The Buzz | Fall 2017

fall 2017

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contact

exploring the effect of the human touch as a necessary aspect of the fashion narrative, this issue’s shoot uses a mixture of soft and deep tones to highlight how the models connect with each other and their clothes.

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fall 2017 city

8 haley house

spotlighting a neighborhood resource

12 beyond the b line

exploring some of boston’s top spots

culture

16 making an impact

supporting causes through activist art

20 enter stage left

investing in community theatre

wellness

24 overcoming winter woes finding your workout motivation

28 healthy helpers or hindrance? the rise of wearable fitness technology

food

32 girl (in) power

recognizing female chefs in boston

38 does your food define you? labeling yourself based on your diet

fashion

52 personal & political

the history of androgyny in fashion

54 fashion on the big screen

how television portrays the fashion world

travel

60 third culture kids

struggling to form an international identity

campus 68 go greek?

student experiences with greek life

72 creating a new dialogue

expanding the howard thurman center

music

76 dreaming big, paying little breaking into boston’s music scene

80 changing it up

genre evolution of popular artists

opinion 84 bird watching

what you need to find the truth

64 tourism: a two-faced industry tourism’s impact on local populations

contents | 3

emma parkinson, ariana quihuiz co-editors-in-chief managing editor anna barry head copy editor nicole hoey creative director jami rubin art director samantha west publisher mari andreatta print photography director eva vidan online photography director noor nasser co-online design director deanna klima-rajchel co-online design director katie hong section editors campus ashley griffin city marianne farrell culture megan mulligan fashion julia seelig food kady matsuzaki music karissa perry opinion danielle richard travel chloĂŤ hudson wellness nicole wilkes publishing team social media manager hannah leve co-event coordinator/treasurer andrew brown co-event coordinator kanika chitnis marketing manager claudia quadrino creative team designers chloe guo, deanna klima-rajchel, eugene kim, harshetha girish, nina miller, solana chatfield, valentina wicki-heumann illustrators jillian apatow, katie hong, nina miller

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photography team alejandra aristeguieta, billy bevevino, brittany chang, lauren fogelstrĂśm, ashley griffin, grace johnson, sofia koyama, carina lee, maisie mansfield-greenwald, julia smithing, emilio subia, amanda willis, yudi wendy xie, ece yavuz editorial team campus suparna samavedham, sarah wu, katerina yang city shubhankar arun, william bauman, sarah cristine burrola, caroline cubbage, defne karabucak culture noemi arellano-summer, camila basora oliviera, hannah harn, hailey hart-thompson, vanessa ullman fashion greta cain, solana chatfield, falaknaz chranya, madison duddy, calvin anthonyduscheid, melony forcier, rebecca golub, sonia kulkarni, dana quinan, courtney wong food athena abdien, alexlyn dundas, sarah mcatamney, amanda portis, juliana rodriguez, lindsey rosenblatt, riley sugarman, sarah wu music nathan bindseil, benjamin bonadies, sarah cristine burrola, daniela rivera deneke, nicole hymowitz, georgia kotsinis, jose alberto orive, cole schoneman, taleen simonian, paul stokes, claire tran, rhoda yun opinion caitlin bell, sarah cristine burrola, caroline cubbage, jurnivah dĂŠsir travel anjali balakrishna, riya haria, roma patel, maya reyes, vanessa ullman, ludi wang, meredith wilshere wellness olivia asper, mackenzie conner, casey douglas, sara goldman, sophia lipp, jacqueline soscia copy editing team angie bekerian, allison bryant, madeleine dalton, julia dakhlia, emily rosenberg, anna skudarnova, caroline smith, rebecca young

contributors our fall 2017 issue would not have been possible without the help of many outside students and partners who shared their talents, insights and time. we would like to thank each and every new and existing relationship, and we look forward to our continued partnership in the future. this issue is partially funded by your undergraduate student fee. stores steven alan 172 newbury street boston, ma 02116 (617) 398-2640 @stevenalan models lucas chaves (cfa ’19) jurnivah (gigi) désir (com ’19) emme enojado (cas ’21) sarah feather (cas ’21) kevin leonardo (com ’20) daniel miller (cas ’19)

supporters dean thomas fiedler elisabeth symczak allied marketing, boston allocations board, boston university blaze pizza, boston (bu) em john jewelry insomnia cookies, boston pink ambassadors, boston university student activities office, boston university warner bros. wtbu, boston university on the cover emme enojado (cas ’21) wears steven alan’s cropped flare pant in petal ($245) paired with steven alan’s echo pocket tee in putty ($78) while she gently embraces lucas chaves (cfa ’19), wearing steven alan’s slim straight jean in indigo ($195) and black boots.

masthead & contributors | 5

who are you? where do you come from? what is your passion?

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We rarely ask each other these questions anymore and if we do, it’s often difficult to come up with an answer. In a time of political turmoil, social strife and violent headlines every day we forget to think about ourselves. Forming your own identity isn’t a selfish act, rather a necessary one.

In the Fall 2017 issue of The Buzz our intent is to highlight the various identities that exist on our campus and in Boston. From female chefs in our Food section to authors of color in our Culture section, the people featured in this magazine are strong, creative and powerful.

In our fashion shoot we focus on the importance of the individual in telling a story. Models are more than people wearing clothes; they are

hands, eyes, bodies, personalities, people. We want you to see our models as individuals with passions of their own.

We also think it’s important to have spaces that foster many identities. In our Campus and City sections we visit the Howard Thurman Center and Haley House to show that these places are available to you.

The Buzz has always believed that it is vital to listen to each others’ stories. Sometimes it seems impossible to include every side of those stories, but with every issue we get closer.

When you feel free to tell your story and express your identity, your passions will flourish.

Our Opinions editor Danielle Richard says it best in her article: “Let yourself define what

speaks to you divinely: poetry, science, music, religion, yoga—let your passion guide you.”

We hope The Buzz inspires you to learn, to listen, to discover and to create. ariana quihuiz & emma parkinson, co-editors-in-chief

letter from the editors | 7

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Spotlight on Service:

Haley House From a simple soup kitchen to a Boston staple by marianne farrell photography by julia smithing design by deanna klima-rajchel

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T

he growth experienced in college can come in many different shapes and forms. Whether it be through making new friends, changing dynamics with old friends, finding out what classes you love or finally feeling independent.

This transformative time can impact one’s life drastically, as most college students forget how much volunteer work can truly make a difference within that personal growth. One organization has made a tremendous impact on the lives of local Bostonians, as well as many students in the surrounding area.

Established in 1966 by Kathe and John McKenna, Haley House has had an extraordinary impact on the lives of the malnourished and overlooked in society. Compared to what it has become today, the McKennas’ first venture into the service world was informal. They originally took men off the streets and provided them a cot and a simple meal. People ridiculed the McKennas for their actions, but Haley House has now grown into a miniature empire in Boston.

While many aspects of Haley House have changed over the years, the Soup Kitchen and the Live-in Community have remained a steadfast part of the organization for over 50

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years. Conveniently located right off of Copley Square, the Soup Kitchen is a pleasant little escape for those who come to it. Nestled among stunning brownstones and tumbling fall leaves, the Soup Kitchen seems out of place, but oftentimes homeless people travel to this neighborhood just to eat the fresh food found here.

Paula Agganis, a student at Simmons College and a live-in intern at Haley House, participates in the Elder Meal at the Soup Kitchen.

Agganis’s regular work week at Haley House is different from a typical work week at an office.

She starts off heading to 95 Thornton Street, Haley House’s private farm in Roxbury. There, she works directly on the farm, harvesting the vegetables used at the Soup Kitchen, the Bakery Café and Dudley Dough.

Agganis then goes to the Soup Kitchen at 23 Dartmouth Street and cooks several meals per day as a part of the Elder Meal, a program specifically designed to feed the older citizens of Boston. And finally, she cleans the kitchen and then goes upstairs to reflect on her day with her housemates. By applying to the internship program and extending her stay to become a live-in, Agganis has the opportunity to

strengthen her relationships with the people she serves and her housemates.

“It’s a space that has challenged me and comforted me simultaneously, and it’s a space in which I’m learning a lot every single day,” said Agganis. “Both through cooking and through the guests and my housemates as well.”

The work Agganis and her housemates do on a regular basis quite obviously impacts the community in a great way. During this interview with Agganis and her coworkers, two women began knocking on the door of the Soup Kitchen. Even though it had been closed for some time, Agganis immediately opened the door and let them in, giving them fresh bread, leftover kale and tomato soup made with vegetables from 95 Thornton Street. The women repeatedly said, “Bless you, bless you,” and eagerly ate the meal Agganis served them.

Agganis loves the work she does for Haley House, but said that the organization and her fellow housemates have taught her as well.

“I think they’ve taught me a lot about how okay it is to not necessarily be sure of where I am at in life and the philosophy and beauty of life, spirituality and cooking,” she said.

“It’s a space that has challenged me and comforted me simultaneously, and it’s a space in which I’m learning a lot every single day.”

Another fellow live-in community member and good friend of Agganis, Laura Kakalacc, has been living in the house for around two years.

Kakalacc began her work at Haley House as a volunteer during her undergraduate studies at Boston University and then applied to the same summer internship program Agganis is in.

Kakalacc has not left since.

“I think there’s a lot of depth that you can only achieve when you’re in a place for a long time, especially when building relationships,” said Kakalacc. “It just felt like after a summer and being a volunteer there was so much more I could do.”

Haley House is now comprised of many different programs and locations that all help those in need in a variety of ways. The Bakery Café, one of the more popular aspects of Haley House, sells delicious and healthy food to members of the community and caters events.

They even sell their food in college dining halls around Boston.

The Café, which opened in 2005, seeks to counter the lack of healthy food in Roxbury and the greater Boston area and hopefully halt the nutrition-based diseases that can plague lower socioeconomic communities. Other than their delicious food, the Café has developed several important and impactful programs over the years as well.

Started in 2006, Take Back the Kitchen gives cooking and gardening classes that focus on garden-to-table eating and how a healthy life can make a huge impact on the overall lifestyle of a person. TBK primarily reaches out to youth and their families.

Another extremely successful program of the Café’s is the Transitional Employment Program.

The program was started to break the terrible cycle that plagues people who have been incarcerated. Most of them cannot get a job after being released from prison, which can lead them to return to prison. Haley House provides support for formerly incarcerated people through job opportunities at the Bakery Café “Cookie Bake,” where they can learn how to keep a steady job after incarceration, participate in group mentoring sessions and even receive technology training for better transitions into the modern workforce.

A story featured in a blogpost by “The Boston Foodie” shows the enormous impact TEP can help the lives of former convicts. Nathaniel Awan was headed in a bad direction until he began cooking and joined the Bakery Café.

“Food brings people together,” said Awan in his interview with “The Boston Foodie.” He was worried that after being in prison no one would hire him, and admits he probably would have ended up back in prison without food and Haley House to guide him to the place he is today.

More recently, the Café has expanded into a new space where local artists, musicians and writers can come and display their work in an open and non-judgmental environment. Some of the events Haley House hosts include “Art is Life Itself,” “Jazz by Any Means Necessary,” “Roxbury History Nights,” “Dinner & a Movie” and “The House Slam.”

Dudley Dough is yet another venture undertaken by Haley House. This new restaurant uses the natural ingredients harvested at 95

Thornton Street to create mouth-watering artisan pizzas and salads and even sell locally craft beer to the public.

What truly sets this business apart is its unique platform. In a Boston.com article, Dudley Dough manager Luther Pinckney describes how, unlike other restaurants where employees cannot make a living off of a singular salary, Dudley Dough attempts to create a restaurant where people can sustain themselves on one salary. By creating such a place, employees can develop better lives for themselves and spend more time with their families. Dudley Dough is meant to become a hub where the entire community of Roxbury can gather, eat and spend time with friends and family.

Haley House made some important contributions to the communities in both Roxbury and greater Boston, and the volunteer work they provide could be very beneficial for college students to get involved in.

Julia Goetz, a sophomore at Boston College, recently signed on to begin her volunteer work there.

“While I was deciding where to volunteer, I noticed Haley House’s mission to promote community connections through food,” said Goetz.

“As a strong believer in forming bonds over meals, I gravitated toward Haley House in their efforts to fix societal problems and respond to the neighborhood’s needs.”

Like Agganis, Goetz hopes to gain a better understanding of what she wants in life and how to meet the needs of the people in the area.

With Haley House, Goetz knows she can conquer both of those goals.

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beyond the b line

get to know boston at your own comfort level

by ariana quihuiz and emma parkinson photography by billy bevevino design by jami rubin

boston beginner First day in Boston? These are easy to get to, good-time-guaranteed spots.

Amory Park As soon as the sun and warm weather come back, Amory Park must be your first stop.

Take a nice walk through South Campus and Brookline and you’ll hit this wide-open space in no time. It is the perfect place for reading, completing homework, playing frisbee or taking a nap. There is no telling what you’ll see at the park. It could be a cricket match, some foosball, a toddler playing in the baseball diamond or some teenagers flying kites. But the best part about Amory Park? The dogs. There is no way you can go and not see a dog. You’re welcome.

Coolidge Corner Theater Showing movies since 1933, the Coolidge Corner Theater is known for its selection of independent films, with the occasional blockbuster. An easy walk or T-ride to Coolidge Corner, students can get tickets for $13 to any show. The theater is fully accessible and could always use support, so patrons have the option of becoming a member or sponsor. It’s the perfect place for a movie night, as there are plenty of restaurants and local businesses nearby.

Freedom Trail Even though the Freedom Trail is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Boston, it is far from overrated. The 2.5 mile walking trail is marked by an iconic brick path and stops at 16 historically significant sights from Paul Revere’s house to the site of the Boston Massacre. You can walk the trail yourself or take a guided tour from someone dressed up in 18th century clothing. It’s the perfect way to see the city for yourself and start becoming a real Bostonian.

