The Arbiter Vol. 37, Issue #3 | 9.12.24

September 12, 2024

Vol. 37, Issue 3

I NDEP END E N T

NEWS

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The modern digitial era is the “wild west” of social media and privacy agreements.

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STUD E N T

VO I C E

OPINION In response to endless overcomsumption in fast fahsion and beyond, underconsumption core is on the rise. arbiteronline.com

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B O I SE

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CULTURE

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Boise State’s film club “Dead8” is back and bringing home awards from film festivals. @arbiteronline

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SPORTS & REC Boise State’s Women’s Soccer is off to a strong start for their season.

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK Editor-In-Chief Kiryn Willett editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu Managing Editor Kelly Ann Asker onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Editor Olivia Brandon news@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Reporter Spencer Rentfro news@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Reporter Kaeden Lincoln news@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Editor Emily Gordon culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Reporter Emily Nelson culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

now accepting submissions for our photo of the week! check your canvas email for more information!

Sports & Rec. Editor Cainon Rogers sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports & Rec. Reporter Roszy McGeorge sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Opinion Editor Ella Van Leuven opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu Social Media Coordinator Karley Rodriguez marketing@stumedia.boisestate.edu Advertising & Sales Manager Joshua LaPine ads@stumedia.boisestate.edu Digital Content Manager Omar Saucedo digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu

ON THE COVER:

In an attempt to address concerns over drug use, House Bill 406 implements a $25,000 minimum fines and potential life sentences. On campus, the Wellness Center is focusing on prevention and opiod overdose response kits are now available around BSU.

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CONTACT US: editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu 208.426.6302 PHYSICAL LOCATION: Located on first floor of Lincoln Avenue Garage Suites

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MISSION:

Digital Content Producer Jocelyn Browne

Illustrator Sydney Smith Distributed every few weeks during the academic school year and online daily, The Arbiter is the official independent student newspaper of Boise State University, where student editors make all content decisions and bear responsibility for those decisions. The Arbiter’s budget consists of fees paid by the student body and advertising sales. The first copy is free. Additional copies can be purchased for $1 a piece at The Arbiter offices.

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NEWS

September 12, 2024 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

‘We’re in a wild west’: The unexplored frontier of social media and privacy What advancing technology means for social media trails and personal privacy Emily Gordon | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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n the modern age, technology and social media has quickly become enmeshed within our culture, leaving many to wonder what exactly this means for personal privacy and social media trails.

“From the very beginning of software, it has always, always, always been the case that lawyers write these things,” said Don Winiecki, a professor at Boise State. “And what they say is, ‘we’re going to do what we’re going to do’. And if you use this software, that means that you are agreeing to allow us to do whatever it is we do.”

Popular social media websites such as TikTok and Instagram reveal what exactly it is they do with your information in the commonly neglected privacy policies.

TikTok privacy policy states; “Advertisers, measurement and other partners share information with us about you and the actions you have taken outside of the Platform, such as your activities on other websites and apps or in stores, including the products or services you purchased, online or in person.”

If any service is free to use, it is extremely likely that you are the product being sold.

According to Winiecki, Platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are legally able to sell private information such as names, phone numbers, email addresses.

“And now with large language models and AI, everything that’s ever been put on Facebook is being used to train artificial intelligence for Facebook. Same for Tiktok, and the same for YouTube, and same for Instagram and all those other places.

Everything is doing this.”

The internet is still rather new and harbors many unknowns that we as a

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collective generation have not yet discovered. As the internet continues to evolve rapidly, we must learn to slow down.

“We’ve got lots of evidence to say that no matter what you think is not going to happen, can happen. And we’re all living in the public eye, there’s no way to avoid this,” said Winiecki. “Everybody has a video camera with them 100% of the time these days. And when we add information to our social media, we’re allowing other people to decide whatever it is they want about what we’ve written.”

So how can we erase our social media trail? It is harder than you think and goes beyond deleting your Instagram account.

“There are tools that allow you to delete your history, your entire history, back to ground zero. So you can delete everything that’s out there,” said Winiecki. “But if somebody has retweeted it, you can’t get that back.”

Essentially, it is possible to erase all that you have posted or shared online, however, if anyone retweeted it, screenshotted it, or saved it, it is no longer under your control. Some social media sites even reserve the right to use your photos and videos as well, another detail in the often neglected terms and conditions.

Instagram’s privacy policy states, “When you share, post, or upload content that is covered by intellectual property rights (like photos or videos) on or in connection with our Service, you hereby grant to us a non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable, sub-licensable, worldwide license to host, use, distribute, modify, run, copy, publicly perform or display, translate, and create derivative works of your content” Meaning that Instagram has the right to license and disburse photos and videos

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Illustration of person melting into phone. posted on their platform with no legal obligation to compensate the owner.

To protect privacy and limit online presence, users can adjust privacy settings to manually approve those who view accounts, check for updated password leaks, disable add tracking and location services, and delete all accounts no longer in use.

“Authors do not control what they write,” said Winiecki, “The readers and the interpreters, control what has been written, and we really do have to, I think, think twice, slow down.”

According to Winnecki we have not

Illustration by Sydney Smith

coexisted long enough with technology and social media to truly understand its depths and impending consequences. The only thing we can ensure is how we interact with social media on our own.

“We’re in a wild west,” said Winiecki.

“We really don’t know what’s going to happen.” It is unrealistic to cut social media out of our daily lives, we rely on these apps for interaction and entertainment daily, however, it is vital that we understand the power and uncertainty of the devices we hold.

NEWS

How we can help our neighbors who are nonverbal

Tips and information for building relationships with people who interact differently Kaeden Lincoln | News Repor ter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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eople can be nonverbal for a wide variety of reasons. Speech can be hampered by physical conditions which restrict how air passes through the lungs and vocal cords. Limited speaking can also be a symptom of Autism Spectrum Disorder. “‘Nonverbal kids’, you hear that a lot — and I hate that,” Associate Professor of Early and Special Education Department Michael Humphrey said. “Because that’s always putting the disability before the person.”

Humphrey advocates for person-first language, which is a cornerstone to building a relationship with a person who is nonverbal for any reason: treating them as the person they are.

So how else can we help our neighbors if they are nonverbal? There are some communication methods, such as signing and pictograms, but chiefly, getting to know them is step one.

Zac Traylor, a Greenbelt Volunteer Supervisor for the City of Boise says this process begins by knowing who is nonverbal and paying attention. The Arbiter spoke with him at All Abilities Welcome Day, a public outreach event held and coordinated by Traylor and the Boise Police Department.

If someone is nonverbal and neurodivergent as well, it can be difficult to develop a relationship. Simple human things like saying hello, waving or (if consensual) attempting to make physical contact with a fist bump, handshake, hug or other preferred method, can also help break down this barrier. Humphrey explained that this requires consistency, and may take numerous attempts.

Once you have started to build a relationship and know that someone in your neighborhood or community is nonverbal and why they are, then you can learn to communicate with them.

“Being adaptable is always going to be important,” Traylor said. “[For] anybody

who is neurodivergent —you just have to understand that they can be people who just have differences- it doesn’t by any means mean there is a deficit there,” said Traylor.

One way to adapt is through Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC. There are basic signs of American Sign Language (ASL) that you can learn: yes, no, help, confused, home, among many others. Facial expressions will also go a long way.

“Tone of voice and all that other stuff mean a lot more,” said Humphrey. “So if you’re rolling your eyes, losing your patience, well then — don’t go all the way to frustration. It would be bad for whoever was trying to communicate.

