Issue 2 | Volume 101

@GCSUnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College Feb. 8, 2023

Single Copies Free

bobcatmultimedia.com

AP African American course banned in Florida Kylie Rowe Contributing Writer The week before Black History Month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis rejected an Advanced Placement course that covers African American history. This has

resulted in three Florida high school students to sue DeSantis for declining their right to unbiased education.

DeSantis claims that the course is equivalent to “indoctrination” and that impressionable students should not be subject to the topics in this

course. Some of these topics include queer theory, abolishing prisons and the reparations movement. DeSantis believes all of these topics are political and that they should not be taught in the classroom. However, Fedrick Ingram, president of theFlorida

Education Association, told PBS, “These topics are not political in the sense that we are trying to indoctrinate students.

We are trying to teach students the truth about American

history.”

See DESANTIS | Page 3

“WILDCAT” FILM ANNOUNCED

Movie depicting Flannery O’Connor’s struggles in writing her first novel begins production.

Paige Blakemore Staff Writer

ies such as “Once Upon A

Milledgeville’s pride

the 2017 BBC mini-se-

and joy is heading to

Time In Hollywood,” and

ries

O’Connor

ety”, “Wildcat” will fol-

biopic is in the works,

low O’Connor’s strug-

with

gles to publish her first

Flannery

directing

and

production by Ethan

novel,

“Wise

Blood,”

Hawke, and daughter

amid

battling

Lupus.

When

Maya Hawke portraying the Georgia writer.

Maya Hawke is best

O’Connor

upcoming film and its

the

Original

cast, many have high

“Stranger Things,” as

hopes and expectations.

well as blockbuster mov-

See WILDCAT | Page 8

Netflix

lowed in the workspace.

women become exceed-

woman, we hear about

How can we progress as

The progress of wom-

ingly more problematic

what it means to be a

a society if we are root-

en becoming more in-

when it comes to being a

professional and how to

ing our expectations in

“Just listen and learn

cluded in the boardroom

woman in the workplace.

act as a leader. The traits

a time when men and

from the professionals.”

and being seen as equal-

Women are constant-

used in these examples

women were so drastical-

Women are constantly

ly professional as their

ly pushing back barriers

are what they see as tra-

ly unequal to each other?

conforming to the work-

male counterparts does

to make space for them-

ditional but we see as

not come without its is-

selves due to the restric-

masculine traits before

not a fashion show.”

sues. The societal stan-

tions placed on them

women were even al-

“Don’t tention

draw to

at-

yourself.”

about

the

box, like they see feminine traits as dirty words.

What is not discussed as often is how femininity can be a strength in

in

place that men have cre-

boardroom.”

ated, and their feminini-

the professional world.

“This is a workplace,

ty is being pushed into a

See FEMININITY| Page 3

the

emotion

and

stu-

as Robin Buckley in

for being a woman. As a

“No

dents

professors,

to

enthusiasts

dards already placed on

News Editor

GC

talking

known for her work

The importance of maintaining femininity Rebecca Meghani

Women.”

According to “Vari-

the big screen, as a new

Claire O’Neill | Art Director

“Little

GC baseball begins season against Emmanuel Jennifer Crider

ous national champions

and first base fourth year.

Arts & Life Editor

in this region, some play-

“I think for what we did

The GC baseball sea-

ers are grateful for their

last year, it is pretty fair.

son began Feb. 1 with

ranking in such a difficult

But, I think this year we

a 4-2 win against Em-

division. However, others

manuel

Be-

believe they could have

fore the season started,

done better last season.

the National Collegiate

“We had a pretty

College.

have a really good shot to jump some of the teams that are ahead of us.”

Ashton

Sturgell,

As-

good year last year, but

sociation ranked GC’s

I think we should have

team as ninth in the

won some games that we

Preseason

South-

dropped midweeks and a

ranking as motivation

east Region Top Ten.

couple on the weekends,”

for the current season.

With two of the previ-

said Trey Ham, center

See BASEBALL | Page 7

Baseball

Writers

right

handed

pitcher

fifth year, is using this

Courtesy of GC Athletics

Redshirt senior Ashton Sturgell gets ready to pitch

NEWS | PG. 4

SPORTS | PG. 7

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 9

As AI becomes more accessible and advanced, there are questions of its use in universities.

The GC Women’s Tennis season begins with hope and expectation with the goal of bringing last season’s success with them.

People have lost thousands of dollars in Logan Paul’s project “Cryptozoo”.

AI’S CHATGPT CREATES CONTROVERSY

GC WOMEN’S TENNIS SEASON BEGINS

LOGAN PAUL’S CRYPTO SCAM

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 14 THE CASE AGAINST THE FIRST AMENDMENT

America is founded upon the principle of freedom of speech. But at what cost?

2

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

02.08.2023

NEWS

GREENE’S PLAN TO LABEL ANTIFA AS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

Controversial political figure Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her plan to list the activist group as a terrorist organization Lily Pruitt

has resulted in Gover-

Asst. News Editor

nor Brian Kemp declar-

Representative Marjo-

ing a state of emergency

rie Taylor Greene serves

that will last until Feb. 9.

Georgia’s 14th district.

“In isolation, it does

While discussing the re-

not seem like enough to

cent protest of “Cop City”

trigger something like a

in Atlanta, on “Tucker

state of emergency, but

Carlson Tonight,” Greene

taken in the totality of

mentioned her plan to

circumstances surround-

create new legislation

ing the protests at the

that would label antifa a

training center, it seems

“terrorist organization.”

like a heavy-handed re-

“Well, it is time to do

sponse — but I would say

something about antifa,”

that, because of the most

Greene said. “That is why

recent incident, it is just

I am going to introduce

a nod from the gover-

legislation to declare an-

nor’s mansion to say that

tifa domestic terrorists.”

they have their back,”

The most recent pro-

said GC criminal justice

test of “Cop City,” re-

professor Matt Sanchez.

sulted in the murder of

According to the Con-

Manuel Teransix people

gressional Research Ser-

being arrested. Members

vice, “anti-fascists,” or

of this group shattered

Antifa, “followers focus

car and business win-

on countering the views

dows, vandalized — de-

of people they deem fas-

stroyed a police car by

cist or white supremacist.”

setting it on fire and van-

Antifa

has

Courtesy of MGN

Proud Boys and Antifa clash as Trump supporters protest election result in Washington in 2020.

ti-fascists,” Greene said.

would be similar to the

“They are the fascists.”

9/11 and Jan. 6 com-

More recently, four

missions.

They

want

to have the riots across

I would expect to see some things coming out of Greene’s legislation if she were to get it passed, but it would take some time.

-Matt Sanchez

violence,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez

curi-

them and their future

ous to see if further

acts. This would also

legislation

include

will

be

prosecution

passed in the future.

of members of antifa.

“I would expect to see

People that live in

some things coming out

downtown Atlanta and

of Greene’s legislation if

have had to deal with

she were to get it passed,

the aftermath and fear

but it would take some

of the violence that oc-

time,”

said.

curred at this protest.

would

“I heard about it, but

come out of the new leg-

it did not affect me,”

Sanchez

Things

creat-

is

is leading or funding

that

House Republicans have

the U.S. by antifa to be

islation would be more

said senior MIS ma-

in the republican par-

introduced

investigated

surveillance

jor

moved to protest in front

ty, as Greene insists in

that would set up a Na-

of a new police train-

the interview that they

tional Commission to

ing facility that is being

are the real fascists.

investigate

built in Atlanta. This

“They are not an-

dalized several buildings.

ed a lot of controversy

The group has now

legislation

of

these

which

would

“One of my friends had

need to feel like they have

lead to knowing more

to wait in traffic for

domestic

to take a stand against

about them, what exact-

an hour because peo-

terrorist attacks. These

that kind of unprovoked

ly they stand for, who

ple were in the streets.”

VOLUME 101 | NO. 2

“I

further.

understand

the

groups,

@GCSUnade

John

Cleveland.

@TheColonnade

Editorial Board

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

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3

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

02.08.2023

NEWS DESANTIS

criteria changing nation-

they continue to go

Continued from page 1

wide. While this has not

through,” Sanchez said.

The “Individual Free-

been proven, DeSantis’s

belief that the only way

ing the course because

about

to make those conver-

of the differences and

As an Advanced Place-

how much parents and

sations more produc-

preferences in how one

that

denouncement of the

ment course, the African

politicians should have

tive is to start fully ed-

learns, so personally, I

Florida also has in place

course came just a day

American course would

control over the public

ucating the people that

am not the biggest fan of

controls the teaching of

after the College Board’s

still be optional for stu-

school system. Giving

are going to have them,

topics concerning race

decision

dents, which is also a

high school students a

and a course about Af-

and is designed under the

ate the course content.

point

controversy.

different perspective may

rican Americans could

San-

“I think it is short-

not make parents happy,

be a good start to that.

tect students from feel-

chez, a GC professor of

sighted and a bit in-

but it may help prepare

“I think it is defensive

ing “ashamed” because

Criminal

was

sensitive to believe that

their children for life af-

in nature and counter-

of discretions of their an-

asked to comment on

certain versions of white

ter moving out of their

productive to bringing

cestors. Many have been

these

dom”

measure

premise that it will pro-

referencing this measure

to

reevalu-

Matheson

Justice,

of

Florida has started a

conversation

recent

events.

history could be more

parents’ house. Sanchez

about further change and

“Long-term

reper-

valuable to an average

has a fear that “for some

progress,” Sanchez said.

Many students feel

for this new case to say it

cussions would be stu-

high

student

students, if they wait un-

falls under its protection.

dents graduating from

than Black history,” San-

til college to start consid-

the

The College Board

the Florida public school

chez said when asked if

ering other perspectives,

fects of this. They feel

has been accused of

system with an underap-

he thought the course

it might be too late.”

differently

changing the criteria of

preciation of what Black

may be beneficial to be

This country has been

this course because of

folks and other people of

taught not just as an AP

having the same conver-

Florida’s rejection of it,

color have gone through

course, but also worked

which would result in

in this country and what

into basic curriculum.

school

controversial

ef-

one set way of having to learn things,” an anonymous GC student said.