New to town? Let us show you around with these easy, but fun locations. Boston can be intimidating to anyone, whether you’re from a similar city or grew up surrounded by farmland. But our city is full of history, culture and people with stories to tell. Here are some activities to try and places to visit as you get more comfortable here. Venture out into the city and learn from the people you’ll meet. serious tourist These stops are meant for the professional tourist who might not know their way around, but are open to all possibilities (even if that means getting a little lost on the way).

Castle Island If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway from the bustle of the city, Castle Island, located deep in South Boston, is a must see when visiting the city. Open seven days a week, the island offers more than just a beautiful view of the Boston Harbor; you can take a guided tour of the castle, fish, walk along the beach or have a picnic with some friends. This is one of the easier islands to get to (no ferry or boat required). All you have to do is hop on a MBTA train to South Boston and take a connecting bus to the island. You could be enjoying an afternoon in the sun in less than 40 minutes.

true bostonian Tourist who? If you’re visiting any spots on this list then you’re not a tourist, but a full-blown Boston resident.

Chestnut Hill Reservoir Calling all nature lovers: within an hour on the MBTA (and a little walking), you could be enjoying a scenic view from the side of the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. Originally created to assist Boston in its water needs, you can now take a long bike ride or walk along the trails of the reservoir for a relaxing afternoon activity. You could also visit the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum that exhibits the engineering behind water systems, which is conveniently located right next to the reservoir and offers free admission.

Museum of Bad Art Boston is home to some of the most popular art museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Institute of Contemporary Art that hold some of the nation’s most beautiful pieces of artwork.

The Museum of Bad Art, another popular destination, is home to some of the nation’s worst pieces of art. If you’re looking for a laugh and have a passion for critiquing art, you can stop by the gallery located in Brookline and spend an hour touring some of the worst art for free.

T Ferry When you think of MBTA transportation, you automatically picture a packed T train or a connecting bus. But, the T ferry is an underestimated mode of transportation that allows for a beautiful view of the city and harbor while taking you to other close by cities. It takes you to places like Salem, which is the Halloween capital during the fall, or Provincetown, which is located on the tip of Cape Cod, a popular vacation destination. Wherever you decide to let the ferry take you, you can experience a new city all within roughly an hour from Boston all while taking in the scenery.

Little Armenia in Watertown Foodies come from all over to taste the amazing dishes that come out of the food hubs of Boston (Little Italy in the North End and Chinatown in Downtown Boston). Little Armenia in Watertown can require a significant amount of travel effort (it takes about an hour to get there), but it houses some of the best Middle Eastern food in Massachusetts. You can find some of the most authentic Armenian baked goods at places like Sevan Bakery and Arax Market.

Crane Beach Contrary to the Boston reputation of living in 90 percent icy weather at all times, there are a few select beaches that allow for a sandy escape, although it does come at a cost of high transportation time. Crane Beach in Ipswich, MA is a sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, tanning and walking along the boardwalk. This seaside experience is not only for the water lovers; you can also enjoy the day hiking on one of the many trails at Crane Beach.

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A DIFFERENT ROUTE

by sarah cristine burrola ­‌­| photography by​wendy xie | design by eugene kim

THE BUS COULD BE THE BETTER OPTION

If you’ve lived in Boston for even a week, you’ve probably taken the MBTA subway— casually called the T—at least once. If you haven’t, you should know it’s one of the easiest ways to get around in Beantown, given the never-ending traffic that stretches from the waterfront to Jamaica Plain and everywhere in between. But one thing you might not know is that for the young college student, the MBTA has another equally as convenient and, at times, quicker and more direct option: the buses.

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While it can seem intimidating, with different stops and the necessity of memorizing those pesky route numbers, the bus is a great alternative to taking the T. Recent Boston University grad Jess Wallace (COM/CAS ’17), now a Brighton resident, said that the bus system was a huge asset during her time at BU. “[The bus] is faster than the T by a long shot and it goes more places for less money than any other MBTA system,” she said. A big plus, she added, is that taking the bus is a friendlier experience than taking the T, which often

leaves just-a-second-late passengers standing on the sidewalk.

“If you have a regular route you take at the same time every day you usually end up being friends with the bus drivers which is nice,” said Wallace.

Brighton resident Tanner Glickman has what they call a “love-hate relationship” with the bus system.

“The key routes are great,” they said, pointing out the 66 and 57, “but you really have to plan for when the bus is coming on others

that aren’t key routes, otherwise you could be waiting 30 or more minutes before the next one comes.”

Elise Roche (CAS ’18), who lives off-campus in Allston and takes the bus to school every day, agrees that planning ahead is your best bet when it comes to catching a ride.

“I usually prefer the bus, but you can be hanging out at a bus stop for 35 minutes straight if you didn’t check the schedule soon enough, or if it’s rush hour and you aren’t at one of the first three stops,” she said.

Luckily for most BU students, if you’re using the bus as an alternative to the T to get to Boston hot spots, you’re definitely in for a much faster trip.

Most of the places you’ll want to go are on the 57 or 66 routes. For example, taking the bus to Harvard from Warren Towers utilizes both of those key routes, the 57 and the 66, and is a much more direct trip, landing you at your destination in 30 minutes or less. When you compare this to the T, which requires switching from the Green to Red lines and can be an

upwards of 40 minutes, it definitely is the better choice. Plus, you can use your regular Charlie Card to tap into the bus, and the fare is almost a dollar less than the T fare—$1.70 as opposed to $2.25.

So the next time you reload that card for a day out, consider hopping on the 57 bus instead of the T. You might find yourself in the middle of an unexpected adventure—and get to the end of it in half the time.

city | 15

making an impact

activism through visual art

by noemi arellano-summer | photography by samantha cartwright | design by jami rubin

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culture | 17

The cultural and artistic future of Boston is

on everyone’s mind after the introduction of city-wide programs such as Imagine Boston 2030 and Boston Creates.

Combining artistic endeavors with social activism has the opportunity and power to bring about great change.

Admired artists also work as activists, putting their ideas to the test to achieve a specific purpose.

Last October, Somerville artists Ann Hirsch and Jeremy Angier set their installation “SOS (Safety Orange Swimmers)” afloat in Boston’s Fort Point Channel. Twenty-two sculptures of orange people clinging to black inner tubes were meant to tie back to Boston’s history as a city of immigrants.

Another East Coast example is Dana Schutz’s 2016 painting Open Casket, which opened doors to major controversy, including calls that the painting be destroyed, because the white female artist painted Emmett Till’s mutilated corpse.

Till, a 14-year-old African-American boy, was abducted from his great-uncle’s Mississippi house in 1955. He was then beaten, mutilated, shot and sunk in the Tallahatchie River.

Till’s mother insisted on an open casket for his funeral, and Schutz said she engaged more

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with Mamie Till’s empathy when working with the original image. The painting was included at the 2017 Whitney Biennial exhibition in New York.

A more city-centric arts initiative brings this activism closer to home. Boston Creates serves as the city-wide arts and culture plan for Boston, while Imagine Boston 2030 is the socalled “master plan,” aiming to promote inclusivity, preserve Boston’s legacy and ultimately bring the city into the future. Both of these plans are long-term and have specific goals to be accomplished each year.

Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture for Boston, said, “as we stated the day the [Boston Creates] plan launched, we want to align public and private resources to strengthen cultural vitality of the city over the long-term and weave arts and culture into the fabric of everyday life.”

Boston Creates’s Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program aims to incorporate creativity into planning efforts. The program currently has 10 Boston artists working in Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF). The artists work with diverse populations in each neighborhood to bring about more interest in arts and culture.

Through various new projects, they discover new expressions and roles for the arts in the areas they are working in.

“Through Boston AIR, artists are supported as agents of reflection, collaboration and activism, whether through process-oriented practice, direct community engagement or as leaders of system-wide change projects at BCYF and other city agencies,” said Burros. “We’ve just concluded the second cohort of this program, where ten artists were placed at one of the 10 designated BCYF community centers and provided space at that center.”

Boston Artist-in-Residence Ann Hirsch works at the Vine Street BCYF Center and recently focused on connections through public art and sculpture with different ages, mostly youth groups. She used hand gestures as a magnifying tool to explore nonverbal communication in the expressions of protection, fear and protest.

At the Roslindale BCYF Center, Artist-inResidence Cornell Coley opened up drumming circles to the center and the community.

He brought the on-site recording studio back to life and organized a series of music concerts in Roslindale.

In Curley, Artist-in-Residence John Walsh works as a graphic novelist. He interviewed immigrants and wrote and illustrated their stories in a way that makes for easy translation into other languages.

Another impactful initiative is Artists For Humanity, a Boston-based arts program that teaches under-resourced teenagers from various backgrounds arts skills that will hopefully positively impact their futures. AFH aims to build bridges between social, economic and racial divides among Boston teenagers.

“AFH addresses the 21st century skills gap head on, preparing teens to meet the critical demands of today’s economy through hands-on, experiential learning,” said Lauren Pellerano Gomez, an AFH representative. “As each studio is project-based, teens learn adaptability early on as they must process constructive criticism, and frame their creative process to meet the needs of each client.”

In September 2015, the “Redlined” public art project occurred, with coordination from Boston social justice organization City Life/Vida Urbana (CLVU). For this project, organizers and volunteers walked nine miles, spreading red chalk in a line as they walked through Jamaica Plain.

The goal was to visibly show a literal “redlining” as representation of gentrification that Jamaica Plain residents began witnessing in 1936, when the Federal Housing Administration set up policies that eventually, and unintentionally, divided the area by class and race.

Cedric Douglas is a Boston Artist-inResidence with Boston Creates. With the help of his “Up Truck” organization, he is spreading art throughout his community of Dorchester, where UP (short for Upham’s Corner) is located.

His goal is to engage the 13,000 residents of Dorchester in his mobile arts lab, while ultimately creating a fixed piece of art for the community.

Last May, he created a mural titled “A World of Innocent Wonder” for Northeastern University’s Behrakis Health Sciences Center.

The mural depicts a child spray painting a Tyrannosaurus Rex. “Some of my work is created with an activist mindset, some of it isn’t,” Douglas said.

“Though I do think all street art is an activist type of art form.”

Douglas is currently working on two pieces influenced by the unarmed black males shot by police in the past. One is titled “Street Memorials” and the other is called “Tools for

Protest” and features yellow caution tape with phrases such as “DON’T SHOOT” and “I CAN’T BREATHE.” Boston University art lecturer Ed Stitt feels that art with a social activism twist can be powerful. Some of his favorites include the Mexican muralists Diego Rivera and David Siqueiros.

When thinking of social activists, he immediately noted Goya’s “Disasters of War”, Gericault’s “Raft of the Medusa”, Honore Daumier’s political cartoons and Kathe Kollwitz’s prints.

“I ask students to make art about what is important to them, relevant to their experience,” said Stitt. “Often the art is personal, autobiographical, but now and then someone makes something with activism involved.”

Creativity opens our minds and hearts to wonder. The goal of activism is to bring about social or political change. When these two are combined, wondrous change can be created.

These advancements bring 500-year-old Boston into a new age: as a center for arts and culture, as a center for politics and social change and, ultimately, as a major city that served as one of the founding areas of this nation.

“some of my work is created with an activist mindset, some of it isn’t. though i do think all street art is an activist type of art form.” culture | 19

Theater outlasted the Greeks and the Romans.

It is one of the most consistent forms of public entertainment, putting social issues quite literally on center stage.

Today, performance halls and theater spaces are still seeking an update into the new millennium.

The majority of Boston’s theaters are largescale, grandiose, hallowed spaces with history.

Operas have been held there since the time of Founding Fathers and using these spaces today requires ties to well-funded stage companies and rich supporters.

A lack of accommodating and affordable smaller spaces are much more than an inconvenience for community-based performers who feel their productions are a conducive space for political discussion in these turbulent times.

The Performing Arts Facilities Assessment Plan, a survey conducted by the Boston Planning and Development Agency, found that

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of the 190 major performance spaces in Boston, most cater to either large or small audiences, with little room in-between.

Of these spaces, the report claims, most sit available for use but are generally unaffordable or inaccessible for smaller, community-based groups that want to use them.

According to the Boston Globe, the Agency concludes is that there is both “excess supply and unmet demand” in Boston’s performing spaces.

This claims that, somehow simultaneously, there are so many spaces and so many aspiring performances and performers, but the two don’t coincide.

The agency writes that “economic realities for both space users and space providers prevent them from finding a pricing ‘sweet spot’ as well as significant and ongoing additional support to run, maintain and update facilities.”

Basic maintenance costs rise quickly, from paying electricity bills to up-keeping a full staff, including prop designers and the lead actress.

It just isn’t realistic.

Boston’s ‘fringe’ theater community has felt the changes. This subcommunity of unionized, professional performers and staff utilizes smaller spaces to perform, but they start conversations that in larger, corporate spaces would be otherwise stifled.

McCaela Donovan, Assistant Director of the School of Theater at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, is also a founding member of the Bridge Repertory Theater, a nonprofit performance group based in East Cambridge. The theater seeks to provide acting opportunities and equitable pay to more marginalized groups like women and people of color.

The Theater’s status as a nonprofit and company-in-residence allows it to take on

ENTER STAGE LEFT

BOSTON’S NONPROFITS FINDING SPACE IN HISTORIC THEATER COMMUNITIES by megan mulligan | photography by lauren fogelström | design by eugene kim

more supposedly controversial pieces, according to Donovan.

“The intention was to extend more opportunities to women, to dive into work that was more challenging,” said Donovan. “It was more about; how do we honor those that worked hard and had a hard time finding work?”

Nonprofits and community groups, according to Donovan, are the basis for the fringe community that is “a stronghold for exploring more difficult topics,” discussions of gender and sexuality, of racism and the like.

As for student theater, the aim of the CFA in the past years has been to do the same.