If you have access to a touchscreen device like a smartphone or tablet, there is the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). It essentially pairs digital pictogram cards with spoken words, which can be strung into sentences. PECSTalk is an AAC app that accomplishes this, though it costs $85 to $140. There are also free alternatives for Apple and Android.

While you can download a pictogram communication app on your phone, Humphrey said you should be prepared to use low-tech methods, like signing, should your touchscreen device become unavailable. Other low-tech options like a physical PECS book or flashcards also exist.

While knowing your neighbors and being able to effectively communicate with them is important, some situations will require a higher degree of help. So what public resources are available to families with members who are nonverbal or neurodivergent?

One resource is the Ada Registry for Vulnerable Populations.

“We call it the RVAP. It was started by Ada County dispatchers who had kids

Photo of person making ASL sign for help. that are on the [Autism] spectrum,” said Lindsay Stanger, a community engagement professional with the Ada County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO).

This included the Ada County Sheriff, Matt Clifford. He was among many first responders there who spent the day interacting directly with children and families.

You can register for the RVAP online, placing your family member’s name, and a physical description including things like weight and height Another public resource is CodeRED, also operated by ACSO. It is a localized emergency notification service that notifies people via phone call, text message, emails and social media.

The Idaho Yellow Dot Program will

Photo by Kaeden Lincoln give any requestor a free yellow envelope that contains a form and sticker. This form can be filled out with emergency contacts and vital medical information that first responders or medical professionals may need to be notified of. The completed form can be stored in the plastic yellow envelope and then placed in the glovebox of a vehicle. The sticker can then be placed on a window for easy identification by first responders.

While this article covers a wide breadth of resources and methods to be aware of, experts believe that one of, if not the most important factor in communicating with anyone, neurotypical or neurodivergent, verbal or not, is to respect them for the person they are.

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NEWS

Out of the Blue, into the orange: What opportunities will arise from Boise’s new sister city

The sister city partnership brings potential for new educational opportunities Kaeden Lincoln | News Repor ter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Photo of Boise and Syracuse street signs.

Photo by Kaeden Lincoln

resident Joe Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law on Aug. 9, 2022.

Two years and five days later, Mayor Ben Walsh of Syracuse, NY and Boise Mayor Lauren McLean signed a joint proclamation establishing a sister city relationship between the two cities.

The CHIPS and Science Act has provided both cities with funding to bolster semiconductor manufacturing in the United States. In Boise, the facility being constructed will lead to around 2,000 Micron jobs, according to a 2022 press release by Micron. In Syracuse, Micron will provide approximately 9,000 jobs after the opening of the facility in 2025.

The goal of the sister city relationship is for the cities to learn from each

other as they construct new Micron semiconductor manufacturing plants and develop infrastructure to support their expanded semiconductor industries.

“We do think that there are opportunities for sister city benefits in the education sector,” Greg Loh, Chief Policy Officer for the City of Syracuse said.

“One of the areas we want to explore is for students in our city school district. We’re very interested in pursuing connections that could help students in [K-12] in the city of Syracuse and in the city of Boise.”

To this end, Syracuse has begun the construction of a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) High School which will serve the entire region. According to Loh, it will serve around 30 school districts, and is

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a first for the state of New York. The school will offer students the opportunity to pursue majors and minors, much like a college education. Among these majors is Semiconductor Microchip Technology.

The STEAM school will be located in downtown Syracuse, where a school is being renovated to “include state-ofthe-art classrooms, labs, and high-tech equipment to prepare students for careers in exciting, high-growth fields,” according to the City of Syracuse’s website. It is scheduled to open in September of 2025.

Onondaga Community College (OCC), which serves Onondaga County (of which Syracuse is the county seat), has partnered with Micron to develop programs that will prepare students to work in the semiconductor fabrication facility, which will be the biggest in the US. This program includes the construction of a clean room at OCC. Clean rooms are specially engineered rooms that filter out microscopic particles in the air to avoid contamination of small, sensitive materials like semiconductors.

As for K-12 and higher education in Boise, similar programs exist or are currently being improved upon.

BSU’s Micron School of Materials and Engineering has a clean room as well.

Those familiar with BSU’s campus know that many of the buildings contain Micron in their name — Micron is one of the university’s most established supporters.

Boise School District’s Dennis Technical Education Center, or DTEC, offers a variety of career and technical programs such as EMT, Zoology, HVAC or precision machining. DTEC also has a partnership with Micron.

The Idaho Digital Learning Alliance, IDLA, recently rolled out one of three semiconductor focused courses for 8th

to 10th graders.

Both cities expressed interest in creating a relationship between Syracuse University and BSU. The similarities between the schools are striking: students who’ve taken Euclid Avenue on their drive to class have taken the same street many SU students have, too — another Euclid Avenue, 2,356 miles away. Both schools use the color orange in their branding and both have NCAA Division I athletics. BSU has around 26,000 enrolled students, and SU has around 22,000.

According to Kathy Griesmyer, the City of Boise’s Government Affairs Director, “It’s something [Boise is] still working to kind of nail down and determine between [both cities].”

We have two major university institutions, a number of surrounding community college campuses within both Boise and Syracuse areas,”Griesmyer said. “How are there ways that we might be able to tie Boise State with Syracuse University for some shared collaboration partnerships? I think that’s something that the City of Boise is starting to kick off conversations with the City of Syracuse.”

Griesmyer said that while the conversations are just beginning, the mayors of both cities see very clearly that education opportunities really make a difference in the outcomes and opportunities for young people.

This early in the sister city relationship, the primary subject of discussion between the cities has been how they are adapting to the changes injected by the CHIPS and Science Act. Within both governments there is hope for educational programs to come about as well, but it will take time to see how they develop.

‘People better wake up’: New anti-DEI law bans required diversity statements

NEWS

Senate Bill 1274 bars Idaho universities from requiring diversity statements to prevent “compelled speech” Spencer Rentfro | News Repor ter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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enate Bill 1274, which was signed into law by Governor Brad Little on July 1, 2024, prevents institutions of higher education in Idaho from requiring diversity statements as a condition of employment or student admission.

According to the bill, diversity statements refer to “any written or oral statement discussing the applicant’s or candidate’s race, sex, color, ethnicity or sexual orientation.” In addition, the bill prohibits Idaho postsecondary educational institutions from requiring statements related to an applicant’s or hiring candidate’s involvement with diversity, equity and inclusion.

The bill’s aim is to ensure that student applicants for college and hiring admissions will be prioritized on merit.

Although Boise State University has never required students to submit or sign a diversity statement for admissions, Rep. James Petzke, a House

sponsor of the bill, discussed that the bill’s primary purpose is to prevent compelled speech.

“Compelled speech is something that goes against American values and our First Amendment. To my knowledge, no university was actively requiring such statements when the bill became law and the [Idaho] State Board of Ed[ucation] had already banned them,” Petzke said in an email to The Arbiter.

“However, many legislators were still hearing concerns about this issue and there was a strong desire within the legislature to do something about it.”

Petzke added that he doesn’t anticipate this bill having an effect on student admissions, hiring or DEI funding.

Democratic Sen. Melissa Wintrow suggested that the decisions made by state legislation can have an impact on future graduates as they enter the workforce.

Photo of admissions sign in the Student Union Building.

“Right now if I were a student, I would be looking at where I applied for college to see what the state was doing on people’s behalf, and if the state legislature was hostile to people of color, women, people who are gay, trans, people with disabilities, I’d be asking these questions before I signed onto the bottom line,” Wintrow said.