It can be said that students agree with DeSantis because of the fact that he claims there is simply not enough educational background for this course to be taught.

“As an elective course,

because

if there is not enough

of how people learn.

curriculum to back hav-

cur-

ing it as a course, then I

sations about race for

riculum does not factor

agree with DeSantis,” the

years, and it is Sanchez’s

in the individuals tak-

anonymous student said.

“Standardized

A close asteroid to Earth makes an appearance Lily Pruitt Asst. News Editor

al-

of a comet breaking up

fears

the Earth. When they are

ways breaking apart af-

into major pieces, so it

about what would hap-

between 11.5 and 28 feet

far away, they are very

ter some time, and that

is not quite something

pen if another one were

extremely

across. While that is fair-

dim, making it very dif-

is what gives us meteor

that would happen, un-

close to Earth on Jan.

ly sizable, most of the

ficult for scientists to no-

showers,”

Domingue

less the asteroid were to

26, less than a week af-

asteroid would burn up

tice them until they start

said. “We have meteor

be directed at the Earth.”

ter it was first discovered.

while passing through

getting close to Earth.

showers every year when

A lot of people have

The asteroid was dis-

Earth’s atmosphere, with

watch-

we go through our orbit.”

been wondering if the

view

When asked about

asteroid did any damage

firsthand,

what would have hap-

to Earth’s atmosphere

Telescope

pened had the aster-

when it passed by. How-

one suddenly, it could be

A relatively small asteroid

flew

The size of the space

to be quite far away from

rock is estimated to be

larger

surviving

For ers

space

unable

are

among

people

to come in the future.

When

asked

about

fears of an asteroid hitting Earth, Domingue had

this

to

say:

covered on Jan. 21 by

any

astronomer

Gennadiy

parts becoming mete-

2023

Borisov in Crimea. Five

orites if it had traveled

the

days later, the asteroid

straight to Earth. Be-

Project

the

oid been of larger size,

ever, it did not impact

on a collision path with

passed by Earth, getting

cause most objects like

event on its website

Domingue had a lot to say.

our atmosphere in any

Earth, and in that sce-

BU Virtual

to

“Asteroids

broadcast

“If we were to discover

as close as 3,600 kilo-

nario there is really noth-

meters from the surface

ing we can do about it.”

of the Earth near the

It was fearful for many

southern tip of Antarc-

students to learn about,

tica, making this one of

even though it was not

the closest approaches to

heading directly to Earth.

Earth ever by an asteroid The tance

average

dis-

between

the

“I thought that it was a little unsettling, but it was calming to know

Earth and the Moon is around 239,000 miles.

that it was not coming

Geosynchronous

sat-

straight towards Earth,”

orbit

Brooke Suplee, senior

22,000 miles above the

marketing major said.

surface of the Earth.

For those who did

ellites

typically

This means that the rock was well within the orbit of a lot of valuable

not get the chance to NASA / JPL-Caltech

Asteroid 2023 BU’s trajectory in red, to fly by Earth.

satellites. Had the aster-

this do not, the asteroid

and YouTube channel.

“Asteroids of any size

way. It was very distant,

oid collided with one of

did not pose any danger.

Donovan Domingue,

are going to be quite

about midway between

like

an astronomy professor

dangerous if they were to

the orbit of Earth and

see this year’s trip, will have an opportunity to see it in another decade.

“2023 BU orbits the

these satellites, the dam-

The

age would have been very

many,

was a surprise

at GC, did not watch the

intersect with the Earth,”

Mars at its closest ap-

costly. Luckily though,

to scientists when first

livestream of the event.

Domingue said. “At the

proach, making it too

2023 BU managed to

found. Asteroids have

However, he did have

very least, it would affect

far away to do any dam-

planet again until Dec. 6,

pass through the orbit

very large eccentricities,

some interesting things

our oceans. We do not

age to our atmosphere.

2036,” Brett Tingley said,

without hitting anything.

meaning their orbit gets

to say about the asteroid.

have any great examples

The asteroid raised

asteroid,

sun every 425 days and will not pass close to our

editor

of

Space.com.

4

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

02.08.2023

NEWS

Banning artificial intelligence in schools

As AI continues to rapidly develop, programs like ChatGPT are approached with caution.

Hannah Adams Asst. Opinion Editor Artificial intelligence, or AI, has been taking the technological world by storm with the advancements that have been made in past years.

Most recently, an AI system called ChatGPT from OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research laboratory, allows users to simply type in a short writing prompt, and an

City Department of Ed-

of France’s top universi-

these suggestions as just

tracted the interest of

communications

ucation took the step

ties, Sciences Po, banned

a starting point, not a fi-

GC students that study

jor, shares his feelings

of blocking the system

the use of ChatGPT and

nal solution. Using Open

within majors that re-

about those speculations.

from all networks and

other AI tools last week.

AI speeds up the process,

quire large amounts of

devices within school

The university said stu-

but I only recommend

writing or creative en-

districts. Public school

dents

flouting

it to my advanced stu-

ergy. Hannah Conti, a

systems in both Seattle

the new rules could be

dents who understand it

senior art major, shared

and Los Angeles fol-

thrown out, per Reuters.”

is a tool and not a substi-

her experience with the

lowed suit soon after.

At GC, the system has

tute for their creativity.”

AI program and how

In an “Insider” arti-

yet to be prohibited, and

While Cook stated

she feels it could lead to

cle titled, “Here are the

some professors feel that

his interest in and ad-

an outlet for plagiarism.

schools and colleges that

the software is an asset

miration of the AI pro-

“In the right context, it

have banned the use of

that should remain avail-

gram, he also empha-

can be used as a tool, but

Chat GPT taking jobs.

Chat GPT over plagia-

able to students. GC pho-

sized his feelings that

I do think people might

If anything, understand-

rism and misinformation

tography professor, Seth

ChatGPT should be used

take advantage of that,”

ing and utilizing it will

caught

AI generator will create

ma-

“If we are given a tool that takes some of the workload off of what we do most, writing, then it leads us to think more about the actual message we want to send,” Forney said. “I do not see

become important, just

an entire story in a few

like Adobe or Micro-

minutes. This develop-

soft. AI art and storytell-

ment has led to a variing are definitely going

ation of opinion, with

to muddle the creative

some feeling that this

market for a while, even

tool allows for too much

harm some people’s ar-

possibility of malicious

tistic pursuits, but at the

use, such as cheating in

end of the day, stories

school systems. Others feel that the creation of

and art people create

this tool will be beneficial

will be valued higher.”

Everyone must choose

to writers, students and Claire O’Neill | Art Director

professionals, as it will al-

for themselves their feel-

fears,” by Beatrice Nolan,

Cook, shared his feelings

as a stepping stone rather

Conti said. “It can be ben-

the Los Angeles School

on the potential possibil-

than a final destination.

eficial for brainstorming

ings on the lucrative pos-

District justified their

ities that come with uti-

“I view Open AI with

or looking for a different

sibilities of ChatGPT and

ban on the system due to

lizing ChatGPT, and the

caution, as it is easy to

angle or word choice. I

the advancements of AI.

concerns about protect-

ways that he implements

rely on too much. In vi-

do see a high probabil-

While some professional

ing “academic honesty.”

the software into his per-

sual art, it can be useful

ity of people using it for

establishments may de-

The article also further

sonal creative process.

as a tool for generat-

plagiarizing. I can see

some universities and

investigated the issue of

“As a visual artist, I

ing ideas, like making

how that can jeopardize

workplaces have been

plagiarism through Ope-

find Open AI as a help-

a mind map or seeking

jobs in multiple ways.”

nAI within universities.

ful resource for starting

advice

friends.

Another concern that

“The technology has

my projects,” Cook said.

However, it should not

has been expressed with

low them to gather ideas and input that will aid in the flow of their writing.

Given the differentiation in opinion over the issue across the board,

inputting rules that prohibit the use of ChatGPT and other AI software.

also

unnerved

some

from

“When I am struggling

be relied upon as the sole

the creation of this sys-

cide to utilize the system within their work, others may choose to keep their writing done purely through the method of the human hand. Ad-

Open ChatGPT was

universities around the

with

inspira-

source of inspiration. I

tem is the risk that it

released in November

world,” Nolan said. “Pro-

tion, Open AI gives me

would only see it that

may begin to take job

2022 and has since been

fessors have said that stu-

a place to start in finding

way if it meant aiding

opportunities away from

the topic of conversation

dents are already trying

project suggestions or

a student in laying out

those in the communi-

progress, as technology

in universities and busi-

to pass off AI-generated

assists me in planning a

their project foundation.”

cation industry. Davis

shows no signs of slow-

nesses. The New York

content as their own. One

project schedule. I view

ChatGPT has also at-

Forney, a senior mass

ing down in progression.

finding

vancements will continue to be made as years

5

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

02.08.2023

NEWS

Major Spotlight: Finance Kate Verity Contributing Writer

GC may be one of Georgia’s smaller universities, but it is growing and changing every year to accommodate the interests of its students. In fall 2022, GC added a new major to the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business and Technology: Lauren

finance.