“Flexibility is one of our strongest assets in CFA,” said Donovan. “Our student body being diversified has changed the conversation. We’ve mostly figured out how to have these conversations and reflect the diversity through our work.”

Without accessible venues, these goals are lofty.

Aside from the Huntington/Boston University Theater, BU also unveiled its newest venue at the Joan and Edgar Booth Theater in West Campus at 820 Commonwealth Avenue in December.

The space has a roughly-estimated seating capacity of 250, along with other spaces to accommodate costume and prop development.

This configuration, according to the assessment, is ideal for expanding opportunities for the fringe community.

But just building the spaces, presenting halls and studios of chrome and new upholstery, is not enough. It’s one thing to claim to support the arts and find the latest and greatest equipment presented in a red bow. The survey says that what performance companies and theaters need, on the part of arts commissions and city and state governments, is consistent funding.

According to the Boston Globe, the Facilities

Assessment Report suggests “developing funding mechanisms that aggregate and focus existing and potential new sources of support … [to] provide ongoing support, increasing access to spaces and helping to maintain them.” “[The Booth Theater] has been a dream,” said Donovan. “It’s an incredible investment on the part of the university.”

Funding from government agencies and university programs inspires performers and management to continue the work they do. Without this funding, community-run and student-run programs cannot fully take theater and art into realms of discussion and controversy.

And they do this all, they hope, for the greater good for society.

“The work has to be more engaging, making the audience feel invited to the party,” said Donovan.

“If there’s any time to be an artist, it’s now.”

culture | 21

Favorite Reads

BY AUTHORs of color

by culture staff | illustration and design by nina miller

The television and film industry is feeling the pressure to diversify the cast and stories they showcase, but literature is also not immune to this growing trend. Included in this section is a list of several works by people of color that provide compelling stories, emotional themes and break the mold of undiversified media.

“The Icarus Girl” By Helen Oyeyemi (2005)

“Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” By Lisa See (2005)

8-year-old Jessamy Harrison is biracial, born to a Nigerian mother and an English father. She is an unusual child, prone to temper tantrums and prefers to stay alone in her room writing haiku than play with other children. On a family visit to Nigeria, she meets and becomes playmates with Titiola, whom Jess calls TillyTilly. However, when she returns home, TillyTilly is suddenly back in England as well. This novel is a disturbing depiction of childhood, as well as the lure of the unknown.

Lily and Snow Flower are a laotong pair; they are meant to share a bond deeper than siblings or friends, deeper even than husband and wife. Set in the 1800s in China, readers follow Lily’s life, as she and Snow Flower share the joy and suffering of foot binding, marriage, children and ultimately a betrayal that could shatter their relationship. See masterfully leads from the horrors of the Taiping Rebellion, to the wonders of friendship and back again.

“North of Beautiful” By Justina Chen (2009)

“A Thousand Splendid Suns” By Khaled Hosseini (2007)

Terra Cooper is a teen artist stifled by her verbally-abusive father and a port-wine stain obscuring one side of her face. She gets into a car accident and in her recovery crosses paths with Jacob, a Chinese-born adoptee who is also searching for an identity outside of life’s struggles. Using cartography, art, a trip to China and (surprisingly) caramel macchiatos, Terra reroutes her own future.

Hosseini tackles the plight of Afghan women in this New York Times bestseller, while also chronicling 30 years of Afghan history. Born a generation apart, Mariam and Laila are brought together by war. The women are further joined by shared opposition against their abusive husbands. Hosseini explores joy, war, suffering and how the love that one woman feels for her family can be powerful enough to lead to courageous acts of self-sacrifice.

22 | the buzz

the beat of boston university 89.3 FM | 640 AM | BU CHANNEL 6 | WTBURADIO.ORG

OVERCOMING THE WINTER WOES by casey douglas and nicole wilkes photography by ece yavuz design by harshetha girish

24 | the buzz

section | 25

W inter in Boston: it’s cold, it’s gray, it’s dangerous—and I’m not just

talking about the icy strips of black metal on the BU Bridge.

This is the time of year that gives rise to winter workout woes, which so many of us experience when the cold winter air has officially killed your desire to get a sweat on and the idea of lacing up your sneakers is grossly unappealing. It’s also the time of the year when the motivation to keep up your summer health and body goals typically fades away, only to be resurrected for a brief time in January (resolution season).

There’s good news, though: struggling to keep up with your personal wellness in the winter is not a challenge unique to just you. According to a 2011 Gallup poll, “The percentage of adults who reported exercising frequently—for at least 30 minutes three or more days per week—fell to 49.8 percent in November, from 52.2 percent in October and from the year’s high of 54.5 percent in July.” It’s evident that lacking motivation is not just a personal problem, but a national one.

Motivation is colloquially defined as “the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way,” and “the general desire or willingness of someone to do something.” As explained in the scientific article “Motivation: Psychological Factors That Guide Behavior” on the web wellness platform “Very Well”, motivation is said to “refer to factors that activate, direct, and sustain goal-directed behavior,” and it can be broken down into three major parts: activation, persistence and intensity.

Activation is the first concrete decisional step toward achieving a goal, persistence is the tenacity required to overcome obstacles so you can accomplish said goal and intensity is the cognizant effort an individual puts into a goal-focused task.

Lacking motivation in the wintertime does not make you lazy or unfocused. A wide array of factors can go into the “de-motivational” process, one of which is seasonal depression. In the most basic sense, seasonal depression is a specific subcategory of depression that occurs with the onset of particular times of year. It is a real mental health issue, and it is not something that can be simply overcome by just “picking yourself up and dusting yourself off.” According to Psychology Today, “Seasonal affective disorder is estimated to affect 10 million Americans. Another 10 percent to 20 percent may have mild SAD.” Many factors contribute to this feeling of apathy, one of which is the potential onset of seasonal depression.

Psychology Today further said, “SAD may be related to changes in the amount of daylight a person receives.”

Winter, which tends to be a droll and dreary time, therefore becomes prime time for SAD onset. Those who may be suffering from SAD are advised to seek professional medical attention—nobody should have to go through these things alone. However, this is not by any means to say that everyone who struggles with a lack of workout motivation in the winter has a form of depression. SAD has characteristics that are reflected in many individuals who struggle with motivation at this time of year, although to a far less heightened degree and in fewer instances.

Mayo Clinic provides several remedies for SAD. Unfortunately, these remedies all suggest that individuals “get active,” which is exactly what someone might be struggling to do in the first place. The medical institute’s online health guide suggests that the afflicted “get outside” and “exercise regularly.” The guide goes on to say that, “Exercise and other types of physical activity help relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can increase SAD symptoms. Being more fit can make you feel better about yourself, too, which can lift your mood.”

The Mayo Clinic SAD solution is to exercise because “it can make you

26 | the buzz

feel better about yourself ” is vague in its meaning. It seems to subtly hint toward extrinsic motivations of diet and weight loss.

In discussions of theories of motivation, it has been established that there are two distinct types of motivation known as extrinsic and intrinsic.

Extrinsic motivation is a force that comes from outside yourself, such as the desire to impress others or earn money. Intrinsic motivation comes from a simple, internal desire to feel a sense of achievement or pride in oneself. Extrinsic motivation is widely accepted as the less sustainable of the two, as it is completely conditional.

“The thing about external (extrinsic) motivation is this: it can take you to a certain level,” said professional volleyball player and Olympian Sara Pavan on her personal website, “but it is not always healthy… and it is unsustainable.”

A key component of discovering and utilizing intrinsic motivation is one’s ability to focus on the present, as opposed to far-off goals to be

achieved down the road. For instance, appreciating the post-workout endorphin rush rather than the weight you’ll eventually lose if you stick to your fitness plan.

Intrinsic motivation is clearly a factor within the fitness practices of Boston University student athletes and active individuals.

Gabrielle DiRenzo (CAS ’18), a former Division I Cross Country runner said that, “In the winters, I know that working out will make my day brighter. It’s easy to get into a funk come the winter months, but forcing myself to get outside really helps me feel productive.”

Triathlete and half-marathoner Dianne Omire-Mayor (CAS ’18) additionally chooses to view working out as a positive activity rather than a chore.

“For me, I manage to stay motivated by looking at working out as my little piece of happiness,” Mayor said. “There’s no deadline. There’s no homework grade. It’s just me and the barbell. The barbell doesn’t get

disappointed. The barbell rewards me no matter what. The treadmill lets me choose my own pace. Walking around in the cold seems hard, but missing out on my own piece of happiness is harder.”

Both of these individuals are passionate about what they do and how they do it. They have found their niche in a world of fitness and health crazes and have effectively marched through the snowy landscape of winter woes.

Winter does not have to be the time to hide inside, and it certainly should not be a time that leaves you feeling devoid of motivation and severely stressed. Be gentle with yourself and explore the world of activity in order to find what makes you excited to get up in the morning.

This is the key to overcoming the winter workout woes: find your intrinsic passion, your fire and use it to keep you warm through the cold winter months.

wellness | 27

healthy helpers or hindrance? the challenges of wearable fitness technology

“Fit” media has become as common as social media, whether it be through the sharing of workouts on fitness tracker apps or fit inspiration Instagrammers showcasing their everyday meals. With the blurring of lines between health and obsession, is there a time to say enough?

“They’re a bit addictive,” said Lucie Wicker, a Boston-based fitness lifestyle and activewear photographer. “I’ve had one for years and have upgraded several times. Are there unhealthy or narcissistic extremes? Of course. But generally speaking, leading an active lifestyle brings happiness. [Fitbits] are doing good.”

However, a 2016 study from the Brunel University in London says differently. The study suggests that people who are constantly posting about their personal fitness routines online have low self-esteem and crave validation—yet, active

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by sophia lipp photography by sofia koyama design by jami rubin

Fitbit users are physical proof that monitoring your activity with technology allows individuals, and even their friends, to hold themselves accountable for living a healthier life.

“My mom stopped making time for working out when she went back to work full time, but buying a FitBit and taking part in ‘weekly step challenges’ with her friends motivated her to get back to the gym,” says Shaelah Foresman (COM ’19). “Even if her only motivation for doing so was to post her scores on social media for the public gratification, the fact of the matter is that it got her working out.”

Foresman herself used to be skeptical of the fit-tech craze, but has since then bought an Apple watch.

“We can’t stop these social media and fitness crazes from permeating our society, so if they

can at least be used in a way that will motivate people to get active, I’m all for hopping on board,” Foresman said.

Even though Fitbits may seem like the new fitness statement of our generation, fitness technology is actually still an up-and-coming industry. Arnar Larusson, co-founder of the new Boston wearable-tech company Tyme Wear, believes there’s still a lot of ground to be covered.

“Our collective understanding is that there are things we can measure about our bodies that will help us achieve better health or performance,” said Larusson. “And for certain populations of people, the current devices have played an important role in extending their life expectancy and quality of life. For example, I used to design prosthetics for amputees and over 90 percent of people getting prosthetics have

Type 2 Diabetes. The leading cause of Type 2 Diabetes is eating the wrong things and not being active enough, meaning that, in most cases, it’s a preventable disease. For someone in that situation, having a tool that creates awareness, motivation and behavior changes that range from 100 steps to 1,000 steps or more per day can mean the difference of getting a limb amputated or not.”

Tyme Wear, which will be launching sometime this winter, is a line of smart clothing that monitors your exercise, breathing and endurance and provides feedback through its app.

Similar to Fitbits, Tyme Wear wants its tech to become accessible to the recreational athlete. Larusson comes from a family of doctors, and his focus on further developing wearable tech stems from not only the mindset of an

innovator and engineer, but the mindset of a concerned citizen.

“What a fitness tracker does is give someone the benefit of knowing something they otherwise would have been completely oblivious to,” said Larusson. “It’s next to impossible to be completely aware of everything happening in your legs as you walk, but [because of fitness trackers], that information is accessible to us.

Now, imagine knowing the same with your heartbeat, your breathing, your hormone levels, and skin hydration. Having easy access and interpretation of that information can be an immensely useful gauge for our health.”

As for the social media components of fitness trackers, Larusson feels indifferent.

“Within this health awareness movement, there are campaigns to deter smoking, drunk

driving and not wearing a seatbelt. And for those campaigns, social proof played a big role in their success,” Larusson said. “So, if someone needs social proof that they’re healthy by posting that they ran five miles on Facebook, let them have it.”

According to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers, one in every five Americans owned some piece of wearable ‘fit’ technology in 2014, a number that is expected to be considerably lower than current percentages. With the addition of Apple watches, smart scales and an abundance of fitness apps, it’s hard to argue that this ‘wearable fit tech’ trend is actually a trend at all.

Wicker also predicts longevity for the future of wearable fit tech.

“Being healthy and fit makes people look and feel good,” she said. “It’s that simple.”

wellness | 29

BEND, BURN, BE MINDFUL yoga techniques for all levels

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by nicole wilkes illustrations by katie hong and samantha west design by solana chatfield

Yoga—it is not just for wealthy granola-crunching vegans who sip kombucha while doing headstands.

The 5,000-year-old practice is as student friendly as it gets. If you cannot commit to an in-studio class or cannot fork up the dough for one, don’t stress. There is an influx of free yoga content on websites like YouTube. With easy access, you can practice from the comfort of your own room. Don’t worry about only having a few feet of space because a few feet are all you need.

Yoga is often commended for its ability to combine strength, flexibility and cardiovascular training into one activity. Yet what makes the practice especially unique and ideal for students is its focus on mindfulness, which, according to many, carries over into all aspects of daily life.

“People find, after getting into it for the physical reasons, there’s mental and spiritual benefits as well,” said Sharon Cardamone, a Boston-based yoga instructor of 26 years.

