collegian.tccd.edu
Time bending, action packed espionage PG. 2
Wednesday, September 16, 2020 – Volume 33 • Issue 3 Entertainment
Opinion
Opinion
BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE AT HOME Live action skips theatres for Disney+ debut. PG. 2
WHY EVERY VOTE MATTERS The importance of voting this November. PG. 3
VIDEO GAME BLUES Why innovative storytelling triumph graphics in gaming. PG. 3
Editorial HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH How Hispanics made an impact on history. PG. 3
City of Fort Worth partnered with South campus to assist with drive-thru Covid-19 testing from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
Feature FIGURES OF HISPANIC HERITAGE How important icons influenced Hispanic culture. PG. 4
Photo by Ekkaratk
SOUTH
South Campus offers COVID-19 testing MALIK GILES
managing editor
Since Aug. 27, Fort Worth city service workers, such as police and firemen have been providing the public free COVID-19 testing every 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays at South Campus. “You can come and drive through and do it in your car,” Site Manager Cody Whittenburg said.
The person getting tested needs proper identification. One can sign up by phone. The person getting tested spits in a tube until it reaches a small black line. The workers send the test to the labs through FedEx, and then the person will get their results back within three to four days via email. The test results are kept private. If the results are positive, it’ll give the workers an idea on where
they need to have their next sites at the most. If there’s a certain number of people infected with the virus, then they’ll add a site in that area. The city of Fort Worth provides testing at 10 other locations around Tarrant County. TCC did not organize this testing but rather volunteered their parking lot as a drive-through testing site. “I’m glad they're doing testing especially when it’s free, regardless
if it’s a spit test or in the nose,” TR student Devin Jones said. “I just wish TCC would have given us the information, emailed us or something.” Jones said he would consider taking it now since he knows about it and will spread the word. “It makes sense though because they need those parking lot areas for their sites,” she said. Meyers said the city would
need the sites at schools and churches because they are the most public places she considers spreading the word to her classes. Students seemed more interested in the fact that it's free and painless unlike the test done with a tip going through one’s noses. For more information, Whittenburg and his team said to go to fortworthtexas.gov/COVID-19 and to see more sites closer to home.
DISTRICT
DISTRICT
LINDA PUGA
Transferring from community college during a pandemic
Student organizations thrive despite districtwide shutdown campus editor
Three weeks into the fall semester and the Student Activities team at each campus has been hard at work creating an inclusive and remote environment for students to connect in our new normal. Eddie Brassart, TR assistant director of Student Development Services, sees the process to an online setting as a refreshing experience. “It forces you to think outside of the box and be creative,” Brassart said. Brassart said student activities
“If anything, the online environment is allowing students more flexibility to attend programs they might have otherwise missed,” McCloskey said.”
Eddie Brassart
TR assistant director of SDS
have been seeking ideas to bring engagement to life this semester. With that comes refining on-campus programs for something that can work online. “The most challenging part has been figuring out how to get information about co-curricular programs and activities in front of students,” Brassart said. As far as the future of TCC, Brassart said the online programming will continue and will be blended with in-person activities. “Student Activities is here to provide opportunities to supplement the learning taking place in the classroom so however a student is comfortable engaging, we want to be able to offer that.” South student Alfredo Ornelas is involved through his campus and continues to engage in volunteer opportunities. He serves as treasurer for his Phi Theta Kappa chapter and is a member of the Food Pantry and Cornerstone Honors Program. Ornelas believes that Phi Theta Kappa has done well with having online events. “We have weekly meetings as
officers and also have our meetings with members,” Ornelas said. “We also do online conferences, like regionals.” He and the members of the Cornerstone program meet once a month on Zoom where they catch up on the things happening in their lives as students. How programs operate has shifted while still maintaining those same events in an online space, NW coordinator of student activities Rachael McCloskey said. “If anything, the online environment is allowing students more flexibility to attend programs they might have otherwise missed,” McCloskey said. McCloskey said students should join organizations to stay engaged. To keep students in the loop about events and programs, the campus uses emails and an assortment of pages within the TCC homepage. McCloskey loves the students’ ability to watch replays of events on demand. “I love that we can save our events,” McCloskey said. “I’d like to be able to do that in the future.”
MEGAN TOWERY reporter
Covid-19 has altered how community college students will transfer to universities. With TCC campuses closed, many students don’t know the necessary steps to transfer to universities. Students can still access the campus transfer centers located on each campus for help. NW transfer center coordinator Rachelle Montero said the transfer center is a great way to search for the best options. “The transfer center assists with transfer advising to ensure you are picking the right courses based upon major,” Montero said. The transfer center hours on all campuses are open from nine a.m to 6 p.m Monday through Friday and closed on Saturday and Sunday. Students should make sure that their credit hours are transferable to the college of their choice.
