Issue 10 | Volume 101

@GCSUnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College April 17, 2023

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Discriminatory hiring practices Paige Blakemore Staff Writer Arthur Grand Technologies, an IT service firm based in Ashburn, Virginia, is under fire for a recent job listing posted on the hiring

website

Indeed.

The listing said only white applicants will be considered for the position but that this information was not to be shared with prospective employees.

“Only Born US Citizens [White] who are local within 60 miles from Dallas, TX [Don’t

share with candidates],” the listing said.

Although the company did not immediately respond, Arthur Grand has since removed the job posting and released a statement on the issue via a follow-up LinkedIn post.

“At Arthur Grand, we

do not condone or engage in any type of discrimination based on race, color or religion,” the company said. “We conducted an investigation and discovered that a new junior recruiter at our firm was responsible for the offending posting.

We have taken imme-

diate action and terminated their employment for violating our policy.”

The LinkedIn post was later removed and replaced with another explanation.

“A former employee took an existing posting and added discriminatory language, then repost-

ed it through his own account,” the company said. “The moment this was brought to our attention, we worked with the job portal to remove this offensive job posting.”

See HIRING | Page 4

DRAG RETURNS TO MILLEDGEVILLE: GC’S PRIDE ALLIANCE HOLDS SEMI-ANNUAL SHOW AT BUFFINGTON’S Jennifer Crider A&L Editor

On April 13, the GC Pride Alliance hosted the semi-annual drag show at downtown Milledgeville restaurant Buffingtons.

“The energy was very good,” said Lily Murphy, junior mass communication major and Pride Alliance treasurer. “Everybody listened. It was a good crowd. It was a good tipping night, which I know, in the past, has been a problem.”

There were performances from five students, as well as performances from three professional drag queens from the Macon drag group The Tribe.

“This year, we actually had an even split between the drag queens and drag kings,” Murphy said.

“There was four student drag kings, and there were three professional drag queens, and one student drag queen, which, as far as I am aware of, that is the first time I’ve seen that happen.”

Caleb Rogers, freshman biology and Spanish double major, discovered his love for drag through participating in these shows.

“I was interested in drag in high school, but I had never done it before the show last semester,” Rogers said. “I was excited because I have performed on stage be-

Anjali Shenoy | Digital Media Editor

fore with regular acting stuff. So, it was not super

KRUMDIECK STEPS DOWN AS VOLLEYBALL COACH Owen McDaniel

Contributing Writer After building the GC volleyball program from the ground up in 2012 and 10 diligent

seasons at the helm, head coach Gretchen Krumdieck is stepping down to pursue career opportunities in her hometown of Cincinnati.

Krumdieck spent the entirety of her first season

at GC recruiting girls to join the inaugural volleyball roster, a task she admits was Herculean.

“It was really tough,” Krumdieck said. It was tough to get somebody to buy in when there was nothing there before, so I give those girls a lot of credit for taking a chance.”

Krumdieck doggedly fought that uphill battle, and she was rewarded with a Division II NCAA Tournament appearance and the Peach Belt Conference Coach of the Year award in just her fifth year of coaching.

Despite enjoying her fair share of success over the years, Krumdieck says that is not what she will remember most about her time in Milledgeville.

See KRUMDIECK | Page 5

new to me. It was just a different format of art

style. Overall, I was more excited than nervous.”

See DRAG | Page 7

Parasocial celebrity bonds

And why the public went too easy on Johnny Depp Hannah Adams

Heard was largely the

steps and reevaluate their

Asst. Opinion Editor

one taking the brunt of

stance. While it remains

public onslaught for her

generally

actions. Depp came out

Heard’s actions were bad,

of the trial with a win,

people are beginning to

the public on his side and

turn their lenses towards

apologies from brands

Depp once more. During

In the summer of 2022,

actor

Johnny

Depp famously sued his ex-wife Amber Heard on grounds of defamation and slander to his name. The case, which

that had dropped him.

After a year to digress

was broadcasted live on

from the initial excite-

an array of television

ment and emotions of

platforms, caught na-

this intense trial, many

tional attention. People

are beginning to retrace

agreed

that

the trial, there were many conversations between Depp and friends that were brought to attention on the stand.

See CELEB BONDS | Page 10

were quick to choose sides, with Heard receiving a much larger blow of backlash than Depp. The trial, which went on for almost a month, unveiled countless vial, strange and violent behaviors exhibited by both members of the couple. Despite this,

NEWS | PG. 3

SPORTS | PG. 5

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 8

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 10

Cornell University rejects a proposal requiring faculty to provide trigger warnings for class content.

Jon Rahm takes home his first green jacket.

Bad behavior during live music is not just inconvenient; it is dangerous.

How will advancements in AI affect the workforce?

TRIGGER WARNINGS

THE MASTERS

CONCERT ETIQUETTE

AI TAKEOVER

2

REBECCA MEGHANI, NEWS EDITOR LILY PRUITT, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

04.17.2023

NEWS

VOLUME 101 | NO. 10

@GCSUnade

@TheColonnade

Editorial Board

Katherine Futch..............Editor in Chief Cale Strickland................Managing Editor Claire O’Neill................... Art Director Rebecca Meghani..........News Editor Lily Pruitt............................Asst. News Editor Hayden Flinn....................Sports Editor Brennan Schmitz........... Asst. Sports Editor Jennifer Crider................. Arts & Life Editor William Van de Planque.............................. Asst. Arts & Life Editor Abigayle Allen..................Opinion Editor Hannah Adams...............Asst. Opinion Editor Anjali Shenoy................ Digital Media Editor Marissa Marcolina.........Digital Media Editor Connor Patronis............. PR Manager Robert Trotter...................Ad Sales Manager William Burke.................. Faculty Adviser *All Opinion columns are the opinion of the columnist, not of The Colonnade.

The Colonnade is looking for staff writers, editors, designers, videographers, and more.

Contact thegcsucolonnade@gmail.com for more.

If you’re interested in writing for The Colonnade, email thegcsucolonnade@gmail.com.

Ad Disclaimer The Colonnade is not responsible for any false advertising. We are not liable for any error in advertising to a greater extent than the cost of the space in which the item occurs. The Colonnade reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising copy submitted for publication. There is no guaranteed placement of ads. The Colonnade does not accept advertising concerning firearms nor guarantee ads concerning alcoholic beverages.

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3

REBECCA MEGHANI, NEWS EDITOR LILY PRUITT, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

04.17.2023

NEWS

Biomedical plant could produce thousands of jobs Catherine Wall

this new plant. There is much controversy over

Staff Writer The Meissner Corporation

recently

an-

nounced

that

they

would be building a new site in order to produce filters and conduct research in the city of Athens, Georgia.

The Meissner Corporation specializes in the biomedical field by producing and manufacturing products that help with ailments like cancer, heart disease and

how beneficial this will be for Georgia — or if it even will be at all.

AP

News

reported

that the Athens-Clarke County Commission announced that the company would be able to offer a salary of $65,000 to its future workers.

The

commission

said

the company’s new site is needed in Athens, where poverty and a low-wage economy run rampant.

“The

University

of

immune diseases. The

Georgia is a big eco-

company even helped by

nomic driver,” said Mike

producing much-need-

Hamby, a commissioner

ed COVID-19 vaccines.

in Athens-Clarke Coun-

The

corporation

is

ty. “What we need is

than

other economic drivers.”

$243 million dollars in

The new site will

investing

more

I support it because if it gives people jobs, I do not really see a downside to it -Annabel Hirst

be able to offer more than 1800 jobs by 2031.

