Issue 9 | Volume 100

@GCSUnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College November 16, 2022

Single Copies Free

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ELON MUSK: TWITTER’S FREE SPEECH PROPONENT

Since buying the platforms, he has made significant and controversial changes Drew Oldham Contributing Writer The issue of an individual’s right to free

emerged as a prominent

erful and ambitious CEO

medium of public dis-

plans to make significant

course, comes as a result

changes to the platform,

of eccentric billionaire

including implementing

Elon

Musk’s

decision

paid verification, allow-

purchase

Twitter.

ing creators to monetize

The deal, which was

content easily and turn-

finalized late last month,

ing it into a “super-app”.

allowed Musk to acquire

Musk’s acquisition of

of this topic, which has

control of the large social

Twitter has created a sur-

been

debat-

media platform for $44

plus of controversy both

ed since social media

billion dollars. The pow-

within

speech on social media platforms has resurfaced in the public discourse lately. The re-emergence fiercely

to

the

company,

and among users of this wildly popular platform.

Upon the finalization of his purchase of the company, Musk liquidat-

ed many people in important administrative roles at Twitter whom he has publicly criticized.

Among those fired in-

cluded the former CEO, general counsel and policy chief of the company.

See TWITTER | Page 2

GC student directs mainstage play Katherine Futch Editor in Chief GC senior theatre major Frankie Mastras just wrapped up his mainstage

directing

debut

this weekend. The Legend of Georgia McBride had five performances, all of which sold out.

This was a monumental occasion for Mastras, the actors and the stage crew. This was the first time one of the shows he has been a part of has sold out for all performances.

Zach Kingsley, senior theatre major, had a similar sentiment to Mastras. He played Casey, the protagonist of the show. Out of the 71page play, Kingsley was on stage for 68 of them.

“It was definitely a physically exhausting performance,” Kingsley said. “I had to be onstage for pretty much the whole show and that takes a lot out of you because you have to be in character the whole time.”

Mastras’s directing

role served as his senior capstone. Although rehearsals did not begin until October, he began preparations in March of 2022. Eric Griffis, Interim Chair of Theatre and Dance at GC, showed the play to Mastras and encouraged him to consider producing it in the Fall semester.

He fell in love with the script almost immediately due to the morals and message of the show.

See PLAY | Page 8

Marissa Marcolina | Digital Media Editor

Rachel Machovec wins PBC player of the week Emily Henderson

recorded

1,000-career dig. This

set, and tallied 66 total

College on Saturday and

20 kills and 21 digs in

performance against her

points for the Bobcats.

player is graduate stu-

Sunday. While Macho-

this match alone. This

former team helped the

After this weekend Ma-

dent Rachel Machovec.

vec was effective in all

made her the second

Bobcats win this close

chovec’s PBC rankings

displayed

three matches, Saturday’s

player in GC volleyball

conference match 3-2.

all her skills the week-

match against Flagler

history to have a 20/20

Over the weekend,

multiple players had op-

end of October 28, play-

was her most impres-

match. In this match

Machovec averaged 3.31

portunities to show off

ing Lander University

sive performance yet.

she also recorded her

kills per set, 3.13 digs per

Contributing Writer GC volleyball ended their regular season on

Saturday,

Novem-

ber 5. As the season was coming to an end,

the hard work that they

on Friday and Flagler

put in this season. One

Machovec

Uninformed Voters Abigayle Allen

Machovec

are sixth in kills per set, seventh in digs per set, and fourth in aces per set.

See PBC | Page 5

During Covid year 2020, many of

As election day came and passed, I was

our government, uses propaganda to

us turned to social media to find some

shocked at the number of creators that

sway voters one way or another. How-

sense of normalcy and come together

shared their personal political views

ever, the use of propaganda is seen as

as a society while being on lockdown.

online to their booming platforms.

an easy way to spread misinformation

Because of this, many activists and cre-

In a democracy, we are privy to the

and cloud our young voters’ judg-

ators had a platform to tell their stories

use of propaganda over the years. It

at this point, how does this use of so-

and raise awareness for societal needs in

is no secret whether you are a right-

cial media affect our voting habits?

a way that has never been done before.

ist or leftist that your representatives,

NEWS | PG. 3

SPORTS | PG. 5

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 7

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 9

Seeing how tomato soup has the ability to help the enviroment by creating a space for discussion.

