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Volume 66, No.11

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

SGA 2022 fall election prompts questions about integrity Piper Kull, Elizabeth Peters, Paige Shope Slate Management

The integrity of the fall 2022 Student Government Association (SGA) election has been called into question by multiple members of SGA. During the election, Kennedy Holt was listed on the ballot on Sept. 17 and was elected SGA president.

The standard process for being placed on the election ballot for the position of SGA president requires signatures from fellow students, attendance at the mandatory pre-election meeting and delivery of a candidate speech. According to SGA guidelines and its constitution, these mandatory procedures can only be excused if a member has a class obligation. Multiple members of SGA alleged that Holt failed to comply with these regulations in the fall 2022 election.

According to several SGA representatives, Holt failed to complete the petition on time and in the proper format. The petitions for the fall 2022 election were due to the Fiscal Office on Sept. 2. However, when Rangeline DeJesus, student trustee and the election committee chair, went to collect the petitions the following week, Holt’s was not found. Holt alleged that she turned in her petition on the day it was due and that the form was filled out appropriately.

Normally the petitions are turned into Lisa Laughlin, the SGA administrative secretary, on their due date, but she was out of the office on Sept. 2. Instead, Kay Stottlemyer, the fiscal office accountant, received the petitions, and she said she could not recall if she received Holt’s original petition.

“It was the beginning of the school year, and I did not know most of the students that brought the petitions in,” Stottlemyer said. The petitions were then collected, but not before

Stottlemyer offered students copies of their petitions.

“I offered each student a copy of the signed form, but not all students took them,” Stottlemyer said.

Because the petition was not found, Holt did not receive communication regarding the pre-election meeting and failed to be present.

After reporting that her document was lost, Holt was granted an extension to turn in the petition on Sept. 12. However, according to DeJesus, the second document was allegedly turned in with incorrect formatting. Although, when asked, Holt claimed,“Yes, it was filled out appropriately.”

There is no record of these petitions, as they are thrown out after the election.

Additionally, Holt was not in attendance for the mandatory candidate speeches, though she told the elections committee chair that she had a “class presentation” that excused her from giving a speech at that time. After her absence from the speeches, DeJesus was informed that Holt’s presentation was not a class requirement, but instead, an organizational presentation.

Holt explained that after the disagreement regarding her excusal with DeJesus, “We were transparent with one another; however, after our meeting we discussed and resolved said issues and we decided it was a form of miscommunication and lack of understanding.”

Due to these failures to act, according to SGA election guidelines, Holt’s name should not have appeared on the ballot unless accommodations were made by the election committee chair. In the end, Holt was listed on the ballot and she won the election by majority on Sept. 22.

“No other candidates contested the election as outlined in

the election rules. Because of this, the election decision is final and upheld to all standards,” DeJesus wrote in a statement.

During the election, an SGA representative brought up concerns about the election’s integrity, although the concerns were not further investigated until after the election was finalized. Holt finds it “a little weird” that this is all being brought up now, months after the election. Holt currently remains as SGA president, and SGA will resume its public meetings next semester.

Image courtesy of Bill Morgan

Kennedy Holt, the current president of the SGA.

Shippensburg PRSSA working on initiatives to better campus, local communities Austin Bryner

Guest Contributor

The Shippensburg University PRSSA works with multiple clients that work inside and outside the university campus and community throughout the year to help make not only campus life but the community better.

When looking for potential clients, the PRSSA executive board discusses organizations they would like to work with on campus or around the area. They then choose certain organizations to reach out to about the possibility of helping. However, sometimes clients will reach out to the PRSSA as they were looking for them to accomplish specific tasks.

Such tasks might include promotion, taking videos, creating flyers or brochures, and making social media content.

Over time the PRSSA has represented many organizations not only on campus but off campus in the community as well. Currently this semester the organization is working with The Slate and the SCRC. PRSSA Chapter President Madison Griffith further discussed some of the clients the organization had served in the past both on and off campus.

“We have served in the past since I have been attending Shippensburg has been the ROTC on campus, the Art of Pie Café in town, a transitional house for young women called

Bethany House in Carlisle, PA, the Marketing team on campus, the Shippensburg Recreation, and the Women’s Frisbee Club team,” said Griffith. The work these organizations do often have a big impact on not only the student and campus but the community as well.

“It’s good for students to produce amazing work that they can use in the future to show their involvement not only had an impact on their school, but their community. It is beneficial for students to see what organizations in their local community and within their university are doing because maybe there could be possible opportunities for them whether that be a leadership role, internship, etc,” said Griffith.

The Shippensburg University Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is an organization for people who are interested in public relations and communications. They work with client groups to help promote their brand and group, but also to help build client relationships with their respective audiences. The group’s mission is to help students and the community to enhance their education, broaden their network, and launch their careers.

The organization is not just available for people within the communications and journalism major as Griffith confirmed. “This organization is open to anyone. We don’t have any restrictions with being able to join and

to be involved. We don’t only have communication and journalism students involved in PRSSA, we encourage any majors to join because the professional skills you develop and learn in this organization are very beneficial to have in the future,” said Griffith The Shippensburg Community Resource Coalition (SCRC) is an organization in the Shippensburg community that partnered with the university with the aim to help increase access to social services and youth programs for residents in the area. The coalition also aims to provide educational opportunities for the students on campus, as well as provides many initiatives to help the campus and community.

The SCRC Center Director and Professor of Social Work, Liz Fisher, went into further detail on some of the initiatives they do for the university’s students. “We provide multiple student internships every year, service learning projects, and employ SU students – all with the goal of serving the community and providing educational opportunities to students. We have also hosted faculty and student research projects,” said Fisher. When asked about what the PRSSA are doing to help with the SCRC to help them Dr.Fisher said, “They are going to help us with several marketing projects.”

In particular this semester the PRSSA is helping the SCRC work on promotional piec-

es to celebrate the organization’s 10th anniversary and open house. They are also going to be helping with one of the SCRC’s biggest fundraising events of the year according to Griffith, in Match Madness. The PRSSA will be creating flyers, and brochures, taking photos, filming videos, writing an article, and even making social content to promote the upcoming events the SCRC will be having.

When asked what the goal of helping the SCRC with their projects was, Griffith explained their hopes for the partnership.

“PRSSA is working to make our university (students, faculty, alumni, etc.) more aware about what SCRC is and what they do as a partnership with the university,” said Griffith.

The PRSSA will be continuing to work with the SCRC for the remainder of this year and into 2023 to complete work for the group, but also continue to promote the organization through multiple media facets.

If you would like to get involved with the Shippensburg University PRSSA chapter or learn more you can contact Madison Griffith (mg4099@ship.edu)the organization’s faculty advisor, Dr. Carrie Sipes (casipes@ship. edu). To learn more about the SCRC you can visit their website. If you would like to get involved with SCRC you can contact SCRC Center Coordinator, Sonja Payne (spscrc@ shipresources.org).

Republican congressman Kevin McCarthy elected House speaker after political infighting Monika Lewis

Asst. Opinion Editor

With midterm elections long gone and all races have been decided it was now time for the U.S. House of Representatives to begin their work. Before House business could get underway, they needed to select a Speaker of the House.

The major candidates were Kevin McCarthy on the Republican side, and Hakeem Jefferies for the Democrats. On Jan. 3, 2023, the house began voting for speaker. What is usually an easy process was not, and for the first time since before the Civil War, America saw the most contested speaker election.

The House Democratic Caucus consists of 212 Democrats who unanimously voted for Jefferies every round.

McCarthy’s votes would sometimes fluctuate — one day having 203, another day having 200. Both Jefferies and Mc-

Carthy would usually have needed 218 votes to win, but McCarthy was able to win with only 216 votes. This was able to happen due to six Republicans voting “present” which ultimately just means you are making your vote not count.

