WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020
VOLUME 28 ISSUE 17
WHO PROTECTS US? 8
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TRANSITION ONLINE
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Mortgaging the house for coffee since 1993
RIOTERS ARE PROTESTORS, TOO
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REVIEW: RUN THE JEWELS 4
VOL. 28 // ISSUE 17
Opinion Editor Carissa Wiens carissa@ufvcascade.ca
Culture & Events Editor Andrea Sadowski andrea@ufvcascade.ca
Arts in Review Editor Chandy Dancey chandy@ufvcascade.ca
Feature Editor Darien Johnsen darien@ufvcascade.ca Digital Media Manager Anoop Dhaliwal anoop@ufvcascade.ca Graphic designer Shara Hamed
Sports Editor Alex Jesus alex@ufvcascade.ca Production Assistant Anoop Dhaliwal
Illustrator Kayt Hine
Photographer David Myles
Illustrator Rain Neeposh
Staff Writer Aleister Gwynne
Sports Writer Nic Jackson
Staff Writer Nicholas Ashenhurst-Toews
Social Media Coordinator Daniela Vasquez
Staff Writer Krystina Spracklin
CONTRIBUTORS Sydney Marchand Front Cover: Shara Hamed
WWW.UFVCASCADE.CA
@UFVCASCADE FACEBOOK.COM/UFVCASCADE INSTAGRAM.COM/UFVCASCADE Volume 28 · Issue 17 Room S2111 33844 King Road Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8 604.854.4529
The Cascade is UFV’s autonomous student newspaper. It originated under its current name in 1993, and achieved autonomy from the university and the Student Union Society in 2002. This means that The Cascade is a forum for UFV students to have their journalism published in an entirely student-run setting. It also acts as an alternative press for the Fraser Valley. The Cascade is funded with UFV student funds, and is overseen by the Cascade Journalism Society Board, a body run by a student majority. The Cascade is published every Wednesday with a print circulation of 800 and is distributed at Abbotsford, Chilliwack (CEP), Clearbrook, and Mission UFV campuses and throughout the surrounding communities. The Cascade is open to written, photo, and design work from all students; these can come in the form of a pitch to an editor, or an assignment from an editor. Pitch meetings will be digital for the remainder of the semester. Please email managing@ufvcascade.ca to be put on the assignment email list. In order to be published in the newspaper, all work must first be approved by The Cascade’s editor-in-chief, copy editor, and corresponding section editor. The Cascade reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity and length. The Cascade will not print any articles that contain racist, sexist, homophobic, or libellous content. Letters to the editor, while held to the same standard, are unedited, and should be under 200 words. As The Cascade is an autonomous student publication, opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect that of UFV, The Cascade’s staff and collective, or associated members. The Cascade is published on the traditional, unceded territory of the Stó:lō peoples. We are grateful to be able to work and learn on this beautiful land.
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OPINION
News Editor Sam Young samuel@ufvcascade.ca
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8- 9 ARTS
Copy Editor Kat Marusiak kat@ufvcascade.ca
NEWS
Production Manager Elyssa English elyssa@ufvcascade.ca
Creative Director Mikaela Collins mikaela@ufvcascade.ca
CONTENTS
FEATURE
Business Manager Aneesha Narang aneesha@ufvcascade.ca
Managing Editor Nadia Tudhope nadia@ufvcascade.ca
CULTURE
Executive Editor Jessica Barclay jessica@ufvcascade.ca
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10 Snapshots.......7
16.......Study Break
NEWS UFV international......3
3......Senate overview
OPINION Rioting is protesting.......4 Editorial.......5
5.......Dear Robin 6.......Racism in Canada
Second wave of COVID-19.......6 CULTURE Cascade Kitchen......10
10.......Online learning
SPORTS Volleyball.......11
11......Sport cancellations
ARTS The Midnight Gospel......12 The Conscious Creative......14 TED Talks Daily......15
13......Run the Jewels album review 14......We Wish You Luck 15......Cascade Rewind
VOL. 28 // ISSUE 17
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020
news@ufvcascade.ca Sam Young — News Editor
NEWS
UFV //
NEWS BRIEFS
Trans Mountain pipeline spills in Abbotsford Trans Mountain reported Sunday that between an estimated 150,000 and 190,000 litres of crude oil spilled from a pump station in Sumas. B.C.’s Ministry of the Environment had previously estimated that only 1,500 litres had been spilled when the incident was first reported Saturday. In a statement, Trans Mountain said crews are working “around the clock” to address the spill, and that all freestanding oil has already been recovered and is being taken to a facility to be disposed of. The company also said that groundwater monitoring is already in place, and that no risks to the public have been detected.
- Global News
Premier Horgan says B.C. will review Police Act After weeks of unrest and protest around the world following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, B.C. Premier John Horgan called for a review of how policing is conducted within the province. Horgan described calls to defund police as a simplistic approach to a complicated issue, and said an allparty committee will be formed to examine policing in B.C. Grand Chief Stewart Philip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, said another review is not what is needed. “We don’t need another committee, another study, another report to declare the obvious, that there should not be any racist harassment,” he said.
- The Canadian Press
Time zones, online learning, and quarantines How the coronavirus will affect UFV’s international students ANDREA SADOWSKI UFV international students are facing a specific set of challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the International department has been adapting the support they offer to meet these challenges. David McGuire, associate vice president of UFV International, said learning in different time zones, adjusting to online learning platforms, and travel restrictions are just some of the unique challenges UFV’s international students are experiencing with distance learning. “UFV International, as well as other service areas at UFV, are still offering the same levels of support, albeit in an online format,'' said McGuire via email. “We’ve been running peer mentorship programming, programming dealing with transition to Canada support, and workshops that focus on immigration-related issues. These have all been well attended. Furthermore, we’re taking time differences into consideration in scheduling these so that students in many parts of Asia, for example, can take part.” The time barrier is another challenge, as the majority of UFV’s international students are from India, which is 12.5 hours ahead of Pacific Time. Many classes are offered in an asynchronous delivery mode so stu-
dents are able to work through classes on their own schedule. When it comes to the online learning format, McGuire said the feedback from international students has been extremely positive and many of them are enjoying taking their classes online. “Today’s students are incredibly adept at using digital resources to learn. UFV is here to help international students and to answer their questions,” he said. McGuire stated that the number of continuing students remains strong, but, as expected, the university has had fewer students enroll for the summer semester. He said he was unsure at this time how many new international students will register for the fall semester. With classes being offered online, students have a choice between staying in their home country or coming to Canada. “Ultimately, students should do whatever they feel is best for them — both for their academic success and their health,” said McGuire. “We welcome international students and we understand the picture looks a little different, but we are making sure the experience is fulfilling and provides a high-quality education in a supportive environment.” For all international students who have valid study permits, or were approved for study permits on or before March 18, 2020, travel restrictions will be lifted by the federal
government. Travellers still need to pass a health check as required by the airline in order to board flights. International students also need to have a quarantine plan in place upon arrival, meaning they need to have somewhere to completely isolate themselves for their first 14 days in Canada. Online courses will not affect the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. According to the federal government’s immigration and citizenship website, students can complete up to 50 per cent of their program outside of Canada in an online format if they cannot come to Canada sooner. As well, all international students who work in essential services are now permitted to work more than 20 hours per week until Aug. 31, 2020. International student Linh Nguyen said via email that her main concern was the increased tuition for international students. She said it adds a lot more financial pressure on her family in Vietnam since the global economy has been deflated by the pandemic. Tuition fees for international students have changed from a flat fee of $8,925 for a maximum of five courses in Winter 2019, to $7,560 for a 12-credit course load, with $630 per extra credit. That figure does not include student and ancillary fees, international administration fee, and the medical and dental plan.
Senate //
Senate overview: COVID-19 update, name changes SAM YOUNG Senate is the academic governing body of UFV, with the university president and vice chancellor Joanne MacLean as the chair. They are responsible for making decisions on everything academic: approving new courses and programs, approving changes to programs, setting entrance requirements, and setting the academic calendar. The Board of Governors, which looks at the business side of the university, is advised by Senate on matters of mutual interest. All at the university are welcome to attend Senate’s public meetings, which are usually held once a month at either the Abbotsford or the CEP campus, but
are currently hosted online via Bluejeans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate makes decisions that impact the daily lives of both students and faculty. COVID-19 update from the provost James Mandigo, provost and vicepresident academic, delivered an update on UFV’s continued efforts to address COVID-19. Mandigo explained that there are multiple committees overseeing the university’s response to the pandemic. The Academic Continuity Committee was formed to address “anything that relates to academic matters,” and the Operations Continuity Committee meets on issues
“related to the operations of the university.” He said recommendations made by these groups are then brought before an Emergency Operations Committee, where final decisions are made. Since last month’s Senate meeting, several programs have now returned to face-to-face instruction, including the dental assistant, welding, joinery, culinary, electrical, carpentry, automotive, and assessment services programs. He added that UFV’s Trades and Technology Centre, which has a capacity for approximately 650 people, is currently set
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NEWS Senate //
Senate overview: COVID-19 update, name changes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 up to allow for 100 people to safely attend. According to Mandigo, only some programs have been approved for limited face-to-face learning in the fall semester. Those programs include biology, chemistry, physics, agriculture, visual arts, kinesiology, and nursing. He said that teacher education may also be included on this list, pending a decision from the provin-
OPINION
cial body that oversees it. Mandigo said that any program not mentioned on this list will be exclusively offered online in the fall. He also said that all exams, regardless of program, will be delivered online for the fall semester. Name changes approved for CIS and library departments Senate also voted to approve changes to
the titles of multiple departments. The department of computer information systems (CIS) will now be called the school of computing, and the department of library and information technology will be called the department of information studies. Tracy Ryder Glass, dean of professional studies, explained the rationale for both changes during deliberations. Speaking to senators about the change, she argued that the establishment of a school of com-
puting at UFV is related to the program’s exponential growth in terms of both enrollment and scope. Later, citing a memo from Christina Neigel, department head of library and information technology, Glass said the change to information studies is “consistent with programming across the province,” and helps to keep the name of the department distinct from the name of the program itself.
