Issue 9 | Volume 102

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@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College November 15, 2023

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MOVEit data breach puts GC students data at risk

Should students worry that their information could be on the dark web?

Kate Verity News Editor All GC students received an email from Chief Information Officer Susan Kerr explaining the possibility of students’ information being on the dark web on Nov. 3. This data has the potential to include Social Security numbers as well as other Private Personal Information, or PPI. MOVEit is a system used by many different

organizations and corporations. It allows these groups to safely transfer files that may contain private and personal information from one file to another. However, in late May 2023, it was confirmed that an unauthorized party breached the MOVEit server and extracted data.

This breach has affected over 2,500 organizations, according to a tally by Emsisoft, a security software compa-

ny. Banks, government records, school records, security companies and more were all affected by this assault. Colleges and universities across the world have been impacted by this situation, and GC is one of them.

“After reading this email that mentions the security breach affected hundreds of organizations, I fear my personal information is exposed in places I can’t monitor it on, like

the dark web,” said Peyton Cusick, a junior computer science major. “It’s frustrating that if it is out there, there’s no way to get it back.”

Dr. Mikkel Christensen is an assistant professor of strategic communication with research in crisis communication. Crisis communication is how a person or organization protects its reputation and communications effectively during the

event of threat or disruption to usual activities.

“They [GC] also do a pretty good job, from a crisis communication perspective, in the first email to basically blame someone else, and that sounds negative, but I think they kind of have a point in, well, it was MOVEit, not Georgia College,” Christensen said. “MOVEit, it was their fault.”

Kerr’s email listed several ways that stu-

dents can make efforts to protect themselves from current and future identity and information theft. Her suggestions include regularly changing passwords, using different and complex passwords rather than relying on one for multiple platforms, checking bank statements, using multi-factor authentication and only using your Bobcat email address for GC purposes.

See MOVEIT | Page 3

GC THEATRE IS “LEVELING UP”: A REVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT’S LATEST SHOW Paige Blakemore A&L Editor

“Leveling Up” by Deborah Zoe Laufer explores the lives of four twenty-somethings who happen to be addicted to video games: Zander, Ian, Chuck and Jeanie.

Three of them are recent college graduates with, arguably, no direction in life. One of them, Jeanie, is finishing up her degree and debates the idea of going to graduate school.

All of the characters share the universal struggle of finding a purpose. It is the ominous void that enacts existential dread in college students and concern in their parents: life after graduation. The world is your oyster while simul-

taneously your enemy.

“It’s relevant to audiences to see that growing up is scary, but it’s going to be okay,” said Hannah Zdancewiz, a sophomore theater major, who served as the show’s stage manager.

The three males are roommates who litter their basement with the latest gaming consoles, certified nerd decor and endless empty snack wrappers. This is the male’s haven but also a nightmare spawn, more for some than others.

Upon entering the Black Box Theatre, audiences are met with a realistic depiction of a male’s basement in the early 2010s. Patrick Designer, the scenic designer of the show, was able to bring the functioning set to life.

Before the show begins, the actors are present onstage with remote controls in hand as if they are entranced in a video game. This is an artistic choice that is not seen very often in theater. Rarely are audiences greeted with a live performance before the show even starts. While some enjoyed this approach, others did not.

“That inclusion increases the audience’s immersion by suggesting that these characters are real people who have lives outside the plot of the show,” said Tommy Creekmore, a sophomore English major.

“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t the biggest fan,” said Cat Wall, a sophomore English major. “I don’t know. It felt awk-

Courtesy of Brian Wallenberg

Jelani Willacey, Olivia Langston, Mac Chambers and Spencer Roberts.

ward, at least for me.”

mance at GC, directorial

“Leveling Up” is Jer-

debut. Cudd found him-

emy Cudd’s, an assis-

self drawn to the ad-

tant professor of perfor-

olescent storyline and

began prepping for the show earlier this year.

See THEATRE | Page 6

College football playoff ranking The new wave of country Jennifer Crider Editor in Chief

Julia Jensen | Art Director

Davis Camuso Staff Writer The first and second College Football Playoff rankings have been released. The top four, after two weeks, have not changed, as Ohio State, Georgia, Michigan and Florida State are all leading the pack.

There is some debate over who should be No. 1. The main reason for

OSU to be ranked No. 1 is their resume. So far, they have beaten Notre Dame, who was ranked No. 9 in the AP poll at the time, in Notre Dame Stadium. They also beat Penn State, who was ranked No. 7 in the AP poll at the time. Currently, Notre Dame is ranked No. 20, and Penn State has recently fallen to No. 10.

Georgia’s resume is not quite as impressive,

NEWS | PG.3

GA REDRAWS DISTRICT LINES

United States district court judge Steve Jones that mandates Georgia’s legislative districts to be redrawn by Dec. 8.

with their best win coming against No. 12 Missouri. Their next best win is against Kentucky, who is no longer ranked.

Michigan is ranked third. While they have steamrolled most of the opponents they have played so far, their biggest tests, PSU and OSU, come towards the end of their schedule.

See RANKING | Page 4

Country music’s transition from a genre of the working-class people to essentially nationalist republican propaganda perpetuates a lack of representation within the genre, creates a safe space for bigots and unethically preys on the emotions of low-class people in the South.

My whole life, I have felt genuine embarrassment for enjoying country music — a feeling that is inevitable when artists like Jason Aldean use their music platform to spew racist rhetoric.

Although, the resurgence in popularity of country music that

has been occuring in the past few years with new wave artists, such as Tyler Childers, Kacey Musgraves, Zach Bryan and Orville Peck, has been somewhat of a breath of fresh air to me.

It is disgraceful that country music is composed of primarily homogeneous identities, aka white straight men, and is associated with conservative values when this genre has such diverse roots. The modern-day country sound is a combination of genres, primarily traditional Irish music, but it was also shaped by African music, Mexican music and Hawaiian music.

Similar to almost every other popular genre in America, country mu-

sic was appropriated by white people. For instance, the banjo was introduced to the United States by enslaved people, as it is an ancestor of the West African instrument the akonting.

The banjo rose to popularity during the mid1800s in minstrel shows, in which white people would make fun of slaves by dressing in blackface and playing the banjo.

In the 1920s, the first generation of country music acted almost as a medium to bring people together, with Black and white country musicians often collaborating. This pre-Great Depression period brought immense economic struggle in the South.

See COUNTRY | Page 9

SPORTS | PG.4

ARTS & LIFE | PG.6

OPINION & MISC. | PG.9

The former NHL player’s tragic passing interrogates the sport’s safety standards.

Proposed and passed bills across the country put the future of healthcare for those experiencing gender dysphoria in question.

Because of his wordplay, discography and features, “JID, the Kid” is one of the best — if not the best — to come out of the hip-hop hotspot.

ADAM JOHNSON

GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE

JID IS THE BEST ATLANTA RAPPER

2

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

11.15.2023

NEWS

Increase of anti-Semitism on college campuses following the Israel-Hamas War Anonymous

Contributing Writer There have been 38 days of Israeli attacks on Gaza since the beginning of the war on Oct. 7. Since that Saturday, just over five weeks ago, there have been 4,324 children’s deaths and at least 10,569 adult deaths.

Throughout the “Al-Aqsa Storm” on Oct. 7, the militant groups led

by Hamas went after military targets, including checkpoints, barracks, IDF positions and more.

But the attacks also led the IDF to invade civilians on the ground and in the occupied territories on the edge of Gaza, who cannot be justified as military or political targets.

“It’s scary, like, especially knowing people, I know it’s so far away people might not realize,” said an anonymous Jewish student. “Like, ‘it’s not our problem,’ but it does affect people here too. I feel like more outreach groups and maybe having more groups, like making Hillel more known. I didn’t know they [GC] had that.”

Following the attack on Israel by Hamas and Israel’s subsequent war on Hamas and attack on Gaza, there has been increased anti-Semitism on American college campuses and backlash on university administrations, which has affected the safety of Jew-

ish students nationally.

For instance, following a nearly 300-student walkout on Nov. 9, Columbia University banned students who were in the Students for Justice in Palestine, or SJP, organization and the Jewish Voice for Peace or JVP, organization. These students cannot hold events on campus or receive university funding through the end of the fall semester, according to the New York Times.