The numerous amounts of voting and going back and forth created a lot of tension, as well as intense negotiation among the Republican side to elect McCarthy to the Speaker position.

Some representatives even took to Twitter to discuss how difficult and ridiculous the whole situation was. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL 10th District) referred to the voting process as a “worldstar video.” Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA 29th District) made a joke about a baby being born the first round of votes and that baby now being a 4-month-old. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA 14th District) called out the Republicans who were not supporting McCarthy and messing up the plan to stop Democrats. After a long four days and 15 ballots, McCa-

rthy secured a win, and the House has its speaker and can begin its ability to govern.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Kevin McCarthy is currently serving as Speaker of the House.

NEWS

A2

Josh Shapiro sworn in as 48th Governor of PA Matthew Unger Asst. News Editor

On Jan. 17, Democrat Josh Shapiro was sworn in as the 48th governor of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.

Shapiro, who is Jewish, took the oath of office with his hand placed on three Hebrew Bibles, one of which taken from the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, according to The Times of Israel, where a mass shooting occurred in 2018. Shapiro succeeded Gover-

nor Tom Wolf, who had served as governor of Pennsylvania since 2015.

Along with Shapiro, fellow Democrat Austin Davis was sworn in as lieutenant governor. At 33, Davis is the youngest lieutenant governor in the history of the commonwealth.

Shapiro, who beat Republican opponent Doug Mastriano in the November election, ran a strong campaign that had support from Pennsylvania’s cities to its rural areas, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

January 24, 2023

Your World Today

Commentary: Springing Into the New Semester

Piper Kull Editor-in-Chief

Image courtesy of Flickr

Josh Shapiro will serve as the Governor of Pennsylvania as of Jan. 17.

Welcome to both a new year and a new semester at Shippensburg University.

No matter how the last ones ended, I am sure you can find something great this time around. The new semester and new year bring new challenges, but also new happinesses. Whether or not you believe in a clean slate (pun intended), both certainly can be. It may be more difficult, but that does not mean it will be any less wonderful.

Personally, I tend to focus on the end a lot more than the beginning. Every New Year’s Eve, I write myself a letter. I sit with sparkling grape juice in hand just before the ball drops and re-

flect on what I have experienced and where I feel that I am. This year, I wrote that I really could not hate 2022, as I felt I sincerely tried my best. Lots of good came of it, but — as the universe does its best to stay balanced — a lot of bad came with it.

Yet, this year I learned one of the most important lessons I ever have. I have this constant, nagging feeling that I am missing out.

That I am alone because no one knows this, no one else could possibly feel this way. No matter how much I do, no matter how much I experience, I feel that nothing can fill this terrible void inside me. This year I aimed to tackle this emptiness, but kept coming up, well, empty.

I realized quickly that the solution was to try my best to love everything around me and accept some of those things that I did not love so much. I learned to say “yes” and “no” when I was previously afraid to do so. I looked at myself as a whole person instead of a

hollow one. The hole in my heart had to be filled, and I filled it with genuine love.

There are a couple suggestions I have for you if you are looking to pack in a similar space within you.

Look at your life. Take that extra minute to look up at the stars when you are making the trek back from the student parking lot. Realize that you are so dearly loved.

Wear a hat and enjoy the feeling of being warm. Cook a really wonderful meal for really wonderful people. Do something small every day that sparks genuine joy in the part of your heart that you have not felt since you were young. Drink a glass of chocolate milk — for real.

This semester and this year can both truly be fantastic things. If you just try a little bit every day, things can turn around quicker than expected. You have likely grown so much since last year began, and if no one has told you yet, I am proud of you. All you can do now is keep going.

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US appeals court to weigh NCAA case over pay for athletes Associated Press AP Wire Service

The NCAA will ask a federal appeals court next month to block a lawsuit that seeks to have athletes treated as employees who are paid for their time, the latest high-profile challenge to amateurism in college sports. The Division I athletes and former athletes who filed the suit unfolding in Philadelphia are seeking hourly wages similar to those earned in work-study programs.

They say the nation’s colleges are violating fair labor practices by failing to pay them for the time they put into their sports, which their attorney said can average more than 30 hours per week. A lower court judge declined to dismiss the case, prompting the NCAA to seek a ruling from the appeals court on whether the issue should indeed go to trial. Those arguments had been set for Wednesday, but were rescheduled by the court late Tuesday for Feb. 15. Plaintiffs attorney Paul McDonald said the athletes are not seeking huge payouts, but want a share in some of the millions being spent on their coaches, college administrators and facilities. He suggested they might earn about $2,000 per month or $10,000 per school year for sports that stretch across five months.

“It’s about the kids having walking-around money that their parents don’t have to give them, out of their own pockets, just like their fellow students working at the bookstore, the library or at the games,” said McDonald, who filed the suit against the NCAA and member schools including Duke University,

Villanova University and the University of Oregon. The NCAA has one eye on the court case but another on Congress, where it hopes to find relief after a series of legal setbacks involving its long-held amateurism model. They include the unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision last year that lifted the ban on compensation beyond full-ride scholarships, and lets colleges give athletes education-related benefits such as computers and study abroad program fees.

“Traditions alone cannot justify the NCAA’s decision to build a massive money-raising enterprise on the backs of student athletes who are not fairly compensated” Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in a concurrent opinion.”The NCAA is not above the law.’’

That case stopped short of asking whether college athletes are employees entitled to direct pay but it’s the crux of the issue before the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court panel.

Baylor University President Linda Livingston, speaking at the NCAA convention last week in San Antonio, called that notion ”deeply misguide” and said it would force coaches to become their players’ bosses. “Turning student-athletes into employees will have a sprawling, staggering and potentially catastrophic impact on college sports broadly,’’ said Livingston, chairperson of the NCAA’s Board of Governors. “We need Congress to affirm student-athletes’ unique relationship with their universities.” It is a relationship under increasing scrutiny.

In September 2021, a top lawyer for the National Labor Relations Board said in a memo that college athletes should

be treated as employees of the school. Last month, the NLRB said it will investigate an unfair labor practice complaint involving the rights of University of Southern California football and basketball players. As of July 2021, college athletes can now earn money through use of their name, image or likeness and the budding industry now sees millions in deals. The NCAA is still working through its oversight of NIL payments after a series of states passed laws permitting them. And players have meanwhile taken to social media to argue for a cut of some of the hundreds of millions of dollars that NCAA schools earn on sports through marketing, merchandise and television contracts, including one campaign on the eve of the 2021 NCAA basketball tournament that carried the hashtag NotNCAAProperty.

The NCAA, at its convention, compared the athletes to students who perform in theater groups, orchestras and other campus activities without pay. “If you’re going to say that a scholarship athlete is an employee, then why isn’t a scholarship trombone player an employee? Why isn’t a scholarship mathematician an employee?’’ asked incoming NCAA president Charlie Baker, the former Massachusetts governor. “Remember the vast majority of the kids who play sports in college do not play sports in school where schools make money on sports.’’

McDonald said those types of campus groups are student led, while athletes have their time controlled by their coaches in a way that resembles employment. “The most controlled kids on any campus are the student-athletes,’’ he said.

Cluggy’s Family Amusement Center plans upgrades Piper Kull

Editor in Chief Cluggy’s, a popular family entertainment center located in Chambersburg, is preparing for a series of upgrades under new ownership.

John and Mary McGough, the previous owners, had been operating Cluggy’s since 1999 and were ready to retire, but could not find a new buyer.

When the news of their closing got out, Cluggy’s regulars Melissa and Brian Bentzen stepped in.

The Bentzens will not only own the business, but Cluggy’s games, bowling and bounce houses. They will be leasing the building as well as the outdoor mini golf and go kart areas.

Within 3-9 months, the Bentzens plan to renovate Cluggy’s, adding digital screens that show food menus and activity prices, smart TV’s in birthday areas, adding staff to improve customer service and updating birthday packages to include more options. They also aim to replace play tunnels with a new indoor playground and update the batting cages.