opinion@ufvcascade.ca Carissa Wiens — Opinion Editor
World //
Rioters are protestors, too Why should you peacefully protest against your violent oppressors? ADRIAN RAIN Canada thought it was dealing with civil disobedience when Wet’suwet’en refused to remove a 10-year-old cultural centre so fracking giant TC Energy could build their natural gas pipeline — a pipeline that was condemned by the United Nations, no less. Protesting by blocking railways was also branded civil disobedience this past February. You might like to think “Ahh, what simple times.” Today, the label of civil disobedience is also being applied to protests against police brutality that were sparked by the murder of George Floyd. These are two very disparate worlds of protest, but we use the same words to group them together. It’s becoming obvious that any protest that disrupts the status quo is unwelcome. So what happens when we follow the rules and protest the way authorities want us to? Acceptable protests are “peaceful” and are lauded by policy makers and law enforcers everywhere. These are protests where a couple thousand people gather in a street, chant for a bit, maybe sing songs, and then promptly disperse at curfew and go home; things wouldn’t have to get violent if every protest was like that, right? Except that isn’t the case, as we saw from the peaceful protest at Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C., where 25 minutes before curfew police shot tear gas, flashbangs, rubber bullets, and pepper balls at the non-violent protestors. This was the same peaceful protest where Tim Myers, a member of the Australian press, was punched in the face live on air by a police officer. We see protest organisers disavow looting and rioting at every turn — which is understandable. Nobody wants their civil rights movement to be associated with civil disobedience. Governors, mayors, and even the White House press secretary have been invoking Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s name in a mad dash to whitewash the history of civil rights protests in America.
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They’re asking protestors to be peaceful, to not sully the dream he had for America while conveniently forgetting that Martin Luther King Jr.’s peaceful protests were also met with cruel violence from police. They conveniently forget
that MLK Jr., despite his non-violence, was assassinated anyway. Despite his non-violence, we are still fighting for civil rights 52 years after his death. So if peaceful protest doesn’t work, we commit civil disobedience. When civil disobedience doesn’t work, we riot. And I don’t want to hear politicians and police chiefs complain about violence when both the United States of America and
Canada were built on the back of violence against people of colour. The RCMP shouldn't complain about Indigenous land protectors stopping trains when the RCMP’s first job was to starve and displace Indigenous peoples from their lands. American police forces shouldn’t complain about black people blocking the streets when they started off as runaway slave patrols. What authority figures are saying when they call for peaceful protests is that they want protests that are easy to ignore. They want protestors that disband at curfew — protestors that turn the other cheek when they’re shot in the eye with rubber bullets. They want protestors who go home feeling satisfied while the world moves on from yet another forgettable peaceful protest. In a heartbreakingly prescient 1968 speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said: “But it is not enough for me to stand before you tonight and condemn riots. It would be morally irresponsible for me to do that without, at the same time, condemning the contingent, intolerable conditions that exist in our society.” Rioters are protesting the only way they can in a society that will ignore them if they stay silent, and maim or assassinate them if they protest peacefully. I can’t say that looting and rioting are good, but I could never in good conscience make the claim that the riots and the protests are separate issues. They’re the same. Rioters are protestors, too.
Illustration by Kayt Hine
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020
VOL. 28 // ISSUE 17
OPINION Editorial //
Anti-racism can’t end when the protests do JESSICA BARCLAY The death of George Floyd has ignited the fury of communities experiencing violence and discrimination at the hands of police officers across North America. Protests erupted in most major cities in the U.S., and have forced the increased media coverage of current and historical police violence and racism that racialized people face day to day. With energy high and the mass protests firmly in the global spotlight, the changes they have brought — such as the disbanding of the Minneapolis police force, the removal of racist statues, and the resignation of corrupt officials — appear to be major victories, and they are. But while change is happening now, it is happening on too small of a scale and in too few places. Unfortunately, peaceful protesting and signing petitions are small acts that are easily and all too often ignored, as was seen with the recent Wet'suwet'en protests and ongoing protest in Hong Kong. They can be the catalyst for change, but only when there is leadership in place that listens and acts. We need to demand that black, Indigenous, and people of colour are proportionally represented in places of leadership within our communities and our governing bodies. In the dreamland that too many people believe they live in, some may say racialized people just need to apply within these organizations and work their way up to positions of authority. Wage disparities indicate otherwise. Canada’s 2016 census found that for those who were born in Canada and university-educated, visible minorities earned 87.4 cents for every dollar white peers made. A 2020 analysis of the data concluded that racialized people were more likely to be employed in “lower paying sectors and occupations.” Furthermore, a 2016 report found that visible minorities were just less likely to be represented in leadership positions. In Ottawa, visible minorities made up 12 per cent of leadership positions despite being nearly 20 per cent of the population. Carving out required diversity in institutions should never be seen or treated as “having diversity for the sake of diversity.” Diverse voices are needed for concrete change toward anti-racist institutions; those who have never been touched by racism really have a limited place to speak on what exactly
needs to be changed. Attempts to create diversity are too often met with criticism. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's promise to have a cabinet made up equally of men and women was heavily criticized as being a political statement instead of an actual movement toward gender equality. Universities that have created spaces for Indigenous students, such as elder-in-residence initiatives, have been criticized by some for similar: lip-service, serving to reflect positively on an institution without bringing deep-seated change. Whatever the original intent, though, the result is powerful: these voices are now increasing in institutions. They are sitting at the table for policy discussions and conversations around how to develop inclusive and anit-racist workspaces. Looking locally, we can, of course, vote. Many marginalized communities have historically felt discouraged from participating in elections, especially when the politics don’t reflect their actual needs. White people, the majority in most electoral regions, can vote for leaders in municipal, provincial, and federal elections that see anti-racist institutions as a priority instead of a side project. It isn’t necessarily about initially electing people, but it shows that there is substantial support for these leaders and their initiatives. We can also write personalized letters to specific local organizations that lack diverse representation or are not keeping promises of anti-racism. Is there diverse instruction at your university? Is anyone in charge of consulting with Indigenous groups for the provincial government actually Indigenous? Do committees working on police reform actually contain racialized people? Although online petitions and emails are now replacing the traditional mass letterwriting campaigns, handwritten letters delivered directly to the mailbox of politicians and leaders are impactful and show a level of engagement digital communication does not. A physical letter is also harder to delete than an email and much harder to unfollow than a social media activism campaign. Racism is deeply ingrained in our society and major reform is clearly in our institutions and social programs. The Black Lives Matter movement cannot end when protests die down and another trend begins on social media; there is too much at stake. Diverse voices are needed at the table — or better yet in charge — of reforms, because the voices of the majority have not been enough.