Some argue that bringing jobs of this magnitude could help solve the housing and wage inequality in Athens-Clarke County, which has struggled economically for several decades.

Furthermore, some point out that having this company in Georgia will help boost the state’s profile in the biosciences, especially with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention already existing in Atlanta. Georgia is already one of the nation’s leading bioscience states, and a new site for Meissner Corporation will only add to Georgia’s prestige in the field.

The company added that, while building its site in Athens, it will work on forming partnerships with the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia and Athens Technical College, with potential

Courtesy of The Associated Press

internships and other opportunities for students at the new facility.

GC students have differing opinions on Meissner Corporation’s new biomedical facility and the potential collaborations between the corporation and local universities.

“I think that having local opportunities for college students, such as the ones that could be offered through this facility, will encourage students to apply their studies in internships and future jobs with the company,” said Emma Laprade, a freshman nursing major.

“I support it because if it gives people jobs, I don’t really see a downside to it,” said Annabel Hirst, a freshman language major.

Other GC students feel differently.

“I believe that the increased availability of biomedical sources, such as The Meissner Corporation, is critical not only in the recovery of these widespread ailments, but they could possibly delve into preventative measures for these as well,” said Grace Cote, junior biology major.

Right now, America is experiencing a dire

shortage of medical supplies

and

medicines.

Just recently, there has been a massive shortage of amoxicillin, which is used to treat strep throat..

“Also,

Meissner

Corporation helped to produce

COVID-19

vaccines, and honestly, with new strands emerging, I think it’s good they’re building another site,” Cote said.

It will take time for residents to reach a verdict on the facility’s efficacy, as operations will begin in 2026 and are expected to reach the company’s goals by the early 2030s.

Second chances behind bars

Inmates in Henry County graduated with certificates in welding and other skills Kate Verity

whether

Contributing Writer In

Henry

County,

Georgia, a new program is helping to provide inmates with the skills needed to enter

former

pris-

ed at least once in Year

have been able to make

ty wants to change lives

mand. The Henry Coun-

oners would re-offend.

1 of their release, 29%

good use of their time

with

ty Jail is both decreasing

The study, led by Dr.

arrested in Year 5, and

behind bars to better

Leonardo

Antenangeli

22% arrested in Year 10.”

prepare for their futures.

and Matthew R. Durose,

The program in Henry

followed released prisoners over the course

this

program. goal

the number of individu-

someone

als cycling through the

have

from a life of crime be-

prison system and work-

County aims to address

been charged with mis-

cause that’s all that they

this trend. The idea is

demeanors are eligible

know,” Scandrett said.

ing to add to the local

Inmates

who

is

“The

overall

to

stop

more working individu-

the workforce after they

als with a specific skill set.

are released from incar-

Senior political sci-

ceration. In late March,

ence

six inmates graduated

gram

make it significantly eas-

as

beneficial.

a great idea,” Hooper

after serving their sen-

said. “It’s shown — that

tences. After completing

prisoners,

the 100-hour-long pro-

oftentimes

when they get out, they

gram, each inmate was

struggle to find work. So,

awarded with certifica-

if they’re able to find a

tions in welding, fork-

way to advance their ca-

lift operation, CPR and

reer, even while they’re in

skills.

detainment, I think that

The main goal of this

that’s good for everyone.”

program is to work to

This

reduce recidivism. Re-

program

has

proved successful so far,

cidivism is a term that

and more inmates have

refers to the tendency of

been working on com-

those who have entered

pleting this program. If

the prison system once

these sorts of programs

to “relapse” or re-offend,

increased in popularity

thus reentering the prisClaire O’Neill | Art Director

on system shortly after each time they are re-

Tristan

“I think it sounds like

ier for them to get jobs

technical

major

Hooper sees this pro-

with certificates that will

other

workforce by producing

in prison systems across the state and the coun-

of a 10-year period.

that if inmates are taught

to fill out an application

“If we can input some

program

“Among persons re-

technical skills, they are

to enroll in the program.

additional

aims to keep current

leased from state pris-

going to have an easier

The Henry County Sher-

and education, we can

Henry County inmates

ons in 2008 across 24

time landing a job once

iff ’s

partnered

change one life at a time.”

from becoming repeat

states, 82% were arrested

they are no longer incar-

with WorkSource Atlan-

In addition to chang-

offenders after serving

at least once during the

cerated. The opportunity

ta Regional in 2022 to

ing the lives of these

their current sentences.

10 years following re-

to participate in this kind

implement this program.

individual

From 2008 to 2018,

lease,” Antenangeli and

of program is something

Henry County Sher-

this program helps to

opportunities

the U.S. Department of

Durose said. “The an-

that these inmates would

iff Reginald Scandrett

increase the skill set of

themselves up increas-

Justice’s Bureau of Jus-

nual arrest percentage

have been unlikely, or

spoke with 11Alive in

the American workforce.

es the likelihood that

tice Statistics conduct-

declined over time, with

unable, to pursue on

late

told

Technical skills, such as

they will turn their lives

ed a study to investigate

43% of prisoners arrest-

their own. However, they

them that Henry Coun-

welding, are in high de-

around for the better.

leased.

This

Office

March.

He

knowledge

prisoners,

try, it could put a significant dent in the recidivism problem America faces. Providing those who have struggled in life with the skills and to

pick

4

REBECCA MEGHANI, NEWS EDITOR LILY PRUITT, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

04.17.2023

NEWS

Trigger warnings in college classes Rebecca Meghani News Editor The administration at Cornell University recently rejected a proposal to require faculty to provide trigger warnings to students on class content that may be considered graphic or traumatic.

Claire Ting and Shelby Williams, representatives of the university’s student assembly, submitted a proposal, titled Resolution SA 31, describing their goal to require instructors to provide a notice to students and refrain from penalizing students who opt out of exposure to potentially graphic content.

The resolution was passed by the Student Assembly and sent to the administration on March 31.

The recommendation mandates warnings for topics including sexual assault, domestic violence, selfharm, suicide, child abuse, racial violence, transphobic violence, homophobic harassment and xenophobia.

The resolution explains the purpose of the warnings: to avoid triggering students with PTSD who may suffer from forms of anxiety, fear, irritability, flashbacks and panic attacks.

It also outlined that, if enacted, students who chose to opt out of class due to triggering content would not be penalized, contingent on their responsibility to make

HIRING

Continued from page 1 Additionally, in the days following the incident, Arthur Grand referred to itself as a minority-owned company.

According

to

the

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, it is illegal to publish a job posting that uses race to differentiate applicants.

This job posting has sparked a conversation about

discriminatory

up any missed content.

In early April, the university’s administrators responded to students’ pleas for change.

“We cannot accept this resolution, as the actions it recommends would infringe on our core commitment to academic freedom and

freedom of inquiry, and are at odds with the goals of a Cornell education,” the administrators said.

In response to the denial, Claire Ting, representative for the School of Industrial and Labor Relations and Student Assembly member, explained her thoughts.

“I agree with the core of what she addresses

to make the environment better for Cornell students so that we can produce the next generation’s leaders — and in doing so we must serve the needs of our [student] communities.”

Ting said the resolution was written in light of the issue’s mischaracterization by Fox News, The New York

ter experiencing sexual assault themselves.

Cornell President Martha Pollack and Provost Michael Kotlikof asserted that the idea of these warnings may be “appropriate,” but might also infringe upon academic freedom.