Cluggy’s offers go karts, miniture golf, numerous arcade games and a “tunnel of fun,” a three-story play area for children ages 3–10.

The Bentzens will officially be taking over the business on Feb. 1, with plans for more upgrades and renovations. Cluggy’s is located at 393 Bedington Blvd.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Cluggy’s in Chambersburg features an arcade similar to the one pictured.

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Opinion

B1

The Slate Speaks: Is Neptoism a problem?

Adam Beam/The Slate

Actors Dan Levy, Kendall Jenner and Maya Hawke sharing the spotlight with their famous parents Eugene Levy, Caitlyn Jenner and Ethan Hawke on the red carpet.

In December, New York Magazine published an entire edition dedicated to nepotism babies. For those unaware, a nepotism baby is someone who is born of wealthy parents and whom society sees as having an advantage in life.

While the article explores those born of actors and celebrities, “nepo-babies” is an umbrella term that really covers anyone with parents who are somebody.

It definitely feels unfair, but has been around for literally ever. They had these issues with governments and churches with people getting power just because their uncle/dad/grandfather put them there so they could

keep their power.

It is the same problem now, and occurs everywhere.

If you look hard enough, you can see it at Shippensburg in certain areas. It’s not wrong to recommend your kid or someone you know to a role if they have the credentials for it — it becomes a problem when they get power and do not know how to use it.

Celebrity families are like royalty, and so it makes sense that their kids would experience nepotism. Some of them become qualified in their careers over time (looking at the Hadid’s) and that boost in the beginning seems unfair, but is hard to avoid.

Even if celebrity parents didn’t recommend their kids

into roles, you know they would get a preference anyway, and that isn’t nepotism.

Certain nepo-babies actually have talent and sometimes you know the baby more than the parents.

Maya Hawke for example, is very talented and many didn’t know her parents were Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman when she debuted in Hollywood.

Then you think of people like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber and it seems unfair to the other models who are significantly better than both, and you can probably name a multitude of people at Shippensburg University that dress better than both of them.

It becomes a problem when underqualified people in any area besides Hollywood are getting put in positions that more qualified people deserve and have actually worked for. The whole idea of nepo-babies contradicts the idea that if you work hard, you can go places.

Is it a problem? Yeah. Has it been around forever? Ask Augustus Caesar. People use their connections (there’s a reason the Career Center harps about networking), but what most take issue with is when it works against meritocracy, or affects real power. Many do not really care about the Kardashians or the children of actors getting gigs, but what many

do care about is political dynasties like the Bushes and Clintons. There’s a reason Bob Casey is a senator, and it isn’t his policy positions on abortion. It’s the fact that his name is Bob Casey *Jr.* Name recognition goes a long way, and it doesn’t hurt your election chances when your dad was Governor.

Having wealthy, educated parents is a pretty good signifier that you will end up wealthy and educated.

Like generational wealth, it passes down. If you are a professor, your kids get free tuition. That ends up gatekeeping education based on your parents’ wealth and privilege. Nepotism has always been a part of our so-

ciety, so many do not really understand the recent conversations about it. It is simply a piece of the systems we live in.

If you are born wealthy, you’ll most likely remain wealthy. If you are born to famous parents, you are more likely to be famous. It is inevitable, unavoidable, and to me, irrelevant.

We are all born into our own situation and status and there’s no way to stop something like nepotism in my opinion. You wish you had the same opportunities that a “nepo-baby” has? Absolutely. Is it right to hold it against them for being born luckier than most? No way.

Give it a Thought: The Age of Maturity Chase Slenker Staff Columnist

Photo courtesy of Bill Morgan

Americans are tasked with a variety of obligations while granted various rights and opportunities depending on their age.

According to the Cornell Legal Institute, the age of legal majority is set at eighteen years old and is the point in which a person gains “control over their own actions and affairs and becomes responsible for the decisions they make.” However, the legal age of majority is different from the legal age of license, which is the minimum age set by a state to participate in certain activities. Although the age of legal majority is consistent across the United States, the age for voting, selective service, consumption of alcohol and nicotine products, owning a handgun and other activities vary from the age of majority and vary by state.

The reasons for which these age limits vary are set with an intent to reflect psychological human development, perceived maturity and other factors. In Pennsylva-

nia, you can vote, be charged in a court of law as an adult, be conscripted into the U.S military and buy a shotgun or rifle at eighteen. Citizens must be twenty-one to purchase cigarettes, purchase or consume alcohol, rent a car or purchase any firearm other than a shotgun or rifle. However, Pennsylvanians pay federal and state taxes once they are legally able to work at age fourteen (on a worker’s permit). Although Pennsylvanians may pay taxes at fourteen, they cannot vote for those who set tax policy until the age of eighteen.

Although Americans can be conscripted (or voluntarily serve) in the military at age eighteen, they generally cannot drink a beer until twenty-one. Similarly, Pennsylvanians can serve and yet not own their own handgun.

These differing age minimums are put into place for varying reasons: the drinking age and smoking age are based off preventing citizens from consuming substances while cognitive development is in its prime. Some argue that differing age limits for gun ownership, substance con-

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sumption and vehicle rental are set wisely to protect individual citizens and mitigate the risk of adverse individual harm and overall societal risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that raising the drinking age to twenty-one has reduced traffic fatalities of citizens ages eighteen to twenty by 13%.

Others claim that the age of maturity should be the standard for all activities at age eighteen, as they are “responsible for their own actions and affairs” in the eyes of the law. This debate is not new and is one that Americans have strong opinions on, yet few state or national legislation has been introduced to standardize age of licenses in the past twenty years. The most recent national change includes the increase of the smoking age to twenty-one.

Overall, these differing ages of license create a conflicting definition of adulthood and maturity. Give it a thought: Should these differing age limits be kept in place or should a standardized age of “maturity” be adopted?

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Tuesday, January 24, 2023

B2

What an engineer looks like: Sexism in the School of Engineering

Adam Beam/The Slate

The original post made by the official Shippensburg University Instagram on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, before having the caption edited following complaints from students.

Allyson Ritchey

Asst. Multimedia Director

On Dec. 5, 2022, the official Instagram account of Shippensburg University shared a photo featuring two male-presenting students in the newly named Milton and Doreen Morgan Engineering School with the caption “This is what an #engineer looks like.” The caption was then changed roughly 22 hours later to say, “Hands-on learning at the Milton and Doreen Engineering Lab!” with no comment or apology publicly made.

For a university that, according to its own website, “celebrates diversity” to make such a claim about engineers is insensitive and discrediting to the students at Shippensburg who do not fall into the stereotype perpetuated at the beginning of fall finals’ week by Shippensburg University’s Instagram account. This brings forth the societal notion that engineering is unfriendly to women and other non-male identifying individuals.

Harvard Business Review states that engineering is the most male-dominated field in all of STEM, and it may be the most male-dominated profession in the United

States. Engineering and STEM in general are unwelcoming to female students.

Female students experience higher bias, unequal access to resources and mentoring and harassment and assault, all barriers to one becoming and staying a woman in engineering. The story is similar at Shippensburg University.

Lilly Merrell, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, recounted her experience so far at SU. While she very much enjoys mechanical engineering, she finds it very difficult to fit in and make friends, since the majority of her classes are male-dominated.

“I’ve had professors make sexist jokes in class and had to sit quietly and say nothing as my male peers laughed,” Merrell said.

Another time, her professor joked about his wife and about how men and women will never understand each other or be able to work together. In a different instance, a professor described the ideal engineer, consistently using he/him pronouns to describe this paragon.

“These situations made me feel powerless and as if I were nothing but a joke to my peers,” Merrell said.