Humour //
Dear Robin
ROBIN HALPER Life is tough and confusing and weird. We all need help sometimes, and when you need an expert opinion, you turn to an expert opinion-giver like Robin Halper. Whatever problem you’re facing in life, Robin will have a solution. The Cascade cannot guarantee the effectiveness of Robin’s unique approach to life, but if you’re in a jam, get some advice by writing to halp@ufvcascade.ca Relative relationships Dear Robin, It turns out my aunt harbours a lot of racist views. She’s been posting some pretty horrid stuff on Facebook, and I’m tired of getting into passive-agressive arguments with her in the comment section. How do I help her see that her views are extremely harmful while not losing my temper at her? Sincerely, Niece of a Karen Hello, Instead of spending your evenings for the next however long commenting on her offensive Facebook posts, I recommend preparing for the time when your arguments will truly count: Thanksgiving. This will be the time when your family will all be gathered, your Aunt Karen will get a little wine drunk, and she’ll most likely spew out some incredibly rude things. So spend the next four months preparing for how to respond with compassion, care,
truth, and whip-smart wit to Aunt Karen’s comments. She won’t even know what hit her. Robin The family home Dear Robin, I’m having a tough time swallowing the fact that I won’t be moving back to Abbotsford in the fall for university but instead living at home with my family. I don’t know how I’m going to survive doing another few months with them. What should I do? Sincerely, Smothered Hey, No matter what stage in life you’re in, living with your family can be difficult. Since post-secondary education will probably be online for the rest of our lives, you might as well face the facts and move out now and move out for good. Apply for a student loan to pay the bills, and go nuts on renting a 300-squarefoot bachelor apartment for you and your hamster. If you want to get further away from your parents, just go to a different city than them and “accidentally” block them on social media so they can’t see how great your life is without them. Robin
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VOL. 28 // ISSUE 17
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020
OPINION B.C. //
Canada //
Experts warn to prepare against a second, more dangerous wave of COVID-19
What BLM can teach us about racism in Canada
Bracing ourselves Take a long look in for the second wave the mirror, Canada KRYSTINA SPRACKLIN COVID-19’s global foothold is far from disappearing, and B.C. is nowhere close to resuming business as usual. The provincial government’s website, like many, has a dedicated area that documents resources pertaining to the novel coronavirus, reopening initiatives the government is implementing or plans to implement, and financial benefits for those affected by the stay-at-home orders. The reopening phases include three parts — as of June 16, we are currently in phase two, but Premier John Horgan and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, aim to start transitioning to phase three later this month. Phase three entails reopening hotels, resorts, schools, post-secondary institutions, parks, cinemas, and small symphonies “under enhanced protocols,” which also permits domestic travel throughout B.C. again. The reaction to this transition is mixed, as many still feel the dangers of COVID-19 outweigh the necessity of
Illustration by Kayt Hine
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a movie night out or taking the kids to a community park. But those suffering wage loss who do not qualify for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and its student variant (CESB) are desperate to return to the workforce. There are also concerns about the economic ramifications that will arise because of provincial shutdowns. It’s important to note that B.C. health advisors have no intention to remove social restrictions completely until a vaccine has been introduced and herd immunity can be safely implemented. The idea is to start easing guidelines — not lift them. However, talk of herd immunity also suggests a regretfully unrealistic presumption that COVID-19 could be eliminated after the introduction of a vaccine, but fear-mongering from anti-vaxxers (a person who opposes the use of vaccines to ward off dangerous, and often fatal, disease) through social media could disrupt the needed majority. For instance, back in 1998, Canada was officially declared free of measles. Thanks to vaccine misinformation efforts and parents refusing to vaccinate their children, Canada is once again monitoring measles cases, and in order for herd immunity to be effective against this particular disease, 95 per cent of the population needs to be vaccinated. Data collected from the Public Health Agency of Canada reveals that in 2017, only 75.8 per cent of children were vaccinated against measles. The numbers for COVID-19 could be different — but until the pathogen’s reproduction number (R0, pronounced R-naught) is determined, experts will remain unsure. The reproduction number is an estimation of how many new cases will spread from a single infected person. For example, a measles patient is likely to spread it to 12-18 people, making
DARIEN JOHNSEN The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has been sweeping the globe. It has prompted an outpouring of support from people online, and has even sparked multiple demonstrations not just in the U.S. but also in Canada, like the ones in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Vancouver two Fridays ago. Abbotsford is not immune to racism. This has been an ongoing problem in our town for a while, but manifested itself in a disgusting reality last week when an Abbotsford woman tweeted out that she “couldn’t sleep” and had to go around town in a rage and pull down all the BLM posters. This is possibly the same person who desecrated the memorial left for George Floyd under the downtown Abbotsford Christmas tree. While there are obvious acts of racism rearing their heads in response to BLM, other people are starting to critically examine what internalized and institutionalized racism looks like in their communities. Along with this, the notion that Canada is less racist than the States is being critically examined; no, that’s putting it lightly — it’s being ripped wide open and exposed for what it is. We are a nation built on racism. The reality is, yes, Canada had black slaves; yes, Canada segregated black communities; yes, Canada’s police unfairly target black Canadians; and yes, there is a wealth gap between black Canadians and non-visible minorities. The Tyee reported that despite making up only eight per cent of the population in Toronto, black people made up 37 per cent of victims killed in police encounters. Knowing the facts is one thing, but understanding underlying implicitly racist attitudes or biases is where the work for white people lies, because it is not always obvious. When we grow up
it a highly contagious disease. This uncertainty also explains why experts can’t ascertain exactly what a second wave of COVID-19 might look like — just that its strike looks inevitable. The mislabeled Spanish flu that killed over 50 million and infected 500 million people last century had three notable waves, and scientists speculate that its R0 was between 1.4 and 2.8. Our provincial statistics suggest that we are nearing the end of our first wave, and that B.C. has experienced lower losses of life compared to other provinces.
with a narrative, that narrative becomes internalized, and it takes work to dismantle it. We need to be doing this work even after this movement ends. We also need to be critically examining all of our biased assumptions about race. Black and Indigenous people are riding the same wavelength here: police discrimination, income gaps, historical segregation, and slavery. When the Indigenous-led “Shut Down Canada” movement was in full force in February, the arguments against it were always centered around what some people had to give up because of it, such as lost wages, and so-called “development.” But in the process the actual heart of the movement, the fact that this was a movement about Indigneous lives, was being ignored even as it was being shouted out by Indigneous people nationwide. People argued its legitimacy. Now is the time to re-examine this movement, and re-examine what racism looks like in Canada. Canadians need to stand up against all institutionalized racism. Black lives matter. Indigenous lives matter. No lives matter until these lives can exist without being consistently threatened by the institutions established by and for white people. Let that sink in. More importantly, listen to the marginalized voices when they tell you they are being threatened and traumatized; non-victims do not get to decide if this is legitimate or not. What I hope comes out of this movement is a more critical examination of how and what institutionalized and systemic racism looks like and more people willing to stand up to it all the time. In Canada, it’s both the same as and different than in America. Check on your Indigenous and black neighbours, know their politics, know their struggles, and don’t forget about all this when BLM stops trending.
The fear that surrounds this so-far hypothetical second wave derives from how deadly the Spanish flu’s second wave proved to be. Its unprejudiced infection of healthy, young, and old reflects similar patterns to those of COVID-19. However, despite this lethality, if Canadians continue to follow guidelines, obey restrictions, and keep to home as much as possible — or practice social distancing when they’re outside — there’s always the optimistic hope that we might be ready to ride this wave, too.
SN S AP HO TS
BRIEF BITS OF BITE-SIZED BREVITY
CURTAILED COMMENTARY ON CURRENT CONDITIONS
Illustrations by Rain Neeposh
My summer school sadness is nonexistent When I first entered university, I hit the ground running. As a STEM major, you get immediately thrown into five-credit courses with weekly assignments, regular online quizzes, and separate lab sessions with their own homework and tests. I’m in my fourth year, and for the first time in my university career I’m taking a more laid-back course — and, surprisingly, the credits are in biology! I don’t have group projects; I have discussion boards. I don’t have midterms; I have projects that encourage creativity and thinking outside the box. Instead of stressing myself out trying to cram my
cranium with as much knowledge as I can, I’m learning how to more effectively communicate and have dialogue with others. Having this sort of course in STEM is a rarity, but it is so deeply appreciated when you’re as far as I am into a science-related degree. I feel inspired instead of bogged down by school, and it’s giving me enough time to brainstorm and come up with ideas for my course’s projects that I’m excited about. Who knew summer school could be fun?
Chandy Dancey
Tigger the OG I like Winnie-the-Pooh, okay? It doesn’t matter that I’ll be 25 this August; Pooh Bear is for everyone, and I throw it on from time to time during mental crises. I think of it as a healthy coping mechanism — to escape into the Hundred Acre Wood where problems can be solved with friendship and love is soothing. Recently I put on the original film, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Pooh, and came to the realization that Tigger totally started text slang. In one scene, Tigger uses the term “TTFN,” which stands for “ta ta for now.” This movie came out in 1977,
long before instant messaging became a thing. I also suspect that he started the trend of spelling out his name, which was after appropriated by rappers such as Biggie Smalls and Snoop “D-Oh-Double-G.” (See “T-I-DoubleGuh-Er” from Tigger. It’s a no-brainer.) I think it’s appropriate to conclude that Tigger was setting trends from the get-go.
Darien Johnsen
Youth Slang I just started working at a youth shelter where I am learning an entirely new language of the youth. As an elderly 27 year old, I often need them to translate what it is they are trying to communicate with me and to each other so that I can also be hip and cool, and so I know they are not talking about anything illegal right in front of me. So let me be your guide to the language of the youths. “Wanna deuce a dart?” Translation: Would you like to share a cigarette? “Yo I saw the police and was diddy bopping out of there.” Translation: I had an encounter with the police, and I ran away from them as fast as I could.
“You’re heating me out.” Translation: You’re snitching on me. “Where are you posting up?” Translation: Where do you live? “I’m skied up.” Translation: I’m fresh and ready to go out. “Can you fill my cheeks?” Translation: Can you get me something to eat? “You’re re-upping my style.” Translation: Honestly, I still don’t really know what this means. “You’re lil bro’ing me.” Translation: Also still have no idea.