Yoga experts throw around some terminology that can be intimidating to beginners. It can be hard to get started when you can’t make sense of those words. Here is a quick breakdown of a few common styles to look out for, each promising different experiences and reaping different results.

for the Beginner

Hatha The umbrella term for yoga practices that teach physical postures. A hatha practice is ideal for beginners looking to build a solid foundation of basic poses, as it combines mild to moderate physical exertion with mindful consideration and reflection.

for the STRESSED

Yin/Restorative Often described interchangeably, Yin and Restorative yoga utilize props that allow practitioners to reap the rejuvenating spiritual and mental benefits of common poses without the physical exertion.

for the athletically-driven

Vinyasa Named after the Sanskrit term that roughly translates to “to place in a special way”, this physically demanding style focuses on linkage of breath with movement as well as smooth transitions from pose to pose. A typical vinyasa practice gets your heart pumping, serving as killer cardio while focusing on moving and breathing with mindful intention.

Power Vinyasa’s gym-rat cousin. Popular for its emphasis on strength and flexibility, this quick-paced and physically rigorous style incorporates vinyasa breathing techniques, but is less spiritually engaging.

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32 | the buzz

GIRL IN POWER Exploring the Influence of Boston’s Female Restaurateurs

by alexlyn dundas | photography by lauren fogelström | design by jami rubin

food | 33

Women run Boston’s food industry. This is

not to say that there are no men in food, or that the restaurants led by women outnumber those operated by men. Rather, many of Boston’s top restaurants are owned or run by women.

Moreover, these women are household names because of the projects they have undertaken— not something the food industry often sees.

The sheer number of women who have found success in Boston’s food industry speaks to the city’s ability to recognize talent within a typically male industry. In Boston, women are not excluded from culinary conversations—they are sought out for them. Nor are they invited to discuss how their successes go against the grain, as if success was meant only for a select group of straight, white males.

Boston does not seem to agree with this traditional image of the culinary workforce, and the local media does better than most to call merit-based attention to female chefs. Women are not constrained to pastry on Boston “best” lists. They are also not segregated into “female-only” rankings, which inherently imply male as superior.

In the last five years, Boston Magazine has named a woman “Best Up-and-Coming Chef ” three times (Kristen Kish in 2013, Cassie Piuma

34 | the buzz

in 2014 and Karen Akunowicz in 2016). In addition, Best Chef, General Excellence went to Tiger Mama and Sweet Cheeks’ Tiffany Faison in 2016. The magazine has also awarded women with the accolade of “Best Sommelier” for the last three years in a row.

The city has a robust history of supporting the careers of female chefs. In 1963, WGBH studios produced one of the first TV cooking shows, “The French Chef,” featuring a boisterous and fun chef named Julia Child. Child was an advocate for Boston’s food scene long before it truly existed and set the groundwork that would elevate Boston restaurants to today’s caliber.

Since Child, what can only be described as mini, female-operated empires have permeated the industry. In 2008, Ana Sortun followed up the success of her first venture, Oleana, by opening Sofra Bakery with business partner and head pastry chef Maura Kilpatrick. Then, in 2013, along with Chef de Cuisine Cassie Piuma, Sortun rounded out Oleana Restaurant Group with Sarma. In all three businesses, women hold the executive positions.

Despite starting her career at Biba, the most acclaimed of Chef Lydia Shire’s six Boston restaurants, Joanne Chang had no intention of becoming Boston’s reigning queen of baking.

Less than 20 years later, Chang’s Flour bakeries have expanded to seven locations, and her restaurant Myers + Chang is a treasured South End institution.

Perhaps the city’s most well-known woman in food is Barbara Lynch, a veritable Boston hero.

The Barbara Lynch Gruppo operates seven different establishments, all considered part of the upper echelon of Boston dining. Lynch was the second woman ever to be awarded the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur, inviting foodies to pay more attention to the Northeast.

On a national scale, women still occupy a lower percentage of executive culinary positions.

But here in Boston, their successes have been normalized. Many chefs, like Myers + Chang’s head Karen Akunowicz, enter the industry fully conscious of the success available to them.

“When it’s normal,” said Akunowicz, “it’s not out of the ordinary that you [think you] would be able to do it. I think that’s more powerful than anything else.”

For Akunowicz, having successful women in the industry is an affirmation that success is available to men and women alike.

Katrina Jazayeri, co-owner of Juliet in Somerville, said she did not have to look far

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36 | the buzz

to find role models. The big names in Boston helped Jazayeri visualize what her career could look like.

But it is not only that Boston’s female chefs are better representing the culinary workforce; they are also revolutionizing the way the industry is progressing. Boston has fostered a community in which women are thriving, and at its core is mentorship. There is a female-led network of support that rejects competition in favor of wider community growth.

Irene Li, co-owner and head chef of sibling-owned Mei Mei, puts women as the guardians of this system.

“Women are more likely to be effective hirers and mentors for other women,” said Li. “I think [female success] has the potential to interrupt the stereotypically macho culture of kitchens, which can be really destructive.”

Akunowicz said this community of women has made her stronger.

From Julia Child to Lydia Shire, Jody Adams to Kristen Kish, this support system has trained students who eventually opened restaurants where they could teach and be in charge. Many of Boston’s top chefs, both male and female, have trained with or under female leadership.

In the restaurant world, where everyone is

connected, the success of one is the success of the other. By promoting female achievements, Boston’s culinary world is ultimately advancing the whole industry.

And the industry is reciprocating.

Though it was through women that Jazayeri came to understand the inner workings of Boston’s culinary scene, she credits women and men with providing guidance when developing Juliet.

While it may not be a gender-specific imperative for Jazayeri, she does believe having thoughtful business owners focused on mentoring, inspiring and nurturing makes the industry stronger and more inclusive.

“I learned from J.J. and my sister the personal relationships that feed the community,” said Jazayeri. “I’m happy to mentor and create those opportunities for others.”

Chef Irene Li is of the same mind.

“In my kitchen, I make sure gender stereotypes aren’t an issue,” Li said. “I want everyone, especially minorities and POCs, to feel like they have a place.”

Li has instilled this sense of community into all projects with which Mei Mei is involved.

“I’m constantly thinking of ways we can get more women and women of color involved,” said Li.

One way women are making the industry more inclusive is by erasing practices that affect minorities. “Open Book Management” is a business model that helps restaurant owners include employees in administrative decisions, resulting in a workforce invested in mutual success. Jazayeri is one of the lead signatories on the ballot measure. Li plans to roll out the program for Mei Mei soon.

In Boston, the idea is not to make separate spaces for women to succeed. Instead, restaurants promote work cultures that all employees benefit from. Boston’s successful female chefs and restaurateurs represent an industry that is willing to recognize, nurture and protect all stakeholders.

It is easy to look at Boston and assume the work is over. Women are faring well among an ever-evolving restaurant scene. Yet there is always more to be done. The willingness to have tough conversations regarding gender stereotypes and other inequalities is an attitude Boston can model for other cities. Boston has shown that behind great restaurants there can be a woman influencing the culinary industry, one pan flip at a time.

food | 37

DOES YOUR FOOD DEFINE YOU? Food Labels and How they Affect your Personality by athena abdien | photography by eva vidan | design by samantha west

38 | the buzz

Food can define a person to the extent that their entire lifestyle, especially the decisions they make, is adapted to their dietary preferences.

Over the last few decades, the interest in and understanding of food has grown immensely. In recognition of this spurt, food has become an identifying quality for many individuals instead of a mere means of survival. The type of food a person eats can be seen as a defining characteristic that separates them from others.

Concentrating solely on the last few years of the 21st century, “food label” and “diet” are debatably the same concept. The term “diet” can certainly still refer to a restrictive process in which a person is determined to lose, gain or maintain a certain weight. However, “diet” has grown to encompass a variety of definitions.

Nobody questioned their diet at three months old when fed a spoonful of smashed peas and squash. But as people grow older, they start to look at food with a more focused eye. Some individuals choose to have a “cheat day” once a week, while others choose to view every enjoyable meal as a ‘cheat’ meal.

Food can define a person to the extent that their entire lifestyle, especially the decisions they make, is adapted to their dietary preferences.

For example, many vegans choose to become vegan because they want to promote animal rights and foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues.

Bonny Rebecca, a popular vegan YouTuber, recently posted a video that shared her entire “vegan story.” She discussed why her decision to go vegan was not a complete surprise.

She has always had a large appetite for food, but no matter how much she ate, she was neither full nor satisfied. She grew up on a nonvegan diet, which led to her belief that “a meal without meat wasn’t even a meal.”

After meeting Tim, her current boyfriend, who was ‘plant-based’ at the time and is now a complete vegan, she gained a new perspective.

“You can eat as much as you want on a vegan diet without feeling the guilt,” said Rebecca.

The prospect of being able to eat an abundance of food attracted Rebecca, especially

knowing that she would not have to stress over what she was eating, how much she was eating and how it would affect her health.

She has been vegan for over four years and continues to update her viewers on any changes to her health habits, such as her recent shift from a high-carb, low-fat diet, to one that includes an equal amount of carbs and fats. Once she went vegan, she knew she could never go back.

Although everyone has their own rationale behind choosing one diet over another, the overarching theme is that the connotations and associations of “diet” are changing and becoming more positive.

When overhearing a conversation in a local restaurant or grocery store, it is no longer odd to hear people state their name along with “I’m a vegan, vegetarian, pescetarian, paleo,” et cetera. These labels are just another facet of people’s identities.

Angel Padavano, co-owner and chef of Padavano’s Place, points out how these “food labels” have changed their menu and customer base as a whole.

“We now offer gluten-free options, which has really boosted our business,” said Padavano.

To her, food has always been, and will continue to be “the cornerstone of [her] social life.

[I] meet with family and friends, and we break bread to share our lives together.”

An increasing number of people are starting to step outside of their dietary comfort zones— switching from the foods they were raised on to foods they crave and that best fuel their body.

Just because someone grows up eating meat, dairy and seafood does not mean they must be a dedicated carnivore for their entire life.

Food, and more specifically, diet, can be considered a very personal subject. Diet is seen as both a necessary decision and a lifestyle—a lifestyle in which bread, milk and butter may no longer be the staple foods shoppers reach for during every trip to the grocery store.

In today’s world, there can be an entire backstory attached to the food a person decides to eat. To the casual observer, someone’s plate may appear to be just another ordinary dinner, but to the diner, their meal could tie directly to their ethnicity, moral values or a desire to only eat food with three ingredients or less.

A meal is not something that is cooked “unconsciously” anymore—the saying “You are what you eat” has taken on a new significance.

Those who follow the paleo diet essentially eat as cavemen did—consuming foods that a person can hunt rather than those that are processed in a factory. Foods such as grass-fed meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds are eaten, whereas foods such as cereal, dairy and salt are not.

Social media activists are vocal about the deeper implications of their dietary choices.

“Paleo isn’t only about eating,” said Pete Evans, a popular paleo blogger. “It’s a way of life that’s all about simplifying and finding satisfaction through living in the moment and reconnecting with something bigger than yourself, like getting out in nature.”

Food can have a wide variety of meanings. To some, like Padavano, food is a way of bringing people together. To others, like Rebecca and Evans, food is a way to bring yourself back together—to figure out how to fuel your body in a way that no longer makes food the center of your daily decisions. Food is important, but it is not everything.

Overall, it seems that humans and the connotations of “diet” are evolving together. There have been rapid changes in dietary wants versus needs versus concerns. For some, diet is constructed based on health constraints like allergies, while for others diet is a personal choice.

For those who can freely choose their culinary desires, choosing to forgo certain foods is a way to recognize what makes you truly happy and what makes your body feel most nourished.

food | 39

The Middle Feast

A Visual Journey of the Middle East’s Iconic Dishes

by kady matsuzaki photography by alejandra aristeguieta design by valentina wicki-heumann

The Middle East is historically known as the “cradle of civilization.” Its long, rich history has an immense impact, especially on culinary culture.

The region’s most iconic dishes have flavors which have persisted throughout the centuries and continue to delight.

40 | the buzz

Tahchin is a traditional Persian dish, named such because of the steaming of the rice. It consists of layers of saffron-flavored rice, herbs, vegetables, eggs, yogurt and chicken. The casserole-like entrée is baked in a large pot until the outside layer of rice is crisp and golden-brown, and then inverted onto a plate and sprinkled with barberries. The crispy rice is called tahdig and is the most beloved part of tahchin. Tahchin is usually served at special events such as weddings because of its spectacular, layered appearance.

Mujadarra, the Arabic word for “pockmarked,” is a dish of lentils—said to resemble pockmark-like holes—cooked with rice, spices and fried onions. The first recorded recipe for mujadarra was found in Kitab al-Tabikh, a cookbook written in 1226 by al-Baghdadi in Iraq. It is reportedly a derivation of the pottage that Esau traded his birthright to Jacob for in the Bible. Lentils are a staple food in the Middle Eastern diet, and mujadarra’s fabled history has allowed for it to become popular across many religious and regional lines.

Kanafeh—or knafeh—is a dessert made with soft, white cheese and layers of flaky pastry, which are baked and soaked in simple syrup, sometimes flavored with rosewater or orange blossom. It is believed to have originated in the Palestinian city of Nablus in the tenth century, but has since spawned regional variations throughout the Arab world. It is one of the Middle East’s most cherished desserts; people from different regions argue over whose version is the best, and long lines in front of kanafeh carts are a common, early morning sight.

styling by julia seelig photography by eva vidan art direction by samantha west creative direction by jami rubin

Clothing starts small, with a sketch in a designer’s studio. It evolves and improves and is produced, only to end up existing on a hanger or a mannequin. Though that piece of clothing is beautiful on it’s own, it only reaches its full potential when it is worn. Human contact is a necessary addition to the narrative, allowing fashion to become expressive in a whole new way.

In our fall shoot, we show the models as genuine human beings with distinct personalities.

They wear beautiful clothing, sure, but they are what give it meaning. They have intimate moments with each other and with the camera, expressing details through their eyes, their arms, their legs, their laughter, their silence.