Wintrow added the impact this is having on the workforce both nationally and locally.

“We have a workforce shortage in many areas in our country and in our state mostly because folks think about the politics of the state and [think] ‘do I really want to move there?’,” Wintrow said. “If you have legislators attacking the institution, why would I want to work there?”

Wintrow, who has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, says that Senate Bill 1274 was passed as a political statement and will

have little impact on higher education.

Wintrow argues that recent bill enactments by the Idaho Legislature — the In God We Trust law, which mandates Idaho public schools to display posters in visible areas to have the national motto “In God We Trust” if the poster was donated to them by an institution, Senate Bill 1329, the Medical Decision-making Act, prohibiting children under 18 to access most medical care without parental consent and Senate Bill 1274 reflect the Idaho Legislature’s vision to “return to tradition” by infusing Christianity principles into law.

“People better wake up and the students in the backyard better wake up,” Wintrow said. “What this anti-DEI thing is, it’s just another broad attack to get people in line that you can’t promote a diverse, equitable, inclusive stance.”

Wintrow added that the impact from this bill can create a potential “chilly climate” on college campuses, referring to an environment where women face forms of discrimination by male professors and students.

Boise State sociology Professor Dr. Arthur Scarritt expressed the dangers of these bills impacting university’s access to “academic freedom”.

“These are definite overt threats to professors and to the heart of the university’s academic freedom,” Scarritt said. “Academic freedom is about being able to speak from your field and say things like, ‘Hey, we’re a racist society, and I know this because I have the statistics at hand.’”

Scarritt added the dangers of universities having a decreasing number of “tenured” professors across college campuses.

Photo by Jocelyn Browne SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

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OPINION September 12, 2024 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

Less is more: ‘Underconsumption core’ and rejecting consumerism

Social media creators are stepping back from a culture of overconsumption Ella Van Leuven | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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e honest — how many articles of clothing have you bought with the intent to wear it regularly and, in actuality, have left it hanging in your closet since the day you bought it? How many of the exact same products in slightly different scents with slightly different ingredients do you have in your bathroom?

Consumerism has become a normalized part of life and is propelling a culture of overconsumption with harsh financial, ethical and environmental consequences. A recent trend known as “underconsumption core” counters this mentality, encouraging social media users constantly bombarded with fast fashion and mass-marketed products to give more thought to their purchases. Prioritizing quality over quantity, as well as resisting impulse purchases, are core values of the underconsumption trend.

Social media has had a massive impact on consumer habits and trends with the popularization of excessive hauls and mass consumerism. Viral hauls, such as from retailers like Shein and TEMU, often feature hundreds of dollars worth of products that are poorly manufactured and likely won’t be trendy anymore within a matter of weeks. Trends like “TikTok made me buy it” and “Amazon must haves” populate the For You Page, driving people to purchase products they don’t need and won’t use.

A number of environmental and ethical concerns exist surrounding overconsumption. The exploitation of labor in fast fashion and related industries is a significant ethical issue, with many workers enduring long hours, low wages and unsafe working conditions. Only 7% of 311 brands reported paying their garment workers a living wage in a 2023 survey by Fashion Checker. These practices are often hidden

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from consumers, who may not realize the true cost of their purchases.

Not only are many of these mass-produced items manufactured in inhumane conditions, they often start falling apart after being worn less than 10 times, according to a study in the International Journal of Consumer Studies. This means fast fashion garments are being discarded almost as quickly as they are produced.

According to Earth.Org, around 92 million tons of textile waste are produced every year. This is equivalent to dumping a garbage truck’s worth of clothes in landfills every second.

In response to overconsumption, the “underconsumption core” trend has emerged on social media, with creators advocating for slower, more sustainable consumer behavior.

“Underconsumption core” gained traction as social media users shared ways they counter today’s culture of overconsumption. Buying items secondhand, doing DIY projects, repairing already-owned items and resisting impulse purchases are all common methods of practicing underconsumption. Many users have shown off their capsule wardrobes or minimalist makeup bags and bathroom cabinets, demonstrating to viewers that the sheer quantity of products many people own isn’t at all necessary.

Practicing underconsumption starts with evaluating the difference between needs versus wants, and making mindful decisions about purchases. Consider creating a capsule wardrobe, which consists of a few versatile, high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched. Another approach is to repair or repurpose already-owned items rather than buying new ones.

Shopping secondhand is an effective

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way to reduce your environmental impact while still acquiring necessary items.

Another method to curb unnecessary spending and resist impulse buys is to implement a waiting period, such as 30 days, before making non-essential purchases.

“Underconsumption core” reflects a broader cultural shift towards prioritizing sustainability and mindful consumer culture. Beyond the trend, sustainability is being prioritized through various movements like slow fashion, emphasizing the importance of ethical labor practices, eco-friendly materials and waste reduction.

Mindful consumer culture is also gaining traction with the rise of zero-waste life-

styles, where individuals aim to minimize their environmental impact by reducing their consumption of single-use plastics and other disposable products.

“Underconsumption core” isn’t just a passing social media trend, it represents a meaningful shift in how we view consumption and sustainability. By embracing this mindset, individuals can contribute to a more ethical and sustainable future.

Whether it’s through mindful shopping, reducing waste or supporting ethical brands, “underconsumption core” challenges the cycle of overconsumption that has become so ingrained in society.

Illustration of minimal items in cabinet.

Illustration by Sydney Smith

OPINION

Entertainment or exploitation: The ethics of true crime media

When real-life events are commodified for entertainment, victims relive their traumatic memories Ella Van Leuven | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Graphic of person with a tumbprint as a head.

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n the world of true crime, victims’ stories are being retold, dissected and packaged for mass consumption, often at a significant cost.

True crime content is prolific today in a variety of mediums, including podcasts, documentaries, TV shows and books. The genre has amassed enormous popularity, but true crime often has a detrimental effect on the lives of the real people involved. When creators commodify a story about the most traumatic events of a person’s life, these events are frequently retold in a way that prioritizes profit and entertainment, disregarding the gravity of the situation as well as the humanity of victims and their families.

The true crime genre dates as far back as 17th century London, where significant advances in printing technology and widespread literacy inspired the production of a number of crime publications.

Society’s fascination with the macabre drove the circulation of crime pamphlets and ballads detailing gruesome murders around Britain.

Graphic by Naomi Brown

Today, the digital age has given new life to a genre that has existed for centuries, giving more and more people the ability to access and distribute information about cases. 22 of the current Top 100 on Apple Podcast Charts are categorized as true crime, and there are two true crime series currently in Netflix’s Global Top 10, as of Sept. 10, 2024.

The true crime industry often dismisses the trauma that real people have faced and takes advantage of vulnerable people.

The media storm facing those who have undergone horrific experiences can easily worsen the situation for survivors, as well as the loved ones of victims.

Natalie Day, LCSW, a clinical social worker and therapist who specializes in trauma, described how this type of content can impact people who were affected by the original event.

“Whenever someone is re-exposed to something that has caused them harm in the past, the nervous system reacts,” Day said. “If they haven’t had the opportunity or the time to do their own work yet on

those reactions, it can be very scary and unexpected.”

For the people who lived through these events, true crime isn’t entertainment. It’s a reminder of their trauma and can be a massive trigger to the nervous system.

