DU Clarion Volume 126 Issue 7

FEBRUARY 27, 2019 VOLUME 126 ISSUE 7

DU HOCKEY SPLITS WITH MIAMI-OHIO SEE PAGE 4

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DU CLARION

| NEWS

FEB. 27, 2019

USG Weekly Update: 2/25/19

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he USG meeting on Feb. 19 passed four bills and tabled two requests for funds.

The first bill passed was the Finance Committee Manual Bill No. 16 which serves to amend the USG bylaws to include changes to the requirements surrounding the Finance Committee Manual. This manual will contain all procedures of the Finance Committee, and changes to this bill that get submitted will be subject to a two-thirds majority vote for approval.

Also passed during this meeting was the USG stance on Test Optional Admission.

USG, due to the resolution of the stance, has a recommendation to DU that the admissions process include a test score optional method, meaning that sending scores for tests such as the ACT would be optional.

Support on this stance during the meeting will mean the

recommendation will be sent to multiple members of DU’s administrative team.

Two new business items were passed, the first of which is the Carbon Offsets Bill.

This bill is the USG’s aim to contribute to DU’s 25 by 25 Sustainability goals in reducing carbon emission of the university by 24 percent by 2020. This includes adding a subsection that reads, “carbon offsets will be purchased through Cool Effect’s Native American Methane Capture by the Sustainability Committee for all USG funded flights” in the Finance Manual Section 3: Conference, Competition and Retreat Funding: 4. Travel and Lodging: a. Airfare. This methane capture method takes the gas released from the shifting Colorado mountains and turns it into energy.

The second new business item was a proposed USG Internal Operations Fund from

ABOUT US

the Diasporic Consciousness Community Art Show which applied for funding to help put on the art show. Approving funding for this event will allow space for a variety of backgrounds and personal stories to be shared through art.

Tabled for next week’s meeting include a Collaboration Fund Application from the DU Backpacking Club + DU Club Climbing and a Supplemental Emergency Fund for

the Food Recovery Network.

Also discussed during the meeting was the update to the Finance Committee Manual as seen as a result of Bill No. 16 mentioned above.

Here are the upcoming important dates: • March 7: 7 p.m., AAC Loft: IGNITE Preliminary Information Meeting • March 9: 5 p.m., Shwayder foyer: Community Art Show Cameron Elder | Contributing Writer

Photo courtesy of DU USG

DU Clarion EDITORIAL STAFF

TARYN ALLEN, Editor-in-Chief GRACE CARSON, Executive Editor DANIELA SANTOS, News Editor HANNAH BRANIT, Sports Editor The Clarion is the official student newspaper of the University of Denver, serving as the “Voice of the Pioneers.” Founded in 1899, it covers campus and local stories with the highest level of journalistic integrity possible. 1000 copies are distributed each Wednesday afternoon (throughout the academic year) across the DU campus, and every article is also published at duclarion. com. The Clarion does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty, staff and/or administration of DU, and the opinions expressed by columnists and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of the Clarion.

Reproduction of the Clarion in whole or part in any form written, broadcast or electronic without written permission of the Clarion is prohibited. The opinions expressed by columnists and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of the Clarion. The Clarion reserves the right to reject advertising, stories, columns or letters to the editor that it deems graphic, obscene or that discriminate on the basis of race, culture, gender or sexual orientation.

The Clarion welcomes letters to the editor. Those who submit letters must limit them to 500 words. Some letters may not be published because of space limitations, overly-libelous content or similarity to past submissions. Please submit letters to duclarioneditor@gmail.com.

HOW TO JOIN The Clarion is open to contributors of all years and majors at DU, including both undergraduate and graduate students. There’s no application necessary; all you have to do is show up to one of our weekly meetings, which are held every Monday at 6 p.m. (during the academic year) in the Hub. Can’t make it to a meeting? Send an email to duclarioneditor@gmail.com and we’ll do everything we can to get you published.

ELIZABETH LOCHHEAD, Opinions Editor JUSTIN CYGAN, Arts & Life Editor NINA PETROVIC, Arts & Life Editor CAITLAN GANNAM, Photo/Video Editor VICTORIA VALENZUELA, Photo/Video Editor SARA LOUGHRAN, Copy Editor MAYA PINON, Copy Editor CHELSIE FINCHER, Illustrator LAWSON MONTGOMERY, Paper Delivery Person HALEY BIRT, Paper Delivery Person SYDNEY KAPP, Business Manager ANDREW MATRANGA, Faculty Adviser Cover photo courtesy of Victoria Valenzuela

CONTRIBUTING STAFF CAMERON ELDER

EMMA COHEN

GRACE WILKINS

REBECCA SHAGRIN

LAWSON MONTGOMERY

GRACE GANZ

KIANA MARSAN

SKYLAR NITZEL

MEGAN COONEY

CARMEN LEIBROCK

RACHEL KUNZI

FEB. 27, 2019

DU CLARION

NEWS | 3

DU’s newest minor: Critical Race and Ethnic Studies

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eginning this Spring Quarter, there is a new minor offered for DU undergraduates. Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, according to their website, is a cross-disciplinary minor that requires the exposure to a minimum of three disciplines. It will aim to provide students with, “an opportunity to examine race and ethnicity as categories of social, political, historical and cultural analysis, in the United States and globally, through varied courses offering multiple perspectives.” The minor is supported by DU Impact 2025 and the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) Keystone Strategic Plan.

Associate Professor and Critical Race and Ethnic

Studies Program Director, Elizabeth Escobedo said the minor, “emerged out of sustained conversation among students, faculty and staff about the notable absence of a race and ethnic studies program at DU. A majority of DU’s peer institutions offer such curricula, and protests by DU students from underrepresented populations over the years have continually pushed for such a program.”

To complete the minor, 20 credits are required with eight of those credits needing to be a 2000-level course or higher. The website mentions that, “if desired, students can create a targeted plan of study that focuses on specific academic interests and/or a specific community/population.” Some of

the key program objectives include using various academic disciplines to engage in a critical examination of race and ethnicity, understanding the contributions and lived experiences of racialized populations in the U.S. and around the world and understanding how the subject intersects with other identities.

“The new Critical Race and Ethnic Studies minor is an important step in providing DU undergraduates an avenue to engage in a robust curriculum centered on race and ethnicity, and our hope is that the minor will contribute to efforts in creating a more inclusive and equitable campus community,” said Escobedo.

Classes applicable for the minor can be found online

when students search “Critical Race and Ethnic Studies” in the attribute field when they register for classes.