Everything in this shoot tells a story. The spectrum of colors, from soft indigos to deep burgundys to pops of golden yellow, balances the landscape by adding warmth and a calming energy. The way the models come into contact with each other as well as with the clothes is inherently intimate. Though clothing exists physically before it is worn, it takes a human touch to attach meaningful memories and experiences to the garments we choose to wear.

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on emme: steven alan, trill pant in wine, $235; steven alan, adagio sweater in ivory, $198; red blazer, stylist’s own; taupe booties, model’s own

fashion | 43

on gigi: steven alan, pacific shirt, $188; vintage jeans, model’s own; white sneakers, model’s own; pink lens sunglasses, model’s own on kevin: steven alan, double pocket utility jacket in indigo, $225; steven alan, echo pocket tee in steel blue, $78; steven alan, milo pant in navy corduroy, $295; black belt, model’s own; black sneakers, model’s own

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on sarah: steven alan, laurel dress, $295; steven alan, helena half moon shoulder bag in ochre, $325; oversized denim jacket, stylist’s own

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on sarah: steven alan, alpha industries, ma 1 slim fit bomber in maroon, $150; yellow sweater, stylist’s own; black jeans, model’s own; white sneakers, stylist’s own on daniel: steven alan, alpha industries, ma 1 slim fit bomber in replica blue, $150; steven alan, slim straight jean in black, $185; steven alan, cadet shirt in charcoal melange, $198; steven alan, long sleeve cropped collar polo in light gray melange, $98; red lens sunglasses, stylist’s own; gray slip-ons, model’s own on lucas: steven alan, momento sweater in off white, $245; pink high-neck tee, stylist’s own

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fashion | 47

on sarah: steven alan, laurel dress, $295; oversized denim jacket, stylist’s own on daniel: steven alan, slim straight jean in black, $185; steven alan, cadet shirt in charcoal melange, $198; yellow sweater, stylist’s own; gray slip-ons, model’s own on lucas: steven alan, slim straight jean in indigo, $195; black boots, model’s own on emme: steven alan, cropped flare pant in petal, $245; steven alan, echo pocket tee in putty, $78; taupe booties, model’s own on kevin: steven alan, milo pant in navy corduroy, $295; black sneakers, model’s own on gigi: steven alan, brio jumpsuit in brown houndstooth, $345; white sneakers, model’s own

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fashion | 49

on emme: steven alan, adagio sweater in ivory, $198; red blazer, stylist’s own on lucas: steven alan, universal crew neck in mint, $178; steven alan, long sleeve cropped collar polo in olive, $98; steven alan, milo pant in navy, $245; black boots, model’s own

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on sarah: steven alan, alpha industries, ma 1 slim fit bomber in maroon, $150; yellow sweater, stylist’s own; black jeans, model’s own; white sneakers, stylist’s own

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on daniel: steven alan, alpha industries, ma 1 slim fit bomber in replica blue, $150; steven alan, cadet shirt in charcoal melange, $198; steven alan, long sleeve cropped collar polo in light gray melange, $98; red lens sunglasses, stylist’s own on kevin: steven alan, double pocket utility jacket in indigo, $225; steven alan, echo pocket tee in steel blue, $78; green lens sunglasses, stylist’s own on gigi: steven alan, brio jumpsuit in brown houndstooth, $345; steven alan, sego shirt, $198; glasses, model’s own

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personal & political

androgynous fashion in history by julia seelig illustrations by samantha west design by jami rubin

Breaking the rules is at the core of the fashion industry. Serving as a dominant tool of personal expression, people look to art, and by extension, to fashion, as a way to both defy and conform to societal norms.

Society relies on the comfort of strict labels that define what is and is not acceptable.

Fashion, however, has the power to challenge that. Major movements in history­­—relating to politics and fashion—prove the art’s influence on both the personal and the political.

Associate Professor of History at Boston University Arianne Chernock teaches a Fashion in History course about the facilitating role fashion has played in American history.

Chernock said, “I think fashion has always played a complex role at a number of levels both in terms of individual identity, sexual and gender identity, class identity, ethnic identity, and power dynamics between different cultures and within them.”

Major social movements and groundbreaking policy changes are accompanied by a wide range of public responses. With every proponent is an antagonist––after all, advocacy and freedom of expression are essential to democracy.

So, it is no surprise that one of the most valuable methods for creating major statements is using a

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paradigm of expression. Fashion’s influential role in politics cannot go unnoticed as it has been at the forefront of major historical movements.

“In my course we look at the role of fashion in the American revolution; fashion in the expansion of the British empire; fashion in terms of how different colonial populations negotiate their identity,” said Chernock. “And, fashion and the making of subcultures in the 1960’s and 70s—particularly relating to queer identity.”

Fashion continues to unite groups marginalized by society, and serves as a dominant force in catalyzing social and political change.

However, as Chernock said, “There’s a question about whether fashion is a comment on changes that are already taking place, or whether it helps make those changes.”

Arguably, both can be true just as fashion can be used to both reinforce and subvert political ideals and gender roles. Regardless, in an increasingly tense political climate, fashion is a liberating force for those who wish to have their voices heard.

Fashion’s personal and political purpose is evident in the history of the LGBTQ+ communities in ’60s and ’70s, particularly drag culture. This was, in part, a response to the oppressive gendering of fashion, which still continues in many places today.

Designers and industry leaders look to a host of places for inspiration including subcultures. The marginalized LGBTQ+ groups of the ’60s and ’70s may have cultivated change with experimentational styles that defied gender norms, but the momentum of the gay rights movement also contributed to changes in the fashion industry.

Today, the idea of gender continues to be at the forefront of public conversation. Specifically, movements in the transgender community have challenged society to reevaluate the rigid definition of the gender binary.

Fashion’s response to this movement has been clear and powerful—androgyny dominated runway shows this past year. Vogue dedicated the August 2017 issue to exploring this changing perspective and the significance of androgyny.

In the article, “Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik Are Part of a New Generation Who Don’t See Fashion as Gendered,” Vogue contributor Maya Singer suggests that the recent revival of androgyny relates directly to the way millennials see gender in more arbitrary terms.

“For these millennials, at least, descriptives like boy or girl rank pretty low on the list of important qualities—and the way they dress reflects that,” said Singer.

While some may credit designers like Louis

Vuitton and Marc Jacobs for fostering a greater acceptance of a less constricting take on gender with their gender fluid collections, the origin of the androgyny movement predates the designers’ recent collections.

Some of the most notable pioneers of androgyny include Prince and David Bowie. These artists ruled the music scenes of the ‘70s and ‘80s, but music was not the only art they had influence on. Both are credited with having a significant impact on the relationship between gender and fashion.

“A lot of trends that began within these subcultures as ways for people within those communities to find each other and identify with each other, giving each other subtle kinds of cues, became kind of mainstream,” said Chernock.

Bowie and Prince used their influence to take what was happening with style and fashion in queer communities—while these communities fought for liberation—to bring it to the forefront of popular culture.

Their impact on androgyny persists into today’s themes of gender deconstruction, which also uses fashion in hopes of changing the conversation around gender, and instead, emphasizing and celebrating individual expression.

Boston University student Maggie Knutzen

(CFA ’19) sees Bowie’s influence on androgyny, even more so after his passing. Knutzen said that since Bowie’s death, she has recognized people sporting more flamboyant styles, particularly in the gay community. While it is impossible to measure Bowie’s exact influence, there is no denying its weight.

Knutzen finds normalcy in the intertwining of men and women’s fashion. However, Knutzen also views this ‘trend’ as fortifying for women specifically.

“I have 50 pairs of trousers now because they are more in style. And that services a more feminist way of living for me personally because it’s more comfortable. In the past when trends have been more feminine, that’s very restrictive,” said Knutzen. “As a woman I feel like having men and women’s fashion kind of converge in the past couple of years with joggers, sneakers, loose-comfy t-shirts, biker jackets—that’s pretty unisex, and I think it’s liberating for girls.”

Women’s rights movements have reflected and stimulated fashion changes. Industry leaders who tapped into ideas of female liberation, ultimately blurred the lines of gender through the design and presentation of styles that combined traditionally male and traditionally female pieces. This ‘blurring of gender lines’ caused a freeing trend of experimentation and choice for

women, which is highlighted by many styles such as the suit.

“The suit from the 18th century was a very male piece of fashion,” said Chernock. Now, so many women wear suits—a trend normalized for women in the ‘80s. Although this was not the first time women had put on suits, pop culture icons such as Bianca Jagger popularized the trend. As the trend continues to become more accepted, there is a subsequent shift in the gender hierarchy of men and women.

“People make that choice both because it’s fashionable, but also because men and women’s roles are—to some extent—conforming more and more,” Chernock said. “That both reflects the reality of men and women in a lot of parts of the world where their experiences are becoming more and more alike, and where we as a culture are becoming more accepting of gender fluidity.”

The cause and effect relationship between social movements and fashion statements is unclear; however, the correlation is irrefutable. In other words, the process of deconstructing preheld gender beliefs has proved to be long, tedious, and, unfortunately, not close to over; yet, fashion is an instrumental tool in the process.

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It is difficult to thrive in any industry without

hard work––regardless of who you know. The fashion industry is no exception; however, the media’s portrayal of the industry often suggests otherwise. Movies like The Devil Wears Prada and television shows such as “The Carrie Diaries” and “The Bold Type” propose that success in the industry comes solely through connections and luck. Hence, it is hard for audiences to decipher what is realistic and what is exaggerated.

In The Devil Wears Prada, fashion tycoon and magazine editor Miranda Priestly is portrayed as a tyrannical and cruel boss. She does whatever she has to do to keep her place in the industry, in spite of her personal life and the lives of those around her. The relationship between Miranda and her newest employee, Andy Sachs, is at the focal point of the film. To many, this relationship represents the harsh life and treatment of industry workers.

The horrors of the fashion industry are exposed and reinforced throughout this film,

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giving a bad reputation to magazines and their executives––think Vogue and the iconic Anna Wintour. However, despite the intimidating and heartless characterization of Miranda, the boss of Runway magazine, is admirable. She is depicted as hardworking, career-driven and demanding of respect.

While some may criticize Miranda for her aggressive approach, it is important to acknowledge her as a female boss whose work ethic and determination ultimately led her to success.

This focus on strong, female characters is a recurring theme and should inspire other women looking to hold high-up positions in fashion and elsewhere.

In an interview with Refinery 29, Co-Founder of Tinker Tailor Cleo Davis-Urman recounted how she took charge of the fashion industry. Urman worked under Rachel Zoe, and it changed her life. After only a week she assisted in celebrity fittings. Soon after, she began working on her own.

“I learned so much from Rachel, who is not only a fashion icon with impeccable taste and the most discerning eye, but a savvy businesswoman,” Urman said. “She taught me to never take no for an answer and that all of my fashion dreams could be made a reality.”

Carrie Bradshaw in “The Carrie Diaries” shows the opposing, glitzy perspective of a young woman struggling to find her place in New York City. After accidentally stumbling into the editor of her favorite magazine, Carrie was offered a job. While the majority of the plot-lines may be somewhat unrealistic, Carrie’s passion, dedication and initiative are all attractive qualities in the competitive world of fashion journalism. Despite her young age, Bradshaw manages to impress everyone she meets, allowing her to quickly establish herself in the industry.

Associate Digital Editor of Harper’s Bazaar Lauren Fisher said, “As an intern you have the opportunity to learn everything from the ground up, that means you’re putting in hard work—it’s

FASHION BIG SCREEN ON THE

What the media does and doesn’t tell us about the industry by sonia kulkarni | photography by noor nasser | design by solana chatfield

not your time to reap all the glamorous fashion perks just yet. That means accepting every single task with enthusiasm and treating every single task, whether it’s getting coffee or assisting on a photo shoot, like it’s the most important task— because it is. Having a good attitude will make you stand out along the way.” Carrie Bradshaw is a prime example of the benefits of having a good attitude regardless of the task.

Even the most mundane tasks could lead to a job offer. In Freeform’s newest show “The Bold Type,” the three main characters started as interns before landing their respective jobs. Out of all the shows centered on the fashion world, “The Bold Type” is the most accurate and insightful. The women got their positions through normal application processes and struggled, as expected, upon starting. The characters each know what they eventually want out of their careers and strive to find their identities.

Fans of the show appreciate its diverse, authentic characters. “The Bold Type” paints the

industry as busy and challenging, yet also understanding and supporting. It allows viewers to recognize they can achieve their dreams if they have confidence in their abilities.

Just like “The Carrie Diaries,” “The Bold Type” has its moments of alternative realities of the industry, especially in its exaggeration of social media outreach. One episode was dedicated to Kat Edison, the social media director, getting negative backlash after a single tweet.

According to Sydney Forman, the social media coordinator of the fashion company Guilt, this doesn’t happen often.

Sydney Forman landed a job at Guilt through a referral from a friend. As a social media coordinator, she manages the company’s social media accounts, runs analytics and increases outreach. Forman’s experience is different from the ones portrayed on television. In fact, it is relatively stress free.

“The environment is definitely exaggerated on TV,” she says. “But also, it’s very different

working at a fashion company than it is working at a magazine. People at Guilt, and other companies, are more relaxed and dress more casually versus people at Vogue.”

Ultimately, “The Bold Type” or “The Carrie Diaries” may not be completely true, but they present female characters who take risks and initiative to achieve their goals. In an article titled “A Woman’s Work: How Women Can Get Ahead in Fashion,” Senior Editorial Associate for Business of Fashion Osam Ahmed said that women are dominating the fashion industry.

They make up more than 70 percent of the workforce, yet they still are holding less than 25 percent of the leadership positions. While women are on the floor, men are running the fashion houses. However, these shows present the possibility of a different reality––one that young girls should aspire to achieve.