To be clear, I am far from being a female

engineering student here at Shippensburg; in about a year and a half I will be graduating from Shippensburg University with a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism and media and sociology with a minor in women’s and gender studies. I am about as liberal arts as they get. However, it is through what I have learned in my classes at SU that I am willing and able to amplify the voices and experiences of injustice for women and others in the engineering school at Shippensburg University.

When Merrell saw the post on Shippensburg University’s Instagram detailing what an engineer looks like, she said it was very disheartening. “I was very disappointed that Shippensburg would be so careless as to post that caption without a second thought as to how unrepresented non-masculine presenting people in engineering would feel.”

One of the first things students in the communication department learn is to think of one’s audience. As an institution of higher education that prides itself on its dedication to diversity and inclusion, Shippensburg University must present itself with this value in mind, especially on social media where

posts can be seen instantly by people. The official Instagram account of SU has more than 10,000 followers, many of these being alumni, students and prospective students.

What is posted on this account vastly reflects Shippensburg University’s values. Simply changing the caption and hiding under the pretense of false diversity and inclusion does not help SU’s students but rather harms them.

Merrell suggested some changes she would like to see in the engineering department at Shippensburg University including discrimination training for professors and a support system for women and other nonmen in STEM at the university. “It’s hard enough to gain respect from my male peers as it is, so it would be very helpful if my professors did not encourage discrimination in the classroom.”

I would also urge Shippensburg University to be more cognizant of what they share on social media and how they promote their values. If an offensive post is made, such as the one focused on in this article, an apology should be made. Simply changing the caption is like putting a bandage on the situation. People notice. I notice.

Is there value in hate watching something?

Adam Beam

Asst. Opinion Editor

It is evident that nowadays, everyone loves to voice their opinions on certain media they either like or dislike. I know that is rich coming from someone like myself, who’s practically made it their job to let everyone know what they thought of the latest movies to hit streaming, but my point still stands. Criticism is nothing new; the internet has allowed everyone to voice their feelings toward something they are passionate about. However, I want to focus on a particular part of those who watch the media with a passion of pure anger. Why do people love to “hate watch”?

It is essential first to explain what exactly is “hate-watching.” The way I see it, those who partake in this practice can be divided into two categories: those who watch something knowing it’s terrible but find joy in it and those who care Photo courtesy of flickr about it more out of bitterness.

“Riverdale” will return to television screens for its final seaNow you’re thinking, “Well, you canson on Wednesday, March 29, at 9 p.m. for 20 episodes.

not just watch things that you like all the time.” That is true. It is important to step outside your comfort zone and try new shows and movies, or else you close yourself off from ever finding your new thing to enjoy. Reviews are subjective, after all.

I enjoyed the movie “Moonfall” (Rotten Tomatoes score of 36%) but hated the recent film “M3GAN” (Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%). While reviews can indicate quality, a review should not decide whether you should intake art.

While movies are familiar sources for “hate-watching,” television is the natural home to angrily sitting through hours of content. The most prominent example of this phenomenon is the new HBO Max series “Velma.” The series has been panned across the board by critics and fans, with many calling it one of the worst shows they’ve ever seen. Naturally, you have a vocal minority hating on the series for being “too woke,” but it’s clear that looking past these individuals, the response has been overwhelmingly negative. Despite these criticisms, though, the

show has broken records and currently sits as the most-watched animated series of all time on the platform, so clearly, people are watching it. I will admit that I heard how bad the reviews were and wanted to see for myself if it was as awful as everyone said, and to be honest, I’m enjoying it. It is not great, but I’m finding some enjoyment from it.

While I disagree with people who watch stuff just so they can talk about how much they hated it, I think there is value in “hate-watching.” Everyone has that guilty pleasure show or movie that they know is terrible, but they watch it because it gives them the joy to do so.

Do you think I watched seven seasons of “Riverdale” because I believe it is a wellmade show? Of course not. I watch it because it’s a train wreck we can all laugh at it together. Negative reviews can be just as important as positive ones because in a sea of people ranting about how much they despise some new series, there could be one individual in all of it who truly finds something of value.

White fragility and the discussion of racism Monika B. Lewis Asst. Opinion Editor

Winter break. A moment a lot of college students looked forward to.

At least I did.

Five weeks to be free in the comfort of where you call home, seeing old friends, and doing whatever you want whenever you want without the shadow of responsibility that is college. Unfortunately, that wasn’t my experience, and my last winter break of my undergrad was left taking two winter classes (the worst).

One of them was Intro to Women and Gender Studies taught by Professor Misty Knight. I was excited for the course because I was fresh off taking Women in American Politics with Professor Sara Grove and felt as if the lessons in the class should someway correlate with each other. Boy was I wrong.

Week 1, I go in thinking it would be a breeze. The first discussion board was to introduce yourself and what you think gender studies is. The second board was what materials within the unit made you

go “aha.” What are the materials, you may ask? Materials consisted of feminism, intersectionality, representation and my favorite: white privilege. As a black woman seeing white privilege being talked about in a classroom made up of mostly white people, I knew the dance that was about to occur. And of course, the dance occurred. My “aha” moment specifically came from a TED Talk given by Kimberlé Crenshaw in which she discussed intersectionality. I was blown away by this talk. One of the main points Crenshaw made was the intersectionality that black women face gets them overlooked, ignored and treated as an afterthought within society compared to their counterparts in the community and outside their community. This resonated well with me, and I even learned things I hadn’t known. Insert “aha” feeling here.

So, this was my discussion board talking point, and the main point I wanted to make clear is that by watching a TED Talk like Crenshaw’s and then reading articles like “Explaining White Privilege

to a Broke White Person,” I made a fair assumption intersectionality gets watered down and washed away by white people. I want to make it abundantly clear; I am not saying that white people don’t have intersectionality because they do.

You can be white and gay, white and Christian, white and a woman and many other things. But Crenshaw’s point has been played out so many times within all parts of society: the intersectionality of black women puts them in a dangerous position.

Yes, you have intersectionality, but something that is a part of that is your whiteness, which can shield you from many things.

My main point I wanted to make with the background information of this course is white fragility. I made this comment speaking from the viewpoint in which a TED Talk was given in. A black women’s perspective/ experience. What occurred next was something that angered me, but like I said, I knew this dance.

From my fellow peers in class, I was told I was making “broad statements” and my favorite line

that will solve all things wrong in the world, “we just need to understand each other and be respectful.” On other discussion boards, I was seeing white fragility play out even more. Comments were made when it came to the harassment that black people will face when they are shopping in stores that white people have the privilege of not experiencing.

What was the response to this?

“Anyone can be followed around in a store,” which completely overlooks the harassment in which black people face because they are black.

Now what sent me over the edge and led to this article was when the point I made in my own thread responding to the professor’s question was used to further the point of someone else’s white fragility.

In the thread where I made my own original thought, “your whiteness protects you,” another student took that to someone else’s thread and said, “Your race does not protect you, it only makes you become a victim less likely.” White fragility.

My entire experience taking this

course plays into the dangers of white fragility.

Me, a black woman, speaking from experience based on educational material created by another black women were overlooked, ignored and an afterthought. It was overlooked by my peers who introduce themselves as people who have little to no experience/ educational background on the racial oppressions of others, yet they felt comfortable enough to correct, comment and debate the personal experience of their peer, a black woman, who lives in this unjust system every day. And one who experiences this unjust system in the classroom.

Women and Gender Studies was a marvelous course and the material given was important and relevant to how we see gender in society today.

Although, I strongly believe that education plays a key role in preventing prejudice, stereotyping and racism. I beg the question: can education really help if you are unable to acknowledge and check your white privilege?

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

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Ship Life

Back to School Horoscopes Piper Kull and Katie Huston

Editor-in-Chief and Business Manager

Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19): Are you ready, babe? This semester is yours for the taking, but it will not go down without a fight. Mercury and Mars have just left retrograde, but it’ll still be a rocky path to success. You are a natural fighter, so you do not have too much to worry about. However, it may be good to start with some collaboration.