No. 1 Tennessee took on No. 3 Geoegia and lost by a landslide despite being predicted to win.

Celebrities are often known for their extravagant costumes on Halloween. But when do they take it too far?

High School Musical antagonist, Sharpay Evans, may have not been the true villain of the story.

Opinion Editor A study done by Hopelab and Well Being Trust has found that 93% of young people between the ages of 1322 use some form of social media daily. While this is the way of our world

VAN GOGH PAINTING ATTACKED

TENNEESSEE TAKES ON GEORGIA

CELEBRITY COSTUME CONTROVERSIES

ment. This is seen explicitly on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

See VOTERS | Page 9

THE VILLIFICATION OF SHARPAY EVANS

2

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

11.16.2022

NEWS MUSK

Continued from page 1 Musk,

a

self-pro-

claimed free speech absolutist, has entertained the idea of bringing several controversial

political

and social figures back into the twitter-sphere.

This notion comes much to the chagrin of many activists and activist organizations who have successfully managed to de-platform people like Donald Trump, Mike Lindell and Marjorie Taylor Greene from the app.

In statements made to the Washington Post, Musk has indicated that he plans to create rules around

de-platform-

hate violence, and an

The evolution of social

strictions or guidelines

bust and eclectic public

son’s ability to use them

enhanced ability of op-

media into the primary

beyond those outlined

dialogue could be re-

has the potential to be

pressive

place of public discourse

in the legal proceedings

stored that would effec-

used to silence dissent-

abroad to control and

contemporarily

adds

concerning free speech

tively foster the opera-

ing opinions,” Anony-

eliminate the presence

multiple layers of com-

in the US, largely as a re-

tion of a more effective

mous said. “If it were

of dissenting political

plexity to the decision

sult of their frequent col-

democracy with a more

up to me, the only bans

speech on the platform.

and permission of those

laboration with the US

well-informed citizenry.

would target those who

the

within these companies

government that makes

He feels this would allow

them an extension of it.

use social media sites

founder of Alt News,

to decide whom to ban

the expression of alterna-

“In my view, social

to facilitate real-world

an

and not ban. People have

tive points of view that

ideas

media is the new public

action that is both ille-

could potentially enrich

forum for 1st amend-

gal and almost univer-

fears that Musk’s policy

about regulating the con-

citizens’

understand-

ment purposes,” Lam-

sally seen as immoral.”

would allow the right

versation on these appli-

ing of complex politi-

leaning government in

cations as well as what

parello said. “Contempo-

cal and social problems

Sam Dober, a senior

governments

Pratik

Sinha,

Indian

nonprofit

fact-checking

website,

many

different

India to keep valid points of

political

our country is facing.

conten-

“I am disappointed

tion from the left in the

with the current state of

The use of Twitter is indistinguishably linked to free speech as it is a necessary tool used by people in the modern age.

country, off of the app.

“Billionaires

like

Musk and [Facebook’s Mark] Zuckerberg, who live in an extremely privileged

bubble,

- Sam Dober

clearly

discourse in this country,”

Lamparello

said.

“I feel that Musk’s policy will ensure we truly have a public forum that is welcome to all

do not understand how

views. His management

the laws pertaining to

governments work in

of the platform is much

free speech in the re-

countries that are not

institution gets to decide

rary political discourse

more in line with what

spective

that

First World,” Sinha said.

to

users.

is no longer happening

the framers intended for

Twitter is operating in.

Support for Musk’s

Lamparello,

on main street or in a

the public sphere to look

Meaning that unless an

planned changes to cen-

a criminal justice pro-

public park. Given that,

like and is aligned with

individual’s input into

sorship regulations on

fessor, believes that the

and social media com-

the creation of a more

the application violates

Twitter comes largely

companies that design

panies effectively being

informed citizenry that

the law in their home

from those who believe

and maintain these on-

government actors as a

is crucial to democracy.”

country, their account

that

line platforms such as

result of their collabo-

will not be taken down.

important

Twitter,

have

ration with the govern-

omore and MIS major

ing users that align with

country

de-platforming figures

on

de-platform Adam

should

Anonymous

soph-

political science major, also believes that the 1st amendment and speech on social media platforms are importantly connected,

and

must

be protected similarly.