The New York Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR-NY, condemned the university’s decision to suspend these students.

“Once again, we are witnessing the suppression and silencing of pro-Palestinian voices on campus,” said Afaf Nasher, the executive director of CAIR-NY. “SJP and JVP are dedicated to holding institutions, including institutions of higher learning, to account for their support of Israel apartheid and genocide of the people of Gaza.”

Dr. Caley Smith, an assistant professor of religious studies at GC, believes that it is possible for people to show support for either Israel or Palestine without engaging in offensive or harmful behavior.

“Everyone needs to read more, but always turn to the past to under-

stand the present,” Smith said. “I keep feeling humbled by how much I need to know to come to a confident answer.

But I hesitate to encourage them [universities] to control the speech of students. They are supposed to say things that are rash, wrong, damaging, dangerous — because this is a place where we are supposed to work on that together.”

Along that same line, GC has not formally spoken out about this global situation.

“There could probably be more efforts to realize there is an issue,” said an anonymous Jewish student. “I think they’re kind of avoiding the problem right now.

Nothing’s been brought up; no emails have been sent. I’m sure we’re all aware of the attacks that just happened. Even just, like, an email, you know, from the college, like Cathy Cox saying, ‘We want to make sure this is a safe community,’ like she cares about all the minority groups here.”

On Oct. 31, Patrick Dai, a junior at Cornell University, was arrested for virtually threatening Jewish students and threatening to shoot up a dining hall that caters preodminantly to Kosher diets and is next to the Cornell Jewish Center, which houses at least 25 Jewish students.

In another online post,

VOLUME 102 | NO. 9

Dai threatened to stab any Jewish men he saw on campus, physically attack and throw off a cliff any Jewish women he saw and behead any Jewish babies he saw.

The charge filed against Dai contains a maximum of five years of prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 and a maximum supervised release of three years.

More than 1,600 Jewish Harvard alumni have threatened to withdraw their donations due to the uncertainty surrounding the safety of Jewish students. Their concerns surround anti-Israel protests and hate speech, both of which have been on the rise since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.

On Nov. 9, Claudine Gay, the president of Harvard, condemned the 60-year-old phrase “from the river to the sea,” which has been labeled divisive and anti-Semitic.

“Universities have a bit more latitude in regulating certain types of speech that might otherwise be protected of the First Amendment to ensure that the university can create a safe, stable and sustainable educational mission where all opinions are welcome and where students do not feel marginalized or threatened by speech that is hateful,” said Adam Lamparello, an assistant professor of criminal justice at GC.

People protesting the Israel-Hamas war

Regarding GC, students interviewed have not reported anti-Semitic experiences.

“The anti-Semitic behavior around the country currently scares me, but thankfully, I haven’t experienced any here at GC,” said an anonymous Jewish student.

“My friends and classmates have made me feel safe here on campus.”

On Oct. 10, an unnamed instructor at Stanford University made multiple Jewish students uncomfortable by downplaying the Holocaust and justifying the actions done by Hamas.

“That’s what Israel does to Palestinians,” the instructor said.

Rabbi Dov Greenberg is the executive director of Stanford’s Jewish Community Center, and he reported that the instructor forced students to physically stand in the back of the room, supposedly warranting the instructor to say that statement.

On Nov. 3, a Syrian Stanford student wearing a shirt with Arabic print was walking on campus

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when an unidentified man in a car hit the student, yelled an offensive phrase and drove off. “[Expletive] you and your people,” the man said.

The offender has historically harassed Palestinian and Muslim students by recording them at events and infringing on their personal safety.

The university has not outright addressed thsis incident as a hate crime, but does appear to be investigating it as such.

Stanford Students for Justice in Palestine and Stanford Muslim Students Union are working together to confront administrators regarding anti-Semitism and Islamophobia on their campus.

Altogether, anti-Semitism on American university campuses is a rising trend that demands collective attention and action. Confronting and addressing discriminatory acts against religious groups, including the Jewish community, is imperative to keeping college campuses safe and inclusive.

@TheColonnade

Editorial Board

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

*All Opinion columns are the opinion of the columnist, not of The Colonnade.

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

Contact thegcsucolonnade@gmail.com for more.

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

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

Corrections

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

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

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

3

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

11.15.2023

NEWS

American Ornithological Society changes the names of birds Hannah Dunn Staff Writer The American Ornithological Society, or AOS, will rename all English birds named after those within its specific geographical area starting in 2024. They also plan to reform the process of selecting English names for bird species, with the aim of rectifying historical injustices.

“There is power in a name, and some English bird names have associations

with

the

past that continue to be exclusionary and harmful today,” said Colleen Handle,

president

of

the AOS. “We need a much

more

inclusive

and engaging scientific process that focuses attention on the unique features and beauty of the birds themselves.”

In an example from 2020, the AOS renamed a prairie songbird, a name which honored the Confederate Army General John P. McCown, to a thick-billed long-

spur. This change aims to remove hurtful links to slavery and racism.

Ornithologists acknowledge historical and contemporary practices that have contributed to the exclusion of Black, Indigenous and other people of color in the bird-naming process.

The AOS is committed to changing all English names of birds named after people and other offensive names, focusing on species in the United States and Canada.

“I think that renaming these birds is a great idea and long overdue,” said Dr. Katie Stumpf, a biology professor at GC. “Often, there is not an obvious reason that the bird was named for that person either, so there’s really no reason to keep the names as they are now. Naming birds with more descriptive words also just makes sense.”

Additionally, a new committee will review English common names, including diverse expertise from the social sci-

ences, communications,

the focus to the birds.”

ornithology and taxono-

For example, Anna’s

my. The AOS plans to ac-

hummingbird,

tively involve the public

after Anne d’Essling, wife

in the process of selecting

of Second Duke of Rivoli,

new English bird names

and Lewis’s woodpecker,

to promote inclusivity.

named after Meriweth-

“Exclusionary naming

er Lewis, will undergo

conventions

developed

name changes due to

in the 1800s, clouded by

their historical connec-

Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

racism and misogyny,

tions to slavery and rac-

don’t work for us today,”

ism. Townsend’s warbler,

said Judith Scarl, exec-

once named after Indig-

utive director and CEO

enous grave robber John

of the AOS. “The time

Kirk

has come to transform

also receive a new name.

this process and redirect

While scientific names

Townsend,

GA redraws legislative districts Jack McKinney Contributing Writer

A 516-page order was recently released

by United States district court judge Steve Jones that mandates Georgia’s legislative districts to be redrawn by Dec. 8.

This redistricting comes as a result of civil rights activists claiming that the current districts execute a concept known as racial gerrymandering, a process wherein governments draw district lines to suppress the vote of racial and ethnic groups.

Historically, racial gerrymandering has been at the forefront of systematic oppression for African Americans across the U.S. Despite racial gerrymandering becoming illegal through the Voting Rights Act of 1965, some states have found distinctive ways to continue this process through indirect means.

“Although not all Black voters vote the same, in areas where Republicans have gerrymandered districts to keep their advantage,” said Amy Sumpter, a geography professor at GC. “They typically divide parts of town with majority Black populations across white districts so that the white votes are in the majority.

This effectively ‘waters down’ Black voters, who

lean heavily Democrat.”

Resultantly, it is often universally recognized that this process erodes democracy across African American communities. However, even if inclusively minded redistricting is popular among the public, complications arise in effectuating change.

This is because gerrymandering for political gain — also known as “partisan gerrymandering” — is completely legal in the U.S. The arguments opposing redistricting use this very term to justify current district lines.

“Georgia’s electoral system is equally open to participation by all voters,” said Bryan Tyson, the lead counsel representing Georgia.

“You can’t presume race when politics is an equally plausible explanation.”

In Georgia, race and political affiliation often naturally coincide, making it difficult to

named

distinguish what is racial and what is partisan gerrymandering.

Nevertheless, proponents for redistricting are quick to argue that unequal opportunities for minority voters are currently well-existent.

“The Court reiterates that Georgia has made great strides since 1965 towards equality in voting,” Jones said. “However, the evidence before this Court shows that Georgia has not reached the point where the political process has equal openness and equal opportunity for everyone.”

