Issue 1 | Volume 102

@GCSUnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College September 12, 2023

Single Copies Free

bobcatmultimedia.com

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP ARRESTED IN FULTON COUNTY Drew Oldham

This is not Trump’s

Opinion Editor

closure agreement with

efforts to overturn the

first surrender to the

Stormy

2020

authorities

He

months later, he turned

has turned himself into

himself into a federal

professor

both local and federal

courthouse in Miami,

Clark feels that the var-

authorities three other

Florida, concerning his

ious charges against the

times this year in light of

supposed

mishandling

former President fall on

various criminal charges

of classified documents

a continuum of vary-

brought

him.

seized from his residence

ing levels of legitimacy,

are very questionable,”

federal prosecutors in

to alleged RICO viola-

According to CNN,

in nearby Mar-a-Lago.

yielding different con-

Clark said. “However,

tions in Fulton County

in April, Trump was

Earlier this month, he

viction likelihoods.. “I

the case concerning the

this case were left with

due to their efforts to

booked in New York on

was placed under arrest

think that the New York

Mar-a-Lago documents

reverse the 2020 elec-

state charges related to

in the nation’s capital

charges concerning fal-

is clear-cut from a le-

tion results in Georgia.

a violation of a non-dis-

on charges related to his

sifying business records

gal standpoint, and the

It

has

been

over

two and a half weeks since

Donald

Trump

turned himself in at the Fulton County Jail.

Trump and 18 others were indicted in relation

either.

against

Daniels.

Two

election

results.

GC political science Benjamin

President Donald Trump’s mug shot

little choice but to proceed with charging him.”

See TRUMP | Page 2

Dear freshmen, Paige Blakemore

brother. The days that

A&L Editor

followed were met by

I can still vividly remember the moment I watched my mom gently close the door behind her as she walked out of my freshman

Margot Robbie as Barbie

door with tears in her

“Barbie”: breaking the mold

eyes, and a few escaping mine. As the door shut,

Hot girl summer? More like Barbie girl summer.

Tanner Harris Contributing Writer Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” was one of the highest-grossing movies of the summer. The film named after the cultural icon has now become the biggest opening weekend by a female director and the 14th-biggest United States release of all time.

According to “Collider,” the film’s original budget was approximately $100 million, but increased to $145 million

as the film’s production progressed. Still, “Barbie” surpassed this budget by accumulating over $500 million worldwide, according to Warner Bros. Studios. The film’s success has impacted not only the success of Mattel’s toy manufacturing but also the conversation on feminism and feminism in film.

Greta Gerwig, best known for taking part in directing films such as 2017’s “Lady Bird” and 2019’s “Little Wom-

en” has added yet another film defining the struggles of women and the perceptions of the world around them.

With the combination of the two themes, portraying women as suppliers within the real world, capable of doing anything – but also meeting the creative works of a renowned female director — the film aims to acknowledge and challenge societal norms. Viewers questioned just how seriously

I was left by myself, with only an ominous ques-

the film is to be taken.

Of course, those with any understanding of the feminist movement would be adept in extracting themes from the film, applying them to real-life examples of politics and situations of social injustice.

However, when asked about the film, children within the age range of six to 12 only happened to capture the vibrant pinks, lights and sounds of the film.

tion lingering in the stiff air: “What now?”

What was I supposed to do now? How did I get here? How am I meant to live on my own?

Until now, my family had been my guiding compass down every winding road. Every spare

moment

and

weekend plan revolved around my spontaneous

See BARBIE | Page 8

mom and placid older

endless tears and countless phone calls. After each call, I was simultaneously better but also worse than before. I was overjoyed at the sound of my family’s voice from 200 miles away but utterly despondent to the fact that I was not with them.

One year later, I can look back at my freshman self, and I now understand why the transition affected me so deeply. I have come to appreciate the growth within me that it fostered. However, if it were not for the many triumphs and failures as a newly-independent college student, this growth could not have occurred.

See FRESHMEN | Page 11

GC soccer preseason ranking Drew Bogumill Staff Writer

Courtesy of GC Athletics

NEWS | PG. 3

GC INTRODUCES 24/7 MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE

New Campus Health Services offers a free, 24/7, 365-day-a-year support line for all GC students.

The preseason rankings for the Peach Belt Conference are out, and GC was ranked fifth with 51 votes.

The Bobcats were a mere three votes shy of Lander for the No. 4 position. Teams that GC beat out in rankings include Clayton State University, the University of South Carolina Beaufort, the University of South

Carolina Aiken and Albany State University.

Head

coach

Jack

Marchant

is

return-

ing

his

second

for

season with the Bobcats. He and the team hope to see improvement from last season.

“Jack did a great job recruiting new talented players,” said sophomore forward Sarah Mason.

The

Bobcats

fin-

ished the 2022 season with an overall record

of 5-8-3. Their record for the Peach Belt Conference was 4-4-2.

While the preseason rankings have the Bobcats in the middle of the pack, two major players are returning. Both sophomore forward Ava Martin and sophomore forward Sarah Mason led the Bobcats in overall scoring last season and look to do the same again this year.

See GC SOCCER| Page 7

SPORTS | PG. 7

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 8

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 12

GC has hired Abigail King as the new head volleyball coach

Michael Oher is suing the Tuohy family for allegedly coercing him into signing a conservatorship.

What is the worst off campus student apartment complex in Milledgeville?

GC HIRES NEW VOLLYBALL COACH

THE “BLIND SIDE” CONTROVERSY

WORST APARTMENTS IN MILLEDGEVILLE

2

KATE VERITY, NEWS EDITOR SHADIMON SMITH, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

09.12.2023

NEWS

Class of 2027 takeover Carly Henderson

notable being the num-

and West Campus apart-

Staff Writer

ber of students around

ments

during

GC

welcomed

one

of its largest first-year classes

this

year,

at

around 1,800 students.

Adding

the

class

of

2027’s large population to GC’s student body has required the university to make accommodations for first and

In past years, students

the SLC and got so much

istration

for

going through sorority

closer with my pledge

parking on campus are

hours.

first-year students did

recruitment had to sign

class

“I’ve seen more people

not have the capaci-

a document stating they

factors that cause worry.

on campus this semester

ty to house the entirety

than I have in the past

of this freshman class.

three years,” said senior

The

Nikki Rogers, a business

ship Community, more

management major. “It’s

commonly known as the

obvious that there are

SLC, was a set of apart-

more students this year

ments on West Campus

than there have been.”

where sophomore stu-

had

to

Sorority

Leader-

make

dents in sororities were

Upperclassmen have

changes to student hous-

required to live with

noticed changes around

ing to accommodate the

their sisters; it now hous-

campus, with the most

class of 2027. Dorms

es

non-first-year students.

GC

school

designated

first-year

students.

Even

Continued from page 1 He went on to say that the charges in the other two cases fell more in the middle of these two.

Trump is hardly the first to raise questions about the legitimacy of an election that did not play out in his favor.

Democrats were quite skeptical of the 2000 election in which Al Gore lost, Hilary Clinton referred to Trump as an “illegitimate” president and Stacey Abrams claimed Brian Kemp was unfairly elected in the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial election, as she claimed that voters were suppressed

in some parts of the state.

“Donald Trump makes these claims of fraud in the 2020 election, and actively drove the narrative around election meddling in the absence of any specific evidence that the 2020 election was fraudulent,” Clark said.

The prevalence and continued advancement of claims that the results of the 2020 election were fraudulent by Trump and his supporters have raised visceral questions about the integrity of our elections. Without faith in our elections, many Americans fall into voting nihilism, where they feel that their vote does not matter,

of

it.”

students

that

limited

“I think it’s awesome

would live in the SLC

did not enjoy living at

their sophomore year

the SLC agree that their

after joining a sorority.

time living there was im-

This requirement was

portant to their relation-

not enforced for the class

ships with their sisters.

of 2026.Upperclassmen

“I thought that the

who have lived in the SLC

living conditions at the

think this change could

SLC weren’t ideal by any

negatively affect young-

means,” said senior Kel-

es I need when it comes

er members of sororities

sie Hunt, a public health

time

and their relationships.

major, and a Delta Zeta.

And where are we all sup-

“I don’t know if the

“But I do think that it

posed to park? I already

younger girls are go-

was a great experience

ing to be as close as the

I got to have with my

had to leave 30 minutes

ones who lived at the

pledge class and friends

SLC together are,” said

in other sororities that

senior Cammi Breitbart,

I wouldn’t have been

a mass communications

able to have otherwise.”

major, and member of

TRUMP

because

and

Some

students

at

that so many people want to go here and got the chance to do that this year,” said junior Sarah Trask, a chemistry major.

“I just worry about being able to get into the classfor

registration.

early to get a parking spot last year, and this year it’s been worse.”

The large freshman class has required adjustments from faculty and

Phi Mu. “When I lived

GC have had concerns

there, we had everyone

about whether the uni-

all around us all the time,

versity will continue to

and they won’t get to

admit large freshman

due to the size of the class

have that. I met some of

classes to the school.

of 2027 may be seen as

Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

my best friends living at

Struggles with class reg-

the semester progresses.

which leads to an eroding desire and commitment to democracy and democratic elections.

GC rhetoric professor and Director of Forensics Nathan Bedsole is extremely concerned about the impacts of this cynical view on the 2020 election on voters’ minds concerning their ability to concentrate on the real problems with voting in the American system, especially given that the claims of fraud have not been validated with any objective evidence thus far.

“The impact this conversation about the ‘stolen election’ in Georgia has is that it taps into a very real feeling many

people have in this country: that their vote does not matter,” Bedsole said.

“Trump’s ability to tap into this feeling at a national level is effective but distracts Americans from the real issue: that many voters need to be re-enfranchised to counteract the pervasive gerrymandering that has taken the power of their vote away so that they may actually impact elections they participate in.”

Convicting Trump and his codefendants under the RICO statutes, typically used to prosecute people accused of being members of an organized-crime ring, will require proof beyond a reasonable

doubt that he committed at least two felonies specified in the act.