Anthropology, the school of Art & Art History, Communication Studies, Emergent Digital Practices, English and Literary Arts, History, Languages and Literatures, Media, Film and Journalism Studies, Lamont School of Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology and Criminology are among the many fields students will be able to explore with the minor. Further details can be found on its website.

Daniela Santos | News Editor

Photo courtesy of www.du.edu/ahss

“Mobilized by Injustice”: Dr. Hannah Walker visits campus

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n Wednesday, Feb. 20, the DU community gathered on the fourth floor of the Sturm College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) to hear Dr. Hannah Walker’s, who is an assistant professor at Rutgers University, lecture “Mobilized by Injustice: Criminal Justice Contact, Political Participation and Race.” Walker’s work centers around the impact of the criminal justice system on democracy—especially for minority groups.

One of the points that Walker brought up throughout the presentation is that police in lower income, minority areas are used for surveillance and to disrupt and manage movement, whereas police aim to protect the white, wealthy indi-

viduals from people who are viewed as potentially dangerous. Latin Americans, African-Americans and immigrants are significantly more likely to encounter the criminal justice system than their white counterparts. Police apply policies unequally depending on one’s background, income and level of education.

Walker’s research, which includes six surveys and 59 interviews, has noted that proximal contact, when combined with a feeling of injustice, causes an increased participation in events that will spark political action. Racial oppression, she said, can cause an increase in political action both inside and outside the voting booths. This leads to an increase in marches, city council meetings and other

events to protest police brutality. However, a feeling of injustice without proximal contact will do little to increase participation in voting or political action— according to Walker.

In the presentation, Walker also discussed that each minority should be mobilized in a unique way.

African-Americans should be mobilized through a sense of injustice through narrative, immigrants are group conscious so they should be mobilized if they are not threatened and Latinos should be mobilized when they connect their criminal justice experiences to immigration.

Walker ended her presentation with three concluding points: First, proximal contact mobilizes marginalized

individuals who view their experiences through the lens of injustice. Second, the criminal justice system creates the possibility for multicultural coalition to contest its legitimacy. Third, further research should be done on the criminal justice system and democracy as it applies to women and newly founded groups such as Black Lives Matter.

Walker will continue doing research on criminal justice and is in the midst of writing a book called “Mobilized by Injustice: Criminal Justice Contact, Political Incorporation and Race.” This book will further discuss the impact of experiences with the criminal justice system on political engagement.

Grace Wilkins | Contributing Writer

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| SPORTS

DU CLARION

FEB. 27, 2019

No. 6 Denver scores seasons best in Magness

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n Sunday, Jan. 24, No. 6 Denver Gymnastics beat Boise State University and Iowa State University, putting up the program’s second-highest score, 197.725. Denver has put up four consecutive scores above 197 for the first time in school history.

Denver broke the program record on the beam, a record standing since 2004, with a score of 49.550. The team’s vault, 49.350, and floor, 49.425, scores were season bests.

“We definitely demonstrated consistency, character and confidence today. It was a busy week academically, but I was incredibly proud of their mental toughness and ability to focus,” Head Coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart said. “They did a good job of taking it one event at a time, one person at a time. They were very good at managing the energy and momentum throughout the meet, but we still have room to improve.”

The Pioneers started the meet on vault, where freshman Alexandria Ruiz (Lake Mary, Fla.) led the team off with a 9.775, followed by a 9.800 from junior Kaitlyn Shou (Orlando, Fla.). Junior Diana Chesnok (Charlotte, N.C.) and sophomore Lynzee Brown (Kansas City, Mo.) both tied their personal bests with scores of 9.925 and 9.875

respectively. Junior Maddie Karr (Stillwater, Minn.) scored a 9.975, claiming the event title.

Denver then moved on to the bars, where they tied their fifth-best score in program history. Sophomore Emily Glynn (Longmont, Colo.) claimed the event title with a score of 9.925. Denver swept the podium for the bars as Karr scored a 9.900, finishing second, and Ruiz and Brown tied for third with matching scores of 9.875. Senior Claire Kern (Charlotte, N.C.) and sophomore Mia Sundstrom (Boulder, Colo.) contributed 9.825 and 9.800, respectively.

On the beam, the Pioneers collected three scores above 9.900 to secure the highest-ever beam score. Brown led the team off with a 9.875, a score that was matched

by Ruiz. Freshman Alexis Vasquez (Arcadia, Calif.) tied her career-high with a score of 9.950, winning the event title.

Karr and Schou posted matching 9.925’s to tie for second.

On the floor, Schou tied her career-best of 9.900 to share the floor title with Karr and Brown. Ruiz scored a 9.875 and Sundstrom posted a 9.850 to end out the night.

“It was a great night on beam, breaking a 15-year-old record,” Kutcher-Rinehart added after the meet. “I think there’s a direct correlation between training and competi-

Victoria Valenzuela | Clarion

tion on beam, and they are very 20 Arizona State and Pittsautomatic. Everyone had a role burgh in Magness Arena. tonight in a total team effort.”

Denver travels to Champaign, Ill. to take on Illinois on Friday, March 1. On Sunday, March 10, Denver returns for their final meet to take on No. 15 Nebraska, No. Hannah Branit | Sports Editor

No. 7 Pioneers split home series with Miami-Ohio

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he No. 7 Pioneers split the weekend series with the Miami RedHawks by scores of a 3-1 loss and a 5-2 win.

On Friday night, The Pioneers took 49 shots against the RedHawks defense but fell short to Miami and their goalie, Ryan Larkin. The RedHawks were able to tally the first goal of the game at the first intermission despite the Pioneers outshooting the RedHawks 17-5. The RedHawks took advantage of

their opportunities as they scored two goals in a span of 47 seconds to take a three goal advantage into the second intermission. Sophomore Ian Mitchell (Calahoo, Alberta) breached the scoring sheet for the Pioneers with the assist from Junior Liam Finlay (Kelowna, B.C.).

The Pioneers got their first home defeat since Dec. 7.

Devin Cooley (Los Gatos, Calif.) recorded 18 saves on the night.

On Sunday night, Denver

was able to capitalize on multiple opportunities unlike the Friday night. Denver took an early lead with a one-timer from senior Jarid Lukosevicius (Squamish, B.C.) with an assist coming from Mitchell and freshman Emilio Pettersen (Mangerlud, Norway). The game tied at one when a shot went over freshman Filip Larsson (Stockholm, Sweden) shoulder. Going into the third period at 1-1, the Pioneers were able to step up to the

challenge and score four goals, coming from sophomore Jack Doremus (Aspen, Colo.), Junior Tyson McLellan (San Jose, Calif.), Lukosevicius—his 100th career point for the Pioneers—and senior Colin Staub (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Larsson finished the night with 15 saves.