“The use of Twitter is indistinguishably linked to free speech as it is a necessary tool used by people in the modern internet age,” Dober said. “Therefore it is linked to our 1st amendment right and hence bans should only occur to individuals that threaten harm on others through their language.”

Musk’s

acquisition

Musk’s plan for the

Twitter have been used

free speech laws around

ment on multiple occa-

concurs with Lamparel-

future of censorship on

for political gain, in or-

discourse on their app

sions, especially in their

lo on the issue of speech

of Twitter has brought

Twitter has generated

der to shift the narra-

that are aligned with

restriction of dialogue

restriction, believing it to

on controversy and dis-

ample

from

tive of public discourse

the protections and re-

pertaining to certain as-

be only warranted when

agreement from many

those who remain op-

away from the con-

strictions on free speech

pects of the COVID-19

someone is advocating

different

posed and critical of

servatives in America.

in America that exist

crisis. They should only

something that is illegal.

public remains to see

the tech billionaire. Cit-

Musk himself believes

in the 1st amendment

be allowed to restrict and

“Whether we like it or

how his shifting policy

ing that this approach

this, tweeting “I’m wor-

of

Constitution.

control free speech to

not, these social media

concerning

is overly simplistic and

ried about de facto bias

Lamparello feels that

the extent that the gov-

platforms are a massive

will impact the utility

will propagate increased

in ‘the Twitter algorithm’

these companies should

ernment is allowed to.”

part of modern political

and functionality of the

misuse of the site, the

having a major effect

not be allowed to im-

believes

and social discourse, and

platform as we get fur-

presence of mob and

on

plement additional re-

that by doing this, a ro-

the restriction of a per-

ther into his stint as CEO.

concern

public

discourse,”.

the

VOLUME 100 | NO. 9

Lamparello

@GCSUnade

people.

The

discourse

@TheColonnade

Editorial Board

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

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

Contact thegcsucolonnade@gmail.com for more.

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

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

3

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

11.16.2022

NEWS

Trump subpoena sanctioned by Senate committee Lily Pruitt

week. Trump is expect-

tee and will end up in

Other students be-

more. It’s over. Trump

gotten off the hook with

Asst. News Editor

ed to run out the clock.

jail. Others believe that

lieve that this ordeal

did not incite violence

each so-called offense.

If he does so, and be-

he will be off the hook.

is a waste of time.

under the first amend-

“I think it’s just going

cause the recent election

Many GC students

“Trump’s subpoena is

ment. There is no pos-

to turn into another thing

shows a republican ma-

tend to feel different

not completely unprec-

sible way his behavior

that Trump was accused

jority of the House, the

ways about what the

edented, but I believe

could be construed as

of that is brushed off due

committee’s work will

outcome

Trump’s

it is a lost effort,” said

such,” said Lamparello.

to lack of evidence. It’s

most likely abruptly end.

subpoena will be. Many

senior criminal justice

There have been many

probably just going to be

President Trump

Donald

was

subpoe-

naed for the January 6th hearings, the attack on the U.S Capitol building. A subpoena is a

of

another waste of taxpay-

lawful order to produce

er money,” said Cortez.

documents or to testify.

Many people have the

Liz Cheney and Bennie

opinion that the Janu-

Thompson formally ad-

ary 6th committee that

dressed the subpoena by

subpoenaed Trump for

saying that Trump or-

his “acts” of violence,

chestrated the overturn

is a sham. They believe

of the 2020 presidential

that trump did not in-

election and oversaw it.

cite violence and to call

Trump was given the

out Trump as so, fur-

date of November 4th

ther divides our country.

to provide documents to

“The blame on Trump

the committee and No-

for this is based on

vember 14th to appear

complete

for a deposition. There

misunder-

standing of the law and

are two ways this could

really has been used

affect the past presi-

for

political

dent.

es,”

said

The

committee

could refer the case to the Justice Department for prosecution or they could proceed in court.

The

committee

ceived

word

refrom

Trump’s lawyers and extended his deadline to provide the committee documents by another

According to Adam

choose to believe that

major

Cortez.

instances where Trump

Lamparello, GC law pro-

with his record, he will

“There is no surefire

has been in “hot water”

fessor, if someone does

be

lightly.

way to prove everything

with American citizens.

not comply with a sub-

“I think Trump will

he is being accused of.”