This content is also made in many cases without the consent or even knowledge of the people whose stories are being told, such as Netflix’s hit series “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”. After the show’s release, multiple family members of victims who were depicted in the series came forward with complaints, many even expressing that they were never contacted about the show.

In an essay for Insider, Rita Isbell discussed the documentary and its depiction of her brother, Errol Lindsay, who was one of Dahmer’s victims. Isbell described the show as “harsh and careless”, stating that Netflix made no effort to contact their family when creating the series.

Shirley Hughes, whose son Tony Hughes was also a victim of Dahmer, described her feelings about the series to TMZ. “It’s a shame that people can take our tragedy and make money,” Hughes said.

“The victims never saw a cent. We go through these emotions every day.”

This lack of consent and disregard for the emotional wellbeing of victims and their families is a common thread in true crime media. By prioritizing profit and sensationalism over the dignity of those affected by the events, true crime content perpetuates a cycle of retraumatization and exploitation.

True crime content poses problems within the criminal justice system itself, promoting a victim-blaming mentality and affecting jury biases in court proceedings. Lisa Bostaph, a Criminal Justice professor at Boise State University, described the issues that can arise.

“It allows us to look at those crimes and say ‘That would never happen to me be-

cause I wouldn’t make the same decisions that that victim made,’” Bostaph said. “It allows us to have this sense of safety. ‘I’m not like that person. These things will never happen to me’. When we try cases with living victims, jurors can bring that judgmental viewpoint to victims and may be less likely to convict because in order to maintain their just world hypothesis, in order to maintain their perspective that ‘this could never happen to me’, they have to believe that the victim is to blame.”

In light of these problems occurring within the true crime industry, it can be difficult to discern what content is and isn’t ethical to consume. Content that clearly states it was made with the consent of those involved, or better yet, stories that survivors themselves are telling, is far more likely to tell the real story and avoid negatively affecting those involved.

Day outlined her criteria for consuming content like true crime to determine whether it represents and treats the people involved ethically.

“Has someone volunteered for this? Are they participating? Are they consenting to the process?” Day asked. “That makes a difference. Whereas if it’s covered secondhand, thirdhand by the media, the person in question doesn’t always have a chance to consent. Consent is everything. So if someone’s willing to volunteer and share their story, that’s something as a therapist that I would want to hear.”

The true crime industry is exploitative, turning the pain and trauma that people have experienced into content for commercial gain. In a genre built on real-life trauma, ethical consumption requires awareness and responsibility.

Prioritizing content that centers the voices and consent of survivors can help shift the industry away from victimization and toward storytelling that respects the humanity of those affected. When the focus is on profit over people, the cost is far too high.

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Conversation, education or criminalization: How Idaho is handling the opioid crisis BSU places opioid overdose response boxes on campus while House Bill 406 brings potential life sentences and minimum $25,000 fines Olivia Brandon | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Grahics by Kelsey Mason

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s of 2022, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare reported that fentanyl was involved in 49 percent of overdose-related deaths in the state of Idaho. That’s 270 Idahoans who died from opioid-related drugs. Not all organizations are responding to this crisis in the same way. While universities like Boise State are attempting to stimulate open dialogue around substance use disorder, new Idaho legislation seeks to increase prison sentences and fines for “traffickers” of the drug.

Addiction stigma As of Aug. 7, 2024, Boise State in collaboration with Central District Health, has placed opioid overdose response kits in 40 on-campus locations.

According to the Boise State website, these boxes will consist of “four doses of Narcan, a brand of naloxone nasal spray that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses … instructions, overdose information, a face shield for administering rescue breaths, gloves, alcohol wipes and a pulse oximeter.”

Naloxone can regulate someone’s breathing if they are experiencing slow breathing or apnea due to an overdose.

This medication should be exclusively used in response to opioid overdoses and should not be utilized as a response to an overdose of alcohol or other drugs.

While addiction is often stigmatized, Boise State’s Wellness Center shared in an email with The Arbiter that individuals are not alone and that help is available. The Boise State Wellness Center described its mission to educate on harm reduction strategies

and establish a supportive on-campus community.

“As a student, finding a sense of community can be challenging. Some students turn to substance use to cope with feelings of isolation. When substance use becomes repetitive or excessive, it can further exacerbate feelings of loneliness,” the Wellness Center said. “Our goal is to minimize the harmful effects by using harm reduction strategies. Ultimately, by normalizing conversations about substance use disorder and educating students about harm reduction strategies, we can cultivate a supportive community environment.”

The Wellness Center added that the September training will allow community members to learn how to “respond effectively to an opioid overdose.” At the training, individuals will be taught how to administer Narcan and be educated on the legal protections Idaho grants responders.

While these response boxes have the potential to save lives, Boise State’s Wellness Center is prioritizing substance use disorder prevention and mental health care.

“Boise State is prioritizing prevention over reaction in addressing the opioid overdose crisis. While emergency response boxes are being installed on campus, the university is also focused on addressing the root causes of substance misuse,” the Wellness Center said. “By providing wellness services that target stress, mental health, and academic pressures, Boise State aims to reduce the likelihood of overdoses occurring in the first place.”

The initiative was first voted on at an ASBSU meeting Feb. 1, 2024, and was introduced by Mia Hoetker, Assembly Leader; Bridget Gibson, First-Year Representative; Ethan LaHaug, Senate Leader; Ian Peña, AVP of Student Relations; Cayden Stone, Government Relations Officer; Jack Vuturo, First-Year Representative; Kalista Barkley, AVP of Academic Affairs; and Jason Holman, Student Body Vice President.

The bill’s purpose of intent was “to target student mental health needs, specifically regarding overdose prevention and naloxone availability on campus.” The bill was passed by the ASBSU General Assembly with 13 in favor, one abstaining and zero opposed and passed unanimously in the ASBSU Academic Senate.

Person first language Central District Health staff members Jessica Harris and Courtney Boyce, a partner in the opioid overdose box collaboration, highlighted in an email to The Arbiter that a major component in the scrutiny around substance misuse is polarizing vocabulary.

“One way that anyone can contribute to reducing stigma and improving outcomes related to substance use disorders is by changing the words they use when discussing the topic,” Harris said. “Our ‘Language Matters’ document gives guidance on preferred language to use and can be found here.

By using Person-First language, we encourage people to reframe ‘addiction’, which can be stigmatizing language and say ‘substance use disorder’ instead.”

Central District Health discussed the importance of supporting those struggling with substance use disorder by making options for treatment readily available in the community. Some of these resources include “Find Help Idaho, calling 2-1-1, or visiting Pathways Community Crisis Center during a crisis located at 7192 Potomac Dr, Boise, ID 83704.”

Harris described Boise State as “excellent to work with” and emphasized the importance of this partnership.

“Boise State University is a vital partner in our community to reach college students, an important age group when it comes to overdose prevention,” Harris said. “College age young-adults are a high-risk group for overdoses. By partnering with the largest university in Idaho, we are able to familiarize a large number of students and staff with overdose prevention and response resources.”

Dr. Susan Esp, Coordinator of Addiction Studies and Associate Director for the Institute for the Study of Behavioral Health and Addiction at Boise State echoed the sentiment that vocabulary around substance use disorder is important in reframing how society views it.

“Recovering from substance use disorders does not require rehabilitation,” Esp said. “I actually really dislike that term, because when we have someone with a mental health issue, say depression, we don't say they need to go to rehabilitation. We say it'd be helpful to gain support and potential treatment.”

Esp explained that one of the reasons she believes substance use disorder is stigmatized is that many people view it as a choice, as opposed to other mental illnesses.