Even as that may be, many are left questioning the impacts of redistricting on Milledgeville specifically. Prior to the redistricting decision, some of the civil rights activists pointed to Milledgeville’s district lines as a prime example of racial gerrymandering.

“For House District 145, they took Sand-

Voting sticker

will

ersville over here and they broke off Baldwin County — added it to that Sandersville district,” said Quentin Howell, one of the plaintiffs in the case. “So, you cracked the minority district here along the river which dilutes the African American vote.”

Conversely, Howell also considers the recent order to be a “win” for the entirety of Milledgeville, claiming that this victory was achieved through cooperation, not divisiveness.

“This is a history-making moment that us as Americans can look and say the right thing was done,” Howell said. “It wasn’t done trying to make political [groups] hate one way or another, it was done to just have accountability throughout our community.”

Some GC students think similarly: that by reinforcing collectivist values, voting becomes fairer and more influential.

“The fact that this judicial order was enacted at all is a very good thing,” said Will Turner, a sophomore accounting major. “Although I was just as likely to vote, maybe my vote will matter more.”

remain unchanged due to universal rules based on evolutionary relationships, they are regularly reviewed and updated by the AOS’s classification committees in response to new scientific research.

Names like Audubon’s shearwater and Scott’s oriole will also be altered to remove associations with historical figures who supported slavery and forced Indigenous relocations.

Advocates argue that many bird names are reminders of oppression, slavery and genocide.

Bird Names For Birds, a group initiative founded by two ornithologists to confront the controversial bird names, addressed the issue, saying the names reflect their eponyms’ values.

“I think the names of the birds are simply just a name,” said Gia Lasher, a junior biology major. The intentions weren’t meant to be derogatory to a specific group of people.

Most species of animals were named after where

MOVEit

Continued from page “The key is not so much being like, ‘Oh my God, my stuff is out there on the dark web,’ it’s ‘I’m going to make sure I keep myself safe on a day-to-day basis,” Kerr said. “All of those steps I outlined in that email, those are things you can do even if your SSN [Social Security number] is out there on the dark web. I got one of these emails, so my stuff ’s out there too. I’m not freaking out about it because I know that I watch my accounts.”

All students at GC are already required to engage in some of these protective measures to ensure that their school accounts stay safeguarded. Using Duo two-factor authentication is mandatory to log into Unify and other GC accounts. This measure notifies students whenever a login attempt is made on their account and allows them to deny entry if they are not the ones signing in.

“I use it [multi-factor authentication], like Duo or on the phone texts or emails,” Cusick said. “I like it for things like important personal accounts, like banking or even retail websites because I save my card information and address on there, too.”

Additionally, students are all required to change their passwords every few months. That way, even if there was a break or leak of information and students’

they were located or after the person who discovered the species, so to rename the birds in hopes of not offending certain people doesn’t seem very beneficial.”

While some ornithologists express sympathy for the cause, they are also unsure if this is the right approach.

“We’ll lose a little bit of knowledge about some key people in the history of ornithology, and that saddens me,” said Jeff Marks, an ornithologist at the Montana Bird Advocacy. “But maybe in the scheme of things, that’s just not that big of a deal.”

By creating a more inclusive ornithological community,

the

AOS

sets the stage for a renewed commitment to protecting birds of all species. The group hopes that

renaming

these

species will help raise awareness and reverse the decline in bird populations that has spanned over

half

a

century.

passwords ended up on the dark web, the credentials would become useless, as there would be no way of determining the new password.

“Change it up so that even if they have some information, it’s outdated, and it doesn’t do them any good,” Kerr said.

Although some GC students may end up impacted by this information breach, it is not directly the fault of GC. MOVEit is commonly used by the University System of Georgia as a whole, along with many other corporations with access to similar sensitive information.

“This MOVEit breach was so expansive, so if your information got captured through that, it could’ve even been through another company,” Kerr said. “So it’s really hard to know exactly where it came from. Maybe it did come from us and the university system data, but we don’t know for sure.”

There is no way of knowing what, if any, information was accessed.

Not every student will find themselves at risk, but there is no sure way to determine what information is no longer secure. Taking the measures outlined in Kerr’s email can help safeguard oneself against identity theft. Although changing passwords and using multi-factor authentication may seem like a hassle, it is much simpler than recovering from a breached bank account or stolen identity.

4

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

11.15.2023

SPORTS State pretty RANKINGS Louisiana well, and they are try-

Continued from page 1

Michigan is ranked third. While they have steamrolled most of the opponents they have played so far, their biggest tests, PSU and OSU, come towards the end of their schedule.

FSU stays solid at No. 4 after remaining undefeated. With Washington being one of the only other serious contenders for the top four, the Seminoles’ strength of schedule is likely what gives them the edge right now. FSU has a chance to clinch a spot in the ACC Championship Game with a win over Miami.

Overall, the new rankings remain fairly consistent with the first release.

Other than Oklahoma’s loss to Kansas, there were not many other teams that would have strayed away from their AP poll spot because there have not been any real shake-ups recently.

If the season were to end today, the semifinal matchups would be No. 1 OSU vs. No. 4 FSU and No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 3 Michigan.

Even though these teams are looking very strong this season, there are also several one-loss teams that are looking to get a spot in the playoffs.

Now ranked No. 8, the Alabama Crimson Tide, who are getting better by the week, handled

ing to make a run for the SEC Championship; a win would help their chances of securing a spot in the playoffs.

The one team that Alabama has lost to, Texas, also needs to win out in order to make the playoff. The Longhorns were given their first loss of the year by Oklahoma, losing in a shootout.

“I don’t understand why Ohio State is ranked at one,” said TJ Murphy, a senior economics major. “I see that they have two wins against ranked teams but have underperformed all year against not as good teams.”

“I think that the rankings are fair so far,” said Tony Kouloukas, a junior management information systems, or MIS, major. “I think, when you look at it from the perspective that Ohio State has two top-10 wins, it is pretty easy to put them at one, even if they have looked a little bit slower against weaker teams.”

Even though the 2023 college football season is nearing its end, there is still plenty of football left to be played. OSU and Georgia still need to win out, and Michigan has their biggest test of the year coming up in the next few weeks. As they say, in college football, anything can happen.

Former NHL player passes away after tragic incident Drew Bogumill

for dirty plays and even

Staff Writer

led the league in penalty

Adam Johnson, a former NHL player, tragically lost his life after his neck was sliced by another player’s skate during an Elite Ice Hockey League game in Sheffield, England on Saturday, Oct. 28.

The fatal collision took

place

through

midway

the

second

period of the game between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers. Opposing player Matt Petgrave attempted

to

make

contact

with

John-

son as he was cutting across the ice, and his leg swung up to Johnson’s neck and sliced it.

Johnson’s teammates from the Nottingham Panthers have called the incident a freak accident.

“I saw the video, and it is extremely hard to

minutes. Many people are calling for Petgrave to face charges like manslaughter or even murder.

“Petgrave should definitely face some type of jail time for this,” said Payne Wilson, a junior business major. “While he may not have intended for his leg to reach that high, he was still going for a dirty play after getting beat on the angle.”

Following

the

col-

lision, Johnson fell to the ice and struggled to get up. Once he was able to get on his feet and attempt to skate off, a trail of blood was visible across the ice.

Johnson was taken to a local hospital in Sheffield, where he tragically passed shortly after. He was only 29 years old.

Johnson was in his first season with the

watch,” said Colby Lau, a

Panthers after spending

senior marketing major.

parts of two seasons with

“It is very tragic, and my

the

condolences go out to

Penguins, followed by

his family and friends.

a stint in Sweden with

Something

this

the Malmo Redhawks.

should never happen

NHL’s

Pittsburgh

Photo from Adam Johnson’s memorial

between 2018 and 2020.

first NHL player wore

Incidents similar to

a neck guard during a

Johnson’s

have

hap-

game. The Detroit Red

pened in hockey before,

Wings’

but this is the first time

decided to wear the

a

professional

play-

er has lost their life.