From impeachment to

poena, they could be

only get a slap on the

in violation of federal

punished

Sarah

Some

people

election fraud, to now

wrist because of his mon-

have a bolder opin-

perjury, Trump has not

law. There is chatter that

ey and connections,” said

ion

ordeal.

been completely popu-

Trump will not com-

senior criminal justice

“I don’t know why

lar among half the vot-

ply with the commit-

major Rhianna Vidrine.

on

anybody

this cares

any-

ers but has seemingly

purpos-

Lamparello.

Fortunately, not everyone believes the same way, and many do believe that Trump incited violence and should comply with the committee.

Either way, American citizens will find out in the next few weeks what decisions are to be made.

Stop throwing soup

Two people from the activist group, Just Stop Oil, threw soup at a Van Gogh painting Shadimon Smith

silently protesting for

the protestors targeting

considered actions in

Contributing Writer

many years now but has

a piece of iconic art like

response to a desperate

now taken new measures

that because they want

state of affairs regarding

to raise awareness. The

to get in front of people,”

the health of our planet.

British government an-

said McNaught. “I think

Some students find

nounced that they were

the message they want to

this act to be funny,

now allowing new oil and

send out requires some-

but not at all beneficial.

gas licenses after com-

thing like this. I don’t

“I thought it was in-

mitting to fight against

think it was too far and

teresting in almost a

climate change in hopes

I think things have to

silly way,” said soph-

of improving domestic

be more dramatic and

omore

production. This pushed

brash and riskier than

Rehema Karanja. “We

the activist group to take

ever to get attention.”

know they are making a

change

a new form of protesting.

“It’s not the only way

statement by doing this,

has been an issue for

Some people do be-

to get attention, but it

but how is this help-

many years now,” said

lieve that this act of

is one way,” said GC art

ing the environment?”

GC

protesting was an ap-

professor,

In London on October 14th, two members of the Just Stop Oil activist group covered a Van Gogh painting in tomato soup. Covering The SunFlowers was a form of nonviolent activism to raise awareness for the issue of climate change.

“Climate

gallery

Megan

director, McNaught.

propriate

way,

Bill

Fisher.

espe-

Fisher found the ac-

The Just Stop Oil ac-

cially in today’s world.

tivism to be well-or-

tivist group has been

“I totally understand

ganized

and

deeply

Some dents

biology

I think it brings attention, but it isn’t bringing change.

-Mariah Hamlin

major

GC

stu-

believe

that

the act did nothing.

“I just don’t think violating historical artifacts is the appropriate way to raise awareness,” said sophomore English

ment on how we can

I’m all for people stand-

do things any better”

ing up for what they be-

“If I were more in-

lieve in,” said Kosobud.

vested, I would defi-

Some

are

hopeful

nitely use the subjective

that this form of activ-

view of art to portray

ism which was covered

the dangers of climate

in the news worldwide,

change,” said Kosobud.

will bring more aware-

GC

students

also

ness to climate change,

believe that the act is

and will spur some form

not as big of a deal as

of

beneficial

actions.

it is made out to be.

“It could spur ma-

“The painting is just

jor cultural institutions

although the act was

an object and no one was

to do their most for the

not beneficial, it still

harmed,”

Karan-

cause of environmen-

brings

ja.

soup

tal awareness, and that

“I think it brings

isn’t raising money and

would be great,” said

attention, but it isn’t

what they need is mon-

Fisher. “Will it lead to

bringing change,” said

ey to fix the problem.”

real positive change, or

sophomore early child-

“As someone who re-

at least add to the pub-

hood education major

ally appreciates historical

lic discourse in ways

Mariah Hamlin. “It’s not

art, I would not partic-

that benefit our future

making an active state-

ipate in that sense, but

generations? I hope so.”

major Claire Kosobud Others believe that

awareness.

said

“Throwing

4

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

11.16.2022

NEWS

Watch out; your spam emails could really be hackers Lily Pruitt

Asst. News Editor In the past months, there have been several emails that have been sent out to the students of GC about phishing.

Most students tend to ignore these emails; however, most have begun to recognize the dangers of these phishers due to the most re-

cent emails sent out.

“Awareness is the biggest thing,” said Susan Kerr, GC Chief Information Officer.