The Pioneers will be taking on Colorado College Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. MST.

Lawson Montgomery | Contributing Writer

No. 13 women’s lacrosse upsets No. 6 Stony Brook

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he No. 13 ranked Denver women’s lacrosse team upset No. 6 ranked Stony Brook, 11-7, on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The Pioneers remain undefeated (4-0) and handed Stony Brook its first loss of the season. In the U.S. Lacrosse Poll, Stony Brook is ranked No. 5, making Denver’s Head Coach Liza Kelly’s upset first victory over a top-five team ranked in any poll since she started at Denver in 2006.

Denver started the scoring early in the game with a goal from sophomore Quintin Hoch-Bullen (Orilla, Ontario) who scored the first of her two goals at 28:43. She was followed by teammate senior Kendra Lanuza (Littleton, Colo.). Both

goals were assisted by sophomore Eliza Radonchonski (Englewood, Colo.). Hoch-Bullen put the Pioneers in front, 3-0, at 23:26 with an unassisted goal. At 21:07, senior Julia Feiss (Baltimore, Md.) scored off an assist from sophomore Hannah Liddy (Westfield, N.J.). Sophomore Bea Behrins (Basking Ridge, N.J.) scored the first of her three goals at 15:15. Stony Brook scored its first goal at 14:23 and followed up with two more goals at 10:51 and 10:01. Denver responded with two goals from Behrins at 2:20, assisted by Liddy, and a goal at 00:37 by senior Elizabeth Behrins (Basking Ridge, N.J.). At the half, Denver was leading 7-3.

In the second half, Denver

again was the first to score, as Radochonski scored her first goal of the game at 27:43 off an assist from Lanuza. Although Stony Brook scored three more goals, Radochonski scored an unassisted goal at 16:10 to keep the Pioneers ahead. Bea Behrins scored at 14:29 with an assist from Feiss to bring the Pioneers to double digits. Junior Molly Little (Tiverton, R.I.) was the final Pioneer to score, scoring at 00:35 to bring the score to 11-7, Pioneers.

Junior goalie Carson Gregg spent the entire game in net, making a season-high 11 saves to preserve Denver’s lead. Elizabeth Behrins and Gregg were team leaders in ground balls, totally four each, while draw specialist, senior Maddie Baum,

and Little, each collected three draw controls. Liddy caused four turnovers, helping lead the team.

After the game, Kelly said “This was a great team win.

Stony Brook gave us a run for our money, but we worked all week and today we saw the results we wanted.” She continued, “our bench was loud the entire competition, and being at home in our comfortable environment was a huge advantage. We’ll celebrate today, but tomorrow we get back to work.”

Denver will play its next two games at home at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium, facing Michigan on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 12 p.m., MST. Hannah Branit | Sports Editor

FEB. 27, 2019

DU CLARION

SPORTS | 5

Denver sweeps Summit League Swim Championships

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he Pioneers won their sixth-consecutive Summit League Swimming and Diving Championships titles on Saturday, Feb. 23, behind a record-breaking performance from the women’s swim and dive team. Their 1183 points broke the Summit League Swimming and Diving Championships records for points in a single championship, a record that was set by Oakland with 1093, set in 2001.

Denver won 37 of the 38 swim events, extending their win stretch to 115 events out of the last 118 events at the Summit League Championships, dating back to the end of the 2016 season.

Sophomore Cameron Auchinachie (Binghampton, N.Y.) set a Summit League Championship record in the men’s 100 free with a time of 42.65. He also set the 50 free Summit League Championship record, initially setting it to 19.40, and then breaking his own record in the finals with a time of 19.26.

In the 100 IM, Kylie Cronin (Marblehead, Mass.) took first for the women with a time of 57.06, while sophomore Cy Jager (Moscow, Idaho) took first for the men’s side with a time of 49.94.

In the women’s mile, the Pioneers swept the podium

thanks to dominant performances from swimmers Andi Johnson (Fort Collins, Colo.) who took first place with a time of 16:52.31, Angie Lindsay (Beaverton, Ore.) second in 1701.26 and Izzy Smith (Leawood, Kan.) who was third in 17:21.46.

Junior Colin Gilbert (Kamloops, B.C.) secured his second Summit League title in the 1650 with a time of 15:15.58.

Teammate junior Jesse Haraden (Ballston Spa, N.Y.) was second with a time of 15:32.98.

Redshirt-senior Heidi Bradley (Victoria, B.C.) took first in the 200 back with a time of 1:58.87, her third win in the event of the season and her seventh backstroke win of the season. On the men’s side, junior Neil Wachtler (Waco, Texas) took first with a time of 1:46.03 while freshman Finn Kennard-Campbell (Hamilton, New Zealand) was a close second with a time of 1:48.78.

In the 100 freestyle, Denver’s women swept the top four spots. Sophomore Aysia Leckie (Georgetown, Ontario) was first with a 50.07, junior Sarah Lingen (Maple Grove, Minn.) touched second in 50:34, senior Lauren Moden (Parker, Colo.) was third with 50:57 and senior Annelyse Tyllier (Maple Grove, Minn.) was a close fourth, touching in 50.99. On the men’s side,

Aunchinachie led the pack with his record-setting swim.

Not far behind was junior Hugo Sykes (Weston, Conn.), who touched second in 43.98, junior Robin Kuebler (Centennial, Colo.) who was third in 44.48 and sophomore Jackson Gainer (San Jose, Calif.) touching fourth in 44.98 Denver swept the 200 breast on the women’s side as sophomore Charlotte Simon (Saint Remy, France) led the team with a 2:13.84. Sophomore Ally Yancy (Cave Creek, Ariz.) was not far behind, earning second with a time of 2:17.43, freshman Brandi Vu (Longmont, Calif.) was third, touching in 2:18.30. Sophomore Adriel Sanes (Rosharon, Texas) won the event for the Pioneers on the men’s team, taking first with a time of 1:58.34.

In the 200 fly, the men took the top four spots. Senior co-captain Kyle Ewoldt (Gilbert, Ariz.) won the event with a time of 1:47.72, followed by senior Graham Walker (Nairobi, Kenya) second in 1:48.11, sophomore Trent Panzera (Gauteng, South Africa) in 1:49.91 and freshman David Mihalic (Ljubljana, Slovenia) in 1:50.18. For the women, junior Josie Valette (Boulder, Colo.) took first with a time of 1:58.21, followed closely by Cronin, who had a 1:49.42.