In 2016, the University of Chicago discussed the popular topic

of intellectual ‘safe spaces’ where individuals can retreat from ideas and perspectives at odds with their own,” said John Ellison, Dean of Students at University of Chicago.

A 2016 NPR poll asked 800 professors across the country about their use of trigger warnings in the classroom.

The results showed

that more than half of the sample have used trigger warnings to avoid triggering students with potentially upsetting material.

Of those who had used trigger warnings, 64.7% chose to implement the cautionary messages without request from students or administration.

Many institutions, like UC Berkeley, choose to use their syllabi to warn students of potentially triggering topics.

“Conflict is an inherent, and good, part of a university environment, but not when it impedes learning and inquiry,” said university administrators at UC Berkeley. “Of course, instructors cannot hope to foresee all possible areas of conflict, but they can come prepared with strategies for generating good discussions.”

Evelyn Evan, a freshman history major at GC, discussed the topic of trigger warnings in college classes.

“I think trigger warnings can be a good thing because, for some people, certain topics can trigger PTSD,” Evan said. “Just like a brief warning, I don’t really see a problem with that.”

With an increase in content and trigger warnings in higher education throughout the country, the debate surrounding the matter is set to continue.

or

work-

nior theatre major at

lanta, or places where I

ing, whereas I have to

ferent, opportunities for

discrimination.

GC on the verge of en-

know race isn’t a con-

worry about if they are

minorities than there are

tering

workforce,

cern,” Hemphill said. “I

going to be racist to me.”

in the U.S. is rooted

shared her concerns as

know that’s not a concern

in

racism

a young Black woman.

for my white friends.

to explain the realiza-

and only increases the

“I think I have been

They worry more about

tions she hopes employ-

Black-white wealth gap.

more hesitant to apply

the distance from their

ers have in the future.

er before race or gender

for jobs outside of At-

family or the cost of liv-

“There are less, and dif-

when hiring someone.”

witnessing

place

Inequitable

hiring

systematic

These

practices,

in a letter to its incoming freshman class.

“Our commitment to academic freedom means that we do not support so-called ‘trigger warnings,’ we do not cancel invited speakers because their topics might prove controversial, and we do not condone the creation

the

Hemphill

went

on

white people,” Hemphill said. “There are many more things to consid-

such as simply having a “Black name,” can affect

prospective

em-

ployees as early as the application

process.

The National Fund for

Workplace

Solu-

tions reports that just 20% of Fortune 500 companies account for

ing topics of systematic

half of the hiring dis-

racism and people of col-

crimination in the U.S.

or being dismissed when

While Western so-

saying that lack of diver-

cieties have fought to

sity is a pipeline problem.

make

improvements,

A recent study con-

such as through the

ducted by the business

Civil Rights Movement,

website Gitnux found

progressive

that more than 60%

seem insufficient to en-

of U.S. employees re-

act real, lasting change.

experiencing

Post and other high-profile media outlets.

It was also inspired by a student’s recent experience studying, in graphic detail, the Rape of Nanking, where soldiers committed atrocious human rights abuses against captured Chinese civilians, af-

Claire O’Neill | Art Director

hiring practices, includ-

ported

in terms of academic freedom and learning to engage with challenging material, I think that we’re very much on the same page there,” Ting said. “At the same time, I also believe that we are both individuals who seek for a better Cornell community — trying

steps

still

Priya Hemphill, a se-

Courtesy of WFAA

The job posting from Arthur Grand Technologies Inc. specifies that only White U.S. born citizens are to be considered for the position

5

HAYDEN FLINN, SPORTS EDITOR BRENNAN SCHMITZ, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

04.17.2023

SPORTS KRUMDIECK Continued from page 1 “All the girls have been awesome,” Krumdieck said. “Just funny things that happened on the bus, like all those little things. You don’t remember the wins and losses, but just the times you spent with them.”

Senior setter Emily Long, who has spent four seasons with Krumdieck, recalled the annual Halloween practices as some of her favorite memories with her coach.

“I remember, one year, she came in on a little scooter playing some kind of song, and it was really funny,” Long said.

“We were all standing out there already, and we were like, ‘Where’s

coach?’ and then we hear this music, and she just comes out scootering around on the court.”

Callie Miller, a junior outside hitter, remembered fondly that during the Friday practices Krumdieck would try to liven up with music and intrasquad scrimmages.

“When we would have Friday practices, she would always bring out the music, we would get to play (against) each other and it would just be a fun Friday,” Miller said.

Although freshman libero Alanis Bernis only played under Krumdieck for one season, she believes Krumdieck has made a lasting impact on her.

“She will always have a place in my heart that no other coach will

have,” Bernis said. “I’ve had a million coaches, but she was my first college coach, she gave me my first experience, and I think I’m going to compare everyone else to her now because she was good to me, she was good to us.”

One thing that all three players agreed on was that one of Krumdieck’s best qualities that set her apart from other coaches was her genuine, caring heart for her players. She always saw her players as humans first, rather than just athletes that only need to focus on their physical performance.

“She always cares about what’s going on outside of our athletic lives,” Long said. “She always wants to make sure our academics are

good, our social lives are good and we are okay emotionally and mentally, not just physically.”

Krumdieck believes that, going forward, the key to the volleyball program continuing to have success is both bringing in the right coach, which she firmly believes the college will do, and recruiting more and more talent.

“I think the school is easy to recruit to,” Krumdieck said. “It has high academics. It fits a volleyball student athlete perfectly, so I think as long as you keep recruiting to that, the sky’s the limit,” Krumdieck said.

Krumdieck will be pursuing a career opportunity in fundraising and event planning at her high school alma mater,

Jon Rahm wins his first green jacket Drew Bogumill Staff Writer The 87th edition of the Masters Tournament has concluded, and Jon Rahm took home the green jacket after beating out Brooks Koepka by four strokes.

Right out the gate, Rahm and Koepka were going at it, along

with Viktor Hovland.

All three were tied for the lead after round one at 7-under-par.

The other big news of day one was Tiger Woods shooting a 74. Woods went into the tournament having made the cut 22 consecutive times.

Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1 golfer in the world, had a solid start to the tournament. Even with

his trouble on the greens, Scheffler still posted a 68, putting him only three strokes behind the lead.

Round two was all Koepka, as he continued his stellar performance while also managing to finish before the bad weather came in and halted play.

After two trees fell and inclement weather suspended play on

Two-time major golf champion Jon Rahm.

Friday afternoon, it resumed Saturday, meaning several groups had to stretch their 18 holes over two days.

As Koepka sat comfortably in the clubhouse, Rahm did his best to close the gap on the leaderboard. Rahm had a topsy-turvy final four holes, as he went birdie-bogey-birdie-bogey on 15, 16, 17 and 18. He finished the day at 10-under par through 36 holes, in sole possession of second place.

Woods made the cut for a record 23rd consecutive Masters’ cut, tying Gary Player and Fred Couples.

The bad weather continued during round three, suspending play again.

Koepka was 13-under par through six holes, Rahm was second at 9-under par and amateur Sam Bennett was in third at 6-under par.

Courtesy of GC Athletics

Former head coach Gretchen Krumdieck

where she will also coach volleyball. The GC community and volleyball program in particular

will certainly miss her, but the legacy she is leaving behind will live on here for years to come.

After two days of bad weather, the 87th Masters resumed Sunday under sunny and dry conditions, with golfers completing the third round in the morning before starting the fourth and final round in the afternoon.

“I thought Brooks Koepka was going to win at the start of the tournament,” said senior business management major Jakob Flores. “He was playing great until Sunday, and then he just choked the whole thing away.”