Take advantage of group assignments — other people can know things, too. Things may have felt very unpredictable last semester. That can change now, but it all comes down to you.

Get ready for the challenge, you got this.

Taurus (Apr. 19-May 20): Time to start taking risks, love. You have been playing it safe for the past few years — step out of your comfort zone, great things could be in store. Put yourself out there, meet new people, try new things. This semester can bring you many opportunities, take advantage of it and start hurling yourself into the land of success. Communicating may come a bit difficult at the start of the semester, but resist that urge you have to give up. This semester is all yours.

Gemini (May 21-June 21): This month has already put you through the ringer, do not worry: this semester holds new opportunities for you to thrive. Try to give into those impulses you have been ignoring — they are not always bad. However, this semester, it would also do you some good to slow down and think things through. Identify how you have chosen to communicate your feelings with others and fix it (sometimes you can be wrong too). You are so close to reaching your goals — do not let yourself ignore your friends and family just to achieve them. The key to your success is to go slow and steady, you can

do that, babe.

Cancer (June 22-July 22): Take the lead this semester. The planets have aligned for your ideas to be easily carried out. Listen to those around you. Do not let your emotions carry you through the semester. Keep a level head and lean on those closest to you (especially in the emotionallyfueled times). You cannot let yourself be overworked. Remember to take breaks when necessary, you need your sleep to get anything meaningful done. Try meditating to stabilize yourself this semester, love — it’ll do wonders for you.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): There are many hurdles that you will need to jump this semester, babe. Watching your abrasiveness and holding your tongue could help you on many occasions. A good leader does not need to be the center of attention.

Take some time during the semester for selfdiscovery. There are endless possibilities out there. Take some time to get to know yourself — who are you when there is not an audience?

Communication with peers may be a bit difficult this semester, but there is nothing that you cannot handle.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Fun is the word of the semester for you, love. You know that not everything needs to be stressful. Perhaps this semester you can take the time to remind those around you of that. You can have a school/life balance. This semester will be hard work, but luckily it will not be all work. Put yourself out there. Now is the perfect time to explore all kinds of new relationships. The people around you deserve to know you. Now is the time for a new Virgo.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Nothing is certain this semester, things will likely be up in the air until the very end.

However, it is nothing that you cannot handle.

Take some time to speak with the people around you. People do not need to be cut off immediately. Calm yourself down and talk with people like adults (most problems can likely be worked out). We know that conflict is the worst thing for you, but sometimes it is necessary. Focus on the work that needs to be done and remember to partake in self-care — things can work themselves out in the end if you just let them.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): This semester, the world is truly going to be your oyster, Scorpio babe. Not only are you feeling incredibly social, but your personality is more magnetic than usual, making this a great semester for new friends or relationships. Do not be afraid to talk to that person in your class who always wears those cool outfits or always has something meaningful to say. This is also a great time to focus on your own personal wellness and physical fitness. It is a new year, a new semester and a new beginning. And, hey, why not take advantage of Ship REC while you can.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Hey babe, we know this winter break you might have been snug as a bug in a rug, but it is time to seize the semester and get out there. You are, of course, a party animal at heart, so we do not doubt your abilities, but we know it can be difficult to get started up again. Good news, the stars are on your side and this is a time where you might start to get noticed. Maybe put a little extra effort into your appearance before heading out in the morning or take special care with what you say in your classes. It may be a good thing to be as outspoken as you are, but take some time this semester to stop and think.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your season has just come to a close,

Capricorn, and we will be honest, this semester might be a bit of a rude awakening.

You might feel like people are not really understanding what you are saying or doing, or your projects are not coming out exactly as you want them to. You may also be dealing with some emotional difficulties that you have been putting off (we know how you like to bottle things up). This can be frustrating, but we promise with a little moxie in the right places, everything will turn out just fine, babe.

Keep your head up and just keep going, better things are coming.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Welcome to not just your season, but a new semester. The stars have constructed a recipe for sleepiness and sluggishness, which is not exactly ideal for a slew of new people, classes and work. We promise you will be feeling like your usual quirky self in no time now that the sun is in your sign. Now is the time to get things done and tackle that to-do list while you are getting this rare influx of motivation.

Start your new projects and papers early, and maybe study a little more for these first tests and quizzes. Actually prioritize your often tumultuous emotional health this semester, and everything will be coming up Aquarius, babe.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): You are truly ready to get this semester started and enter it as a brand-new person, babe. If you have been feeling like your growth has been stifled, do not worry, you will be feeling totally transformed this semester.

If you were dealing with anything heavy over the winter break, now will feel like a great time for resolution and recovery. This is a great time to lean on friends old and new as you undergo a season of self-discovery.

Celebrate and embrace these changes within yourself instead of pushing them away.

Slowly but Shively: The Bagel Theory

Madi Shively

Asst. Ship Life Editor

Whenever life gets me down, I think of a theory I created, inspired by an altercation between myself, my dog, and a bagel. One morning in my kitchen, I slathered peanut butter on top of a toasted chocolate chip bagel.

Moments after I sat down to enjoy the delicacy, I was greeted by the company of my dog, Suzy. Suzy (pictured right) is a 90-pound golden doodle who sees the world through rose-colored glasses (despite being colorblind). She kindly sits in front of me, prim and proper, envious of the treat I hold in my hand. Suzy is wise. She is familiar with the delectable aroma of peanut butter surrounding her, for she is often rewarded with it whenever it is in sight.

Suzy believes in this scent, wide-eyed and tail wagging with the knowledge that this treat is meant for her.

However, I know something she does not: beneath the peanut butter surface is a minefield of chocolate chips, which could potentially poison her. I love my dog, and the last thing I would want is for her to be harmed.

But she doesn’t understand that.

She begrudgingly watches as I enjoy my bagel at the kitchen counter. She remains persistent and begs in front of me until I finish every bite. Once her hope is crushed, she pouts and leaves the room. She asks, “How could she betray me like this?”

Suddenly, I realize that I often find myself in Suzy’s position. Whenever I have been let down by the lost bagels in life; a missed job opportunity, canceled plans or even a lost friendship, I remind myself: It is just not meant for me. Sometimes there are poisonous morsels hidden in the things we want, but we want them so badly that we just cannot see them. It is difficult to accept when things do not go the way we had planned, and sometimes even more difficult to have faith that a better opportunity will come along (especially when it feels like everyone around you is being fed their bagels left and right).

Take “Friends” actress Lisa Kudrow, for example. Kudrow was fired from Frasier after the pilot episode when the director decided she wasn’t a good fit for the role. She expressed that she

was broken after she lost the role, as “Frasier” was the up-and-coming sitcom that would be her big break.

Little did she know, she would later be given the role of Phoebe Buffay, changing the landscape of ’90’s television forever.

When we feel upset over a missed opportunity, we forget to trust what the future has in store for us. Give it time. A day will come when what’s meant for you will arrive. We will get our bagels one day. I find it comforting to remember how many times I have shaken my fist at the universe, thinking I belonged somewhere else in life before I understood I was exactly where I needed to be. Whenever I feel discouraged, I remember to wait patiently, secure in the knowledge that there are plenty of metaphorical spoonfuls of peanut butter waiting for me in the future.

(Disclaimer: in the evening of the aforementioned events, Suzy was later rewarded for her patience with a heaping spoonful of peanut butter, sans chocolate.)