Moskowitz

is a senior at GC who is a double major in finance and economics, two fields that go hand-

after dabbling in a few departments,

“I was actually recruit-

mostly

ed by the accounting ma-

by identifying what she

jor but I just didn’t want

knew she did not want

to sit at a desk all day and

to spend her life doing.

number crunch and do

Only some students

taxes,” Moskowtiz said.

come into college know-

“Then I was taking one

ing exactly what they

of my economics class-

want to do. Sometimes,

es and I was like, ‘They

students have only a

do not have finance as

general idea of where

a major, but I love this

their interests lay and

school, and I do not want

then they have to try

to transfer.’ You need

several majors and class

economics in finance, so

subjects before discov-

let me study economics.”

ering where they truly

Studying

what

she

find the most overlap

is passionate about has

between their interests

helped

and their skill sets. From

become an exception-

this overlap, one can be-

al individual. She is the

gin to form a career path.

president of the Finance

“I switched my major

Club, was the Vice Pres-

to management before

ident of Finance in her

I really got started as a

sorority

chemistry major, but I

and is a member of the

did not really know what

honor societies for eco-

Anjali Shenoy | Digital Media Director

in the country to re-

ly, financial engineer-

in my major and be

ceive Charles Schwab’s

ing and go into the op-

like, ‘Hey, do y’all want

Registered

tions derivative market.”

to study for this quiz

Talent

Finance has typical-

or test?’ or say, ‘Hey, I

Advantage (RIATA) Stu-

ly been a male-domi-

am having trouble with

dent Scholarship. She

nated field in the past,

this. Can you help me

will also be presenting

but

says

out?’ and it is not like,

research at a conference

she has not been treat-

‘oh, she’s having trou-

this month and has re-

ed any differently than

ble because she is a girl.’

ceived scholarships from

her male counterparts

They are like, ‘Oh, yeah,

GC and Kappa Delta.

at

Sachs.

and I was struggling

spent

“Over the summer,

with this one. Can you

last summer complet-

when I was working

help me?’ It is cool be-

ing an internship with

at Goldman Sachs, at

cause we get to bounce

Goldman Sachs, one of

those

ideas back and forth.”

the world’s leading in-

you do think the ‘oh, a

vestment firms. She has

woman does not belong

studying

fore I started here, I was

also received a job of-

here’ sort of thing is the

and, more recently, fi-

going to be a chemistry

fer from this company

stereotype,”

Moskow-

nance at GC has pre-

in-hand. As an underclassman, she had many interests in finance but she loved GC too much to transfer to a university that offered degrees in finance specifically. Even before studying economics and business, howev-

Moskowitz

Kappa

to

Delta

er, her interest was in sci-

Advisor

ence. She says this is not uncommon for people on her career path, because both require one to have an analytical mind.

Investment

(RIA)

Moskowitz

I was actually recruited by the accounting major but I just didn’t want to sit at a desk all day and number crunch and do taxes.

-Lauren Moskowitz

“Funnily enough, be-

Moskowitz

Goldman

big

companies,

Moskowitz’s

time

economics

major,” Moskowitz said.

I wanted to do,” Mos-

nomics (Omicron Delta

and plans to go on to

itz said. “But when I got

pared her to work at

“It is really crazy,but a

kowitz said. “I wanted

Epsilon) and accounting,

work at their Buckhead

there, they did not care

Goldman

lot of economics and

to be in the business

finance

manage-

firm after graduating.

who you are or what

graduation. This oppor-

finance people started

world and I knew it

ment information sys-

“I will be working

you look like or any of

tunity is not something

out in the science fields

was where I would fit

tems (Beta Alpha Psi).

in

executive

financial

that. If you can do good

given out to students

because they like the

in, but I didn’t want to

She was also a part of a

management,”

Mos-

work, they will love you.”

who have not worked

more analytical research

start my own company.”

recruiting board to find

kowitz said. “I hope to

side of it. They just

The type of work that

and hire finance profes-

like the business part.”

was involved in man-

sor Dr. Xiaomeng Lu.

Moskowitz was able

agement did not strike

to find the right major

interest in Moskowitz.

and

Furthermore,

she

was one of 12 students

Sachs

after

never

hard and put immense

work there for a few

felt looked down upon

effort into their studies.

years and then go back

for being a business-

Fortunately

to school and get my

woman at GC, either.

kowitz, all of her work

“I can text the guys

is beginning to pay off.

master’s

in,

hopeful-

Moskowitz

for

Mos-

6

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

02.08.2023

SPORTS

GC men’s basketball falls to Columbus State Bruce Smith

percent. Junior guard

scoring

Staff Writer

Brandon Thomas shot

Bobcats looked to fresh-

Coming off a tough

the ball well from be-

man guard Ian Davis,

loss a few days ago, the

hind the arc, going 3-5

who scored eight of his

GC

basketball

on the day. His shooting

points in the second half.

team took on 6-13 Co-

helped spark the sec-

“I wish I was more

lumbus State at home

ond half push chipping

aggressive

on Saturday, Jan. 28.

away at the Cougars lead.

throughout the entire

The Bobcats came out

“My shot felt real-

game,” Davis said. “I

strong in the first half,

ly good today,” Thomas

found a lot of success

leading the Cougars 32-

said. “I know every single

in the second half driv-

29 going into halftime.

game going forward is

ing the ball and getting

half-

very important, so I hope

to the rim, and if I had

time lead, the Bobcats

to keep shooting the ball

done so in the first half,

would

fall

as well as I did today.”

I might have been able

to the Cougars 69-64.

The second half start-

to change the outcome.”

men’s

Despite

the

eventually

The Bobcats, again, were

without

leading

their

scorer,

Greene.

Zyair

with

guard

sophomore

Brendan

Rigs-

bee hitting a mid-range

on

the

offense

The Bobcats struggled

Marissa Marcolina | Digital Media Editor

Redshirt-freshman Brendan Rigsbee looks to pass versus Columbus State on Saturday Jan. 28.

a shocking 17 times.

team was Brendan Rigs-

ing a point we have

“I felt like our effort

bee scoring 17 points.

not reached yet,” Aqui-

The

sophomore

shot

no said. “The team has

with us playing short-

7-13

from

the

field

handed,” said head coach

and

went

2-3

from

Ryan Aquino. “When it

the

three-point

line.

was

great,

especially

comes to turnovers and

The Bobcats have a

shooting 50 percent for

free throws, I know our

tough stretch of games

the second straight game.

guys are trying and giv-

to finish off the sea-

poor

ing it their best, but I feel

son before tournament

performance

like it is a mental thing

play starts in March,

from the free throw line,

shown it at some points during the year but have not put it all together.”

On Saturday, Feb. 4, the Bobcats traveled east

now

jumper, giving the Bob-

straight

cats a five-point lead.

games that the sopho-

After Rigsbee’s shot,

more guard has missed

the Bobcats dug them-

at the free throw line,

right now, and it is just

where they will have

due to medical issues.

selves into their big-

the Bobcats struggled

a little bit of adversity

to

everything

7-14 overall. They take

The Bobcats found

gest hole of the game,

the most with turning

that our guys need to —

together in order to

on conference foe USC

going

50-36.

the ball over. The team

and will get through.”

capitalize on the year.

Aiken at home Wednes-

To get out of their

turned the ball over

The spotlight of the

“It is about us reach-

day, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

marks

This

ed

drought,

two

success at the threepoint line, shooting 31.3

down

Despite shooting

the

bring

GC women’s basketball comes up short

to take on No. 12 Augusta. The Bobcats fell short 86-61 and are currently

Emily Henderson

bounding allowed CSU

ward the end of the third

fourth

GC

sively. We need to take

playing for each other,

Staff Writer

to pull away with the lead

quarter, GC ended the

was up 79-76 with one

care of some things

play hard, listen to what

to end the half 43-36.

quarter only down 60-61.

minute

defensively

moving

Coach Jolly says and give

At the start of the

Starting the fourth

In the final minute of

overall,

our 100 percent in prac-

second half, both teams

quarter, you could see

the game, CSU scored

we played fairly well.”

tice every day, we will be

seemed a little fraz-

the

eight points, and the Bob-

Although the Bobcats

The

GC

women’s

basketball team started basketball’s doubleheader in a close head-

importance

and

quarter.

remaining.

forward,

but

to-head game against Columbus

State

ready beaten their previous record of 8-19.

cats, their fourth-quar-

While GC did lose a few

not

players from last season,

enough to keep the lead,

the number of play-

and they lost 84-79.

ers gained has helped

The defense had a

create

rocky start at the begin-

ty balanced with our

and missed rebounds.

contributions this sea-

From the very start, CSU

son,” said head coach

was strong on defense

Ross Jolly. “I think, of-

with full-court pressure.

fensively, we have had

GC made some ad-

ities. In the first quar-

well-round-

“I feel like we are pret-

with multiple turnovers

off their shooting abil-

a

ed team this season.

ning of the first quarter

justments and showed

have

season. They have al-

was seen from the Bobwere

Bobcats

provements since last

28. Although the fight

efforts

The

shown tremendous im-

Uni-

versity on Saturday, Jan.

ter

good ending the season.”

Marissa Marcolina | Digital Media Editor

Redshirt-junior Myra Strickland shoots a three-point shot versus Columbus State on Saturday. Jan. 28.

several different people being our lead scorer or have really good offensive games. Also, on

zled, making bad passes

passion on the coach-

cats could not come back.

lost the game, they have

and offensive mistakes.

es and players’ faces.

GC made minor mis-

had an impressive season

made

takes that led to their de-

this year compared to the

there on the court, but

adjustments to try to

feat against CSU. These

last season. GC women’s

they could not execute.

finish the game strong.

minor mistakes may have

basketball has a current

One factor against the

The Bobcats were get-

determined this game,

overall record of 13-9

Bobcats was their fouls

ting

rebounds

but it helps show what

with six more games left

in the third quarter, since

and slicing through the

needs to be improved

in the regular season.

many of them could have

Cougars’ defense. GC

upon moving towards

“I think we just need

been prevented. Howev-

continued to struggle

the end of the season.

to keep fighting,” said ju-

er, GC kept fighting to

with their fouls, while

“I think we played

nior guard Myra Strick-

starting the first quarter.

close the gap in the score.

CSU started to strug-

well,” said sophomore

land. “We might not have

Although GC was forc-

With the help of se-

gle with their defense.

guard

Willis.

the best offensive or de-

8 at 5:30 p.m. as they

ing the Cougars to foul,

nior Cassie Markle, who

The score remained

“Some things we just

fensive game, but as long

take on USC Aiken for

the Bobcats’ lack of re-

made two big threes to-

close for much of the

did not execute offen-

as we keep pushing and

Honors College Night.

ter alone, GC made five baskets from the three-point line, which overall

helped

them

end the first up 23-18.