Last year, Teddy Balkind, a high school sophomore in Connecticut, died after his neck was cut in a collision. In 1989, Clint Malarchuk of the Buffalo Sabres had his neck cut during a game against the St. Louis Blues but survived.

Following the tragic accident, the English Ice Hockey Association stated that neck guards, which are usually recommended for ice hock-

Jake

Walman

guard in his first game after Johnson’s passing.

“I think it’s crazy that hockey players aren’t required to wear neck

guards

already,”

said

Bradley

Butcher,

a senior finance major.

“They literally play with knives on their feet, and there’s nothing protecting the most vulnerable part of the body, which is crazy to me.”

The South Yorkshire Police officially opened an

investigation

into

would

Johnson’s death but en-

He left college early to

now be mandatory for

couraged the public to

at a professional level.”

go pro and played in 13

players after Dec. 31.

avoid any speculation

Petgrave has a history

games for the Penguins

After this incident, the

regarding the incident.

like

ey

beginners,

The 2023 NFL season reaches the midway point Drew Bogumill

draft went. The Panthers

the next season now.”

Staff Writer

took Young with the No.

With the conclusion

midway

all of the Taylor Swift me-

“I am very pleased

One team that has

point of the season. Pat-

dia hype comes to an end

with how well we look

1 pick instead of C.J.

completely flipped the

rick Mahomes has not

soon; it is very annoying.”

this year, especially on

of the Los Angeles Char-

Stroud, who has led a

script this year is the

been performing like his

The Miami Dolphins

offense,” said Christian

gers and New York Jets’

struggling Houston Tex-

Detroit Lions, who are

usual self, but the rest

took the country by

Castillo, a senior mass

Monday

Foot-

ans team to a 4-4 record.

6-2. Jared Goff, Jahmyr

of the team as a whole

storm with their explo-

communication

ball matchup, the NFL

The Cardinals have

Gibbs

Amon-Ra

has been solid enough

sive offense and are sit-

jor. “Tua and Tyreek

to get them back into

ting at 6-3. The Dolphins

are

one of the top spots in

broke an NFL record

how could you not love

the league yet again.

in Week 3 when they

coach Mike McDaniel?”

Night

and

reached

the worst record in the

St. Brown have all had

the midway point of the

league, sitting at 1-8.

great seasons so far, and

2023-2024 season. After

They

Detroit’s

nine entertaining weeks,

whole season without

shown it is finally ca-

there have been surpris-

their star QB, Kyler Mur-

pable of matching up

es, disappointments, un-

ray, and their starting

against high-rate offens-

expected breakouts as

running

James

es — besides their 38-6

well as unexpected duds.

Conner, has also been in-

blowout loss to the Balti-

Starting with the dis-

jured for a couple weeks,

more Ravens in Week 7.

appointments, there are

which has caused a lot of

A young Jacksonville

a handful of teams that

problems for the team.

Jaguars team has also

have let their fans down

“At this point, I think

gone 6-2 through the

tremendously thus far.

we should just tank the

first nine weeks, thanks

These include the Ari-

rest of the season and

in part to their off-sea-

zona Cardinals, Caroli-

keep Kyler healthy,” said

son pickup of Calvin

na Panthers, New York

Christian Davies, a ju-

Ridley. Running back

Giants, Chicago Bears

nior management in-

Travis Etienne has been

and

Broncos.

formation systems, or

a tremendous part of the

The Panthers are 1-7

MIS, major. “Our season

Jaguars’ success as well.

with their rookie quar-

was doomed from the

To no one’s surprise,

terback, Bryce Young,

beginning, and there is

the reigning Super Bowl

and many fans have deep

no point in trying to do

champions,

regrets for how the 2023

anything but prepare for

sas City Chiefs, are 7-2

has

officially

Denver

have

gone

back,

the

defense

the

has

through

the

“I love Patrick Ma-

defeated

the

phenomenal,

maand

Broncos

With nine more weeks

homes and Travis Kelce,”

with a score of 70-20,

to go in the 2023 sea-

said Jackson Kiser, a ju-

which

eight

son, time will only tell

nior marketing major. “I

combined

touchdowns

what teams will make

think they will go down

from

as one of the best duos of

Raheem

all time. I just really wish

included running

backs

the playoffs and what

and

teams will end their sea-

rookie De’Von Achane.

sons in disappointment.

Mostert

KanNFL logo

5

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

11.15.2023

SPORTS

GC SOCCER PLAYER SARA SCHULTZ WINS ZAXBY’S PLAYER OF THE WEEK Emily Henderson

“Going into the game,

back and forth but were

further explained how

Asst. Sports Editor

we as a team had a lot

unable to score. With

the team knew they

GC soccer defied all

of different feelings and

4:33 left in the match,

were not favored at all

emotions,” Schultz said.

junior forward Morgan

to win this game due to

“When I got on the pitch,

Amrozowicz was able

the great season Cataw-

I honestly just kept re-

to make a clear pass to

ba was having, but that

minding

Schultz.

then

did not stop them from

there was nothing to lose

moved past the Cataw-

playing their hearts out.

and go out there and

ba defender to put the

This goal by Schul-

play like I know how to

game-winning shot in

tz may have only been

without all the nerves.”

the left side of the goal.

her third of the season,

GC was able to start

“It was unbelievable,”

but the importance of it

the game off strong with

said Sarah Charney, a

helped her bring home

a goal by sophomore

sophomore goalkeeper.

the title of GC’s Zax-

forward Abbey Eison a

“She got the ball, a shot

by’s Player of the Week.

little over a minute af-

opened up and we just

“When I went into

ter the first whistle. Not

knew she was going to

the game, my mindset

helped rank them No.

long after, Catawba was

take it. Next thing we

was to play like there was

1 in the United Soccer

able to put themselves

know, the ball rolled over

nothing to lose,” Schultz

Coaches NCAA Division

on the board after the

the line, hit the back of the

said. “Scoring the final

II Top 25 poll. While Ca-

Bobcats fouled in the

net and we went ecstatic.”

goal was the best feel-

tawba has been placed in

box, resulting in a pen-

this poll all season long,

alty kick for the Indi-

have

this was the first week the team was ranked No. 1.

odds, taking down the No. 1 ranked soccer team in the nation, Catawba College, after junior forward

Sara

Schul-

tz scored the go-ahead goal with less than four minutes left in the game.

Going into the match, Catawba had a perfect record of 14-0, while GC was 7-6-2. This strong record from Catawba

myself

that

Schultz

Many

Sara Schultz | GC Athletics

that goal go in at a time

a great player from the

when we very much

get-go, but her confi-

needed it was surreal.”

This is Schultz’s first season with the Bobcats,

dence on the field has greatly improved since

as she played at Gordon

she got here, which has

State College her first two

helped

her

improve.”

seasons. So far, Schultz

While Schultz is not

has played nine games

a starting player for

up top for the Bobcats.

“She has worked so

the Bobcats, this late

GC

players

ing because I had been

described

this

frustrated with a couple

hard this season,” said

ans, tying the game 1-1.

moment as a true un-

close misses in the pre-

Chloe Markey, a junior

shows how valuable she

Both teams battled

derdog story. Charney

vious game, so having

defender. “She has been

can be off the bench.

game-winning

goal

Courtesy of GC Athletics

Arthur Smith, run the football.