In September, a student had her GC email account hacked and the hacker sent approximately 10,000 phishing emails to other students.

Several students did click on the links provided in these emails, and some provided their infor-

mation. As a result, GC Information Security had to force a password reset on all accounts that may have provided any information to the hackers or those who received the email.

At the beginning of October, another email account was compromised and was used to send phishing emails that held links and instructions to copy and

Claire O’Neill | Art Director

paste links. GC Information Security sent out yet another email regarding students needing to do a password change immediately.

Kerr said that the most common way for someone to fall victim is a message that has “urgent” in the subject line or within the email.

Statistics show that younger people are more susceptible to hackers because many have not learned how to recognize those phishing attempts. Most of the 1 in 3 people that are victimized are younger.

GC’s information security receives reports of phishing emails and suspicious activity on a daily basis. It is reported that there is a hacker attack every 39 seconds worldwide, which means it is very common, especially on college campuses.

Many students have claimed that they often do not see emails from the school.

“It’s common for me

to miss emails from my GC account,” said junior Terrence Phillip. “It’s because of Duo 2-Factor authentication.”

“I never received any harmful phishing emails that I know of, but I did receive the warnings about them,” said sophomore marketing major, Tucker Sutton.

This is unfortunate since 2-factor authentication is a great way to avoid being hacked.

Susan Kerr said that many apps or platforms that offer 2-factor authentication, should be taken advantage of for safety purposes.

A good number of students have expressed that any emails they receive that do not directly pertain to classes, they view as spam and delete them. This turned out to be beneficial for those students because they didn’t have to worry about being hacked.

“If you have a question about something, before you act on it,

contact our help desk.

Let us help,” said Kerr.

The key to avoiding being a victim of hackers, is to check the direct company or person’s email address and/ or phone number. A good way to validate the potential phishing activity is to go directly to the source, such as calling a company’s online number, or a person.

Many students seem to be aware of the issues that GC addresses, even if they are not directly involved. Most students feel relieved that GC takes such actions in protecting their students.

“I am glad that GC is knowledgeable and forthright about our data when it is potentially at risk,” said Phillip.

The best way to avoid being a victim of hackers and phishing emails is to be aware, ask questions, have security, and upgrade all software when it is needed.

“Be suspicious,” said Kerr.

The Republican party’s split vote in U.S. elections Rebecca Meghani News Editor During the midterm election cycle, voters have been targeted with candidates’ ads that promote their campaigns.

This has resulted in multiple smear campaigns, specifically against Herschel Walker, GA’s Republican candidate, by Raphael Warnock, GA’s Democratic candidate.

Walker has been accused of pressuring women to get an abortion with the second women revealing her claims right before the election day.

During a press conference on Oct. 26, an anonymous woman accused Walker of pressuring her to have an abortion in 1993. Walker has expressed support for a federal abortion ban, one of the strictest with no exceptions for rape, incest, or the life of the mother.

“Herschel Walker is a hypocrite and he is not fit to be a U.S. senator,” Jane Doe said. “We don’t need people in the U.S. Senate who profess one thing and do another.

Jane Doe brought forth evidence of her relationship with Walker and he has continuously denied claims that he paid for an abortion, including at an event in northeast GA. “You know, guys, I’m done with this foolishness,” Walker said. “I’ve already told people this is a lie.”

There have been suspicions that releasing this information in the manner it was done is a strategy by the Democratic party to hurt Walker’s numbers in the midterms. Jane Doe stated

she decided to come forward with this information after she heard that Walker denied previous allegations from another woman who stated he paid for her abortion.

According to The Associated Press, Warnock received 49.4% of the vote while Walker received 48.5% resulting in a December runoff election.

Due to this continuation of the election, the voters will continue to face the onslaught of political ads throughout the next month. Warnock and other democratic groups have spent millions on ads to derail Walker’s campaign.

According to OpenSecrets, a nonprofit that tracks money in politics, both Warnock, Walker and outside groups have spent a total of $262 million.

Walker has faced much controversy during his campaign cycle which seemingly may have affected his numbers.

“Going into the senate race, we have a candidate that is propped up by the national Republican party, specifically Donald Trump, and I think the voters can tell the difference between a candidate like Kemp who can stand on their own and a candidate like Walker who really can’t and does what he is told which made the difference for me,” said Connor Hilly, a junior political science and economics major.

