The Buzz | Spring 2018

spring 2018

42 fleeting

Trends come and go, but are recorded as specific moments in time in the everevolving world of fashion. This issue’s shoot combines cool tones, dark shades and linear patterns to explore the style of today.

spring 2018 travel

8 the unplugged vacation Leaving your phone at home

12 living like a local

Benefits of choosing homestays over hotels

culture

16 out on the silver screen

History of LGBTQA+ representation in film

20 the time is now

Academia in the wake of #MeToo and #TimesUp

city

24 pushing boundaries

Exploring BU and Harvard's expansion

28 where east meets west

Highlighting a community resource for creatives

wellness

32 loving, learning & leaving

Recognizing an unhealthy relationship

38 sleepless in boston

Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule

fashion

58 cross-cultural fashion

Exploring the rise of bicultural style

60 sustainable style

Environmentally-friendly fashion

campus

70 bupd's chief nee

A look into BU's first woman police chief

74 building a following

Balancing college and a YouTube career

music

78 listening to the future

Investigating technology's impact on music

82 without a voice

The influence of music competitions on artists

food

62 a different kind of bean town The evolution of Boston's coffee scene

66 feast your eyes

Choosing restaurants for the Instagram shot

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Ariana Quihuiz editor-in-chief creative director Jami Rubin art director Samantha West managing editor Anna Barry head copy editor Caroline Smith publisher/treasurer Andrew Brown print photography director Eva Vidan online photography director Noor Nasser online design director Deanna Klima-Rajchel section editors campus Ashley Griffin city Marianne Farrell culture Megan Mulligan fashion Falaknaz Chranya food Eliza Sullivan music Karissa Perry travel ChloĂŤ Hudson wellness Nicole Wilkes publishing team event coordinator Kanika Chitnis marketing manager Claudia Quadrino social media manager Hannah Leve creative team Asli Aybar, Sarah Campbell, Solana Chatfield, Charlotte Kershaw, Eugene Kim, Deanna Klima-Rajchel, Nina Miller, Katherine Monroe, Valentina Wicki-Heumann, Shannon Yau

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photography team Alejandra Aristeguieta, Brittany Chang, Ashley Griffin, Audria Hadikusumo, Layth Hert, Celine Koh, Sofia Koyama, Carina Lee, Maisie Mansfield-Greenwald, Sikta Samal, Julia Smithing, Yudi Xie, Amanda Willis, Ece Yavuz editorial team campus Madison Cebular, Geneve Lau, Suparna Samavedham, Katerina Yang city Shubhankar Arun, Sarah Cristine Burrola, Madison Cebular, Caroline Cubbage, Esther Kwon, Kate Thrane, Marissa Wu culture Noemi Arellano-Summer, Camila Basora, Hannah Harn, Hailey Hart-Thompson, Martha Merrow, Vanessa Ullman fashion Solana Chatfeild, Madison Duddy, Melony Forcier, Rebecca Golub, Courtney Wong food Amanda Portis, Juliana Rodriguez, Lindsey Rosenblatt, Riley Sugarman music Sarah Cristine Burrola, Daniela Rivera Deneke, Nicole Hymowitz, Georgia Kotsinis, Cole Schoneman, Paul Stokes, Jennifer Suryadjaja, Rhoda Yun opinion Chiamaka Amaefuna, Caroline Cubbage, Anu Sawhney travel Anjali Balakrishna, Riya Haria, Roma Patel, Maya Reyes, Vanessa Ullman, Meredith Wilshere wellness Mackenzie Conner, Sara Goldman copy editing team Angie Bekerian, Madeleine Dalton, Emily Rosenberg, Rebecca Young

contributors Our spring 2018 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.

on the cover Heather Ryan (CAS ’19) wears an Olivaceous royal blue satin cropped camisole ($42) and a BCBGeneration gray and white striped blazer ($118) from LIT Boutique with navy and white striped culottes.

supporters Dean Thomas Fiedler Elisabeth Symczak Dean John Battaglino Allocations Board, Boston University Blaze Pizza, Boston (BU) Brooks Brothers Ambassadors, Boston University Forto Coffee Ambassadors, Boston University Insomnia Cookies, Boston L.L. Bean Ambassadors, Boston University Scoozi, Kenmore Square Student Activities Office, Boston University

stores Steven Alan 172 Newbury Street Boston, MA 02116 (617) 398-2640 @stevenalan LIT Boutique 223 Newbury Street Boston, MA 02116 (617) 421-8637 @litboutique models Tareq Alkhudari (COM '20) Sonia Rathee (Questrom '18) Heather Ryan (CAS '19) Joe SchianodiCola (CFA '19)

masthead & contributors 5

We all deserve to have our stories told and we can all benefit from listening to each other.

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Every day we push the boundaries of what we can accomplish and who we can become. We create a picture in our heads of what life is and what it could be, and we plan just exactly how we will get there.

Everyone has a dream or a passion that they would do anything to achieve, and everyone looks to the future as an abyss of possibilities.

You can do anything you set your mind to—it’s all about having the self-confidence and self-belief to know there’s nothing that can stand in your way, and it's about knowing that your voice is the most powerful tool that you encompass. Believing in who you are and in what you are capable of achieving despite any and all scrutiny continues to be the key to leading a successful life.

Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, once said in a speech: “I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard...we cannot succeed when half of us are held back.”

Yousafzai has been a beacon of hope and a voice for so many young women and, despite the risks and the consequences, she continues to fight for what she believes in: Making a difference by sharing her story all over the world.

In many ways, this year has been the year of the woman. With the prominence of social movements like #TimesUp and #MeToo, more and more women, as well as men, have been given the platform to tell their stories and use their voices; to finally feel that they are being heard.

In the Spring 2018 issue of The Buzz we continue to push that dialogue and create an environment where people feel safe allowing us to record their stories. We feel that it is important to talk about uncomfortable topics and to create a platform that is encompassing of all identities. From how the #TimesUp movement will impact how college professors teach film in our Culture section, to a feature on BU’s first woman police chief in our Campus section, to a look into EMW Bookstore, a gathering place for marginalized communities to show off their creative side, in our City section, to what it means to be in an unhealthy relationship and how you can detect those red flags in the early stages in our Wellness section, this magazine is dedicated to starting a conversation.

In our Fashion section, we explore the idea of moments. Every moment in our life is exactly that—a moment. A fraction of our life story, a window into the bigger picture. Our spring

shoot explores the ever-evolving world of fashion. Fashion is unpredictable, and changes just as you get a handle on the latest trends. This shoot captures what we see as this fleeting moment in fashion.

We all have a voice, whether we express it through fashion, music, poetry, photography or anything else. No matter how you choose to express yourself, we all deserve to have our stories told and we can all benefit from listening to each other.

There are always more stories to tell and more people to be heard, and we look forward to continuing to help tell them in any and all capacities. We hope The Buzz will allow you to open your mind to these stories, and we encourage you to use your voice to tell your own.

Ariana Quihuiz editor-in-chief

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the unplugged vacation

Why you should leave your phone at home

by ChloĂŤ Hudson photography by Eva Vidan design by Jami Rubin

travel 9

Vacation photos: they conjure images of hotel balcony views, cultural landmarks and the quintessential “hot dog legs” on the beach— each snapped in a calculated frenzy that alienates the followers you are hoping to impress.

Millennials have turned vacationing into a popularity contest. A staggering 90 percent admit to posting when on holiday, and one in four say they post within an hour of arriving at their destination, according to a recent study by insurance company Aviva.

It seems that “taking a break” does not always apply to one’s online presence. Vacationers focus more on making others jealous of where they vacation than on actually enjoying the destination. What was once a digital diary is now a public performance.

“It’s oversharing to the point where you want to make it look like every day of your trip you are having the best day of your life,” said Anthony Byrne (ENG ’19).

This intensifies the “FOMO”—fear of missing out—experienced by those still at home. This anxious feeling stems from comparison. As you scroll through yet another seemingly perfect feed, it is easy to forget that it is just a curation of that individual’s personal highlights. Do not be fooled: 64 percent of Americans retake and edit a photo before finally feeling satisfied with it.

“I used social media more when I studied abroad in Australia,” said Byrne. “I wanted to show off, of course, that I was on the beach while everyone else was stuck in the snow [in Boston]. But, I found myself focusing too much on getting the right picture and making the right caption. It’s a lot of effort and, in the end, I didn’t want to spend my time doing it.”

Maintaining a persona worth envying requires outside effort and added stress for posters.

“It’s such a paradox,” said Byrne. “You go to these beautiful places and, assuming you don’t get to do it all of the time, you want to enjoy it, but it’s also normal to want to take some pictures to look back on afterwards.”

Typically, your closest friends and family are the most invested in your travels. If your account settings are private and you pick and choose your followers, it is easier to tailor your posts to this more receptive audience. It is certainly more efficient to upload several photos to one profile than to send the collection to every acquaintance in your contacts list. In turn, this also encourages you to be more vulnerable online.

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“I went to Poland on a Holocaust trip over winter break and it was definitely a touchy topic to post about,” said Jamie Weber (SHA ’20).

“Most people on the trip were not even taking photos of anything at all because they felt it was not the time or place, but I personally wanted to share the stories that I learned. I actually got a lot of positive feedback that I did not expect to see­—literally over 30 comments from followers thanking me for sharing.”

On one hand, it is important to be aware of cultural connotations and respect those around you; for example, by not taking photos at holy sites or cemeteries. On the other hand, doing so for the right reasons, like Weber, can spark conversations between similarly minded individuals and inform those who may not have the opportunity to visit themselves.

A personal connection develops when someone includes their face in a photograph. This is why most holiday photos star the traveler themselves.

Ironically, this often blocks the view or monument the individual traveled to see, but if followers want a clear shot they can always just Google it.

“I went swimming with stingrays in Cozumel, Mexico, which was something I had never done before,” said Weber. “My brother took a picture of me—you actually couldn’t even see the stingrays, but the caption referenced them and I liked my bathing suit.”

However, two thirds of people find holiday selfies annoying. High on this list are those who lug around the infamous “selfie stick,” viewing the world as a photo op. The cheap arm extension is now banned in some New York museums and at all soccer games in the United Kingdom.

“I’ve talked to people who have told me how stressful they find it all, and how they hate having to fight for likes,” said Byrne. “I ask them why they keep doing it and they say that they just have to.”

This is an incredibly common feeling among social media users. In fact, one in seven individuals only “like” a friend’s post because they hope that friend will do the same.

“A month will pass and I’ll be like why haven’t I posted, and I wish I didn’t,” said Mike Goodkind (COM ’18). “I wish I was cool with not posting for a month. I’m definitely guilty of checking who viewed my stories, too, and I know I shouldn’t because it’s shallow.”

Sharing too many updates also makes your empty home a target for potential thieves.

Tagging your selfie with its enviable location tips off burglars that you are away. In fact, over 78 percent of robbers are now using social media to find their targets.

This is a warning for millennials in particular, since 60 percent share travel plans online, compared to only 29 percent of baby boomers.

This includes “dropping pins” at every landmark you visit and checking in with a cocktail snap in every airport lounge.

The more time you spend scrolling through social media feeds and fretting about your own, the more likely you are to feel socially isolated.

Being online should not be your main source of social interaction. Instead of counting how many followers “like” looking at your feet in the sand, why not ask the person on the next sun lounger what they think of the view.

“I try not to be attached to my phone when I’m on vacation,” said Goodkind. “It’s a getaway from the moment for sure, so I’m less likely to check it. I put it away and just catch up on all of my text messages at the end of the day.”

Almost every holidaymaker fears boredom.

Although it does depend on the type of vacation you choose, from visiting bustling cities to laying on tranquil beaches, there is always something you can do to occupy your time. And, if not, then just enjoy being present. We have become accustomed to continuous activity so much that it deems quietude impossible to cope with.

“I recently started using the guided meditation app Headspace and I turned my phone to ‘do not disturb’ in an effort to focus on being ‘here,’” said Goodkind.

Nature is a powerful relaxation tool. Playing natural sounds, like waves or raindrops, lowers your fight-or-flight instinct and helps you unwind. Paired with deep breathing, it increases your physical awareness and helps you connect with your environment. The next time you take a beach vacation, consider unplugging your headphones to really reap the benefits around you. It might surprise you just how self-aware you start to feel once you slow down.

Pick up a guidebook at your local bookstore and bring along an old-fashioned camera to capture the memories you know can’t miss— just don’t let it dominate. If you use your phone excessively, you might be missing out on everything that you have gone on holiday to enjoy.

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living like a local Choosing homestays for a more authentic travel experience

by Roma Patel / photo by Eva Vidan / design by Asli Aybar

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Whether you’re traveling to Italy, Morocco, Argentina or the Philippines, you face the same dreaded dilemma of where to stay. While hotels, Airbnbs and even hostels come to mind, they lack novelty. Bumping into other travelers makes you feel like you never left the country you call home. For a totally different experience, far away from the embarrassing American tour groups with matching lanyards and t-shirts, many BU students have found homestays to be an exciting accommodation while abroad.

Homestays are homes where local families host individuals for a small amount of money.

Travelers enjoy the hospitality of natives, try unique dishes and drinks from the local cuisine, visit undiscovered gems around town and learn about the the culture, language and religion. Visitors get a more authentic feel for a place as they see the destination through the eyes of locals.

“Whenever my family goes to Amsterdam, we always stay with locals,” said Olivia Rolnik (CAS ’20). “Had I not stayed with different families, I wouldn’t have known about so many

cool neighborhoods and surrounding towns.