Freshman McKayla Sanchez

(Temecula, Calif.) was third in 2:01.76 and sophomore Uma Knaven (Chapel Hill, N.C.) touched fourth in 2:06.60 Saturday concluded with the 400 free relays, where Denver swept the top spot for both the men and the women. The men’s quartet, comprised of Wachtler, Gilbert, Kuebler and Sykes took first in 2:56.78 while Leckie, Lingen, Moden and Valette touched in 3:21.51 to take first for the women’s side.

Gilbert was named the men’s Championship Swimming MVP while Mihalic was named as Newcomer of the Championship. During the championships, Gilbert hit NCAA standards in the men’s 1650, the men’s 200 free and the 500 free.

On the women’s side, Simon was named as the Championship Swimming MVP while Sanchez was named as the newcomer of the Championship.

Hannah Branit | Sports Editor

Photo courtesy of Denver Athletics

Photo courtesy of Denver Athletics

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DU CLARION

| SPORTS

FEB. 27, 2019

No. 8 Pioneers take both games to win the 2019 Faceoff Classic

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he No. 8 Pioneers captured the Faceoff Classic as they defeated NCAA Men’s Lacrosse newcomer Utah and foe Cleveland State 15-6 and 16-8, respectively.

On Saturday afternoon, the Pioneers took on Utah for the first time in team history. The Pioneers had a red letter day as multiple players performed to their highest potential. Freshman faceoff specialist Brett Boos (Parker, Colo.) claimed his first 15 faceoffs on the game and finished with a record of 20-of23 on the day in his third career game. Between the pipes, senior goalie Alex Ready (Lancaster, Pa.) stopped 10-of-14 shots on cage, with six saves coming in the first quarter. On the offensive half, three players were able to record hat tricks on the day. Junior attackman Ethan Walker (Peterborough, Ontario) accounted for three goals and two assists on the afternoon, a game-high five points. The freshman duo of Ellis Geis (Tustin, Calif) and Drew Erickson (Danville, Calif.) finished off the hat tricks for the Pioneers with three-straight goals and first career goals for Erickson in the fourth quarter. Other players to contribute on the day were

freshman Alex Simmons (Smithville, Ontario) with two goals and an assist, sophomore Riley Curtis (Brampton, Ontario) with two assists and a goal and sophomore Jack Hannah (Milford, Ohio) with three assists.

The first quarter began with a zinger from Walker to senior Colton Jackson (Highlands Ranch, Colo.), which was his second on the season. The Pioneers continued to push with goals from Simmons and Geis. However, the NCAA’s third-leading scorer, Utah’s Josh Stout, dumped one in to make the score 3-2. Geis would help the Pioneers begin their 6-1 run in the second quarter extending the score to 9-3 at the half with Boos going 14-for-14 in the first 30 minutes. Stout scored his 17th goal on the season for Utah to open up the second half before the Pioneers went on another 6-1 run until the 1:22 mark in the fourth quarter. Erickson helped the second unit of the Pioneers with his hat trick. However, Utah was able to get a goal late in the fourth to make the final score 15-6.

On Sunday afternoon, the Pioneers were able to utilize a 12-5 second half to push past Cleveland State by a score of

16-8. The defense for the Pioneers held strong as their 16 caused turnovers, tied for the fourth-most in a single game in Denver’s Division I history, to preserve their 4-3 lead going into the half. Ready ended the game with nine saves while Walker passed both Eric Law and Tyler Pace on the Denver career points list, moving to 156 total points.

Walker began the game with the opener followed by a Cleveland State equalizer just a minute after scoring his fifth on the season. The Pioneers would tally three more goals behind Simmons and Geis before Cleveland State got two more goals to make it 4-3 going into the half.

Cleveland State took seven of the nine faceoffs in the first half.

Denver was able to change their mindset and came out hot from the locker room. Walker scored his second of the day just 11 seconds into the second half and followed a Cleveland State goal with a 6-1 run. The fourth quarter saw junior Kyle Smith (New Canaan, Conn.) got his first goal since 2017 and freshman Johnny Marrocco (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Sam Dwinell (Dedham, Mass.) got their first career goals for the Pioneers.

The Pioneers had a successful weekend and will look to continue their hot-hands in Chapel Hill where they will take on No. 20 University of North Carolina on Saturday, March 2 at 9 a.m. MST.

Lawson Montgomery | Contributing Writer

24TH ANNUAL DU WOMEN’S CONFERENCE UNITE OUR

E X P E R I E N C E

& ACTION

FEATURED LUNCH KEYNOTE: ELAINE WELTEROTH Elaine Welteroth is an award-winning journalist, author, and judge on the new Project Runway. She was most recently editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue where she, in 2017, became the youngest person ever appointed editor-in-chief and in 2012 had been the first African American ever to hold the post of beauty and health director at a Condé Nast publication. She’s now a leading expert and advocate for the next generation of change-makers. She has written for the hit show Grown-ish and has appeared on-camera for a range of media outlets including ABC News and Netflix.

All attendees will receive a free pre-order copy of Elaine’s forthcoming book, More than Enough.

DU students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends are invited to join us for a day of inspirational speakers (like Elaine!), community building, and professional development.

du.edu/duwomen/conference

COLORADO WOMEN’S COLLEGE

FEB. 27, 2019

DU CLARION

OPINIONS | 7

Lean in, lean out: A psychologist’s solution to workplace gender inequality

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In classes where any score above 90 counts as an A, the difference between a 91 and a 99 is a life,” Laura Damour writes in her New York Times article, “Why Girls Beat Boys at School and Lose to Them at the Office,” continuing, “We need to ask: What if school is a confidence factory for our sons, but only a competence factory for our daughters?”

In an opinion piece that has garnered over 1,500 comments from their readers since it was published earlier this month, the clinical psychologist argues that women’s lack of representation in leadership positions is caused by their learned tendency to work as perfectionists. Men, she believes, are by contrast opportunists.

Damour explicates how this difference can be traced back to schools, a place where girls learn to equate success with dedication. Boys, she claims, are on the other hand rewarded for cutting

corners, and they learn to associate success with innovation.

This pressure to reach perfection leads to women expressing low levels of confidence about their own work.

The solutions Damour proposes to equalize the bureaucratic hierarchy are: (1) for educational systems to stop rewarding workaholic habits, (2) for teachers to make girls question if so much effort is necessary to be exerted in order to excel and (3) for family and friends to push women to realize that what she defines as “being a little bit nervous about schoolwork” is normal and healthy.

While the premise of the article, that women are more prone to strive for perfection than men, is valid, this truth is too narrow in scope and focus to effectively characterize the complex issue of gender inequality. It paints over it with a broad brush, failing to consider a number of significant factors that are contributing to the problem.

