NW Campus has at most been an inconvenience, but he has had issues with loud machinery during his lectures and sometimes exams.

“This must happen to continue with construction but I’d appreciate if the professors were made aware of the use of loud machinery before the class period started so

an alternative classroom could be booked for use,” he said.

Jepsen also said that while it is unfortunate that the duration of the construction is so long, it is still needed for the construction to proceed at NW Campus.

“This may seem long but our campus administration and Student Government are doing everything in our power to resolve any issues that are students should have so that student can continue to have a great campus experience,” he said.

Wednesday, September 28, 2022 • 3

Photos by Joel Solis/The Collegian

“Counterpoint” made by SE Campus assistant professor Dana Ferrara. The piece spans the majority of one of the walls for the exhibition.

NE faculty show art pieces throughout Art Corridor II.

“Kouzeh,” 2021 made by adjunst instructor Roya Mansourkhani. This is a self-portrait made by oil on canvas.

“Okie smokey,” 2020 made by adjunt instructor Brantly Sheffield. It is acrylic on canvas.

SE faculty introduces their artwork at the Faculty Biennial Corridor II via different mediums.

The Faculty Biennial, organized by instructor assistant Penelope Bisbee of the SE fine arts department, is a biannual event featuring the artwork of both adjunct and full-time faculty of the SE Campus.

The exhibit included nine artists that had multiple pieces of artwork shown to both students and faculty. The event started with a performance that happened on Sept. 15, it was an opening reception open to the public.

The performance was inspired by musical composer and adjunct professor Candance Alley who saw Assistant professor Dana Ferrara’s paintings “Plot I” and “Plot II” during an art exhibit for professors in the year 2020 and responded to both of them with music of her own. Both were then responded to again, by some artwork of Ferrara’s and they gave it the name “Duologue”.

The Assistant professor and artist Dana Ferrarra, who teaches Painting I and II and Design II, introduced her “Duologue.” The piece represented conversation between herself, a visual artist, and the musical composer Candace Alley and how they responded to each other’s work through art Assistant professor Dana Ferrara, a full-time professor at SE Campus, explains how this “Duologue” came to be. First, adjunct professor Candace Alley saw Ferrara’s artwork “Plot I” and “Plot II” in a faculty exhibit in 2020. For Ferrara’s piece “Plot I”, it gave Alley the chance to respond to her through her own medium.

“She sent me a digital file of the song ‘Reflection’,” Ferrara said. “It was a piano solo and I felt compelled to do something in response because as an artist I felt like I wanted to say something back to her, almost like it was a conversation.”

For her second piece, “Plot II,” Alley also orchestrated a response to that.

“Her song was called ‘Sweet Spring’, and it

also had this nice, delicate melody,” Ferrara said.

“There was a saxophone, a guitar and piano, so I thought of layers and a scroll.”

With a background in piano , Ferrara interprets it into her painting along with some personal connections.

“The saxophone and the guitar, to me, sounded very warm and reminded me of a fallow field,” Ferrara said. “Because of a miscarriage I had, I felt like my body was a fallow field and that I need to grieve and rejuvenate made me think of that.”

After the performance on Sept. 15, artwork by many other professors was still available to view. For adjunct music instructor Brantley Sheffield, the painting also had a personal meaning.

“During the lockdown of the pandemic I was in Oklahoma where my parents live,” Sheffield said. “I started doing a lot of drawings from family photographs and it was a drawing of the dog. When I got back to my studio, I used the drawing as an inspiration for my painting.”

Sheffield’s process for accessing his end result comes from many steps.

“My process has turned into turning a bunch of photo images that I work from from my life; from people and places that I know,” Sheffield said. “I use that as a point of reference to make a drawing, a color drawing, and that color drawing sets up the structure of the painting.”

He also tries to form a connection between drawing and painting to better combine them with one another.

“Drawing is a very linear practice and I’m still constantly trying to find ways to further infuse my drawing and painting languages together,” Sheffield said. “Keeping the line quality is something important and my first thought was how I can merge these languages together and I thought that that line needs to be consistent.”