I have gotten to explore so many places where locals eat, shop and spend their free time at the suggestion of our host families. I never would have found most of these places on Yelp or Tripadvisor on my own.”

Homestays provide visitors with the opportunity to try new experiences that many tourists may not hear about. While other travelers are waiting in long lines to see what often tends to be a big letdown, individuals who stay with host families visit places around town that are off the beaten path and typically untouched by masses of tourists.

This live-in experience lets travelers make the most of their trip as they fully immerse themselves in the new culture. They often get to participate in activities that are impossible back home. “[When I was staying in Madrid last summer], I had to speak Spanish to my host family to communicate with them, so I actually developed my Spanish skills,” said Anu Khanna (KHC ’20 CAS ’20). “Just talking to them about the things I was interested in allowed me to be included in many neighborhood events and even church events to further understand the culture.”

Visiting local churches, untouched places of the city with great views and even just having a nice chat in the living room of a Spaniard really lets visitors break the manicured facade of places abroad. “[Living in a homestay in Jordan] was an enriching experience that allowed me to learn more about Jordanian culture and the Arabic language than I ever could have imagined,” said Megan Jorgensen (CAS ’20). “My host family was so willing to practice with me, listen to me and teach me about their culture and what they loved about their country, which benefitted my knowledge more than a classroom ever could.”

Host families are also able to guide visitors to incredible places that are representative of the local culture.

“While staying in the old city of Jaffa a couple of years ago,” said Ethan Sorcher (CAS ’20), “a family friend of mine took me to try out this traditional Mediterranean restaurant, which looked a little dilapidated and unpopular. When we got our food, though, I was completely shocked—it was the best shakshuka I had ever eaten.”

While it is easy to find homestay opportunities through BU’s study abroad office and even programs like ROTC’s Project Go, individuals can find chances to stay with host families outside of the academic setting.

Homestay.com is a site that pairs travelers with host families in over 160 countries. The

hosts not only provide accommodations, but they also help visitors go about life in the destination like locals.

With the high price of plane tickets, museum entry fees and lattes, traveling can be an expensive endeavor. However, on homestay.com, most residences cost less than $50 a night, and there are a variety of options for living arrangements.

Included in the daily cost, several accommodations offer meals and they show guests some of their favorite sites around the town that are typically free.

Safety is often the first thing that comes to mind when considering an accommodation.

Rest assured, homestay.com has many security precautions in place. The site provides secure messaging and video calling with hosts, reviews of particular homestays, photographs of homes and even host profiles with their hobbies and interests listed. All of this allows guests to ensure that their stay will be enjoyable and safe.

Homestay.com presents a unique experience as it displays how its hosts are available for guest needs. Several travelers have written how hosts have been incredibly welcoming and have a genuine interest in their guests and where they come from as well. They are eager to share their culture and learn from guests, making the experience enjoyable for all. Most guests recognize that homestays offered on the site provide individuals with a home-away-from-home as guests make friendships that last a lifetime.

“One can't help feeling they are there for the guests at all times, irrespective of working hard outside the home. There is a permanent feeling of availability on their part. They are reliable, extremely kind, warm-hearted and well educated, just to mention a few essential characteristics. In the course of my stay we realised that Portugal and Iran had quite a few ‘similarities’ and that made us feel closer. I am particularly honoured to have met them and lived with them as ‘family.’ I know I will go back next year simply because the bond has been strong and I want it to keep on being steadily strong” (Iolanda, “Third time visit to Iran”).

With the dozens of places on your bucket list for 2018, homestays are a great way to save money and really get to know a destination. So, whether you end up in Spain, Jordan, Israel or the Netherlands, homestays are a must. Meeting the people of places far from our own homes, from large metropolitan cities and remote villages, teaches us the value of culture and tradition, the importance of our differences and similarities and ultimately, the beauty of travel.

"I have gotten to explore so many places where locals eat, shop and spend their free time at the suggestion of our host families.

I never would have found most of these places on Yelp or Tripadvisor on my own.”

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destinations in danger Five places to see before they vanish

by ChloĂŤ Hudson / photography by Eva Vidan / design by Eugene Kim

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As the Earth changes, much of its natural beauty is disappearing. Some of the world’s most spectacular sights are now threatened by climate change and human carelessness. Many of these landmarks could actually cease to exist within our lifetime. We've curated a list of endangered places you’ll want to place higher on your bucket list:

The Alps Expected time remaining: 30 years.

The low altitude of the European mountain range makes it particularly susceptible to the effects of global warming. It is losing around three percent of glacial ice annually, and the melting ski slopes now risk closure.

The Dead Sea Expected time remaining: less than 50 years.

This vast salty lake located at the lowest point on Earth is shrinking at an alarming rate. With surrounding countries overusing its water and with the strong heat of the Middle Eastern sun, the body of water is depleting almost three feet every year.

The Great Barrier Reef Expected time remaining: 30 years.

The UNESCO World Heritage site is the only living organism visible from outer space.

Stretching over 1,400 miles, 93 percent of the reef is irreversibly damaged by coral bleaching.

This is due to rising ocean temperatures and increased carbon dioxide in the ocean. A lot of sunscreens damage coral, too.

The Taj Mahal Expected time remaining: 5 years.

Experts fear that the iconic building—one of the Seven Wonders of the World—will collapse. Its white marble façade is threatened by erosion and pollution. Over eight million people visit the landmark each year, but tourism officials are considering closing it to the public or at least imposing restrictions on the number of daily visitors.

Venice Expected time remaining: less than 70 years.

Ironically, the “Floating City” might not stay afloat for much longer. The city of canals has been sinking for centuries—approximately 4 to 6 millimeters each year—and with rising sea levels, floods are getting more severe.

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OUT ON THE SILVER SCREEN A history of LGBTQA+ films and their importance today

by Noemi Arellano-Summer photography by Julia Smithing design by Samantha West

culture 17

“It seems to me that we will only have reached ‘enough’ representation when we are no longer concerned with the sexual identity of the artist.”

Films with LGBTQA+ themes and characters have risen in prestige in past years and made their way to high-level award shows, as well as securing places in history and audiences’ hearts.

LGBTQA+ films strive to show the queer experience in all its messy glory. These films include adaptations of novels and short stories (Carol, Call Me by Your Name, The Handmaiden, Brokeback Mountain), movies based on real experiences (Moonlight, Freeheld), and original screenplays (Far From Heaven, Pariah).

Representing LGBTQA+ lives in film has gained prominence and support in the last halfdozen years, especially after marriage equality was passed in the United States. Showcasing voices once cast as sinful or worthless revitalized the film industry.

“I have taught many LGBTQA+ filmmakers over the years,” said production professor Charles Merzbacher. “My goal with them is the same as with any student: to help them find their authentic voice as a filmmaker.”

The first notable moment of LGBTQA+ themes and characters in film was 1895’s The Dickson Experimental Sound Film, which featured a scene with two men dancing together.

During the 1920s and 30s, films showed homosexuality in a stereotypical light, with terms like “pansy” and “sissy” consistently used.

In 1915, the Supreme Court ruled that films weren’t protected by the First Amendment.

Subsequent celebrity scandals and boycotts led to the creation of the Motion Picture Production Code, also known as the Hays’ Code. The Hays’ Code organized elements that could not be shown in American films, including one guideline that did not allow same-sex relationships to be shown in a positive light.

Since the Hays’ code allowed for “sexual perversion” if it was shown in a negative manner, gay characters during the 1940s to the 60s were portrayed as psychopaths, sadists and villains.

This can be seen in two of Alfred Hitchcock’s

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films: Rebecca (1940), with sinister housekeeper Mrs. Danvers, and Rope (1948).

Over time, the Hays’ Code slowly liberalized itself in the 1950s and 60s. Lawrence of Arabia (1962) was seen as profound at the time of its release for heavily implying a character is gay, as well as implying a relationship between two men.

Beginning in the 1990s and continuing to the present day, the LGBTQA+ community became more actively involved in cinema, and A-list actors became interested in portraying LGBTQA+ characters. Films with these characters and themes had effectively entered the mainstream, most notably 2005’s Brokeback Mountain.

Recent films along these lines include 2015’s Freeheld, based off a 2007 documentary about a New Jersey woman who battles to transfer her pension to her domestic partner after she is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Call Me by Your Name (2017), based on the 2007 novel by André Aciman of the same name, features the summer relationship between an Italian teenage boy and his father’s graduate student assistant in 1980s Italy.

These films show that society and cultural values have shifted, and cinema must shift with them. This includes producing a documentary about a lesbian police officer who fought for what she believed was right. As with Call Me by Your Name, which adapted novels with somewhat unconventional protagonists.

Another example of mainstream films with LGBTQA+ characters and themes is the independent film Moonlight, which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2016. Based on an unpublished, semi-autobiographical play by Tarell Alvin McCraney, the film tells the story of the childhood, adolescence and beginning adulthood of a gay black man in Miami. It featured an all-black cast, was directed by a black man and was intended as a very personal film, particularly as director Barry Jenkins grew up in Liberty City, where the movie is set.

“I see Moonlight as very much in a tradition of personal and intimate storytelling that stretches back many decades,” Merzbacher said. “By being very specific, the filmmakers created an experience that is accessible and compelling for a wide audience. Big studio films often have a very hard time pulling this off because they tend to be designed by committee.”

2018’s Love, Simon, based on Becky Albertalli’s 2015 young adult novel “Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda,” is a film that celebrates gay teenage romance. It has all the aspects of a classic coming-of-age narrative, but through a gay protagonist and love interest. Love, Simon is one of the first films with explicit LGBTQA+ characters and themes to be released by a major film studio, in this case, 20th Century Fox. In Love, Simon, it is difficult to say what is “enough” representation. The film features a gay protagonist, but as is typical in young adult narratives, he is middle-class and white. Though this has improved in recent years, the lack of diversity representation in literature, television and film is still an issue.

“When you have material with positive role models, the identification becomes that they are

just people,” said film professor Paul Schneider.

“It tends to open up people’s minds a little bit. [The 1998-2006 television show] Will and Grace, for example, made people more comfortable. You can’t measure it but it’s important.”

Big-budget films that incorporate LGBTQA+ characters and themes often face fear of backlash or reduced revenue. One definite possibility is that a groundbreaking gay lead in a big budget film or film series won’t be shown on-screen because, if he was, certain foreign markets would then ban the film, significantly cutting foreign revenue. Russia nearly banned 2017’s Beauty and the Beast over a brief shot of a gay couple dancing, and Cloud Atlas (2013) suffered a 40-minute cut for its release in China.

“Consider how few openly ‘out’ actors are given starring roles,” Merzbacher said. “It seems to me that we will only have reached ‘enough’ representation when we are no longer concerned with the sexual identity of the artist.”

Film as a medium is still evolving. Considering how relatively new they are in the historical sense, it’s not surprising that movies haven’t worked out all of their kinks yet. The sub-genre of films with LGBTQA+ themes and characters is even newer.

The global community hasn’t completely accepted all sexual and gender identities as valid, though film is still heading in that direction.

“I hasten to add that, if we ever reach that point, it will not be because sexual identity no longer matters to artists,” Merzbacher said, “but because we have come to accept that all artists reflect and express their sexual identities in their own ways.”

“I hope that as the studios see that there is an increased interest in seeing films about LGBTQA+ people, that they will make good movies about LGBTQA+ people without sensationalizing it,” said Justine Erdin (COM ’20).

“Most movies at the moment are about gay men though, so hopefully there will be an increase in movies about the other members of the LGBTQA+ people too, as they also deserve to have a representation in the movies.”

We can expect to see many more films with LGBTQA+ characters and themes hitting the small screen in the future, as well as the big screen.

“There are a consistent number of films with these themes. They are here to stay,” said Schneider. “They come from an authentic place, like Moonlight—a genuine artistic place.”

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the time is now

Academia adapting to allegations against longtime film industry professionals article and photo by Hailey Hart-Thompson / design by Jami Rubin

The #TimesUp movement represents a call to action by celebrities to encourage fair gender representation and equality as well as action against film makers and actors accused of committing sexual assault.

In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, in which more than 30 women accused him of sexual assault or harassment, other formerly acclaimed male directors, producers and actors lost credibility in the eyes of the film community and their viewers. Since the #TimesUp public profile asks for victims of sexual assault to speak out, one would expect the world would change how young creators approach the performance industry and other industries across the board.

Sexual harassment and assault cases are ingrained in the coursework of academia. Within the academic field, professors help students progress into people who will leave college more informed and as a thoughtful actor who can positively change the world. Students are encouraged to hone their craft and create understanding.

A College of Communications professor, who wished to remain unnamed, said academia has been struggling with these topics long before the #TimesUp movement.

“Controversial topics are encouraged in academia and when classes work with working screenwriters or directors, professors need to encourage students to affect change rather than run away from something they may find offensive,” the professor said.

They expressed that students need to understand how they come across to audiences; also, students need to know how to push the envelope without being offensive or unknowingly create an environment where sexism, racism, transphobia or homophobia is permitted.

Figures in Hollywood will use a rape scene to gain sympathy from the audience. With these risky scenes, film students are taught “to execute with purpose rather than to stun people,” said a film professor. It’s one thing to include a rape scene to invoke a sympathetic response from the audience, and another to include it for shock value.

Flexibility is important when handling an ever-changing canon of cinematographic masterpieces. Some professors report removing Tarantino films from their curriculum after it was revealed that Tarantino knew about Weinstein’s unwanted sexual advances while films were being shot.