Andrea Sadowski
Terrifying but beautiful I am fortunate enough to live in an area populated by rich fruit trees and luscious flowering plants. It is no surprise, then, that this time of year I get to see the local bees buzzing around the plants, collecting nectar and pollinating. In the past, I may have walked briskly by these bees, scared of being stung. Though I do not have an allergy to bee stings, I was acutely aware of the memory of being stung and the pain that followed. Now, I am simply fascinated by their work, content to watch from a safe distance with no intention of
bothering them. They go about their business, buzzing from flower to flower, unbothered by the existential thoughts that plague my everyday existence. I like bees. I think they are endearing in their small, fuzzy way. I admire their work ethic. Even if the thought of being stung is still slightly terrifying, I think they are wonderful. Most beautiful things are a little scary.
Nicholas AshenhurstToews
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FEATURE //
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efund the police? Disband? Abolish? What does it all really mean? How could we possibly live in a society without an agency to enforce law and order for our citizens? Who would keep us safe? Is this all just liberal jargon that shouldn’t be taken seriously? The answer is no. It should be taken seriously — but not feared. Last week, Minneapolis city councillors unanimously voted to disband their entire police force as a response to the Black Lives Matter movement and the death of George Floyd. Instead of a police force, Minneapolis will have a community-led public safety system. Their reasoning is that the current model was not redeemable, with Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota congresswoman, stating that it was “rotten to the root.” The “Defund the Police” movement has been migrating into Canada, as well. Specifically, “Defund the VPD” has been sweeping social media over the last few weeks. While it differs from the Minneapolis decision to disband — that is, to tear it all down and build it anew — the movement calls to defund the police force. Defunding does not mean abolishing the police force; rather, it focuses on the reallocation of funds to community programs in the hope that it will reduce the rate of crime and give more power to community members and specialists to solve issues before they become crimes. In many cases, and especially for black people, Indigenous people, and other people of colour (BIPOC) who have had the experience of police being a violent presence, law enforcement can only escalate a situation. Rather than having police respond to everything, including mental health and addiction crises, defunding the police means redirecting funds toward preventative measures such as addiction specialists, social workers, and counsellors. In an article from the website The Appeal discussing the decision to defund and redesign Minneapolis’s emergency response approach, it’s stated that “Law enforcement officers are not equipped to be experts in responding to mental health crises, often leading to tragic results — nationally, about half of police killings involve someone living with mental illness or disability.” While many of the available statistics about police brutality are American, issues with policing are a reality in Canada, too. Earlier this month, a 26-year-old Indigenous woman was shot five times and killed by Edmundston police at her home after authorities had been called by the woman’s ex-boyfriend for a wellness check. Chantel Moore, a mother, was reportedly being harassed by someone in her home, and confided her worry to her ex-boyfriend, who then called the police, asking them to check up on her. Police stated that she emerged from her apartment wielding a knife, and that the officer shot her five times in self-defence. In a response statement to Moore’s death, Grand Stewart Phillip, president of the B.C. Union of Indian Chiefs, stated that “Inaction to dismantle the white supremacy foundational to policing has caused this to be one in a pattern rather than an exception, and I believe we need to tear down the systems that allow for the pattern to continue.” Unfortunately, Indigneous deaths at the hands of Canadian police are not a new or rare phenomenon. While Indigneous people make up five per cent of the population, they account for one-third of people killed by RCMP, according to a report by the Globe and Mail. Violent encounters with police are normal for many Indigenous people in Canada. Just last week shocking dashcam footage of First Nation Chief Allan Adam of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation in Alberta being tackled by RCMP over an expired license plate tag was circulated on the internet. It is just as bad as anything we’ve seen come out of America, and it is not rare. This is Canada. This is what Canada was built on. In fact, the RCMP were created to control Indigenous people. In an article from Global News, Steve Hewitt, a senior history lecturer at the University of Birmingham and author of three books about the RCMP’s history, explains that the RCMP’s job “effectively, was to clear the plains, the Prairies, of Indigenous people. Ultimately, they were there to displace Indige-
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WHO PROTECTS US? WE PROTECT US Darien Johnsen
nous people, to move them onto reserves whether they were willing to go or not.” That is the root of systemic racism — which are policies or practices embedded in institutions that lead to distrimination against a certain group — in Canada. The RCMP have been a violently paternalistic institution from the get-go, and we cannot ignore this fact. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ final report states: “The RCMP have not proven to Canada that they are capable of holding themselves to account.” Even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau can no longer ignore the reality of systemic violence toward Indigneous people by law enforcement. He has stated in a publicly released video: “The videos and reports that have surfaced from across the country over the past few days are disturbing, and they bring to light the systemic realities facing far too many Canadians,” Trudeau said. Statistics from the Tyee report that in Toronto, black people make up 37 per cent of victims killed by police. CBC News compiled a database of people who had died or were killed during a police intervention between 2000 and 2017, and after gathering information on race and ethnicity, found that black and Indigenous people were significantly overrepresented. The Vancouver Police Department indeed has a bloated budget at $315,278,000, and recently rejected a one per cent budget cut. Meanwhile, finance minister Carole James’s new financial plan has slashed funding for numerous social programs, including an almost five per cent cut to mental health
policy and research, and cuts to First Nations initiatives, public transit, and anti-racism efforts and hate speech preventative programs — not to mention the nearly 10 per cent cut to the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. Even more concerning is the three per cent cut to the Independent Investigations Office, a civilian-led organization that manages death and serious injury cases against police. The reality is that social programs, especially mental health and drug prevention programs, could be the key to cutting crime. Law enforcement is a reactionary measure against crime, utilized only after a crime has taken place, and after someone has decided, out of necessity or otherwise, to commit a crime. Currently, we have police responding to mental health-, homeless-, and drug-related crises. Advocates, including Albert Cyr, retired psychologist and former chair of Ontario’s mental health community advisory committee, say that these could be better handled by mental health specialists. Many people worry that defunding the police means totally abolishing them, but that’s not what the movement is advocating for. Sure, there are instances where the police are necessary, but what we really need is crime prevention programs and appropriate responders for situations that may become problematic. Some preventative measures include having a crisis intervention team to intervene in situations of public intoxication, where instead of arresting that person and putting them in jail for the night, they get that person to their home where they will be safe. It could also look like training friends and neighbours in de-escalation techniques for cases of community conflict. Someone having a mental health or drug crisis could
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be responded to by a mental health or addictions specialist. The point of having these initiatives is to build a more responsive community — a community that learns how to take care of one another, instead of having a police force there to dominate, divide, and control. The presence of police implies that we, as a people and community, are unable to manage ourselves and need to be managed and controlled by an external and, frankly, violent force. The reasoning behind the defund police movement is that when people feel a sense of belonging, when people are fed, housed, employed, and their needs are met they are less likely to be in desperate situations that lead them to commit crime.
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While Vitale was speaking from an American context, the issue of police discrimination and systemic racism is readily apparent in Canada as well. Haleluya Hailu, a black Grade 11 student from Burnaby North Secondary School described how the presence of police at her school has been a source of intimidation, rather than one of safety or security. She is quoted in a CBC article as saying that “If you want to get rid of gangs and drugs, having a 30-year-old dude in a bulletproof vest isn’t going to stop that. I’d rather see students
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“So unless we address those structural decisions, tinkering with the attitudes of individual officers just isn’t going to make a difference. … Instead of trying to turn police into social workers, maybe we should just hire social workers. We should let communities identify the kinds of public safety challenges they have and give them a chance to develop non-punitive, non-coercive solutions to their problems, rather than turning them over to a force that has often not really acted in their best interest and that relies primarily on tools of violence and coercion to get things done.”
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Abbotsford isn’t immune either. In fact, they too have had corruption allegations, including a breach of trust guilty plea from former officer Christopher Nicholson in 2017, who was originally slapped with “six counts of obstructing justice, three counts of breach of trust, and one count of conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance,” according to an Abby News article. The article states that in February of 2015, the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC) was looking at 148 allegations of misconduct against not just Nicholson, but 16 other Abbotsford police officers. Seventeen officers. 148 allegations. This is not an individual issue, this is a systemic one.
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Alex Vitale, American professor of sociology and author of The End of Policing, stated in an interview with the CBC that there is a “problem of structural racism in American policing, and that is the decision by elected officials to turn the problems of black communities into policing problems.” He lists issues such as mental health, mass homelessness, and poor youth behaviour:
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Whether it’s a mental health crisis that needs intervention, a wellness check, or overdose prevention, there are countless ways that the community can help prevent and respond to problems in their neighbourhoods, rather than calling in a police force with a history of violence and racism. Defunding the police just makes sense.
Clearly, the Vancouver Police are ineffective in breaching the gap between marginalized and racialized groups and themselves in a healthy way. They have not built trust with some of the most marginalized and at-risk people, who they have sworn to serve and protect, and this will arguably cause these groups to become more marginalized and be put at further risk.
The DefundVPD, or Defund the Vancouver Police Department, movement has created a living document describing the intentions behind the movement. Part of their statement explains that investment should be directed toward education, mental health services, housing initiatives, income security, harm reduction programs, conflict resolution services, and other community-oriented and -based support systems. They explain that “The VPD have a history of terrorizing marginalized people, especially in the DTES, and disproportionately target black and Indigenous people. Meanwhile their budget constitutes 21 per cent of the city’s operational budget.”