“I voted for Brian Kemp and in the senate race, I voted third party because I didn’t like either candidate and I don’t know what I was hoping for but I knew that I couldn’t in good conscience vote for either of them.”

Even throughout

the Republican party, there have been doubts about Walker among some due to his past.

“His history clearly shows he doesn’t give a damn about abortion,” Hilly said. “For me, I’m a pro-choice voter so it’s hard for me to distinguish if that matters to pro-life voters. I will say, for most of my pro-life friends, they voted for him anyways but it definitely mattered to me and the results show it matters to other people as well.”

Though the senate election went into a runoff, the republican candidate for governor, Brian Kemp, won his election by 7.5%, according to The Associated Press. Within the Republican party, there have been differences between Trump backed candidates, like Walker, and non-Trump backed candidates, like Kemp.

“This is a sign that Republican messaging right now is not working, that the MAGA wing of the party is not effective to people,” Hilly said.

“There’s a lot of issues voters are concerned about and we were prophesying a red wave, you hear it across social media and cable news channels but it didn’t happen. I think it didn’t happen because Republicans are going too close to the sun, too far to the right with the MAGA wing of the party. If you look across the country, most of the Trump backed candidates when non-Trump backed candidates did better.”

MAGA, Make America Great Again, has become a popular slogan within the Republican Party since Donald

Trump, former President of the United States and currently running for president for 2024, used it during his past presidential campaign. This movement has been viewed as more radical in comparison to the moderate side of the Republican party that has quickly become popular among Republican voters.

“MAGA has driven a wedge between voters within the Republican party,” Hilly said. “This is an omen for Republicans and we need to change the message.

Tuesday’s results showed that we flew too close to the sun. The MAGA movement has created a radical wing of the party that has always been there, I mean both parties have their radical parties, but Trump has added fuel to that fire and there’s a battle in the Republican party.”

As Walker is a Trump

backed candidate and has also been accused with allegations that damage his reputation, there is the question of morality versus policy when it comes down to voting.

This seems to have made a difference in GA’s midterms as Kemp outperformed the Democratic governor candidate, Stacey Abrams, but Walker was unable to do the same against Warnock.

“A lot of people thought he was morally neutral by just doing what is he told but there is a difference between that and someone who is not morally great and made a lot of mistakes,” Hilly said. “Who you are as a person matters but for other people, it’s plain down the line of policy and we can see that in people who just vote red or blue. Enough people do that to where morality doesn’t make a swing.”

Election day’s result in

the senate race can prove this clear difference between MAGA Republicans and more moderate Republicans by the race going into a runoff. GA has been known as a red state that arguably has shifted slightly in recent years with a higher percentage of voters voting for the Democratic party.

“I think GA is a purple state, I will go as far to say that I think we are a swing state,” Hilly said.

“If Republicans came back down to Earth, we wouldn’t really be a swing state. If we continue to promote these MAGA candidates, I think you’re going to lose more moderates and GA is going to become more purple.”

While morality is an issue for some voters, having Republican control over the senate may be more important which is what we may see reflected in GA’s runoff election.

Claire O’Neill | Art Director

5

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

11.16.2022

SPORTS PBC

Continued from page 1 This

performance

from Machovec won her PBC Volleyball Player of the Week for the week of October 31. She is the first GC volleyball player to win this title this year, the last being Ally Hall who won this title November 9 of 2021.

Machovec

finished

the regular season leading the team in kills with 246 and has the second most digs with 322.

“Definitely

since

last season, I have improved on my hitting,”

until she graduated. This

ball team is for the

new change of environ-

most part a younger

ment has helped Macho-

team, with one senior,

vec herself and the team.

Long, and one gradu-

“Rachel

has

made

ate student, Machovec.

such an impact not only

“I think experience

with being a great ath-

is something we real-

lete, but she is also an

ly needed,” Miller said.

amazing teammate,” said

“Most of our team is

junior Callie Miller. “She

new and we have a lot

is a very talented ath-

of freshmen playing, so

lete that we can look to

having an older team-

when we need a point

mate that is already a

in a tough game. She

good leader is a good

can always be counted

model for our young-

on in those moments.”

er teammates to see as

Machovec has been

they play. Her experi-

playing volleyball since

ence is a new perspec-

she started college. This

tive that we didn’t have.”

experience gives her fa-

attributes

knowledge

much of her success

and a phenomenal un-

to her teammates and

helped me fix technical

derstanding of the game.

coaches. Having a good

issues with my swing

“Rachel has a very

group of people that

Machovec

said.