Filmmakers, especially female and femme-identifying students, feel that when their voices are missing from the conversation assaults are more likely to slip under the radar.

Increasing their voices and improving the representation of their experiences in the film industry would take away from the shock value and male gaze that perpetuates film.

Most femme filmmakers scoff at the idea that female skill and experience is less valuable than those of their male or masculine counterparts.

“Having female creators involved in creating films gives greater perspective,” Christina Lamagna (COM ’21) said. “The only part of the creative process that is limited by the fact that I’m a woman is external factors…or the fact that I want to have a role in film that is historically strongly dominated by men.”

To Lamagna, there is no condescension from film professors because of her gender. Her only fears and doubts about her own work comes from the greater industry. “[The #TimesUp movement] allows for people to advocate and vie for each other and create this kind of validity in certain people,” according to Lamagna. This new sense of support within the industry creates a new female system of support in a male dominated medium.

“If I were to go into the industry and for some reason something like that would happen to me,” she said, “I’d feel more comfortable and more supported from the general public to speak out against anything like that.”

Hannah Hooven (CFA ’21), who is pursuing a music education degree in CFA, emphasizes academia’s essential role in encouraging respectful creators. Although pursuing music education, Hooven herself still hones her craft with her instrument of choice (viola) and performs with the BU orchestra, explaining that they played a

piece by Lili Boulanger at their Symphony concert, the largest concert of the year.

The lack of femme figures in classical and orchestral music, however, limits the scope of emotions in music in Hooven’s experience.

“The role of being a performer and offering that part of yourself to a large crowd is really motivating and I think it’s a way to uplift people who don’t always get the chance to be uplifted often. Whatever minority group you are part of, if your voice isn’t recognized, this is a way for it to be recognized,” she said. “I think that my musical education had a role in that development and being a confident person.”

The #TimesUp movement’s impact extends beyond the art world and academic world, and into the realm of sports. Inspired by the seemingly brave efforts of Weinstein’s accusers, several gymnasts on the US Olympic Team accused therapist Larry Nassar of assault.

The experiences of these athletes tie back to the demand for femme voices in different arts, performances, and fields. “[Gymnastics] is a similar kind of performing art. There is a pressure to still stick to your performance and stick to what you are supposed to be doing and never show a flaw or a sign that anything could be going wrong within your own life,” Hooven said. “I’m sure that could be a similar issue within any performing art.”

The very nature of performance itself, whether it be musical or visual, demands a focus that limits women by making them feel as if their concerns are distracting or unimportant.

Creation in any medium demands a type of selflessness for the greater good of a project, but never should demand silence from females who have been sexually assaulted.

Highlighting femme voices and experiences is a vibrant outcome to the tragic events of the Weinstein scandal, and as the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements grow, only time will tell what the new benchmark of classic film will be and if the old standards and legends will be replaced.

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Under the Radar Five films directed by women to stream right now

by Culture staff illustration by Samantha West design by Nina Miller

The 2018 Golden Globes had no female nominees for Best Director, despite the plethora of big-name, acclaimed films led by women in the last year like Wonder Women, Lady Bird and First They Killed My Father. These films are praised for showcasing stories about women and for women without stereotyping or downplaying female strengths.

But these three films were also produced or directed by women and are among a crop of other films released within the last year helmed by women but seemingly missed. Below is our Culture staff’s list of lesser-known but equally powerful and creative films from 2017, directed by women.

Mudbound Directed by Dee Rees Mudbound is about two World War II veterans, one white and one a man of color, who return to their respective Mississippi homes and confront individualized PTSD. The film showcases violent scenes of racism and trauma set against the postwar farmland of the Mississippi.

Standout cast members include Carey Mulligan, Mary J. Blige and Jason Mitchell.

Their Finest Directed by Lone Sherfig Their Finest is a film about making a film— more specifically, making a film about the Battle of Dunkirk. Three months before the acclaimed Dunkirk released to theaters, Their Finest released statewide in April. The film tracks a group of filmmakers seeking to make a documentary about the Battle of Dunkirk into a story to boost morale.

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Step Directed by Amanda Lipitz Step is a documentary about the Lethal Ladies step dance team at the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women. Lipitz focuses on the talents of the performers as well as their hopes and fears for the future. Step, to director and subject alike, showcases the importance of the arts in school. Dance, theater and other artistic programs provide self-esteem boosts to discouraged students, encouraging them to literally “step up” to their challenges.

Loving Vincent Directed by Dorota Kobiela Loving Vincent is an animated feature, of sorts.

The film is nominated for a Best Animated Feature Oscar, but the style, detail and art directing go beyond an “animated” feature. Kobiela, inspired by Van Gogh’s correspondence with friends and family, created the film to showcase the intersection of Van Gogh’s artistic style and personal struggles. Every character, movement and scene is hand-painted, following Van Gogh’s trademark “flowing” Impressionist style.

BE BOLD BE MINDFUL BE GENUINE BE EXPRESSIVE BE UNITED BE YOU

PUSHING BOUNDARIES A look into BU and Harvard’s upcoming expansion plans

by Caroline Cubbage & Marianne Farrell photo by Amanda Willis design by Deanna Klima-Rajchel

24 the buzz

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“I went to Wheelock and got a tour from a student and met some other students who all seemed really excited. They have a ton of great resources and faculty there so I think it will be cool to see how SED evolves.�

26 the buzz

For Boston University students, Allston is a part of our campus. It is a unique location that provides a space that BU students can call our own.

However, Allston will soon no longer be home to just the Terriers. The merger between Wheelock and BU, as well as Harvard’s impending expansion, will bring new students to Allston.

The Wheelock College and Boston University School of Education merger will be in full swing

by June of this year, meaning Wheelock students will be joining us on campus in the fall.

The merger combines the Wheelock School of Education, Child Life and Family Studios with BU’s School of Education to produce a new, larger school: the Wheelock College of Education and Human Development (WCEHD). After June 2018, WCEHD will incorporate former Wheelock College students and BU SED students into a singular school.

Diane Levin, the senior-most professor of Early Childhood Education at Wheelock said that Wheelock was looking to merge with another school for quite some time. So when BU offered to purchase Wheelock, they quickly accepted the offer. According to Levin, however, the transition process will be filled with its own issues.

“We’re happy that it’s going to be ‘the college of...’ and that it’s keeping the name and there’s an effort to have a new entity at BU to incorporate all we had at Wheelock,” said Levin. “But there’s also anxiety. Wheelock students in many ways are different from BU students.”

BU’s SED program offers admission to students with no experience in early childhood education and then teaches them with their own curriculum. On the other hand, Wheelock tends to admit students who already have some early childhood experience. Whether those students were camp counselors or took a course in high school, Wheelock’s seemingly more exclusive enrollment has led it to be known as one of the best education programs in Massachusetts.

BU and Wheelock students share a sense of anxiety and nervousness about the merger. “I think the transition will be a struggle at first but will ultimately be a positive change for the

school,” said Rebecca Rodriguez (SED ’19).

Levin hopes BU’s extensive resources and Wheelock’s specialties in other educational fields will create a rejuvenated program and hopefully establish the school as a leader in the educational field. Wheelock’s dedication to studies such as early childhood education and family life, which are popular fields of study among incoming students as of late, will hopefully attract prospective students who know of Wheelock’s reputation of having a quality education program.

Most of the Wheelock faculty, some of whom will be transferring to Boston University, others simply retiring from their positions and moving on, go on educational trips with their students.

The professional faculty is not just connected to the academic world as many other professors are, but also to the professional and practical world. When asked about her opinion of the merger, Levin remained optimistic.

“I’m waiting to see. They’re trying really hard to make it work in a way that maintains a lot of the key aspects of Wheelock. It’s not as if formula were being applied,” said Levin. “They’ve been learning from us and we’ve been learning from them.”

There have been some concerns about maintaining the student-to-teacher ratio that BU treasures, but plans are in place to integrate Wheelock-tenured professors into the faculty.

This aspect of the merger will have the biggest impact on the students, affecting how the school will run in the future given both students and faculty blend smoothly.

“I went to Wheelock and got a tour from a student and met some other students who all seemed really excited. They have a ton of great resources and faculty there so I think it will be cool to see how SED evolves,” said Erin Quinn (SED ’19). “The only thing I am kind of bummed about is the name change.”

While BU is expanding faster than ever before, our longtime friend across the river is as well. Harvard University, in the summer of 2020, will introduce a new School of Engineering and Applied Sciences in Lower Allston near the Harvard Business School and

athletics facilities. This will be a much-needed expansion of Harvard’s science programs which have grown exponentially over the past few years, (the number of applicants has doubled since 2008) reflecting a growing interest in the field that will keep rising.

The expansion will be an extension of the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) building in Cambridge and will be equipped with state of the art learning and research facilities. SEAS only recently separated from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) a little over 10 years ago, so this project is an exciting leap for the school.

Harry Lewis, the Gordon McKay Professor of Computer Science at Harvard University, said that Harvard’s expansion plan will not just stop with SEAS.They are planning on taking over much of the area by Western Avenue in Allston.

The new SEAS building will be merely one third of the overall project going through development currently. Over the course of the next decade, Harvard will be constructing nearly 2 million square feet of space in Allston, including more housing for Harvard students, administrative offices and even more athletics buildings.

The expansion also calls for an increase in faculty to preserve the relationships between students and faculty that Harvard considers so important. The school even adjusted their famous “Harvard Time” schedule, which had a strict seven-minute passing time between classes. The class times have now been extended to 75 minutes and passing time has been lengthened to 15 minutes to accommodate students travelling between the Allston and Cambridge campuses.

In the cases of both the BU and Harvard expansions, the intentions are to create an environment that fosters the best conditions for all students in the long run. Not all students may be welcoming of the expansions immediately, but it will take time to truly see the impact that the Wheelock merger and Harvard expansion will have on BU and the greater Boston community.

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where east meets west Where art, technology and community come together

by Marissa Wu / photo by Sikta Samal / design by Samantha West

28 the buzz

“I feel like I have a lot of positive, fulfilling individual relationships with a lot of different friends in the area, but there’s something about being a part of a group and feeling like you belong.”

On Wednesday evenings between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., a warm glow shines on the sidewalk at 934 Massachusetts Ave. The original sign on the rather inconspicuous building reads, “East Meets West”: the words stacked so that “EMW” appears vertically.

The building’s façade has no special markers, but the inquisitive will be drawn to the graffiti mural that sprawls across the side of the building. “Love,” it proclaims. “Solidarity. Family.

Community.” The psychedelic wall boldly beckons the curious with warm colors and lively script flowing in all directions, shouting out the bookstore’s mission.

According to its website, EMW was originally founded as a Chinese-language bookstore working to empower the Chinese immigrant community. Since its inception in 1998, its social justice mission has stayed the same while also expanding to include all members of marginalized communities. It was rebranded as a space for art, technology and community in the early 2000s.

Their goal is simple: to provide an encouraging, judgement-free space for creatives from marginalized communities, including people of color and LGBTQ. Their most popular event, East Meets Words, is an open-mic event featuring a different Asian/Pacific Islander (API) performer every month. The monthly gathering provides a safe space for the API community to express themselves.

“It’s a platform for those who may not necessarily have access to share their stories or be as represented in that sort of regard,” said Ricky Orng, one of the leaders of the program. Orng was first introduced to EMW during an after-school program field trip in 2008. He later returned as a volunteer.

“I was exploring more poetry and spoken word,” said Orng. “What really stuck out to me was, ‘wow, there’s a lot of incredible people who happen to do art or happen to rap, write and perform, or all three, and they kind of look like me.’ And I thought that was awesome.”

The now-defunct bookshop also serves as a gallery space to exhibit artwork in various mediums that deal with identity and community. The latest exhibition featured a curation

by J.D. Stokely, whose projects focus on nostalgia, queerness, the black body and home.

In an event titled “Unbound Bodies,” Stokely explores desires of queer and trans black/indigenous people of color and how their desires are policed.

Other initiatives, such as the Community Library, also work in conjunction to provide a safe space for expression and exchange of ideas.

The library, which was initially built on donations when it opened in 2016, now makes an effort to stock titles by minority authors—in particular by those who identify as a person of color from the LGBTQ community, according to Community Library Lead Jehan Sinclair.

Sinclair has been involved with EMW since discovering the space during graduate school.

After receiving a Master’s degree in library science, she was approached by EMW to help manage and catalog their community library, which maintains a modest collection of works from authors of color and of other marginalized communities. She relishes in the work and the network of support the space provides.

“It means friendship and kindness, understanding, like I know that everyone here is on your team, you know?” said Sinclair. “And they’re here to support you...it’s just very safe and welcoming. Even people I haven’t

necessarily met, I know that they’re good people who come through this space.”

During library hours, a few dedicated volunteers can be found working at two long plastic tables in the middle of the small gallery that bleeds into the library. Anyone who walks through the door, whether a regular member of the community or curious passerby, is immediately greeted with genuine smiles and offers of tea and snacks and invited to take a (mismatched) seat at the table.

It’s an eclectic scene that accurately reflects the organization and its people, from the volunteers to the community members. While finding a home in a metropolis can be difficult, the sincerity and happiness projected by those at EMW draws in those seeking a place to belong.

Although touted as a space for creatives, being a member of the arts community is not required for one to be welcomed in.

Lauren Chow, a Lesley University master’s student studying International Higher Education and Intercultural Relations, discovered EMW on a whim, when it co-hosted an open-mic night with SubDrift Boston, another organization working to promote minorities’ creative expression.

