Volume 53, Issue 2 SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 advocate-online.net
Animals inspire art PAGE 4
Food for thought PAGE 4
Saints fall in five PAGE 4
IN JOURNALISM WE TRUST A passion for public service
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NEWS | OPINION EDITORIAL
A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T
INFORMING THE PUBLIC: JOURNALISM’S RELATIONSHIP WITH FREEDOM
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n math and science it is important to have a frame of reference. ‘One’ means nothing if it doesn’t have any other context (for instance, one kilogram or one out of 100). Even more so, it is vital for a community, society, or republic to have a common frame of reference simply for ease of communication, and more importantly for organization and advancement. We use common knowledge to create a frame of reference within a community, and we use this frame of reference to define shared goals and opinions. When a community can identify common goals and prominent figures to be admired or condemned, it opens the door for the populace to take coordinated action: It allows the seeds of modern democracy to be sewn. Public news has been around nearly as long as democracy has, for example the Acta Diurna or “Daily Acts” that was published at least as far back as 59 B.C. in the Roman republic. The spread of information is, in itself, a cornerstone of community. News also creates community, beyond providing a frame of reference. American journalism has its roots in community. American journalism sprouted from eighteenth century publick houses (pubs) where publicans (the pub owners) would share information left by travelers in the logbooks that usually resided at the end of the bar. This information ranged from shipping news, to stories and gossip garnered all over the world, to political arguments, and soon came to be published by entrepre-
neurial printers. Due to these publishings, English politicians had to dub a new phenomenon they began to observe, and called it “public opinion.” This was the start of the new era of independent, often accurate, sometimes sensationalized and polarizing news. However, in the late 1800s, American news providers began to realize that independence from the state and accuracy may not be the be-all, and end-all of journalism. In a time of polarized and partisan news that aimed to proselytize its readers, Adolph Ochs, a Tennessee-based publisher who had purchased the sinking New York Times, declared that his top goal was to always present the news impartially, not giving bias to anyone regardless of their views or money. Other newspapers had claimed likewise in the past, but Ochs proved that he meant it. His success with Times led to the birth of modern, 20th century journalism. To clarify, journalism is the act of providing consumers with enough accurate, impartial information to make decisions for their lives and to govern themselves. Consider authoritarian governments such as North Korea, the former Soviet Union, and the People’s Republic of China, or monarchies throughout the ages: They censor and suppress journalism that is not associated with the state, even going as far as to implement “official” news produced by the ruling party. In all cases nonpartisan, objective journalism is discouraged, censored, and
even punishable because proper journalism allows its consumers to think for themselves. Lately, however, there has been a shift away from the idea of impartiality. Some believe that because journalists as individuals cannot be objective, neither can the news. Therefore, “objective news” is a decrepit and unreasonable ideal. But, even while we all have biases, we can still use an objective method to verify and present information. Jill Lepore, Harvard University historian and staff writer for The New Yorker magazine, asserts in her recent article, “The Hacking of America,” published in the New York Times, that the 1987 repeal of the Fairness Doctrine – federal guidelines that stated that broadcasters have “certain obligations to afford reasonable opportunity for the discussion of conflicting views on issues of public importance” – is what opened the doors to polarizing figures such as political commentators Rush Limbaugh and Trevor Noah. The problem was only magnified when President Bill Clinton signed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 which removed many anti-monopoly precautions and allowed for further corporate conglomeration of news media. Whether the government should regulate news media is open to debate. But using an impartial method of collecting and presenting accurate information is a burden journalists must bear – that is their loyalty, which should lie with the truth and to serving the people. Truth is, in the eyes of a prof-
its-driven mega-media company, it doesn’t matter how you slant the news; all that matters is that it sells. Because of this shift away from objectivity, public esteem for journalism is now lower than it has been in years. Only 30 percent of Americans had a “great deal” or “a lot” of confidence in the U.S. media as a public institution, as measured in a survey of 1,350 adults taken in January 2018 (NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll(Marist College): https://tinyurl.com/yd69axod). There also has been a steady decline in consumption of all news, measured from 2016 to 2017, especially of TV broadcasting where news is overall the most conglomerated and partisan. If journalists want to regain public trust, they must realize that accuracy is not the only component to respectable journalism. They must separate themselves from consolidated, partisan media companies whose aim is to make money, not to support or build democracy or community. That is why we here at the Advocate aim to present our readers with accurate, impartial news and diverse opinions (the latter are distinctly separate). Not only so that you can be aware and informed, but because MHCC is a valued community and creating a common frame of reference is what helps build a strong community. Our weekly editorial is designed to explore compelling issues that affect the community we serve. It has no attributed author because it represents the collective voice of the Advocate editorial board.