Not all credit hours go to all universities, so it is important to check that information. South student Yulonda Smith says “The transfer center was useful with information about campuses.” She learned about the next steps that she needs to take about applying for scholarships, grants and about the college of her choice. Another student at TR who will transfer next semester said she likes how easy and straightforward the university was about what they had to offer to her when it came about applying there and the cost of tuition. She said the transfer center provides a smooth transition from TCC to a university. After a quick virtual tour of the campus, she enjoyed the scenery too. The transfer center also has 30-minute virtual tours of the campuses students are inquiring about. TR transfer coordinator Laura Escamilla said these are held 1 p.m. every Tuesday through Nov. 17.
Page 2 • September 16, 2020
Entertainment
MOVIE REVIEW
Nolan returns with wild spy-fi homerun
Photos courtesy Warner Brothers Pictures
John David Washington stars along Robert Pattinson in Nolan’s return to the big screen with “Tenet” leading audiences through a time twisting adventure. MADDY REMINGTION campus editor
Christopher Nolan does it again with his new film, “Tenet,” centering around a CIA operative tasked with the daunting mission to balance the future and the past to prevent World War III. The film opens up with a bang, throwing the audience right into the action and the pace doesn’t stop throughout the entire film.
This international espionage action-packed thriller has the audience on the edge of its seat. “Tenet” starts by introducing an unnamed CIA agent, also known as the Protagonist, who is on a mission to protect the Ukrainian National Opera House from foreign terrorists. This mission proves to the CIA that the Protagonist’s duty transcends national interest because he sacrifices his life to protect the identities of his teammates. The Pro-
Washington takes on the role of Protagonist along side Elizabeth Debicki as Kat in Christopher Nolan’s new movie “Tenet”. Here they take a ride to meet the villian.
tagonist, played by John David Washington, is then tasked with a mission to save the world from an unknown threat. On this new mission, the Protagonist is briefed on a new kind of weapon, inverted bullets. Essentially, the inverted bullet reacts to what happens to them. These inverted weapons could affect the past, which the CIA thinks is indicative of World War III in the future. The weapons affected by inversion are a big question mark to not only the audience but the main characters as well because they are manufactured in the future. The inversion is an interesting element that leaves the audience with a lot of questions. This inversion theme also shows the backward element to the story showcasing the confounding paradox of the future and the past affecting each other and vice versa. The presentation of the inverted sense of time through the cinematography is calculated and impressive. The editing, done by Jennifer Lame, is precise and adds to the film by making the action more intense. Numerous flashback scenes are embedded perfectly without taking away from the conversation. Any action-packed thriller can have tons of fight scenes but this film does it better than most. The sound mixing of the action scenes adds to the intensity and creates an element of suspense. Subtle sound effects intensify scenes, but the use of action music is unparalleled. Several big-name actors with immaculate portfolios make the film more entertaining
without taking away from the central conflict. The actors play off each other and match each others’ energies with their lines. Washington gives an impressive performance as the Protagonist, highlighting the character’s complexity. He showcases his softer side by caring for Kat, played by Elizabeth Debicki, but yet doesn’t lose his tough CIA exterior. It’s hard to believe he doesn’t work for the CIA in real life. CIA operatives are often portrayed as heartless and tough, but this film shows there is more to people than just what they do. Washington as well as the incredible screenplay provides a compelling and relatable character that makes this film’s intricate plot more entertaining. The relationship between Kat and the Protagonist and how they rely on each other to stay alive adds some genuine humanity to the film. The beginning of the plot is quite confusing and leaves the audience with many questions. All the action happens quickly and the scenes pile together. However, halfway through the film, a twist answers all of the audience’s questions. For the first tentpole release since the pandemic began, this is a must-watch film for anyone interested in spyfi, time-twisting, or James Bond-like movies. Nolan boasts an impressive reservoir of films, and “Tenet” is the icing on the cake for his portfolio.
DISNEY+ REVIEW
Live action remake swings into action on Disney+ MALIK GILES
managing editor
Photos courtesy Disney +
Liu Yifei portrays Hua Mulan in live action remake of Disney’s Mulan. The film takes a more serious tone than animated film.