“Women can enter the work- is wired against them. place with strong educational Depending on the gender of credentials but then be entirely the employee, the same courses overwhelmed by the burden of of action will be perceived child care,” One reader, Georgia radically differently by their Lagoudas, wrote in a letter to co-workers and employers. Studthe editor. “I was disappointed ies have found that in situations that [the article] attributed the where women lead with outspodisconnect...to girls doing extra ken confidence, they are seen as work in primary school.” “bossy” and resistive to authority The remedies the article whereas men exhibiting similar provides are, to say the least, behavior are viewed as “decisive” disappointingly reflective of a and as taking initiative. society that has a tendency to vicThis hole in the article’s argutim-blame rather than address ment brings it to the crux of what the flawed narratives at work. it lacks: a consideration of the Her answers to gender inequal- sexism that is catalyzing women’s ity elevate and prioritize what obsession with perfection. masculinity looks like within In her response to the article, the workplace; they argue that reader Homa Mojtabai expresses because these strategies have these frustrated sentiments: served men handsomely, women “Girls work too hard in school, should subvert to patriarchal and that sets them up for failure ideals in order to rise in society. in the workplace...So now, after Damour fails to consider how years of being told to ‘lean in,’ these same courses of action do are we going to have to suffer not prove as fruitful for women. years of scolding to ‘lean out’?”

They cannot attempt to “beat the system” because the system Kiana Marsan | Contributing Writer

Photo courtesy of Connor W. Davis

Are 13-year-olds too young to have smartphones?

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re 13-year-olds too young to have smartphones?

Julia Von Weiler, a German government adviser leading a nonprofit organization called Innocence in Danger, aimed at protecting students from the “dark side of the Internet,” believes so. She stated that children under 14 years old should not be allowed to use smartphones in multiple interviews from the Funke media group. She is mainly concerned about sexually explicit content, amongst other worries, such as the effect of technology on the youth’s education, mental health and social skills. Von Weiler’s proposal came quickly after France passed legislation restricting young students from taking their smartphones and tablets with them to school. Those that enacted such protocols did it in an attempt to protect the integrity of the classroom and deter addictive habits.

Let’s debunk her argument— she is attempting to fight a system rather than adapt to it.

It is not realistic to limit smartphones to those under 14. Speaking as a product of the technology era, growing up attuned to the latest devices has had its benefits, although the negatives are always highlighted. Let’s face it, the job market is shifting every five to 10 years, and students are studying for careers that don’t even exist yet. It’s no longer realistic to expect to remain at the same company for 30+ years. This is, in part, due to the rapidly changing development in information technology.

Having experienced the dra-

matic shifts in technology, it has better prepared me for the real world because I can adapt and it won’t take me nearly as long to learn a new software compared to my parents.

This is good. In order to be successful in the future, young people have to be adept with technology. Barring those under 14 will only hurt them in the long run.

It must be acknowledged that various precautions have been put into place to protect children from the ugly side of the internet. The iPhone and iPad have specific settings to limit what children can and cannot see. A multitude of options will pop up, giving the guardian the ability to allow or block certain apps, photos, location services, media, Bluetooth sharing and many more. It is possible for children to have smartphones and be safe.

Furthermore, all of the responsibility lays in the parents, not the government. A parent should be able to gauge the capability and maturity of their child and adjust accordingly. Beyond that, kids are growing up in an era of technology, and they should be encouraged to delve into technology— the trick is doing so correctly.

Understandably, smartphones should not be used in the classroom so children can focus, and screen time can be monitored to see how much time is spent on nonproductive sites/apps like social media and entertainment websites.

Common knowl-

Victoria Valenzuela | Clarion

edge, such as never sharing personal information, avoiding non-secure networks and ignoring any “free” giveaways should be enforced as well.

The focus should be on

teaching children the safest and most efficient ways to use technology so it doesn’t become an enemy but an asset.

Megan Cooney | Contributing Writer

The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the Clarion or of the DU community.

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DU CLARION

FEB. 27, 2019

Failure of Amazon deal is win for Progressive forces

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fter days of silence following the failure of Amazon to bring their HQ2 to New York City, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo stated during a radio interview with WAMC that the failure of the deal was “the greatest tragedy that I have seen since I have been in government.”

Cuomo and NYC mayor Bill de Blasio argued their case for Amazon along a rather simple economic line: that the building of Amazon’s HQ2 in Long Island City would create new jobs and bring in a gracious amount in future revenue. They stated that although Amazon would receive tax subsidies equalling as much as $3 billion, the 25,000 jobs and $27 billion in revenue the corporation would bring in to Long Island City and NYC as a whole would more than make up for the tax incentives.

Gaining HQ2 would have made considerable work towards de Blasio’s 2017 “New York Works” plan, which seeks to bring 100,000 high-paying jobs to the city, and for many in the city would have signaled a diversification of New York’s economy and a much desired move towards attracting top tech firms. In turn, HQ2 would have signaled that New York is center of modern, digital business.

De Blasio and Cuomo’s plans to attract Amazon, and to position New York as an inviting space for tech companies, at a time where much of the busi-

ness is centered on the opposite coast, failed miserably in the face of fierce backlash by progressive lawmakers, activists and union leaders who found the deal far less satisfying than the governor and mayor did.

The deal with Amazon cut hard to the core of some of New York City’s—and the country as a whole’s—greatest cultural issues and divisions.

The allure of a massively rich corporation, one helmed by a man worth $134.8 billion—with tax incentives—in a city with a crumbling public transportation system, a public housing crisis and some of the worst wealth inequality in the world, struck a heavy chord with varying parties in the New York area.

Using subsidies to attract a business that can easily pay its own way angered an area of New York that has swung decisively left in recent months.

Progressive politicians such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose upset congressional victory occurred in an area of Queens neighboring where Amazon sought to build, combined with a strong current of pro-union mobilization to effectively scare Amazon away.

In a statement detailing their choice to leave the city, Amazon said: “A number of state and local politicians have made it clear that they oppose our presence and will not work with us to build the type of relationships that are required to go forward”

While the governor and mayor, as well as other pro-business interests cast the failure of the deal on the efforts of insurgent progressive politicians, seeking to set an example against corporate interest, the reality rests more squarely on Amazon’s shoulders. Amazon failed in spectacular fashion by failing to move an inch on issues that captivated not only the progressive politicians and their constituents but also the very nature of New York’s identity. Amazon’s inability to allow unionization—in a city with a long history of powerful unions, shows a complete lack of respect for workers’ rights and is a further knock against Amazon’s already perilous workers rights record. Many unions would have supported the deal if Amazon had agreed to allow unionization, but the company refused to budge. Other issues that sprung up were Amazon’s inability to interact with the community, one where increasing gentrification and rising rents are already in the front of people’s minds. Not to mention the fact that the entire deal was far less than transparent, and happened almost entirely behind closed doors.