Similarly, adjunct instructor Roya Mansourkhani who teaches Art Appreciation and Drawing, uses pattern to signify something else, her Persian identity.

“When you are looking at my art you can see the pattern of Islamic words or Persian words,”

“Tunnel Vision,” 2017. Made by adjunct instructor Matthew Jones.

“PIG” made by adjunct professor J.C. Neihardt. It features a sculpted pig’s head.

OLLA MOKHTAR

campus editor olla.mokhtar@my.tccd.edu

Mansourkhani said. “The Farsi calligraphy of my original language allows me to show a story of identity and what is happening, especially for the women in Iran.”

One of Mansourkhani’s artworks incorporates the preservation of her culture and how it’s almost fading as the times become more modern.

“It’s sort of a tradition but the tradition is melting and eventually it will completely change,” Mansourkhani said. “This is showing the change in tradition and culture.”

Mansourkhani’s artworks also incorporate both a personal and social story of the women in Iran, highlighting the struggle of being a woman there.

“My self portrait is a show of identity,” Mansourkhani said. “When you look at the body, you see a jar with two handles that shows a lot of the fire coming from it. This is showing what’s happening inside me with my face being calm. But there are a lot of things that are happening here that others can not see.”

“CryOut” is the name of the drawing with a mixture of Arabic letters amplifying a unified theme throughout her various artworks.

“If you are open minded or are opposed to the government, the words explain how they come and get together,”Mansourkhanbi said. “ They are like a core of who you are and suddenly you cry out and explode with everything that’s inside of you.”

For people of different cultures and backgrounds, SE student Makayla Hoskinson still has appreciation for it.

“It’s really cool to see other people’s heritage along with art,” Hoskinson explains. “It gives you more of a perspective of their culture and everything else. It was very eye-opening.”

Penelope Bisbee foresaw this reaction and believed that anybody from all experiences with art can appreciate it as well.

“I think it can help people open up their minds a little bit,” Bisbee said. “ If you read anything about what the artist is trying to achieve, that sometimes helps to see how people put it out there in some kind of creative work.”

4 • Wednesday, September 28, 2022 MOVIE REVIEW

MOVIE REVIEW

“Pinocchio,” not a real boy, a real creepy flop IRENE DOMINGUEZ

campus editor irene.dominguez370@my.tccd.edu

Disney has chosen to grace us with another live action remake of an old classic.

It’s just what they do now. Apparently they haven’t gotten better with practice.

This is another offering available exclusively on the Disney+ platform, but don’t rush off to subscribe to the service, this movie definitely isn’t worth it.

This Pinocchio remake is directed by Robert Zemeckis who has a long resume of notable works including “Back to The Future,” “Castaway” and “The Polar Express.”

Unfortunately, this movie besmirches his reputation.

It stars Tom Hanks as Geppetto, and Pinocchio voiced by young British actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth.

The remake has almost all of the same elements as the original, with some new ones thrown in here and there. The story still revolves around the puppet Pinocchio who is trying to become a real boy for Geppetto, his creator.

This version just lacks all charm. When the original came out in 1940, it won multiple awards for its music. The animation was also groundbreaking for its time. This remake is giving none of that, we essentially gained nothing new and got this creepy mess.

One of the first things I noticed is that the voice work is very questionable. Jiminy Cricket’s accent sounds forced. There is a random seagull character that is introduced and her voice is awkward and embarrassing.

Tom Hanks as Geppetto has an accent that seems to come and go. Sadly, this is definite-

ly one of Tom Hanks worst performances.

His Geppetto seems confused throughout the film and it isn’t cute.

The only actor who does great voice work in this whole movie is Keegan Michael-Key. His performance as Honest John, showcases his talent as a voice actor. His enthusiasm really brings his character to life. I wish everyone had brought that same energy.

Unlike the original, this remake mentions Geppetto’s tragic backstory of his wife and young son dying and leaving him all alone. But they did nothing useful with it.