Madi Shively/ The Slate

Recipe of the week: Ginny’s Creamy Corn Chowder Paige Shope

Ingredients: ● 1 Tbsp. butter ● 1/2 yellow onion, chopped ● 1 clove of garlic ● ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley ● 3 Tbsp. of all-purpose flour ● 2 ½ cups of milk ● 1 cup chicken broth ● 2 (12 ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained ● 6 pieces of bacon ● 6 peeled and chopped potatoes ● 1 teaspoon salt ● 1 teaspoon pepper ● 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Managing Editor

Courtesy of Flickr

Instructions: ● Add butter to a pot on medium heat ● Chop and sauté onions, garlic and parsley in the pot with the butter until tender ● Whisk in flour to make a paste ● Pour in milk and chicken broth ● Add the two cans of corn ● Fry and chop bacon, add to pot ● Peel and dice potatoes, boil potatoes in a separate pot ● Strain potatoes and add to soup ● Simmer on low for an hour ● Season with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper ● Ladle into bowl and top with crackers and enjoy!

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Tuesday, January 24, 2023

A&E

Pacifying the nepotism babies Madi Shively

Asst. Ship Life Editor

Depp, but also of actress and model Vanessa Paradis. Maya Hawke of “Stranger Things” In an industry that is reliant upon reboots, fame is the spitting image of her parents a successful person’s child could be consid- Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke. Gwyneth ered a reprisal of their own achievements. Paltrow? Daughter of director and producer People receiving more opportunities because Bruce Paltrow. Hailey Bieber? Alec Baldwin’s of their surname has been a reoccurring tra- niece. Paltrow and Bieber commiserated over dition within any industry; now, it’s more nepotism on Bieber’s YouTube show “Who’s abundant than ever. However, nepotism​​ in My Bathroom?” gives undue advantage to someone who may “You get access other people don’t have, not necessarily merit such treatment. so the playing field is not level in that way,” Take Maude Apatow, for example. The ac- Paltrow said. “However, I feel that once your tress soared to fame in the role of Lexi How- foot is in the door, which you unfairly got in, ard in the HBO series “Euphoria,” though she you almost have to work twice as hard…and faced criticism when nepotism was found in be twice as good.” her DNA. It came to light that Maude is the Despite their cushioned lifestyle, it seems daughter of director Judd Apatow and actress the one thing nepo babies cannot be sheltered Leslie Mann and that the actress has starred from is being identified as such. The question in not one but three of her father’s movies is: Are they willing to admit to their serendipsince childhood. itous social standing? Hailey Bieber was spotSince this has been brought to light, Ap- ted weeks ago wearing a top that had “Nepo atow’s acting prowess has been questioned Baby” printed on the front; critics speculated and audiences have no choice but to wonder this was her way of expressing her frustration if the breakout role was handed to her. Al- with the controversy. though, she shared in an interview with W Many celebrities have had nerves struck by Magazine that she auditioned for “Euphoria” the surge of hostility following their nepotism six times. Her co-star Sydney Sweeney, on the exposure. “Friends” actress Jennifer Aniston, other hand, has been transparent with how daughter of famed actors Nancy Dow and difficult she has struggled financially in order John Aniston, faced claims that her parents to achieve a status like Apatow’s. helped her career skyrocket after she called New York Magazine’s December 2022 out stars like Paris Hilton for “being famous cover package exposed several celebrities as for doing nothing” in an interview with Vanepotism success stories: “The Boys” star riety.

Jack Quaid was revealed to be the son of Kylie Jenner received egregious backlash actress Meg Ryan and actor Dennis Quaid. in 2018 after Forbes recognized her as the Lily-Rose Depp was uncovered to not only be “world’s youngest self-made billionaire” dethe daughter of actor and producer Johnny spite standing on the platform of one of the

highest-grossing reality shows of all time.

Her sister Kendall, standing atop the same platform, has been crowned the world’s highest-paid supermodel in 2022 — a title she has held since 2018. Actress Zoe Kravitz, daughter of Lenny Kravitz, told GQ magazine: “It’s completely normal for people to be in the family business. It’s literally where last names came from,” she said. “You were a blacksmith if your family was, like, the Black family.”

It would make sense for one to be upset after having all, if any, of their hard work suddenly diluted to rumors of a supposedly cozy upbringing. While I agree that nepotism is an unethical practice that can create a toxic work environment, I can’t say I can blame those who use their nepotism to move up in the world. After all, if you had access to such valuable connections, could you honestly say that you wouldn’t try to capitalize off of those connections in any way possible?

Critics seem to be satisfied once someone acknowledges that they have benefitted from nepotism, recognizing their privilege and earning their status by performing well in the job they are given. That said, just as many jobs should be given to hardworking non-nepo babies as well, whether it be a college acceptance or a corporate position. The two social statuses can work together harmoniously as long as Hollywood and other industries understand this: there’s a difference between inheriting family talent and inheriting a family name.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Adam Beam/The Slate

Dewey Bunnell (left) and Gerry Beckley (right) of America perform “You Can Do Magic” at the Luhrs Performing Arts Center on Thursday, January 12, 2023.

America brings the rockin’ ‘70s to Luhrs Adam Beam

Asst. Opinion Editor

The Luhrs Performing Art Center 2022-23 season has been hit after hit.

On Thursday, Jan. 12, the hits kept coming when the beloved British-American rock band, America, took the stage to play some of their familiar favorites.

The band consists of original members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, as well as new bandmates Ryland Steen (drummer), Rich Campbell (bass guitarist) and Steve Fekete (backup vocals), who sang through the vast history of the band’s discography.

The band opened the night with a performance of the 1974 soft rock tune “Tin Man.” Some of the other standout performances of the night included “Ventura Highway,” “Driving,” “Cornwall Blank/Hollywood” and even a cover of the Beatles’ song “Nowhere Man.” During their hourand-a-half set, the band

also covered “You Can Do Magic” by Russ Ballard and “California Dreamin”

by The Mamas & The Papas. Naturally, the night concluded with their most recognizable song, “Sister Golden Hair.” It should also be noted that this stellar performance was the band’s first concert of the new year.

America was founded in 1970 in London by the aforementioned Beckley and Bunnell, as well as Dan Peek. They released their first album titled “America” in 1971, which included tracks such as “A Horse with No Name” and “Sandman.” Their follow-up album “Homecoming” in 1972 would also be the debut of some of their most popular songs and was the album that pushed the group into stardom. With 18 albums, the band has stuck together for over 50 years and hasn’t missed a beat. Unfortunately, founding member Dan Peek

passed away at 60 on July 24, 2011.

If you could not catch America while they were bringing down the roof at the Luhrs Center, the band will be making their next stops in Florida with two back-to-back performances in Sarasota and Jacksonville on Jan. 19 and 20. The next show to take the stage at Luhrs will be The Doo Wop Project on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 7:30 p.m. For more information and the rest of the Luhrs Center’s schedule, visit luhrscenter. com/events.

New Year, Clean Slate.

Ring in the New Year with a hand-picked selection of songs from the Slate staff.

Courtesy of Pexels

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Tuesday, January 24, 2023

‘Glass Onion’ breaks glass ceilings

Madi Shively

Asst. Ship Life Editor

Following the success of the 2019 cult classic “Knives Out,” the decision to make a sequel to the original film was certainly a bold one, though it fulfilled nearly every expectation. Rian Johnson’s “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” puffs out its chest as the second installation in the “Knives Out” universe, confirming there will be a series of colorful whodunits like it. And thank goodness, because the solving of the mysteries guarantees to keep viewers guessing — and get their hearts racing in the meantime.

The film is a stand-alone spectacular that can be enjoyed on its own without watching the original “Knives Out,” though the original film sets the precedent for the mind of Detective Benoit Blanc, who appears to be the only recurring character across the films. Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, is a vibrant alternative from his most notorious role of James Bond. Formerly established as a stone-cold agent 007, Craig rebrands himself in the role of Blanc: a genius, loveable detective with a Southern accent you just can’t get out of your head. The character of detective Blanc is much more playful in this film than the last as he embarks on his latest mystery —

this is made clear when he makes his first appearance playing a round of “Among Us.” “Glass Onion” takes place during May 2020 and playfully utilizes tropes we’ve witnessed throughout the pandemic: the problematic celebrity (Kate Hudson), the headstrong billionaire (Ed Norton), the Twitch streamer (Dave Bautista), the girlboss politician (Kathryn Hahn) and the hardworking scientist (Leslie Odom Jr.). The “Knives Out” series is known for its unexpected-yet-electric casting that makes for quite the extravaganza: Hahn and Hudson perform side-by-side for the first time in 19 years since “How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days,” Odom Jr. and Bautista spread their wings and expand from their respective “Hamilton” and Marvel roots, and Madelyn Cline takes the throne as the decade’s most dazzling ingenue as she steps into the role of an arm-candy influencer.