Starting

the

sec-

ond quarter, there was a tight back and forth between CSU and GC. Both teams lacked the same energy as they had

The Bobcats’ effort was

Both

teams

more

Ashyia

the defensive side, a lot of players are doing a lot of things defensively and on the boards. The contributions that a lot of people are making this season, and not just relying on one or two people, Come

is

beneficial.” watch

the

Bobcats back in action Wednesday, Feb.

7

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

02.08.2023

SPORTS BASEBALL

season is to come out

ties, we worked out two

“I was not 100 percent.

made kind of a joke out

intent, just to try to get

and make a statement

days a week,” Sturgell

I had to work back in

of it at first. We would go

my arm healthy and get

early on,” said Brandon

said. “In season, it is gon-

rehab and over the fall

every chance we could

it ready for the season.”

Bellflower, first base and

na be two total-body days

and all winter break to

get, but we kind of fell

Though there have

outfield fourth year. “I

a week. But, a lot of ex-

get back to normal, but

in love with it. Me and

been some hardships this

feel like in years past,

plosive body movement,

now I am back to pret-

Chester go every week.”

year with injuries and

dudes from our start-

we have kind of start-

just ‘cause that translates

ty much 100 percent.”

Physical preparation

valuable players gradu-

ing lineup, so I do not

ed out a little bit slow-

more to in-game stuff.”

Outside of team train-

think anyone is really

er than I have liked.”

This intensive work

expecting much out of

Although this is the

Continued from page 1 “I would be lying if I said we were surprised by our ranking,” Sturgell said. “We lost a lot of

beginning

important;

ating, one thing the team

ing, some players uti-

however, healthy lifestyle

all agreed on is that they

is not easy, and many

lize other tools to get

habits are equally as im-

felt prepared and ready to

players

experi-

themselves ready. Parker

perative in making sure

take on this new season.

official

am surprised. But, it is

the

baseball

encing what Matthew

Kauffman, center fourth

their performance is at

“I feel we are as

definitely fuel, for sure.”

season for the team is

Chester, outfield grad-

year, makes working on

the best of their abilities.

ready as we are gonna

The team is confident

all year round, with

uate student, referred

his flexibility a top pri-

“I have tried to devel-

be,” said Bellflower. “I

in their abilities, as they

the

training

to as “the injury bug.”

ority in preparation for

op better eating habits

think everyone is ex-

have been working dili-

months

advance.

“I was out for most of

his position as catcher.

in the past year or so,

cited. I think the ulti-

gently and shifting their

“In the fall, we would

the fall. I had knee sur-

“Going to yoga has

but over break, I tried to

mate goal this year is to

goals to ensure an in-

work out three days

gery over the summer,

been one of the biggest

change the way I throw,”

come out with our hair

crease in their ranking.

a week, and once we

so I was out for most of

things,” Kauffman said.

Sturgell said. “As far as

on fire and play Geor-

“Our main focus this

stopped baseball activi-

the fall,” Chester said.

“In the fall, I think we

how often and how much

gia

players in

are

clearly

us, so I would not say I

season,

of

is

College

baseball.”

GC women’s tennis starts season with high hopes Sean King

other year of experience”

better, and I want to do

was

“Honestly, I do not

peak of success this com-

Fleming said.“Each year

better than last year,” said

nervous all the time.

really feel any pressure,

ing season. They were

women’s

of experience [we] have

sophomore Chiara ‘High

I did not really know

maybe I should have,”

happy with their per-

tennis team take to the

under [our] belt, we can

Socks’

what to do, specifical-

said freshman Ansley

formance last season,

courts this coming sea-

push that much more.”

year was pretty good, I

ly in doubles,” Santoro

Morrison, the young-

but they know they can,

said. “I got more expe-

er sister of junior play-

and want, to do better.

rience now, and I think

er

Morrison.

Last season, the Bobcats

it is going a lot better.”

“Also, having my sister

finished fourth in the

out

on the team, I already

PBC (Peach Belt Con-

as one of the toughest

felt like a part of the

ference), right behind

mental games, and most

team before I got here.

the University of North

players become signifi-

With the season about

Georgia

cantly more comfort-

to start, I am trying not

The

Senior captain Emma

able and successful the

to freak out too much. I

their season at home on

Fleming went 3-2 in

more years they play.

am just trying to chill.”

Saturday, Feb. 4 against

Being out on the court

Morrison went 2-1

Emmanuel College of

with just yourself or one

in singles last semes-

the Conference Caroli-

partner brings a lot of

ter, going into her first

nas. Emmanuel College

self-pressure and nerves,

spring season with a

placed fourth overall in

especially to new team

winning record already.

their

members, like freshmen.

The GC women’s ten-

ishing with an 8-3 re-

However, one freshman

nis team is looking to

cord in conference, but

would actually disagree.

keep climbing to the

finished 10-15 overall.

are

Contributing Writer The

GC

son with hope and expectation to bring the calvary of last season’s success The

with

them.

Bobcats

went

Her agreed

teammates that

just

be-

Santoro.

“Last

would say, but I think we can do even more.”

2022 season, with a 4-3 record in the conference.

doubles and broke even, cording four wins and three

losses

overall.

“I think we can do even better than last year.

Everyone has another year under their belts, an-

year,

Tennis

15-7 overall in the 2021-

with 1-1 in singles, re-

“First

Courtesy of GC Athletics

cause they did really

Santoro

finished

well last season does

last season 4-2 in sin-

not mean they are any-

gles and 4-2 in doubles,

where close to the peak

finishing

of possibility for success.

8-4,

“I feel like we can do

her

the

season

improving freshman

from season.

First look at GC softball

I

stands

Christian Castillo

“As a staff we put a lot

players that will add both

and bringing GC back.

Contributing Writer

of time into this recruit-

depth in all positions

ing class, and we believe

and

that, with the addition of

successful

With opening day of the 2023 season days away, GC softball is eager to get back out on the field. Last season, GC Softball had an underwhelming year, with records of 12-32 in the regular season, 4-20 in Peach Belt

Conference

play.

With a strong group returning, and a new wave of players, the Bobcats are equipped with an improved team, more experience and undetermined

expectations.

experience

from

programs.”

Ashton

Bobcats

conference,

open

fin-

famil-

The Bobcats are going

One key player re-

iar with one another.

to benefit from younger

turning for the Bobcats

“Our biggest strength

players aspiring to con-

is

redshirt-senior

extremely

Nighthawks.

in-

is definitely our chem-

tribute

and

compete.

these new faces and our

After last season, the

fielder Katelyn Hobbs.

istry,” Hobbs said. “We

“I hope to contrib-

returners in place, we can

Bobcats have nowhere

Hobbs was a huge con-

are very close as a team,

ute on both offense and

have a very successful

to go but up from here.

tributor for the team

and it shows on the field.

defense,” Hobbs said. “I

season,” Grodecki said.

If last year was anything,

a year ago and has the

We are also a versatile

want to make plays and

“We have been pushing

it was a learning year.

most experience of any

team, so no matter what

get on base to score some

them hard, and I believe

“We are on a mission

player

team.

girls are in we can play.”

runs. I want to earn a spot

it will give them the con-

to put our softball pro-

“[I want to] make the

Team chemistry and

on the team and work

fidence to get it done

gram back at the top of

most of my last year and

squad depth will be key

hard each and every day

when it matters most.

our conference and back

get better while not tak-

factors to a good season.

for the team’s success.”

We have great leaders,

in the hunt for postsea-

ing anything for grant-

The crucial depth will

This season could be

and the ladies seem to

son play, where we have

ed,” Hobbs said. “I want

be supplied by younger

a

work

together.”

been, historically,” Gro-

to make every moment

and incoming players,

for the Bobcats, who

During the offseason,

decki said. “This group

count with my team-

such as freshman Emily

are coming off a disap-

Grodecki reloaded as

has the ability and talent

mates. We started a new

Hobbs, who is the young-

pointing campaign last

best as possible, putting

to get us back on track.”

thing called ‘be the palm,’

er sister of fifth-year

year. On all levels of the

sounds

and we will have an in-

player Katelyn Hobbs.

team, the attitude is clear.

well

the

major

bounce-back

After last year’s per-

lots of work recruiting

formance, the first aspect

players out of high school

good from the top. Now

flatable palm tree in the

“I am so excited to

Leave last year in the

of the team in question

and the transfer portal.

what matters is that

dugout. It is a reminder

begin my college ca-

past. It is a new group,

is mindset. The Bob-

“We made an effort

the players are ready to

to roll with the punches.

reer,” Hobbs said. “I can

a new year, and they are

cats have a competitive

to bring in a couple girls

win some games. One

We will bend like a palm

not wait to play at the

ready to compete and

mindset

the

out of junior college as

thing is for certain: The

tree instead of breaking.”

next level. I feel like I

win. GC will look for a

season, starting at the

well as our incoming

team has bought into

With many players

fit extremely well into

strong start against Fort

top with the team’s head

freshman,”

Grodecki’s

attitudes

returning from a sea-

this team, which was

Valley State on Feb. 5

coach, Jamie Grodecki.

said. “We have brought

of being ready to win

son ago, the players

beyond

for their home opener.

entering

Grodecki

Everything

on

welcoming.”

8

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

02.08.2023

ARTS & LIFE WILDCAT

2018 film “Blaze.” The

sitivity,” said Cudd. “He

with her illness for much

through his own paral-

beginning

Continued from page 1

film depicted a South-

is a novelist too, so he

of her adult life until she

lels to O’Connor’s life

in Louisville, Kentucky.

Jeremy Cudd, assis-

ern gothic atmosphere

knows the struggle of

passed away at only 39.

as a writer and personal

tant professor of per-

with a struggling artist

a writer. Engaging in

“The movie could be

formance, expressed his

at the center of it, sim-

that increases intima-

really, really good or real-

optimism for Hawke’s

ilar to what is expected

cy with other people

ly, really bad,” said Aexel.

ly

directing through his

in the O’Connor biopic.

who do those things.”