Rahm, who entered the final round trailing Koepka by two strokes, shot a 3-under-par 69 in the final round to finish 12 under par for the tournament and claim his first green jacket. It is Rahm’s second major tournament victory; he won the U.S. Open in 2021.

“The Masters is so

special because of the beautiful scenery of the legendary Augusta National golf course,” said former GC golfer Luke Ninneman. “I’ve been watching The Masters since I was a kid, and the special feeling it gives me never goes away.”

“I got to go to a practice round once with my dad when I was younger,” said junior marketing major Jackson Kiser.

“The whole experience was surreal. I recommend everyone go at least once in their lives.”

The Masters is, without a doubt, a very special golf tournament, and Rahm has officially marked his name in the history books.

He now just needs to win the PGA Championship and the Open Championship to complete his Grand Slam.

GC softball takes on No. 1 UNG Emily Henderson Staff Writer GC Softball hosted former Peach Belt Conference champion the University of North Georgia in a three-game series on April 15 and 16. This series also featured the Bobcats’ Senior Day celebrations.

GC softball honored four seniors, as they played their last weekend home series of their careers.

Game one of the series started a little cold for the Bobcats, as the Nighthawks started out hot. The Bobcats got two quick outs to start the inning before a couple errors, walks and a triple scored three runs for the Nighthawks.

The second inning started with a UNG home run followed by an easy out to end the top of the inning.

The Bobcats first five batters reached. The inning started with soph-

omore Devina Checo getting hit by a pitch.

Mackenzie Martian then singled to right field, and a walk that loaded the bases followed.

Three singles drove in the first three runs for the Bobcats. With the bases still loaded, Jessica Owens hit a ball deep to left center field, leaving the park for a grand slam and making the score 7-4 for the Bobcats.

Again, in the fourth, the Nighthawks showed off their bats. A leadoff double along with another double and single put up two more runs for UNG, cutting the Bobcats lead to just one run.

GC was not as fortunate in their half of the inning, leaving a runner on after a groundout to the pitcher and two strikeouts to end the inning.

After an uneventful fifth and sixth inning, the seventh inning rolled around. A leadoff double by UNG started their

rally to take the lead. The Nighthawks produced four runs off four late-inning hits. The Bobcats failed to respond, having a quick three up, three down inning to finish the game, losing 10-7.

“The first game, I thought our hitting and pitching was great, but obviously, our defense slacked a little bit,” said senior infielder Montana Ledbetter. “When we had runners on, we were able to execute, which shows with the numbers we were able to put up. We hit to win but just came up short.”

The Bobcats tried to push back from this late-inning loss but could not come close to a win in the following two games.

Game two of the series was a slow game for the Bobcats, only producing one hit, in the bottom of the seventh.

UNG produced six runs off of six hits, including a three-run home run

in the top of the third.

The Bobcats started the final game of the season strong, tallying multiple hits in the early innings of the game.

GC struck first in the fourth after a single by Stephanie Condland.

UNG, however, hit two home runs the following inning, and the Bobcats never recovered. The Nighthawks drove in two more runs, ending the game 4-1.

While the Bobcats were swept, they played fairly well against this highly ranked team.

UNG is not only currently ranked No. 1 in the PBC but also nationally ranked No. 1 in all of Division II softball.

“Playing this well just reiterates that what we are doing works,” said head coach Jamie Grodecki.

“We just have to keep fighting. If we reduced the mistakes, we might have won that first game.

We were in the game. We

Marissa Marcolina | Digital Media Editor

Junior pitcher Shelby Jones fires a pitch to the plate versus No. 1 North Georgia.

were right there. When you are right there, it’s going to take one or two things going your way to just keep it rolling.”

Despite the loss, the crowd was still excited to honor four seniors: Montana Ledbetter, Lauren Sommerer, Ashley Schell and Katelyn Hobbs.

“It feels really innocent to be playing this game,” Sommerer said.

“You have your whole family there, like when you used to play rec ball, when your whole family could always be there. Since you’re so far

away from home, you get this sense of home spirit and innocence. It is also just fun to come out here and play the game you love with the seniors you have been here with for four years.”

These four seniors, along with the rest of GC softball, have three more

home

games

this season, all against Georgia

Southwestern.

Game one will be held on April 24 at 3:00 p.m., and games two and three will be played April 25 at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

6

HAYDEN FLINN, SPORTS EDITOR BRENNAN SCHMITZ, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

04.17.2023

SPORTS

Owens takes Bobcat Athlete of the Week Christian Castillo

one, with involvement

In game three, both

for a grand slam, send-

was fortunate enough to

competitive, and I always

Staff Writer

in nine of GC’s 10 runs.

teams had the bats crack-

ing three of her team-

be able to hit for the cy-

want to win,” Owens

Softball

GC won game one

ing during an explosive

mates home before her.

cle, and that is something

said. “I also want to be

grabbed a PBC series

10-6, lost game two 7-3

third inning, which end-

“I feel like I have had a

many of them will never

and won game three

ed with a GC leading

very successful season so

do. It’s rare. No other GC

7-6. Over the span of

6-5. Two early-inning

far,” Owens said. “I have

softball player has done

Bobcat

win against Augusta — with offensive fireworks.

These fireworks includ-

ing. When I decide I am going to do something, I put everything that I have

ed senior first baseman

into it. I’m an all or noth-

Jessica Owens adding

ing type of person. You

the rare feat of hitting

either get 100% of me, or

a cycle to her list of career

the best at what I am do-

you get nothing. When I

accomplishments,

as well as a crucial

see my dedication paying

game-three grand slam.

off, it makes me want to

In game one, Ow-

do more, give more and

ens became the first GC

attain more. The high

softball player in recent

of success is something

memory to hit a cycle,

I am always chasing.”

meaning she hit a sin-

The

gle, a double, a triple

senior

craves

competition, wins and

and a home run all in

Courtesy of GC Athletics

success, which she dis-

the same game. On five

the series, Owens went

hits and a walk resulted

played extremely well,

it in recent history. I feel

at bats, Owens recorded

5-12 at the plate, being

in the Bobcats having

and it has been recog-

like that alone speaks to

four historic hits, which

responsible for 11 RBI

the bases loaded when

nized by both the school

what I am capable of.”

resulted in a total of sev-

and scoring four runs.

Owens stepped up to

and the Peach Belt. There

en RBI and her scoring

Owens

record-

the plate. This proved

are players in the confer-

her competitive edge as

Augusta and are sure

two runs. Owens com-

ed perfect stats on the

to be bad news for Au-

ence with stats that are

her main motivation.

to lead to more im-

pletely took over in game

field in all three games.

gusta, as Owens went

better than mine, but I

“I am unbelievably

also

Owens

pinpointed

plays

with

her

play.

These

qualities

made

her the X-factor against

pressive

performances.

NBA begins highly competitive playoff Bruce Smith

Although the Bucks

to make a long run.

Staff Writer

are the clear favorite in

In the West, the Den-

the East, the two-seed

ver Nuggets are the head-

to

Boston Celtics have had

line team after going 53-

an end on April 9.

an impressive year so far

29 in the regular season.

This season was one to

and are backed by su-

The Nuggets are a

remember, and with the

perstar talent in Jaylen

large team backed by last

playoffs starting on April

Brown and Jayson Tatum.

year’s MVP, Nikola Jokić.