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BU’s FASHION BY DECADE Your Decade-Style Go-To, According To Your School by falaknaz chranya | illustrations by samantha west | design by chloe guo

College of Arts and Sciences

Questrom School of Business

College of Communication

In a school with such diverse majors, students are incredibly versatile. Looking at the history of fashion, there is one decade that stands out for its diversity––the 1990s! From quirky denim-sweater combos to grungy slips and slingbacks, this decade had something for everyone.

The ever-so-put-together students of Questrom undoubtedly resemble the 1930s. The decade’s staples––well-tailored suits, side hats, bateau necklines, structured shoulders and defined waistlines––are the perfect inspiration for both business-professional and business-casual looks.

Known for bold personalities and non-conformist attitudes, COM students epitomize the fashion from the ‘70s. The counterculture movement dictated the decade’s free-spirited styles.

Similarly, the outspoken students of COM never hesitate to express themselves.

School of Education

School of Hospitality

College of General Studies

SED kids spend a lot of time in the classroom, which is why the 1950s high school look of poodle skirts, polka dots and flared-glasses is the best fit! Think Grease––Sandy’s sweetheart style for class and an edgy look for the weekend.

SHA students go the extra mile to make sure they are as hospitable as they can be. Think Gatsby in the 1920s––flashy and fun, much like the fashion of the time: flapper dresses, beaded headbands, feather hats and suspenders!

Much like the styles of the 2000s, CGS students are “laid back and easy going,” says Kavya Raghunathan (CAS ‘18). From tracksuits to tiedye t-shirts, early 2000s trends are easy go-tos for chill, everyday looks.

Sargent College

college of Engineering

College of Fine Arts

The students of Sargent are totally ‘80s! With athletic apparel being all the rage, SAR students can turn to the decade’s staples for the perfect class-to-gym look.

Engineering students are meticulous and practical, which is why they embody the 1940s wartime trends: military style, collars, trench coats and peacoats!

CFA students are artists by definition. They pay close attention to detail, much like the fashion from the Victorian Age, which was full of elegant lace, beading and micro-details!

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the buzz is hiring designers and photographers for spring 2018! we are looking for dedicated and experienced students to join our creative and photography teams to design, illustrate, or photograph for our magazine. email the.bu.buzz@gmail.com for more information about the variety of available positions.

@thebubuzz | thebubuzz.com section | 59

60 | the buzz

THIRD CULTURE KIDS Citizens Of The World by chloĂŤ hudson photography by carlos subias egas design by deanna klima-rajchel

travel | 61

For a Third Culture Kid (TCK), the question

“where are you from?” has no easy answer. In fact, it is the most frustrating and nerve-wracking icebreaker of all. For TCKs, travel is home.

The life of a TCK—someone who has been raised in a culture other than the one on their passport—is confusing. They have grown up outside of the country where their parents were born, and they have spent the majority of their developmental years abroad. A TCK belongs everywhere and nowhere.

These individuals have grown up in a time of globalization when many people have international careers. They are the children of business people, military officials, government workers and expatriates, who live the international life.

This overseas experience has created a third culture that fuses an individual’s native heritage with the foreign cultures they have been raised in. TCKs may have multiple senses of belonging, or have no real sense of belonging at all. For this very reason, home is a particularly complex and perplexing concept.

“I am constantly debating whether I should tell people I’m from Rhode Island or China,” said Samantha Menendez (ENG ’20). Originally from Rhode Island, Menendez grew up in Singapore and attended high school in Shanghai.

“With my blonde hair and American accent, I get weird looks and many questions if I say I’m from China,” she said. “Not to mention that I also speak the language, because I clearly don’t look Chinese. But, I also don’t want to tell people I’m from Rhode Island because if they’re American they’ll ask me obvious questions that I don’t know the answers to.”

The TCK’s diverse background is impossible to explain without an exhausting delineation of their life story. Many individuals tire of constantly repeating the same spiel.

“If it’s an Uber driver asking, I’ll lie and say I’m from California,” said Mikas Hansen (SAR ’20). “They believe it and I’ve gotten pretty good at it. If they ask me where specifically, I just say the Bay Area. It’s pretty fun.”

Hansen’s parents are from Lithuania and Denmark, but he has never lived in either country himself. An only child, he was raised in Russia, Kenya and China. “If you talked to me and my parents individually, you wouldn’t think we were related,” he said. “Honestly, I think my family deals with it really well. My friends at [Boston University] often forget that I’m international.”

Most of the time it is impossible to discern a TCK’s home because of their indistinct accent. This “international” accent most closely resembles an American one with certain twangs

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depending on where the TCK has lived. It is situational and can change according to the person they are talking to. Some TCKs are overly conscious of their accent and fight to keep it.

“My accent is crazy and confusing and slips in and out of American and English,” said Julia Townsend, a former BU student. Townsend was born in England and raised in Sweden, Australia and the United States. “I don’t want an American one because then I will just blend into this culture that I don’t really relate to. I’m also naturally reserved and socially anxious, so it actually breaks the ice when people hear my accent and know from the get-go that I’m different [from] them.”

Identity formation is not a conscious process.

Many TCKs don’t recognize what is happening to them as they move from one continent to another. They don’t have a single identity tied to one place the way most adolescents do. They struggle with this process. At some point, they inevitably face an identity crisis, because after years of adapting, acculturating and assimilating, they can’t find a single sense of self in a multitude of past personas.

“I have started to become jealous of people who are able to understand how they fit into the place they live in. I have never had the opportunity or the time to do that myself,” said Townsend.

“I went through a long period of depression after moving to the U.S. for high school,” she said. “It had a lot to do with the culture shock of going from an all-girls Christian school in the U.K. to the ‘typical’ American high school. I was not surrounded by people who understood my experience or who understood me. I know I’d be happier now if I transferred to an English university, but I don’t think that I am English enough to feel supported on my own there.”

TCKs often feel like strangers in their own country. When they return to the country of their passport, they expect everything to finally be “normal.” For once, they expect to feel at home. Instead, they suffer from reverse culture shock. It is normal to feel foreign in a foreign country, but it is not normal to feel foreign in your own country. TCKs expect their home to be just the same, but it’s not, and they aren’t either. They belong to something that existed in the past.

“What’s complicated is that culture is constantly changing,” said Professor Nazli Kibria, Chair of BU’s Department of Sociology. “It is very hard to tell which parts are changing and which remain stable. A classic immigration example is when parents try to pass certain cultural traditions on to their children and these children eventually return to their home

country to find that what their parents taught them is dated. It almost becomes an ancient culture, one that is no longer practiced in the present.”

Professor Kibria encourages TCKs to explore the multiple cultures they are from and to try and figure out the ways in which they actually do or do not belong. She believes that by acknowledging these similarities and differences, TCKs will be able to make better sense of themselves and where they stand.

The TCK’s sense of identity ultimately comes from being a TCK. It is not an easy one to determine when you develop a sense of relationship to multiple cultures while not having full ownership in any. TCKs have an innate, chameleon-like ability to adapt in different situations.

The disorienting experience of continously uprooting and relocating can be taxing. However, TCKs have it down to a science. It becomes practically routine, almost as simple as rinsing and repeating. Ask a TCK what they think of the lifestyle and they will likely tell you that they just don’t know any differently. They take their world with them wherever they go.

“When you move every three years, you spend the first year learning the area, the second year with your friends and the final year knowing that you’re leaving,” said Hansen.

TCKs are all too familiar with the pain of saying goodbye. It is not uncommon for a TCK to be asked how long they will be living in a place for when they start at a new international school.

Many wonder “what’s the point?” when investing in new friendships. Understandably, leaving friends behind is often the most difficult part.

“I used to count down the days every summer until I could go back to Abu Dhabi and meet up with my old friends,” said Maaz Elahi (SAR ’20), who was born in Abu Dhabi and lived in Canada. “But, you eventually have to learn to let go and it’s tough. You have to realize that [your current country of residence] is your new home, and that there are better things to do during the summer than keep going back.”

The strongest TCK relationships transcend time zones. Today, many TCKs end up with friends placed sporadically across the globe.

Their individual sense of belonging is in relationship to others of an equivalent background, and there is an instant connection when a TCK meets someone else who has lived between worlds. Although the list of countries may differ, the “where are you from?” uncertainty is identical.

Ironically, change is the only constant in the life of a TCK. The world is their home.

“My accent is crazy and confusing and slips in and out of American and English. I don’t want an American one because then I will just blend into this culture that I don’t really relate to.”

travel | 63

Traveling across the globe is a dream many

strive to make a reality. Every person embarks on their journey with a different goal in mind: some go to explore a nation’s history and culture, some go to sample all the local foods and others go to simply relax. The latter can be deemed the stereotypical traveler, one who perhaps goes to the spa instead of venturing into the depths of a city, or stays in large resorts in place of local hotels. In this manner, tourism becomes a commercialized, albeit lucrative, industry.

Savannah Bitzas (SAR ’20) experienced firsthand the striking nature of tourist traffic while abroad in Venice with a friend, and it does not appear to be a pleasant experience noted that for tourists and locals alike.

“It was a beautiful city and really unusual,” she said. “We were both so surprised that it was so crowded; we literally had to wait to cross footbridges! We took a water taxi from the airport to our hotel and the driver said that 32 million people come to visit each year and that last year 60,000 locals left.”

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Tourists who desire the full and authentic experience of what a country can offer are suffering at the hands of this commercialized industry as well, so much so that it becomes overwhelming.

“Overall, it was a great city and I am so happy I went, but I don’t know if I would necessarily go back because it was so touristy,” said Bitzas. “We ended up going to the glass island of Murano on our main day in Venice because we were just too overwhelmed with all of the people. Murano was much less crowded and a lot more quiet.”

Overpopulation during peak seasons appears to be a trend abroad amongst popular locales.

Carolina Blázquez Gándara is a resident of Mallorca, a Spanish island that attracts tourists.

“During the summer, the island doubles its population,” said Blázquez Gándara. “It’s very crowded and it’s not nice anymore.”

While tourism is a highly sustainable industry to many countries, the fact that the majority of local people are turned off by tourist behavior and traffic speaks volumes to what tourism has become, or at least connotes.

“Of course we need them, but we kind of hate them—we don’t like tourism to be so massive,” said Blázquez Gándara.

“We are very aware that we need tourists, but I would love [Mallorca] to clean the image of the island and to attract people for another kind of tourism, not just the packages of partying and alcohol,” said Blázquez Gándara. “Just something more cultural and environmentally friendly.”

The impact has become so severe that several nations and cities are setting legal parameters on how many tourists are allowed in in general or to certain areas. An article in Condé Nast Traveler titled “15 Places Telling Tourists to Stay Home,” outlines 15 locations that are placing limitations on tourism. Some of those listed are Norway, which is regulating the number of hikers to certain natural spots; the Galápagos Islands, which is barring tourists from venturing to certain parts of the island after being listed as an endangered heritage site in 2007; and Venice, which is hoping to ban cruise ships from entering its harbor.

TOURISM:

A TWO-FACED INDUSTRY THE COMMERCIALIZATION BEHIND VACATION

by anjali balakrishna | photography by eva vidan | design by chloe guo

In Mallorca, Blázquez Gándara points out the failed implementation of eco-taxes. Tourists used to pay a certain amount each day to go toward the welfare of the environment, but they no longer exist since tourism companies were not in favor of these taxes. Although construction along the beach and coastline are not permitted, there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Conversely, there are nations such as Costa Rica that thrive on ecotourism. While ecotaxes failed in other nations, ecotourism flourishes as a means of showcasing their culture and provisions. In a similar manner, Puerto Rico highlights their natural attractions, and it proves to draw tourists of many kinds. Laurie Garriga, a resident of Puerto Rico, has said that the majority of the island’s tourists visit from docked cruise ships. However, local tourism companies actively emphasize the environment and ecotourism.

Garriga said that with the rise of services like Airbnb and Uber, the type of tourist that travels to Puerto Rico has changed.

“I think it has become more diverse…you see people that come from cruise ships to stay the day, but I have seen a lot of people interested in the colonial cities and ecotourism,” said Garriga.

However, even a country that places so much importance on their environment and culture succumbs to commercialization.

“In Old San Juan, there are a lot of places catered to a certain type of tourist, like the stereotype of the people that take a cruise and buy a lot of souvenirs,” said Garriga. “Certainly there are lots of shops for things like that.”

Garriga also said that popular culture has played a heavy role in bringing in tourists to the country.

“The music video for the song ‘Despacito’ was filmed in a very impoverished place of the colonial capital [of ] Old San Juan, and the neighborhood is called La Perla,” said Garriga. “Now with the popularity of ‘Despacito’ there are a lot of tourists coming just to see [the place].”

As for the residents of La Perla, they are enthusiastic about the frequent visits to their neighborhood since it brings increased

movement to their shops, thus sustaining their livelihoods.

There are many facets to consider when it comes to tourism. It can be an ugly market that thrives on feeding the creature comforts of visitors. Not only this, but it is detrimental to the environment. A common theme mentioned is that tourism brings a financial gain to help sustain economies that are suffering or would be otherwise.

Although tourism is a lucrative business, it can come at a cost. There seems to be no sense in enabling an industry that destroys the environment in which locals live, even if it does help them thrive economically. Granted, Garriga said, “If you come respectfully and with genuine curiosity, then you are going to be well received.” That should be the golden rule of tourism.

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abroad essentials study abroad essentials from students who have been there by meredith wilshere illustrations by jillian apatow design by jami rubin

Packing for abroad can be stressful. Whether it takes you two hours or two weeks to plan what you’re going to bring, you are bound to forget an essential item. Nothing is worse than freaking out in a foreign country because you forgot something you need. Living and traveling in a new place means that you have to be prepared for unexpected situations and variations in weather.