Defunding police doesn’t have to be immediate — in fact, that’s not realistic — but we need a gradual reallocating of funds toward services that are better equipped to meet individuals’ needs. MPD 150, a Minneapolis-based initiative to defund the police, states that the history of police in marginalized neighbourhoods shows that they have disrupted communities, that increased policing does not reduce crime, and that police have a history of violence against these communities. This is true in Canada as well — just take a look at the Starlight tours conducted by Winnipeg police in First Nations communities. These tours were an act of racism. Indigneous people who were targeted while intoxicated would be taken outside the city limits and forced to walk home, often in below-freezing temperatures. It’s estimated that at least 76 people were taken on these “tours.” As well as Winnipeg, at least three people in Saskatoon have been suspected of dying from this practice. You don’t need to be a professional to know that this is not the appropriate response to someone who is publicly intoxicated.
plaints against Vancouver police in 2016/17 led to internal discipline.
making connections with counsellors, teachers, and educators who are there firsthand dealing with these students more actively and every day.”
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The Defund VPD Instagram page also provides links to a number of news stories regarding inappropriate behaviour by Vancouver police officers, including a case from 2018 where two VPD officers were accused of wide-scale harassment and inappropriate behaviour, including verbal and physical abuse, after raiding an overdose prevention site. It was not the first time the community had issues with the officers; Pivot, a legal society that focuses on poverty and social exclusion, stated that they received a total of 22 complaints against the officers in question. An article from Pivot’s website concluded that people from racialized and marginalized communities don’t feel comfortable bringing their concerns forward or filing formal complaints. They also stated that only three out of 522 com-
While there have been no calls for defunding the police in Abbotsford, there are a number of organizations that could be funded, such as Archway Community Services, which deals with reports of racism, educates the community on racism and how to respond to it, and has a gang prevention program called In It Together. They offer addiction and counselling services as well. It is worth noting that Archway Community Services has to reapply for funding for these programs on a regular basis by writing up proposals in an effort to receive grant money from the government. This means that the continuity of these services is not a guarantee. Other community-based initiatives that could help assist at-risk or marginalized populations are SARA for Women, and Cyrus Centre for youth. Clearly, concerns from marginalized communities about policing issues have been widely documented in Canada; there are only a handful listed here. It is incorrect to write these issues off as anomalous cases or that these complaints were from criminals or drug addicts. An officer’s job is to serve and protect — there is no designation after this about who they serve and protect. Yet it appears that some lives are given more value than others when it comes to policing. Being violent toward marginalized or vulnerable populations only shows officer insensitivity, and an inability to properly protect all citizens and address issues of marginalization in an effective way.
Someone being a criminal, or an addict, or sex worker, regardless of thier skin colour, does not make them any less of a human. They don’t deserve to be written off as criminals; they are people who need protection just as much as anyone else. Further criminalizing their actions, mistreating them, and ignoring their struggles will only serve to make existing problems worse. People need community support, properly trained professionals, and resources if they’re in difficult situations, not a police force that treats them unjustly and then isn’t held accountable for their actions. When a disproportionate amount of these people are black, Indigenous, and people of colour and are dying, we have an even bigger problem that needs addressing immediately.
Illustration by Anoop Dhaliwal
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CULTURE
culture@ufvcascade.ca Andrea Sadowski — Culture Editor
Lifestyle //
Column //
Cascade Kitchen: Vegan PB&J Muffins
Stop binging, start learning Online classes you’ll actually enjoy ANDREA SADOWSKI
Vegan Peanut Butter & Jelly Muffins. June, 2020. (Sydney Marchand)
SYDNEY MARCHAND The Cascade Kitchen is a student-run food column that brings you budget-friendly recipes and cooking tips. Check back weekly for something new to try in the kitchen, or if you want to see your own recipe featured next, get started by reaching out to culture@ufvcascade.ca.
An amazing idea crossed my mind one morning as I slathered peanut butter on my toast. What if the peanut butter was inside the bread? I thought I’d jump at the idea and see if I was really the genius I thought I was. Turns out I was. I figured I would turn these into muffins so they are easier to grab and go. Now I admit, I have a peanut butter addiction — pancakes, toast, oatmeal, bananas, and straight out of the jar on a spoon — I just can’t get enough. As a vegan, I am sure to include a variety of nuts and seeds in my diet, as they are excellent sources of protein and vitamins. In fact, these muffins contain about 7 grams of protein each! What takes these muffins to the next level is the addition of berries. The sweet berries perfectly contrast the rich, salty peanut butter. I guess that’s why peanut butter and jam sandwiches are so popular. I used a frozen blended berry mix in this recipe. My mom always taught me that using frozen berries in baking is key because it helps them from bleeding into the dough and causing a mess in the muffin tins. Although my obsession with peanut butter is evident, you can substitute peanut butter for other nut butters and sub out regular flour for a gluten-free alternative to make these gluten friendly. Serve with a dollop of butter, and enjoy!
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Ready in: 40 minutes Serves: 12 muffins Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 3/4 cup natural peanut butter 1/2 cup coconut oil or vegetable oil 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (I used almond) 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg and allow it to sit until it thickens) 1 – 1½ cups frozen berries of choice Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional) Method: 1.
Preheat the oven to 350 F and grease a muffin tin. Mix flaxseed with water to make flax eggs and set aside. 2. Mix dry ingredients together in a separate bowl. 3. Melt peanut butter and oil together in the microwave for 30 seconds and mix to combine. 4. Add milk, vanilla, and flax eggs to the peanut butter and oil. 5. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. 6. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix. This will prevent the muffins from getting tough and chewy. 7. Mix in frozen berries. 8. Fill the greased muffin tin full and top muffins with a sprinkle of cinnamon. 9. Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
I hate being bored. When I get bored, I end up re-watching series I have already re-watched half a dozen times before, and slowly slip into a coma of stagnation that gets increasingly difficult to wake myself up from. I recently made the adult decision to not rewatch all of 30 Rock or Parks and Recreation again but instead to use some of this newfound time to learn some new skills — watercolour, baking, and graphic design, among others. We are blessed with a handful of online learning platforms that make it possible to learn these new skills, with a Netflix-style approach to learning. It is possible to binge-watch lectures, lessons, and workshops all in the comfort of your own home, and in the time convenient for you. I have done the work of sifting through the most popular options to give you some ideas of where you should invest your time and money. Skillshare: One of the most popular online course platforms, Skillshare is definitely geared toward the creative, teaching skills like animation, illustration, photography, watercolour, Photoshop, web design, creative writing, video editing, sound mixing, user interface design, and more. There are some classes on business, but even these are mostly all geared toward the creative professional, featuring classes on analytics, marketing, productivity, and how to thrive as a freelance artist. What really stands out to me about Skillshare are their high-quality videos, as most classes are Skillshare originals and courses made by professional videographers and YouTubers. You can try Skillshare free for two months to get a taste of everything they have to offer, and if you love it like I did, you can buy a year-long membership. Udemy: There are classes for everything you could ever possibly want to learn on this site. They even offer “accredited” certification courses on topics like happiness life coach, diploma in sports nutrition, and counselling children and adolescents. Courses range from $24.99 - $204.99, and include lifetime access to on-demand videos, articles, and downloadable material. Honestly, I would steer clear from Udemy, as I find it almost unethical that they would advertise “accredited” social work and psychology certificates when Udemy is not an accredited institution, and these certificates cannot be used as formal accreditation. Coursera: This platform is geared to-
ward those interested in university-level courses, and they even offer full degrees and certificates from universities around the world. Coursera gives you the option to pay $68 for each course (or per month for degree and certifications) and afterward receive a certificate of completion, or you can audit most courses for free, with full access to teachings and materials. All courses come with lectures, readings, and even quizzes and assignments to complete, all in a very similar format to normal university courses. This is a really great option for anyone who is interested in auditing a subject, but does not want all the pressure and investment of a university course. I would strongly recommend taking a few Coursera courses to complement your degree, especially in subjects you need a little more help grasping. Khan Academy: This learning platform offers educational content for all students from kindergarten to undergraduate studies. Don’t bypass this useful resource just because they also teach third-grade English, as there is a wide variety of courses for university students as well. You can get extra help in statistics, algebra, macroeconomics, computer programming, or world history. They even offer courses in life skills such as personal finance and career planning. Definitely check this option out for a little extra help this semester. Masterclass: I have saved the best for last, my friends. Masterclass is truly next level, as they offer classes from the top professionals in their respected fields — Anna Wintour, Annie Leibovitz, RuPaul, Simone Biles, Gordon Ramsey, Stephen Curry, Margaret Atwood, Martin Scorsese, Christina Aguilera, Steve Martin, Dr. Jane Goodall, and countless other literal masters of their craft. Not only are the instructors the most qualified people to teach on their subjects, but each lesson has the same quality as a short film, and each one is usually a satisfying 15 minutes, so it’s easy to watch one or two during whatever downtime you have during the day. Masterclass comes with a hefty annual subscription of $240, or $20/ month. I was slightly hesitant to pay what seems like a large sum of money for some online classes, but honestly you can’t get this level of instruction from anywhere else. The one criticism I have against Masterclass is that they have significantly more white male instructors than black, Indigenous, and female instructors, and instructors of colour.