15, fans are sure to have

“The Celtics are, for

even more excitement

sure, winning the cham-

er impressive year this

over the next two months.

pionship this year,” said

season, averaging 24.5

The playoffs are di-

Joshua Hammond. “I’ve

points, 11.8 rebounds

vided into two sides,

been a Celtics fan for

the Eastern and West-

most of my life, and I

ern

feel very confident in

The lar

NBA

season

regu-

came

Conferences.

The East is headlined

Jokić

had

anoth-

and 9.8 assists per game.

Even though the Nuggets are the one-seed, everyone is talking about last year’s champions, the

I’ve been a Celtics fan for most of my life, and I feel very confident in this year’s team and know we will make some noise in June.

-Joshua Hammond

Golden State Warriors.

The

six-seed

War-

and everyone would pick

look out for is Georgia’s

making it out of the first

them to win,” said soph-

own

Hawks.

round, but I will still

Atlanta

riors had a quiet sea-

omore

Sloan,

The Hawks are the

cheer them on proudly.”

son,

44-38.

a GC basketball play-

seven-seed in the East-

The Hawks will most

However, star guards

er. “I guess it’s just the

ern Conference and have

likely be the underdog in

Steph Curry and Klay

Steph Curry effect, and

a really tough road if

every game they play in

Thompson have some

no matter what team he

they want to make it to

these playoffs, so if they

going

Austin

by the 2021 champions,

this year’s team and

of the most experience

is on, you always have

the NBA Finals this year.

do make it far, it would be

the Milwaukee Bucks.

know

make

in the playoffs and are

to give them a chance.”

“I would love noth-

one great Cinderella sto-

some noise in June.”

sure to have their squad

The Western Confer-

ing more than for the

ry for the city of Atlanta.

in

After losing in the

ready for whoever they

ence is packed with star

Hawks to win the cham-

The NBA Playoffs offi-

the regular season and

championship last year,

are matched up against.

teams and star players

pionship this year,” said

cially kicked off on April

are led by star forward

the Celtics are out for

“I feel like the War-

and has the potential

Will Thomas. “Howev-

15. Games are broad-

and former MVP Gi-

revenge and are defi-

riors could be the one-

for some crazy upsets.

er, I think we stand lit-

cast on ABC, ESPN,

annis Antetokounmpo.

nitely a team looking

seed or the eight-seed

tle to no chance of even

NBA

The Bucks went an impressive

58-24

we

will

Another

team

to

TV

and

TNT.

7

JENNIFER CRIDER, A&L EDITOR WILLIAM VAN DE PLANQUE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

04.17.2023

ARTS & LIFE

Anjali Shenoy | Digital Editor

DRAG SHOW

fidence within his abil-

“From start to fin-

But a student that had

Each semester, this

nication major. “It felt

ities as a performer.

ish, for rigorously plan-

already been perform-

experience unifies GC

really nice to be in a

ning, three weeks ahead

ing drag outside of GC

students and the local

were helpful when I had

of time, planning out

thought it would be cool

community through a

queer environment be-

to change costumes for

when I was going to

to do a community show,

night filled with cos-

queen “Tina,” has be-

the show,” Rogers said.

practice with nails on,”

and the drag queens

tumes

come a crowd favorite

“They helped me out

Rogers said. “The actual

can actually go into the

“It was really fun,”

at the past two shows.

when I needed help. At

day of, it took me three

crowd at Buffs. We’ve

said Collin Zabroske,

inclusive and accepting.

‘Tina’

the end, there was that

hours: two for makeup

held it there ever since.”

senior

I felt free to be myself.”

came from my first day

whole thing when we

and one to get dressed

of college,” Rogers said.

all got up on stage, and

and do my hair. It took

“There was a hypnotist

I liked the support that

me about 10 minutes to

show the first night that

everyone gave. I needed

take off later that night.”

I was here, and I volun-

it. I needed some moti-

Although this show

teered to go on stage.

vation and inspiration.”

has been a GC tradition

One of the things the

The preparation for

since the early 2000s,

hypnotist made us do

these types of shows

it did not always take

was make our own su-

is quite extensive for

place

perhero. The first name

the queens, with them

“It was changed over

I thought of was ‘Tina.’”

having to focus on per-

to Buffingtons in either

Through drag, Rog-

fecting not only their

2010 or 2012,” Murphy

ers has developed a

dance moves but also

said. “It was usually at

sense

their

makeup,

Russell or Peabody Au-

nails.

ditorium or Magnolia.

Continued from page 1 Rogers, who is also known

as

“The

the

name

of

drag

community

along with more con-

“The

other

hair,

costumes

and

queens

in

and

mass

dancing.

commu-

cause GC lacks that, so it is nice when it actually happens. The vibe was

Buffingtons.

Anjali Shenoy | Digital Editor

Caleb Rogers as ‘Tina’ at this years drag show

Cale’s cinema critiques: “Air”

Note: If you are unfamiliar with the story of Jordan Brand, be warned; this article contains spoilers for “Air.” Cale Strickland Managing Editor

cause this is not a mov-

sated for their talents, the

chael Jordan stepped into

filmmaking when it was

Wayans. It is well-made.

ie about Jordan; it is a

result of a decades-long

would, by the pedigree

paid for by the labor

You will laugh. You will

If you are a fan of Ben

movie about his mother.

struggle inspired by the

of his name alone, have

of warehouse workers

Affleck, as I am, you will

Deloris Jordan, played

Jordan family’s histor-

been special, but it was

barred from unioniz-

know he is a Boston guy.

by Viola Davis, was the

ic deal. Nearly 40 years

Moore’s colorful, revo-

ing, bathroom breaks

Yet, 25 years after he and

architect of her son’s fi-

later,

Jordan’s

lutionary silhouette that

and

his best friend, Matt Da-

nancial success. And as

ideas, that athletes cre-

would grab the attention

Affleck’s film, and Da-

ate far more value for

of

vis’s powerhouse per-

companies than compa-

ing the country’s malls.

formance, makes clear,

nies create for athletes,

Sure, Vaccaro and the

that was the result of her

is starting to catch on.

rest of Nike Basketball’s

steadfast belief in her

Fittingly, “Air” is also

executives had to stretch

son’s worth. Instead of

the first film produced by

the department’s bud-

accepting Nike’s run-of-

Artists Equity, the pro-

get to create afford the

the-mill offer matched by

duction company Affleck

deal — Vaccaro prom-

brand rivals Adidas and

and Damon started in an

ised the Jordan family

Converse, she pushed

effort to reshape profit

Nike would pay the fines

for her son to receive a

distribution in the film

Jordan

piece of the profits gen-

industry and tailor the

for wearing shoes “too

erated by each pair of

filmmaking process to

colorful” for the NBA’s

Air Jordans sold, a deal

the interests of creatives,

taste — but the Air Jor-

which makes her son

not studio executives.

dan 1 is a direct prod-

hundreds of millions of

You can feel Affleck

uct of Moore’s mind.

mon, made “Good Will Hunting” together, he has ditched his Boston Celtics fandom — just for a brief moment — to make a movie about the man who picked them apart for more than a decade: Michael Jordan.

But

“Air,”

Affleck’s

latest directorial effort, is far from standard sports-drama fare. This is a movie about Nike’s efforts to, through the design of the Air Jordan 1,

dollars every single year.

and

Deloris

Damon’s

finger-

teenagers

would

wander-

livable

wages.

cry. You will leave with a smile on your face.

It is a feel-good story

But, if you can check

about one of the great-

your reservations at the

est — if not the greatest

auditorium’s doors, “Air”

—

is a perfect choice for a night out at the movies. It has a star-studded cast: Affleck, Damon,

American

athletes

of all-time. I, a diehard LeBron James fan, dug it.