An anonymous GC professor believes the charges brought against the former President in Fulton County are politically motivated, baseless and difficult to prove under the RICO statutes.

He is skeptical of the political ideology of the prosecutor, who is openly liberal, and that Fulton County was selected as the location due to the jury likely being overwhelmingly liberal due to the county’s generally overwhelming left lean.

“Politically motivated charges, such as these, damage the value we should all hold dear,

which is that the rule of

VOLUME 102 | NO. 1

@GCSUnade

students alike on campus. More changes made

law should be impartially administrated and ethically

implement-

ed,” said an anonymous GC professor. “The use of the law for political means subverts the principle of objectivity and impartiality that should exist in the law.”

Trump is expected to stand trial for three of the cases early next year, and a few of his codefendants will begin to be prosecuted in October. If convicted before the election, he will be ineligible to serve as president if he were to win the 2024 election.

@TheColonnade

Editorial Board

Jennifer Crider................. Editor in Chief Cale Strickland................Managing Editor Julia Jensen....................... Art Director Kate Verity......................... News Editor Shadimon Smith......... Asst. News Editor Brennan Schmitz......... Sports Editor Emily Henderson........... Asst. Sports Editor Paige Blakemore............Arts & Life Editor Kylie Rowe........................ Asst. Arts & Life Editor Drew Oldham...................Opinion Editor Isabella McComis......... Digital Media Editor Kylie Noles........................ Digital Media Editor Avery Blair..........................PR Manager Kassie Arps...................... 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.

Corrections

If you feel anything we’ve printed or posted online has been reported in error, please send an email to thegcsucolonnade@ gmail.com.

Copyrights

All stories and photographs appearing in this issue and previous issues, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted by The Colonnade.

Contact Us Office: Terrell 301 thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com bobcatmultimedia.com

3

KATE VERITY, NEWS EDITOR SHADIMON SMITH, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

09.12.2023

NEWS

GC introduces 24/7 mental health hotline Chance Curbow Staff Writer GC is further investing in students’ mental health

by

partnering

with Christie Campus Health Services to offer a free, 24/7, 365-day-ayear support line for all GC students. By calling 833-855-0085, any student enrolled at GC will be connected and able to talk with a counselor regardless of where they are.

Christie

Campus

Health is a program designed specifically for

outside

resources

but

ularly see a counselor

Christie Campus Health

investing in the talent-

at Counseling Services

ed staff already work-

experience.

est and most diverse class

and will allow for the

“We are also connect-

of freshmen in school

for additional support

support line to be even

ing with the Office of

ing in Counseling Ser-

during the week and

more beneficial to stu-

history, in addition to

vices at West Campus.

especially

the

dents. The hotline is not

Inclusive Excellence to

the needs of returning

“Over the summer,

evenings and weekends

the only addition to GC’s

the therapists at Coun-

when Counseling Ser-

mental health initiative,

seling

have

vices is closed,” Jones said.

with other aids being

been preparing by tak-

The University Sys-

added, such as Thera-

ing relevant Continuing

tem of Georgia schools

py

Education courses and

has had an active ho-

and a 24/7 online tool

discussing our staffing

tline since January 2021,

for both students and

needs to make sure we

but this line with Chris-

faculty of GC to utilize.

are ready to meet the

tie Campus Health is

These newer services

increased demand,” said

GC-specific and will offer

will be useful additions to

Pamela Jones, Counsel-

counseling options spe-

the

ing

cifically to GC students.

Counseling Services at

Services

Service

therapist.

The support line will

during

Elisabeth

Online

Reickert,

the Wellness Center and

Director

Counsel-

its connections with oth-

licensed therapists and

ing at Montserrat Col-

er on-campus entities,

wellbeing

give them access to a con-

lege of Art, explains

such as the Culture Cen-

of college and univer-

versation in the moment

that Christie Campus

ter, Student Disability

sity

students(Christie

and the ability to sched-

Health will “augment”

Resource Center, GIVE

Campus Health).” They

ule an appointment at

the services they offer to

Center and the various

work to remove poten-

GC Counseling Services

“increase the value” of

LGBTQ+

tial barriers halting stu-

or an appointment with

what they can offer in a

Jones

dents

receiving

a third-party therapist.

college-specific

the health they need.

health

and

from

take part in the Inclusive Leadership certification program that they are offering for continued professional

development

students,”

Jones

Counseling

said.

Service

workers and GC office employees have done a

around the issues of di-

lot of extra work in prepa-

versity, equity, and inclu-

ration for this school

sion to meet the mental

year and beyond, and

health needs of the larg-

they are ready to see you.

already-established

connect students with

“supporting the mental

of

Assistance

students’

programs. also

spoke

setting.

about the extra train-

“I encourage students

This adaptability cer-

ing Counseling Services

However, GC is not

to keep the number

tainly aided in GC`s de-

therapists at GC par-

stopping at bringing in

handy even if they reg-

cision to partner with

ticipate in to better the

Julia Jensen | Art Director

School shootings are becoming a front-page reccurrence There have been more mass shootings than days in 2023 Kate Verity News Editor Gun-related

involving injuries or

feels like every month,

deaths, with 29 people and because we have vio- injured and 15 peo- them so frequently, it

lence has become reg- ple losing their lives. has become a part of ular headlining news

Olivia DeRosa is life,” DeRosa said. “As a

in the United States. a junior mass com- student, I have an exit On Monday, Aug. 28,

munications

major plan, and it’s something

there was a shoot- and former political ing on the campus of science major, and

I have to think about.”

UNC at Chapel Hill. she sees something wrong with living in a One person, Zijie Yan, world where this level was killed in the inof violence is somecident. Many people thing people accept. were relieved that the “The other issue gunman, identified as is that, somehow, graduate student Tailei amongst the amount Qi, was stopped beof shootings and chilfore any other people dren that are dead, were injured or killed. lawmakers have yet The past two years to pass stricter gun have seen school laws restricting acshootings with high facess to guns,” DeRotalities in instances like sa said. “The last gun the infamous Nashville law we passed was in and Uvalde attacks.

2022, and before that, “Education Week” is a the Second Amend-

ence some degree of de-

K-12 education-related news reporting organization that keeps a record each year of school shooting-related injuries and deaths.

According to their re-

Many people experisensitization

towards

these acts of violence.

With mass shootings

UNC Falculty and Staff at Vigil

becoming something tal if I’m hearing about students from these

should such an easy

more commonplace in

job – you know, teach-

a school shooting on assaults. Teachers bear

the U.S., to many indi- the news and I’m hav- the responsibility to ing students – why viduals, hearing about ing a major emotional keep their students should it be so danthem on the news is reaction every sin- safe while at school, gerous?” Heard said. no longer as shocking gle time. It’s actually and the role of board- “Even though it hasn’t or as heartbreaking less adaptive than if I ing up your classhappened close to as it might have once eventually blunt my room and protecting home for me, it still been. But, according emotional response thirty or so adolesmakes me very nerto Associate Profesto that a little bit.” cents from a gunman vous as a teacher.” sor of Psychology Dr. Heppner is con- takes a definite toll on Whitney Heppner, this The number of cerned for students one’s mental health. is not due to a lack of shootings in the U.S. growing up in an enviMason Heard is a empathy among peoeach year is on the ronment with intrud- junior majoring in ment hadn’t been ple. It is a psychologirise, as it has been for er drills and potential middle-grade educatouched since 1994.” cal adaptive response. many years now. The DeRosa knows that “It’s a normal pro- firsthand exposure to tion. He knows that, weight of living in a a campus shooting is cess for humans to gun violence. How- one day, the responworld prepared for a real possibility and adapt to situations ever, she said that she sibility to protect violent crime takes that it is something she that they’re in,” Hep- also carries an amount a roomful of chilmust be prepared for. pner said. “And so of concern for the ed- dren may fall to him. its toll on everyone

cords, 2023 has seen

“We have a new it would actually be ucators who must pro-

28 school shootings

school shooting what much more detrimen- tect and shield their

“It is really scary,

in the classroom, re-

‘cause it’s like, why gardless of age or role.

4

KATE VERITY, NEWS EDITOR SHADIMON SMITH, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

09.12.2023

NEWS

Summer 2023 news recap Hannah Dunn

As GC students wave goodbye to the summer of 2023 and return to campus to prepare for another academic year, it seems appro-

Staff Writer

priate to recap the significant events that occurred during the break. This summer unraveled a diverse array of events that turned many heads. From wildfires to Supreme Court rulings, here is a brief look into the most notable events of this past summer.

Supreme Court Rejects Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Program: On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Biden’s suggestion of gifting up to $20,000 in relief to millions of citizens struggling with student loan debt. Republican-majority states claim the program is an unlawful endeavor to expunge around $430 billion in federal student loan debt, using the COVID-19 pandemic as a distraction. The program, if enacted, would have helped borrowers who make less than $125,000 a year. However, the court’s ruling means citizens targeted by Biden’s program will not receive benefits.

Julia Jensen | Art Director

August’s COVID-19 Surge: Many are worrying about rising COVID cases and hospitalizations across the U.S. A Kentucky school district canceled in-person classes after many of its students contracted COVID less than two weeks into the school year, and cases in New York have been slowly rising since July. First Lady Jill Biden contracted COVID within the past week, experiencing mild symptoms. The CDC recorded 12,613 hospitalizations the week of Aug. 12, when only 10,370 were hospitalized the previous week.

The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, hopes to approve a new booster vaccine as soon as possible to keep citizens healthy. Experts blame the newest variant of COVID, EG.5, for the spike this summer. However, they are urging citizens not to panic and sharing how to protect themselves and others from contracting it.

Titanic Submersible: A Shocking Tragedy: On June 18, an OceanGate submersible attempting to explore the infamous Titanic shipwreck unexpectedly imploded. The vessel went missing around an hour and 45 minutes after its descent, which began at 8 a.m. the day of the incident.