One of the reasons this movie hits different is how a little wooden creature coming to life is kind of haunting. There are moments where the lighting really brings out Pinocchio’s dead-eye-look and it is unsettling.

Another creepy element of the film is the part where a coachman tricks children, Pinocchio included, into going to Pleasure Island for some no-rules-fun. They are turned into donkeys, kidnapped and are never seen again. This part of the film was intended to be a lesson about morality for children, but just two years after the whole Epstein island thing, I was just grossed out.

Perhaps I could have seen past all of this and accepted this remake for what it was, a heartwarming money grab. But, they diminished the core life lesson at the heart of the story. The lying scene was very short and it gets him out of a tricky situation. Where is the lesson?

This remake added nothing useful right up until the end. Little puppet Pinocchio and Gepetto walk off into the light. Does he turn into a boy or not? At least give me closure!

Photo Courtesy of Dharma Productions and Starlight Pictures

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt dancing during the song “Kesariya” in their new movie Brahmastra Part One: Shiva.

“Brahmastra Part One: Shiva” If only it could be the last part RABBIA MOLAI

managing editor rabbia.molai@my.tccd.edu Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

Pinnochio talks to Geppeto during the new movie.

Join us for a Saturday Tour on our Denton campus

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Karan Johar is known for creating magic on the big screen, so the pressure was on when it was announced that his new project, Brahmastra, had been in the works for seven years.

Brahmastra was announced to be a series with its first installment, Shiva, released in theaters on Sept. 9. The leading couple in the film is real-life husband and wife Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, which if you were not aware of their off-screen relationship you couldn’t tell on screen.

For some reason, Bhatt and Kapoor’s characters, Isha and Shiva, had the most awkward nonchemistry in Bollywood history. For two such experienced actors, it was so disappointing to see their on-screen interactions, especially considering their off-screen relationship. How is it that these two can have amazing chemistry with other people and yet not have it with each other?

Considering Batt and Kapoor’s close relationship with not only Johar but also the rest of the production team, it has been heavily implied they had input in the script and other aspects of the film, which unfortunately did not work out in their favor.

This movie was nearly three hours long, yet the dialogue was so dry you would assume it was a 10-hour marathon. From Shi-

va’s gloriously cringy line, “I like you, Isha,” to the graphics resembling a horribly done avatar knockoff, the whole production was a major flop.

The only saving grace for this movie was the soundtrack. When the big hit song “Kesariya” was announced on Instagram, the fanfare was astronomical. It is definitely one for the history books. From the instrumentals to the lyrics, it’s a classic Karan Johar love song.

If only the same amount of thought could have been put into the movie itself. I mean, at some point you have to sit back and admit you have reached the height of laziness, especially when dealing with a cast full of so many A-list guest appearances. At the very least, they could have had the courtesy to give their characters names.

Along with the lack of effort in the dialogue and characters, the special effects gave the whole production a very cheesy feeling.

This is especially concerning because the series is supposed to be depicting religious events, which should have been handled delicately and instead came off as cringy.

Overall, the audience deserved better. If they go through with the rest of the series, let’s just hope it gets better because it sure as hell couldn’t get worse.

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Photo Courtesy of Dharma Productions and Starlight Pictures

Ranbir Kapoor’s character Shiva practicing his fire skills during the song “Deva Deva.”

Wednesday, September 28, 2022 • 5 EDITORIAL

Horoscope culture is getting out of control Horoscopes have made a rise in mainstream media, but how will a predetermined set of opinions affect people’s future decision-making?

Astrology and horoscopes have been used in different cultures around the world for years, but their recent spike in popularity has created a whole new community of people. Previously horoscopes would be general prompts or characteristics that could fit almost anyone but as the hype has grown so has the specificity.

Nowadays, it has become almost impossible to open up social media without seeing someone talking about correlating signs and what you should or should not be interested in based on your astrological placements. Although these may not have been intended to sway people’s thoughts so intensely, some people have taken these on as a law of sorts.

For some, the reading of horoscopes or traits that certain zodiac signs can have is just a simple hobby, for others, it is the foundation of their entire personality.