And if that is not a glow-

Davis, Jason Bateman,

ing

recommendation,

Chris Tucker and Marlon

I am not sure what is.

receive

Of course, as uncon-

recruit Jordan and subse-

Exploring Deloris Jor-

prints all over the film.

ventional

quently save the compa-

dan’s efforts to set the

Aside from Deloris Jor-

film is, there is one glar-

ny’s struggling basketball

foundation for her son’s

dan and Nike Basketball

ing aspect undermin-

division. Yet, ironically,

future is not just a fresh,

talent scout Sonny Vac-

ing its underdog story:

Jordan is, barring a cou-

new perspective on the

caro, played by Damon,

The film was financed,

ple of scenes, absent from

Michael Jordan story; it is

soft-spoken

designer

at least in part, by Am-

the film. On the rare oc-

timely. Across the coun-

Peter Moore, played by

azon. It is hard to keep

casion we do see him, he

try, more and more col-

Matthew Maher, is the

a straight face and call

is shot from behind. We

lege athletes are, finally,

story’s hero. Of course,

“Air” a shining example

never see his face — be-

beginning to be compen-

any pair of shoes Mi-

of

as

Affleck’s

people-over-profits

“Air” poster

8

JENNIFER CRIDER, A&L EDITOR WILLIAM VAN DE PLANQUE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

04.17.2023

ARTS & LIFE

College students experiencing bad concert etiquette Kylie Rowe Contributing Writer

Attending a live concert can be an amazing experience, but it can quickly turn sour if you encounter people with bad concert etiquette.

These individuals can

cert

proposals.

Many

ing access to technol-

it difficult for others to

and was exacerbated by

such as Taylor Swift and

people’s love of Taylor

ogy, this is, seemingly,

enjoy the show, but it can

a lack of security per-

Beyoncé, touring this

Swift

unavoidable.

However,

also create safety hazards.

sonnel and barriers. The

year, there is a great risk

their partners proposing

LiveAbout, an entertain-

to them during the con-

“You may think you’re

incident raised concerns

of injuries and disrupting

ment reporting website,

cert, but not everyone

suggests being more re-

just having a good time,

about the safety of over-

events happening more

is so thrilled about this.

spectful of those around

but your actions can

crowded concerts and the

frequently. It is more

lead

said

need for venues to have

important than ever for

ConcertHotels, a web-

proper safety protocols

concertgoers to be aware

site for finding hotels

in place to prevent injury.

of risks and mindful

venues.

GC students have

of their own behavior.

In 2019, a concertgo-

the opportunity to go to

Bad concert etiquette

er was injured during a

concerts held by down-

can ruin the concert ex-

Lil Uzi Vert concert in

town

and

perience for everyone

Atlanta, Georgia, due to

GC itself. So far there

involved. Even though

shoving and overcrowd-

have been no formal

it is important for peo-

ing. The woman suf-

reports of bad concert

ple to get views online

fered a broken ankle and

etiquette, but students

or have the best view

was transported to the

should still be aware of

at an event, good et-

hospital for treatment.

proper concert etiquette.

iquette

The incident occurred

With some of the most

positive experiences for

during the opening act

highly awarded artists,

everyone in attendance.

translated

into

Grace Arnold, a soph-

you

omore graphic design

or

when

recording

photographing.

“You may be distract-

ing the artist or other concertgoers with your

People should have enough decency to know that a proposal should be a special moment separate from an entire concert

bright screen and obtrusive lens,” LiveAbout said.

Another example of frustrating concert etiquette is talking loud-

-Grace Arnold

ly or engaging in other disruptive

behaviors

during the performance. ruin the atmosphere for

major and lifelong Taylor

everyone else and even

Swift fan, is attending the

create safety hazards.

Eras Tour on April 28.

With the rise of Tik-

“Truthfully,

people

Tok and other forms of

should have enough hu-

live streaming, concerts

man decency to know

can become another at-

that a proposal should

mosphere

people

be a special moment

to make viral content.

separate from an entire

This can be very dis-

concert,” Arnold said.

ruptive for other people

Along the same lines,

for

“People attend concerts to hear the music,

provide

not only are you disrupting the experience for those around you, but you are also, potentially, drowning out

people are taking up

includes recording or

A common issue that

space and doing abnor-

photographing

during

has resulted in injury

mal things to get views.

the entire performance.

is people who are con-

One of the more well-

While it can be tempting

stantly moving around,

known examples can be

to capture the moment,

pushing, shoving or just

seen on half of the Tik-

this can be disruptive

being disruptive to those

Toks you see of Taylor

to those around you.

around them. This type of

increas-

helps

during a performance,

the sound of the music.

the

businesses

When you are talking

etiquette

With

concert

boxes,” LiveAbout said.

bad

Swift’s Eras Tour: con-

injury,”

not to listen to chatter-

in the audience when

concert

near

to

behavior not only makes

Claire O’Neil | Digital Media Editor

Taking product placment to the next level

Popularity is rising among biopic films of consumer products like snacks and stuffed animals Shaw Coggin

line of stuffed animals.

Staff Writer

These films are not just

Kulash.

film industry, it’s a best

cess upon release. “The

aforementioned

Even people like Ben

of both worlds scenar-

Founder,”

any low-budget movies,

“Flamin’ Hot” will be

Affleck and Matt Da-

io,” Johnson said. “You

ple, was a flop when it

though. The companies

directed by actress Eva

mon have turned to the

get those people who

was first released. Since

and minds behind them

Longoria. “The Beanie

product

story

are brand-attached to

then, it has gained an

are putting in millions of

Bubble” has big names

trend, as the first release

go see your movie or

audience and popularity

dollars as well as getting

attached as well, like

of their new production

tv show,

then you get

through streaming. Re-

massive names involved.

Elizabeth

and

company, Artists Equi-

people who are into the

cently, the film has even

Take 2016’s McDon-

Zach Galifianakis, and

ty, is a biopic about the

movie and get them into

become one of Netflix’s

alds origin movie, “The

will be written by Emmy

creation of Air Jordan.

that brand or product.”

most watched movies.

Founder,” for example,

Award-winning

abundance

Though these com-

This situation could

about the once-popular

which had people like

Kristin Gore and co-di-

of product and busi-

panies might be making

come into play with more

smartphone, and “The

Michael Keaton, Nick

rected by her and her

ness-centric movies that

these films to adver-

recent releases like “Te-

Beanie Bubble,” which

Offerman, Laura Dern,

husband, the front man

we have been getting

tise their products and

tris” and “Air” which are

will be about the sto-

Linda

as

of popular 2000s alter-

lately has left many mov-

business, that does not

currently not making too

ry of the Beanie Babies

well as many other big-

native rock band OK

iegoers to question the

mean the final product

much of a dent in the box

practice and compare

can not necessarily be

office or on streaming.

it to the next evolution

considered “not good.”

Kaley

of product placement.

“I actually watched

sophomore

Josh Johnson, a soph-

“The Founder” on Net-

phy major and avid

omore finance and eco-

flix,” said Peyton Cusick,

movie watcher, thinks

nomics double major,

a sophomore comput-

this will be the case.

thinks that the idea of

er science major. It was

“I do think those types

giving a product an en-

pretty interesting. I liked

of movies do better on

tire movie, rather than

it. The acting was nice.”

streaming just because

just placing it in a mov-

Cusick is interested in

ie or show, is an in-

learning about the lore

want to watch them in

teresting one. He also

behind these companies

theaters,” Parham said.

thinks that the concept

and products that have

“Once it’s open to them

is based more on adver-

become a natural part

on whatever streaming

tising than storytelling .

of her day-to-day life.

service they’re using, and

can

Many of these films

it feels free, they’re more

bring a product into the

have not had much suc-

likely to watch it then.”