After multiple delays due to the pandemic, Disney’s “Mulan” finally released on Disney+. This live recreation of the 1998 animation is far from musical and stays on the light, action-adventure side. Viewers should watch this movie not expecting any similarities between the two. Though the movie is different from its original given the fact that characters such as “Mushu” was cut from the movie, it still has the format of a Disney movie. Even though the world is a dark place where chivalry was taken extremely, most of the characters seemed light hearted. For instance, Xianniang the witch was portrayed as the all-powerful villain in the shadows, but switches sides and later dies for Mulan. That sounds like a heartbreaking twist, but the character wasn’t used to her full potential. Of course, she was a foil for Mulan to raise up and beat the main villain at the end, but the story never truly explained why she was with Böri Khan, the man who waged war across the country. He said he found her as a street rat and that was it, with no flashback and weird narration from the narrator explaining her origin. The narrator was only there about three times and the first time he narrated was 15 minutes into the movie. Viewers were con-
fused about the narrator’s source because it was such an odd time to make an introduction. It was an all Chinese cast so that is why this is a unique Disney movie. Just like the Lion King’s remake, this is cultural. It seemed like Mulan had way too much plot armor, and she was hardly in any danger. The narrator never shares how her chi, the movie explains as a magical power that almost everyone has, is stronger than everyone else. Overpowered characters with no explanation why can make a story plain and simple, but the movie isn’t dry. It was funny watching Mulan live with the men and cool to see their relationship integrate. Though Mulan looked nothing like a man, by not taking too many showers and sinking like one, she sure fooled the men she was training and living with. Lastly, the special effects did the movie zero justice. The slow-motion effects were overused, and the jumping scene made it obvious that the actors were using lines to hold them. This movie seems like it’ll be a good origin story for a sequel, given there’s little background for some key characters. It’s not worth $34.99, Disney+ users should either split the cost between friends and family or wait till it comes out for free on Dec. 4.
Opinion Viewpoints
September 16, 2020 • Page 3
Editorial
Why your vote can Heritage influences make a difference future generations
MADDY REMINGTION campus editor
Why should we even vote? That’s a question with many answers. Still, so many Americans choose not to use their voice by voting. Many respond that it is our duty as American citizens, our chance to be heard, and our way for us to make a change. The one thing not heard as often is an election can make a difference in each of our lives. An election can make a difference in ones real estate taxes. It can make a difference in what policies the school board decides on that affect ones children. It can make a difference in what services are available. Elections are far more than just a presidential election. In fact, it’s local elections that truly count. Elections touch every one of our lives by allowing us to have a say in
what our representatives are focusing their energy on like how much money is allocated to roads, social services, schools, etc. Politicians represent one’s interests, so if one wants something prioritized in government, vote to elect officials that will prioritize issues important to the people. A common misconception is that one’s vote for president doesn’t matter because of the Electoral College. But it could come down to a single state deciding between a Republican or Democratic administration because of the Electoral College. And who knows? This year, it might be Texas. Historically, elections have been overlooked. In 2016, only 66.7% took to the polls out of the 1 million registered Tarrant County voters. Now more than ever, one should care about what’s happening with our local representatives making policies pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. One can research each of the people on your ballot using the free website, ballotready.org. One can also register to vote using vote.org. The deadline to register to vote in Texas is Oct. 5. If you don’t like politics, then change the way the political landscape is made by voting the public servants into office that are in it for the people, not their self-interests. The people give the government power, so take charge of one government and go to the polls.
Video games aren’t all about graphics
MICHEAL FOSTER-SANDERS editor-in-chief
The eighth generation of video game consoles will be in stores across the country in two months with the arrival of the Xbox Series X. The promise of the most powerful game system in history is that it will bring gamers realistic graphics, no load times, blah, blah, blah. But I don’t care about any of that. Where are the innovative storytelling experiences contemporary gaming promises? I’ve been gaming since I was 3 years old, meaning since 1986. Yes readers, I’m an old fart. I played on my older cousins’ game systems first. The Atari’s, Colecovison and Matel’s Intellivision. The basic blocky graphics of the systems with just blips and bloops for sound made me feel joy. There were no elaborate stories
— it was all about trying to have the highest score on the screen and people dethroning their competitor. Then for my 4th birthday, I was blessed to receive a Nintendo Entertainment System. Sliding those grey cartridges into a VCR-like box — that was where my love for gaming really took off. Being a pair of soldiers named Bill and Lance armed with a spread gun taking on Alien invasion in Contra made me feel something inside, because I was invested in the story. As new systems started to increase the power of the hardware, the stories became more elaborate, emotional and innovative. The Journey that Samus Aran embarked on in the game Super Metroid for Super NES was the first game to provoke an emotional response from me. Samus was near death from the chaotic fight of the villain Mother brain. Before Mother Brain could land the killing blow, crashing through the wall was the good metroid who took a liking to you and sacrificed itself by attacking mother brain so you were energized to win the fight. I cried tears of joy, and that sacrifice meant something. It brings the gamer into the narrative. That’s what innovative storytelling means. Maybe with the next generation innovative storytelling will become important again.