Before the implosion, the pressure surrounding the submersible increased rapidly, causing it to plummet towards the bottom of the ocean. Five people were on board when the carrier lost its signal and was unable to communicate with its supporting ship, unfortunately resulting in no survivors. After the submersible had been missing for four days, underwater search vehicles found remaining debris from the vessel. This chilling and unforeseen incident not only shocked the world but also highlighted the possible dangers explorers and scientists may face when dealing with the deep sea. It is still unclear what exactly happened, how it lost contact, or where the submersible was before the implosion in relation to the Titanic.

The Wagner Group Rebellion and the Death of Yevgeny Prigozhin: The leader behind the Wagner Group – a private military company with alleged ties to the Russian government – was presumed dead after a mysterious plane crash near Moscow that occurred on Aug. 23. Russian President Vladmir Putin allied with the Wagner Group and leader Yevgeny Prigozhin during his invasion of Ukraine. However, Prigozhin led a revolt against Russia soon after for reasons of “injustice.” With 10 people on board the plane and no survivors, the crash raised suspicions, given persistent speculation regarding the whereabouts of the Wagner Group’s founder, who had been at the center of a mutiny. This event sparked theories worldwide regarding the cause of the plane crash and potential consequences for their hidden operations.

Supreme Court Ends Affirmative Action: On June 29, the United States Supreme Court decided to end affirmative action within college admissions in a vote of 6-3. Beginning in 1961, this policy intended to promote college opportunities for minority groups within a society to give equal access to everyone. The ruling sent shockwaves through communities, causing people to debate over the policy and its effect on giving equal chances for education. By declaring that race cannot be a deciding factor in college admissions, admissions offices are forced to develop new systems of admitting

Hawaiian Wildfires: On Aug. 8, Hawaii experienced the start of a tragic wildfire that spread rapidly across the island, destroying homes and wildlife. Four fires in total broke out, wrecking over 10.4 square miles of land. Three of the four fires were still causing destruction as of Aug. 27. The cause is still undetermined. However, experts suggest high winds knocked down power lines. A handful of survivors have sued Hawaiian Electric, accusing the company of not using proper equipment that could remain stable during high winds. The wildfires have left at least 96 dead and resulted in over $5.6 billion in damages, becoming the deadliest fire in the U.S. in over a century.

Twitter Becomes X: Twitter owner Elon Musk has rebranded the memorable bird logo as X, shortly after buying the platform in October 2022. On July 24, he announced his plans to rebrand the app, and soon after, users began updating their apps and noticing the changed name and logo. This change sparked many conversations on the platform, with some users unhappy with the loss of the blue bird logo. Musk stated in a tweet that the ‘X’ represents “imperfections” that make each person unique. Twitter’s blue bird has been globally recognized for over a decade and even had a name: Larry.

Some suggest the rebranding could be a cause of the app being on the edge of bankruptcy because of loss in ad revenue in an attempt to draw new users to the app.

Military Veterans Claim Presence of Non-Human ‘Biologics’ from Spacecraft: In July, three military veterans testified during a Congress hearing claiming that the U.S. government operates a confidential reverse-engineering program with non-human “biologics” from alleged impact areas. A major topic of discussion during the hearing was how the government can improve on reporting UFOs. Despite those who testified, the Pentagon’s inquiries found no evidence of programs related to the reverse-engineering of extraterrestrial objects from the past or present. This highly anticipated hearing had citizens waiting many hours to secure a viewing seat.

Writers Guild of America Strike: On May 2, the Writers Guild of America, or WGA went on strike as a result of disagreements with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, or AMPTP, Hollywood’s largest film and television studio representative. The WGA urged the AMPTP to reconstruct the unfair labor contracts, and if an agreement could not be met by May 1, they threatened to enact a strike. The strike began a day later after the AMPTP was non-responsive, consisting of over 11,000 screenwriters storming the streets of Hollywood to protest. The strike threatens new seasons of popular shows watched all over, such as “Euphoria,” “Saturday Night Live,” “Stranger Things” and “Cobra Kai,” due to the lack of screenwriters.

U.S. Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023: The U.S. Women’s FIFA World Cup kicked off on July 20 of this summer, ending exactly a month later, on Aug. 20. The United States Women’s National Team was hoping for a third consecutive world title win at the FIFA Women’s World Cup this year. However, they were unsuccessful against their final opponent, Portugal. Julie Ertz, US women’s soccer star and two-time World Cup

students that disregard this factor. Statistics show that 74 percent of Americans

winner, announced her retirement after this year’s tournament. Spain’s team was

think race should not be a deciding factor when it comes to public schools ad-

declared the final winner of the tournament after beating England 1-0. In the

mitting students, with most responding that it was unfair to give minority groups

midst of their on-field celebration, Jorge Vilda, coach of the Spanish team since

“special preferences.” On the opposite hand, some believe that affirmative action

2015, was spotted kissing a player without her consent. He was later fired from

not only benefits minority groups, but all races, by enhancing their educational

his position as head coach, controversially stating he thought the decision was

experiences. President Joe Biden stated he strongly disagreed with the court’s rul-

“unfair.” In addition, 15 players stepped off the team around a year ago, demand-

ing and preferred that colleges choose other options leading to diversity instead.

ing that Vilda respect their mental health and maintain a more professional environment for all. Only three of the 15 returned to the team for the World Cup.

Debt Ceiling Deal: Towards the beginning of the summer, on May 27, President Biden and

Hunter Biden Pleads Guilty on Tax Evasion Charges:

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy decided to increase the debt ceiling, better un-

Hunter Biden, President Biden’s son, pled guilty to two charges of misde-

derstood as the nation’s borrowing limit. A few weeks later, the U.S. once again

meanor tax evasion on June 20. Allegedly, Biden secretly avoided paying over

met its debt limit, which was, at the time, capped at $31.4 trillion. Lawmak-

$100,000 in federal income taxes from 2017 to 2018 while also possessing a gun

ers made the choice on June 3 to suspend the debt ceiling until Jan. 1, 2025, to

and using illegal substances. Biden entered a diversion agreement on a firearm

avoid a debt limit breach, which could result in unemployment and a decrease

possession charge in addition to pleading guilty to tax evasion. This means Biden

in the economy’s real GDP. Many citizens are concerned about the results of

could complete a set program to possibly avoid the U.S. criminal justice system

not dealing with the debt limit until it’s too late; however, politicians hope

regarding his firearm and illegal drug use. His attorney, Chris Clark, states Biden

that this suspension will prevent issues during the 2024 presidential election.

is looking forward to continuing his recovery and moving on from his mistakes.

5

KATE VERITY, NEWS EDITOR SHADIMON SMITH, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

09.12.2023

NEWS

Wyoming Sorority Divided Over Transgender Member Is this decision protected under Title IX? Shadimon Smith Asst. News Editor

The rush season is a well-celebrated and much-awaited time of year for all college students. Rush was no different for a transgender student (Artemis Langford) at the University of Wyoming when she was inducted into the

sorority

Kap-

pa Kappa Gamma.

However, her sorority dreams were dashed when six sorority members filed a lawsuit in March against her and the Kappa Kappa Gamma organization after she was already voted

in,

claim-

ing there is limited membership for

ing that the court or activity receiving would not define a federal financial aid. “woman” and that Under Title IX, frathe sorority does not ternities and sororexplicitly define a ities have the final woman in its bylaws. decision

regarding

He also noted that who

admitted.

is

the school did not vi- Bylaws of each soolate any policies by rority and fraternihaving Artemis join. ty must have some “It does not say language

precise-

this is the new stan- ly defining a “man” dard or new rule” or “woman” for a said Nicholas Creel, case like this to have an assistant profes- some kind of validity. sor of business law

“If they had some-

at GC. “The question thing there, the judge brought to the judge could start there, but was

whether

this he can’t just create

person was eligible something and imto join the organiza- pose it,” Creel said. tion.

Furthermore, “You guys have to do

the

judge

looked that yourselves, and

at their bylaws and there was nothing for said, “Hey, you guys him to do as a judge do not define a wom- at that point because

“only women.” The an, and because you of the First Amendgirls claimed that do not, I cannot just ment freedom-of-asArtemis had “been bring one in and im- sociation voyeuristically peep- pose one on you. You

powers.”

University of Wyoming Mascot

he or she would have nition of a woman women are viewed. to examine the defi- goes back to the de- Some women have nition and determine bate that we’ve had in been mislabeled as if it applies closely. the social sciences for transgender or un“It would be the years: nature vs. nur- supportive because government impos- ture,” said Dr. Eryn they feel their exing on a private or- G. Viscarra, Ph.D. a periences are not ganization, who can senior lecturer of so- being and can’t get in when ciology at GC. “Our

validated.

“I think that if we

they have no defi- definition of what a define women’s spacnite policy related to, woman is or isn’t is es with a more bioin this case, sexual based on whether we logical, nature view identity,” Creel said. see sex and gender as of gender, then tradiGender as a whole purely biological or tional women’s spacis a topic that brings social constructions. es are being threatabout many debates I think the judge, in ened,” Viscarra said. worldwide. The idea this case, didn’t want “If we see gender of a “woman” has to have to be the one as more of a social been questioned for to go on the record construction,

then

years, but it has not and define what it women’s spaces are

means to be a wom- expanding. I think Freedom of asso- had a definite defi-

nition. In the Kap- an. It would set a le- that trans students ing on them while guys are a private or- ciation is the right to pa Kappa Gamma gal precedent for oth- who would like to be they were in intimate ganization; you guys join or leave groups situations, and, in at write least one occasion,

your

own.” as you please and al- bylaws,

there

was er cases, and it’s an a part of Greek life

Title IX of the Edu- lows those groups to no definition of a incredibly

complex should find a frater-

“woman,” and many topic with a lot of pas- nity or sorority that is had a visible erec- cation Amendments admit or deny memtion while doing so.” of 1972 was created bership United

based

on have had the de- sion on both sides.” welcoming to them.”