Product

origin

bi-

opics have become the new trend in Hollywood, with the releases and announcements of films like “Flamin’ Hot,” the story of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, “Blackberry,” a movie

Cardellini

time The

actors

“Flamin’ Hot”, the snack origin story biopic, is set to release in theaters this summer.

involved.

Banks

writer

Go,

Damian

origin

The

“Anytime

you

people

for

exam-

Parham,

don’t

a

philoso-

usually

9 04.17.2023

JENNIFER CRIDER, A&L EDITOR WILLIAM VAN DE PLANQUE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

ARTS & LIFE

The 8th Annual ArtHealthy Festival Photos by Marissa Marcolini Digital Media Editor CREATE Inc., in partnership with Georgia College, sponsored the 8th annual ArtHealthy Festival last Saturday on GC’s Front Campus. This popular community event attracted thousands of people with activities like the Kid Zone, aerobic workouts, healthy food, ziplines, and human foosball helping people of all ages celebrate health and fitness. Fulfilling CREATE’s vision to “Provide Innovative Responses to Quality-of-Life Barriers,” ArtHealthy seeks to address the epidemic of obesity through the arts, education and recreation. Close to 200 vendors were in attendance.

10

ABIGAYLE ALLEN, OPINION EDITOR HANNAH ADAMS, ASST. OPINION EDITOR

04.17.2023

OPINION

CELEB BONDS Continued from page 1 Some of these conversations entailed gruesome

depictions

and

threats towards Heard’s life. In one conversation with Paul Bettany, Depp was recorded making explicit comments about murdering Heard and sexually assaulting her corpse. This was one of many conversations of this nature brought to light as evidence against Depp. Yet, the public continued to show undying love and support to Depp, with masses claiming that the actor was one of the kindest,

most loving people in Hollywood and that he deserved better. The internet became filled with videos of Depp displaying kind behavior in interviews or being caught smiling on camera, all as a means of justifying that he is a good man.

It is unsettling to look back at the way fans were so eager to ignore the suspicious and violent evidence brought against Depp. This brings up the interesting conversation surrounding why people are so quick to not only become extremely invested in celebrity drama but also to defend and support these celebrities without really knowing

them at all. In the Everyday Health article “Why We Care So Much About Celebrity Gossip, According to Psychology” by Christine Byrne, the conversation unfolds as to the psychology behind intense interest in celebrity gossip and the effect this attachment can have on some people’s social lives.

“Just because we’ve never met these celebrities doesn’t mean we don’t have relationships with them,” Byrne said.

“But if these relationships are dominating your life — for example, if you’re so invested in a certain celebrity or celebrity relationship that you don’t

build real social relationships with people around you — then that’s a bad thing. Gossiping about these celebrities can be a similarly low-stakes way to feel connected since the information you’re sharing doesn’t pose a risk to you or a member of your social circle.”

The article goes on to explain that the relationships people form with public figures are called parasocial bonds. Essentially, this is another way of saying an imaginary relationship, where a person mentally creates an image about someone they have never met. It is this attachment or bond that sometimes leads to

the false feeling of knowing the character of a celebrity without knowing them personally.

Depp is an actor who has been in a countless number of iconic films, so it is not surprising that people have created these bonds with him. It was difficult to believe that an actor who portrayed so many beloved characters was also capable of saying and doing the things that were presented as evidence against him.

It leaves one to wonder how often the public mistakes the fictional mental image of a celebrity they have created for the true nature of their character.

These untrue percep-

tions can be extremely toxic to the slack that we give to these celebrities.

Depp is not the first, nor will he be the last, of these celebrities whose actions have been swept under the rug due to the public’s affection for them. This is not to say that Heard was actually innocent in this trial, and Depp was guilty. Instead, it seems apparent that both parties held large amounts of guilt for the actions committed against one another, and the public needs to be more careful with the trust they place in a celebrity’s character.

The evolution of ChatGPT and AI intelligence

A new asset journalists can use to their advantage Hannah Adams Asst. Opinion Editor The use of AI technology has been on an incline since the earliest successful invention in 1951. More recent advancements of these processes have led some to feel uneasy that they will lose their value in the workplace, as an AI system can now effectively do their job. With the introduction of ChatGPT, the necessity and range of the communications industry is being examined. Some have begun to wonder how much longer the communications industry will have a need for physical writers when they can be replaced by artificial intelligence.

ChatGPT functions as a software system that can generate an entire essay or just a simple paragraph based on a short prompt. This is completed in a matter of minutes and works on virtually any prompt provided.

While there are those that choose to use this new program as a tool in their belt, there are also skeptics that worry about the authenticity of an artificially generated piece.

Further than that, some are even worried about a complete AI takeover.

In The Atlantic article “Is this the Start of an

AI Takeover?” Connor Friedersdorf relays the responses to an OpenGDP-generated question: “How do you think AI will change the way we live and work in the next decade?” A reader by the name of Ed responded with the four reasons he believes hu-

(4) it will tell them which of us to silence!” Ed said.

“The bots’ need for subterfuge is obvious, if we get onto them. We might pull the plug in time to block their takeover.”

While this is a more extreme reaction to the question asked, it does prompt the question as to

would be overruled by a system that could generate articles in a matter of seconds. That fear does still exist, as it has become apparent that AI technology is not going to slow down any time soon. But, over time, I have learned that the system can also be used as

gram is not going anywhere. So, like it or not, writers can either learn how to use the system as an asset or spend their days worried that they are about to be replaced.

The International Center for Journalists article “The Benefits and Pitfalls of ChatGPT for

Claire O’Neill | Art Director w

mans should fear the rise of artificial intelligence. “(1) Our human responses will give the bots too much information about how we think; (2) it will give the bots ideas on how to take control; (3) the bots will be able to identify if we are onto them about their plans to take control; and finally,

whether these advancements could truly lead to a version of AI takeover.

As a journalist, there was an initial concern for the security of my career path when learning about the functions of ChatGPT. It was easy to feel the immediate trepidation that the need for physical, human writers

a helpful tool when feeling a block in my writing capabilities. While I still firmly believe that human writers are important and crucial in the journalism industry, I can also see how this program can — and will be — unbelievably helpful in creative flow. The harsh reality is, this pro-

Journalists” by Marina Cemaj Hochstein relays some of the advice given

by Jenna Burell, director of research at Data & Society during the most recent ICFJ Pamela Howard Forum on Global Crisis Reporting webinar.

“In the form ChatGPT exists today, Burrell recommended that journal-

ists use it as a tool while recognizing its limitations,” Hochstein said.

“Although the model can help journalists write faster when they are on a deadline, inspire them when they are having trouble being creative, and serve as an extra step to ensure their work is well-written and stylized, it should always be used with a human by its side.

For journalists worrying that ChatGPT’s writing will be passed off as journalism, Burrell notes that its writing lacks a level of journalistic quality and creativity — an editor can usually tell the difference.

Humans will continue to be much more inventive and creative, and able to produce really unusual ways of saying things.”

When feeling fearful of impending AI takeover, it is important not to diminish the value of humanity and human interaction. The human brain is unique and particular to every single person in existence, and it would be impossible for a robot to ever be capable of duplicating that. So long as the human race does not lose sight of the value of humanity, AI will continue to act as an aid to reach the finished product rather than being the final product itself.