This can include changing their opinions on topics, situations or even the way they choose to form relationships.

Decision-making as an adult is an important skill so the fact that some people are willing to change their opinion on a moment’s notice is pretty concerning.

This goes further than just “what should I have for breakfast this morning?” Many of the videos seen in these TikTok trends have included things like “which signs to avoid” or red flags surrounding a certain sign, which led to even more

Tj Favela/The Collegian

videos of people completely exiting relationships due to zodiacs. How is it fair to judge someone just from their date of birth, something they can’t change?

The stigma created by social media surrounding certain signs has created a wall that can almost seem impossible to get past. It seems like

even mentioning the word Scorpio in a conversation can now be seen as a “red flag.”

In this way how can it be said that judging someone by a horoscope is any less cruel than judging someone off the way they look or how they talk? These are things that cannot be changed and

we’re never in the hands of said person, yet it seems it’s becoming more and more socially acceptable to alienate someone if your excuse aligns with the stars.

What’s almost worse than writing people off based on their birthdays is using your own as an excuse for bad behavior.

It seems like every out-ofpocket comment can now be deemed ok if it ends with “I’m an ‘xyz’ zodiac sign, don’t judge me.”

And if you decide that’s not a good enough reason there’s a pretty high possibility you could be labeled a bully.

The hypocrisy surrounding horoscopes can be damaging in a whole new way. Like most trends there is a possibility that this one will fizzle out, but the repercussions don’t fade quite as fast. For those who lived their lives dedicated to their zodiac it could result in a feeling of not knowing where to go or how to move on.

But, for those who had been on the receiving end of backlash or even those who don’t necessarily believe in horoscopes, this kind of dedication and fanaticism can lead them to being ostracized for no reason. Why does a person have to be born in a certain month to have a meaningful relationship with someone born in another month?

Horoscopes can be a means to finding spiritual fulfillment or direction, but this doesn’t mean that it is a predestination for someone’s every decision. The way that astrological influencers present these ultimatums of “If you’re this you have to do this or else you aren’t going to have the life you want” is absolutely ridiculous.

You don’t need to know your sign to decide who you’ll love, and you certainly don’t need someone telling you your entire personality through a screen. Your destiny is your choice but you can’t choose when you’re born.

VIEWPOINTS

Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ swims in a sea of controversy

XAVIER BOATNER campus editor

xavier.boatner@tccd.edu

In a world oversaturated 10 times over with reboots, remakes, re-imaginings and sequels, it’s no surprise that many have grown weary of the idea of “revitalizing” beloved classics.

Many have tried their hand at remaking the classics of yesteryear, and some have seen great success, others not so much. As of late, most remakes and reboots are usually met with controversy that tends to cause division in certain communities. The latest example is Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”, which has caused a massive stir on the internet.

One may be inclined to wonder why such a thing is happening. Where is all this vitriol coming from? The long answer, Disney decided to pull the rug from under millions by changing the ethnicity of the leading role and giving the role of Scuttle, the talking bird, to Awkwafina. The short answer, Melanin and Awkwafina, I think.

Yeah, it’s not the most groundbreaking change, but I wouldn’t blame you for thinking it was. The response has been, to be as professional and polite as possible, a colossal embarrassment. It’s strange to see many so fussed about these changes when they’re for the most part totally harmless.

Ariel is an iconic Disney character and

has been one that many young girls have looked up to since her debut. So injecting new blood into the character to become representative of a wider audience should be viewed as a positive, right?

What is it about Ariel that has allowed her to reach such an iconic status amongst Disney’s timeless lineup? What are the traits that made her so iconic? Is it the voice? The red hair? The blue eyes? The personality? It could be the tail, maybe, if you’re into that sort of thing.

I’d argue the traits that made Ariel so iconic have nothing to do with the color of her hair, eyes, tail or her skin. She struck a chord with so many because of her attitude, and her characterization.

I believe so long as the new Ariel can deliver on being a fun, interesting, and wellwritten character that the young girls of today can relate to on a deeper level than just skin color, and exist independently of her classic counterpart, her race should be of no concern.