After describing a PowerPoint presentation she created years ago, Esp discussed the connection between stigma and the policy that is created as a result of it.

“It [the presentation] also addresses stigma and the language we use when we talk about substance use disorders,” Esp said. “Which then continues the stigma, and it continues to inform policy which is then stigmatizing policy … Historically, our treatment of substance use disorder has messed up along a lot of racial lines, too, and one of the reasons we started paying so much attention to opioids is Caucasian middle-class people started dying, and that's when we start[ed] to pay attention.”

Person first language such as “person with substance use disorder” instead of “addict” allows someone to be acknowledged as a human being — not just as their struggles.

“When it comes to addiction we still see it very much as a moral deficit and a character flaw, rather than an illness,” Esp said. “I read a lot of Gabor Mate’s work, and one of the things he says is, don't ask why the addiction, ask why the pain. People use chemicals for a reason.”

Esp noted that while the opioid crisis is a prominent issue, it’s one piece of the puzzle.

“I’ve had people ask me, ‘what do you think of the opioid crisis? And I say, do you mean, what do I think of the addiction crisis?’” Esp said. “We have an opioid crisis, but it's just part of a bigger picture of an addiction crisis in America.”

Understanding House Bill 406 As of July 1, 2024, House Bill 406 authored by Representative Ted Hill went into effect in Idaho. In its statement of purpose, it clarified that the bill is “not meant to capture the personal user. It is intended to make clear the punishment for those who choose to manufacture, deliver, or bring into the state amounts of fentanyl that meet the quantities listed in this bill.”

However, the bill text includes anyone “who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of four grams or more of alfentanil.”

When asked about the concerns of placing individuals in one of Idaho’s for-profit prisons instead of treatment, Representative Hill said that he believes the bill isn’t targeting users — only traffickers. “[The] pushback was, these guys are just users. Thresholds at 50 pills, 100 pills, 150 you know over 500 it goes higher and higher,” Hill said. “We talked to a lot of folks, when you get over 50, you're not a user, you're a trafficker. So we bought the threshold up to 100 …that is not a user amount.

No one's going to jail for having 10 fentanyl pills.”

As pointed out in a Capital Sun article, the bill’s definition of what it means to be a “trafficker” is unclear and is seemingly free of Good Samaritan incentives (legislative protection for individuals who call emergency services in the event of an overdose) or exceptions.

“When I talk to DEA, when they track, they go for the traffickers, they're going for the dealers,” Hill said. “They're not going for the kids who give it to each other … Now, if that kid had 100 pills and he is basically a dealer, absolutely. …He’s got 100 pills he's distributed, you better believe it, he's going down. But then they're gonna find out who gave those pills to you, that's the person they really want.”

Senator Phil Hart, the only Republican to vote against House Bill 406 explained that he took issue with the homicide charge. During a committee hearing, Hart said that while “we want to be tough on fentanyl,” he doesn’t “think this is the bill to do it.”

It is unclear whether House Bill 406 will decrease the amount of opioid-related deaths in the state of Idaho.

However, Boise State, Central District Health and the faculty of The Institute for the Study of Behavioral Health and Addiction are providing education and resources to create a bigger and more inclusive conversation around substance use disorder.

C U LT U R E September 12, 2024 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

‘Dead8’ film club revives Boise State’s film culture

Boise State’s film club shines in i48 film competition while preparing new releases Emily Gordon | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

B

oise State University’s Dead8 film club may have started as a revamping of a club of the past, but the students that make up the club have quickly reestablished themselves as a film powerhouse on campus.

Boise State students Jake Zahm, Colin McJunkin, Georgia Clending and Michael Vargas dominated the novice i48 film competition in June of 2024. The students took home Best Cinematography, Best Film, Best use of Sound and Best Lead Actor.

The club’s award-winning film titled “Punishment Pong” was written, filmed and edited all within 48 hours. Competitors are only given a genre, a character name, a singular line of dialogue and a prop to create their film.

“We entered into the novice class just because this was our first time doing a narrative project as a team, and we didn’t know how it was going to work out, or if it was going to work out at all,” said Vargas, Vice President of Dead8 and Boise State media communications major. “So we were just kind of cautious, and it ended up coming together really well.”

The “Dead8” club was revived after a nearly two decade hiatus as a reimagining of a club that had disappeared off campus in the early 2000s with the same name.

“That was the first reason of giving students housed under the media banner the ability to do non narrative fiction, or fiction in general (Dead8),” said McJunkin, a Boise State media communications major. “But also for anybody seeking any type of role in a film scenario where they’d like to be on set, working with gliding, with the cameras, audio,

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set design, prop design, anything of that nature. That’s kind of what Dead8 was meant to do.”

The club members are releasing a new project in mid-September That will showcase at the “13 Stories” event located at the Old Idaho Penitentiary.

“It was a ton of fun. We got to spend a lot of time together, which I just had a blast,” said Zahm, a Boise State communication student. “I like to act, and then these guys are just incredibly talented with cameras and lighting … just mak-

Photo of film crew on set.

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ing everything physically happen.”

A majority of Dead8 members are also involved in University Television Productions (UTP), where students get hands-on learning in writing, camera and audio production. Students can take MEDIA117 as complete beginners and learn the basics of television production.

“Anyone can join that. It would be really cool if more people knew about it,” said Clending, a Boise State media communications student. “Nobody knows about it. It’s not really broadcasted”

The class also creates a program called “Live & On Demand”, where students can get real experience writing scripts, filming and producing media.

“I think that it hits the nail right on the head with that,” said Zahm. “It gives us a different outlet that creatively challenges us.”

Film and TV production is alive and well on Boise State’s campus, offering a multitude of opportunities for students to take part in or simply watch.

Courtesy of dead8 film club

C U LT U R E

How Boise State’s Conflict Support Services can help student’s thrive

Boise State University’s Conflict Support Services helps navigate roommate and student conflict Emily Carmela Nelson | Culture Repor ter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Graphic of roommates in an argument.

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n all parts of adulthood, conflict is inevitable. But what do you do when that conflict is within your own living space?

In a voluntary survey conducted by The Arbiter, students were asked to open up about their experiences living with others.

“Living with girls is not easy at all,” one student anonymously shared. “I consider myself to be a girl’s girl, but sometimes the passive aggressiveness is too much for me to handle. I lived with two roommates freshman year who always excluded me — but never would do it directly.”

Another student shared that their roommate lacked consideration when borrowing their things. “I didn’t mind sharing, but if she planned to use my pans she needed to clean them and put

them back. She didn’t have time to clean them when she was done using them, so it was decided she would no longer use my pans.”

When asked how this experience impacted their education and living environment, the student added, “We have no relationship, we avoid seeing one another if possible. This makes the shared living space feel extremely hostile.”

Kristin Olson, the Assistant Director of Academic Initiatives at Boise State University developed Conflict Support Services four years ago, with the hope to help students in situations like this.

Olson noted that in surveys asking students about their frustrations living on campus, students primarily reported that their biggest frustration came from

Graphic by Naomi Brown

conflict within housing.

“On that survey, they were sharing that they didn’t have the conflict skills to address those issues,” Olson said.

In collaboration with the Conflict Management program director at the time, Ashley Nichols, the two created what used to be known as the Conflict Management Resource Center. As of 2022, they became Conflict Support Services and began recruiting interns and student employees.