“Either way, it is going to

for the literary realm

previous work on the

“He has writer sen-

Andalu-

be a movie that literature

or Lupus in film,” said

at National Park Anda-

sopho-

enjoyers will appreciate.”

Harris. “It is a story

lusia or in Milledgeville.

more English major and

Aexel made sure to

that needs to be told.”

If done correctly, the

Former sia

employee,

“There

is

hard-

any

ing is set to take place

that the film will garner

popular works such as

Aexel, who is originally

attention with a pop-

“Everything That Ris-

from Wisconsin, chose to

ular, young actress at

es Must Converge” and

attend GC largely due to

the forefront and shed

“A Good Man Is Hard

the Milledgeville writer.

light on the mental re-

To Find,” Harris noted

Aexel shared that the

percussions of a termi-

the - profound yet often

the movie’s success, it

nal

Addition-

overlooked - merit that

will,

behind the film’s title

ally, she wishes to see

O’Connor’s writings held.

a triumph for locals

is based on O’Connor’s

LGBTQ

representation

“Her work was con-

and fans of O’Connor.

master’s

since some of O’Con-

troversial and extremely

shares the same name.

nor’s

friends

progressive for its time,”

The thesis focuses on a

identified as bisexual.

Harris said. “This film

thesis

which

illness.

closest

Tanner

Harris,

referencing

released or if any film-

Charlotte

meaning

While

representation

movie is expected to be

nor

character who is dealing

“Wildcat” is based on O’Connor’s journey in publishing her first novel, “Wise Blood”, in 1952.

Lupus.

It is unclear when the

emphasize

interpreted

hopes

to

January

self-proclaimed O’Confanatic

her

connection

of

a

is necessary for what it

with the realities of his

first-year English ma-

is trying to accomplish.”

nearing death, much like

jor, expressed his ex-

O’Connor, who struggled

citement for the film

film could easily bring much business and attention to Milledgeville with cast.

its

star-studded

Regardless

of

undoubtedly, be

“We are grateful for the opportunity to introduce a new generation of filmgoers to the genius of

the

Flannery O’Connor,” said

film broke ground at the

director Ethan Hawke.

Production

on

Sleep deprivation plaguing college students Brayden Miller Staff Writer

having a healthy sleep

Supposedly, this is be-

schedule.

the

cause of the blue light

students

crushing weight of an es-

wavelengths present in

might not realize it un-

pecially heavy workload

the screens. The blue

til they have to wake up

to the - almost obligatory

lights, which are simi-

for an 8 a.m. class, but

- participation in “going

lar to that of daylight,

getting lots of sleep is

out” culture, it can seem

confuse your body’s day

very important for your

like a very tall order to

and night cycle. To get

body’s health. Inadequate

work a reasonable bed-

the best quality sleep,

sleep will not only make

time into the average col-

it is a good idea not to

someone feel drowsy and

lege student’s schedule.

use that type of device

generally miserable, but

Or maybe they can’t

within an hour of lay-

it can also make their

get off their phones.

ing down for the night.

College

metabolism,

From

immune

As described by the

system and memory re-

Journal of Biophoton-

not always feasible for

tention

ics, using a phone or a

a college student, es-

another cause for many

themselves pulling a des-

shorter studying sessions

there

computer before going

pecially if there are a

college

late

perate cramming session

spaced out over multi-

are many kinds of dis-

to bed can interfere with

test or major assign-

nights. If a student can-

the night before a test.

ple days. The APA also

tractions and compli-

the body’s production of

ment due the next day.

not find the time to study

For instance, fresh-

warns that lack of sleep

cations that might keep

melatonin, a hormone

The struggle to keep

throughout the course of

man Alyssa Chargualaf

a college student from

used for inducing sleep.

up with assignments is

the week, they might find

has

less

effective.

Unfortunately,

However,

that

is Anjaoli Shenoy | Digital Media Editor

student’s

been

known

to

cram as a last resort.

“If I have other stuff in my schedule and I did not have time to study ahead, then I would cram, but if I had that time, then I would not cram,” Chargualaf said.

“I would space it out.”

Many studies by the

Anjali Shenoy | Digital Media Editor

Devoting so little time to sleep, students struggle to keep up with school work throughout the year.

diminishes

concentra-

tion and the ability to recall learned information, so pulling an all-nighter might be counterproductive, even if you have burned through all your other

studying

time

hanging out with friends.

The urge can be strong to reward oneself after a

American Psychological

long, hard week of class-

Association support that

es. What better way to do

cramming style study-

that than by going out

ing is far less effective for

with some of your closest

memory retention than

friends on the weekend?

9

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

02.08.2023

ARTS & LIFE

Claire O’Neill | Arts Director

Cryptozoo? more like crypto-boo.

People losing hundreds of thousands of dollars from Logan Pauls newest scam Hannah Adams Asst. Opinion Editor

CryptoZoo,

that Paul finally came

accountability,

eggs as NFTs, with the

Paul’s NFT consisted of

forward with a statement.

gizing, and coming for-

drew the attention of both

promise that collectors

exotic animal eggs that

Findeisen, also known

investors and of crypto-

would be able to hatch

could be bought, sold

by his YouTube perso-

currency scam investi-

them

randomly

or traded to evolve an-

na Coffeezilla, released

gator Stephen Findeisen.

chosen animal images.

imals or create hybrids.

a three-part YouTube

Initially, the purpose of

Collectors would then be

Each NFT egg that was

series that investigated

the CryptoZoo game was

able to ‘breed’ their ani-

bought would hatch into

CryptoZoo and Paul’s

me. I know it’s been

to allow players to act

mal images to create new

a unique species that no

involvement. Within this

bumpy, but your support

as zookeepers. Within

species and win coins

other investor had. This

series, Findeisen claimed

is everything to me and

the game, users would

in a linked cryptocur-

would

other

that Paul’s game was a

have the opportunity to

rency called $ZOO. In

investors to express in-

scam to investors and

buy and sell NFTs in the

a since-removed project

terest in buying or trad-

that Paul had gone silent

ly, the social media influ-

form of exotic animals.

roadmap, many games

ing their NFT eggs for

on the issue to avoid hav-

encer got into a scandal

In BBC article “You-

were promised in 2022

those of another user.

ing to take accountabil-

regarding an NFT proj-

Tube star Logan Paul

that would incorporate

The idea was well-

ity. Initially, following

been inflicted on in-

ect called CryptoZoo.

apologizes

Cryp-

the animal NFT imag-

liked by investors and

the release of Findeisen’s

vestors. Paul has yet to

This project started as

toZoo project failure,”

es, but no playable fea-

began to pick up atten-

video, Paul threatened a

follow through on his

an outlet of cryptocur-

by Joe Tidy the dy-

tures were delivered.”

tion through Paul’s so-

lawsuit against him. Not

rency that Paul described

namics of the game

NFTs are tokens that

cial media advertising.

long after, Paul dropped

as “a really fun game

are further explained.

store information, typ-

One investor went on re-

the charges and released

now-deleted

ically on the Ethere-

cord to say that they had

a statement on Twitter.

many

description, it was de-

um blockchain, and are

spent as much as $45,000

“Hey, all, just want-

claims about the devel-

scribed as “an auton-

often used for crypto

on CryptoZoo prior to

ed to update you,” Paul

opment of this project,

omous ecosystem that

trading by art collec-

Paul’s evasive behavior.

said. “I deleted my ini-

issue. Paul also claims

stating that he had spent

allows ZooKeepers to

tors. NTFs are unique

Given the large sums of

tial response to Coffee’s

that he fell for the scam

$1 million evolving it.

buy, sell, and trade exot-

form of cryptocurrency

money that some users

series. It was rash and

of false professionals to

After a few months of

ic animals and hybrids.

because they are a digi-

had committed to the

misaligned with the true

promoting the project

CryptoZoo incorporates

tal signature that makes

project, there was back-

issue at hand, so I called

through

cryptocurrency

and

equality among them

lash quickly when the

him today and apolo-

Tokens

impossible. No NFT is

project began to look like

gized… the war is not

to

(NFTs) into a simple,

the same, which was the

a scam. It was not un-

with Coffee. In fact, I’m

abandon the idea, ne-

fun game with familiar

ultimate purpose of the

til YouTuber Coffeezilla

grateful; he brought this

will fall to the victims

glecting to speak on it

mechanics. The project

formation of CryptoZoo.

spoke out on the issue

to light. I will be taking

of this scam to decide.

Logan Paul, a popular YouTuber and vlogger, has been associated with a fair share of controversies throughout his career. Perhaps the most well-known of these is when Paul recorded a corpse in Japan that was presumably that of a suicide victim. Most recent-

that makes you money.”

Paul

made

his

podcast,

“IMPAULSIVE,” randomly

seemed

Paul

through his platforms.

sold images of cartoon

The sudden change

“In

a

for

Non-Fungible

into

With

prompt

apolo-

ward with a plan in the near future. Thank you all for believing in this project & sticking with

I will make this right.”

It is unclear how Paul plans to refund and repair the issues that have

claims that he will find a solution, but he did extend an invite to Findeisen to be a guest on his podcast and discuss the

assert that the failure of CryptoZoo was not completely his fault. Whether or not this is true

10

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

02.08.2023

ARTS & LIFE

“Til death do us part”: the familicide phenomena

How do we make sure women feel safe around men?