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VOL. 28 // ISSUE 17
sports@ufvcascade.ca Alex Jesus — Sports Editor
Volleyball //
Cascades volleyball overhaul 21 new players will suit up for the Cascades ALEX JESUS The 2019-20 season was significant for UFV’s volleyball program, as they announced that the men’s and women’s teams would be moving to the Canada West conference from PacWest. Now, UFV has brought on new players and the rosters have been almost completely overhauled. Though few players from the 2019-20 season remain on the rosters, a staggering 21 new signings will play for the Cascades, should the season be allowed next year. Fourteen of those signings are for the men’s team, the first of which being Tyson Ardell. The middle from the Mennonite Educational Institute in Abbotsford stands at 6’6 and is a tournament MVP from last year’s B.C. AA provincial championship. The next five new players, Reece Wilson (5’11 libero), Noah Bouius (6’9 middle), Keegan Hanrahan (6’7 middle), Braden White (6’4 setter), and Nathan Hall (5’11 libero) were announced just over a month later in February, with Wilson and Bouius being transfers from the College of the Rockies and Columbia Bible College, respectively. Then in April, another four players were confirmed to be joining the team: Ryan Adams (6’9 right side), Bailey Burdick (6’6 left side), Josh Gagnon (6’2
left side), and Comrie Engbers (6’2 left side). Adams is the lone transfer of this group, having played at Thompson Rivers two seasons ago before taking the 2019-20 season off. The last four players announced for the 2020-21 roster were a group of transfers from all over the world. Those players are Zach Wikenheiser (6’1 setter) from Lethbridge College in Alberta; Eduardo Ferreira (6’5 left side), a transfer from Humber College though originally from Brazil; Dimitrije Djordjevic (6’5 outside hitter), a transfer from Capilano College though originally from Serbia; and Stefan Halas (6’5 middle) from Columbia Bible College. The women’s volleyball team also signed some new players, for a total of seven. The first six came to the program in March: Grace Warkentin (6’0 left side), Mo Likness (6’0 right side/ middle), Emily Matsui (5’8 libero), Alicja Hardy-Francis (6’3 middle), Ellie Sinclair (6’2 middle), and Cailin Bitter (5’10 setter), a transfer from Douglas College. A second announcement was made nearly two months later in May that confirmed the final signing would be Elizabeth Baird (5’7 libero), a transfer from Briercrest College. Though the spread of COVID-19 threatens the season, fans and supporters can expect news before Oct. 8, 2020, as confirmed by UFV.
SPORTS
UFV Athletics //
Major cancellations come for UFV’s firstterm sports teams U Sports has cancelled all first-term sports for the 2020-21 season ALEX JESUS After a lengthy delay, conferences and universities are beginning to decide on the correct response to the current health crisis. The first of many decisions came on June 8, when U Sports announced the cancellation of championships running in their first term. The Canada West conference simultaneously announced the same, resulting in the cancellation of UFV’s regular soccer season and all fall sports competitions such as football, women’s rugby 15s, and women’s field hockey. It is unclear whether or not some sports that were cancelled will resume in some alternative format in 2021; however, scheduling new seasons could prove problematic. UFV has ruled out spring soccer due to uncertain weather conditions, essentially outright cancelling the team’s 2020-21 season of competition. Talks are ongoing regarding exhibition games between UFV and other universi-
ty/college programs, though there has yet to be any official announcements. July 15 is the next date that fans can expect an update regarding UFV sports and the COVID-19 crisis, as Canada West will announce the status of its golf, cross country, and swimming seasons. Twoterm sports will not commence before 2021, and the decision regarding sports such as basketball, volleyball, and wrestling will be made no later than Oct. 8, 2020. Scholarships and eligibility for UFV athletes have been saved, as UFV has decided to honour all financial commitments. This includes scholarships, which are a massive part of many students’ university careers. For Cascades fans and supporters, the future is unclear, as the seasons were cancelled with no mention of alternatives, such as no spectators. The timetable for fans returning to view the games has not been confirmed publicly; however, the next few press releases will say a lot about where the landscape of university athletics is headed for the 2020-21 season.
develop professional skills get experience writing and editing join a great team
send inquiries to managing@ufvcascade.ca
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ARTS
arts@ufvcascade.ca Chandy Dancey — Arts Editor
Netflix //
Your cartoon spirit guide into the unknown The Midnight Gospel offers life lessons and surreal worlds
CHANDY DANCEY The Midnight Gospel is an adult animated series released on Netflix at the end of April, amidst the heat of the pandemic. This gem of a cartoon focuses on psychedelic landscapes, spirituality, existentialism, and is unique in ways that only its creators (like Pendleton Ward, the mastermind behind Adventure Time) could pull off. Don’t let the fact that the show’s a cartoon fool you; this is definitely a television show for adults. The Midnight Gospel follows Clancy Gilroy, a video podcaster who lives in another dimension where technology has advanced and is able to offer universe simulators. Through his computer simulator, he travels to planets on the verge of destruction to interview their inhabitants. What this means for viewers is prepare for cartoon violence as characters slash their way through different apocalypses in hallucinatory, alien worlds while they discuss philosophy, grief, and the human condition. It’s a cartoon like no other on the air right now.
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While this series was released (most likely intentionally) on April 20, a date associated with cannabis culture, viewers will get the most meaning out of the series if they watch it sober. (Although don’t get me wrong, watching it under the influence would definitely be an experience.) The dichotomy of watching the surreal animation along with listening to completely unrelated and heavy dialogue revolving around death and religion can be a lot to take in, or at least take concentration to fully appreciate. It’s a long-standing joke on the internet that stoners often philosophize while high, but while those might be superficially deep ramblings, The Midnight Gospel offers its viewers substance. The conversations that take place on the show are with renowned and educated figures in media, and they genuinely have valuable experiences and information to share. Each episode takes the bulk of its dialogue from The Duncan Trussell Family Hour podcast, produced by the comedian Duncan Trussell, who collaborated with Ward to create the cartoon. The Midnight Gospel is even worth watching twice since what’s discussed on the show changes in
light of knowing who the guests are. Guests include Caitlin Doughty, a mortician and activist, Damien Echols, a man wrongfully convicted of murder who was part of the West Memphis Three, and Drew Pinsky, a doctor of internal medicine and a public broadcaster. The emotional and deeply impactful season finale features Trussell’s late mother, Deneen Fendig, a clinical therapist who battled breast cancer. The only thing left to be desired in The Midnight Gospel is cohesiveness. Since it’s a show based on unrelated episodes from a podcast, there is little sense of a narrative until the season finale — although it does manage to wrap up its plot in a reasonable, albeit open-ended, way. Each episode begins with Clancy meeting a new interviewee and launching into a very intimate and deep conversation without prior rapport, which is confusing for those unaware of the show’s affiliation with Trussell’s podcast. It can also be difficult to follow in terms of admiring the stunning worlds featured in the animation while also trying to understand the intricacies of the dialogue
since the two are disconnected from each other. Some elements of the dialogue are connected to the animation thematically, but more loosely than one would expect. In the first episode when Dr. Pinsky argues that there are no good or bad drugs, the characters on screen see the effects of a zombie cure that has both positive and negative consequences of its use. Initially, the trailer for this show was a major turn-off. It comes off as edgy, showing off a montage of its most violent moments without giving viewers a taste of what the show’s actually about. If you’re reentering society (now that quarantine has partially lifted) after being forced to spend time with yourself, this show is a great place to start to further foster a journey of self-reflection and mindfulness. Or, at the very least, it’s a whirlwind of animation that will take viewers to planets from the minds of Pendleton Ward and Duncan Trussell. Sit back, relax, and allow your mind to be expanded by The Midnight Gospel in more ways than one.