NEWS BRIEFS HELP MHCC CLEAN OUT THE COMPETITION EcoChallenge is an interactive way to get people thinking about their environmental impact. Earn points for the Sustainable Saints – an MHCC team effort – by living a little more sustainably or reflecting on your current lifestyle. You can help Mt. Hood keep its lead on the fast-gaining PCC Eco Panthers. Sign up at 2018.ecochallenge.org/teams/ sustainable-saints. SUMMIT THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS: “FICTION” Starring: Theatre Arts instructor Mace Archer, Portland actress Cecily Overman, and aspiring MHCC student actress Jennifer Kuenzi. A married couple’s relationship is tested by their pasts as “Fiction” is brought to life onstage. Tickets are $12 and can be obtained online at www.mhcc.edu/theatreboxoffice. Showing tonight, Sept. 28, through Oct. 7. WILDLIFE SPOTTED On Friday, Sept. 21, there was a report of a cougar sighting on campus. According to Public Safety, local police officers were on the scene and said it was a coyote. Many coyotes are known to live in the area. A school warning about cougars was sent out to all staff, but not to students, in the meantime. CROSS COUNTRY This Saturday, Sept. 29, the cross country team will be competeing in the Charles Bowles Willamette invitational meet in Salem at 9:30 a.m.
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF MHCC Editor-in-Chief Megan Phelps
Opinion Editor Position Open
Associate Editor/ Photo Editor Fletcher Wold
Arts & Entertainment Editor Position Open
Associate Editor/ News Editor Cassie Wilson
Graphic Design Team Sheila Embers Positions Open
Sports Editor Jonathan Zacarias
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Photo Team Shyann Tooke Positions Open
Video Team Andy Corothers Drevsen Shadley Positions Open Copy Editors Hannah Meisenhelder Positions Open Web Editors Positions Open Ad Managers Positions Open
Social Media Managers Positions Open Staff Writers Bethany McCurley Mariah Getch Deniqua Adams Positions Open
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NEWS
SEPTEMBER 28, 2018
FROM SCHOOL TO SALEM AND BACK AGAIN Cassie Wilson the advocate
Much how college students juggle studying, work, and more, Chris Gorsek balances a life of teaching, helping with the annual Salmon Festival, and being an Oregon state representative, photographer, father, and husband. Gorsek has worked at Mt. Hood for 22 years, and teaches geography and criminal justice. He occasionally teaches geography at Portland State University as well. This means that his schedule often looks like: MHCC in the morning, Salem for government work in the afternoon, and then teaching at PSU in the evening. Fall is a bit easier to handle because meeting times are more predictable in Salem as opposed to the spring, when extra legislative sessions and hearings are scheduled. Gorsek has been in office as the District 49 state representative since January 2013. The Democrat is currently up for re-election with goals of improving situations for homeless people and creating more affordable housing. His opponents in the Nov. 6 election are Republican Justin Hwang and Libertarian Heather Ricks. Shaped by experience Currently, he also has a small photography exhibit on a bulletin board upstairs in the Social Sciences office area, where he has digitized photos of homelessness in the Portland area. He hopes to share unique perspectives on the issue, and get people thinking about the homeless crisis in new ways. Usually carrying his camera wherever he goes, Gorsek grabs
Cover by: Megan Phelps
Advisers Dan Ernst Howard Buck Contact us! E-mail: advocatt@mhcc.edu Phone: 503-491-7250 Website: advocate-online.net Mt. Hood Community College Room 1369 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham OR 97030