“When you’re reaching out to any sort of service on campus, that can be sort of scary,” Mia Strand, a peer mediator with Conflict Support Services explained. “You kind of feel like you’re reaching into the abyss a little bit, and you don’t know who’s there.”

In efforts to ease this discomfort, Conflict Support Services recently added personal booking pages onto their website.

Each peer mediator has their own bio and a picture to introduce themselves.

“I think it doesn’t need to be scary reaching out for help, we all need help at some point,” Corrine Smeardon adds.

Smeardon has worked with Conflict Support Services for two years, and has recently stepped into the role of peer mediator mentor.

“As I’m sure you are aware, there is always a stigma around asking for help and needing things, even though conflict is normal,” Smeardon said.

While the majority of Conflict Support Services work occurs on campus, they offer services to those living off-campus as well. The only restriction is that the person reaching out for services must be a student of Boise State University.

Conflict Support Services offers not only mediation services for students facing conflict, but one-on-one Conflict Coaching.

“It’s a great option,” Smeardon said.

“Maybe you don’t want your roommate to know you’re seeking help.”

Conflict Coaching is not just limited to roommate disputes. Peer mediators can also help those experiencing personal conflict, with friends, family and peers.

“We really want students to know that that’s not the end. We’re here to help them get through those things,” Strand concludes. “It can get to a point where they can feel happy and supported in their living situation.”

Peer conflict is normal, and to be expected when sharing a living space with other young adults. Need help navigating it? Boise State University’s Conflict Support Services can be contacted at any time by email at conflictsupport@boisestate. edu or on their website.

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C U LT U R E

Tim Burton’s ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ falls short of high expectations

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is a sequel to be thrown to the shadows of the afterlife Kelly Ann Asker | Managing Editor | onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Warning: Spoilers for the 1988 prequel film, “Beetlejuice”.

T

he 1988 film “Beetlejuice” is a horror/comedy directed by Tim Burton that has served as a Halloween-time staple since its creation. “Beetlejuice” has an immense following and serves as an endlessly quotable, forever iconic film.

So imagine everyone’s excitement when “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”, a sequel to the original, was announced 35 years later.

Not only a sequel, but a sequel with many members of the original cast returning, such as Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz, Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz, and of course, Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice.

This sequel also features faces new to the series, such as up-and-coming scream queen and Tim Burton favorite Jenna Ortega as Astrid Deetz, Willem Dafoe as Wolf Jackson, and Justin Theroux as Rory. Not to mention, Burton’s current partner, Monica Bellucci who had a role in the film as well as Beetlejuice’s ex-wife, Delores.

When the first trailer dropped in March 2024, the hype for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” was unmatched. Opening with an eerie children’s choir rendition

of “Banana Boat (Day-O)” by Harry Belafonte and shots of the Deetz family at an unknown funeral, everything pointed to this sequel being just as phenomenal as the first.

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” opens just as the original did, with the same score and credits rolling over shots through the model town of Winter River. But right after the opening credits, things immediately fall flat.

We open to Lydia Deetz (Ryder), seemingly breaking the fourth wall and talking to the audience, welcoming us into the story. A camera switch then reveals that Lydia is introducing her ghost show to a studio audience, where she’s hired by people with “haunted” houses.

Here, we learn about Lydia’s supposed ability to see ghosts, which comes into play for her ghost hunting show. This is also where we are introduced to Lydia’s love interest, Rory (Theroux), who helps produce her show.

These opening scenes immediately set an unpleasant tone to the movie, and it doesn’t get better as things go on. As we learn of a death in the Deetz family, we’re introduced to another questionable scene — this time, in stop motion animation.

It’s a style switch that doesn’t translate well, and audiences would’ve been better

Photo of Wiona Ryder and Michael Keaton.

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off with a verbal explanation, rather than oddly timed claymation.

As the film continues, the plot gets muggier. Lydia, Delia, Rory and Astrid all return to the iconic Maitland house from the 1988 “Beetlejuice”, where Barbara (Geena Davis) and Adam Maitland (Alec Baldwin) died in the original film.

Although they don’t appear in the sequel, they are still heavily referenced.

Once in the Maitland house, traces of Beetlejuice start to return. However, his return is not as hyped up as it should have been. In fact — his appearances are very underwhelming. Throughout the film, we catch multiple POV’s following different characters, like Astrid’s, Lydia’s, Delores’s, Wolf ’s and Beetlejuice’s. And honestly — it’s just too much.

It seems like Tim Burton’s ambitions may have overcome him, because there isn’t a solid plot to this long-awaited sequel at all. The multiple POV’s makes it very hard to figure out what the main plot is, and by the end of the movie, you’re still not sure. Three plots all tangle together, creating an unsatisfying movie.

One entire plot could have been tossed from the film all together, and it’s all surrounding Delores (Bellucci). Without spoiling too much of the film, her presence in the film is completely unneces-

Courtesy of Yeider Chacon

sary, as also seems like an act of nepotism from Burton, who potentially just wanted to give a role to his partner.

Now, the worst part of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” isn’t its vague plotlines, it’s actually the dismal acting and over-thetop weird scenes.

Don’t get me wrong, anyone who knows “Beetlejuice” and Tim Burton knows that weird is pretty much the standard, but Burton has crossed the line with this sequel. The worst of all being the “Beetlebaby”, which I won’t dive too deeply into in the spirit of spoiler free reviews — but it was enough to have me scrunch my nose in distaste. Perhaps Burton tried a little too hard to achieve humor with this one.

As for the underwhelming acting, the most disappointing performance came from Winona Ryder herself — which is a shock for any fan of hers, including myself. Her performance was lifeless and forced for the majority of the story, almost as if she was thrown into the movie against her will. I’d like to give Ryder the benefit of the doubt with this one and blame it on a mediocre screenplay, since her acting is always outstanding, but it was definitely sub-par in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”.

Thankfully, this film was carried by a few actors who took their performances above and beyond: Michael Keaton and Willem Dafoe. These two actors, like usual, delivered powerful and entertaining performances that shed some light on this dim sequel.

Overall, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is simply not worth your time, or money. Its lackluster acting, confusing plot and tryhard humor fall short of the iconic 1988 original. If you want to preserve your nostalgic memories of “Beetlejuice”, then skip this sequel, stay home and rewatch Barbara and Adam fight off Beetlejuice on their own.

C U LT U R E

Inside Rex Orange County’s most intimate album yet

Despite it’s introspective lyrics, Rex Orange County falls flat on “The Alexander Technique” Emily Carmela Nelson| Culture Repor ter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

A

lexander James O’ Connor, known artistically as Rex Orange County, has released his anticipated fifth studio album “The Alexander Technique” after a two year hiatus from the music industry.

The record’s title is double entendre, referencing not only Rex Orange County’s given name, Alexander, but a form of alternative therapy that connects posture to various health conditions. The Alexander Technique is considered to be a

pseudoscience by experts, as there are no concrete studies that prove its validity.

“My first few albums were all leading up to this in my mind,” Rex Orange County told Billboard Magazine in a 2024 interview. “This is exactly what I’ve always wanted to make.”

On “The Alexander Technique”, Rex Orange County explores his ongoing struggles with addiction and mental health.

Despite it being one of his most

Picture of Rex Orange County.

Cortesy of RCA Records and Sony Music

personal albums to date, some of the self-referential lyricism can come across as shallow.

The self-titled track one, “Alexander”, starts the album on a somber note. After a nearly minute long piano solo, the record enters into a spoken-word narrative detailing Rex’s struggle with carrying emotional weight.