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ARTS Album//
Run the Jewels deliver the soundtrack for the revolution ing in the Snow,” there isn’t a single track on RTJ4 that falls flat. The album also has several inspired features, including After almost four years, rap duo Run the Pharell and long-time RTJ collaborator Jewels triumphantly return to the hip-hop and Rage Against the Machine frontman scene with Run the Jewels 4 (RTJ4), which Zack de la Rocha, whose energetic delivthe duo released for free on their website ery of the hook and a verse on “JU$T” June 3. Fortunately, this new full-length help to make the song one of RTJ4’s high LP not only surpasses the already high points. RTJ4 also sees both Mike and El-P write bar set by the duo’s previous efforts, but seems primed to address the current mo- more vulnerably and openly than they ment in a way that few albums ever get ever have about how they see the world. It’s not that the duo have exactly shied the chance to. Run the Jewels is Michael “Killer Mike” away from expressing their political Render and Jamie “El-P” Meline: two es- views on past records, but RTJ4 is easily tablished solo artists who began working the most overtly political music the pair together as Run the Jewels in 2013 and have been releasing music together ever since. RTJ4 blends both men’s lyrical and musical talents as the two effortlessly exchange verses and back each other on tracks with an infectious camaraderie that fans have come to know and love. El-P, who also serves as the primary producer for the pair’s work, has continued to hone his craft since the duo’s last outing and delivers an absolutely astounding set of backing tracks. The intricately layered beats are rich with samples from throughout hip-hop’s history, and carry the album’s angry, passionate energy with a sustained intensity. These instrumentals help make RTJ4’s 11-track run an engaging rollercoaster of revolt, despair, and hope, without ever stealing the show from the duo’s lyrical prowess. Run the Jewels’ music has always been lyrical hip-hop at its finest, and both Mike and El-P deliver some of the best verses of their careers on RTJ4. From Mike’s catchy and elaborately assonant intro verse on fist-pumping party track “Ooh La La” to El-P’s bewildered, furious indictment of Trump’s immigration policies on “Walk-
SAM YOUNG
has produced so far. Some tracks are more light-hearted than others, but it’s difficult to find a verse on RTJ4 that doesn’t criticize the state of America in some way. Whether it’s calling out police brutality, the failures of capitalism, or sensationalist media, the music frequently feels all too appropriate for the current American moment. That this album, in which police brutality is a central theme, dropped the same week that thousands flooded the streets of cities around the world to protest the death of George Floyd is tragic and only serves to further illustrate how important the issue is. On “Walking in the Snow,” one of the
most charged tracks on the record, Mike raps in an angry verse that decries institutional racism and the numbing of the public’s sensitivity to acts of brutality: “And you so numb you watch the cops choke out a man like me / And 'til my voice goes from a shriek to whisper, ‘I can't breathe.’” A reference to the final words of Eric Garner (another black man who was suffocated to death by police in 2014), this line parallels the final words of George Floyd in an awful coincidence that lends the album an unnerving prescience. Thankfully, despite the record’s depressing themes, RTJ haven’t forgotten the importance of dropping banger tracks, and manage to keep a sense of humour through the darkness. Mike and El-P haven’t let the dystopian reality of Trump’s America stop them from being as crass and outrageous as ever, and still occasionally step down from the soapbox to deliver hilarious and braggadocious lines on several tracks. “You see a future where Run the Jewels ain't the shit / Cancel my Hitler-killing trip / Turn the time machine back around a century,” raps El-P on “The Ground Below” in an absurd verse about why RTJ is still the greatest. Unlike on previous albums though, these lyrics serve to do more than just entertain, adding a needed sense of levity as the pair frequently go in on heavy subjects. RTJ4 feels like the culmination of all the works that have come before it, and then some. Focused, consistent, and outrageous in all the right ways, the record delivers some of 2020’s best hip-hop so far. Between the duo’s killer production and lyricism, and the incredible timing of the album’s release, Run the Jewels have never been easier to recommend to fans of hiphop, or anyone just looking for something to vibe to during these troubling times.
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VOL. 28 // ISSUE 17
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020
ARTS Book //
We wish it was better NADIA TUDHOPE For a book so obsessed with the importance of finding the exact right word, it’s hard to find one to describe Caroline Zancan’s We Wish You Luck. “Interesting” is a good one; “odd” might be better. The novel is promoted as a revenge plot enacted by students in a low-residency master of fine arts (MFA) program against a glamorous new graduate professor, a young woman who rose to fame after her debut novel became a raging success. But the story is not told by the students at the centre of this revenge plot — it’s told by their classmates. The first thing that makes We Wish You Luck strange is the way it’s told: through a collective “we.” Every event in the story is one that is pieced together by the students its plot doesn’t revolve around, each incident witnessed or overheard by a fallible narrator who reported it to the collective, or even downright speculated. The effect is that of a story being narrated by a sea, which occasionally offers a tangible wave to break on its shores — stating that a particular exchange was witnessed by this particular member of its collective 14 students, or unkindly describing one of its members, still strangely in “we” as it remarks on a member of itself. This curious way of telling the story sets the characters who drive the plot — the brash and intoxicating Leslie and the kind and gifted
Hannah — even more on the outside, and thrilling plot to be had here, rather than makes their motives and actions some- a long essay on MFA programs and anecthing that can only ever be speculated on, dotes about its cast of characters and lesnever known. sons. While inAnd these teresting, We characters Wish You Luck are, largely, stumbles only worth chiefly in its telling about pacing and in anecdotes. its weak charThe 14 stuacters. dents narratThe acts of ing this novel revenge the only feel real book builds in the sense toward don’t that they’re take place mostly cariuntil the catures that third resican be prodency term jected onto the novel — which is covers, in the expected final third of when an authe book. We thor needs to Wish You Luck get 14 nobody spends so graduate stulong laying dents onto a its groundpage, but still work without d i s a p p o i n tany urgency ing. It’s obvior startling ous which bursts of characters foreshadowZancan spent ing that you time develbegin to foroping: Lesget there is a lie, Hannah,
Book //
Jimmy (whose death by suicide incites the revenge plot), the beloved Professor Pearl, and, to a lesser extent, Simone — the professor revenge is enacted upon, who is only slightly less caricaturish than her students in that the author gifts her with quirks. Zancan makes the act of distinguishing underdeveloped characters even more difficult by giving them similar names. (Unwise in any piece of fiction, but especially when these names are in the same 17-person graduating class.) Of the 14 members of the “we” narrators, there is both a Penny and Jenny. There is also a Jibs, and a recurring character in a different graduating class named Jiles. We Wish You Luck is rife with J names and L names, leaving a great deal of letters forgotten in favour of making distinguishing between characters as difficult as possible. As a book for writers, or those whose careers spin around books, the novel is effective; its ruminations on craft and creation, on the precise feeling of reading a truly excellent line or loving a book with all of yourself, are striking. We Wish You Luck is terribly relatable in its descriptions of being a university student, or a writer, but as a novel with a plot perfect for dark academia, a thriller, or even comedy, it falls short on executing that plot effectively. Like many of the students in its graduate program, We Wish You Luck is more promise than excellence.
Chasing ethics in a capitalist world The Conscious Creative deconstructs the journey to ethical enlightenment KRYSTINA SPRACKLIN The Conscious Creative: Practical Ethics for Purposeful Work by Kelly Small is a nonfiction debut novel, releasing in August 2020, that “aims to clarify the complicated business of achieving an ethical practice in the creative industries, or, in other words, becoming a more conscious creative.” After its introduction, the novel is divided into four core components of personal, economic, social, and environmental strategies to develop a rounded, ethical creative practice. Small’s experience as a former creative director provides valuable insight into the corporate landscape, but it also brings assurance that they understand the difficulties a creative will face navigating the corporate world. After quitting their position because of an ethical mid-life crisis, Small researched how they could develop an ethical, but sustainable, practice in their creative endeavours. They drew inspiration from the practice of ikigai, a Japanese philosophy that equates to “reason to be,” and which poses questions for consideration like “What can you be paid for?” and “What does the world
14
need?” These are paramount ideas to consider as both a working member of society and a citizen of the world, and they’re concepts that shaped Small’s core values. The novel’s structure is styled in a way to ensure its accessibility: the passage in which Small lists the four core components for reaching ethical harmony begins with the easiest changes to implement and ends with the more ambitious efforts needed in order to round out the creative’s personal ethics. While the language can teeter on the side of jargon, Small takes pause to define unfamiliar terminology in layman’s terms. Each developmental step receives its own dedicated page that helps the novel to feel more like a reference tool and less like a textbook. It also makes for a quick-paced reading. The first part, personal enhancement, is structured around the developing self — creating awareness of global issues, developing inclusive language, and challenging our biases are just a few of the subjects the author breaks down. Given that protests are sweeping across the Western world, Small’s passages on privilege, global responsibility, and knowing when to listen raise
consideration on the current gap that exists between consumers and corporations when these concepts are disregarded. For example, corporate, performative activism in order to reflect positively in the public’s eyes is a critical discussion happening on social media against the backdrop of Black Lives Matter. It occurs when companies display black profile pictures, send out copy-andpaste pro-black emails, and post PR statements in solidarity, only to disregard black consumer feedback, hire predominantly white staff, and return to business as usual without implementing any lasting, ethical changes. While the intended audience for this novel is professional creatives, Small’s thorough breakdown of ethical concerns in the workplace can benefit anyone wanting to grow as an ally in a nation rife with issues of disparity. Small shares anecdotes of their own guilt for their at-times unethical past but offers assurance that conscious development is key. In their concluding mission statement, Small asks their readers “to use our careers and our talents to incrementally improve the world where we can.”