Amazon’s pullout is nothing more than a show of the corporation’s lack of integrity and ability to deal with divisive opinions and pushback. The fallout from the deal only gained momentum as Amazon ignored

the issues pressed against them.

One opinion, voiced even by de Blasio after the deal, is that Amazon wasn’t “strong” enough to deal with the very real attitude of the city, which sought community partnership. As de Blasio stated after the pull-out, “We gave Amazon the opportunity to be a good neighbor and do business in the greatest city in the world, instead of working with the community, Amazon threw away that opportunity.”

In a time of increasing wealth inequality, terrible gentrification and eroding worker rights in NYC and nationwide, it seems incredibly irresponsible for a corporation as wealthy and powerful as Amazon to derail a deal because they do not want to tackle with the implications of their business. The loss of the Amazon deal is a win for progressive politics—an ample pushback against corporate interest. In 2019, it is simply laughable that a city should have to beg and offer massive tax breaks to a corporation worth over a trillion dollars just for the pleasure of allowing them to do business in their realm.

NYC doesn’t need Amazon, and by dropping the deal, Amazon degraded their already spotty reputation far more than that of the city’s.

Justin Cygan | Arts & Life Editor

New Amazon headquarters in NYC? Forget about it!

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Photo courtesy of Slate

icture this: an occupation where employees aren’t allowed to talk to their fellow employees, are pressured to urinate in trash cans and water bottles, are constantly monitored via cameras by their superiors and can’t take breaks for fear of being fired.

While this description resembles some variety of a cruel, unreasonable future where workers are treated “like robots” it’s an everyday reality for many of those employed by Amazon.com.

In a conglomerate that bases its success on efficiency and speed, Amazon shows little regard for its employees’ well-being, only happy if all its packages are exported on time.

That’s just one of the reasons why the 25,000 jobs the second Amazon headquarters would have brought to Long Island City and Queens, New York didn’t sway locals when it was announced that Amazon would be breaking ground there. In fact, the residents were anything but pleased, showing their

dissatisfaction with the blueprints by launching numerous protests against the shipping giant’s move to the Queens borough, eventually forcing the company’s hand into withdrawing their plans on February 14, and deciding against constructing there. Those warehouse conditions alone urged locals to express their indignation at Amazon’s moving to the area, calling the company dishonest and unreliable, with many of its Staten Island warehouse workers speaking up, though the new regional headquarters would be producing more white-collar than blue-collar jobs. In fact, those white-collar positions were another point in the locals’ arguments, despite Amazon’s promises to invest in the surrounding neighborhood’s working-class citizens.

While polls throughout the state were largely supportive of the new headquarters construction, those who call Long Island City home expressed concern with the quality of the

jobs that would be created and the effect it might have on the community. The lion’s share of the new jobs being generated would have included very high qualifications, with very few working-class positions being offered up. The introduction of employment with such high standards would have likely ushered out the lower-income residents from the neighborhood. Amazon’s move would also eventually cause housing prices to rise, effectively kicking out all the residents who would no longer be able to afford higher rent prices and residential costs. Another facet of the residents’ outrage was that Amazon very easily could have outsourced their positions or not given jobs to those in the immediate area, meaning that there would be even less benefit to them and more benefit to those who wouldn’t be so negatively affected by the changes to the area.

Residents were additionally perturbed regarding the loss of culture and character in Long Island City, which has experienced no small dosage of gentrification in recent years. With the creation of another company office, and a massive one at that, Long Island City could very well have lost the last of its lifeblood and history. Given that some New York lawmakers were also planning on having taxpayers

offer up three billion dollars as government incentives, the reactions of Long Island City locals aren’t surprising, as that money could have been put forth for reinforcing the community and battling homelessness in the area. Divulging such a large sum of money upon such a massive monopoly of a company practically acts as an insult to those who would be paying the taxes to support that subsidy.

After all, an establishment that’s headed by a man who makes his lowest-paid employee’s yearly income about every twelve seconds has absolutely no business asking for or even just accepting money brought about by taxpayer dollars.

The notion of a large corporate presence making the area its new stomping grounds rightfully caused many to shift with worry that their neighborhood might lose its character and turn into just another cookie-cutter corporate playpen, with many of its residents at risk of becoming unable to afford their current living conditions. Building a new Amazon headquarters in Long Island City would have been harmful to the neighborhood itself, and would have done more damage than good, had dutiful locals not pressed for different results.

Rachel Kunzi | Contributing Writer

The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the Clarion or of the DU community.

FEB. 27, 2019

DU CLARION

ARTS & LIFE | 9

New Colorado bill provides greater access for medical marijuana

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s the 2019 Colorado legislation continues, bills proposing to finance marijuana-related industries and expand medical marijuana access are being introduced to the Colorado Capital. One of the bills proposed this year is HB191028 that specifically focuses on adding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to the list of disabling medical conditions that authorize a person to use medical marijuana for their specified condition.

Under HB19-1028, two definitions of a disabling medical condition are given: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and ASD diagnosed by a primary care physician, a physician with experience in treating ASD or a licensed health provider acting within their scope of practice.

The bill states that a person under 18 years of age shall not engage in medical marijuana use unless two physicians have diagnosed the patient as having a disabling medical condition. If the physician recommending the patient’s medical marijuana use is not their primary physician, the recommending physician will review the records of a diagnosing physician or licensed health

provider working within their scope of practice. HB19-1028 removed additional requirements for physicians under current law that requires a child under 18 years of age who wants access to medical marijuana would have to be diagnosed with a disabling medical condition by two physicians: one of whom must be a board-certified pediatrician, a board-certified family physician or a board-certified child or adolescent psychiatrist that is part of the patient’s primary care team.

The bill also encourages the state board to award marijuana study grants for gathering objective scientific research on the effectiveness and safety of administering medical marijuana to patients with dementia, ovarian cancer and pediatric conditions that include ASD. HB19-1028 passed the third House hearing on Feb. 7 and was introduced to Senate Health & Human Services on Feb. 11. It will enter a hearing to the Senate House & Services Committee on March 14.