Cale Strickland Managing Editor

to the playoffs, which

team’s playbook — fin-

pick notwithstanding —

was, against my better

has catered to develop-

would be a first for us

ished with a humble

was entirely his fault. I

judgment, hoping and

ing Ridder and turning

Opinion

in the post-Ryan era.

stat

Statistically,

hope I am right because

praying we would make

us into a pass-first team

did

“more”

we are stuck with him, at

an offer. But we did not,

rather than focusing on

timistic; I should have

than Dobbs, but Dobbs

least for the time being.

and he and the Ravens

running

been cautiously optimis-

did not throw a pick, he

When the Houston

are on track to win the

our

tic. Heinecke was not

was able to make big plays

Texans were shopping

AFC North. And we are

strength. Running backs

with his legs and, above

Cleveland Browns QB

not bad enough to tank

Bijan Robinson and Ty-

all else, he put together

Deshaun

and enter the sweep-

ler Allgeier will take us

a game-winning drive

missed out on the fire

stakes for University of

further than Ridder’s, or

Southern California QB

Heinecke’s, arm. Putting

loss — and witnessing it

and

Trophy

the ball on the ground

firsthand — was hum-

winner Caleb Williams,

will open the passing

bling, to say the least.

who is being touted

lanes for tight end Kyle

On paper, he had a

as the second coming

Pitts — who we have to

“bigger” game against

of Kansas City Chiefs

make a centerpiece of

the Vikings than he did

QB Patrick Mahomes.

our offense, as we draft-

against the Titans; he

That is what has been

ed him above Cincinna-

When Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith benched starting quarterback

Desmond

Ridder for backup QB Taylor Heinecke at halftime against the Tennessee Titans, I was relieved. And when I read Heinecke

was

named

the starting QB for the next week’s game, against the Minnesota Vikings — which I would be at — I was more than relieved; I was optimistic.

We have not had a great QB, or even a “good” QB, since Matt Ryan. Do not get me wrong, I do not think Heinecke is going to be

I was hopefully op-

“bad” against the Vikings per se, but his first start for us ending in a heartbreaking, nail-biter

line.

Heinecke

Watson,

we

Heisman

football,

offense’s

biggest

completed more passes,

so

about

ti Bengals wide receiver

and he threw for more

watching Ridder, and

Ja’Marr Chase, one of

now, Heinecke, through

the best in the league.

the first half of this sea-

Former Falcons wide

son. This team is not

receiver and Atlanta leg-

bad. And Ridder and

end Julio Jones signed a

Heinecke are not either;

one-year deal with the

they are just the defini-

Philadelphia Eagles last

tion of average. Neither

month, and he might

of them has the arm or

get a ring out of it. If we

accuracy to make us

want to have a chance

yards. But he played an entire game, instead of a half, his completion percentage

was

low-

er and he had the same number of touchdowns,

Falcons helmet

in under two minutes.

sale. Let me be clear:

When Vikings wide

Because of the baggage

receiver Brandon Powell

he comes with, I did not

caught a go-ahead TD

want him to be the face

with less than 30 seconds

of our franchise; the Tex-

left in the fourth quar-

ans were desperate to get rid of him for a reason.

frustrating

the

as good, or going to be

one. And he threw a pick

anywhere near as good,

— an unforgivable pick.

as Ryan was. He is not

His comparison, Vi-

ter, I stood in disbelief,

going to take us to anoth-

kings backup QB Josh-

my hands on my head.

But he would have been

a pass-first team, and

of getting back to the

er Super Bowl. But after

ua Dobbs — who, after

I did not move for five

an upgrade, a big up-

they are not dual-threat

playoffs, let alone the

seeing his second-half

being acquired from the

minutes. I was in shock.

grade, at QB. When there

QBs. Lord knows Rid-

Super Bowl, any time

performance against the

Arizona Cardinals at the

Maybe I am in denial

was speculation Balti-

der is turnover-prone.

soon, we have to hand

Titans, I genuinely be-

trade deadline, had less

now, but I do not think

more Ravens QB Lamar

And because of all

the ball off — no mat-

lieved he could take us

than a week to learn the

the loss — Heinecke’s

Jackson wanted out, I

this, Smith’s play calling

ter who is under center.

6

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

11.15.2023

ARTS & LIFE THEATRE

Continued from page 1 “I think coming-ofage stories are an important ritual to participate in throughout life but particularly for young adults,” Cudd said. “Adolescence is unsustainable, but we want to stay in it, especially as we feel its comforts slipping away.

We often refuse the call to the adventure of growing up and regress into our adolescent games.”

Standout performances include Spencer Roberts, a senior theatre major, who entirely transformed into his character, Chuck.

Roberts was able to hold the stage all on his own and bring an unexpected sense of sympa-

thy to a faulty character.

Mac Chambers, a junior theatre major, put on an exceptional performance as Ian. In under two hours, Chambers was able to deliver a complex character with a rollercoaster of emotions.

This was most certainly a theatrical highlight in Chamber’s theatre career.

Adolescence is uncomfortable, awkward

and messy. “Leveling Up” and its performers capture this period of time in a comedic yet realistic way.

“No one is alone in the struggles of growing up,” Cudd said. “Failures, humilations, losses and transgressions are unavoidable for us all.

Taking personal responsibility and expanding our accountability to

Courtesy of Brian Wallenberg

Jelani Willacey, Mac Chambers and Spencer Roberts.

others is how we mature to the next level.

The attack on Gender-Affirming Care Kylie Rowe Asst. A&L Editor

them

more

comfort-

common

That’s the noble quest.”

treatments

keting professor at GC.

created into platforms,

able within themselves.”

that are being affected

“At its heart, it’s taking

either for or against,

85 anti-trans bills have

The National Library

by the laws that are be-

something that’s a med-

that

been passed in the Unit-

of Medicine published

ing passed in the U.S..

ical issue and trying

ed States out of the 586

an article in February

proposed this year. The

2023

only bill that has passed

tion of Gender Identity

in Georgia was SB140,

Governor

Kemp

including

signed SB140, arguing

Schwartz, do not find

that he was protecting

fair to those who need

the health and well-be-

care. This politicization

ing of the children in the

has changed the way that

state of Georgia. Statis-

Acceptance with Fewer

people vote, making it

tics, such as those from

which prohibits licensed

Suicide Attempts Among

so that they have to look

the National Library of

medical

professionals

Transgender and Nonbi-

at candidates to see if

Medicine,

from providing patients

nary Youth,” which cov-

that specific candidate

prove that the children

under the age of 18

ers the quantitative data

will pass bills that stop

of the state are worse

with cross-sex hormone

of suicide risk for trans-

them from being able to

off without access to

therapy. However, the

gender youth and how

live as their true selves.

gender-affirming

changes in legislation on

gender affirmation cor-

Bills that are being

“While we often think

gender-affirming health-

relates to the decreased

passed in the U.S. are

about hormone therapy

care persists in Georgia

number

attempts.

not only targeting hor-

and surgical procedures

and the rest of the U.S.

Concluding that, making

mone therapy and sur-

as the only forms of gen-

gender-affirming

care

geries but also mental

der-affirming care, access

can leave people in a state

more accessible has been

care that can give people

to all types of care, espe-

of extreme discomfort

statistically proven to de-

the right to live as people.

cially mental healthcare,

within their own body,”

crease suicide attempts.

“That the political ar-

from professionals who

said Axel Hawkins, a ju-

Gender dysphoria is a

it more difficult for peo-

unrelated.”

gument is, is that we’re

affirm your identity is

nior political science ma-

medical condition, and

ple who need treatment

Gender-affirming care

forcing surgery and med-

equally, if not more, im-

jorjunior. “It’s important

there are many ways to

to be able to get it,” said

is an issue that many pol-

ication on people, you

portant for helping trans

that people have access to

treat it. Surgery, hor-

people get through every-

mones and therapy are

iticians have taken and

know, that are very, very

medical care that makes

Joanna Schwartz, a mar-

young, none of which

day life,” Hawkins said.

“Gender

dysphoria

called

of

“Associa-

“Politicizing

gen-

to reframe it through

der-affirming care makes

a political lens that is

Julia Jensen | Art Director

entirely

many,

happens,” Schwartz said.

MISSED CONNECTIONS: anonymous messages from GC students Is someone on campus thinking about you?

numerically

care.

7

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

11.15.2023

ARTS & LIFE

BRITNEY SPEARS TELLS ALL IN NEW MEMOIR... OR DOES SHE? Carly Henderson

ple who feel particularly

later described the abor-

book has made it clear

Staff Writer

alone in most cases or

tion as one of the tough-

that she’s been through

Britney Spears’s mem-

hurt or misunderstood!”

est experiences in her life.

a lot more than anyone

oir, “The Woman in Me,”

The memoir discusses

While Timberlake has

ever knew. I’m glad that

released on Oct. 24. The

Spears’s path from child-

not publicly commented

she was able to get this

memoir revealed insight

hood to fame, revealing

on the memoir, he has

information out for clo-

into

personal

things previously un-

received hate on social

sure.” Spears has received

life and career. Prior to

known to the public. One

media from fans claim-

some criticism for using

the memoir’s release, it

of the most controversial

ing he pressured Spears

a ghostwriter, someone

major. “A singer obvious-

than $12.5 million in

reached No. 1 on Am-

pieces of information in

into the abortion. Stu-

that is credited to write a

ly isn’t going to get their

profit from its release.

azon’s Best Sellers list.