This eclectic ensemble makes for an exciting treat for the viewer as they gather on the island of a billionaire, though Janelle Monáe’s alluring performance as the enigmatic Andi Brand is truly a spectacle to be observed. Having made a name for herself as a Grammy-nominated artist, Monáe has broadened their horizons in the acting industry following her success in “Hidden Figures.” Monáe and Craig make for a powerful duo throughout this mystery, creating a chemistry

that swings doors open for future Academy Awards.

With a slew of red herrings, Easter eggs and evidence, Rian Johnson’s continued brilliance resulted in 82.1 million hours of “Glass Onion” watched in its opening weekend on Netflix, according to Variety. The mystery’s genius is also very timely as it delivers a subtle social commentary, engaging with America using the group of characters, the “disruptors,” to convey the message that not all grand actions equate to genius. One of my favorite quotes from the film is when Blanc states, “It’s a dangerous thing to mistake speaking without thought for speaking the truth, don’t you think?”

Arguably the greatest element of the “Knives Out” series is that the end of the first watch is only the beginning — or rather, the first layer. Once the solution to the mystery is revealed, it does not spoil, but rather repurposes the excitement of the film. This tactic has certainly reprised the former charm of the murder mystery genre, allowing the audience to play detective as they catch small hints and explore minor details. “Glass Onion” is a mystery complete with drama, foreshadowing, a smooth build-up and an ending that is clever, shocking, and sharp enough to cut glass.

“Glass Onion” is now streaming on Netflix.

Review: ‘The Menu’ Ian Thompson Staff Contributor

Phil Tippet’s ‘Mad God’: A Macabre Masterpiece

Ethan Cornell Asst. A&E Editor

Out of the many genres that make up today’s movie industry, horror again and again tops the popularity charts.

Horror, although in existence before the action film and changing shape every decade, continues to surprise and entertain.

These past few years alone have brought some incredible titles like “Hellbender,” “The Innocents” and “Prey” that continue to show the versatility and power that the horror genre continues to have. However, out of the massive catalogue of horror films I’ve watched, Phil Tippett’s 2021 film “Mad God” is one of the most memorable, macabre pieces I have ever seen.

Phil Tippett, director of the film, is considered by most in the movie industry to be the greatest stop-motion animator of all time. Tippett’s work can be seen in a multitude of cult classic films like “Robocop,” “Jurassic Park,” “Star Wars” and “Starship Troopers,” among many others. “Mad God” has been 30 years in the making, and the dedication to the grotesque and disturbing permeates throughout the movie.

To put it bluntly; this movie is horrific in every way possible. It’s gross, absurd, super violent, torturous, vulgar and just about anything else you can mention. With that being said, this movie is incredible and an unfathomable technical masterpiece. “Mad God” follows what can only be described as an arcane storyline; the main message and ideas are cryptic and leave the viewer to create their own conclusions. The movie follows a gas-mask wearing protagonist and their journey through an incredible world of lost souls, old-world ruins and disgustingly

detailed abominations in order to accomplish some unknown final goal.

Tippett’s skill and dedication to craft really shines in this film, as every set, creature and element is painstakingly hand-crafted and animated using traditional stop-motion. The movie has a heavy emphasis on the primordial, alluding to some higher power or greater significance in the world but never telling the audience what.

A lot of the scenery is based on visuals from World War I: abandoned bunkers, barbed-wire trenches, antique military equipment, etc. Each scene gives a different type of post-apocalyptic aesthetic that blends well in the overall environment but gives the viewer interesting visuals to look at every time.

And that’s where this movie really shines: even though the movie pushes the viewer and can easily leave them sick, the craft is so gorgeous it’s difficult to turn off. “Suffering of the highest magnitude on repeat. Like a car crash. It’s horrible, but you can’t look away” writes one reviewer.

Overall, this movie is far from what would be considered a cult-classic film like one of Phil Tippett’s numerous other works. It’s too special for that treatment. “Mad God” is in an unholy class of its own in the horror genre, showing unprecedented amounts of sophistication yet displaying insurmountable amounts of depravity. I can garner no real message from this movie, other than I should be very, very afraid of what Tippett’s mind looks like.

This movie is an incredibly complex masterpiece as much as it is a disgusting torture-fueled nightmare. I highly recommend the film — if you have the stomach for it.

When I first saw the trailer for “The Menu,” it instantly went on my must-watch list.

A cross between black comedy and suspense horror about the restaurant industry? Sign me up! Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to see it in theaters, but when it began streaming on HBO Max, I cleared my schedule to sit down and watch it. And boy, am I glad I did.

When I was asked as a child, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I of course bounced between the cliches of astronaut, firefighter and the like. But eventually I settled down on dreaming of becoming a chef. I was a fan of Geoffrey Zakarian, Gordon Ramsay, Rachel Ray and all the others. Alton Brown still has a special place in my heart as the “Bill Nye” of cooking.

However, my excitement for the culinary arts quickly soured and turned to bitterness.

I attended a vocational school during high school and got a job as a short-order cook at a local business. Through these experiences, I began to realize the horrors that exist in and around the food service industry — ranging from exploitation to cults of personality and sexual harassment.

I think it was for that reason that “The Menu” resonates with me so well. The movie, which stars Ralph Fiennes as celebrity chef Julian Slowik, is centered around an evening at Slowik’s exclusive island restaurant. As the night goes on, we learn more and more about Slowik, the restaurant and each of his less than admirable diners.

“The Menu” offers an excellent critique and satire of many of the issues that plague the restaurant industry.

Slowik’s staff is invested in the cult of personality surrounding the chef to a disturbing degree. They live on the island, work grueling 18-hour days and are utterly devoted to him. Every perfectly synchronized “Yes Chef” reinforces their conformity to what they think will earn Slowik’s respect.

While just about every satirization in this movie is caricatured for effect, it all has a basis in truth. The amount of abuse and exploitation that people in this industry are

subjected to, not to mention the physical labor and low pay, takes a toll on mental and physical well-being.

Gordon Ramsay’s screaming on “Hell’s Kitchen” makes for good entertainment, but the countless chefs who seek to emulate him have created an industry rampant with abuse, drug addiction and suicidal ideation.

“The Menu” understands this alarming reality and succeeds in shedding some much needed light on it.

Our point-of-view character Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) is an outsider compared to her fellow diners, including foodies, critics and entitled consumers. Her own experience in sex work offers an interesting comparison with the exploitative environments often found in commercial kitchens.

A central theme of the movie is artistic alienation. Our modern world is exceptionally capable of extracting the enjoyment out of any form of art, whether it be filmmaking, critique or cooking. It’s not enough to create for creation’s sake, or for enjoyment — everything must be milked for content and engagement.

Critics and foodies don’t want burgers and fries — even if that’s what you as a chef want to create — they want flashy, artsy and avant-garde creations they can post on Instagram and gush about on blogs. And to survive in that market, chefs degrade their own art.

“The Menu” is a cynical but realistic portrayal into the world of food. It recognizes that there’s blame to be placed on the side of the consumer and the producer and capitalism itself.

It’s a movie that reminds me of Anthony Bourdain. I’m still a fan of those chefs I mentioned before, but the late Bourdain has become my favorite. During his time with us, he was very open about his thoughts and the good and bad of the industry.