States to stop discrimina- specific criteria. If the bate of what con-

There are varying

Judge

Johnson’s

district court Judge tion regarding sex, bylaws did define a, stitutes a “woman.” opinions about how dismissing the case Alan Johnson dis- sexual

orientation “woman” it would be

“Honestly, the idea to define a “wom- does not mean that

missed the case on and gender in any harder for a judge to of women, women’s an” and if cases like the six young women Friday, aug. 29, stat- education

program dismiss the case, and spaces and the defi- these will affect how cannot refile the case.

6

BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR EMILY HENDERSON, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

09.12.2023

SPORTS

College football kicks off Davis Camuso

and four touchdowns.

son suffered a horrific

have not changed a bit

be the big talk of college

loes’ head coach. Colo-

Staff Writer

Florida State would go

loss to unranked Duke,

and continued to be its

football from this past

rado is a team that was

College football is fi-

on to dominate the sec-

with a score of 28-7.

dominant self, as usu-

week is Colorado de-

impacted

nally here, and this sea-

ond half and win the game

No.1-ranked

al. After getting into a

feating TCU in an upset

the transfer portal, as

son is already shaping

with a score of 45-24.

Georgia Bulldogs started

groove, Georgia was able

thriller this past Saturday

46 players entered the

out to be a good one.

The Tigers of Clem-

their season off against

to easily defeat UT Mar-

with a score of 45-42. She-

portal this off-season.

Some drama took place

son played on Labor

UT Martin this past

tin by a score of 48-7.

deur Sanders threw for

The

Jackson State, including

ready being handed their

potential Heisman can-

first losses of the year.

didate

LSU and Clemson not

problem in the college

same, but both of their

football world, as 8,699

records to start out the

NCAA football players

season are 0-1 as well.

entered their name in

The Tigers of LSU

the portal. Aside from

started out the first half

Seminoles came out firing in the second half, as the potential future first round draft pick threw for 342 yards

Colorado,

teams

like

Ole Miss, Arizona State

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders

Day, and looked like a

Saturday, as new start-

Teams like Alabama,

an astounding 510 yards

and Texas A&M all were

Clemson team that fans

ing quarterback, Carson

Oklahoma, Oregon and

and four touchdowns.

heavily affected by the

have not ever seen under

Beck, tries to fill in the

Tennessee were all able

Colorado is coached

portal this off-season.

the Dabo Swinney era.

shoes of Stetson Bennett.

to take care of their op-

by the legendary Deion

With three turnovers,

Getting the game off

ponents easily, as they

“Primetime” Sanders, as

and two of them coming

to a slow start offensive-

all also moved to 1-0.

he led Colorado to its

in the red zone, Clem-

ly, the defense looked to

From what seems to

first win as the Buffa-

GC HIRES NEW VOLLEYBALL COACH: ABIGAIL KING Emily Henderson Asst. Sports Editor

Hunter.

continues to be a big

and stadium named the

Jordan Travis and the

Travis

The transfer portal

only have their mascot

8-ranked Florida State.

Sanders

ers from his old team,

ranked in the top 10 al-

half on top against No.

Coach

by

brought in several play-

week one, with two teams

strong and went into the

heavily

fans look forward to seeing what the rest of

this

unprecedent-

ed season has in store.

small volleyball program,

was promoted to head

competition is tough.

brought a lot of energy

coach, where she was

While the team has had

and excitement to the

for the past two seasons.

good seasons in the

team,”

this

With three seasons of

past, they still continued

right side hitter Rosa

former

coaching under her belt,

to struggle in the con-

Fisher. “Since she is new

coach Gretchen Krum-

King is excited to be back

ference year after year.

here, she doesn’t know a

dieck

from

in the PBC as the head

“I really want to get

lot about the past. Every-

the position last spring.

coach for the Bobcats.

the program to where

one now just has a new

Originally from Mich-

“The feeling and the

it should be,” King said.

outlook and knows not

she has broken down

think that we have the

hired

Abigail

King as the new head volleyball

coach

summer

after

resigned

said

King

football

one season before she

GC

“Coach

College

has

freshman

Courtesy of GC Athletics

igan, King made her way

environment

is

“This team should be

to look back on the past.

my individual setting

down to the PBC during

talent to do that. So our

amazing,” King said . “Ev-

a top competing team

We are playing one game

and technique. She has

her collegiate career to

goals at the end of the

erything just feels like a

in the conference from

at a time and giving it our

helped

play for Columbus State

day are to go out there

community here. Every-

year to year, with all the

all every single game.”

parts of how we play so

University. After playing

body is here to support

talent we have. I want to

While Coach King has

we can grow closer to-

two years with the Cou-

you and will be behind

be top two or three so

only been coaching the

gether as a team also.”

gars, CSU’s volleyball

you and stand behind

we can stay in the race.”

girls for around a month,

As many new coaches

program was disbanded

you no matter what. I

With King only be-

many of the players have

expect to have a full sea-

causing King to transfer.

have felt nothing but love

ing the second volleyball

seen tremendous im-

son as a rebuild to grow

King finished her college

since I have been here

coach in GC history, the

provements, both indi-

the team into their own,

career at Mars Hill Uni-

these past four weeks. It

program has not seen

vidually and as a team.

Coach King has big ex-

versity in North Carolina.

has just been a complete

much diversity or differ-

“She has helped us

pectations for the team

graduating,

game changer for me

ent ideology in the sense

gain a lot of confidence

and herself this season.

King became the as-

and wouldn’t change it.”

of coaching and perspec-

as a team and individ-

“My goals are huge,

tive. A new perspective

ually, which has helped

same as the girls,” King

their first eight games

After

sistant coach at Lees-

GC

here

volleyball

has

critique

little

and win the conference and get that ring, and I think that we have the group that will work hard and make that a possibility for themselves.”

Coach

King

and

GC volleyball have already started out strong this

season,

McRae College in North

been consistent for the

is

needed

us grow as a team,” said

said. “Our goals are to go

of

Carolina.

was

past few seasons. With

to help push the team

sophomore setter Reese

out there and earn what’s

hopes of keeping their

the assistant coach for

the PBC having such a

in the right direction.

Johnson.

rightfully ours, and I

winning streak going.

King

sometimes

“Personally,

the

winning

season,

with

7

BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR EMILY HENDERSON, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

09.12.2023

SPORTS GC soccer

looking forward to the

ger from the beginning

game against Flagler the

has been something we

Freshman

most,”

said.

have lacked on quite a

Mason also has high

bit,” Mason said. “We

expectations for this year.

can also improve in the

“We looked great in

final third of the game,

preseason, just harping

finishing any opportu-

on topics from the spring.

nities that we do get.”

Continued from page 1 defend-

er Mia Palumbo has high

hopes

upcoming

for

the

season.

“I definitely think the team can improve this season from the last,” Palumbo said. “We have so many great players on this team, and it is very exciting to play with such talented girls every day.”

Palumbo

Our team has really

With

these

adjust-

come together, and it is

ments, Mason believes

starting to show,” Mason

the team could make

said. “We can always im-

a real run at it in the

prove from last season.”

PBC

She also thinks the

counterpart

tin is also looking for-

on their field this year

berry College on Sept. 6,

and get even with them.”

winning 3-1 and improv-

The Bobcats started

ing their record to 2-0-0.

the regular season on the

The Bobcats now look

road at Auburn Univer-

to take on Valdosta State

sity at Montgomery on

University on Sept. 9.

Sept. 2. After letting up

The team hopes to secure

ward to the Flagler game.

“Last season we lost to them at home, and after

up top is Martin. The

Palumbo has a cer-

things they can improve

two have great chem-

tain game on the Bob-

on in order to have more

istry when it comes

water jug and dumped it

cats’ schedule circled.

success on the field.

to putting the ball in

on their coaches in cele-

an early goal, GC came

another win at home

“Starting off stron-

the back of the net.

bration,” Martin said. “I

back to win the game 2-1.

to improve to 3-0-0.

am

definitely

have

Mason’s

Like Palumbo, Mar-

GC then played New-

some

“I

Bobcats

Tournament.

Courtesy of GC Athletics

am very excited to get

the game, they stole our

Braves: alone at the top

Atlanta Braves’ record-breaking season summary Connor Blakley Staff Writer

jured list for a left-fore-

3.42 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP

runs, on-base percentage

baseman Austin Riley

away from the franchise

arm strain in early May.

and a record of 11-4.

and slugging percentage.

batting third, MVP can-

record. He is also batting

The Atlanta Braves

Max had missed near-

Keep in mind Elder was

The Braves have been

didate and current NL

guys in at a high rate,

are on top of the base-

ly three months of the

not on the Opening Day

hitting home runs at an

home run leader Matt

with 121 runs batted

ball world, as they hold

season due to this in-

roster for the Braves.

alarming rate this sea-

Olson batting fourth and

in. Braves fans are go-

the best record in all the

jury. After the All-Star

He might not have the

son. Right now, they have

one of the hottest hit-

ing to love having these

MLB and are favorites

Break he completed his

strikeouts or the speed

272 home runs. The next

ters in baseball in Mar-

two guys at the top of

to take home the World

rehab assignment and

of Spencer Strider, but he

closest teams are the Los

cell Ozuna batting fifth.

the lineup for the future.

Series trophy thus far. It

rejoined the team against

makes the star-studded

Angeles Dodgers, with

Undoubtedly, one of

defense work with his

220 home runs, and the

the scariest, if not the

pitch-to-contact

Tampa Bay Rays sit at 205.

scariest,

is no question that the Atlanta Braves are doing all the right things, be-

the

Chicago

Cubs.

The 29-year-old lefthander went six scoreless

ing the lone team with

innings in his first start

90 wins so far, with three

back, with eight punch

more weeks of play left.

outs, and did not allow a

style.