Whether you’re taking to the streets of Rome or hiking mountains in New Zealand, these important items can carry you through. Here is a list of basics that you’re going to need when you’re abroad: Allie Miceli (CAS ’18), London, England

“Chelsea rain boots! Cute and practical plus [they don’t] take up a lot of room like bulky Hunter boots do.”

Christine Capozzi (SAR ’17), London, England

“Comfortable, but cute shoes (emphasis on comfortable though). You never know when will be a good time for a picture when you’re walking around but you also don’t want to be in pain after walking a million miles through a city.”

Meredith Moore (CAS ’18), New Zealand

“Anyone who is going somewhere like New Zealand should bring hiking boots! I wore mine to death and I love them with all my heart.”

Laurel Green (COM ’19), Dublin, Ireland

“I brought a notebook and tape with me and I saved scraps from coffee shops, tickets, business cards from places I ate and taped them in the notebook. It’s been the absolute best thing to look back on because it’s so easy to forget the little things.”

Rachel Wood (CAS ’18), Rome, Italy

“Portable phone charger bank! You never know when you’re going to get stuck somewhere in a foreign country without an outlet.”

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GO GREEK? 68 | the buzz

A Look at Greek Life at Boston University article and photography by ashley griffin design by jami rubin

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C ontrary to some critical opinions of Greek

life, there is more to it than just partying.

Admittedly, that is a major component of what certain Greek organizations do, but the experience on the whole is dedicated to fostering friendships and building strong citizens of society.

“Being Greek means more than just wearing Greek letters, attending meetings, and social events,” according to Boston University’s Greek Life webpage. “Being in a fraternity/sorority is about making friendships that will last far beyond your college years while enhancing your personal and leadership development.”

Officially, there are eight fraternities and 12 sororities on BU’s campus, according to BU’s Greek Life webpage. However, there are more that are unrecognized by the school.

The four pillars of the Greek community are “leadership, scholarship, philanthropy and most importantly brother and sisterhood,” according to the Greek Life Webpage.

At BU, the student management of Greek life is broken down into three sections: Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council and Multicultural Greek Council.

Since BU doesn’t have an administration dedicated to governing Greek life, the individuals of IFC, Panhel and MGC have many opportunities to strengthen skills in leadership and teamwork. Students on the executive boards of

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these groups share the responsibilities of event planning, member management and finances, to name a few.

Madison Cannon, an assistant director at the Student Activities Office, said that Greek life is managed by SAO just as any other club.

Cannon helps train student organization members through The Square, a recognition program designed to ensure groups are prepared and supported while planning successful events.

Cannon was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta all four years of her undergraduate career while at the University of Delaware. Her experience led her to work for and volunteer with the Kappa Alpha Theta Headquarters after graduating.

“I think [Kappa Alpha Theta] opened a lot of doors for what I thought I might be interested in,” said Cannon. “And, personally, I think it made my campus a lot smaller in connecting me with students around me.”

Caitlin Harper (CAS ’19, COM ’19), a member of Alpha Phi, said she chose to participate in sorority recruitment because she was used to having a group identity through her swim team. After breaking her knee during her senior year of high school, she wanted to find a new “team.”

“After always having a group identity outside of an individual identity, I was looking for that group identity again and that close, team-like

atmosphere,” Harper said.

Harper said she went into the sorority recruitment process with her mind open to different sororities, which is the attitude girls should have in order to avoid getting disappointed with the bid they receive at the end.

“It’s just the people that I meshed with the best, and it really is a mutual system,” Harper said. “It’s like dating. We just hit it off.”

Pranav Ramineni (CAS ’19) is a member of the founding class and executive board of the fraternity Phi Kappa Tau, which is currently a colony recognized by their nationals but not BU. Ramineni entered Greek life because he was unhappy with his social situation freshman year.

“I saw Greek life as a way to kind of change my current situation at BU...and become friends with people who would form that tightknit bond,” Ramineni said. “And, that’s exactly what happened.”

The Big/Little system in Greek organizations welcomes new members and gives them a mentor to help them through their college experience.

“It’s a great system. I’m so close with my ‘fam,’” Harper said. “It makes the school even smaller, and we’re very close-knit, very supportive of each other in any capacity we can be.”

“One, you’re supposed to be their friend, and the other goal is you’re also supposed to be kind of their mentor,” Ramineni said. “So, there were

a lot of situations where [a brother] came to me just for life advice and asked me, ‘Hey, what do you think I should do in this situation?’”

Philanthropy is important to Alpha Phi, whose partner organization is the American Heart Association, Harper said. The group hosts the Ivy Man, which is a comedic male beauty pageant that attracts both Greek and non-Greek students from across the university.

Harper said that Ivy Man makes philanthropy fun in a way that isn’t always an option.

“This is a really fun way for people to get involved in a philanthropic setting to ignite that fire to start making changes,” Harper said.

When asked about the negative reputation that Greek life has in some circles, Ramineni noted that fraternity members are representatives for

their group as a national organization and thus have the responsibility to act respectfully.

“When egos aren’t kept in check, people can often end up in situations that not only tarnish their reputation but also the reputation of the organization that they choose to represent,” Ramineni said.

Ramineni emphasized the important role that a fraternity’s national headquarters plays in ensuring members are “acting like a fraternity man and a man of value.”

“These are situations where it’s up to the National organizations to bring the hammer down when situations like this occur to show it won’t be tolerated,” Ramineni said.

Harper said though she likes the internal parts of her Greek life experience, her least favorite

part is how the entire culture is negatively stereotyped based on the actions of few.

“I think the perceptions others put on [Greek life] and the stereotypes and these negative instances that are very isolated become stigmatized on the whole Greek system in general, which is a shame because I’ve only received positive experiences,” Harper said.

The future of Greek life, Ramineni said, rests in the hands of current members, making them individually responsible for breaking negative stereotypes with their actions every day.

“I think it’s on us and this generation of people going into Greek life to work to change those stereotypes,” Ramineni said, “because if they’re not changed, Greek life as we know it is going to cease to exist.”

“It makes the school even smaller, and we’re very close-knit, very supportive of each other in any capacity we can be.”

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CREATING A NEW DIALOGUE The Howard Thurman Center Expansion by paul stokes and ashley griffin photography by amanda willis design by harshetha girish

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The student bodies of American colleges and universities are becoming more diverse by measure of race, gender identity, wealth and sexual orientation, among other factors. In addition, the American socio-political discourse is becoming more complicated and tumultuous with each passing year, as social dialogue has become a larger part of the American college experience.

How a higher education institution facilitates this dialogue is instrumental to the well-being of its students, and Boston University has attempted to do so through the Howard Thurman Center.

Founded in 1986 to serve as a “welcoming place for students to discuss racial and cultural divides on campus and explore their shared humanity” according to BU Today, the HTC has worked for decades to break down divides on campus, but has long done so with little staff and space.

Now, the HTC is the subject of a new expansion project which will, among other things, include the addition of new staff and the creation of a new building for the center on campus.

When asked how and why this expansion came to be now after over three decades in the original location, Associate Director Pedro Falci said, “Talks started in fall of 2015, and at that time a lot of US campuses were seeing protests around issues of race and around issues of the general campus climate.”

Falci cited the Univeristy of Missouri’s mishandling of frequent protests on campus as an influence in the decision to expand the HTC. “There was a feeling that universities had done a poor job improving the quality of discourse,

and we were seeing that on BU campus as well, there was a lot of demonstration and not a lot dialogue,” said Falci.

In order to remedy this, HTC staff met with President Brown to discuss an expansion, and they eventually settled upon the plan currently in place. Falci noted that new staff hiring had already begun, citing a new marketing and communications position as a boon for the overall productivity and reach of the center. Other aspects of the expansion focus similarly on visibility, both metaphorical and literal.

In the past, the HTC has been located on the basement floor beneath the George Sherman Union on central campus, making it hard to find and almost impossible to merely stumble upon accidentally. As a result of this, the top priority when considering a new physical location was relocating somewhere that students wouldn’t have to search for.

“We want students to trip over the Thurman Center,” said Falci. He is hopeful that a new location could help the center realize its goal of being a campus hub.

This isn’t to say that for some students the center isn’t already an integral part of the BU experience. Those that have made it a part of their lives find it to be one of the most welcoming, inspiring and friendly places on campus.

When asked about the impact on students’ lives that he had seen Falci said that many students had told him “they would’ve transferred if not for the Thurman Center,” and that instead, “they found a home, they were able to make friends and have a sounding board for their life events.”

One such student was Victoria Catipon (CGS ’20), who sat in the HTC lounge on a rainy Wednesday afternoon studying with one of her friends. Catipon said that she first encountered the center when a friend of hers brought her there to study.

“I think the people here are really interesting, and I hope for the center to become a bigger and bigger part of my life as I go through school,” said Catipon of the impact of the center on her own experience as a student.

Ultimately, the expansion could mean great things for the Howard Thurman Center and the student body as a whole. With an end goal of expanding existing programming, which already includes campus events, roundtable discussions, online blogs and much more, making further in-roads into the local Boston community and connecting to the non-profit sector, there’s no lack of ambition when it comes to Thurman Center leadership.

Falci added that he saw the center “achieving its potential and become a commons or town square” for BU’s campus.

With the expansion only just beginning, it may be a while before this potential is fully achieved.

However, with political discourse becoming more heated every day and divides on the grounds of race, gender, sexual orientation and other foundations of our identities as individuals, it is more valuable than ever to share in our humanity, and it is heartening to see a campus organization so devoted to fulfilling this ideal.

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looking past the surface bu’s unique clubs you didn’t know existed by ariana quihuiz | illustrations by jillian apatow | design by deanna klima-rajchel

Fairs for student group recruitment like SPLASH, in the fall, and Break the Ice, in the spring, are an opportunity for students to get to know the hundreds of clubs available to them at the university. However, it is almost impossible to gather information on all of them; many clubs that are not well known on campus can be overlooked. Here’s a peek into some of the unique clubs that Boston University has to offer that you might’ve never known existed.

beekepers club

board games club Family game nights are some of the best pastimes, beating your sibling(s) or best friends at a game of Sorry! or Monopoly. Since everything became digital, board games aren’t played as much as they used to be, but this BU club is keeping the spirit alive. This recreational club holds weekly meetings for members to gather together and battle each other in various board and card games. If you want to be a pawn in their next game, follow their Facebook page to find out more about the club and their next board game session.

The BU Beekeepers Club started back in 2010 and was created in hopes of debunking the idea that bees are aggressive creatures. As a plus, they also help sustain bees’ existence. The club cares for their own hives of bees on BU’s campus and teaches students about how bees can be helpful to our environment. If you’re buzzed about the club’s mission you can contact them through their Facebook page or email bu.beekeeping@ gmail.com.

quidditch team Quidditch is the official sport of the Harry Potter fantasy world, but BU students are bringing it to life. The team was founded in 2008 and went to the Quidditch World Cup in 2011.

Trying to put a ball through a hoop all while maintaining balance on a broom and fighting off the opposing team can be a difficult feat, but if you’re willing then pick up a broom and join the team by contacting bostonuquidditch@ gmail.com.

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the buzz is hiring writers for spring 2018! we are looking for dedicated and experienced students to join our editorial team to write for one (or more!) of our amazing sections. email the.bu.buzz@gmail.com for more information about the variety of available positions.

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DREAMING BIG, PAYING LITTLE HOW TO START A MUSIC CAREER FOR A FRACTION OF THE COST by karissa perry photography by grace johnson design by valentina wicki-heumann

music | 77

B oston, a city rich in early American history,

quality seafood and academia, is also home to a lively and growing music scene. From music-majors walking the streets with guitars slung across their backs to the multitude of underground music clubs and concert venues, the city has a huge population of musically-inclined individuals—and they are all pursuing their dreams on a budget.

“It’s always been a great place to get started,” said Jim Wooster when asked about Boston’s music scene. He is the executive director of Club Passim, a music club that has been in the Boston/Cambridge area since 1958. The club is popular with musicians due to its open-microphone opportunities.

“You get to meet a lot of people performing and sometimes potential friends and collaborations are made there,” said Wooster of the open-mic experience. “A lot of it is cyclical. You know, there was a while back in the early ‘90s when we had people like Lori McKenna who were sort of coming up for the first time. Now she’s going off to win Grammys and getting covered by other artists so she’s a poster child for the open-mic

“Especially in the music industry, there’s a lot of money to be made if you do things right and there’s a lot of money to be lost if you do things almost right.”

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process and we’re sort of proud that she came up to our club.”

Open-mic opportunities like Club Passim’s are typically free and offer singer-songwriters a cost-effective way to get a foot in the door, even if it is only for ten minutes. From there, Wooster said, artists have the opportunity to work their way up and perform for the venue’s biannual campfire festivals, make connections with more established artists and attend classes offered at the club.

Unfortunately, the economic convenience of performing for open-mic venues does not extend to other important facets of becoming an artist. When it comes to recording your own music and promoting it, those low on funds (therefore, majority of the college student population), have to get crafty.

“Syd [Sydney Bennet, a former member of the band Odd Future] made one of his debut albums almost exclusively on his iPhone—which is insane and, personally, I don’t know how he did it,” said Josh Ford, president of the Music Business Club at Boston University. “But say you want to make electronic music, I could get Logic or Pro tools, take out my phone, and

record the shuffling of forks in the kitchen and then narrow that down to a singular sound and then [tap on table] and have the sound of a fork shuffling as my down sound. It’s about being resourceful. It comes down to it being like a small business—do your own thing, own it.”

Depending on the genre or sound an artist is going for, computer software can function as a cheaper alternative to massive studio fees and professional sound equipment. Rihanna’s smash-hit “Umbrella,” which earned her a Grammy, started when singer The-Dream came across an addictive drum loop off the “Vintage Funk Kit 03” on Garageband. The only extra technological assistance most singer-songwriters may need are a quality microphone and a quiet space. Despite the lofty equipment used with artists under major labels, there are cheaper alternatives and resourceful methods available that will suffice as you delve deeper into your music career.