Nina Petrovic | Arts and Life Editor

Photo courtesy of Colorado.com

W h a t w e’ v e i g n o r e d i n t h e J u s s i e S m o l l e t t c a s e

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n Feb. 21, 36-year-old “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett was arrested on a felony charge of disorderly conduct in relation to evidence that he orchestrated the assault he reported to Chicago police in late January. The charge and consequent arrest came after two brothers, Abimbola “Abel” and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo, claimed Jussie paid them to stage the attack.

There has been a lot of speculation about Smollett’s motive; two prominent theories suggest Smollett was dissatisfied with his salary on “Empire,” and he felt there was an underwhelming reaction to a threatening letter he received (which he is also being accused of sending) a week before the alleged attack.

Regardless of his motive, one thing is certain: the exploitation of racism and homophobia for personal gain is utterly despicable. If these allegations are true, Smollett should face the utmost accountability for his actions.

However, myself and many others do not regret believing him.

The prevalence of hate crimes has increased over the past three years, largely (or entirely) due to the increase of damaging racial rhetoric sweeping the country.

Studies have observed that “hate crime victims often do not trust that reporting will help them.”

This kind of deep distrust is at play in Chicago, a hub of violence against black people, where

the police have proven time and time again that they should not be trusted when it comes to protecting black lives.

Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, who is black, said of the hoax, “Why would anyone, especially an African-American, use a noose...to further his public profile?” Though Superintendent Johnson is not wrong to highlight just how despicable Smollett’s exploitation of a symbol of extreme violence against black people in this country, the Chicago PD has no right to claim a higher moral ground.

The CPD is 14 times more likely to use aggressive force against young black men than their white peers. This includes fatal shootings, such as the death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald in November 2015.

Photo Courtesy of Associated Press

The murderer, former CPD officer Jason Van Dyke, was only sentenced to 81 months in prison. The damage the CPD has done to countless black lives vastly outweighs the impact of Smollett’s alleged lies.

It is also important to note that a disproportionate amount of resources were put into solving the Smollett case, while a great number of cases still remain unsolved by the CPD. Superintendent Johnson remarked, “I just wish that the families of gun violence in this city got this much attention because that’s who really deserves the amount of attention that we are giving to this particular incident.” Chicago has a homicide clearance rate of approximately 17%. People such as Rashad Pratt, who was fatally shot sit-

ting in his SUV over seven years ago, will likely never get justice. But that’s not Smollett’s fault. The CPD has deep-rooted issues that need to be fixed, and Smollett should not become a scapegoat.

I will say one final thing to those “concerned” that Smollett’s alleged hoax will make it less likely for other people to be believed: black people have never been believed by the majority. This alleged hoax only gives an excuse to bigots, those who stay complacent and anyone else in between to keep on not believing their stories.

When black people share their stories of discrimination and violence, they are dismissed and often blamed for what happened to them. Why do you think it took decades for R. Kelly to be arrested?

I will continue to believe those who speak out about hate crimes and other violence perpetrated against POC and other minority groups in this country. Smollett’s appropriation of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan did not change what it represents: unadulterated ignorance and hatred. Do not let one allegedly false report diminish the chance of justice for the real victims.

Emma Cohen | Contributing Writer

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& LIFE

FEB. 27, 2019

How ergonomics is helping women in businesses

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rgonomics, or the study of human efficiency in a working environment, has become more important as the way we work, and where we work, continues to evolve. According to the New York Times, about 43 percent of employed Americans recorded working from home in 2017. This number has continued to increase throughout time.

However, what happens when a person needs to complete their work but lacks a productive space and the materials needed to work from home? This problem can be detrimental to women in developing nations who may lack access to work opportunities outside of the home. Some startup companies, like the nonprofit Nest, are trying to change this.

According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, about 60 percent of artisan garment manufacturing is done from workers’ homes, especially by women in developing countries. Nest is aiming to help these women by creating a union-like program that allows workers to create beautiful garments through providing them with materials and funding they can use to create their products at home. The organization partners with about 100,000 handwork-

ers in more than 70 countries, according to their website. Nest allows women to work more comfortably and efficiently, with the tools these artisans need to be successful.

As the global economy continues to evolve, we will continue to see more of these type of organizations begin to grow. Jim Yong Kim, the former president of the World Bank Group, said in 2018 that “skills, knowledge, and know-how—collectively called human capital—have become an enormous share of global wealth, bigger than produced capital such as factories or industry or natural resources,” and that “there has never been a more critical time to invest in people, especially in women and girls.” One way you can support female enterprise here in Denver is through contributing to businesses operated and owned by women. 303 Magazine has compiled an extensive list of female-run businesses in the Denver area, which can be found here. Investing in the growing market of female-driven business can be the way to a more prosperous future.

Photo courtesy of Build a Nest

Carmen Leibrock | Contributing Writer

Avril Lavigne returns with a powerful comeback in “Head Above Water” Photo courtesy of BBC

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fter a five-year hiatus, the Canadian poppunk queen Avril Lavigne is back with her most inspirational music yet in her sixth studio album “Head Above Water,” which released Feb. 15. It is her first album to be released since her self-titled fifth studio album in 2013, marking the longest gap between two of her albums.

It’s important to understand the context behind this album’s more mellow tone in comparison to Lavigne’s previous poprock work. In April 2015, Lavigne was diagnosed with Lyme disease, putting a halt to her music career. With that, the album’s lead single “Head Above Water” is not only enriched with powerful lyrics that take listeners on Lavigne’s emotional battle against the disease, but it also commands attention to the

elegant mix of piano, strings and drums. In regards to the motivation for the song, Lavigne stated that she had accepted death and felt like she was drowning, praying to God to keep her head above water. The song peaked at number 64 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and made it on the charts in 24 other countries.

The second single released, “Tell Me It’s Over,” takes time to reflect on Lavigne’s vulnerabilities in past relationships in a unique R&B style, demonstrating that Lavigne is no stranger to dabbling in various genres.

Despite the sorrowful content, the song establishes a new sound for the remainder of the album that promises more than just melancholy messages.

To further highlight Lavigne’s talent at crafting an intricate range of music, there is even a song for fans who miss

Lavigne’s catchy pop-punk style from the early 2000s. The third single that was released, “Dumb Blonde,” featuring rap artist Nicki Minaj, brings an explosive sassiness that is reminiscent of Lavigne’s “Best Damn Thing” days with its fun and empowering beat. Easily the most feelgood song on the album with an infectious chorus bursting with energy, “Dumb Blonde” stands out as not only a pop hit, but also as a fiery message that pushes back against the “dumb blonde” stereotype.

Slower songs such as “Birdie,” “Goddess” and “Warrior” are also saturated with raw passion layered within Lavigne’s soothing vocals, creating a fresh yet serene mood throughout the album—something that listeners will appreciate as they are exposed to a more unguarded side of Lavigne.