Amber Davis/The Collegian
Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of the history and culture of Hispanic Americans. What started out as a weeklong event in 1968 is now a month-long celebration each year. The first day, Sept. 15, marks the independence won by Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Following that is the independence of Mexico, Chile and Belize, with the festivities continuing through Oct. 15. As a Hispanic American, even without throwing huge parties or attending parades, it is still important to recognize and reflect over the hallmarks that have led us to where we are today. The Texas Tribune analyzed the U.S. Census and found that the Hispanic population has significantly risen throughout the last decade, growing by 2,064,657. As of right now, Hispanics are on track to be the largest population in Texas by the middle of next year. Out of the biggest counties in the state with a Hispanic population, Tarrant County is currently home to the fastest growing amount of Hispanic residents. With the increased population of one group of people comes a fusion of different ethnicities and cultures. To this day, we are still learning about one another and striving to coexist in harmony. Hispanics are also a minority group through a nationwide lens. Within this past decade, we’ve seen dual language classes for students who don’t possess English as their first language, as well as an influx of first generation college students in community colleges and four-year universities.
In the world we’re living in today, it’s more important than ever for unity among everyone regardless of race, religion and sexual orientation. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to learn from one another and to see importance in the history that’s shaped them to be who they are. We appreciate the legacy artist Frida Kahlo left behind, and milestones like Oscar Hijuelos being the first Hispanic to win a Pulitzer Prize for his fiction work. It is important to remember the Hispanic culture that’s been integrated through music, literature, as well as movies and TV shows. Plus, the amazing food the culture brings enriches everyone’s lives. We recall the first Latina astronaut Ellen Ochoa, Richard Cavazos who became the first Hispanic four-star general in the Army and Puerto-Rican Sylvia Rivera, an LGBTQ activist and Civil Rights pioneer whose impact created the Sylvia Rivera Law Project to aid and protect unrepresented communities. We celebrate Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the first Latina to serve in Congress, and Octaviano Larrazola who was the first Hispanic American to be a U.S. Senator. We honor our first Hispanic MLB Hall of Fame player Roberto Clemente, as well as chef and activist José Andrés who supported families with meals after Hurricane Maria in 2017 and workers throughout the month-long government shutdown last year. There have been many firsts. History that has been made that people never thought could happen. These notable figures among so many others have paved the way for this generation and the ones to come. Not only to rewrite history, but to create one that’s their own.
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Page 4 • September 16, 2020
Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrating the icons of Hispanic culture Heritage and culture influence future generations by giving them something to see where they came from, and how far they have come. With the 52nd anniversary of
Hispanic Heritage month at hand, and the climate of this country. It’s vital to show the contributions of hispanic figures throughout history.
frida Kahlo Frida Kahlo was a mexican painter born in Mexico City, Mexico on July 6, 1907. Her paintings were mostly self-portraits and political inspired that tackled themes like race, class, gender, and sexual orientation. She is an icon to many groups and organizations such as the LGBTQ+ community. Some of her notable works are the “Henry Ford Hospital,” “My Birth,” and “Memory, the Heart.”
Roberto Clemente Roberto Clemente was an 18 year veteran of Major League Baseball. Hailing from Carolina, Puerto Rico he became an all star outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Along with being inducted into the baseball hall of fame, he posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his works with bringing the game of baseball to underprivileged children.
Sylvia Rivera Sylvia Rivera was a transgender rights activist, and fighter for gay liberation. Born in New York City Rivera, despite being an orphan, and was homeless at the age of 11 overcame boundaries to make her an important figure in the LGBTQ community in the seventies. Rivera co-founded Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries which was a group to helping young drag queens, gay youth and trans women.
Ellen ocha In 1993, Ellen Ochoa became the first Hispanic woman to go to space and served a nine day mission aboard the space shuttle Discovery. She was also the first Hispanic director of the Johnson Space Center. Ochoa was born on May 10, 1958 in Los Angeles, California. She achieved a bachelor’s degree in physics from San Diego State University and a master’s degree and doctorate in electrical engineering from Stanford University. She received many awards such as NASA’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Medal. Illustration by Amber Davis/The Collegian