Catherine Wall Staff Writer True crime in the last decades or so has come to occupy an important place in the everyday lives of people in the United States. Whether it is consuming it as a pastime or simply seeing it in the news, one cannot deny how allured

the nation is that of fam-

ways the one to mur-

ings of John List’s fam-

it his wife’s $2.8 million

ily annihilators, a person

der their wife, children

ily, as he had filed for

inheritance,which

he

my keys tight in my

who decides to mur-

or other relations? The

bankruptcy and lost his

would not have received

der their entire family.

idea that men could

job. He claimed that kill-

if they were to divorce.

hand,” Holme said. “I

be

com-

ing them spared them

For the question of

mit such horrible acts

a hard fall from grace

why men are the usual

against their loved ones

and the wealth they had

suspects, it could have

is hard to understand.

known, and that they

something to do with

Dr.

were better off in heaven.

society itself, as men are

Stephanie Leit, a psy-

The third category in-

raised to not show their

chologist in West Hart-

volves men who simply

emotions so as to not

ford, Connecticut, said

wish to be untethered

appear weak. Addition-

these men “are trying to

from their families that

ally, they must be the

fix a problem, and the

they can no longer tol-

man of the house and

really horrible solution

erate, whether it be di-

take care of their family.

they have come up with

vorce, an affair or losing

But when a divorce,

“If I am on public

is to kill their families.”

custody of the children.

for example, is threat-

transport, I avoid sitting

usually

The infamous case of

ened, these men snap.

close to men,” Wagner

three categories for why

Chris Watts personifies

Is it because they can-

said. “I try to sit next to

these men have commit-

this last category, as he

not, and will not, ex-

women, so no men can

ted such dreadful deeds.

had had an ongoing af-

press emotions in a less

The first is experiencing

fair with another woman

dangerous way? Is it

sit next to me. I also al-

psychosis or hallucina-

and was fed up with his

because the threat of

tions with satanic forc-

marriage to wife, Shan-

divorce

es or something akin to

non. Instead of a divorce,

cy wounds their pride?

God telling them to kill.

Watts

his

With women being

The second there is stress

pregnant wife and their

the primary targets of

involving something like

two

children.

men’s aggression, it is

Brian Walshe is an-

hard for them to feel

Many of these cases have usually involved the husband or father, and they tend to white, middle-class men. Last month, Utah man, Michael Haight, shot his wife, five children and his mother-in-law be-

we are by true crime.

cause his wife wanted a

People find it sala-

divorce, and he did not.

cious, scandalous and

It leaves people won-

engrossing, but one sub-

dering, why is it that

set that seems to capture

this demographic is al-

driven

According

There

are

to

to

financial hardships that

Courtesy of MGN

Chris Watts with his seemingly-perfect family, just months before killing his pregnant wife Shanann Watts and their two young daughters.

causes them to kill on the

other

basis of not wanting their

was

murdered young

or

bankrupt-

“I like to walk with

also have an app on my phone. If I press it, it calls, like, three emergency numbers or sends a text, or I will walk with 911 on speed dial.”

Rose

Wagner,

se-

nior mass communication major, also takes precautions to ensure her safety from men.

ways lock my car the second I get inside of it.”

It is hard for women to ever feel truly safe when, instead of a stranger, a loved one could harm you. Family annihilators are a

example,who

safe around men in

arrested in Janu-

their personal lives and

family to experience the

ary of this year for the

strangers. Grace Holme,

humiliation that comes

murder and dismem-

freshman computer sci-

with possible poverty.

berment of his wife. It

ence major, describes

with how society expects

has

surfaced

some ways she keeps

men to conform in terms

that he stood to inher-

herself out of harm’s way.

of emotion and ego.

This was the motive behind the heinous slay-

recently

frightening occurrence that sees, perhaps one could say, the problems

11

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

02.08.2023

ARTS & LIFE

Cale’s cinema corner: “Infinity Pool” review Cale Strickland Managing Editor In

January

Brandon shocked

2020,

Cronenberg audiences

at

the Sundance Film Festival with his sophomore feature film, “Possessor.” He delivered a genre-bending mashup, merging the high-concept sci-fi popularized through the works of Christopher Nolan and the

cringe-inducing

to the island in search of

por. After split seconds

inspiration, as he is suf-

of driving in complete

fering from a long-wind-

darkness, the car’s head-

ed bout of writer’s block.

lights return, highlight-

It has been six years since

ing a man crossing the

the publication of his one

road. Unable to steer

and only novel. He and

clear of the coming crash,

Em’s lifestyles, including

James hits a local at full

the vacation intended to

speed, sending him onto

save his writing career,

the route’s shoulder and

are being bankrolled by

the tourists into shock.

Em’s father, who owns a

Once the victim is de-

large publishing house.

clared dead, Gabi and Al-

When James runs into

ban insist that the couples

Bauer,

flee the scene rather than

played by Mia Goth, on

call the authorities, as

Cronenberg’s father, the

the beach in-between

the country’s justice sys-

great David Cronenberg.

rounds of margaritas and

tem is corrupt and built

During the pandem-

performances from local

on the concept of “an eye

ic, Cronenberg’s break-

bands, he can not believe

for an eye.” Regardless

out project became one

someone recognizes him,

of the group’s attempt to

of the first cult classics

let alone enjoys his work.

evade the consequenc-

of the 2020s, as a new,

He is, seemingly, instant-

es of the crime, Latokan

unedited version of the

ly relieved of his years-

officials detain James the

film, “Possessor: Uncut,”

long melancholy, and

following morning. After

debuted on streaming

Gabi’s flattery is enough

interrogating James, the

in December 2020, dou-

to convince him to join

officers inform him that,

bling down on the grue-

her and her husband,

in order to avenge his fa-

Alban Bauer, played by

ther’s death, the victim’s

the film’s R-rated cut.

Jalil Lespert, for dinner.

eldest son is to execute

Fast-forward to 2023,

The following morn-

James. However, for a

and Cronenberg is back

ing, the pair of couples

high price, James can un-

at the film festival which

meet up for a daytrip.

dergo a duplication pro-

jump-started his film-

After a close friend of

cess and have a double be

making career debuting

Gabi and Alban lends

executed in his place. Yet,

“Infinity Pool,” a fol-

the group his car, the re-

there is a catch. He must

low-up feature bigger,

sort’s regulars take their

bear witness to his dou-

broader — and gnarlier

new friends to a caveside

ble, who looks identical

— than its predecessor.

beach for a picnic. As

to him and shares all of

Just in case the theat-

afternoon turns to eve-

his memories, being ex-

rical cut is not enough,

ning, Alban finds himself

ecuted. James, of course,

Cronenerg has teased

drunk and asks James to

agrees. After he is dressed

the future release of an

drive them home. As he

in a medical gown and

NC-17 cut of the film.

maneuvers the winding

placed in a vat of what

His latest film follows

roads covering Latoka’s

struggling novelist James

forest-filled

body horror mastered by

superfan

Gabi

Infinity Pool promo poster

As the 13-year-old boy

never shown, although

selves, common people,

repeatedly stabs James’s

tourists can remember

from Gabi, Alban and

defenseless

the people of Latoka by

the rest of the film’s rich

the stomach, Em shields

purchasing

disfigured,

entourage, pointing out

herself from the grue-

macabre masks worn by

the privilege that allows

some violence unfolding

the resort’s employees.

these people to operate

in front of her. James, on

For undisclosed reasons,

does not discard the ev-

the other hand, appears

the resort’s guests are

er-present impulse for

emotionless.

Cronen-

not allowed to leave the

darkness which infects

berg frames James’s face

compound, and a series

each frame of Cronen-

in a closeup shot, closing

of drone shots reveals

berg’s two-hour night-

the film’s first act as the

droves of abandoned,

mare. James is an outsid-

protagonist’s expression

rusted cars littering the

er to the world of fame

shifts from indifference

area’s roads. In an effort of

and fortune. He married

to a slow, maniacal grin.

financial self-sustenance,

into wealth. He comes

longer

the state has rewritten its

from

rules

rules of justice to bend

nings, but when no one

of morality, begins to

to the depraved will of

is watching, when there

question his own de-

its patrons. Latoka’s life-

is nothing to lose, he is

sires and follows Gabi

blood is just that: blood.

complacent in the face of

on a psychedelic jour-

Yet, the true terror of

sadism. Just as an infinity

ney into the darkest

Cronenberg’s latest work

pool’s sense of bound-

depths

humanity.

lies not in the heinous

less, edgeless immersion

appears to be human

Cronenberg’s film is

acts James, Gabi and the

is nothing more than an

the

blood, James experiences

filled to the brim with

other

optical illusion, James’s

Foster, played by Alex-

car’s headlights begin to

a series of vivid halluci-

ideas

the

in throughout the film’s

newfound

ander Skarsgård, as he

malfunction,

dimming

nations before falling un-

connections

between

second half, but the ease

for the primal nature of

embarks on a luxurious

and brightening at ran-

conscious. The following

tourism, the gentrifica-

with which James finds

hedonism and violence is

resort vacation in the fic-

dom. James, panicking,

morning, Em informs

tion of underdeveloped

himself slipping into the

nothing more than a cop-

tional nation of Latoka

looks to his passengers

James of the duplication

countries and the era-

underground world of

ing mechanism blinding

with his wife, Em Fos-

for help, but each has

process’s success as she

sure of said countries’

consequenceless crime.

him from his parasitic

ter, played by Cleopatra

drifted off to sleep in

helps him out of bed and

cultures.

Throughout

Although it is reassur-

connection to the land

Coleman. He has come

an alcohol-induced stu-

into the execution room.

the film, locals’ faces are

ing to distance our-

and people of Latoka.

some gore contained in

cliffs,

James, bound

double

no by

of

the

regarding

in

tourists

engage

humble

begin-

admiration

12

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

02.08.2023

OPINION

A Conversation Sparked: FairTax Act Abigayle Allen

hospital insurance trust fund, the federal sup-

Opinion Editor In early January 2023, U.S. Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) proposed a national sales tax on the use or consumption of taxable property and services. This radical bill would not only work to abolish the IRS, but it would also replace any existing “federal taxes with a flat, nationwide 30% sales tax” (Smith 2023). While this bill does not have much chance of passing, it is a start in sparking a discussion regarding our current tax code. In terms of the fiscal challenges the U.S. is on track to face over the coming years, a discussion regarding tax reform was guaranteed to surface.