“I liked that it was a center that focused on marginalized groups, and I need a community that does that,” Chow said. “I feel like I have a lot of positive, fulfilling individual relationships with a lot of different friends in the area, but there’s something about being a part of a group and feeling like you belong.”

She found her home at EMW, where there is a certain acceptance that exudes as the volunteers introduce themselves, with hands enthusiastically offered and gently shaken and where laughter flows freely.

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when the saints come marching in A shrine makes its home in the north end

by Sarah Cristine Burrola illustration and design

by Samantha West

30 the buzz

In Boston's North End, in a little alley tucked away just out of street view, hundreds of saints make their home, piled on top of each other, adorned with flowers and colors as far as the eye can see. The Virgin Mary’s Mexican counterpart, Our Lady of Guadalupe, shines her gentle smile above St. Joseph and St. Francis, each making unending eye contact with visitors down below.

This is All Saint’s Way, the folk shrine turned bohemian love child of longtime North End resident Peter Baldassari, who founded Boston’s arguably most unique attraction nearly 25 years ago.

What began as holy cards of Roman Catholic saints collected by Baldassari as a child has now become a sprawling display of community folk art. Scores of saints from all ages and all over the world adorn the walls of the little brick alleyway on Battery Street, just off the main drag of Hanover Street in the North End neighborhood of Boston. It is one of the most traditional oldschool Catholic enclaves left in a city teeming with youth.

Baldassari can often be found just inside the black gated entrance to All Saint’s Way. He especially loves telling the stories of the saints on his walls; chances are, if you can spot it, Baldassari has got the facts behind it.

Jacob Sifuentes (CAS ’19) recalled meeting Baldassari with his family the summer before his freshman year at Boston University.

“Every time you see him, he’s just as excited to see you,” Sifuentes said. “And the alley itself is so beautiful. You can get lost in all the portraits if you’re not careful.”

Now a junior, he makes sure to stop by the shrine every time he’s in the North End, to catch a glimpse of the saints and maybe even Baldassari himself.

Baldassari would be smart to be careful; with the neighborhood becoming a deeply coveted real estate epicenter, the Way is a rare example of pure North End spirit. Now nearly 70 years old, Baldassari is not only a neighborhood icon, but a symbol of the clash between the antiquity of the richly storied and deeply Catholic area and the highly valuable property market that draws more and more out-of-towners every year.

Nevertheless, he is determined to keep All Saint’s Way open to locals and tourists.

Baldassari is tireless in every sense of the word and does his best to keep the Way in top quality condition. He even changes the decorations surrounding the portraits and frames a new patron saint as the holidays come and go; stop by around Halloween and you’ll find light up skulls and merry jack-o-lanterns decorating the somber saints staring down.

The Buzz is hiring writers for fall 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.

@thebubuzz | thebubuzz.com

loving, learning & leaving How to identify an unhealthy relationship

by Mackenzie Conner photography by Eva Vidan design by Jami Rubin

32 the buzz

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34 the buzz

There’s nothing like falling in love. Little compares to the happiness you feel when you see your partner, the habitual and slightly embarrassing smile you catch yourself making when you think of them. Love is love. But for some, what begins as love can turn into a joyless experience that is difficult and dangerous to escape.

Domestic violence is a complex issue, and the term itself is defined broadly to encompass the various types of behavior that are considered abusive. Also referred to as domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, domestic violence appears differently across relationships. Because of this, it is difficult for both victims and their friends and family to recognize a toxic relationship.

Many domestic abuse cases tend to go unreported for several years. According to a 2015 study by the United Nations, “Less than 40 percent of the women who experienced violence sought help of any sort. Among those who did, most looked to family and friends as opposed to the police and health services.”

For those who suspect they are in an abusive relationship, ask yourself the following questions: _ Has my partner ever been physically violent with me or have they threatened violence? _ Is my partner controlling of my behavior? _ Does my partner put me down, make me feel crazy or humiliate me? _ Does my partner threaten to hurt themselves if I do not comply with demands? _ Does my partner force me to engage in sexual behavior that I am not comfortable with?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, there is a strong possibility that you are experiencing abuse. It is important to remember that these behaviors don’t have to occur constantly for you to seek out support. While there may be positive moments in the relationship, they shouldn’t be overshadowed by feelings of fear of your partner.

Determining if a loved one is in an abusive relationship and addressing the abuse can be difficult for several reasons. In some cases, speaking to friends and family can jeopardize the safety of a victim. Often, the abuser will make a point to isolate their victim from their loved ones to deprive them of this crucial support.

G.F., a sophomore at BU, remembers witnessing domestic violence against her mother as a child.

“I would ask my mom, ‘How can you let him treat you like this?’ and she would say ‘I

know it’s hard to understand, but he loves me so much. He says he’s sorry and he really means it,’” said G.F. “She accepted that she had nowhere to go, and no money for a home for us.

So, she was ‘doing it for us.’ Plus, ‘it was better than being alone.’”

On college campuses, domestic violence is a prevalent issue that affects students in a vulnerable stage of their life. For many, going to college is the first glimpse of freedom. This, in conjunction with more responsibilities makes college a dangerous time in which many students may find themselves in unhealthy relationships.

C.D., a junior at BU, recalls her experience of an abusive relationship during her first year of school.

“I didn’t realize what was going on until he started physically hurting me. It started out with little things like him asking me to un-tag photos of myself with other guys [on Facebook] or always wanting to be with me even when he knew I had class and just being really controlling and mean when I didn’t do what he wanted,” she said. “He just never wanted me to be alone with anyone besides him.”

The abuse for C.D. continued through the holiday break of her freshman year with incessant texting from her then-boyfriend.

“It was like one minute he was threatening me because I wasn’t responding and the next minute he was telling me how much he loved me,” she said. “All I wanted was to be with my family and he wouldn’t let me be. When I got back to Boston, it wasn’t even a week before he started being physical. I didn’t feel like I could tell anyone because I was never alone and didn’t feel like I had anyone to tell because I had already been dating him so long.”

Break the Cycle, an advocacy group for young adults who have experienced abuse, reports “more than half (57%) of college students who report having been in an abusive dating relationship said it occurred in college.”

Abuse found on college campuses has increased due to social media. It perpetuates the cycle of abuse because it provides the means to gather information about individuals and even learn their whereabouts.

Break the Cycle found young adults who share their social media passwords with their partners are more likely to experience abuse. This also extends power to the abuser by limiting access to friends and family and preserving the image of a “happy relationship.”

wellness 35

“I literally couldn’t tell anyone because he went through everything on my social media,” said C.D. “He knew my passwords for everything and when I would try to change them he would get so defensive. I had no way to tell anyone anything because he always knew what was going on.”

Most parents are not even aware of this issue.

Love Is Respect, an organization dedicated to preventing intimate partner violence, reports that 81 percent of parents do not believe that domestic violence is a problem for young adults, and while 82 percent of parents believed that they would know if their child were in an abusive relationship, only about 58 percent accurately identified all of the warning signs.”

“Things kept getting worse until my parents came out to visit me and they kind of saw what was going on,” said C.D. “I remember them telling me that they felt uncomfortable with him and they felt like I should stay in their hotel that weekend. I completely broke down and finally told them and from there we just kind of dealt with it.”

Another issue facing collegiate victims of abuse is the lack of awareness of available resources. Break the Cycle notes, “38 percent of college students say they don’t know how to get help for themselves on campus if they were a victim of dating abuse.”

If you are in an abusive relationship and are ready to seek support, there are many resources available. Boston University provides students experiencing domestic violence information and support through the Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Center (SARP); however, if you find yourself in immediate danger call either emergency services (911) or the BU Police. Contact information for both SARP and BUPD can be found on the back of your Terrier Card.

Recovering from an abusive relationship is often compared to processing grief. Emotions come in stages, and living in each moment presents a unique challenge. Leaving a partner, even an abusive one, is a loss; overcoming that loss is a difficult and painful process. One of the many important steps of recovery is being kind to yourself and knowing that you did not deserve the way you were treated.

Your relationship should make you feel happy and safe. There will be moments when you and your partner disagree, bicker and even become

36 the buzz

angry, but nothing warrants physical, emotional or sexual abuse of any kind. Communication is a large part of starting and maintaining a healthy relationship; it is important to listen and respect your partner’s opinions and vice versa.

Building a healthy relationship starts at the beginning. Setting boundaries early and being vocal about what you need and expect from your partner is normal and healthy. Being upfront with your expectations of the relationship can be scary, but it’s better to know then and there if your partner can’t comply.

Setting boundaries also gives you an opportunity to protect yourself. Often victims of domestic abuse struggle to identify the final “line” their partner has crossed. By setting soundaries, it becomes easier to detect red flags and walk away from the relationship when it stops working. If your partner crossed those lines and violates your boundaries, hold and reinforce them.

It is important to remember you were an individual before you entered the relationship, and dating or marrying someone shouldn’t change that. You shouldn’t lose your friends and independence for the person you’re dating, and they shouldn’t try to take away the characteristics that make you uniquely you. Together, you and your partner should add to one another and complement each other’s differences, not take away from them.

Love has a funny way of making us do things we might not normally do. When we have a crush, we might act silly to get their attention or talk a little louder just so they might hear.

Love is fun, and when we love someone, sometimes we have to accept the little things we can’t change about them. Abuse, however, is not something you need to accept, and is not something someone does out of love. It is not an expectation for a relationship, and leaving someone because they abuse you is never wrong.

wellness 37

sleepless in boston Fighting sleep deprivation in a major city

by Nicole Wilkes / photo by Audria Hadikusumo / design by Sarah Campbell

Any urbanite can tell you getting a decent night’s sleep in a major city can be an uphill battle. There may be little data published on whether city-dwellers actually get fewer hours of shut-eye than their suburban and rural counterparts, but cities definitely come with a unique set of barriers to a full night’s sleep.

City residents tend to experience higher levels of anxiety throughout the day, and they’re more likely to take work-related stressors home with them. Either one or a combination of these can make it much more difficult to unwind at the end of the night.

Those living in cities also tend to have smaller residences, which means they end up sleeping in closer proximity to their household electronics. You might not think to blame your studio apartment’s microwave clock for your sleepless nights, but the light it omits can, in fact, keep you up. Similarly, those in smaller residences are more likely to have no choice but to sleep near their phones and tablets, which are known to omit even more intense sleep-disrupting lights.

Metropolitan residents also generally report not having close relationships with their neighbors and not feeling as safe in their homes.

The mind cannot rest if it feels unsafe—this is the same reason you many have trouble falling asleep in an unfamiliar setting or outdoors.

Sam Powers (CAS ’20) credits this as the cause of his freshman-year sleeplessness.

“I don’t mind the noise [of the city], I find the cars lulling,” he said. “But it was definitely harder to sleep when I came here, just because of the change of environment.”

Another culprit is the availability of city nightlife—as tempting as Boston’s bar and music scenes may be, staying out all weekend can interrupt your circadian rhythm and throw a wrench in your sleep schedule for the rest of the week. Your circadian rhythm is your internal body clock, which controls sleep patterns and other bodily functions. It responds to biological and environmental factors, such as stress levels

38 the buzz

and light. The best way to keep a healthy circadian rhythm is to maintain a consistent sleep schedule all week long—try your best to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, even on the weekends.

Keeping a regular sleep schedule is an absolute necessity when it comes to getting quality sleep.

That means being consistent during the week but staying out all hours of the night on weekends does not qualify as “regular.”

“It can be pretty annoying,” said Brianna Goldberg (COM ’20). “I’ll be so consistent throughout the week and sleep great, but if I have one or two late nights it really throws me off.”

This can contribute to sleep deprivation, which is known to affect one’s mood and cognition. “[When I don’t get enough sleep], my depression becomes prevalent and my anxiety spirals,” said Seb Tellez (COM ’20). “I’m unable to tackle my usual tasks.”

Those suffering from insufficient sleep also experience negative physical symptoms, such as a weakened immune system and a higher risk of obesity and heart disease. Sufficient sleep is also vital for anyone looking to lower their blood pressure or weight—those who regularly get enough rest generally have higher levels of leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite and helps us feel full.

Experts have found that sleep is all about quality over quantity. The National Sleep Foundation describes key indicators of quality sleep: successfully falling asleep in 30 minutes or less, waking up no more than once per night and being awake for no longer than 20 minutes after initially falling asleep.

Kabita Das (CFA ’20) said that she only gets about 6 hours of sleep per night and that it has taken a toll on her productivity.

“I feel like I’m less creative [when I’m tired]. It impairs me from making work,” Das said.

Noise pollution can also ruin one's hopes of getting consistent sleep. If you live in an especially noise area, try sleeping with

noise-blocking ear plugs or using a white noise machine.

“It’s less noisy in Boston than New York, which is where I’m from,” said Brittney AuYoung (CAS ’20), “but I still like to listen to music to fall asleep, it blocks everything out.”

Similar steps can be taken to combat the city’s light pollution: use warm, low lights in your home in the evenings; use a sleep mask, or consider investing in thick, high-quality curtains to block out the ever-present glow of streetlights and headlights.

Though this may not be an option for those living in studio apartments or dorm rooms, do your best to turn off or silence all electronics and keep them out of your bedroom.

If your sleep schedule and quality are generally healthy but you need a quick fix for one restless night, the American Association of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends taking a 30-minute (or shorter) nap or ingesting caffeine.

Both can increase alertness and fight fatigue— but be sure to cut your nap off at 30 minutes (any longer can increase fatigue) and use caffeine cautiously. Frequent caffeine ingestion can lead to tolerance and withdrawal effects.