The lyrics make it feel as though Rex is inviting you into his thoughts during a doctor’s visit. Instead of finding a solution for his ongoing back pain, the doctor tells him he is struggling with addiction and needs to reach out for help.

Rex at first resents this idea, but comes around and realizes that the doctor may be right.

“And I resented that man, I never went back to him again / Well, you know, in a weird way, I feel like maybe he was right / I may be using my back pain to distract from the pain of life.”

“The Alexander Technique” has 16 songs on the standard edition of the album, making it the longest in Rex Orange County’s discography to date. It also contains the most collaborators Rex has ever invited to work on an album.

Track three, “2008”, has a new and interesting electronic sound. Produced

by Jim Reed and Teo Halm, the song feels exactly like the nostalgia the lyrics describe.

“I’ma free my mind and treat it kindly / Ten years old, I was unbothered / Spent my hours in the garden / I was alright.”

Another track, “Guitar Song”, features an experimental jazz interlude that is one of the best moments of the album.

“I’m doubting my outfit, I’m doubting the way I look / Then she tells me, ‘you look great’, but it hurts just the same.”

Stepping away from Rex Orange County’s usual heartfelt acoustics and live instruments, the album leans towards a unique, alternative sound while still maintaining ease of listening.

As the album goes on, the tracks begin to melt into each other.

Something the album falls short on is how literal the lyrics can be. “The Table” is a prime example of this. On this track, it feels as though Rex Orange County is trying to spoon-feed the audience meaning.

Within “The Table”, Rex explores the concept of perception and connectivity using trees as a metaphor.

“Looking at a table, wondering what type of wood it’s made of / Wondering exactly which tree gave itself / And more importantly, who sat beneath that tree?”

“The Table” is a spoken word narrative track similar to “Alexander”. With a run time of under three minutes, the track drags on with sleepy vocals and shallow lyricism.

“They may just be a stranger / But I see strangers constantly / We have so much in common / And yet, not enough for us to speak.”

Nearing the end of the album, a personal favorite track of mine was “Look Me in The Eyes (feat. James Blake)”. The melancholy duet features two time Grammy Award winner James Blake.

The harmonies practically dance with the sultry piano tune, detailing a fantasy of seeing a past lover.

“Look me in the eyes if you’re gonna lie / Look me in the eyes if you’re gonna flee”.

Closing with the upbeat “Finally”, Rex takes listeners back into his inner monologue, coming to peace with himself and his struggles with mental health.

“My body wants to throw the towel in, but I won’t / I have faith in my rambling / I can finally see the man I am.”

Despite “The Alexander Technique” being Rex Orange County’s most intimate project yet, its lack of variety and depth makes it difficult for the average listener to connect with it.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

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S PORTS & REC September 12, 2024 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

Catching up on Boise State Women’s Soccer

The Broncos start their season off at a strong 4-1 Cainon Rogers | Spor ts and Rec. Editor | spor ts@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Photo of Womens Soccer team.

A

midst the beginning of the Boise State school year, the Boise State women’s soccer team began their 2024 season, and have been competing at a very high level. For those who have not been up to date with the Broncos this young season, here is everything you need to know.

Vs. Portland State (W 2-1) The Broncos opened up their season hosting the Portland State Eagles, as the Broncos started their season off with a bang. In the seventh minute, fifth year senior Morgan Paduer opens the season with a strike from outside of the box as she scores her first goal of the season.

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Senior Forward Desiree Foster then ended the first half with a goal of her own, giving the Broncos a 2-0 lead at the half.

After an early second half goal by the Eagles, neither team was able to score another, as Boise State would go on to defend their home field, starting their season off at 1-0. Despite only winning 2-1, Boise State dominated on the stat sheet, outshooting the Eagles 24 to 13.

Vs. Idaho State (W 3-1) A week after their opener, the Broncos hosted the Idaho State Eagles. The first half was back and forth, with an early goal by the Broncos, that was then quickly answered by the Tigers.

Despite the first half being as

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Courtesy of Kenna Harbison

close as it was, the Broncos pulled away in the second half, with a 68th minute goal from Grace Sommers giving them the lead, then an 88th minute dagger from Carly Cross, as she scored her second goal of the game.

At UC Riverside (W 4-0) Nearly 900 miles south of Boise, Idaho, the Broncos traveled to Southern California, where they took on the UC Riverside Highlanders. The first half of the match was anticlimactic, with neither team scoring, despite 9 shots between the two.

No one is sure what was said in that halftime locker room, however whatever it was fired up the Broncos, as they came

out of the half and scored four straight goals. After scoring two of the goals and assisting another, redshirt Sophomore Avery McBride was awarded the Mountain West Offensive player of the Week.

At BYU (L 0-2) The Broncos two game road trip came to an end in Provo, Utah, where they took on the BYU Cougars. The Cougars started the game off hot, scoring twice in the first 35 minutes of the game.

Boise State matched the Cougars with the amount of shots each took, but they couldn’t capitalize on any of it, getting shut out for the game. ​​”It was a fun night,” Head Coach Jim Thomas said. “You work really hard to play in environments like this and opponents like this. I felt really good about the performance of the team, but the game can be cruel.”

Vs. Idaho State University (W 3-1) In their most recent game, Boise State hosted the Idaho Vandals on Sunday, Sept. 8th. The first half did not go as the Broncos anticipated, allowing a 28th minute goal and trailing 1-0. Despite out shooting the Vandals 9 to 2 in the half, the Broncos found themselves trailing with 45 minutes to go.

The second half was a different story.

The Broncos quickly took the lead, after scoring two goals in 5 minutes early in the second half. After a 79th minute dagger by Freshman Midfielder Jillian Anderson, the Broncos outplayed the Vandals and picked up the win.

What’s Next?

The Broncos will continue this season this weekend hosting Utah Tech on Sept.

8 and Southern Utah Sept. 12.

Beyond the field: New locker rooms means a new era

SPORTS & REC

New locker rooms elevate the spirit and performance of women’s teams Sarah Courser | Staf f Writer | spor ts@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Photo of womens locker room.

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magine winning the first game of the season and stepping into a dimly lit, cramped locker room filled with steel lockers that are relics from a bygone era, to celebrate. But that all changed with a recent transformation, one that turned these outdated spaces into state-of-the-art locker rooms designed to reflect the excellence and dedication of the athletes who use them.

Boise State has recently unveiled new locker rooms for its women’s soccer, beach volleyball and track and field teams.

Head Coach Jim Thomas of the women’s soccer team since 2013, has been a driving force behind the transformation.

Originally from England, Thomas

moved to the United States in 2000. He served as an assistant coach in Washington for six years before taking on the head coach role at Boise State.

Thomas reflects on how these new facilities are more than just a physical upgrade. They are a form of a statement of recognition and respect for the hard work and dedication of the athletes.

“They are in love with it,” Thomas said.

“Words are good but a big act of generosity like this goes a long way, elevating their importance and recognition.”

When asked about the design process, Thomas mentioned that while he primarily worked with Nate Book, Heather Berry, and a few others, his main role was

Courtesy of Boise State Broncos to ensure that the locker rooms resonated with the players.

“We wanted to make sure it was something the players liked that not only provided functionality but one that gave them life, like a party feel,” Thomas explained. “They train hard and work hard so they wanted something to give a good vibe.”

Bryan Beals, the Associate Athletic Director for Development, played a pivotal role in securing the funding for these projects. His team focuses on creating the best possible student-athlete experience, ensuring that all teams feel appreciated and well-supported.