With that being said, what is a fair tax rate and what does that mean for our economy? The bill itself outlines a 23 percent

plementary medical insurance trust fund, and the disability insurance trust fund” (Kaufman 2023). Depending on guidelines set for poverty levels and family size, U.S. citizens will receive a monthly tax rebate – a Family Consumption Allowance. To combat the tax code challenges the US will face in the coming decade, Democrats and Republicans should come to realize that incorporating a flat tax may come as an easier burden than what meets the eye.The least painful option in terms of a smaller burden placed on working families and our economy as a whole.

“The center for a Responsible Federal Budget projects that the annual budget deficit could expand as much as 10% of gross domestic product by 2023” (Smith 2023).

any major reductions,

common knowledge by

culated based on the tax

was passed to combat

leaving cuts to rise to 50

any economist that flat

itself. Considering that

higher spending in Eu-

percent. This 50 percent

consumption rates are

the VAT combines both

ropean countries, the

would then be applied

better for our economy

payroll and income tax-

FairTax Act’s supporters

to

Medic-

than the system we have

es on top of itself, while

are looking to terminate

aid and other necessary

in place because this

the FairTax act replaces

the IRS. Regardless, a

programs. The prospect

advantage grows as tax

the income and payroll

flat tax rate on consump-

of refining the deficit

rates rise. The FairTax

taxes, the FairTax act

tion is the most efficient

without increases in rev-

Act proves unrealistic

seems like a deal. The

way to raise revenue

enue is challenging to

because in enacting the

FairTax act was passed

while preserving eco-

complete without curb-

flat consumption tax, the

in place of the VAT be-

nomic growth. Despite

ing economic growth.

entirety of tax collection

cause the VAT can be

which side, Republican

Since World War II, the

is placed on retailers.

associated with high-tax

or Democratic, a person

Obama

As tax rates rise, selling

countries in western Eu-

chooses to stand behind,

“increas-

goods and services will

rope. This would have

our tax crisis is a conver-

ing taxes by 1% of GDP

be a thing of the past. To

caused unforeseen back-

sation better had now

would lead to a drop of

combat this issue, many

lash among our constit-

than later. It is no secret

2% to 3% in economic

countries have switched

uents. While these two

that our deficit is here to

output” (Smith 2023). In

to a value-added tax,

taxes are inherently dif-

stay, and spending cuts

shrinking the deficit, the

or VAT. Similar to the

ferent, they would both

are imperative to bal-

Medicare,

tax rate on both taxable

In that case, interest pay-

property and services,

ment alone would ac-

combined with federal

count for half the deficit,

taxes, raising the tax rate

assuming the Federal Re-

closer to 30 percent. This

serve Board is consistent

rise in tax rate is set to

in keeping interest rates

take place in 2025 un-

high, combating infla-

der the administration

tion. In order to close the

of each state’s treasury.

gap through spending

The tax revenues would

cuts alone, an across-the-

$31 trillion debt load the

sales tax, the VAT tar-

hold the same narrative

ance the budget. In the

be distributed over “5

board reduction of 25

U.S. faces becomes more

gets consumption rather

-- to help raise revenue

acceptance of increasing

different categories: the

percent would be neces-

severe because interest

than income. The aver-

without exacerbating job

revenues and demand-

old-age and survivors

sary. It is likely, however,

payment will be raised

age VAT rate in the Eu-

growth and investment.

ing an efficient tax, may-

insurance

fund,

that Social Security and

as a percentage of gross

ropean Union is about

The difference, howev-

be we can get ahead of

the general revenue, the

defense would not suffer

domestic product. It is

21 percent, and it is cal-

er, is that while the VAT

a crisis before it strikes.

trust

found

administration that

US debt ceiling Lily Pruitt

having to pay it back.

that is approved by Con-

try is at our debt ceiling.

arguments about what to

when we are no lon-

Asst News Editor

Borrowing money costs

gress will now require

This fight over money

cut or how to spend gov-

ger at the debt ceiling.

For years, the govern-

just as much money.

that

government

is simply one that can be

ernment money when

ment has relied on bor-

“From 1972 to 2021,

borrow, in excess, the

contained. The far-left

our country is in peril.

rowed money. This is the

the government, on av-

exact amount of money.

side is attacking the far-

Democrats and Re-

result of raising, spend-

erage, spent about 20.8

Some argue that we

right side and vice versa.

publicans alike all can

ing and cutting taxes.

percent of gross domes-

are in this position not

The Biden administra-

agree that we do not

This leaves many Amer-

tic product while collect-

because

country

tion argued that they will

want large spending cuts,

While this is not ide-

ing about 17.3 percent of

spends too much mon-

not be paying Congress

so it leaves open the pos-

al, especially now, with

G.D.P in revenue,” said

ey, but because the gov-

to do their job, just as the

sibility that both sides

prices of major things

Binyamin

Appelbaum,

ernment does not collect

Obama

administration

come together to find

such as gas, food and

“New York Times” editor.

an adequate amount of

did, but in 2011, that left

a spending and cutting

A more pressing issue

taxes. The real problem

our economy in reces-

plan

under this subject is the

here is that we are sim-

sion, so the controversy is

majority of Americans

debt ceiling that Con-

ply giving money away.

if this will happen again

in the country, wheth-

gress imposes. This is a

Government authorities

because of the admin-

er or not they like it,

and fixes our economy.

statutory limit on federal

could have different and

istration’s failed efforts.

and stick to that plan.

The U.S. needs to stop

borrowing so that bor-

cheaper options for fuel,

The Republicans want

It is imperative to find

borrowing money and find a real solution to

icans in perpetual debt because they continuously have to get loans for things such as health insurance, for those who do not have it, childcare, college and retirement.

Overall, many

there

issues

are

within

our government at the

the

our

that benefits the

The more likely possibility that will eventually be the solution is that citizens’ taxes are raised.

electricity, this will most likely be the best solution that benefits everyone

rowing can be reduced,

coal and other natural re-

to cut the amount of cents

a solution that benefits

time, but the biggest is

potentially saving our

sources. Some argue that

of every dollar that go to

the majority of America

our country’s debt. The

country from being in

our country has given too

mandatory programs, or

before our country goes

government

relentless-

complete debt. Unfortu-

much money to Ukraine

cut the programs com-

back into a recession.

ly covers up their debt

nately, the government

in their war. All of these

pletely, which is caus-

Democrats and Re-

by borrowing money,

hit that limit last month.

excuses are not far from

ing much controversy

publicans can hash out

appalling and difficult

but there is a downside

This means that the over-

the truth. They all con-

with

Democrats.

their spending and cut-

for many Americans to

to this rather than just

all amount of spending

tribute to why our coun-

There should not be

ting issues at a later date

live the way they do now.

the

our money problems.

Otherwise, these next few years will be very

13

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

02.08.2023

OPINION

A message for my fellow twentysomethings Abigayle Allen

something

Opinion Editor

not

If you are anything like me, most conversation starters, whether it be with family, friends or co-workers, tend to sound a little something like “So, what is next on your list?” or “Have you found a job for after graduation?” or “Why

you

have

yet. The sun will set and

to college. I also know

yet.

rise again. Grab tomor-

that my job writing for

There have been so

row by its harness and

this newspaper has chal-

many days that I have felt

keep pushing forward.

lenged me and helped

I have wasted. Whether

2) Experience pays.

me grow my voice as a

I wanted to catch up on

If you are anything

writer. I can move for-

sleep or just have a fun

like me, a broke college

ward knowing that while

time with my friends, I

kid, you have probably

this may be a pit stop on

have always felt guilty

taken on some sort of

the way to my finish line,

for time I could have

part-time job. Juggling a

I would not change these

spent more productive-

job, school and social life

years of growth, knowl-

ly. Being a young twen-

is no small feat as a col-

edge and patience for

tysomething means that

lege student. Sometimes,

the world. Good things

we are now in the realm

when I take a step back,

take time. Be patient.

of adulthood. Each of

I feel the time I have

3) If you can be

us are navigating how

spent working does not

nothing else, be kind.

to live responsibly with

further me with my de-

our finances, our time

touched

Courtesy of Art Director | Claire O’Neill

why they were a mistake

I have learned during my

to begin with. As well as,

21 years spent on this

a world that has no mer-

Earth, but we may be

cy for people deemed

here for a while. At the

Growing up in a pro-

“less than or different” --

end of the day, I do not

sired career. This mind-

gressive society means

that is selfish to its own

have everything figured

and creating agendas for

set is something I have

that

generation

aspirations and concerns

out. What I do know, and

our journeys into the

worked to reform since

has undergone signifi-

rather than the concerns

what I hope you are able

real world. These are not

taking on my first part-

cant changes. We grew

as a whole. This anger

to get from this article, is

simple tasks and they

time job when I was in

up during the boom of

and lack of sensitivity,

that you are ok. You will

hold major precedence

high school. Experience

social media and the

as for myself, has real-

be ok. Be kind to your-

over our still-develop-

of any kind is what will

spread of information.

ly damaged my view of

self. Be patient with your-

ing minds. There are go-

help further you in your

Communication

has

people and their inten-

self. Know that every day

ing to be days that your

life. Whether that expe-

shifted from something

tions. It is impossible to

can be a fresh start. Hold

mind and body need a

rience is an unpaid in-

done in person to some-

please everyone, and you

yourself with the utmost

break. No one person

ternship, a job that you

thing that can happen

are not immune to mak-

integrity. Above all, we,

and I am not afraid, at

is immune to bad days,

took to help make ends

hidden behind a phone

ing mistakes or offend-

as

this point in my life, to

even if they may look like

meet or something you

screen. Because of the

ing someone within your

are going to flourish into

admit that. Regardless

they are carrying their

stumbled upon random-

lack of personability, so-

lifetime. What you can

a beautiful generation

of my struggle, I have

weight well. In accepting

ly, that experience helps

ciety has forgotten, not

do is treat those around

when it is our time to

persevered, and I would

that bad days are bound

in growing character and

completely or as a whole,

you the way you would

call the shots. It is our re-

like to share some things

to happen, you are able

integrity as a person. I

how to treat people. We

like to be treated. Speak

sponsibility now to heal

that

learned

to move forward with-

know as for me, my com-

are now thrown into a

with a kind heart, and

our minds and hearts in

through this time of

out feeling guilty of the

munication skills have

world where people are

kindness is sure to follow

preparation for that day.

struggle and confusion.

consequences. You have

flourished since becom-

canceled for their mis-

you. I could go on and

I believe in you, and I

is

not touched tomorrow

ing a server when I got

takes rather than taught

on explaining the things

will be cheering you on.