VOL. 28 // ISSUE 17
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020
ARTS Podcast //
Not just TED Talking TED Talks Daily, a great way to learn on the go
Rewind //
The Bluest Eye explores Black selfidentity in 1940s America DARIEN JOHNSEN
NICHOLAS ASHENHURSTTOEWS TED, a non-profit promoting the spread of ideas through the associated TED Talks (short speeches and presentations of about 18 minutes or less), began in 1984 as a conference. Originally talking about the convergence of technology, entertainment, and design — where the famous TED acronym comes from — today they offer talks on a wide range of subjects including science, business, and global issues. You may have been asked to watch a related talk for a class, or have fallen down the rabbit hole of their YouTube channel on nights when you couldn't sleep. If you too enjoy listening to people who are passionate about what they are talking about, but are either going to be without internet or prefer to process information through strictly audio, you may be pleased to learn that TED Talks Daily offers the same talks in podcast form. Through your favourite podcast provider, TED Talks Daily covers the same range of subjects as the video talks, with crisp audio. The podcast is hosted by Elise Hu, who provides a brief introduction to each talk. These are updated every weekday, and maintain the same short format ranging from about nine to 18 minutes, with the occasional longer and multiplepart talks. In addition, TED also offers a number of other independent podcasts. There are a few drawbacks to this podcast. As many, if not all, of these talks were originally designed for a conference situation, there can be moments where a speaker may ask for crowd participation, or refer to a visual aid that is being projected on stage. While these are easily panned to in video format they, obvi-
ously, cannot be translated into audio format. While the selection of episodes I’ve listened to did not have this as a major problem, it is something to be aware of. In addition, many TED Talks handle potentially sensitive subject matter, and you are advised to be an informed listener and engage with potentially troubling content at your own risk. Generally, it is easy to gather what the talk will be about from the title. As these talks were originally intended for a conference setting, and many these talks can also be found in video form on YouTube, you might be asking why you wouldn’t just watch them instead. While it is true that the occasional visual aid or non-verbal gesture can add something to the talk, the audio-only format has very few drawbacks. As previously stated, the audio is clean and speakers clearly enunciate. There are some points, such as a late point in “The urgency of intersectionality” by Kimberlé Crenshaw where the audio-only format gives way to some really powerful moments that could only be achieved through this form or by actually being in the room. In this moment, Crenshaw has asked the audience to say the names of black women who have experienced, and in some cases not survived, violence at the hands of police. Preceded by a haunting audio clip of Abby Dobson, the audience’s voices meld into a cacophony of sound that is enough to move one to tears. Overall, TED Talks Daily is a perfectly fine way to receive your TED Talks, and a wonderful way to learn a little more about the world. Whether it be in podcast or video format, you should browse their back catalog and see what piques your interest.
In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, a reading advisor from the Fraser Valley Regional Library posted an anti-racism reading list. As I was scrolling through looking for a book to check out, I came across a title that was sitting, unread, on my bookshelf. It was a small paperback that a friend had given to me last summer titled The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Morrison, who is an American author and professor, published The Bluest Eye in 1970, the first of many critically acclaimed novels she would write. The novel is written from the perspective of a young black girl named Claudia in 1941, Ohio, but follows the story of Pecola Breedlove, a girl from a troubled family in Claudia’s neig hbou rho od who longs for blue eyes. In the foreword, Morrison explains that the inspiration for the novel came from a conversation she’d had with a childhood friend who confessed that she longed for blue eyes. “Implicit in her desire was racial self-loathing,” Morrison writes. The novel is a sad but compelling read. Highlighting the nuisances of blackness in a predominantly white neighbourhood, the desire to stomp out too much blackness in oneself (i.e. racial self-loathing), and the genuine selfness of children before they realize that society wants them to be something else. It gives insight to white readers, like myself, who have not had the experience of being uncomfortable in not just your skin colour, but the culture that comes
with it. Along with this, we see the beauty of being black and of black culture through a child’s eyes, who is absorbing and analyzing it from an innocent perspective along with a processing of white culture. Claudia, the narrator, wrestles with Shirley Temple, for example, someone whom her peers admire but whom Claudia feels indifference toward, oscillating between love and a hatred that can only be managed by envy. Claudia narrates as she wrestles with her black girlhood, and that of little white girls: “Thus the conversion from pristine sadism to fabricated hatred, to fraudulent love. It was a small step to Shirley Temple. I learned much later to worship her.” The novel explores difficult topics such as rape, incest, and internalized racism as Pecola and those in her family go through race- and classbased traumas. Because of these topics it was placed on the American Library Association’s (ALA) Top 10 Most Challenged Books list in 2006 (and 2013-14), but it still remains an acclaimed literary classic. Morrison later received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993, with the motivation: "who in novels characterized by visionary force and poetic import, gives life to an essential aspect of American reality." Controversy and awards aside, The Bluest Eye is gripping, beautifully descriptive in its characters, unique, and magical in story. Its themes only become more relevant as the fight for equality for black lives continues.
15
STUDY BREAK Where will you travel to next? We know you’ve spent many hours of isolation daydreaming about where you will travel to once the world feels safe to explore again. Let this quiz help guide you to your next adventure. 1. It’s sunny, and it happens to be your day off. What do you do?
a.
Catch some rays in a lounge chair while sipping a
b. c.
Enjoy a nice stroll down a nature trail.
d.
pina colada. Hike up a nearby mountain, maybe Elk Mountain or Mount Cheam. Drive to Vancouver and take a stroll around downtown and waterfront.
2. It’s drizzling rain and cloudy, and it’s your day off again. What do you do?
a.
Watch a documentary about how plastic is destroy-
b.
Take virtual tours of museums like the Gugenheim
c. d.
ing the ocean. or art galleries like the Louvre. Hike up a nearby mountain, maybe Slesse Memorial Trail or Vedder Ridge Trail. Pick up your paint brushes again to create a new
If you picked: 3. What does your dream birthday party look like?
a.
A trip to Wreck Beach with your girl gang on a fabu-
b.
A small gathering at your neighbourhood pub, pref-
c. d.
lously sunny day where you can get a full-body tan. erably on trivia night. Hike up a nearby mountain with only the friends who can keep up with you. Clubbing in Vancouver until the sun comes up.
4. What car did you want as a kid?
a. b. c.
d.
A pink Jeep convertible. No particular car in mind, just something reliable and affordable. A 4x4 to go off-roading in. A Volkswagen beetle.
5. What do you want to be when you grow up?
a. b. c. d.
A marine biologist. A curator of an art gallery or museum. A wilderness paramedic. A salsa instructor.
masterpiece.
Mostly A’s: Tahiti, French Polynesia. You may need to sell a kidney and part of your liver to be able to get here, but trust me, it will be worth it. Imagine sunbathing on pristine, white-sand beaches, with clear, turquoise waters. You’ll be swimming with every tropical fish imaginable and bathing in crisp waterfalls in paradise. Mostly B’s: Estonia This small Eastern European country is for you my friend. Imagine all the spectacular architecture, culture, food, and natural wonders of Europe all within a student’s budget. Estonia has beaches and islands galore, but without the hoard of tourists gathered closer to the Mediterranean.
Mostly C’s: Kyrgyzstan This humble country sandwiched between Kazakhstan and China is home to the world’s most spectacular treks and hospitable people. You’ll sleep in a yurt, travel through mountain passes on horseback, and explore places only the most adventurous tourists will lay eyes on. Mostly D’s: Mexico City, Mexico You can’t go wrong travelling to a city with a thriving art scene, sensational street food, and nightlife so flavourful you will hardly set foot in your hotel room. With countless attractions such as museums, parks, and nearby ruins, you are on your feet all day. This bustling metropolis has something for everyone.
Snakes and Lizards
Horoscopes //
Illustration by Elyssa English Your weekly life predictions as told by Ang the Great Sagittarius — Nov 22 to Dec 21 Be extra careful whom you tell things to this week, as not everyone has your best interests in mind. Be a closed book and don’t reveal anything too personal to anyone; rather, maintain an air of mystery and secrecy.
Aries — Mar 21 to Apr 19 Emotions you thought you’d already worked through will surge up unexpectedly this week, and you will experience some intense moments. Take time to do some soulsearching and reflection to work through this.
Leo — Jul 23 to Aug 22 You’re having an incredibly hard time focusing on your academic commitments this week as the sun is screaming for you to put down your textbooks and come outside. Remain focused for now and your rewards will follow.
Taurus — Apr 20 to May 20 Something you have been avoiding for many weeks will not be able to wait any longer, and you will have to deal with whatever you have been hiding or running away from. Just do the work and get it done.
Virgo —Aug 23 to Sep 22 A shady character will enter your orbit this week, making promises that sound too good to be true. Use intense discernment with the people you encounter this week and don’t fall for any traps.
Gemini — May 21 to Jun 20 You will gain a new perspective this week by listening to some sound advice from a friend, and as a result you will feel a surge of optimism and excitement for what is to come.
Libra — Sep 23 to Oct 22 Pluto is in retrograde this week, and you will get much needed closure in a relationship that went south in a pretty gruesome way. Restore balance in your life and finally let go of poisonous relationships.
Aquarius — Jan 20 to Feb 18 Think twice before saying anything you may regret this week, as you may get into an argument with a friend, roommate, or partner after blurting out a few unintentionally strong statements. Weigh your words carefully and emphatically.
Cancer —Jun 21 to Jul 22 It is finally time to stand your ground against someone who has pushed you around for far too long. Demonstrate your assertiveness and confidence as you clearly draw boundaries in your relationship with this toxic person.
Scorpio — Oct 23 to Nov 21 You have been in a weird, passive-aggressive relationship with someone in your life for far too long now, and it's finally time to either cut ties or make things right. The choice is yours — you know the path to take.
Pisces — Feb 19 to Mar 20 Abandon your careful life plans that you have so diligently followed and just go with the flow for the next couple of weeks. Allow room for a little adventure and spontaneity in your daily routine.
Capricorn — Dec 22 to Jan 19 You have been feeling stagnant, restless, and eager for change for a while now. I’m sorry to tell you, but this week is not going to be any different for you. The sky is not revealing any big changes for you this week.