photos of anything that tends to catch his eye in the moment, he said. A lot of the time that ends up being related to landscape, which helps provide him with visual examples for the classes he teaches. Gorsek’s past has shaped a lot of what he does today. He’s a former Portland police officer, so he’s gotten a firsthand look at persistent problems in the community, including the criminalization of homelessness. That experience and his work as a legislator all provide his students with real-life examples of the material they’re learning. Being a former police officer and a Democrat are often two things that don’t go hand-in-hand. Plenty of stigmas surround the police in political conversations right now, but it isn’t showing to be much of an issue for Gorsek. He said he believes in accountability, and hopes that people realize that most officers are just trying to do their best on the job and follow orders. Gorsek grew up in Southeast Portland, a working class area at the time, and he grew supportive of unions through his parents’ involvement in them. He attended Catholic school until high school, and feels it gave him a solid learning foundation, but also enjoyed the freedom that came with public school. Pursued president job Recently, Gorsek applied to become Mt. Hood president, but didn’t make it past the initial screening. It’s something he was really hoping for because he had a vision for stronger connections with faculty, and using the knowledge and talents of people on campus to
make the best decisions, he said. Lisa Skari was chosen to fill the position after Debbie Derr retired, and so far, Gorsek feels good about her. Still, he’d like to try again for the position if the opportunity presented itself. MHCC District Board member Diane McKeel, who helped guide the presidential selection process, could not be contacted for comment by the Advocate’s press deadline. It’s safe to say Gorsek is staying busy, regardless. In conjunction with his photography, he also sells shirts at the Corbett general store with photos of Columbia River Gorge destinations on them. (There currently is no way to purchase them online.) Gorsek also helps put on the annual Salmon Festival at
Multnomah Falls, spawning ground to a select group of salmon. Set for Nov. 4, this autumn, the public educational event is put on by MHCC and the U.S. Forest Service with interactive booths for visitors of all ages to learn more about salmon. Of all the things Gorsek has taken part in, teaching is where his heart resides. Working with students and sharing real-world connections with them keeps him going, he said. And there’s no sign of him stopping soon. “Most of my work life has been about public service. I just have a strong drive to do these things,” he said. “We find in the Legislature that, while it’s very important work, the pay is not very good. And so one thing is I wouldn’t want to stop
Photo by Megan Phelps / the Advocate
Chris Gorsek balances instructing, being a state representative, spending time with family, and pursuing hobbies.
teaching, but the other thing is that it helps me to keep my family going by doing both.”
GET TO KNOW THE ADVOCATE The Advocate encourages readers to share their opinion by letters to the editor and guest columns for publication. All submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name and contact information. Contact information will not be printed unless requested. Original copies will not be returned to the author. The Advocate will not print any unsigned submission. Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 600. The decision to publish is at the discretion of the editorial board. The Advocate reserves the right to edit for style, punctuation, grammar and length. Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc.edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print. Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC.
Associate Editor and News Editor Cassie Wilson is studying for her business transfer degree which she will complete in December 2018 before taking a break to decide what’s next in her education plan. She has been with the Advocate for one year, serving as Assistant A&E Editor, and is now the News Editor and an Associate Editor. Thursdays are her favorite day of the week because she loves page layout and spending the day collaborating with the staff to create a great issue every week.