FEMININITY

through feminine traits

are still undervalued in

sitivity that helps one

sues with your co-work-

opportunity

can open up a range of

the workplace because

tune into those around

ers, you are also giving

stem from it. Self-reali-

opportunities that may

of

non-benefi-

you to see how you can

up the parts of you that

have otherwise not been

cially they are viewed.

best be a leader to them.

makeup who you are and

zation in the profession-

discovered because of

An example of this

When you give up

the power that you hold.

the focus on maintain-

is empathy. The idea of

your femininity, you are

Creating your own

ing a man’s workplace.

keeping emotions out of

also giving up your pow-

reality is an important

do you not have a plan in place?” Our society ,as a whole, puts extreme pressure on our generation to have everything figured out, to be financially stable and to be the example for the generations behind us. The truth of the matter is you are not supposed to have everything figured out.

This conclusion I have found as a senior in college has not been easy to land at. I have struggled,

1)

I

have

Tomorrow

Continued from page 1 A workplace benefits from individuals bringing their own strengths to the table, and it should not be just masculine

how

our

twentysomethings,

that

can

al world, where people are able to use their own individual skills, should not

just

be

restrict-

traits, like being assertive

ed to skills that come

and direct, that should

out of masculine traits.

be viewed as the best,

We can easily find a

but also feminine traits,

balance between femi-

like intuition, collabora-

nine and masculine traits

tion and even empathy.

in the workplace. If a

Emotion is looked down upon professionally with

different perspective is

the expectation of be-

always appreciated, why

ing a shark and the “ev-

can’t that perspective and

ery man for themselves”

those ideas come from

aspect. A woman and

a feminine perspective?

her traits should not be

So,

restricted in the work-

maintain

who

you are as a woman, be-

place just because they

cause the best results

are seen as less valuable.

come from being your

A woman is most powerful when she is in the

authentic

state that she is without

of

suppression. I should not

into this box that men

need to stand here and Courtesy of Clair O’Neill | Art Director

discuss feminine traits

self

squeezing

instead yourself

have created for us. Our traits do not equate to

and how they are ben-

Even with the idea of

the boardroom is out-

er. You are accepting the

idea to maintain as we

eficial in the workplace

feminine and mascu-

dated. It is OK to have

position given by a man

continue to push back

in order for them to be

line traits progressing

emotions included in

and conforming to the

on these barriers of sex-

respected. Power comes

towards not just associ-

your work because emo-

shape they want you in.

ism in the workplace.

from tapping into your

ating with their respec-

tion is not a bad thing.

While it is easy for this

We need to start normal-

strengths. The prospect

tive genders and having

Emotion does not just

to do so, in order for

izing femininity in the

ah Jessica Parker says,

of new ideas and meth-

more fluidity between

mean getting emotion-

easy integration in the

workplace as a strength

“Trying to be a man is

ods being brought in

them, the feminine traits

al. It can be having sen-

workplace and fewer is-

because there is so much

a waste of a woman.”

how professional we are, and it should not have the power to define it.

As our friend Sar-

14

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

02.08.2023

OPINION

The case against the First Amendment Adam Lamparello, J.D.

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right to freedom of speech, which is considered essential to liberty and an informed citizenry. Indeed, the original purpose of the First Amendment was to create a “marketplace of ideas” in which diverse opinions on matters of public concern, however unpopular, distasteful, or offensive, were countenanced in theory and protected in fact.

And the United States Supreme Court’s First Amendment jurisprudence reflects steadfast adherence to these principles, holding in numerous cases that a robust and expansive right to free speech is critical to ensuring liberty, autonomy, and a society where diverse viewpoints inform citizens and ensure a properly functioning democracy.

But there should be a limit to the speech that the First Amendment tolerates. Some types of expression are so vile, so valueless, and so vituperative that nether the Constitution nor the courts should afford them protection.

Think about it:

•

Should people be permitted to hurl racist slurs at minorities? No. • Should they be allowed to stand outside the funeral of a deceased gay soldier who died in the Iraq War with signs that say, “God Hates F**s?” and “Thank God for 9/11?” No. • Should a newspaper have the freedom to publish a satirical depiction of a famous evangelical minister having sex with his mother in an outhouse? No. • Should people be allowed to publish videos of women, in six-inch heels, torturing and killing kittens by driving those heels through their eyes (referred to as crush videos)? No. • Should wealthy individuals be permitted to donate millions to political candidates knowing that such donations will give them unfair influence in the political process? No. • Should Nazi groups and the KKK be allowed to march on Main Street spewing antisemitism and racism? No. • Should people be allowed to wear t-shirts with a symbol of a Nazi swastika? No. • Should pro-life groups be permitted to march with signs depicting dismembered fetuses? No. Such speech should be banned everywhere and in any

circumstance for two reasons.

First, speech such as that mentioned above has no value.

It contributes nothing whatsoever to public discourse on matters of public, social, and economic policy. Put simply, it contributes nothing to the “marketplace of ideas,” an informed citizenry, or an efficacious democracy. And neither the text nor the original purpose of the First Amendment support allowing individuals to, among other things, utter racist slurs, demean, degrade, and denigrate others, or traumatize vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Second, such speech causes tangible and often irreparable harm. Make no mistake: speech can and does traumatize individuals, often causing severe emotional distress. For example, how would you feel if, as a minority, someone hurled a racist slur at you? How would you feel, as a person of Jewish faith whose great-grandparents died in the Holocaust, if you had to tolerate people marching with Nazi swastikas? How would you feel if, as a homosexual, someone called you a homophobic slur?

To ask the question is to know the answer. Such speech serves no public purpose whatsoever and bears no nexus to the First Amendment’s original purpose, the interest in preserving liberty, or the need to protect democracy. It should be banned.

This is not to say, of course, that offensive, distasteful, and unpopular speech should be restricted. Indeed, many forms of protected speech may cause emotional distress, but nonetheless contribute to reasoned discourse on matters of public concern. It is to say, however, that there is a limit. And that limit occurs when speech has no value whatsoever, and is intended to – and does – traumatize others. Put differently, the right to free speech doesn’t foreclose the notion that speech must be responsible or, at the very least, have minimal value in contributing to public discourse and the marketplace of ideas.

Now, some may argue that limiting any types of speech will have deleterious consequences, namely, that it will empower the government to continually ban various types of speech with

which it disagrees, and which has been historically protected.

This slippery slope argument is without merit. First, the Supreme Court has already recognized limits on free speech, such as in Miller v. California, when it held that obscene speech that appeals to sexual interests receives no First Amendment protection, and in Brandenburg v. Ohio, where the Court held that words intended to incite imminent violence lacked First Amendment protection. Second, the solution to this problem is obvious: enact a statute that delineates with specificity the precise words or expressions that are prohibited. In so doing, the law will be clear and the limits on speech – which admittedly should be narrow – will be unambiguous.

Others may argue that the standards used to determine which speech should be limited is invariably subjective and will thus lead to arbitrary and unconstitutional restrictions on speech. But this argument misses the constitutional mark. Many, if not most, constitutional provisions require subjective value judgments, such as whether a punishment is cruel and unusual under the Eighth Amendment, whether a search is unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment, and whether counsel is ineffective under the Sixth Amendment. Moreover, banning the type of speech mentioned above – and specifying in a statute precisely what speech is prohibited (e.g., specific racist slurs, Nazi symbols) – is hardly subjective. Any reasonable person with a conscience would agree that this speech has no value and inflicts severe injury on its targets.

Despite this principled – and practical – approach, the Supreme Court is exceedingly reticent to support any limits on speech other than sexual obscenity and fighting words. In Hustler v. Falwell, for example, the Court held that the First Amendment protected a depiction of the Reverend Jerry Falwell having sex with his mother in an outhouse.

In Snyder v. Phelps, the Court held that the First Amendment protected members of the Westboro Baptist Church who held signs stating “God Hates F**s” and “Thank God for 9/11” out-

side the funeral of a deceased military veteran. In Citizens United v. FEC and McCutcheon v. FEC, the Court held that money constituted speech under the First Amendment and, in so doing, invalidated limits on contributions to political candidates, which all but ensured that money would continue to corrupt the electoral, political, and democratic process.

And in U.S. v. Stevens, the Court affirmed a Third Circuit decision holding that the First Amendment protected depictions of animal cruelty, including dog fighting videos and crush videos, where a woman wearing sixinch heels digs those heels into the head of a kitten, torturing and ultimately killing the kitten.

These decisions were wrong. Dead wrong.

The notions of allowing individuals to express offensive, distasteful, and unpopular speech and enacting reasonable limits on valueless speech that causes severe emotional harm are not mutually exclusive. It’s one thing, for example, to say that homosexuality is a sin. It’s quite another to call someone a homophobic slur.

It’s one thing to say that abortion is immoral. It’s quite another to shove pictures of dismembered fetuses in the faces of women trying to access abortion services.

In each example, the former should be protected, and the latter should not. The distinction is predicated on value and injury.

Ultimately, citizens must consider the type of society in which they want to live. A society that values liberty, autonomy, and democracy need not tolerate valueless speech that contributes nothing to public discourse, and that marginalizes others, causes others to commit suicide, or humiliates others in a manner that causes lasting harm.

If you disagree, let’s see how you feel when, if you are gay, another person shoves a sign in your face that says, “God Hates F**s” or, if you are Jewish, when a person shoves a sign in your face that says, “The Holocaust Never Happened.”

You know exactly how you’d feel. That is the point – and the problem. And it’s a problem that needs to be solved – now.