“We want it to feel like home,” Beals

elaborated. “Whether it’s a new locker room or residence hall, we want to provide the best opportunities for them.”

Beals also highlighted how the department’s commitment to ongoing fundraising and project development aligns with the broader vision for Boise State athletics.

Sophie Drown, a senior and local from Eagle, Idaho, has been with the soccer team through its recent successes. She shared how the new locker rooms have positively impacted her daily routine and the team’s culture.

“I think for everyone it’s made a really big difference, it’s not about having a nice space but it’s nice to know someone believed in us to do this for us,” Drown said. “You get a good feeling and feel your best and it boosts your mood.”

Drown also emphasized the importance of the new space for team bonding and preparation, noting that the increased space allows for more enjoyment before and after games.

“With the new locker room, there’s room to stretch or dance around with music, we enjoy the big space and it gives us a great time,” Drown said.

As Boise State continues to invest in its athletic programs, both the coaching staff and players are optimistic about what the future holds.

Thomas hinted that these locker rooms are just the beginning, with more projects on the horizon, including a new field and a fully completed team room.

“Stay tuned; this is not the end. We are not finished yet, and this is just one step in the long journey,” Thomas said.

This will not only enhance the athletes’ day-to-day experience but also symbolize the university’s dedication to excellence in sports. With these upgrades, expect a new era for Boise State’s women’s soccer, beach volleyball, and track and field teams.

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SPORTS & REC

Buster’s Weekly Roundup: Boise State Athletics update (Aug. 26-Sept. 2)

Key reviews and previews for Boise State Athletics and season openers Roszy McGeorge | Spor ts and Rec. Repor ter | spor ts@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Graphic of (from left to right) Tyson Degenhart #2, Carly Cross #8, Ashton Jeanty #2, and Paige Bartsch #21.

Graphic by Naomi Brown

H

ere’s what’s happening in Boise State Athletics…

Football The Broncos kicked off the season with a 56-45 win against Georgia Southern University, marking Boise State’s first time opening with a win since the 2020 season.

The Broncos scored 56 points, which is the most points scored in a single game since the program put up 59 against Hawaii in 2019.

Starting quarterback Maddux Madsen threw for a career-high 280 passing yards (22-of-31) and threw for one touchdown.

Ashton Jeanty broke records with six touchdowns and 267 rushing yards, tying the Mountain West record originally set by Stefphon Jefferson Jr. (Nevada) in 2012. Furthermore, Jeantys 13.4 yards per carry marked the third most in a single game in program history.

“I know our guys are excited to continue to grow from week one to week two. Like I tell our team, it’s not about perfection, it’s about growth,” Head Coach Spencer Danielson said. “But I’m fired up over how our team battled.”

Up next, Boise State will take on No.

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7 Oregon on Sept. 7 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

Volleyball The season began in Tucson, Arizona where the Broncos competed against three teams in the Cactus Classic. They lost 1-3 in their first game against The University of Arizona. The Broncos then came back strong, securing a 3-0 win against Tennessee State and Virginia Commonwealth.

Annie Kaminski and Kiki Remensperger were both named to the All-Cactus Classic Team for their performances over the weekend.

Kaminski hit a team and season-best with eight kills and four blocks to finish with ten points.

Remensperger had the only double-double of the contests on 13 assists and a team-high 13 digs, her second double-double of the weekend.

Another top player of the weekend was Paige Bartch who had a team-high 12 kills, one service ace, three digs, three blocks, and a team-high 14.5 points.

The team will be making their way to Missoula, Montana for the Ellesyn Invitational this upcoming weekend.

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Soccer The women’s soccer team hit the road for the first time this season, winning their game 4-0 against UC Riverside on Aug. 29. After beating both Portland State and rival Idaho State earlier this season, they remain undefeated thus far.

The top Broncos against Riverside included: Avery McBride who was named the Mountain West Women’s Soccer Offensive Player of the Week after scoring two goals and one assist.

Jillian Anderson started the game making her the first freshman to start this season.

Morgan Padour scored her second goal of the season on the first penalty kick of her career.

“Winning games at this level is about staying true to your identity,” Head Coach Jim Thomas said. “After the first half we had gotten away from the things that really identified us as Broncos, but the second half was a completely different story. Retaining who we are at the core is going to be a lot for any team to handle.”

Their next game will be in Provo, Utah where the Broncos will take on Brigham

Young University at 7 p.m on Sept. 4.

Men’s Golf The men’s golf team opened up their season in Harris, Michigan in the Island Resort Intercollegiate Sept. 1-2.

Boise State finished second in its season opener with three Broncos in the top ten.

Luke Cushman placed third and Gavyn Knight and Cole Rueck tied for ninth at Sage Run Golf Club.

Boise State finished ahead of highly ranked schools No. 21 Georgia, Michigan and University of Central Florida, entering the final round tied with ultimate winner Purdue. The Broncos shot 5-under 859 (286-280-293).

The team will make their way to Fort Collins, Colorado on Sept. 17-18 where they’ll compete in the Ram Masters.

Women’s Golf The women’s golf team will begin their season in Pawleys Island, South Carolina Sept. 8-10 for the Golfweek Fall Challenge.

Cross Country The Broncos started off their season strong at the Bobcat Twilight on Aug. 30 in Bozeman, Montana.

The women’s team earned second place and had five runners finish in the top ten. Emily Jobes finished second with Kaiya Robertson right behind in third in the women’s 5k.

The men’s team finished third with three Broncos in the top 20. Brian Kiprotich placed 12 followed by Alex Kilby closely behind earning points in their Bronco performance.

“I am pleased with our execution tonight,” Head Coach Pat McCurry said. “We had specific objectives and the athletes stayed focused on them.

The women took a tough Montana State squad right to the wire on their home course, even with an extra conservative early strategy.”

OUR BEST GUESS THE ARBITER ALIGNS YOUR STARS CAPRICORN

CANCER

STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES.

STAY AWAY FROM THE SMOKE-YOUR LUNGS ARE SPIRITUALLY FRIED.

AQUARIUS

LEO

THE VIBES ARE OFF - IT’S NOT JUST YOU.

DO A SELF CARE NIGHT- IT AIN’T EASY BEING PERFECT.

PISCES

VIRGO

FEB 19 - MAR 20

AUG 23 - SEPT 22

BEAUTIFUL GIRLS DESERVE COFFEE AND FLOWERS — YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO.

SPEND LESS TIME ROCK CLIMBING AND MORE TIME SOUL SEARCHING.

ARIES

LIBRA

TRY NOT TO BE SO HOT HEADED ALL THE TIME.

IF YOU ALWAYS LIVE IN THE FUTURE YOU’LL MISS OUT ON THE PRESENT.

TAURUS

SCORPIO

DON’T INTERNALIZE EVERYTHING THIS WEEK.

MAYBE LET SOMEONE ELSE TAKE THE LEAD FOR A CHANGE.

GEMINI

SAGITTARIUS

IF IT FEELS LIKE A COINCIDENCE, IT’S NOT.

FIND ANY EXCUSE YOU CAN TO RELAX THIS WEEK.

DEC 22 - JAN 19

JAN 20 - FEB 18

MARCH 21 - APR 19

VIRGO AUG 23 - SEPT 22 SPEND LESS TIME ROCK CLIMBING AND MORE TIME SOUL SEARCHING.

APR 20 - MAY 20

MAY 21 - JUN 20

ILLUSTRATIONS BY SYDNEY SMITH

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