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OPINION | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | SPORTS
WE EAT WITH OUR EYES
CONNECTING TO NATURE THROUGH ART Megan Phelps the advocate
Deniqua Adams the advocate
According to a 2005 study from the University of Illinois, your brain relies more heavily on visual cues than you may think when determining how much you eat. The study took 54 participants and invited them to a soup-only luncheon where the participants sat in groups of four. Each had a bowl of soup. The catch is that the bowls were rigged: well, two of them were. In each group of four, two participants ate from regular bowls, while the other two ate from bowls that were set up to slowly refill as they ate. Many participants noted before the study that they relied on visual cues to manage their portion size, and by the end of the study participants with self-refilling bowls did not think that they ate more than their fellow participants. They even estimated their caloric intake to be the about the same as other participants, when in fact they ate nearly 75 percent more. This is important because over the past 20 years, portion sizes in the U.S. have more than doubled. I don’t mean the amount we’re putting on our plates – I mean the amount that is served to us in restaurants or packaged in stores, such as bags of chips or bottles of soda that appear packaged for one person, but actually contain multiple servings. Whether you want to gain, maintain, or lose weight, remember to be vigilant and read food labels. What may look to be packaged as a single serving could be double or even quadruple of what it appears, which could completely alter your nutrition for the day. Since we eat with our eyes, we may have the urge to finish that entire muffin, bottle of soda, or bag of chips, etc. But it might be better to set it aside for later or split it with a friend.
A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T
Imagine you’re in the far North, looking out at a vast white landscape. You smell the sea as the cool breeze stings your cheeks, and get a whiff of fish and seal skin drying on nearby racks. This was the setting that Amanda Jorgenson, an artist currently stationed in Seattle, grew up in. Her series, “Flora and Fauna” is currently being showcased at Mt. Hood’s Fireplace Gallery in the Student Union. Growing up, Jorgenson had a keen interest in the arts; her parents even enrolled her in art classes at the early age of 6. However, she did not immediately pursue this interest. Instead, for roughly a decade she worked as a German language instructor at Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. In 2014 she heard about the yearlong Natural Science Illustration program at the University of Washington. After she applied and was accepted, her journey as an artist continued to evolve. Over the past few years she has created illustrations for children’s books, public art commissions, and private commissions. Her interest in artwork based around animals partially came from her childhood in Brevig Mission, Alaska, which is a small village with around 300 people.
“The opportunity to have little interference with the indigenous species – even at that age, I knew it was something kind of special,” she explained in an interview. “I knew it was important.” Six of the paintings being shown here are a part of the “Flora and Fauna” series which contains carnivores and plants indigenous to the Pacific Northwest. The black-and-white pieces shown are detailed penand-ink drawings of birds. Of the pieces students and faculty get to see, the pieces titled “Grizzly Bear with Fiddle Head Fern” and “Burrowed Owl” are the artist’s favorite, the bear being the first created in the Flora and Fauna series. The owl is treasured due to it’s “bad-ass” persona, she said. Jorgenson’s journey back to the arts was an unexpected one. At times being a full-time illustrator can be stressful, since there can be high- and lowpoints for commissions. But, one day this past April, she was going through a box of old papers in her parents’ house in Gresham. To her surprise, she found a letter her second-grade-self wrote to her future self, stating that she wanted to be an artist and paint pictures of animals for people. This reassured Jorgenson that everything would be all right. “I totally deviated from that goal, but I kind of came around to it,” she said. “So, for those people who really want to pursue art and be an artist, don’t be afraid
Photo by Shyann Tooke / the Advocate
“Grizzly Bear with Fiddle Head Fern” by artist Amanda Jorgenson. The Seattle artist found her way back to her love for art through the yearlong Natural Science Illustration program at the University of Washington.
of doing it. I mean, ultimately you’re gonna come back to it, I think.” To anyone interested in pursuing art, she suggested, “Always stay true to what you enjoy doing and what inspires you. You can find your niche; you can find people who are interested in your art. It’s not impossible. You just need to find
them. “Don’t be afraid to put in the legwork to find your people.” Visitors can check out Jorgenson’s “Flora and Fauna” series and the other pieces in the Fireplace Gallery through in the Student Union through Oct. 30. The gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays.
SAINTS FALL TO LANE IN GAME 5 The Mount Hood womens volleyball team fell to Lane Community College Wednesday night 3-2 at home. They had a great supportive crowd which included support from the Mt. Hood softball team and the men’s and women’s basketball team. The saints gave a worthy fight but fell victom to some lategame mistakes.
The saints will look to bounce back this saturday as they hit the road to albany to face Linn-Benton at 6:30 PM
Photos by Fletcher Wold / the Advocate
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