Spears’s memoir is her

dents at GC and fans of

work but is not credited

words across as well as

“She is just one of

Spears gave insight into

abortion. Spears dated

Spears have shared their

as its author, in her mem-

what readers could ex-

someone who writes for

those people who will

singer Justin Timberlake

opinions on the memoir

oir. Sam Lansky, author

pect from her book via

from 1999 to 2002 and

and the attention that

and journalist at the New

a living. She probably

always be famous,” said

an Instagram post. “This

revealed that she had an

has been drawn because

York Times, aided Spears

just told him what to

Ava Reardon, a senior

is actually a book I didn’t

abortion when she be-

of it. “It makes me so sad

in telling her story. Some

write and let him word

business

know needed to be writ-

came pregnant with his

that this woman has had

have said that this makes

it in a way that made

major. “She was an icon

ten,” Spears said. “Al-

child. “If it had been left

to go through so much,”

her story disingenuous.

sense. Not something

20 years ago, and she

though some might be

up to me alone, I nev-

said Sydney Homan, a

“I don’t think it really

to throw a fit about.”

still is. I think this book

offended, it has given me

er would have done it,”

senior marketing ma-

matters that she used a

Regardless of criticism

is going to ensure that

closure on all things for

Spears said. “And yet Jus-

jor. “I feel like everyone

ghostwriter,” said Mar-

directed towards her or

she’s always a house-

a better future! Hopeful-

tin was so sure he didn’t

knows that she has been

cus McMain, a junior

her memoir, Spears is

hold name. Even if peo-

ly I can enlighten peo-

want to be a father.” She

through a lot, but her

business

expected to make more

ple don’t like it, she’s it.”

Spear’s

GC’s new campus wi-fi

management

Connor Blakely

their campus housing or

to resort to campus Wi-

Staff Writer

apartments. In the past,

Fi during the tornado,

lacking when connect-

GC changed its Wi-Fi

there have been issues

as most of Milledgeville

ing to Wi-Fi,” said An-

“GC_Secure”

with the Wi-Fi and pow-

did not have power for

sley Hill, a junior mass

to “Bobcats” at the be-

er outages at the dorms

an

period.

communication major.

ginning of November.

or apartment complexes

“With the new Wi-Fi,

“I would wait up to 10

attempting

due to outside factors.

I have been impressed

minutes to connect to

to improve its previ-

“When I was a soph-

by the speeds.” Gullo

ous Wi-Fi network by

omore, we experienced

said, “I also have not had

network

GC

is

extended

“Terrell

Hall

was

the Wi-Fi while my professor lectured the

strengthening its new

class, causing me to fall

network to provide an

behind. I have had a

enhanced learning expe-

better experience with

rience for GC students

the Bobcats network so

and a smooth experi-

far. Signing in has been

ence for faculty members

and

a more straightforward

professors.

process, and I have con-

“I have noticed a slight

nected to the Wi-Fi in

difference in the strength

Terrell a lot faster so far.”

of Wi-Fi,” said Cami Mar-

Terrell Hall experi-

cotte, a junior mass com-

ences problems with

munication major. “I am

the

glad the school has been

air

conditioning

units in the rooms in-

looking to improve in this area and other areas

Kylie Noles | Digital Media Editor

terfering with the internet. Students hope

around campus. The real

a tornado that came

trouble signing onto the

test will be finals week in

through

Milledgeville

network like with GC_

December because that is

last year,” said Jack Gul-

Secure. Overall, I have

usually when the library

lo, a junior mass com-

thoroughly enjoyed my

and campus are the bus-

munication major. “My

new Wi-Fi experience.”

iest, causing the Wi-Fi

whole house had lost

GC_Secure had its

to struggle sometimes.”

power for two days, and

struggles in the past such

Students depend on

my roommates and I

as certain areas of the

all over campus study-

on-campus Wi-Fi dai-

had to rely on the cam-

buildings getting less re-

ing and preparing for

ly, so it is vital to their

pus Wi-Fi to complete

ception than others or

final exams. Students

learning

experience

assignments on time.”

too many people over-

are hopeful for fewer

to have a reliable net-

Gullo was not the

loading the Wi-Fi, caus-

problems with the new

work to use outside of

only student who had

ing it to underperform.

and improved network.

the new internet will eliminate

this

issue.

The new campus WiFi will be tested, with a surplus of students will be in the library and

Britney Spears

management

8

DREW OLDHAM, OPINION EDITOR

11.15.2023

OPINION

Are Zyn pouches actually good for you?

Drew Oldham

vors they know younger

These nicotine pouch-

are comprised of nicotine

Opinion Editor

people will like to build

es, commonly sold un-

salts, water, flavorings,

lifelong

consumers.

der the brand names

sweeteners and plant-

the

“The use of flavor-

Zyn, Rogue and Fre, also

ings in tobacco prod-

not recommend them. of

“Each Zyn pouch you

commu-

avoid or quit is a step to-

based fibers. They do not

nity to endorse nico-

command a tremendous

contain any of the tobac-

tine pouches as a safe

ward taking back control

ucts is proven to appeal

advantage

their

co leaf in them, which is

alternative to smoking

to young people, with

close relative, chewing

known to contribute to

comes as the result of

developed a new innova-

data

suggesting

tobacco. Chewing to-

the emergence of gum

the negative short and

tive nicotine delivery de-

that nicotine pouch dol-

bacco has an extremely

disease, cavities, a higher

long-term health conse-

vice to attract consum-

lar sales increased by

unpleasant

re-

risk of cancer and stroke

quences of using them.

ers, the nicotine lozenge.

470% over the first half

quires one to carry a bot-

and cancers of the throat,

According to Grinds

ers: that you value your

of 2020, making this

tle around so they can

mouth

Coffee Pouches’s web-

health, your well-being,

users no longer have

the

quickest-growing

spit it out and is known

to face the profoundly

sub-category of tobacco

to cause mouth cancer.

site,

someone

and your future more

negative social stigma

products,” Gilmore said.

to nicotine pouches in

first puts a Zyn in, their

than a fleeting sensation.”

and surefire case of lung

The impact this mar-

are seen as the modern

an attempt to wean off of

heart rate and blood

cancer that comes with

keting effort has had can

solution for 21st-cen-

nicotine so that they one

pressure

smoking cigarettes or

be seen right here at GC.

tury nicotine users, as

day may escape depen-

ly increase. Repeatedly

inhaling the berry-fla-

Students are now using

they offer the opportuni-

dence. However, this ap-

doing this can cause ir-

vored air of a vape. Now,

Zyns in class and at the

ty for users to save their

pears to be unwise, as the

regular heartbeat and

the nicotine they crave is

gym to achieve the calm

lungs

Food and Drug Adminis-

put one’s cardiovascular

easily accessible, discreet

and focused feeling that

the unpleasant aesthetic

tration has not approved

health at serious risk.

and available in a vari-

a nicotine buzz offers.

and health consequenc-

ety of flavors and doses.

One subcommunity of

es of chewing tobacco.

The remarkably wide

Zyn users at GC has tak-

range of flavors these

en it upon themselves to

pouches are underres-

pouches come in no

litter the rims of the trash

earched, and the conse-

doubt adds to their ap-

cans at the Wellness and

quences of their long-

peal, especially to young-

Recreation Center with

term use remain unclear.

er users. In a medically

their

semi-masticated

Are they actually a safe

reviewed article for Re-

pouches in one of the

alternative to cigarettes

naissance Recovery, writ-

most sickening displays

and chewing tobacco?

er Joe Gilmore speaks

of disregard for other

Nicotine pouches are

of how these products

people and sanitation I

superior to tobacco in

intentionally release fla-

have ever laid eyes on.

some ways, at least. They

A

new

craze

has

gained momentum with nicotine lovers everywhere. In the last few years, Big Tobacco has

Habitual

nicotine

also

over

taste,

Nicotine

while

However,

pouches

avoiding

these

and

pancreas.