According to the AASM, “these quick fixes are not to be relied on day-to-day.”

“The only sure way for an individual to overcome sleep deprivation is to increase nightly sleep time to satisfy his or her biological sleep need,” one AASM study reads. “There is no substitute for sufficient sleep.”

Sleep is a vital element of physical, mental and emotional health. Yet, so many of us consistently fail to get enough of it. It can be difficult to prioritize sleep, especially for those who live in cities. Fortunately, for every streetlight and car horn keeping you up, there are countermeasures you can take to help you get the rest you need. Whether you identify as a morning person or a night owl, there are measures you can and should take to ensure you get the rest necessary for you to function at your highest level.

section 39

au natural Ethical, natural and nourishing products to try

by Nicole Wilkes illustrations by Samantha West design by Asli Aybar

foundation

mascara

Au Natural Cosmetics Zero Gravity C2P Foundation Ethics: Vegan, Cruelty-free Best for: Even coverage and smooth finish With 15 shades, this foundation delivers solid coverage, smooth application and a lightweight finish.

Au Naturale Cosmetics founder Ashley Prange started the #CleanBeautyRevolution in 2011.

The movement works to educate about and lobby for regulation banning toxins from cosmetic products.

“The Clean Beauty Revolutionaries are a passionate force, refusing to rest until the consumer protection laws and standards in the US match or exceed those already being practiced in the UK,” said Morgan Krause, Au Naturale Cosmetics’ marketing director.

Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara Ethics: Cruelty-free Best for: Intense length, sensitive eyes This volumizing, nourishing mascara is made with 100% pure Argan oil mixed with the “blackest-black iron mineral pigments” and lash-strengthening bamboo—that’s right: bamboo.

blush W3ll People Nudist Multi-Use Cream Stick Ethics: Vegan, Cruelty-free Best for: Natural color, all-day wear This multi-tasking product is perfect for adding a natural pop of color to the cheeks, lips or eyes.

The aloe-rich formula promotes hydration and smooth application—other ingredients include chamomile flowers, green tea leaves and sunflower seed oil.

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moisturizer Christina Moss Naturals Organic Facial Moisturizer Ethics: Vegan, Cruelty-free, BPA-free Best for: All skin types This non-greasy moisturizer has no fillers or binders, which makes it ultra-concentrated—a little will go a long way.

lips Axiology Natural Organic Lipstick Ethics: Vegan, Cruelty-free Best for: Moisturizing, long-lasting color “We formulated our lipsticks with only 10 edible, organic ingredients,” said Ericka Rodriguez, the founder of Axiology. “The product is moisturizing, nourishing and the color has true staying power.”

She isn’t kidding—the ingredient list consists entirely of familiar, easy-to-pronounce words like organic avocado oil, vitamin E oil and elderberry extract.

BE ACTIVE BE IMPACTFUL BE BALANCED BE COURAGEOUS BE CARING BE YOU

fleeting Capturing the current moment in fashion styling assisted by Falaknaz Chranya photography by Eva Vidan art direction by Samantha West creative direction by Jami Rubin

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On Sonia: Steven Alan, Garden Dress in Navy, $285; Multicolor Stripe Mockneck Long Sleeve Shirt, Stylist’s Own; Red Beret, Stylist's Own

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The world of fashion is ever-evolving. Trends come and go in the blink of an eye, as we’ve witnessed with the oversized shoulder pads, fingerless gloves, and JNCO jeans of the past. Today, bomber jackets, double denim and millennial pink are all the rage—but they will be gone before we know it. In some cases, these trends make a comeback to the fashion world decades later, revitalized by a new generation of fashion lovers. This ephemerality is what keeps fashion exciting and unpredictable; it’s why designers are continuously reinventing their approaches to runway and street style fashion.

We use fashion as a medium to define life’s moments. In our spring shoot, we capture models in styles that reflect today’s trends, paired together to embrace this moment in fashion.

Each photo in this shoot tells a story of its own, but also lends itself to a bigger picture.

The combination of dark blues and grays with subtle pops of forest green and crimson complements the natural and architectural landscape of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and its surroundings. We capture these fleeting moments, documenting this time in the cycle of fashion.

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On Tareq: Gray Mockneck Sweater, Model’s Own; Steven Alan, Matiere Hyde Black Ribbed Velvet Pant, $240; Forest Green Leather Motorcycle Jacket, Model’s Own; Black Leather Watch, Model’s Own

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On Joe: Steven Alan, Delta Zip Shirt in Navy Corduroy, $295; Steven Alan, Milo Pant in Navy Corduroy, $295; White Sneakers, Model’s Own / On Heather: LIT Boutique, BCBGeneration, Gray and White Stripe Blazer, $118; Navy and White Stripe Culottes, Stylist’s Own; White Sneakers, Stylist’s Own

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On Heather: Black Ruffle Turtleneck, Stylist’s Own; Black Paperbag-Waist Culottes, Stylist’s Own; Black Glove Boots, Model’s Own; Silver Squiggle Earrings, Stylist’s Own / On Sonia: Steven Alan, Brio Jumpsuit in Navy Serge Twill, $345; Oatmeal Ruffle Turtleneck, Stylist’s Own; Black Work Boots, Model’s Own On Joe: Steven Alan, Matiere Parliament Black Ribbed Velvet Sweater, $265; Steven Alan, Alpha Industries, MA 1 Slim Fit Reversible Bomber in Silver/Red, $150; Gray Jeans, Model’s Own; White Sneakers, Model’s Own / On Tareq: Steven Alan, Matiere Hyde Black Ribbed Velvet Pant, $240; Gray Mockneck Sweater, Model’s Own; Forest Green Leather Motorcycle Jacket, Model’s Own; Black Boots, Model’s Own

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On Heather: Black Ruffle Turtleneck, Stylist’s Own; Black Paperbag-Waist Culottes, Stylist’s Own; Black Glove Boots, Model’s Own; Silver Squiggle Earrings, Stylist’s Own / On Tareq: Steven Alan, Matiere Hyde Black Ribbed Velvet Pant, $240; Gray Mockneck Sweater, Model’s Own; Forest Green Leather Motorcycle Jacket, Model’s Own; Black Boots, Model’s Own; Silver Rings, Model's Own / On Sonia: Steven Alan, Brio Jumpsuit in Navy Serge Twill, $345; Oatmeal Ruffle Turtleneck, Stylist’s Own; Black Work Boots, Model’s Own / On Joe: Steven Alan, Matiere Parliament Black Ribbed Velvet Sweater, $265; Steven Alan, Alpha Industries, MA 1 Slim Fit Reversible Bomber in Silver/Red, $150; Gray Jeans, Model’s Own; White Sneakers, Model’s Own

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On Sonia: Steven Alan, Brio Jumpsuit in Navy Serge Twill, $345; Oatmeal Ruffle Turtleneck, Stylist’s Own; Black Work Boots, Model’s Own

52 the buzz

On Joe: Steven Alan, Delta Zip Shirt in Navy Corduroy, $295; Steven Alan, Milo Pant in Navy Corduroy, $295; White T-Shirt, Model’s Own; White Sneakers, Model’s Own; Gray Sunglasses, Stylist's Own

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On Heather: Black Ruffle Turtleneck, Stylist’s Own; Black Paperbag-Waist Culottes, Stylist’s Own; Black Glove Boots, Model’s Own; Silver Squiggle Earrings, Stylist’s Own; Gray Sunglasses, Stylist’s Own On Tareq: Steven Alan, Matiere Parliament Black Ribbed Velvet Sweater, $265; Forest Green Overalls, Model’s Own; Black Boots, Model’s Own; Jewelry, Model’s Own

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crosscultural fashion Celebrating the movement encouraging bicultural style

by Falaknaz Chranya photo by Noor Nasser design by Jami Rubin

58 the buzz

As globalization increases exponentially, especially over the past few decades, the outcomes of cultural immersion are becoming even more vital to understanding how personal identities form. Individuals bring characteristics of their backgrounds into the societies they live in and, in turn, they become the products of their environment. As the seams of different cultures start to unravel into each other in this global melting pot, one can see the fashionable benefits of what it means to live in a world quilted with Western and Eastern influences.

Shazia Jamal, born in Chennai, India and raised in Texas from age 6, remembers a time when the kids she grew up with taunted her with discriminating insults, like ‘you smell like curry.’ Assuming it was something that just came with “brown culture,” Jamal said little and laid low. Members of minority groups definitely have a set of challenges they must overcome, but Jamal never let the bullying get in the way of her fashion aspirations.

Instead, she used her bicultural identity to start her own fashion label that creates one collective wardrobe, expressing not only her carefree, independent American views but also “the bold, vibrant colors [and] heavy-glamour outfits” of her Indian roots.

Jamal’s interest in fashion sparked at a young age because her mom was an Indian fashion designer. She learned not only how to style her outfits with accessories, but also how to carry herself in whatever she wears. She found that she likes to be unique in her fashion choices, and her label is nothing short of that concept.

Jamal’s line incorporates traditional aspects of American fashion, like jeans and the concept of crop tops, as well as traditional Indian elements, like bandini and embroidery. She also blends modern trends that are seen in both cultures like cold shoulder, off the shoulder or one shoulder crop tops and dhoti pants (equivalent to harem pants) with the traditional wardrobe.

However, in starting her own line, she has faced obstacles. She said that it is difficult to find some materials that are based in one market but not the other, such as leather, denim and bandini. Jamal reaches out to clients ranging

from young adults to middle-aged women, and she hopes to see her designs on the red carpet one day. She reaches her audience mostly through her Instagram (@shazia_k_jamal) and through pop-up sales in various cities in the southern regions.

Smrithi Ram of Seena Bazaar is another fusion fashion icon on the rise. She was born in Los Angeles but now lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Growing up, she remembers having trouble finding a balance in her identity during her teenage years.

“I was pretty ashamed of my culture because of how much bullying I faced,” said Ram. As a result, she found herself assimilating more and more into Western culture and, according to Ram, it started to influence not only “what [she] ate...and who [she] hung out with,” but also “what [she] wore.” However, she now realizes that her experiences had a profound impact on who she is today, for she began to fall “in love with [her] culture and all the aspects that come with it.”

One of the most important aspects that flourished from the cultivation of Ram’s relationship with her background is how she expresses her bicultural identity through fashion. She describes her style as comfortable street style.

She likes to feel at-ease in what she wears, so her go-to look is usually sneakers paired with a bomber jacket and a sweatshirt. She also incorporates her South Indian identity into her everyday fashion through tops and bindis.

“I also love stealing my mom’s saree blouses and pairing them with a pair of ripped jeans or a mini skirt,” Ram said.

Ram and her best friend, Sree, also have an Instagram profile, The S Movement (@thesmovement), and an online clothing store, Seena Bazaar (seenabazaar.com), that highlight South Indian fashion as opposed to the many platforms that focus mainly on North Indian designs. They currently focus on culturally-fused jackets; their website sells traditional South Indian saree fabrics stitched onto denim jackets.

Shachi Risbud of Canton, Massachusetts is a lifestyle, fashion, makeup and dance Instagrammer (@shalteshares) and YouTuber.

Growing up, she was not interested in fashion

whatsoever. It was not until her junior year of college that she learned how great it felt when she, with the help of her roommate, put together an outfit that was cohesive and confidence-boosting. Since then, she has been aspiring to make her fashion unique.

Even though Risbud was always mesmerized by her mom’s sense of Indian style, she had trouble expressing her Indian culture. She explains that she felt her background was appreciated from far away or as an entity on its own, but that she felt discouraged from integrating it into her everyday life. She comments that even though people always appreciate the beauty of saree prints and fabrics, when women wear sarees to the mall in America, people find it very strange. She hated that these situations made her feel as though there was a part of her life she had to hide.

Her style today incorporates the two worlds that she belongs to. “I fuse Indian and Western styles together to create a kind of art that brings traditional Indian styles...into new age fashion trends, like sleek and trendy,” said Risbud. She integrates traditional Indian elements like bindis, dupattas, embroidery and heavy jewelry with American details like flare jeans and thigh high boots.

“Gotta have heels. It just makes your body and posture look so much better,” said Risbud.

This is not to say that Risbud is not still working on how to balance both of her cultures. She wants to make sure that she never offends anyone with the outfits she puts together. “I need to find the limit to how much of one culture I can transform using another,” Risbud said.

For inspiration on new outfit and makeup ideas she follows Instagram icons @hemalpatel and @thesandylion.

By growing up in an American community with an Indian background, these three women have not only overcome obstacles that have tested their identities but they have also become phenomenal contributors to a movement that celebrates bicultural fashion. After countless experiences of having to pick which identity they’d like to represent on which day, Shazia, Smrithi, Shachi and others have used fashion as a medium to establish a simultaneous expression of the multiple traditions that make them who they are.

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SUSTAINABLE STYLE Five environmentally sustainable brands that will keep you fashionable article and design by Solana Chatfield illustration by Samantha West

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The fashion industry was deemed the second most polluting industry after petroleum, which means sustainability has become quite the buzzword in the industry. However, it is difficult to find brands that actually care about maintaining trendiness while ensuring environmental safety.

Here are five verified fashion initiatives aiming toward sustainable style.

Levi Strauss Since the beginning, Levi Strauss has emphasized sustainability in water usage in their clothing line. Levi’s launched a Water<Less™ campaign resulting in saving over one billion liters of water in their denim manufacturing alone.

Zara’s #JoinLife Campaign The #JoinLife campaign is Zara’s initiative to reduce their environmental impact by using recycled fabrics and organically-grown cotton.