Smith-Shawver had a

nightmare facing a line-

and that does not even

very

stint

up with the depth of the

include the rest of the

with the Braves in the

Braves, who are current-

Braves lineup. Not only

ly chasing milestones at

is the team going for

this point. They sit 35

milestones, but they also

home runs away from

have

tying the 2019 record

that are worth following.

set by the Minneso-

Acuna Jr. cemented

ta Twins, and it is only

himself in history by

the start of September.

having the first ever 30

There is not a sin-

home runs and 60 sto-

gle hole in this Braves

len bases. Olson has also

offense. They have NL

had an incredible season,

MVP front-runner lead-

as he continues to chase

all the stats and factors

ing off in Ronald Acuna

Andruw Jones’ franchise

that go into the game of

Jr., All-Star second base-

record of 51 home runs.

baseball, it is, quite lit-

man Ozzie Albies batting

Olson currently sits at 48

erally, the Braves’ World

second, All-Star third

home runs and is three

Series to lose this year.

Manager

single walk. Going three

Alex Anthopoulos has

months without a guy

created a monster of

like Fried, it is hard to

his stat line was a 4.57

a franchise, with farm

make up that production.

ERA, a 1.25 WHIP and

system players shining,

“Max Fried is a huge

18 strikeouts in only

team-friendly contracts

part of our pitching staff

and great clubhouse guys

and currently holds a

The stats are not the

that make every base-

6-1 record since his re-

flashiest for the aver-

ball fan wish they were

turn,” said senior ac-

age MLB pitcher, but he

an Atlanta Braves fan.

counting major, Tucker

was drafted in 2021 and

It is hard to believe a

Sutton. “I am surprised

is 20 years old. Most of

team has had so much

the Braves did as well

the pitchers his age have

success with so many im-

as they did throughout

not even made their de-

pactful injuries that have

the year without him.”

buts in AAA yet. Smith-

General

who

of

June.

Ac-

cording to the MLB,

five

games

pitched.

Shawver was able to step

the season. Max Fried

stepped up in place

up and do his job for the

struggling multiple times

of Fried have been AJ

time being, as did the

this season with injury

Smith-Shawver,

Yon-

other pitchers named.

was one of the biggest

ny Chirinos, Bryce El-

While pitching has

things the Braves had to

der, Darius Vines, Allan

been a toss-up due to

overcome this season.

Winans and Jared Shus-

injuries, one thing has

The southpaw ace for

ter. Elder has solidified

remained true with the

the Braves has had an

a spot in the Braves ro-

Braves, and that is their

amazing career up to

tation after his many

explosive offense. To put

this point, and his sea-

great outings this season.

in perspective how ex-

son was looking to be as

According to the MLB

plosive they are, they are

advertised until he was

in 2023 Elder has pitched

the MLB leaders in runs,

placed on the 60-day in-

in 27 games, posting a

batting average, home

throughout

Pitchers

month

have

occurred

has been a season filled

five hitters in baseball,

respectable

pitcher’s

it all figured out, and it

worst

Braves top prospect

A

one-through-

The Braves have got

individual

stats

with fireworks thus far.

“The first week bye will play a big factor if they finish first in the National League,” said sophomore

business

undecided major, Ryan Collins.

“The

Braves

have many players with years of playoff experience, and I think that will play a factor as well.”

When

diving

into

Picture of Ronald Acuna Jr.

8

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

09.12.2023

ARTS & LIFE BARBIE

Continued from page

And, it has been understood by university professors that “Barbie” is a film that focuses on gender analysis. Allen — a character from the film who does not align with any one category — is more than a side character.

“Gender fluidity wasn’t something recognized by the average G.I. Joe,” said Nancy Beasley, an associate professor of English at GC. “Allen

is an anomaly between these efforts.”

Beasley further stated that as she grew up, Barbie developed with social change, acknowledging the shifting world around the toy’s branding and attempting to cater to the interests of little girls everywhere.

“The toy is a manifestation of character,” Beasley said. “It’s a canvas for girls to roleplay what they want to be.”

With the toy’s branding establishing that women — and children — are capable

of anything, opposition to the film is not quite what most people would expect.

Though the film embraced the “feminine” color scheme and represented women in a spotlight of possibility, many men actually opened up to the themes portrayed within the film.

In a survey conducted by “ResumeBuilder,” which surveyed 300 Americans who have seen the film, they researched how “Barbie” impacted their ideas of gender equality.

“74% of conservative men say Barbie improved their view of women in leadership positions,” Resumebuilder.com said. “Two in three [persons] say the movie made them more aware of the patriarchy in the workplace.”

Regardless of any sense of speculation toward the film, or disposition on what is morally correct, “Barbie” may just have something for everyone who happens to come across its screening. Likewise, if social matters are not

Julia Jensen | Art Director

as intriguing to some

dance, easter eggs to

as they are to others.

film and a wonderful

The film provides

perspective on who

comedic relief, music,

we are now — but also

The “Blind Side” controversy

Michael Oher blind sided by Touhy family conservatorship Kylie Rowe Asst. A&L Editor

had a conservatorship

has tried many times

Side” book, told the

comparison to how the

reotypes but actually told

over Oher, lawyer Ran-

before to end the con-

“Washington Post” that

producers,

directors

a completely different

dall Fishman confirmed

servatorship for almost

no one “made millions”

and

benefited.

“The Blind Side”, re-

to “The Athletic” that the

two decades. If the con-

off of the film adaptation.

Lewis also claims that

story, people some critics

leased in 2009, told the

Tuohys have agreed to

servatorship was, in fact,

“Everyone should be

he and the Tuohys made

story of the Tuohy family,

end the conservatorship.

who courageously adopt-

after taxes and that the

ed Micheal Oher so that

ery dime, every dime

family wanted to share

he could achieve the full

that

he

had

com-

the profits with all fam-

potential that the family

ing,”

Fishman

said.

ily members, including

This leaves a lot of

Oher, but he started de-

demically and in football.

room

got

around $350,000 each

ev-

saw in him, both aca-

“Micheal

actors

for

are demanding the return of Sandra Bullock’s Oscar for her portrayal as Leigh Anne Tuohy.

This is not a likely occurrence, though, since the problems surrounding the movie had

speculation

clining the royalty checks.

However, after years

of who got to decide

Kurt Streeter, a sports

of talks about the bla-

how much money Oher

column writer for “The

performance and every-

tant white saviorism that

“had come.” Fishman

New York Times”, called

thing to do with the writ-

this movie praises, the

also claims that the Tu-

the movie a typical Hol-

ers and the actual family

story gets even worse.

ohys

the

lywood “dumbed-down

that caused the issues.

At age 37, Oher is su-

time that a conserva-

trope about race and

ing the Tuohy family for

torship benefited Oher

class

allegedly coercing him

the most and was not

Streeter also uses his

into signing a conser-

done for personal profit.

article to talk about how

vatorship that they still

The Tuohy family’s at-

these types of Hollywood

have over him today.

torney, Mary Singer, said

movies always seem to

Oher also claims that

that Oher’s claims were

while he received noth-

“hurtful and absurd,” and

ing from the 2009 mov-

decided

at

in

America.”

“Blind Side” movie

ignore the shady part of

done for Oher’s benefit,

mad at the Hollywood

the sports industry and

told multiple news out-

it is strange that those

studio system,” Lewis said.

focus on the coal- in-

ie, the Tuohys profited.

lets that Oher has “tried

attempts were denied.

According to Lewis,

On Aug. 16, the Tuo-

to run this play before.”

Bullock

has

not publicly made a comment about these discussions, her costar, Quinton

Aaron,

who

played Oher, came to her defense, saying that these critics “do not make any sense” and that her “brilliant

performance

when the profits from

assume

childhood friend of Oher

the movie came in, no

troversy

out

should not be tarnished

Despite originally refut-

from the family attor-

and the family and the

one in the original sto-

about how the movie not

by something that has

ing the claims that they

ney himself that Oher

author of “The Blind

ry benefited at all in

only portrayed racial ste-

nothing to do with her.”

One

can

Lewis,

storyline.

While

a

hy’s changed their story.

Micheal

to-diamond

nothing to do with her

With all of this concoming

Inflation and its impact on GC students Jack McKinney Contributing Writer In 2021, coming out

ple at large have started

ucational opportunities,

experience. Some stu-

With many courses of

ucation has appeared to

to transition to their own

has obviously harmed the

dents

lifestyle in a way pro-

student

population

were

admitted

they

action to take, many

be fairly popular among

worried

re-

are

questioning

the student masses, it

left

portional to apparent

of GC through these

garding inflation statis-

how the GC adminis-

has synthesized a recent

economic stability, which

past few years of prom-

tics but chose to view

tration should respond

uptick in GC students

occurred

inent

Even

the issue at face value.

to

using the varied strategy.

through means of sav-

resulting in some stu-

“My spending habits

One of the most pop-

ing money during the

dents altering their ca-

have not changed,” said

ular solutions to this

ingly turn to e-books,

pandemic and spend-

reer aspirations entirely.

Jayden Kypri, freshman

problem, which is in

which are typically less

it.

“I have to do some-

chemistry major. “It is

This second half of

thing that makes a decent

important to me that my

the transition, when one

living,” said Will Turn-

college experience re-

undergoes severe spend-

er, freshman accounting

mains fond, in both pres-

ing after severe saving,

major. “I have thought

ent and future contexts.”

impending

about taking a Spanish

There is then a com-

demic, outside the obvi-

process of national in-

minor due to being prized

plex response, with such

ous burden on physical

flation at large concern.

more for corporations.”

arguments being made

health for those infect-

Such

have

Not all students are

at the social level, and,

ed, has had punishing

been especially apparent

willing to give in to

regarding how dia-

economic

side

effects

through the economic

rapid

for

Americans.

cycle of college students.

consider

As a result of such eco-

Relatedly, wealth, as it

alternatives a dete-

nomic catastrophe, peo-

remains the fuel for ed-

rioration of the college

of a disastrous pandemic, the United States had a troubling economic future: unemployment was at an all-time high, businesses all over the nation were either closed or operating at a smaller capacity and the national gross domestic product, GDP, took a plunge.

The COVID-19 pan-

many

ing

money

places

an

primarily

after

processes

inflation.

change.