Many smokers look

these pouches as

The

hesitancy

Zyns on their website.

medical

when

immediate-

of your health and life,” Grinds Coffee Pouches said. “It’s a choice that sends a powerful message to yourself and oth-

GC’Student’s Zyn Graveyard.

Despite

their

cool,

sleek and modern appeal, the overall impacts of the use of these pouches on one’s overall health seems to lean negatively, and it is definitely

for

Prolonged usage of

smoking cessation due to

these pouches can also

not clear that they are a

the high concentration of

lead to potential long-

good alternative to other

nicotine found in them.

term

like

forms of nicotine con-

heart

sumption. My recom-

versity Health Center

disease and stroke. Nic-

mendation would be to

has found no data that

otine’s

appetite-sup-

leave the Zynucchini Al-

show nicotine pouch-

pressing quality can also

es are a safe or effective

seriously

fredos, Tucker Carlzyns,

way to quit nicotine. Ne-

body’s metabolic system.

braska Medicine certi-

Grinds Coffee Pouch-

The Nebraska Uni-

problems,

hypertension,

disrupt

encourages

the

fied Tobacco Treatment

es

indi-

Specialist Jill Selzle does

viduals trying to quit

Monica Lezynskys and Zynbabwes

behind

and not endore them as the nicotine delivery device of the future.

A reflection of my time at GC as an international student Rian Fearnehough

lag, but you cannot un-

Sharing a dorm room

One of the hardest

within walking distance.

me to talk about home

Contributing Writer

derstand what it means

is also a new experience.

things for me to get used

The same cannot be said

to anyone interested. I

unless you go through it:

It is strange compared

to has been the time dif-

about America. Getting

was asked if I had met

an unending headache,

to what I am used to.

ference for soccer games.

to the airport is a chore

the queen. I then had

endless fatigue and being

Thankfully, my room-

Premier League games

unless

helplessly unable to stay

mate and I get along,

are aired at 7:30 a.m.

someone to give you a lift.

to remind the person

awake. My experience

as sharing a room with

on Saturday mornings

The people here have

was not helped by the

someone you do not

in the U.S. I have been

been very friendly and

fact we had a meeting

like would not make for

struggling to get up for

welcoming,

at 8 a.m. despite arriv-

a pleasant experience.

them and have only suc-

us Brits are not, which

ing at our room at 1 a.m.

Being from England,

cessfully

has helped me settle in

I met the other in-

I am used to rain and

for one game so far.

and

feel

ternational students at

thunder, but I have nev-

Nothing beats watch-

here.

Moving

the meeting, which was

er experienced anything

ing soccer at the pub with

alone is scary, but once

good. Very soon, I start-

like the storms here.

your friends in England,

you settle in, it is an in-

and in Georgia so far

ed to miss home, espe-

The

sounds

which is very hard to do

credible

experience.

has been incredible, and

cially walking around

like a bomb is going off.

at 7:30 a.m. Pubs are so-

Being a part of the

I cannot wait for next

Walmart,

re-

The first time I heard

cial places, and the local

International

Festival

semester, when I plan to

minded me of shopping

it, I could not believe

community bars just do

was fun, as it allowed

travel around the U.S.

at home with my mom.

it

thunder.

not feel as welcoming or

I went to Atlanta with

comforting as the pubs

back

the International Club

back home. The bars in

home, I started feel-

during Labor Day week-

town are great, but I miss

ing better. I was ready

end. I visited the Geor-

going to the pub, as the

for classes to begin. My

gia Aquarium, World of

two are not comparable.

airport along with some

classes have been differ-

Coke and Mercedes-Benz

Something that sur-

other international stu-

ent than what I got used

Stadium, which made

prises me is the sheer

dents, and our excitement

to taking back home,

for a good day out.

scale of the country. I

quickly started to build. I

with the amount of work

Atlanta is a big city that

knew it was big before I

had a nine-hour layover

required for classes in

could not possibly be ex-

came, but I did not un-

at the airport between

the United States taking

plored in the eight hours

derstand quite how big.

having to leave the hotel

some getting used to.

we had. I enjoyed my

The lack of public

and board the transport

Now that I have ad-

time in Atlanta but wish I

transport makes getting

to Milledgeville, which

justed to the workload,

had more time there and

around without a car

did not help my jet lag.

the classes I take at GC

could have experienced

impossible. In England,

You hear about jet

have become enjoyable.

the city with my family.

anything you need is

After six months of anticipation, it was finally time to leave for the airport to head to Milledgeville. I was both nervous and excited, as this was the first time I was leaving England on my own. Leaving my parents was hard, but I knew it would be worth it.

The flight was smooth but cramped. As soon as I landed, I felt the warm air and instantly began to regret wearing joggers.

Even at nine at night, the heat

was

unbearable.

After one night in a hotel, it was time to head to Milledgeville. I was picked up from the

which

After a few days and numerous

calls

thunder

was

just

been

awake

you

can

find

something

comfortable abroad

who asked that she had died. Other than that, the event went well, with people really enjoying the quiz I prepared and the

authentic

British

chocolates I provided.

My experience at GC

Rian Fearnehough

9

DREW OLDHAM, OPINION EDITOR

11.15.2023

OPINION

JID is the best rapper in Atlanta today Drew Oldham

This era of Atlanta rap

in other songs and affiliation

the anxiety the members ex-

Opinion Editor

generated popularity for the

and collaborations with other

perienced in a time where the

modern “trap” subgenre of rap.

artists, JID is clearly the best

world as a whole seemed to be

Trap music is characterized by

rapper that has come up in

collapsing and nearing its end.

slow and heavy bass drums

Atlanta in the last five years.

with quick hi-hat cymbals and

No one has been involved

with any artist he works with

gritty lyrics about drug culture.

in more successful projects

demonstrates the remarkable

The trap sound of this

and collaborations with other

adaptability of his flow, word-

time has been reinterpreted

artists in the last five years than

play and lyricism to produce

and further evolved by At-

“JID, the Kid.” He has showed

just the right verse for the giv-

lanta rappers that came on

up and showed out on the

en occasion. Whether it is a

the scene in the 2010s. Well-

last two Dreamville projects,

hard, bitter and violent verse

known

Young

“Revenge of the Dreamers III:

on a Griselda song, such as

Thug popularized the sound

Director’s Cut” and “D-Day.”

his feature on “Mamas Prime-

to rap audiences through his

He provided memorable

Time” by Westside Gunn, or a

thrilling 2015 mixtape “Bar-

features, both on songs with

smooth verse that provides a

ter 6,” which takes listeners

multiple artists, such as “Up

relaxed vibe on a Khalid EP, JID

on a rhythmic and inflective

Up Away” and “1993,” while

is a true wordsmith that makes

journey through his life as

also killing it on his solo track,

every track he is on better.

JID followed up this mem-

an East Atlanta gangbanger.

“Big Black Truck.” He has also

Some of JID’s finest work

orable debut with an even

Future’s “DS2” and “Pur-

showed remarkable synergy

as a feature artist comes in his

stronger second album, “Di-

“As for the track’s lead-

ple Reign” albums further

in songs with other well-re-

work with Atlanta hip-hop

Caprio 2,” which has several

ing man, he’s switching up

evolved the trap genre through

spected artists, like Denzel

duo EARTHGANG. Anytime

near-perfect songs, including

flows like it’s nothing and

incorporating unique sam-

Curry and younger artists

these artists collaborate, the

“Off Deez (with J Cole),” “Wor-

toying with the English lan-

pling,

vocals

Lil Yachty and BabyTron.

outcome is bound to be special.

kin Out,” “Off Da Zoinkys” and

guage on a level most rappers

the rap genre in Atlanta, as

and a life-of-the-party spirit

He also played an inte-

Some of their best work to-

“Hot Box (feat. Method Man

can’t approach,” DeVille said.

both of these albums earned

that trap lovers cannot resist.

gral role in the formation and

gether comes in the songs “Ex-

and Joey Bada**).” On this

The album then transitions

double-platinum

certifica-

These incredible albums es-

success of the hip-hop collec-

actly,” “Sunday,” “Can’t Punk

album, JID continues to pro-

into a soothing and relaxing

tion from the RIAA, with

tablished Atlanta as one of

tive Spillage Village, where he

Me,” “Mecca,” “LeHooligangs”

duce successful songs, wheth-

song run of “Kody Blu 31,”

over 2 million copies of

the main hotspots for rap in

worked with EARTHGANG,

and “D/Vision.” These artists

er they are slow or fast paced.