The company also uses 100% recycled water for all of their products.

Stella McCartney Since 2001, Stella McCartney has been a furand-leather-free brand that has since developed into an environmentally friendly leader in the fashion industry. One of her newest collaborations, Adidas by Stella McCartney, is bringing sustainability into the athletic market by using only recycled polyester.

Nikki Reed and Dell Combining sustainability and design, Nikki Reed and Dell are launching a collaborative high-end jewelry line in 2018 made exclusively from the gold found in recycled computer motherboards.

The Reformation The Reformation website informs the consumer of the carbon dioxide, water and waste savings that are used in producing each product. They also use washing techniques that minimize chemical and water waste.

The Buzz is hiring designers and photographers for fall 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.

@thebubuzz | thebubuzz.com

A Different Kind of Bean Town

A look into Boston's evolving coffee scene

by Eliza Sullivan photography by Noor Nasser design by Katherine Monroe

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For some people, coffee is a cup of whatever they brewed at home; for others it's their daily iced coffee from Dunkin or a latte from Starbucks. Regardless of what your daily fix is, coffee is one of society's most popular vices.

The coffee industry has gone through changing standards the same way restaurants, fashion and art go through trends. These trends become movements, driven by new knowledge, technology or resources, and are often known as waves. Examples include Third Wave Feminism, Third Wave Democracy and yes: Third Wave Coffee. One wave doesn’t eliminate the previous, but builds on it. Boston has had a front row seat for coffee’s third wave, watching coffee shops become more specialized and more unique. Home to over 150,000 college students each year, students seeking study spots flock to coffee shops for the free Wi-Fi and study fuel.

The younger audience is also more likely to embrace new options and new trends.

Boston has risen as a hub for dramatic changes in business and innovation, and as a home for startup companies. The open-mindedness of Boston in regard to business coupled with a captive audience who is willing to spend on good food and drink has allowed for the success of the third wave in Boston.

Massachusetts icon Dunkin’ Donuts is an embodiment of a first wave coffee shop. First wave thrives on efficiency. It resulted in massive containers of ground coffee and bulk brewers for blended origin beans. This wave was about the caffeination; treating coffee in much the same way we treat gasoline.

Coffee shops like Starbucks lead the second major wave of coffee trends, which offered craft beverages that were still part of a mass production, even as their chains expanded. A reaction to the poor quality of second wave coffee, this brought new products and higher standards to the table. The American public became more familiar with espresso based beverages, and suddenly ‘latte’ and ‘frappuccino’ were parts of colloquial speech. The third wave brings something entirely different to the table, which has continuously seemed to gain momentum.

These shops focus equally on craft, ingredients and equipment. Third wave coffee is also about experience, making the retailer and location a larger part of the consumer’s day. The movement is artisanal, along the same lines of craft beer. Changing language surrounding coffee means discussing more of the origin areas, roasting techniques and brewing processes. And in the same way there are fine wines and budget wines, there is artisanal coffee and standard coffee.

Boston has had a developing coffee scene for decades, with George Howell leading the field over forty years ago. He began producing high quality coffee beverages out of his Cambridge coffee shop “The Coffee Connection” in 1974.

As his brand grew, it was eventually purchased

by Starbucks as the West Coast chain started making its way east.

“As consumers wanted more frappuccinos and lattes, he was becoming more invested in the source for the beans—the coffee itself,” said Rebecca Fitzgerald, the Chief Operating Officer of George Howell Coffee.

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“A coffee shop should appeal not only to the academic or student, but also to the people who swing hammers or drive buses.”

“I think Boston is a great coffee community. We all kinda work together,” said Phil Schein, the owner and CEO of Fazenda Coffee Roasters, located in Dedham, Massachusetts.

“You can see all these cafes coming in, all these west coast roasters, because they know we really do appreciate good coffee in Boston.”

This community has fostered cafes alongside increased local production of high quality coffee beans. At Fazenda, they receive sample batches of raw, green, coffee beans which they can then roast in a smaller model of the large batch roaster. By experimenting with different roasts, they can choose which beans and what ‘recipe’ they will use to create the best possible cup of coffee.

The George Howell brand has continued as he founded his self-named coffee brand in 2004, and he has continued working on his “Cup of Excellence” initiative with the Alliance for Coffee Excellence, seeking to improve the quality of the coffee and the industry.

The initiative, contrary to its name, isn’t just about the flavor of the final cup. The program puts emphasis on the farmers by having the proceeds from the high-profile coffee contests go to farmers, but also by requiring the coffee used in competition to be clearly sourced.

“It encourages farmers to focus on certain parts of their farm in an effort to get higher than commodity pricing, to focus on the coffee,” said Fitzgerald.

An emphasis on harnessing the natural flavor of the coffee inspires roasters to create Single Origin coffees, which are created with all beans

from a single geographic region. Some roasters take that even further—with George Howell also roasting Single Estate coffees—where all the beans come from the same farm. Fitzgerald describes the retail coffee program at George Howell’s self-named cafe as “almost like a wine store—there’s a huge selection.”

Proof of Boston’s true “beantown” potential can be seen in the way coffee shops continue to pop up around the city, but also in the pride different roasters have in being local Boston roasters.

“We take a lot of pride in the fact that we roast here locally,” said Monika Bach, the Director for Marketing and Partnerships at Fazenda. “It’s great that the culture and the scene is evolving. We work with so many great chefs and restaurants in the Boston community.”

With a roastery in Lee in Western Massachusetts, Barrington Coffee keeps its Boston connection with two self-owned cafes where they can serve their own product. “A coffee shop should appeal not only to the academic or student,” said Andrew Sanni, a field trainer and former roaster for Barrington, “but also to the people who swing hammers or drive buses.”

At Barrington, as at other third wave roasters, they also make a point of paying over commodity and even fair trade pricing to ensure the quality of the product. Commodity price, similar to market price, is based on the market in which the product is being sold. Fair trade pricing takes into account the additional cost farms carry to support fair trade practices.

Coffee roasters, especially specialty roasters like many of the ones in the Boston area, pay extra

to ensure that they’re supporting farmers, but also to be sure that the specialty beans are held to the highest standard.

When selecting beans, roasters also have to grapple with the value of certifications. Many of the farms producing raw coffee use organic practices, but the cost of earning the certification stops them from selling their product as USDA Certified Organic. “All of our coffees follow the practice for being organic, where we’re not using pesticides, but they’re not necessarily certified because some farms can’t afford it,” explained Schein.

At George Howell, they’re working to educate the consumer about the process it takes to get coffee from the plant to the cup, including everything from farming to roasting to brewing. “Our best customers are ones that are curious,” said Fitzgerald. Classes at their cafe offer the chance for avid coffee aficionados to learn even more.

The abundance of coffee shops throughout Boston is a testament to the city’s willingness to welcome this industry into the community. The idea of these common spaces where people can sit alone, but around others, to get work done is one that has made coffee shops an important part in many cities’ history, Boston’s included.

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feast your eyes

How Instagram has shaped the way Bostonians choose restaurants

by Amanda Portis photo by Ece Yavuz design by Jami Rubin

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Boston is home to thousands of restaurants, making the “where do you want to eat?” conversation quite a problem. For those who are more aesthetically minded, Instagram can help resolve that question. Thousands of “food accounts” share photos of some of the best foods Boston has to offer. These Boston-based foodie accounts can be a great way to pick a restaurant for brunch with your roommates, drinks with that cute person from class or dinner when your parents are in town.

Two of Boston’s major food accounts are @bostonfoodies and @hungrygirlsofboston. When combined, their posts reach 136,000 likes from curious, food-loving followers. Not only do these accounts share their meals, creating a connection with their followers, but often they create a network between themselves and the restaurants they visit.

Boston Foodies was started by Tiffany Lopinsky in 2014 due to a love of food and food photography. She took notice of accounts in the New York area, and created a food account for Boston as a way to appreciate the restaurants that the Boston-area has to offer.

The Hungry Girls of Boston (contrary to the name) started in Amherst, Massachusetts in 2014 as a way for six college girls to share their meals with friends while attending the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, but post-graduation the girls have continued the account and found great success in Boston.

Boston University student, Alice Pinho, started her food account @2hungrypals at the end of her senior year of high school with a friend as a way to explore the new cities that they were moving to, Boston and Los Angeles.

Referencing Boston, Pinho said, “I love the diversity; you can find anything from Thai food, to Mexican, to artisan donuts. I think that makes eating here more exciting, and of course it is perfect for food blogging.”

While plenty of cities have active “foodstagram” communities, the sheer volume of accounts based in the Boston area is an indicator of the quality and quantity of great restaurants around the city. With help from food accounts, we chose some of our favorite places where you can eat and snap that perfect shot.

Double Chin HK Cafe, located at 86 Harrison Ave., serves a unique cuisine as Chinese food meets American comfort-food. Dessert and

brunch are big hits at this small spot in the heart of Chinatown, but the restaurant has full meals as well with Chinese appetizers, a variety of wings and noodles that are made to order.

Their most Insta-worthy dish is definitely their cube toast dessert filled high with ice cream, fresh fruit and other sweets, which comes in multiple flavors.

MET Back Bay is located on the corner of Dartmouth and Newbury Streets in downtown Boston. The menu may seem daunting as the restaurant has many dishes to offer for every meal of the day. The restaurant uses New England staples to create a blend of continental and American-style cooking for a fresh take that mirrors the elegant and modern aesthetic of the restaurant itself. Brunch is the winner for their most Insta-worthy meals: think decadent options like Nutella-stuffed French toast or a truffled Croque Madame.

Tatte is a cafe chain located in and around the city of Boston, but the first ever location is located close to BU in Brookline. Perfect for grabbing pastries to go or a quaint location for brunch, all the cafes have wide open windows and a variety of seating options, making capturing the perfect shot easy for even the amateur food photographers. Some of the most Instaworthy dishes here are the croque monsieur and their variations on shakshuka (a traditional North African dish). Also, their latte art is certainly worth a snap. Pinho named both Tatte and MET Back Bay as two of her favorite brunch spots.

Bagelsaurus is located across the river at 1796 Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge. As the name suggests, the shop revolves around fresh-made bagels with crazy flavors and fillings. The list of homemade spreads and handcrafted sandwiches are all made with fresh ingredients. The vibrant colors of the sandwiches in the bagels make for a great snapshot, especially things like the purple hued beet hummus or the overflowing “Classic Jumbo” breakfast sandwich.

Boston Burger Company has three locations around the city. Their name suggests that burgers are the highlight of their menu, but their overloaded milkshakes steal the show. Made with or without alcohol, the toppings on these milkshakes are almost the same size of the cup itself. There are a few staples that stay on the menu year-round, but the specialty milkshake changes constantly.

“Boston Burger Company does a new milkshake every month so we try to go there as much as possible,” said Stephanie Atocha, one of the Hungry Girls of Boston.

Frenchie Boston is located at 560 Tremont St. in the South End. The French restaurant is open from brunch to dinner. A highlight on their brunch menu is the rosé slushie. Cheese and charcuterie platter are both perfect for a great shot, and small plate options make it easy to try an array of their offerings, serving as an appetizer or combined together to create a meal.

Citrus and Salt, located at 142 Berkeley St., is an upscale Mexican restaurant with a heavy emphasis on their exciting and creative cocktails.

Not only are the drinks and food colorful, but the restaurant is also, offering an aesthetic that is great for Instagram. Boston Foodies lists Citrus and Salt as one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in the city, in their opinion.

Uni is located inside of The Eliot Hotel on Commonwealth Ave. The upscale Japanese pub specializes in sushi, small plates and ramen. The location and design of the space is contemporary to match the highly innovative dishes developed by chefs Ken Oringer and Tony Messina. The food is fresh and colorful, and the presentation is what makes this a bucket-list dinner reservation for any avid foodie.

Saltie Girl, at 281 Dartmouth St., is the perfect restaurant for all things seafood. Boston’s coastal location means plenty of fresh product to choose from and at Saltie Girl they take advantage of that. From fried lobster and waffles to one of the largest collections of tinned seafood, there are many varieties of seafood to choose from. Not only is the menu varied, but the chefs serve all their dishes with an artful presentation.

Lolita has two locations; one at 271 Dartmouth St. in Back Bay and a second location at 253 Summer St. in the Seaport district.

This cantina style restaurant has a fun take on Mexican cuisine and drinks. The menu has a strong emphasis on street food, but don’t forget to indulge in dessert: churros are one of the highlights of their funky menu.

The list could continue as Boston is home to an amazing food scene that cherishes both taste and presentation, so don’t be afraid to whip out your phone and capture the art you eat.

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recipe for success Cookbooks to kick off your culinary adventures

by Lindsey Rosenblatt / photo by Eva Vidan / designed by Shannon Yau

Academics, social life, internships and coffee orders cloud a college student’s mind, leaving little brain power to even think about cooking a nutritious meal. Here’s your ultimate cheat sheet, whether you’re feeling crafty, lazy or stressed. These cookbooks cover all the bases for starter cooks wishing to lead a healthier lifestyle and please their taste buds.

The “Aspiring Health Enthusiast” Cookbook Hungry Girl 1-2-3

by Lisa Lillien This secret weapon only lists recipes that are nutritious and simple, so eating healthy becomes a second thought. Recipes are microwave friendly and require minimal ingredients.

The “Sweet Tooth Cure” Cookbook Mug Cakes

by Joanna Farrow A cheat day is necessary in every healthy diet.