Some

metrically opposed these

financial

philosophies are, largescale

socio-economic

diversity in thought.

these

effect

concerns.

through

professors

many

currently,

is a shift toward a more resourceful

education.

“Quite a few faculty members at Georgia College, myself included, have resorted to using older keditions of textbooks due to the rising cost of new textbooks,” said Dr. Leng Ling, a finance professor at GC. Since resourceful ed-

“[Students]

expensive

than

increas-

paper

textbooks,” Ling said.

Regardless of specific solutions, whether it be resourcefulness or stronger work ethics, it is, in a broad sense, empirical that GC students ultimately take the initiative to forge success in the face of obstacles. After all, that is what demonstrates the best of GC students: face danger and triumph.

9

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

09.12.2023

ARTS & LIFE

THE RISE OF CONSERVATIVE POP CULTURE Paige Blakemore A&L Editor

The country music genre has always been known for its sonically cohesive and often-deep storytelling that resonates with the everyday

American;

how-

ever, it has not always been the most popular genre in America.

After the 9/11 terrorist

attack,

country

music artists and executives began to take on a more pronounced pro-America

rhetoric.

The country music scene fed into the fear and distrust after the terrorist attack, and as a result, Jingoist anthems were born and paraded on air.

This rural, white narrative of F-150s, drinking beer and praising the stars and stripes did not resonate well with an increasingly racially and ethnically diverse Amer-

resurgence and destig-

According to enter-

themselves to elements of

matizing

with

outlaw

tainment company Lu-

popular culture and seize

country

singer/song-

minate, the song sold

upon their popularity,”

writers like Zach Bryan,

150,000

downloads

said Eric T. Kasper, a pro-

Tyler Childers, Colter

upon its first week of

fessor at the University of

Wall and many others.

release and has gar-

Washington - Eau Claire,

nered 50 million Spotify

in an interview with

streams and nearly 60

USA Today. “It can be

million YouTube views.

a way to positively con-

“Cause your dollar

nect with voters, and it

ain’t sh*t and it’s taxed

may help bring that pol-

to no end / ‘Cause of

itician to a voter’s mind

rich men north of Rich-

the next time the voter

mond,” Anthony said in

hears the song, watch-

Known for their catching, painfully heartfelt lyrics and folk-inspired sounds, these artists are redefining the genre that was previously thought of as “too political.”

Bryan’s

upcoming

2024 tour sold out in seconds, a feat rarely accomplished by mainstream

The fact that conservative culture is making an intentional effort to get involved is a good thing...

country artists in the modern day. Childers sparked massive conversations online after releasing a music video for

-Katie Cooper

his single “In Your Love” of two gay men — some move given his primary audience. Yet, many praised

Childers

and

showcased their support.

Recently, Oliver An-

the chorus of the song.

es the movie and so on.”

With the profound

The success of “Rich

resonation and virality,

Men” and its outspo-

politicians were quick

ken Republican support

to jump on the message.

has been akin to that

Republicans

now

of summer blockbuster

using the song as their

“Sound of Freedom” and

anthem, and it even

Jason Aldean’s contro-

made

appearance

versial chart-topper “Try

at the recent Republi-

That in a Small Town,” which both feature con-

are

ica. Country music was

thony became an over-

now viewed as being too

night success with his

nationalist and an un-

powerful,

fair representation of the

ballad “Rich Men North

United States. This led

of Richmond.” The song

to less engagement and

quickly caught the at-

can presidential debate.

commercial success com-

tention of working-class

“By referring to pop-

servative

pared to other genres.

Americans and landed

ular songs, movies, tele-

Many

Today, country music

at the top spot on the

vision programs, books,

appears to be making a

Billboard Hot 100 chart.

etc., politicians can link

blue-collar

an

flection of progressive

across multiple media

deals. Lately, there seems

sources and platforms.

to be a conservative pop

“People are so easily

culture movement to use

influenced by pop cul-

media as a battleground,

ture,” Paton said. “For

especially with elections

example, if Taylor Swift

nearing. Today, having a

does something or sup-

presence in pop culture

ports a certain move-

entails political success.

ment, that’s millions of

“The fact that conser-

people that are prob-

vative culture is mak-

ably gonna follow her

ing an intentional ef-

ignorantly. That’s where

fort to get involved is a

media and pop cul-

good thing, in terms of

ture can get dangerous.”

thinking about our gov-

which told the love story considering this a risky

Jason Aldean

As

election

season

ernment as a healthy,

progresses and politics

democratic

structure,”

become more polarized,

said Katie Cooper, soph-

it is possible that this

omore political science

conservative pop cul-

and philosophy major.

ture movement is not

“With the rise of pop

a phase, and this could

culture influencing polit-

result in a further polit-

ical ideology, it is lessen-

ical divide in the coun-

ing the amount of people

try music scene and

trying to source infor-

entertainment

mation for themselves.”

sphere.

“We built this country

on

democracy,”

Sam

Paton,

soph-

omore

political

sci-

Paton said. “Pop cul-

further

ture can either make

stressed the importance

or break that. It can

of voters holding up

promote

viewed media as being

their civic duty by do-

thinking or widen the

synonymous with a re-

ing their own research

gap of picking one side.”

overtones. have

always

ence

major,

independent

Collin’s sounds of the summer

Top hits from the host of the WGUR 95.3 radio show “Get in the Groove” Collin Zabroske Contributing Writer

MINE’s first self-titled al-

P,” featuring Big Sean,

school, so the lead-up for

highly

recommend

in 2015, but something

bum, “KAYTRAMINÉ.”

whereas Animé takes

this album was a pain-

if you are looking for

about “Rush” just did

KAYTRAMINÉ is a two-

the forefront in “EYE,”

ful wait that paid off!

something new and fun.

it for me. It is energetic

man group starring dou-

featuring Snoop Dogg,

Once “Slugs of Love”

ble Grammy Award-win-

while

Lastly, my favorite sin-

simultaneously

finally dropped on July 7,

and catchy tune totally

ning electronic hip-hop

highlighting KAYTRA-

I was at a loss for words.

gle of the summer is Troye

encapsulates the essence

artist

KAYTRANADA

NADA’s signature elec-

The genuine craftsman-

Sivan’s gay anthem of the

of a party-hard classic--

and

Grammy-nomi-

tronic flare. There were

ship put into this album

year, “Rush.” Although

something

nated

rapper

many

scream-in-the-

created a smooth and

this is not an album, it

needs for summertime.

Their different sounds

funky experience that

hands down deserves its

Overall, listen to any

new tunes that rocked

shower moments this

blend perfectly togeth-

of these awesome rec-

summer.

left me wanting more

own special shout-out.

everyone’s

album brought to me

er and show a perfect-

throughout the summer,

I have not been a huge

ommendations if you are

From Taylor Swift’s

after each listen. The

ed fusion of electronic

and I will continue to lis-

mix of slow and hyper

fan of Troye Sivan’s mu-

looking to jam out and

(Taylor’s

and hip-hop that com-

ten throughout the year.

beats put on top of a

sic since the release of

reminisce on summer

Version)” to Arlo Parks’

pletely blew me away.

Coming in second,

faster tempo created a

“Blue

“My Soft Machine” and

memories.

The consistent flow of

TV Girl’s “Grapes Upon

Opinion Summer is over, and school is back in session, but the grooves live on! In the summer of 2023, many music artists released awesome

“Speak

Now

Animé.

Little

Dragon’s

“Slugs

highly stimulating and

beats produced by KAY-

of Love” was a huge hit

extremely exciting new

a Vine”, we were given

TRANADA and the ef-

for me this summer.

encounter with the artist.

a variety of fresh hits to

fortless lyricism written

Little Dragon is a Swed-

Some of my most

stimulate everyone’s mu-

by Amine brought us a

ish four-member group

worthy listens are “Dis-

sic needs. This summer,

sonically cohesive and

whose sonic focus varies

co Dangerous, Gold and

many of my favorite art-

blast-in-the-car-worthy

from album to album.

Tumbling Dice” because

ists released music that

album. KAYTRAMINÉ

They are labeled as an

they provided a great

satisfied my itch for new

offers a wide range of

electronic group, but they

mix in each song of what

jams across the board.

sound, with everything

deliver so much more. I

Little Dragon is all about.

My No.1 album of the

from a more lyric-heavy

have loved Little Drag-

If you have not listened

summer is KAYTRA-

base, as seen in “Master

on since I was in middle

to Little Dragon, I would

Neighborhood”

everyone

Courtesy of Collin Zabroske

10

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

09.12.2023

ARTS & LIFE

Julia Jensen | Art Director

Cale’s cinema corner: best movies of the summer Cale Strickland Managing Editor

Opinion Historically, summer has been a safe haven for Hollywood.

Although

fall is film festival season, studios put out many, if not the majority, of the year’s biggest releases in its hottest months. It is hot outside; kids are out of school. It is the perfect storm for a business built on the idea of cramping people into dark, cold rooms — until the pandemic, that was.

Movie theaters’ place at the center of pop culture was waning before COVID, but the onetwo punch of theaters’ closure and streaming’s rise kneecapped AMC, Regal and the rest of the nation’s multiplex chains.

But this summer was different.

“Spider-Man:

Across the Spider-Verse” outperformed “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” the two most recent installments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe,

the back half of the year’s

er. It is the core principle

I am anxiously await-

alone

hits,

entist, played by Cillian

big releases, including

of “Past Lives,” Celine

ing the trilogy’s conclu-

but Christopher Nolan

Murphy, for his atti-

“Dune: Part Two,” have

Song’s first feature. It fol-

sion, which is current-

— who, after the finan-

tudes and actions toward

been pushed to next year,

lows Nora and Arthur,

ly slated for next year.

cial success of “The Dark

women, calling him a

and fall festivals’ slates

a couple living in New

2.

City”

Knight,” “Inception” and

womanizer. He was not

are thinner than ever.

York, as Hae-Sung, Nora’s

(dir.