Melissa Lee Nilles, the co-founder of the Cambridge-based rock band Miele, said, “Do your shopping at Guitar Center in person to see and test out the equipment you want. Then go online to websites like Reverb.com or other low

cost online retailers, find the same equipment for much less, price-match that equipment at Guitar Center, and buy the equipment there.”

Undoubtedly, all artists need a loyal audience to keep their music current in the industry.

Without a solid following, a newcomer has no way of furthering a career. While labels and managers can open doors and arrange huge promotions, the internet can do a comparable job with a few clicks and the right strategy.

“If you can, get someone to go and film your thing and put it on Facebook Live,” said Ford.

“Youtube is a good resource. When you understand what you want as an artist and where you want to go and end up, Youtube can be great, especially for expanding to international audiences. The platform definitely matters.”

Major artists such as Justin Bieber, The Weeknd and Alessia Cara got their start by posting videos of themselves singing on YouTube.

Their viral debuts did not feature cutting-edge sound systems or production value, but they created a public presence and put themselves on the radar for potential opportunities.

“We have a Tunecore account that allows us to publish music on iTunes and Spotify,” Nilles said. “We paid less than 100 dollars for this,

which is worth it to get started. We also provide our music for purchase on Bandcamp, where we get paid fairly and lots of people like to look through and discover local artists. We also have it available for streaming on SoundCloud, where it’s gotten an unexpected amount of traction.”

Promotion in the music industry can be a slippery slope, laden with enormous fees and potential deals gone wrong. Instead of jumping in headfirst and piling over huge amounts of time and money, those starting out should be selective with their investments and grow as much as they can for as little as they can. Having some necessary patience and taking your music career in small strides would not only be the cheapest route, but the one with the greatest potential for long-term success.

“Especially in the music industry, there’s a lot of money to be made if you do things right and there’s a lot of money to be lost if you do things almost right,” said Ford.

The connections and exposure, however, can only take an artist so far. While Beyoncé may have initially had the backing of her well-connected father during the days of Destiny’s Child, it was her work ethic that created her empire and made her such an iconic figure in

the music industry. Without an artist’s consistent dedication to their work, a music career cannot be built, let alone sustained.

“Finding a balance is definitely tough. I think the hardest part about [it] is that you can’t really schedule creativity—or at least I have trouble with it,” said Sierra Cassidy, a student at Berklee College of Music studying songwriting. “When I’m having a surge of creative energy or inspiration to write, I try to seize it. That being said, I also try to practice writing every day, even if I’m not really feeling it.”

Truly committing yourself to your craft will inevitably be reflected in your career as a musician. While many may fantasize of catching a distinguished label’s attention, luck in the music industry is getting slimmer every day.

Understanding your sound will help you find your place in the industry, as well as the other people and resources necessary to help you get there. Instead of relying on luck and chance occurrences, work around your disadvantages and create your own opportunities.

Ford put it best, “It’s kind of like, make your own luck and figure out where you want to be and that will take you the farthest.”

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CHANGING IT UP HOW AND WHY ARTISTS NOWADAYS ALTER THEIR IMAGE AND SOUND by nicki hymowitz photography by amanda willis design by harshetha girish

Think of your favorite musicians and how many times they have changed their sound throughout their careers. In today’s digital age, fans are constantly begging their favorite artists for something more. This pressure to keep fans happy is not an easy task and it’s all about maintaining the brand.

The Snapchats, Instagram posts and tweets are just the beginning of what artists need to do to stay relevant in this cutthroat business.

Many artists get to a point in their careers when they decide to change their entire sound, often times leading to an extreme makeover from head to toe. Authenticity becomes more crucial than ever, and it is questionable as to whether artists evolved on their own, or because they were told to by their labels. In this era of constant change, no one is truly safe when it comes to what fans decide to gravitate towards.

“Coming from an a capella singer whose group covers a lot of pop songs, we know that popular songs will help us become popular too,” said Haley Stramel (CAS ’18), musical director of one of Boston University’s all-female a capella groups, Terpsichore. “Everyone wants to follow the trends and figure out the best ideas financially so they’re successful.”

Music is a business and fans are the consumers. Often times, marketing teams have already planned how artists will appear to the public from the beginning of their careers. Musicians constantly have to change who they are to keep up with the competition and promote the sound the label wants from them. It’s not enough anymore to simply have a good voice.

To be successful, artists need to strategically brand themselves in a way that keeps fans interested in what they are selling.

“The music scene is an ever-changing and ever-evolving industry that’s made up of multiple living and breathing parts that are always subject to impulse and change,” said Josh Ford,

president of the BU Music Business Club.

Truly authentic performers, including Lady Gaga, Madonna, David Bowie and Michael Jackson know a thing or two about the power of change. Throughout their respective careers, these artists have seemingly altered their looks and genres of music in the blink of an eye. The ease they have when changing their personas is what makes them so successful because no one else has the ability to do what they do. They are some of the few musicians who have garnered praise from the industry and their fans solely from their ability to change.

Labels, alternatively, want an artist or band that they can evolve into the next big thing themselves.

“A large reason that labels tend to be associated with ‘iconic’ acts is because, in reality, it takes many, many people to manage and cultivate careers such as theirs,” said Ford.

Kesha publicly stated that because of her producer’s control (and abuse), she couldn’t explore the music she wanted to create. Instead, she was told to stick to what sells. When you create an image to present to the world, there is an unspoken commitment to adhere to a certain persona at all times. Whether it is releasing songs on different streaming platforms, using social media to connect with fans or performing small, intimate concerts, it is about innovation and keeping up with appearances and marketing.

Artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Bee Gees, Maroon 5, Katy Perry, Paramore and Rihanna are famous for their musical evolution over the years. They have been able to expand their musical horizon—changing from country, indie, pop, rock and soul genres—before settling on one.

Many beloved artists have arguably changed for the better after taking the time to grow artistically and experiment with their sound. These changes, however, were not easy; for some it took lots of time, fighting and rearrangement.

“Both business and personal reasons affect different artists in different ways,” said Bennett Papier, a student at Berklee College of Music studying electronic production and design.

“Many people will definitely go in a pop direction to appeal to more and get on the radio.”

Artists like Kesha and Chance the Rapper have started to take a stand by not signing with labels, discussing their struggles on social media,and releasing their music through other types of media formats in order to freely express themselves. Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift are prime examples of extremely successful mainstream pop artists in the music industry who have reeled us in every time they reinvent themselves. Cyrus’s stark shift, in particular, gained huge media coverage. While this could have simply been a rebellious phase, fans couldn’t get enough of it. She branded herself in a way that got people’s attention; everything she did was crazier than the next.

“I think Miley’s ‘bad girl’ scheme was a ploy for more advertisement and publicity and now Taylor is doing the same thing,” said Jackie Wilson (SAR ’19), a member of Terpsichore. “It keeps people talking and it seems rebellious.”

Swift has gone from quiet country girl to powerful pop female. Wilson thinks it’s a good move. “She has created yet another reinvention of herself that fans cannot get enough of.”

Unfortunately, we as fans will never really know if changes in artists are genuinely their own or the result of a power move to keep up with their brand. We can only hope that artists in the music industry today focus less on their image and more on putting out music that is authentic to who they are as creators. In the end, no matter how or why they decide to make the switch, it is to be expected that musicians will continue to explore new sounds and reinvent themselves as times change.

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our classics by the music team | illustration and design by samantha west

Though our music taste grows as we do, there are some songs that remain special to us.

The Music Team presents a playlist of songs that have never gotten old, instead reminding us of who we were before college, for better or for worse. From Fleetwood Mac to Fall Out Boy, blast these for a good throwback and reminisce (or cringe).

“Mr. Brightside” — The Killers “Don’t Stop Believin’” — Journey “Someday” — Sugar Ray “Bye Bye Bye” — *NSYNC “Livin’ On A Prayer” — Bon Jovi “Say My Name” — Destiny’s Child “Bohemian Rhapsody” — Queen “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” — Panic! At the Disco “Buy U A Drank (Shawty Snappin’) — T-Pain ft. Yung Joc “Stayin’ Alive” — Bee Gees “Don’t Stop Til’ You Get Enough” — Michael Jackson “Umbrella” — Rihanna ft. Jay-Z “Clocks” — Coldplay “Rehab” — Amy Winehouse “Apologize” — OneRepublic “Hips Don’t Lie” — Shakira ft. Wyclef John “Sweet Caroline” — Neil Diamond “Landslide” — Fleetwood Mac “Thnks fr th Mmrs” — Fall Out Boy

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bird watching what you didn’t know you needed to find the truth by danielle richard illustrations by samantha west design by jami rubin

We are fed lies that make us feel better. Feeling stressed? Buy facemasks, buy blankets, buy new shoes, buy candles, buy not one, but seven new books. Feeling worthless? Buy a self-help manual, buy a vegan cookbook, buy yourself a coffee, or better yet buy a coffee and then buy a romance novel where the character is not you, and finds love.

We do this because we’re constantly filled with the idea that it works. Through objectifying advertisements and TV shows and movies there is a standard of living that proclaims “you are not living a fulfilled life unless you are the owner of A, B and C (usually meaning, Sex, Beauty, Money).”

Self-nurture is infinitely confounded by capitalism.

In Farid Un-Din Attar’s Persian epic poem, The Conference of the Birds, the hoopoe (the mystical bird who was bestowed the Truth of the Way after a run in with King Solomon) confronts the myriad of excuses of the Nightingale, Partridge, Duck, Owl, Falcon, Heron, Finch, etc. (who represent different facets of human personality), about why they cannot undertake

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a spiritual journey to the Simorgh—who in this tale, represents God. The ‘end goal’ in this work of Sufi mysticism is Unity with God, which means unity with true, unconditional, divine Love. In order to instruct his audience on how to join with ultimate love, Attar uses poignant and poetic anecdotes to communicate the need to forsake the physical Self and one’s perception of Self, in order to ascend to something greater emotionally and spiritually. Attar claims that any love of the human world is a superficial illusion.

I’ll say it again: Capitalism infinitely confounds self-nurture and care, but let me be clear.

This article is not about God or finding God. I am not a theologian, nor a practitioner. I would not elevate myself to such accomplishment. But let us look at the linked ideologies in the anecdotes found in The Conference of the Birds (a religious text) which is bountiful with insight about practicing an enduring relationship with love.

There is a passage in The Conference of the Birds about a boy who holds wax toy. This passage is preceded by a recurring parable, called “The Valley of Unity,” and the two tales are linked

ideologically. Attar describes how in this valley, all who enter become locked in union with one another. With images, Attar claims that the people become physically linked by their necks.

Directly, he says, “(This is the oneness of diversity / Not oneness locked in singularity).”

Everyone comes together in the Valley, but in a way like the overarching leitmotif: a drop of rain (who maintains its individuality) reuniting with the majesty of the ocean.

This opposes on a fundamental level what capitalism tells us about self-care. Capitalism creates individuals “locked in singularity,” because there is only one way to be within a system of capitalism. That being, which we are told to so highly value, marginalizes people of color, women and especially women of color, disabled bodies, transgendered bodies, homeless bodies, lesbian and bisexual and intersex and gay bodies.

It is a fact. There are diverse bodies—Selves— in the physical world. Capitalism ignores this and therefore erases and objectifies entire groups of human lives.

The Valley of Unity is followed by the anecdote

of the wax toy, which is poignant and powerful.

There is a colored wax palm tree that is given to a boy by a dervish to explain the way of the world.

The boy takes this tree and is then instructed to knead it in his fist; the corpus of this tree is, in reality, malleable, being made of wax.

The metaphor is vivid: we can take our idea about the world, and therefore, the world we know and completely unmake it. It is simple. It is a choice. The world is a fragile composition of many things combined into one grand thing that we consider whole, a whole thing that a child can squash in his warm fist.

We must forgive ourselves for being imperfect, and then we must forgive the world. This is an entirely human lesson. We must acknowledge our role as a speck of wax within a divine

handful. Let me be absolutely transparent. This is an individual call to Truth. This doesn’t have to mean God. Let yourself define what speaks to you divinely: poetry, science, music, religion, yoga— let your Passion guide you. Forget capitalism, because the Truth, as addressed by Attar and much of Sufism, is that you don’t need it. I believe this. There is an Original. There is a divine rudimentary way to be alive and it doesn’t have to include money, goods, vanity or beauty to be real. It is real on its own. It has always been a part of something bigger. Passion is a facet of Energy—just as we are facets of the physical world—which makes up the universe.

In a system of capitalism, we are trained to think that objects define our reality, and because

of this, forget that our perceptions of them can be unmade just as simply as they were made.

We have only a singular power: to choose to begin the journey so we may cease to acknowledge physical attachment as real love, true nurture.

Attar says at the end of the passage: “All things are one—there isn’t any two / It isn’t me who speaks; it isn’t you.”

In other words, let yourself be divinely ‘objectified’, become a small piece in a divine quest, which will lead you to an infinitely nurturing puzzle. Because to be a chipped piece of Truth is wholly more fulfilling than what we consider ‘whole’ in the modern human, capitalistic sphere. If the media ceases to speak and so does Self, then who is left speaking the Truth about the Way? Listen to that. Pay attention to that.

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staff

emma parkinson co-editor-in-chief

jami rubin creative director ariana quihuiz co-editor-in-chief

anna barry managing editor

eva vidan print photography director nicole hoey head copy editor

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samantha west art director

noor nasser online photography director

ashley griffin campus section editor

megan mulligan culture section editor marianne farrell city section editor

kady matsuzaki food section editor

julia seelig fashion section editor

chloĂŤ hudson travel section editor karissa perry music section editor

danielle richard opinion section editor

nicole wilkes wellness section editor

katie hong online design director deanna klima-rajchel online design director

hannah leve social media manager

staff | 87

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