His book, “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly” sits in a place of honor on my bookshelf. Bourdain wrote, “Good food is very often, even most often, simple food.” I can’t agree more — sometimes you just need a burger.

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Sports Mens basketball rolls over Bloomsburg and Kutztown

Haytham Zaami/The Slate

Redshirt senior Rashon Johnson scored 12 points in Saturday’s 89-62 win over Kutztown.

Jack Ansley

Asst. Sports Editor

This week, the Raiders faced off with two PSAC East opponents in Bloomsburg and Kutztown. On Wednesday, the Raiders beat Bloomsburg University (0-15 0-11 PSAC East) 77-68.

Graduate forward Dom Sleva led the Raiders in scoring with 22 points in the game.

The Raiders took the lead in the first half and ran with it. The Raiders only trailed the Huskies once in the first half 16-14 with 11:36 to go in the first half. From their Graduate Forward Luke Nedrow tied the game up again with a jumper to tie the game at 16.

From there, the team went back and forth but the Huskies were not able to get the lead back and the Raiders held a four-point lead into the second half of the game.

The second half was a similar story to the first half. The Huskies cut the deficit to just twopoint multiple times in the second half, but it wasn’t enough. The Raiders went on to win this one 77-68.

Selva led the Raiders in scoring with 22 points and nine rebounds. Redshirt senior Rashon Johnson had 16 points and 12 rebounds. Senior Forward Carlos Carter had 16 points and eight rebounds. Nedrow had 10 points in the game. Redshirt sophomore Andrew Recchia had eight points in the game.

On Saturday, the Raiders hosted Kutztown University at Heiges Field House. The Raiders struggled in the first half. The Golden Bears Went on a quick 6-0 run with two three-points to start the game. The Raiders fought back with four points from Sleva and Nedrow. The Raiders grabbed their first lead in the game with 12:46 to go in the first half from a jumper from Carlos Carter. From there, the Raiders added to their lead getting a 14-point led at the height of their run.

The Raiders led the Golden Bears 40-28 at the end of the first half.

In the second half, the Raiders continued to roll through the Golden Bears. The Raiders continued to extend their lead to twenty points with over ten minutes remaining in the half.

The Raiders expanded the lead to thirty points with five minutes to go in regulation.

The Raiders handled the Golden Bears 89-62.

Carter led the Raiders in scoring with 22 points. Carter also had five rebounds and two as-

Women’s basketball battles Bloomsburg and Kutztown

Photo Courtesy of Shamere Briggs/The Slate

Senior forward Ariel Jones had 33- and 22-point performances in games against Bloomsburg and Kutztown.

Jack Ansley

Asst. Sports Editor

Shippensburg University’s women’s basketball team battled two PSAC East opponents this week — Bloomsburg and Kutztown universities. On Wednesday, the Raiders traveled to Bloomsburg. Senior forward Ariel Jones had her third 30-point game of the season. The Raiders were not able to hold off the Huskies and lost 76-73.

Wednesday night’s matchup was incredibly tight. The game had 17 lead changes and 19 ties in the game. In the first quarter, both teams went back and forth with the lead and neither was able to have more than a two-point game until two minutes remained in the 1st quarter. The Raiders trailed at the end of the first quarter 24-20.

The second quarter was a similar story to the first. Neither team was able to obtain more than a one possession lead. The Raiders gained a three-point lead midway through the second quarter and Jones made a three point, which broke the 28-28

tie and gave the Raiders a three-point lead. In the final five minutes of the first half, the teams continued to go back and forth and traded baskets. The Raiders trailed 36-34 at the half.

In the third quarter, the teams continued to go back and forth, trading the lead. The Raiders held an eight-point led with over five minutes to go in the quarter. The Huskies quickly tied the game at 49. The game remained tied at the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, both teams continued to go back and forth. The Huskies got the final basket with six seconds left in regulation and Megan Fisher hit a three to give the Huskies the lead. The Raiders were not able to tie the game up and lost to the Huskies 76-73.

The loss snapped the Raiders’ five-game win streak.

On Saturday, the Raiders looked to bounce back after Wednesday’s loss. This game was just as tight as Wednesday’s contest. In the first quarter both teams went back and forth.

The Golden Bears grabbed a four-point advantage at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Raiders filled the deficit and tied the game at 31 with twelve seconds to go in the first half. The Raiders went into half tied at 31.

In the third quarter, the Golden Bears were able to get some separation from the Raiders. The Golden Bears led the Raiders 49-43 at the end of the third quarter.

In the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Golden Bears extended their lead up to nine points in the game. The Raiders fought back and quickly erased the deficit and tied the game at 58 at the end of regulation.

In overtime, the Raiders grabbed a lead and didn’t look back as they defeated the Golden Bears 68-62.

This week, the Raiders will have three games. The Raiders will travel to Millersville on Monday, host Shepherd University on Wednesday and the Bald Eagles on Saturday.

SPORTS

E2

January 24, 2023

Mens Swimming Beats Edinboro 117-73

Photo Courtesy Bill Smith/ SU Sports info

The Shippensburg University men’s swimming team defeated Edinboro 117-73 on Friday, Jan. 13.

Nicola Pugge Asst. Sports Editor

Shippensburg University’s men’s and women’s swimming teams travelled to Edinboro, Pennsylvania, on Friday, Jan. 13, to compete in a dual meet with the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) opponent Edinboro University. The men won by delivering the fastest time in nine out of the 11 events, while the women dropped the dual meet to the host Edinboro.

The men’s Raiders started the meet strong with a close win over Edinboro in the 200yard medley relay. The quartet of senior Michael Hannig, graduate Andrew Hale, graduate Vin Salvatore and senior Elijah Zinn delivered a time of 1:37.53.

Noteworthy were the performances by junior Michael Salvatori, who was named PSAC men’s swimmer of the week by the league’s office on Tuesday. Salvatori won two events at the meet, the 200-yard backstroke and the 200-yard IM, and placed second in the 200 breaststroke with a personal record (PR) of 2:13.54.

Hale won the 200 breaststroke in 2:10.15 and placed second in the 200-yard IM. Sophomore David Johnson also finished the meet as double-event winner. Jonson won the 1,000-yard freestyle in a season’s best time of 10:15.29 and won the 500-yard freestyle later in the day.

The women’s swimming team also featured a double-event winner. Sophomore Allie Keeling delivered the fastest times in the 1,000-yard freestyle and the 500-yard freestyle.

Keeling returned to the pool in the meet-concluding 200-yard freestyle relay and placed second, accompanied by sophomore Kristin Gebhard, senior Marina Cote and sophomore Gracie Wetzel.

Other top-two performances were delivered by sophomore Lauren Croll and junior Alyssa Tomb, who both placed second in the 50-yard freestyle and the 200-yard backstroke respectively.

Both the men’s and women’s swimming team will return to action in Bucknell on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Raider of the Week:

- Scored

Ariel Jones

33 points against Bloomsburg

- Scored 22 points on Saturday against Kutztown - PSAC Athlete of the week

THIS WEEK IN RAIDER SPORTS Mens Basketball

Womens basketball

1/23 At Millersville 7:30 p.m.

1/23 At Millersville 5:30 p.m.

1/25 vs Shepherd 8 p.m.

1/25 vs Shepherd 8 p.m.

1/28 At Lock Heaven 3 p.m.

1/28 At Lock Heaven 1 p.m.

Swimming

1/28 At Bucknell 12 p.m.

Wrestling

1/28 Millersvillle Dual vs American International Thaddeus Stevens Camdon County

Mens Indoor track and Field

1/27 Bison Open

Womens Indoor Track and field

1/27 Bison Open

F1

January 24, 2023

2023 Pennsylvania Farm Show The 107th Annual Pennsylvania Farm Show ran from January 7–14. Held annually at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, the event is designed to help educate people on Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry.

Photos by Allyson Ritchey and Elizabeth Peters