Anderson)

“Interstellar,” may be our

a hero. He was a genius,

Wes Anderson may

generation’s Steven Spiel-

but he was a cold, ruth-

her.

not be the household

berg — manages to do

less man dead set on one

Moon” notwithstanding,

Song is a playwright,

name he was once was,

both. “Oppenheimer” is

there is not a whole lot

but her debut feels any-

but anyone, cinephile

a behemoth of a movie: a

thing and one thing only:

on the horizon, mak-

thing but staged. Nora,

or not, can recognize

three-hour, mile-a-min-

ing a historic summer

Arthur and Hae-Sung,

his wholly idiosyncrat-

ute adaption of Kai Bird

feel all the more special.

played Greta Lee, John

ic style, a style which

and Martin J. Sherman’s

Here are the five best

Magaro and Teo Yoo,

he has come under fire

“American Prometheus,”

movies of the summer:

are gently, tenderly-writ-

for in recent years and

a dense, no-holds-barred

ten

They

which has, through the

account of J. Robert Op-

Gerwig)

are painstakingly hon-

use of artificial intelli-

penheimer’s role in the

Greta Gerwig’s direc-

est with themselves and

gence, inspired count-

Manhattan Project. It

torial debut, “Lady Bird”

with each other. Nora’s

less parodies. Anderson’s

should not work. We

— one of my all-time

story is a story of what

skeptics have regarded

all took U.S. History;

favorites — established

is and what could have

his recent films as emo-

we know how Oppen-

her as a major voice in

been, a struggle we can

tionally and thematically

heimer’s story ends. It

an up-and-coming gen-

all relate to, in one form

empty passion projects,

definitely should not be

eration of filmmakers

or another. Song’s next

excuses for the direc-

one of the biggest box-of-

and catapulted stars Sao-

project,

“Materialists,”

tor to spend millions of

fice successes of the past

irse Ronan and Timo-

is a reunion with in-

more dollars creating

five years, and yet, it is.

thée Chalamet into the

die-sensation

pastel-palleted dollhouse

I have never consid-

spotlight. Her follow-up,

tor A24, who picked up

dramedies

his

ered myself a Nolan fan.

“Little Women,” was big-

“Past Lives” after its pre-

friends — beautiful and

He is a master technical

ger, bolder and grand-

miere at the Sundance

“twee” but nothing more.

filmmaker,

er. “Barbie” is capital-A

Film Festival. I will be

As an Anderson fan,

ambitious. It is a major

there on opening night.

I enjoyed “Isle of Dogs.”

big-budget

“Spider-Man:

And as a wannabe writ-

idea

above her first two proj-

Across the Spider-Verse”

er, I loved “The French

mind-melting set piec-

ects in scale and scope.

(dir. Joaquim Dos San-

Dispatch.” But “Asteroid

es the way he is. But his

And Gerwig knocked

tos, Justin K. Thomp-

City,” leaps and bounds

writing has kept me from

it out of the park.

son and Kemp Powers)

above both, is anything

loving his work. My fa-

but “minor Anderson.”

vorite of his, “Memen-

Martin

Scorsese’s

childhood

sweetheart,

“Killers of the Flower

reconnects

with

5.

“Barbie”

Greta

(dir.

swing, leaps and bounds

Big-budget and big-idea

“Spider-Man:

Into

big-

storytelling

into

dering of the Trinity Test, the first test of the atomic bomb, is jaw-dropping.

I have never physically felt something on screen as much before. My first viewing

of

“Oppen-

heimer” was in Dolby, and the auditorium — the seats, the walls — rattled when the shockwave hit. But I had no doubt in Nolan’s ability to capture the bomb as earth-shattering, world-changing.

It was Nolan’s writing chops — or lack thereof — which worried me, but he put me in my place.

“Oppenheimer”

may not be Nolan’s best film, but it might be his best script. Half of the film’s scenes take place

dle-of-nowhere

west-

tightest; “Oppenheimer”

makers’ goal: delivering

and

film-

ern ghost town hosting

is, by far, his wordiest.

emotional, thought-pro-

making, but it came and

a children’s astronomy

And, if I’m being hon-

voking stories. However,

went. At the time, the

convention, circa 1950,

est, I have always been

from the costume and set

MCU

the

Anderson’s latest is a sto-

put off by Nolan’s in-

design to the soundtrack

box office, the Inter-

ry within a story within a

ability to create compel-

to the script — which

net and movie culture

story. It sounds border-

ling female characters.

goes out with an all-timer

at large. Now, Marvel

line-incoherent, and may

“Oppenheimer” is no

of a final line — it is clear

Studios’s

decade-long

be, but its ideas about the

exception. Jean Tatlock,

Gerwig and star-produc-

chokehold on entertain-

creative process are ev-

played by Florence Pugh,

er Margot Robbie, whose

ment is loosening, and

ery bit as intricate as its

and Kitty Oppenheimer,

performance should be

its sequel, a breath of

set and script. It feels as

played by Emily Blunt,

to

recognized come awards

fresh air in a long-over-

if Anderson is explain-

are underserved by No-

budget-ver-

season, were given near-

saturated subgenre, is

ing himself, his creative

lan’s script. Blunt is given

worries.

full creative control. Si-

having

moment

process — and why he

a big, meaty monologue

Yet, the filmmaking

multaneously laugh-out-

it was never afforded.

makes films the way he

in the film’s third act, but

industry is in complete

loud funny, genuinely

“Into

the

Spi-

does — to his detractors.

both characters are side-

and utter flux. The Writ-

moving and, dare I say,

der-Verse”

was

Miles

If nothing else, “Aster-

lined for the majority of

ers Guild of America, or

every bit as existential as

Morales’s origin story;

oid City” proves Ander-

its runtime, which, given

WGA, went on strike in

“Oppenheimer,” “Barbie”

its follow-up is a multi-

son’s films, regardless of

the fact that it is three

Supporting Actor. It will

May; the Screen Actors

is a candy-colored roll-

verse-sprawling adven-

AI’s advancements, are

hours, could — under-

win in many, if not all,

Guild-American Federa-

ercoaster of emotions I

ture. It packs more char-

irreplicable, deeply hu-

standably — be seen as

of the technical catego-

tion of Television and Ra-

never wanted to get off of.

acters, more stakes and

man stories fueled by the

the biggest indictment

ries, and it is possible

the

fifth-highest-gross-

ing opening weekend of all-time at the domestic box office. “Talk to Me” proved low-budget horror is one of the few

remaining

and-true studios’

tried-

remedies

sus-box-office

supersede

film-

superhero

dominated

the

the

and

Of course, Nolan’s ren-

ment in both animated

Internet, combined for

often

in

Nobody is able to merge

has ever been faced with.

tightest scripts, if not his

“Barbenheimer” by the

at odds. Studios’ profits

Set

doubt.

al quagmire our nation

Asteroid City, a mid-

bie,” collectively coined

the Spider-Verse” was a

no

perhaps the biggest mor-

groundbreaking achieve-

and Greta Gerwig’s “Bar-

often

with

the Manhattan Project,

to,” contains one of his

Nolan’s “Oppenheimer”

are

3.

distribu-

Wes

titular

or MCU. Christopher

filmmaking

characters.

“Asteroid

box-office

in

courtrooms.

Lit-

tered with snappy, jargon-filled dialogue, they are every bit as tense as the Trinity Test and allow for some of the film’s strongest acting. Robert Downey’s

Jr.’s

perfor-

mance as Lewis Strauss is worthy of every bit of praise it has received and, in a perfect world, a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

I would not be surprised if “Oppenheimer” runs the table at next year’s Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor and Best

dio Artists, or SAG-AF-

4.

“Past

Lives”

more animation styles

eccentric vision of one

of Nolan’s trappings yet.

Emily Blunt is nominat-

TRA, joined in July.

(dir.

Celine

Song)

into its two-hour run-

human: Wes Anderson.

But “Oppenheimer” is

ed for Best Supporting

Productions are being

“In-Yun” is a Kore-

time — so much “more”

“Oppenheimer”

the product of history,

Actress. And I would

halted; strike guidelines

an word which refers to

that it ends at the be-

(dir. Christopher Nolan)

not invention. Through-

not be upset. After years

prohibit stars from pro-

people’s generations-long

ginning of its third act.

It is hard to make bi-

out the film, government

of

moting projects. Many of

connection to one anoth-

I hate cliffhangers, but

opics entertaining, let

officials criticize the sci-

I am a changed man.

1.

Nolan

skepticism,

11

DREW OLDHAM, OPINION EDITOR

09.12.2023

OPINION

The geezers on Capitol Hill have got to go Drew Oldham Opinion Editor Recently, the democratic power of our nation has been lost in a smokescreen of senility. The great halls of our Capitol building, which has long served as the powerhouse for the persistence of the greatest experimental democracy this world has ever seen, resembles the inside of Green Acres, the old folks’ home in Milledgeville.

In a modern world that is propelled forward every day by new technology that is young, fresh and dynamic, our country and its people continue to be represented by a legislative body that is anything but that.

We need to install a maximum age for which one can run for elected office in this country, and that age needs to be 75.

In a demographic analysis of the 118th Congress conducted by NBC, it was found that the average age in the House was 57.5 years, compared to 63.9 years in the Senate, over 1.5 times the median age in the United States, which is approximately 39 years.

These findings come as a part of a four-decadelong trend of increasing age in both chambers of Congress that reaches far past the collective aging

FRESHMEN Continued from page 1 Simply a similarity The very first friends I made at college were the result of me putting myself out of my comfort zone, extend-

that American society as a whole has experienced in the same timespan.

People in different age cohorts of society generally carry different visions for what they want to exist in their society that are distinct and often opposed to the desires of those at different age cohorts. Given NBC’s data on our aging government, it is clear that the current members of our government make decisions for an entire society based on the adherence to outdated values that no longer represent Americans’ vested interests in the realms of the economy, technology and politics.

The majority of the current legislative body falls into the baby-boomer cohort, which contains all members of the population born between 1946 and 1964. According to the West Midland Family Center Generational Differences Chart, baby boomers in general, are less technologically literate than their younger counterparts and are often quite cynical and distrusting, a quality that has had disastrous impacts on the pervasive dysfunctionality in our current political and societal discourse.