11

ABIGAYLE ALLEN, OPINION EDITOR HANNAH ADAMS, ASST. OPINION EDITOR

04.17.2023

OPINION

Disagreement, civility and respect Adam Lamparello, J.D. Asst. Professor of Criminal Justice

perspective with which they

it doesn’t automatically mean that they

thick skin while simultaneously treat-

disagree will likewise relate

have no respect for a woman’s bodi-

ing others with kindness and empathy.

hu-

ly autonomy or liberty. If someone is

5.

live in very partisan and polarizing

mility – and the failure to ad-

pro-choice, it doesn’t mean that they

and

times. But the reasons for such po-

mit that you might be wrong

sanction the killing of human life. It

So many people just cannot shut up.

you.

just means that they have different

These folks often cringe or come

Indeed, citizens often cannot rea-

If you’re so self-absorbed that you

perspectives, which are informed by

quite close to a nervous breakdown

sonably and respectfully disagree on

cannot see past yourself and empathize

their personal experiences, including

when they confront opinions, facts,

matters of public importance, such

with others, you cannot form true hu-

family upbringing and the overcom-

as abortion, immigration, or educa-

man connections, make an impact on

ing of adversity. If someone voted for

tion. Additionally, the media, wheth-

others’ lives, or make meaningful im-

2. A

It’s certainly no secret that we

larization border on the ridiculous.

Not

everything

lack

is

of

about

Donald Trump, it does not mean that

The the

inability

to

listen

unwillingness

to

learn

or evidence that undermine their subjective policy predilections or expose their personal biases. The inabil-

er it be CNN, Fox News, or MSNBC,

ity to listen, however, only ensures

has devolved into little more than a

the impossibility of engaging in re-

partisan enterprise that vilifies any-

spectful and meaningful discourse.

so divisive, simplistic, and, quite frank-

The truth is that no one is necessarily right about everything - or anything. It takes humility to listen more and talk less, and to realize that we all have much to learn about life and the law.

ly, dishonest, that any attempt to en-

provements in your own life.

one with whom it disagrees, and that eschews true intellectual debate (and common sense). What’s more, the rhetoric of our politicians, both Republican and Democrat, has become

-Adam Lamparello

Having listening skills is critical to building successful professional and personal relationships, and to creating an environment of mutual respect.

So, You

start might

listening learn

more.

something.

6. Vilifying people personally be-

gage in reasonable discourse is futile.

cause you disagree with them politically

And the United States Supreme Court

It’s shocking how people resort fre-

has contributed to the problem; the

quently to personal attacks to demean

meaning of the Constitution seems

Sadly, inflated egos and narcissistic per-

the person is racist or unintelligent.

and degrade those with whom they

to depend more on the composition

sonalities are prevalent in society, and

It just means that they are different

disagree. And it’s alarming how many

of the Court rather than a reasonable

such people – and personalities – are in-

from you and those differences re-

people embrace simplistic narratives

interpretation of its text. In essence,

credibly toxic. These people almost al-

sulted substantially from, among oth-

and dichotomies such as ‘good’ or ‘bad’

the credibility of many public figures

ways think that they are ‘right’ on every

er things, the environment in which

or ‘right’ or ‘wrong.’ Reality is far more

who once inspired trust has vanished

issue. They ignore inconvenient facts.

they evolved. As stated above, if you

complex and often resides in a gray area

as they have unapologetically exposed

They cherry-pick data and evidence to

grew up in their shoes, your opin-

where no one can claim a monopoly on

their personal and political biases.

suit their narratives. They hurl insults

ions and worldview might be far dif-

truth. If you have even the semblance of

These factors, among others, have

at those with whom they disagree. Put

ferent from the ones you have now.

self-awareness, a modicum of maturity,

compromised citizens’ confidence in

simply, they cannot fathom the pos-

If you take offense to or dis-

and an ounce of humility, you know that

our institutions, in the political and

sibility that maybe, just maybe, their

criminate against those who have

attacking someone personally based

electoral process, and in the ability

views are inaccurate, incomplete, or in-

different opinions, then it is you

on differences in opinion reflects in-

to disagree on issues of law and poli-

correct. When a person thinks like that,

who is the enemy of diversity.

sensitivity and intellectual dishonesty.

cy while maintaining civility and re-

reasonable discourse is impossible. And

4 . H y p e r s e n s i t i v i t y

spect. And such factors, not Donald

the truth is that no one is necessarily

Life is difficult. It is unfair. It is un-

Trump or Joe Biden, is the true threat

right about everything – or anything.

just. People can be terribly critical and

to a viable and sustainable democracy.

It takes humility to listen more and

Why is this happening? Below are

talk less, and to realize that we all have

a few reasons – and suggestions to re-

much to learn about life and the law.

store a minimal level of maturity and

3. Immaturity and weak mindsets

common sense to public discourse.

It’s

amazing

1. The prevalence of groupthink

adults

behave

how like

many children.

judgmental, and they are often the ones who espouse the very virtues (e.g., tolerance and acceptance) that they lack. But not every criticism is undeserved, and not every experience of unfairness or injustice is unbearable.

For example, people who supported Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination are not necessarily vile sexists. People who supported Donald Trump are not necessarily ignorant racists. People who support Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are not necessarily socialists. Likewise, people who support affirmative action do not necessarily believe in ‘reverse discrimination,’ and people

Groupthink is one of the biggest im-

People have different experiences.

pediments to a meaningful exchange of

They come from different backgrounds.

truly diverse perspectives. In academia,

They were raised in different environ-

for example, particularly at law schools,

ments. They have often suffered unique

the faculty are overwhelmingly liberal.

traumas and disadvantages. These and

This is not to say that the views of these

other experiences shape a person’s val-

professors – or liberals generally – lack

ues and worldview which, while invari-

merit. It is to say, however, that when

ably different from others, are no less

you surround yourself with and con-

worthy of respect. In other words, not

tinually hire people who mostly think

everyone thinks like you. And if you

like you, opposing perspectives seem

had grown up in their shoes, you proba-

so foreign and ‘wrong’ that it precludes

bly wouldn’t think the way you do now.

process. They are mentally tough.

meaningful discourse and discourag-

So, grow up. The fact that oth-

They know how to respond to adver-

es people from offering diverse view-

ers have different opinions does

sity. They realize that your choices,

points. Anyone who is a law professor

not make them wrong. It does not

not your circumstances, determine

that admires Justice Antonin Scalia –

make them bad people. It does not

your destiny. They don’t make excus-

and originalism – will certainly relate.

make them immoral or invidious. It

es. They focus on what they can con-

at a bar, or a discussion in a class-

And anyone who has been on the re-

just makes them different. And dif-

trol, and they do not get distracted

room, be open to new perspectives.

ceiving end of students trying to shout

ference is the essence of diversity.

by external ‘noise.’ In short, they have

Choose to truly embrace diversity.

you down because you are offering a

For example, if someone is pro-life,

Successful people have strong mindsets. They have a positive thought

who oppose affirmative action are not necessarily racist or privileged. They are just

If you take offense to or discriminate against those who have different opinions, then it is you who is the enemy of diversity.

-Adam Lamparello

people who think differently than you. They are no better – and no worse.

In the end, our similarities and shared values far outweigh our differences, and the failure to

embrace those similarities and respect those differences is corrosive to any society that values liberty and equality.

So, the next time you’re in a faculty meeting, a board meeting, a debate