The only factor standing in the way of this movie is the fact that it’s being produced by the same company that released Pinocchio (2022). What I’m saying is that this movie has the chance to be something special, but could also just as easily crash and/or burn.

From what we’ve seen in trailers, press releases and interviews, as well as what we’ve heard from the cast and writers, I believe this interpretation of Ariel and this movie could be a hit for Disney if they play their cards right.

If the race change isn’t treated as the backbone of Ariel’s character arc and the corporate overlord, Mickey Mouse, keeps his four-fingered hands away from the project, I’m confident that the movie could surprise us all.

‘Black enough’ stereotypes are harmful to the community

KEYLA HOLMES reporter

collegian.editor@tccd.edu

As a collective, more of an effort is arguably being made to respect and appreciate Black bodies.

From casting Black actors and actresses in shows and movies, to being more receptive to hearing the stories and perspectives Black women and men have to share. The kicker though, is that in the midst of valuing Black life, white America has also played an integral part of defining it.

Black Enough.

What does that mean? Honestly, I’m not completely sure. Is Blackness talking a certain way, maybe it’s dressing a certain way or liking certain sports more than others? Maybe it’s believing in the same deity, or growing up with certain values.

While Black Americans may generally resonate with certain ideas or truths, it’s harmful for others, especially non-Black people, to question the validity of one’s Blackness.

It can say a lot about what narratives have been pushed about Black people, and which ones stick. Part of why representing Black people in a variety of ways is to humanize them. Just like the rest of those in society, Black people have their own unique dreams, interests, and passions.

Having gone to predominantly white

schools throughout my life, I always felt like I was supposed to be living up to certain stereotypes in order to be deemed “Black enough.”

My experiences made me begin to become aware of how others were defining Blackness. What was so frustrating was how I was already having to be hyper aware of how I was presenting myself anyways. Not only was I growing up and continuously figuring out who I am and want to be, but I was also very concerned with making myself as easily “digestible” as possible.

It seemed like being reserved, for example, was not a Black trait. What I found interesting was that Black women are often labeled as angry or difficult. It seemed like because I had more of a reserved and passive personality, the people at school figured that I must not be Black. As if defiance and aggression are the cornerstone of Blackness.

While Black people, like many marginalized groups in America have experienced struggle, why do we time and time again, portray Blackness through this lens. While it’s important for people to feel seen and understood in TV shows and movies, at what point does it become harmful to so closely associate your identity with strife?

Black human beings are multidimensional. While there’s value in illuminating the many obstacles that exist for Black Americans, it’s also important to present stories of Black people falling in love, or saving the day in the next Marvel movie.

There’s no such thing as “Black enough”.

The community has already gone through enough trying to fit into a society that has historically not considered them when taking care of the American people.

It’s important to not let stereotypes dictate how we view people and remember that everyone’s differences are worth exploring.

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Letters to the paper should be 150 words or less, free from libel and poor taste and include the writer’s Colleague ID or telephone number (the numbers will not be published). Letters may be brought to The Collegian of-

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religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status or disability.

Meet the Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alex Hoben

LEAD DESIGNER Hannah Seese

ILLUSTRATORS Tj Favela

PHOTO EDITOR Joel Solis

MANAGING EDITOR Rabbia Molai

DESIGN & WEBSITE Shelby Gatewood Amanda Tello

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Professional Staff ADVISER Chris Whitley PRODUCTION MANAGER Stacy Luecker

6 • Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Feel the

Rhythm

NE event teaches Hispanic dance

NE student Eunice Montenegro dances during the Bailar Conmigo event on Sept. 21.

Photos by Alex Hoben/The Collegian

NE student Juan Mugartegui dances while listening to music.

Ernesto Plazola

NE students Arely Martinez Romero, Eunice Montenegro, Alexis Casas and Angel Vargas sway to the beat during the event Bailar Conmigo.

United Dance Academy’s Cici Samilton dances to the beat.

She acted as Ernesto’s helper instructor.