This aging and declining group has a set of rigid and archaic val-

ues and behaviors that map poorly onto today’s political and economic landscape. Current threats posed by cyberattacks and malevolent AI use require cross-disciplinary cooperation and trust to make coordinated technologic and economic countermeasures.

Many of these politicians find themselves in the stage of life referred to by developmental psychologists as late adulthood. In late adulthood, people begin to experience cognitive decline across a wide range of brain functions, including the ability to think clearly, make sound decisions and comprehend the world around them in a sufficient capacity to operate effectively in it. According to “Neuroscience News” cognitive decline is the “cognitive crossroads” between being a human being capable of still actively working and functioning in society and not being able to do so.

Along with their unchanging and unproductive perspectives, this inevitable cognitive decline further inhibits their efficacy as strong and unifying political leaders. This is becoming evermore clear through embarrassing moments and photos that have circulated on social media.

This includes Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s two separate disappearing acts in reaction to questions he was asked in press conferences. McConnell was left frozen, unable to respond to simple questions and looked completely incapable of holding any job — especially an extremely powerful political position.

Along with being an embarrassing moment that contributes to the continuing trend of today’s American political leaders looking fragile, incapable and tired, moments like these are clear signs of cognitive decline.

Given our understanding that cognitive decline is a normal and unavoidable part of aging, we need to take measures to protect political power in our country from being damaged by it. Just as there is a socially-enforced and supported age minimum of

25 that determines one’s eligibility to run for political office, we need to add an age maximum of 75 to protect our country from the cognitive decline of members of its government and ensure that it is run by competent and healthy individuals that possess the critical thinking faculties to look out for our country’s best interests.

GC criminal justice Professor Adam Lamparello concurs with the proposal to institute an age maximum for political positions.

“Many politicians we see in our government today are too old to run for office and have lost cognitive abilities.

Also, they are deeply entrenched in their political parties in a way that negatively impacts their ability to represent their constituents’ true desires.

Instituting this age limit of 75 will ensure we have officials that are

capable of doing their jobs in office, which is ultimately to reflect the interest of the population they represent. Getting some fresh blood in politics that is better adapted and more familiar with the workings of the technologically-advanced modern age will only benefit our country’s adaptability in a constantly- changing world.

Much of the change in our world today is brought about by technology that is largely controlled and created by members of the younger generations, and our government should be represented and controlled by those who are most affected and familiar with this technology.

Since it is in the best interest of the survivability and adaptability of our democracy, it is time to get the geezers over 75 off of Capitol Hill and into rightfully-earned retirement.

of my roommates and

what your campus has

With each extracur-

ly. I urge every fresh-

parison is the thief of

closest friends at college.

to offer, the sooner you

ricular I joined or test-

man to take advantage

joy. It can seem as if ev-

Nothing makes you

can find your niche.

ed out, I met someone

of at least one club, so-

eryone around you is

feel more at home than

Eager to find a sense

new or gained insight

ciety, program or orga-

adjusting to college life

good friends. If it were

of community and try

about myself. I have ac-

nization offered at GC.

quite well, and all you

not for me taking the

something new, I at-

quired and built fun-

It

first steps when I felt so

tended multiple interest

damental skills profes-

ter.

low, I would not have

meetings at the start of

sionally and personally

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell

gets Really,

it

bet-

can think about is your

does.

next trip back home.

The first few weeks,

My Give

ing a smile and say-

best

advice?

yourself

time.

You are presently in

ing, “Hi, I am Paige.”

some of your most for-

During one instance,

mative years. Make mis-

I overheard a girl talking

takes. Meet new people.

about how hard moving

Try everything at least

away had been for her too.

once. With time, the

I immediately jumped

homesick pit you feel

into the conversation,

in your stomach will

feeling connected and

lessen, and in its place,

understood by the girl.

you will find excitement

We shared stories about

and

move-in-day tears and

your new college ex-

bonded over how much

periences. It is unique

we missed our moms.

to you and you only.

Suddenly,

this

whole

college thing was starting to not feel so lonely.

On my first day of class, I sat next to a girl because I noticed she had stickers on her laptop of music I liked. I struck up a conversation with her. Now, she is one

my freshman year. Some

that I will carry with me

and even months, of col-

I hold closest today.

of

throughout

life.

lege can feel isolating,

The

the

organizations

my

impor-

did not work out, but

Your college years are

uncomfortable and cha-

involvement

many of them did, and

unlike any other time

otic. Many freshmen find

As cliché as it sounds,

the important thing was

in your life. You have

themselves questioning

get involved early in the

that I was able to learn

a plethora of resources

their decisions and if

school year. The sooner

something from each

and information at your

they are on the right path.

you find out more about

of

fingertips instantaneous-

It is true that com-

tance

of

these

experiences.

with

You will learn that

Julia Jensen | Art Director

many of the friends

satisfaction

when you find your people and your passions, everything

else

falls

seamlessly into place.

Make the most of it. Have an abundance of

grace

with

your-

self. I am rooting for you,

Class

of

2027.

12

DREW OLDHAM, OPINION EDITOR

09.12.2023

OPINION

Kylie Noles | Digital Media Editor

The battle for the worst apartment complex

Which is worse: Revelry Farts or Smellamy?

Andrew Oldham

seeking asylum from the

involve serious physical

idents’ similar tidings

fence and gate, which

from the Milledgeville

horrors of their first year.

harm of the victim. This

and an equally-poor re-

you need a clicker or

Police

Some students suc-

fact becomes even more

view from a local guide

guest code to enter. The

Revelry Flats certainly

for

cessfully escape these

concerning in light of

who speaks extensively

only problem is that this

has the edge on Bella-

college

stu-

dark days and bask in the

the fact that the residen-

about the unresponsive-

gate never works and

my in the rent depart-

everywhere

to

luxurious and secluded

tial body of Revelry has

ness of management to

mounts about as effective

ment, as it costs around

atmosphere of high-ti-

nearly an even split of

many problems brought

of a defense of the com-

$550-600 per person per

er and high-price-tag

local residents and col-

to them by residents.

plexes parameters as the

month plus utilities in a

off-campus residencies,

lege students, a mix with

Across the railroad

Capitol Hill Police did

three-bedroom

like Arcadia and Mag-

a poor historical prec-

tracks, “Smellamy,” as it

of defending Congress

ment. Four- bedroom

nolia. Others find them-

edent of innate tension

is often referred to by its

from the Jan. 6 invaders.

apartments in Bellamy

selves

fortunate

and unsuccessful coex-

student residents, has a

Bellamy is quite drab

cost around $620-650

and are condemned to

istence. The possibilities

bizarre melting pot of res-

on the inside, and the

plus utilities, according to

a hellscape of drab-col-

are both endless and

idents in its own respect.

three different, but equal-

their respective websites.

ored walls, dated shag

potentially

This

houses

ly-dingy, shades of cream

Given the fact that

carpeting and a genuine

Along

many GC students, al-

coloring of the bathroom

Revelry is less secure and

lo-

most all of the Georgia

are sure to make almost

possesses many of the

geographically,

Military College foot-

any resident question

same maintenance prob-

ball players and yes, you

their sanity from time

lems that Bellamy does,

guessed it, an ever-pres-

to time. The anecdotal

I believe that it takes

ent and always-pungent

accounts of living here

the cake as the worst

odor of marijuana fill-

document

furniture

off-campus residency in

ing its courtyard, cor-

missing upon arrival, un-

Milledgeville. However, I

ridors and parking lot.

ruly and noisy residents

would do yourself a favor

Although falling into

and an army of roaches

and avoid both of these

an area with an equal-

that are omnipresent in

like the plague of roaches

ly-high presence of vi-

one’s living space — not

you are sure to encoun-

olence, unlike Revelry,

to mention the frequent

ter should you decide

Bellamy has a privacy

urgent-situation

to live in either of them.

Opinion Editor At this point, it is a canon

experience

first-year dents

live in housing that is suspect at best. No matter where one goes to school, as a freshman in the dorm, you can be rest assured to encounter residential hardships.

Students

often

en-

counter black mold in their vents, are forced to live in a shoebox with the messiest person they have ever met and watch in shock as a late-night pub crawler does their

less

disastrous. with

Revel-

fear to walk from their

ry’s

apartment to their car to

cation

get an item they forgot.

residents regularly en-

My hunt to label the

counter problems with

off-cam-

the infrastructure of the

pus apartment complex

apartments they reside

in Milledgeville quickly

in. Anecdotal accounts

narrowed to two loca-

detail occurrences like

tions, which find them-

massive water leaks that

selves neck-and-neck in a

flood

tightly-contested race to

ments along with ineffec-

the bottom. These are the

tive efforts of the housing

Bellamy at Milledgeville

office to remediate them.

and the Revelry Flats.

One Google review of

Revelry Flats and the

the facility by a former

tion of their first year.

Bellamy find themselves

resident cites frequent

Oftentimes, however,

in an area of Milledgeville

roach infestations, faulty

these conditions are not

that received an ‘F’ grade

appliances

as easily escaped as the

for violent crime accord-

mold that was present

flashy websites and up-

ing to Crime Grade’s in-

upon move-in, with no

scale marketing of these

teractive city map, mean-

effort from housing to

off-campus

residences

ing that these apartment

address

would lead you to believe.

complexes are both sit-

As one looks further

Rather, they serve as a

uated in an area that is

into the matter, this poor

template for the years to

as bad as it gets for the

review begins to be cor-

come for many students

prevalence of crimes that

roborated by other res-

best Bruce Lee impression on a helpless exit sign. Escape from these difficult conditions encountered in the dorm is offered in the form of off-campus commercial housing that students can choose to live in for the remainder of college after the comple-

single

worst

questionable

multiple

his

and

apart-

complex

visits

Department.

apart-

black

concerns.

Kylie Noles | Digital Media Editor

Revelry, the winner of the worst apartment complex battle.