“Can’t Make U Change (feat.

each being sold to listeners.

America and added to the

OG Maco, Hollywood JB, Jur-

are sure to provide infectious

JID’s magnum opus, which

Ari Lennox)” and “Stars (feat.

popularity

music.

dan Bryant, Mereba and Benji

flows,

thought-provoking

cemented him, in my eyes,

Yasiin Bey).” It then closes on

ful for the genre as well. In

Then, in the last five years,

to produce four of the most

wordplay, vivid imagery and

as the greatest rapper in At-

a sequel of the closing song on

this decade, popular artists

rap in Atlanta stepped up an-

unique and insightful stu-

an irresistibly unique sound

lanta, came in 2022, when he

“The Never Story,” “LAUDER.”

T.I., Gucci Mane and Luda-

other notch. The growing

dio albums I have ever been

to every song they team up on.

released “The Forever Sto-

“LauderToo (feat. Ravyn Lenae

cris took the Atlanta scene

popularity of contemporary

privileged enough to listen to.

Not only is his feature

ry.” This album is a great lis-

& Eryn Allen Kane)” provides

by storm. They all released

rappers like 21 Savage, Gunna,

The most important of

and collaborative work noth-

ten that keeps you engaged

closure to the themes built in

albums that have received an

Lil Baby, JID and Migos has

the Spillage Village albums

ing short of fantastic, but he

throughout with three dis-

the album and helps juxta-

abundance of critical acclaim.

put Atlanta rap at the forefront

was “Spilligion,” which was

has an incredible individu-

tinct mood shifts across the

pose “The Forever Story” with

Gucci’s album “The State

of the music industry today.

released amidst the height of

al discography as well. Since

total runtime of the album.

“The Never Story” further.

vs. Radric Davis,” Ludacris’s

The recent rise of these

the pandemic in 2020. All the

his debut album, “The Nev-

The album opens with

Given the strength of his

album, “Word of Mouf ” and

revered artists has raised the

members document their per-

er Story,” dropped on March

thrillers, like “Raydar,” “Can’t

individual

T.I.’s albums “Trap Muzik”

question of who among them

sonal experience and interpre-

10, 2017, JID has treated his

Punk Me” and “Surround

well as his instant power and

and “King” have all earned

is the best rapper in Atlan-

tation of the uncertainty of the

listeners to a unique employ-

Sound,” which has been certi-

remarkable ability on features

spots on Beats, Rhymes, and

ta, and for me, the answer

world they faced at this point.

ment of stylistic devices in

fied platinum since its release

and collaborations, there is

Lists’s “The Top 25 Best Atlan-

is quite simple. Based off of

One song on the album,

his songs that never allow

as the album’s lead single.

only one top dog of Atlan-

ta Rap Albums of All Time.”

their

features

“End of Daze,” documents

listeners to become bored.

Stereogum’s Chris DeV-

ta rap, and his name is JID.

parent in the modern sound.

give them more of it. If you

com-

riencing economic turmoil.

is also an increase in female

This type of country is also

put ‘U.S.A.’ or ‘America’ in a

mercial success of releasing

In the early to mid-2000s,

and LGBTQ+ representation.

“Nearly 50 African-Ameri-

referred to as “outlaw coun-

song, you had a pretty good

songs about patriotism re-

it felt as if artists were preying

Representation is — obviously

can singers and musicians ap-

try” — my personal favorite.

chance of getting attention.”

sulted in more artists tapping

on the vulnerability of poor

— imperative for consumer re-

peared on commercial hillbilly

Outlaw country sounds

Personally, I believe that

into this market, manifest-

rural Southerners, with radio

tention since people consume

records between those years

almost like a completely differ-

this is unethical, as it is rich

ing in a consumer-centric

stations

playing

content that is a reflection of

ent genre than what has been

songs about how amazing it

their perceptions of themselves

playing on radio stations over

is to be a farmer even though

and the world around them,

the past few years. This almost

the singer has probably nev-

and this diversity has helped

pop-sounding country music,

er even touched a tractor.

in which almost every song is

This infiltration of disin-

focused on expressing pride

genuous artists making mu-

for the South, is a direct result

sic that they do not relate to

of consumer culture and the

in hopes that it will appeal to

influx of Ameircan nation-

audiences has made country

alism that began after 9/11.

music feel disingenuous. Over

The national trauma of 9/11

time, I think that the insincerity

shifted consumers’ media hab-

and lack of relatability became

its. So, in return, country mu-

obvious to consumers, leading

sic adjusted to appeal to these

to the downfall in popularity.

The Atlanta rap scene has been a centerpiece of the development of this genre of music since rap’s inception in the early ‘90s. Over the years, prolific artists coming out of Atlanta have worked tirelessly to establish a distinct sound for themselves in the subcategory of Southeastern Rap. Rap oldheads that enjoy the Atlanta sound cherish classic albums, like “ATLiens” and “Aquemini” from Outkast, which released in the late 1990s. These albums have a cosmic-funk style, which creates a spiritual essence that is accentuated by the distinctly Southern rhythm of the vocals provided

by André 3000 and Big Boi. This group popularized

The early 2000s were fruit-

COUNTRY

Continued from page 1

— because the music was not a white agrarian tradition, but a fluid phenomenon passed back and forth between the races,” said Patrick Huber, a professor of history at Missouri University of Science and Technology, in the article “A Dive into the Black History of Country Music” by The Skidmore News.

When

radios

became

popular during the Great Depression, so did Country music. The topics discussed within the music resonated with struggling Americans.

trap

artist

drug-infused

of

trap

discography,

needs, making way for artists

JID’s

This

instant

chemistry

heightened

Kacey Musgraves and Willie Nelson

like Toby Keith, Tim McGraw

JID at Music Midtown 2023

constantly

In the past few years, it has felt as if there has been a

and Alan Jackson to become

people pandering and abus-

Unfortunately, this commer-

the kings of country music.

cialization led to the erasure

on

the

song.

discography,

as

bring in new fans to this once extremely

exclusive

genre.

However, the lack of racial diversity of artists remains apparent. According to an article written by Variety, from 2000 to 2020, only 1% of musicians signed to the top three country music labels in Nashville were Black, and only 3.2% were BIPOC. Clearly, there is a lot of work to be done to ensure that this genre

stark divide in country. On

ing the fragile emotional state

The South has the high-

one side, there are artists

is a safe space for all people.

“They wanted more pa-

of fans. And, although some

est poverty rate of any region

who produce this disingenu-

The status of genres often

of Black musicians in this

triotic music,” said RJ Cur-

of the songs are awesome,

in the U.S., with over 20%

ous pop, stereotypical coun-

reflects the ideology among

genre, and it became des-

tis, the executive director of

these musicians are profiting

of people in the rural areas

try, and on the other side is

society at that time, and the

ignated as “white” music.

Country Radio Broadcasters

off of the tragic loss of Amer-

having a low socioeconom-

the new wave of musicians.

evolution of country music

The third wave of country

in 2001, in a Rolling Stone

icans while simultaneously

ic status. And since its birth,

Not only is the new wave

truly confirms that although it

in the 1950s and 1960s paid

article. “And if you’re a good

spreading ignorant pride for

country has been the genre

creating music that seems gen-

might not feel like it, society is

homage to blues, jazz and gos-

program director, you listen

a country that has repeat-

that embodied and gave a

uine and is reminiscent of the

progressing — slowly but sure-

pel, an influence that is still ap-

to what your fans want and

edly

voice to these people expe-

outlaw country era, but there

ly — in a positive direction.

minorities.

money-hungry

formance

genre.

oppressed

and

ille wrote about JID’s per-