Ditch the Oreos and make a homemade, warm cookie in a mug directly in the microwave with few ingredients.

The “I Hate Words” Cookbook Look and Cook

by Rachel Ray Assigned readings take enough time; therefore, deciphering the words of a recipe while starving does not sound practical. Luckily, classic Food Network star chef Rachel Ray explains her 30-minute comfort food recipes with photos, so all the starter-chef has to do is follow the pictures.

The “Impress Friends” Cookbook Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom

by Julia Child Julia Child, the mother of French cuisine, holds your hand through sophisticated cooking, bringing it back to the basics. Prepare to unveil the secrets of mastering classic French recipes and get ready to receive many compliments from satisfied friends.

The “Need-to-Save-Money-but-Also-Eat” Cookbook $5 a Meal College Cookbook

by Rhonda Lauret Parkinson Specifically designed for college students, this is a must for finding easy and affordable recipes to incorporate into the daily routine. It even provides a shopping list of essential foods to keep in the kitchen.

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BUPD’S CHIEF NEE

BU’s first woman police chief: a year into her position

by Ashley Griffin photography by Alejandra Aristeguieta design by Valentina Wicki-Heumann

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didn't let snide remarks really bother me or derail me in any way, and I certainly didn't have any problem voicing my displeasure.â&#x20AC;?

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In 1980, Kelly Nee was a recent high school graduate heading to Northeastern University.

Captivated by the forensic techniques of a CSI show, Nee decided to pursue forensic science as a career path. But, one thing got in her way.

“I could not pass chemistry. I was flunking chemistry, even though I did pretty good in chemistry in high school,” Nee said. “So, my advisor told me that, you know, if you can't pass chemistry, you can't become a forensic chemist.”

Upon this realization, Nee needed to decide on a new career and find a co-op that would satisfy Northeastern University’s requirement.

“I ended up taking an internship at the Boston Police Department and that was probably in 1982, and I was with them ever since,” Nee said.

“I don’t know, I got bit by some kind of a bug.”

Nee spent 33 years with the Boston Police Department before coming to Boston University, where she is now the police chief of BUPD. In fact, she is the first female police chief hired by BU. Beginning her criminal justice career in the 1980s had its challenges, Nee said. Policing has historically been thought of as a man’s job, and Nee worked hard to earn the trust of the department.

“I do think there is something to be said about having to work a little harder to prove yourself,” Nee said. “I was really fortunate. I had some wonderful mentors, and on the police department at that time, mentors were men.”

Born and raised in South Boston, Nee said she has “never been one to shy away from a good challenge,” referring to the challenges she faced as a woman in the criminal justice field in the 1980s. Her childhood experiences taught her to speak up for herself.

“I think I was pretty thick-skinned. I was resilient,” she said. “I didn't let snide remarks really bother me or derail me in any way, and I certainly didn't have any problem voicing my displeasure.”

However, Nee acknowledged that not all women feel the same sense of empowerment in their careers.

“They don't feel like they have a voice, or they're a little less confident about bucking the system or speaking up,” she said. “I feel for them, and it's important for us to take care of them and advocate for folks like that.”

When it comes to women’s issues, Nee said, her main goal is ensuring that there is an equal playing field for day to day experiences, training and promotion.

“It's kind of the little things that many people don't think of,” Nee said. “You know, putting a refrigerator in the locker room because one of my officers is breastfeeding, so she doesn't have to put milk in the common refrigerator.”

In her first year at Boston University, Chief Nee has joined an anti-hate crime task force,

traveled abroad and participated in lots of interviews. She said the university has been very supportive of her ventures both on and off campus.

While she is responsible for keeping the BU campus safe, that hasn’t kept her from staying involved with city issues.

In November, the Governor appointed Nee to his task force against hate crimes. The team is responsible for proposing solutions about how to respond to hate crimes, prosecute offenders and prevent hate crimes in the future.

“Hate crimes and hate events are intolerable in a civilized society,” she said, “and we're not going to tolerate it.”

Some ideas that the task force have presented are creating training programs to teach prevention and response methods for police officers, hosting trainings for hate crime offenders, and creating a registry hate crime offenders, Nee said.

“We really need a change of mindset and a change of heart,” she said. “If you're inclined to hurt somebody based on the way they look, who they sleep with, what their religion is—that takes a different type of hate.”

Boston University’s campus is safe, Nee said, with zero hate crimes reported in 2016.

However, considering that hate crimes are an under-reported crime and BU students might have valuable input on the topic, the chief hopes to organize a student advisory committee on the topic.

Nee would ask students questions such as, “What do you want me to bring to this committee? What would you like me to convey as a message from the University and from your population that's important to you regarding this issue?” Then, she would voice those values and concerns to the task force.

In January, Nee represented BU in a nine-day counterterrorism training in Israel sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League. While there, Nee enjoyed experiencing the religious sites as well as the geopolitics of the nation.

“We were there when President Trump named Jerusalem the capital of Israel,” Nee said. “It was really fascinating to see American foreign policy in action in the country that it directly affected.”

During her time at BU so far, Nee has emphasized demystifying the relationship between students and BUPD officers. She has worked towards this by making herself accessible to students for interviews and input on how BUPD addresses issues on campus.

“I think a Police Chief ’s number one issue is to really be connected to the community that we serve, and to open up lines of communication, be available,” Nee said. “I’ve really tried to do that, and I will continue to do that as long as I'm here.”

There’s a common misconception at Boston University that BUPD officers are like hounds constantly hunting for students to punish for

underage drinking. However, safety is their number one priority, Nee said. Whether students are partying or there is an emergency on campus, BUPD serves to provide the necessary information to allow students to make safe decisions.

“We're not here to bust up your parties and arrest you for no reason and give you a hard time,” Nee said. “The officers here are really, really committed to kids successfully graduating from this University. That's their goal, and they do a really good job.”

The police department works closely with BU’s judicial system to ensure students’ education and careers aren’t destroyed by their mistakes. In some cases, of course, arrests are necessary, but most arrests that BUPD makes involve non-students on BU’s campus, Nee said.

“We're not here to micromanage your behavior, but we're here as a partner to help … you navigate,” Nee said. “We're here to be partners in problem-solving.”

While BU is definitely a different community than the other communities within the city of Boston, it is still a community with valid concerns, Nee said. Part of her adjustment to work at BU has included getting to know the community here and understanding the values and concerns of its members, including staff, faculty and students.

“See, you can't minimize people's concerns,” Nee said. “They're just different so the community is different in the nature of crime here is different.”

Nee is also responsible for public safety at the Boston University Medical Campus at Boston Medical Center. She has to work with the city and other partners to ensure safety in that environment, which has issues with the opioid crisis and other vulnerabilities.

“Keeping the students, faculty, staff and workers that traverse that area every day, making them have a sense of safety as well,” Nee said.

“So, it's just been challenging but not crazy.”

When she’s not on duty, Nee loves cooking and enjoying Boston’s numerous restaurants, from the infamous North End to the hole-inthe-wall spots scattered around the city.

“I’m an adventurous eater. I’ll really try anything,” she said. “I really love really good ethnic food, and the city is just loaded with pockets of ethnicities that have some tremendous little restaurants.”

Nee said she has enjoyed her time at Boston University as Police Chief and plans to stay here.

“So far, I'm incredibly happy with my time here and hope I have a nice long career here,” Nee said. “It's a great environment.”

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BUILDING A FOLLOWING

Maintaining a YouTube career in college

by Suparna Samavedham / photo by Celine Koh / design by Solana Chatfield

After a long day of work, most students prefer to settle down with a stack of homework, a favorite Netflix show and some well-deserved sleep. Boston University’s elite videography superheroes, however, stay up tirelessly throughout the night, editing and filming content to post the following morning.

They are forced to cut corners when it comes to having a social life, participating in extracurricular activities and school work. Devoting their time towards a passion is a boon. The recognition, sponsorship and money they get are a major bonus. But as Kings Kommentary owner notes, “not all that glitters is gold.”

By dawn, Nnamdi Kingsley Okwerekwu (Questrom ’19) is a BU student majoring in

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business. But by dusk, Okwerekwu runs Kings Kommentary, a channel devoted to comedic content filled with pranks and rants. The channel has acquired over 330,000 followers within its three years on YouTube.

Making time for both school and filming keeps him busy.

“We all know that BU is no joke,” Okwerekwu said. “It's been challenging balancing school and YouTube, but I think that God gives his biggest challenges to the toughest warriors and I think I'm a pretty tough warrior. So, I'm going to just keep going and try to keep balancing everything.”

Okwerekwu said he has appreciated the love that he receives from family and friends, and his subscribers are new source of love for him.

“It feels good to have 330K plus followers because there's a lot of love in that, and that's why I do this,” said Okwerekwu. “I love ‘love.’ I love the idea of love. With the girls, but also with life: with family and friends and now my supporters.”

Okwerekwu admitted that though he doesn’t know where the future of his channel is headed, one thing he is sure of is ensuring its progress.

“I hear the number, and I want to keep going higher,” said Okwerekwu.

For others, YouTube is more of an intimate journey. It is an attempt to document life or a chance to connect with people from all over the world.

Kellie Rose Belarmino (SAR ’21) runs a channel with about 2,000 subscribers. She uses her channel to record her life at Boston University.

“I know when I was applying and when I was first admitted, I wanted to know a lot more about the school and the lifestyle of living here. So, I think about that when I produce videos now. There's an incoming class, so what can I do or create for them to see what life is like here?”

YouTube to Belarmino has become a “visual journal, so everything I document are things that I see and things that I want to remember years on.”

“I think YouTube is the perfect platform to capture something to remember later on when you just forget the details,” said Belarmino.

“College is the best years of your life, so you want to remember and make the most of it.”

Lucy Geraghty’s (SAR ’19) YouTube channel has accumulated over 60,000 subscribers. She recently studied abroad in Paris, France, and loved her experience, especially the opportunity she had to showcase all of it on YouTube.

“It’s weird having people recognize me because I'm just a normal person, and it's just me talking to a camera” said Geraghty. “But it's nice to know that you're making an impact.”

It was interesting for Geraghty to experience fans while she was abroad, she said.

“I also met people in Paris, and they were asking me if I was going to do a meet up in Paris, and I was like, ‘I feel like 10 people in Paris watch my videos,’” said Geraghty. “But it was really cool. I met people in the Louvre and in Greece that watch my videos.”

Like Okwerekwu, Geraghty finds the connection and love from her subscribers of utmost importance.

“I think my favorite part has been feeling like I'm helping people and connecting with subscribers because people comment on my Instagram asking for advice all the time,” said Geraghty. “I feel like I'm making a difference when people say like, ‘you brighten my day.’”

For rising YouTubers, this social media platform has been a means of discovering resources and talent. Freshmen Geneve Lau (COM ’21)

and Jacob Wittenberg (COM ’21) became friends through BU but have since delved into and discovered their passion for social media.

Lau and Wittenberg connected through a mutual friend at Warren. They went to take photos together one morning at a park and the rest was history.

“We got along well, hung out and I helped him shoot one of his music videos,” said Lau. They also run a growing coffee shop review Instagram (@bean_happens) together. She jokingly remarked that him owning a DSLR doesn’t hurt either.

“Pooling our resources together has been really helpful,” said Lau. Wittenberg also commented on how he hopes his videos can help future incoming classes.

“I know when I was applying and when I was first admitted, I wanted to know a lot more about the school and the lifestyle of living here,” said Wittenberg. “So, I think about that when I produce videos now. There's an incoming class, so what can I do or create for them to see what life is like here?”

Not only are social media platforms important for BU YouTubers, but BU has provided numerous opportunities for their personal and professional growth.

“We have an entire communication school of people that want to learn what we're doing and want to help out. There are also people from whom we can learn a lot,” said Okwerekwu.

Okwerekwu explained that in the past, for projects such as music videos, he has been able to team up with people from BU’s College of Communication who are excited to produce top-quality content. Students see this as an

opportunity to get their hands dirty, and having eager students like this at their YouTubers' disposal has been advantageous.

“BU has three fairly big YouTubers [Gretchen Geraghty, Arlin Moore and Kings Kommentary], and a lot more on the rise,” said Okwerekwu. “Not many schools have that, so being able to meet people like me who know my struggles and blessings has been great.”

For YouTubers that create college-related content, going to BU has been a major reason as to why they create content. Whether it is to give prospective students a glimpse into the day in the life of a BU student or a room tour of a lesser-known dorm, there hasn’t been a shortage in possibilities. Moreover, Wittenberg comments on the culture on campus.

“It’s really easy to produce things because I’m comfortable going out and saying, ‘This is where I live, these are the people, this is what I’m doing here,’” said Wittenberg. “BU is a very supportive environment for creating content and being present in the social media scene.”

However, no matter how many eye bags they manage to accumulate, the amount of knowledge and the opportunities they receive makes it all worth it.

“Being a YouTuber, I sometimes feel like a double major in Business and Communication,” said Okwerekwu. “It’s exciting how much I get to learn.”

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SECURE YOUR NEXT JOB Academic help and career development at BU

by Katerina Yang / photo by Samantha West / design by Shannon Yau

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Boston University offers many opportunities for academic and career help around campus.

With these services, students can speak with supervisors about career interests and even get help with building a professional resume.

Yawkey Center for Student Services This center, located on Bay State Road, is responsible for CAS students’ activities. Around 20 staff members work closely with students and employers to ensure that students know of the variety of work opportunities available post-college.

College of Communication Advising COM offers students one-on-one advising.