Lavigne’s newest music is nothing short of emotional, authentic and beautifully imbued with a serious intimacy unparalleled by her previous work.

Her raw storytelling explores themes centered around maturity, strength and resilience— topics that are not unfamiliar to Lavigne, but have never truly been discovered the way that they have in this album. For the girl who never wanted to grow up, both long-standing fans who have awaited Lavigne’s return as well as new listeners will not be disappointed with her triumphant growth in “Head Above Water.”

Skylar Nitzel | Contributing Writer

DU CLARION

FEB. 27, 2019

ARTS & LIFE | 1 1

Denver’s thriving jazz scene is more alive than ever

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t least, that’s what current trends are showing in Denver and around the nation.

Riding the coattails of “La La Land’s” musical success and popular artists like Anderson Paak’s, Kendrick Lamar’s and Vulfpeck’s hyper-jazz influenced music with heavy inclusion of hip hop/rap sampling, the genre has ballooned among people’s fancy in pop culture.

With the pilgrimage of attending live events and concerts so collectively valued by humans, the desire for live music has only grown in today’s culture. Seeing a live show creates an appreciation for the solos and liberties musicians take, bringing in the elements of improvisation, rearranging and spontaneous composition. This experience and the idea of constantly changing music have sparked enthusiasm in a time so dominated by three-minute singles.

Denver proves to be no stranger to the storm. Jazz saturates the city with a vast array of opportunities for its public whether you’re a musician looking to jam or a fan who wants to order a drink, relax and listen.

So, have you caught the bug?

Check out these places in your city to see what’s happening.

Even if you don’t identify with the “old soul” title, several venues in Denver emit the underground, cool jazz vibe of another time. Located in the heart of downtown Denver, Dazzle jazz club is a favorite of musicians and locals alike. Promoting a rich calendar of some of the best jazz musicians from Denver and around the nation, visitors can browse record collections, order a French press and enjoy the show. Nocturne, in the Curtis Park neighborhood, is another popular location for showcasing local jazz performers and aficionados. Go prepared to get a table, order dinner or desserts from the menu and hear live jazz from Tuesday-Sunday nights.

For some over-21 fun, the underground Crimson Room in

downtown’s famous Larimer Square offers a low-lit and laidback experience for drinks, desserts and music.

For a more casual outing, check out Denver’s various jazz bars and music nightlife for the over-21 crowd. Live @ Jack’s on 16th Street features a more wide range of music like funk, soul and pop—as well as true jazz.

Nearby downtown, the historic Herb’s on Larimer is operated solely by musicians, offering hand-crafted cocktails and jazz, reggae and funk. El Chapultepec, the city’s oldest jazz club, continually hosts live music every night as well as Monday night jam sessions. If you’re a jazz musician, check it out as well as Denver’s other locations.

To sit in on a jam, The Meadowlark in Curtis Park is a popular destination for its Monday night jazz jams, and Syntax Psychic Opera on Broadway hosts a jam every Wednesday night.

If you’re really looking for an old-school experience, the Mercury Cafe hosts “Sunday Night Swing.” Featuring an authentic big band every weekend, go early for a swing dance lesson and then dance the night away from eight until late.

Looking for something close to campus? Snarf’s on Evans hosts occasional and lively jazz jams, and Keith’s coffee bar on Downing has a weekly Saturday morning jam. You’ll probably run into some classmates watching and performing, and always remember to check out DU’s Lamont School of Music for student jazz shows and performances.

Whether you have a taste for John Coltrane or want to groove to a modern funk band, there’s a place in Denver for you.

With jazz’s almost transcendent ability to hook its audience and transform a room, you will not be disappointed. That is, if you’re hip to it.

Grace Ganz | Clarion

Grace Ganz | Contributing Writer

@DUCLARION

Grace Ganz | Clarion

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FEB. 27, 2019

Who owns culture?: “Appropriation and Appreciation”

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eople are constantly studying and discussing the idea of appropriation, but there is less focus on the appreciation of this globalized culture. I attended Denver Art Museum’s (DAM) special event, “Appropriation and Appreciation in the Global Art World,” to gain a new perspective of this commonly discussed topic. This symposium discussed these issues and united various artists and scholars to share their personal outlooks through four keynote speakers who all shared their feelings towards this controversial topic. I will focus on one keynote speaker, Clarissa Tossin, whose artwork highlighted revivalism of past visual cultures.

Tossin grew up in São Paulo, Brazil and has lived in Los Angeles, California for the past 10 years. In Los Angeles, the community recognizes and stresses her Latino identity, which is not an idea she attends to in Brazil.

In Brazil, she is not labeled by her ethnicity, but in the U.S., where

Latinx communities are present but not necessarily dominant, this difference is highlighted. She discussed the large amount of time it took her to feel comfortable and relevant enough to create art in Los Angeles and represent rich history in a new place. After balancing the implementation of tradition with her personal views, Tossin has become a great depiction of the persistence of differences that is necessary for the cultural duality that exists in the global art world.

Focusing specifically on the Mayan revival architecture and the relationship between architecture and body, she created many sculptures to highlight features of the Mayan culture. Mayan culture embodies shared values and connections to personal life experiences, which she uses to enrich her work. Tossin studied the archaeological features present in the interior design of Mayan theaters and uncovered many key findings regarding the symbolism of Mayan hieroglyphics which is evident in her sculptures. For example, when a figure is shown

with one heel pointed upwards, this represents someone who is dancing or performing. She exhibits these traditional details in a creative way that still allows her to showcase her personal identity in her artwork.

Tossin explained the way she studied and incorporated ideas regarding the Amazon rainforest in her work and the historical elements of this location. This rainforest brought a lot of wealth to Brazil when it became the rubber capital, but once syntax rubber was invented, this prosperous industry was quickly shut down in Brazil. With that said, the material traditions that come from this region supplement Tossin’s cultural representation of the Amazon’s fortune in her Encontro das Águaspiece. Ch’u Mayaa is a Tossin-produced video that expresses Mayan architecture with a traditional Mayan dancing performance. The customary Mayan performance re-appropriates the culture by exercising key postures and gestures while using indigenous music and sound effects to set the scene.

Clarissa Tossin was successful in portraying the idea that culture doesn’t end at the border, and because connections are very fluid, artists who have these unique connections with diverse countries must embrace and represent these ideas in their work.

Rebecca Shagrin | Contributing Writer

The Clarion Crossword: Week 8 Need some help? Visit duclarion.com for the answer key.

Chelsie Fincher | Clarion