Each student is assigned an advisor, and they can make an appointment with them through the COM Undergraduate Affairs Office (COM, room 123). Advisors make sure students fulfill their requirements for graduation, COM foundation requirements and the CAS focus.

Students can also schedule meetings through phone call or walk-in appointments to meet with an advisor to review their resumes. COM has its own resume format, so students can simply follow the template online and create their resumes. They can then bring them to the office to let a resume specialist have a look.

CAS Academic Advising The staff at CAS Academic Advising provides individual advising and necessary programs that not only serve BU students’ needs but also support the growth and development of the students. It provides walk-in hours available to any CAS student from 1 to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Center for Career Development (CCD) The CCD holds one-on-one appointments, during which students can meet with an advisor and go through the student’s resume. Also, the CCD’s website provides interview help, resume writing guides, industry research aides and job seeking tools to help students who cannot meet in person.

Questrom School of Business (UDC) The Undergraduate Academic & Career Development Center (UDC) is a primary source of academic advising for Questrom undergraduates. There are seven professional academic advisors, offering a wide range of academic support including course planning, degree requirements, concentration choices, and study abroad options and more. Career advisors assist students on a walk-in basis on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays.

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LISTENING TO THE FUTURE Analyzing technology’s effect on the future of music

by Karissa Perry photography by Eva Vidan design by Charlotte Kershaw

While there are select artists that stay at the top of the charts for quite some time, the songs that make up the top ten change constantly. A new album is dropped, a single or two shoots up on the charts and then slowly disappears, getting replaced by the latest radio hit.

In order to keep with this upward trend and consistently release music with an edge over its predecessors, the music industry turns to controversy, shock value, celebrity branding and— most notably—technology.

However, the answer to how we combine technological innovation with the natural, artistic value of music both effectively and appropriately is largely debated.

“Music’s always going to change and that’s what we hope,” said David Remedios, head of the sound design department at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts. “We don’t want music to become a museum piece. The technology can certainly open up new possibilities.”

Taking into account current bands with a more old-school sound to them, the last thing listeners want is for music to become stagnant. The Beatles and Queen will always retain their legacies and reputations, but the styles, lyricism and sounds used in music have

to keep changing in order to attract followings—and technological innovations can propel this.

“I rely on digital technology and virtual instruments, virtual samplers, synthesizers,” said Remedios. “In terms of the arranging and the nuts and bolts—knocking out the notes—I do that all digitally now.”

There are unthinkable gaps in music that technology can seemingly fill. We are no longer restricted to standard musical instruments and singing voices. The gradual rise of EDM, dubstep and electronic music proves this. Using solely technology to generate music has become an art form and a separate music genre.

Technology expands the library of sounds we choose from, allowing composers and artists to construct melodies that the general public have never heard, potentially creating new subgenres and niches.

The expansionary effects of technology not only cater to the music itself, but also to the listening experience.

During Coachella in 2012, a hologram of the late rapper Tupac was broadcasted for the audience. A visual effects studio brought the artist to life for a memorable posthumous performance.

Similarly, the 52nd Super Bowl halftime show incorporated a Prince projection. Both performances foreshadow what is to come in regard to technology for concert-goers. Suddenly, an artist’s passing does not signify a clear end to his or her music career; with technology’s assistance, famous artists are immortalized.

Not only is technology used to bring life to artists who have passed, but DJ’s are using it to engage with their listeners.

Dan McCarthy, a professional DJ and owner of Boston DJ, described a new program his company is planning on using, particularly for nightclubs, called “Ask the DJ.” “I can put the URL up on the screen and so, a regular could have that on their phone and have direct access,” he said. “It gives everyone’s phone direct access and shows me their requests.”

In this sense, technology makes music more user-friendly and expedient. The barrier between artist and fan deteriorates with every new software, program, app or device.

One medium that is significantly connecting fans with their favorite singers and bands is social media.

“All the resources are pretty much on the internet, so people are more self-reliant and able

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to do things themselves,” said Danielle Leonard, the digital asset manager at Topshelf Records. “I think the democratization of music is awesome and it shouldn’t be restricted only to the people that have lots of money.”

Social media has become both increasingly prevalent and advanced as the years go on. It does more than connect people—nowadays, it advances careers. Social media has even crept into streaming services, most notably Spotify. The popular digital music market lets people create profiles, add friends, share music and conjoin it with their Facebook and Twitter accounts.

“I know that there are a lot of artists that have gotten to where they are through social media and not going the traditional route,” said McCarthy.

Many artists are now their own micro-managers. Music is shared at no additional cost and fan bases are built through smart social-media use, doing away with the need for a major label and blurring the correlation between fame and money in the music industry.

While these innovations and internet resources may open the door to possibility, they can also overshadow and overcomplicate the true meaning of music.

Social media leaves opportunity for financial growth—but not necessarily for the humble artist. Instead of content being sorted based on publish time, most programs now sort based on relevancy, forcing many people and companies who want to extend their reach, musicians included, to pay for advertisements.

“I love Spotify, but I think the artist will someday rise up and come up with a new way to share their music with fans,” said McCarthy.

The actual compensation musicians receive is a gray area. Revenue from advertisements and listeners is definitively paid out to the program the artist used and any label the artist is under, but

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payment to the actual artist can be quite slim. “…the technology offers so many possibilities that you can lose the force with the trees sometimes,” Remedios said. “You can do so much with it that if you don’t have a clear idea of what you’re trying to say with your music, then you can get distracted or you can overburden it with stuff.”

Technology, like anything else, is best exercised in moderation. If any sound is available at the click of a button, even human singing voices, then the need for physical musicians diminishes. Music labels can instead work with sound engineers, developing digitized voices and relying on holograms for performances.

“It’s helped me as a composer, but that’s not to say that I can’t just pick up my guitar and create something of equal artistic value,” Remedios said.

Moreover, watching an artist perform live, whether it be at a sold-out arena or a small open-mic venue, has its own charm. Part of that appeal is the unpredictability of the live-concert experience: predicting who will open the show, what song will be performed next and how the artist will sound compared to their studio recording. The other component is the intimacy an artist has with his or her listeners while performing live—something that technology could never recreate.

Take the resurgence of vinyl records. Listeners are willingly paying for large plastic discs and bulky record players rather than simply downloading or streaming that same content on their smartphones. Many go the vinyl route because of nostalgia’s pull, wanting to listen to their favorite old-school artists in its original forum. Others are drawn by the hipster, vintage aesthetic of owning a record player and having a collection of eye-catching vinyl records.

However, the biggest gain is the distinctive sound quality they possess. While sound quality

is subjective, the vinyl revival shows that these larger discs are well-worth the extra space.

This points to a general consensus: technology’s shortcomings are linked to its overuse. We don’t need to avoid it, but we shouldn’t use it in excess either.

“Essentially, all [technology] is is a means to an end, a tool,” said Remedios.

If used correctly, it can be an extremely helpful “tool” for the average musician.

McCarthy, who considers himself a “fly-bythe-seat-of-your-pants DJ,” said that he reacts to “what the audience is feeling,” even if that means changing the song at the last minute.

“With five seconds left on the song that is playing, I’m not afraid to switch songs—and that’s what the technology is doing for me now,” he said.

Technology changed his ability to DJ by making it more convenient and expedient, but it didn’t jeopardize the artistic value of what he does.

“It’s definitely not going to hurt,” Leonard said about social media usage for musicians.

However, “it depends on the band,” and she has seen acts reach success both with and without social media’s assistance.

Therefore, technology is neither the antagonist nor the hero; instead, it is a potential assistant and reliable complement to what music really is: art.

“In the end, art is about what you are trying to say with your voice and if you have technological tools to assist that and you can utilize them effectively, all the better,” Remedios said.

“But you can still write a piece of music, sitting on a piano and writing stuff down on a piece of paper—you don’t need all these tools.”

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know that there are a lot of artists that have gotten to where they are through social media and not going the traditional route.â&#x20AC;?

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WITHOUT A VOICE

How music competition shows have affected the American artist

by Paul Stokes / photo by Celine Koh / design by Eugene Kim

The first episode of American Idol aired on June 11, 2002. It would go on to have unprecedented success in television over the course of its fifteen seasons. On March 11, 2018, the show returned. In light of this, it feels right to consider the influence the series has had on American pop culture and how that influence manifests itself even today. While most people might not realize it, Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson have had more of an impression on American art than most of our American artists.

This impact is most obvious when one looks at how the show altered reality television. After the success of American Idol, every network craved their own reality singing competition, talent show or otherwise brutal, televised reality event. NBC jumped in the mix with America’s Got Talent in 2006 and then The Voice in 2011, while Fox doubled up with The X Factor in 2011 until it ended in 2013. These shows became standards for American television and their season finales turned into events to be celebrated by the watching public. Finalists became champions for their fans to cheer for and viciously defend online from their detractors.

People were fixated on these shows and those who starred in them. America became a nation obsessed. Victory for an artist meant fame, fortune and, most importantly, the manifestation of their lifelong dream. Alternatively, defeat seemed to mean resigning to obscurity and falling from the public eye.

Whether or not becoming a winner in one of these competitions really led to the successes

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advertised by showrunners and exaggerated by the massive levels of audience hype depends, perhaps, on how one defines success; in a post-American-Idol America that can be pretty hard to define. Things get confusing when examining the list of winners each of these shows boast. Save a few exceptions from the early days of American Idol—see Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood—the winners of shows like this don’t stay in the public eye for very long after the end of their run as a contestant. It should logically follow from this that the tension of these shows would decrease with each year as more and more winners faded into obscurity, and yet with each year the viewership grew and, with it, the mania surrounding the competition.

In hindsight, people weren’t tuning in for the winner in the first place. People didn’t want the competition to finish; the competition itself was the spectacle—not the stars or the music they made. It could be argued that the rise of these shows in the late 2000s and early 2010s brought out the worst in the American viewing public, satisfying a desire for intense competition and happily allowing them to forget about the music all together. This is also evident in the structure of the shows themselves and their relentless emphasis on character and personal backstory.

Oftentimes, success or failure could come down to not just singing chops, but whether or not the audience connected emotionally with a contestant. This can be observed most clearly on The Voice, whose contestants are handpicked prior to each season by the show’s producers, and whose personal backstories are given an

almost grotesque amount of screen time in early episodes. It’s a lot harder to kick someone off the proverbial island when one is aware of all of the struggling he or she did to get to where they are.

This emphasis on character and story over actual musical ability reverberates throughout pop culture. Whereas personality and charisma have always had a vital place in pop music, for most of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, it was tied to music that possessed the same magic. Michael Jackson and Madonna weren’t just big personalities with big narratives; they were also incredibly talented musicians whose bodies of work received critical praise and saw massive mainstream success. And while there are still stars that embody this ideal— Beyoncé, Lady GaGa, Cardi B and Lorde, to name a few—many popular artists are vehicles,

not for their art, but for their personality and for their viability as characters in the great, continuing narrative of the music industry.

Take Kesha, whose rise to prominence behind singles like “Tik Tok” and “We R Who We R,” banked on her image. People latched on to her dirty, unpolished aesthetic and then on to her catchy songs. Moreover, after “Tik Tok” fell from the charts, it wasn’t the song that lingered in people’s minds: it was the aesthetic. While some may try to argue that America had fallen in love with Kesha and that the majority of listeners found her image endearing, it seems more likely that America loved to hate her, or at least mock her.

It’s a fundamental rule of show business that the audience wants to tear down celebrities even more than they want to build them up, and while

there are some exceptions to this norm—like Kesha, whose recent work following her lengthy lawsuit with Dr. Luke has been very successful— most stars aren’t so lucky. Shows like American Idol and The Voice offer their audiences a microcosm of this cycle with each season, giving them the chance to build up a whole roster of heroes before ultimately tearing each one down.

Pop music could never quite offer the same level of tension and catharsis, as the narrative behind stars’ lives was always more implied and never as explicit as it came across on television. While the industry strained in the years after the height of popularity for American Idol, The Voice and other programs, it was often to the detriment of the artists and the music itself.

It is unknown how the American public will receive the American Idol reboot, and whether

anything could match the peak of popularity the show reached in the late 2000s, but it is clear that the industry itself is still reeling from the cultural shift. Success in the music industry isn’t about music or even sales anymore—it’s about publicity, image and personal brand, all to an unprecedented extent. Even for artists whose musical legacies re-solidified, and whose bodies of work are critically acclaimed, there is a necessity to cater to a desire for scandal and conflict in order to stay relevant. Kanye West shouldn’t feud with Taylor Swift in order to stay in news headlines in 2018, and hopefully the stars of the future can inherit a world where conflict is no longer a commodity.

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beginnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s luck Top artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first hits that made them famous

by Music staff / design by Samantha West For most artists, it can take a couple of tries to get their sound just right and develop a following. A select few, however, were able to capture the attention of listeners from their very first release. Even if subsequent singles failed to live up to the hype, these songs stand alone as legacies to this day. From old-school to current chart-toppers, we've curated a list of the best debut singles thus far.

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staff

Ariana Quihuiz editor-in-chief

Jami Rubin creative director

Samantha West art director

Eva Vidan print photography director

Anna Barry managing editor

Caroline Smith head copy editor

Deanna Klima-Rajchel online design director

Noor Nasser online photography director

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Ashley Griffin campus section editor

Marianne Farrell city section editor

Megan Mulligan culture section editor

Falaknaz Chranya fashion section editor

Eliza Sullivan food section editor

Karissa Perry music section editor

ChloĂŤ Hudson travel section editor

Nicole Wilkes wellness section editor

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@thebubuzz