“The

coaching staff has really

miliarity,

Machovec

that will help me hit

good

harder and improve the

said senior Emily Long.

you to grow in many

found

confidence

I am at now mentally

here at GC. With the

health of my shoulder.”

“She

when

ways, which Machovec

and comfortability in

or physically if I didn’t

Bobcats losing in the first

to make smart plays

has found here at GC.

the sport again with

have them by my side.”

round of playoffs, it will

op-

“At this point in the

this group of girls I play

thoroughly.”

season, I’m proud of myself because I have

This

is

Machovec’s

volleyball

IQ,”

knows

first season here at GC.

and

studies

She previously played for

ponents

conference rival Flagler

The

her

GC

volley-

supports

you

allows

Courtesy of GC Athletics

Rachel Machovec serves ball versus Augusta on Tuesday, Oct. 25.

my

Machovec

has

one

not be until next year that

with,” Machovec said.

more season to show off

Machovec and the rest of

“I could not be where

her skills and abilities

the team will be in action.

No. 1 Tennessee takes on No. 3 Georgia Skyla Morris

of “Dawg Nation” and

this performance will

Contributing Writer

were lucky enough to

be easy to remember.

After Week 10 in col-

witness

this

electric,

Freshman

was great.” Dean said.

been a proud Georgia

the opportunity to at-

unforgettable

fan since 2014. He did

tend a game at Sanford

chemis-

night in Athens drew an

not doubt that the Dawgs

Stadium but hopes to

This

lege football, there is no

loud, and rainy atmo-

try major Raylee Dean

incredible audience. Ac-

could conquer the Vol-

do so in the near future.

question who the num-

sphere for themselves.

has been a proud fan

cording to Yahoo Sports,

unteers, but was still

According to Onlin-

ber one team in college

“It was crazy. It was

since she was born. She

the

CBS-broadcasted

taken by surprise regard-

eAthens, Tennessee held

football is. The Georgia

very electric,” said Mat

considers Saturdays in

game drew more than 13

ing the game’s outcome.

incredible offensive stats

Bulldogs proved they

Meyer, a senior econom-

Athens to be a tradi-

million viewers, making

deserve that spot by

ics major. “I think we were

tion. “I’ve been going

starting the month with

a little underestimated,

to games since I was a

a dominating 27-13 win

and the impact that the

over the formerly No. 1

fans could bring in San-

Tennessee

Volunteers.

ford. I think it’s a big part

This incredible perfor-

of the reason why Geor-

mance by the Dawgs and

gia won how they did.”

the downfall of “Rocky

Meyer has been a fan

Top” brings great hope

since his junior year of

to fans across the state

high school. This was

for how the remainder of

one of the two games

this season will unfold.

he’s attended in Ath-

The reigning nation-

ens. Like many fans, he

al champs have faced

was surprised by how

many hurdles through-

the game unfolded for

out this season. With

both the teams involved.

Like

many

Geor-

compared to the rest of

it the most-watched Col-

gia fans, he loved what

the SEC. The Volunteers’

lege Football game of the

he saw in UGA head

Courtesy of Skyla Morris | Contributing Writer

Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia on Saturday Nov. 4 versus No. 1 Tennessee

perhaps the biggest win

“I thought it would be

in Sanford Stadium his-

a lot closer, originally,”

kid because my mom’s a

year. It attracted a larger

coach

tory, the Bulldogs proved

Meyer said. He recalls

huge fan, she graduated

audience than Game 6 of

defense

many ideas wrong, in-

his favorite part of the

from UGA,” Dean said.

the 2022 World Series be-

“I thought it was go-

cluding those of the

game in the fourth quar-

She couldn’t pick one

tween the Astros and the

ing to be a lot more of

game, and 553 yards of

fans, media, and some

ter, where the stadium

play that was her favorite.

Phillies, which consist-

a shootout than it was,”

total offense per game.

of our own GC Bobcats.

was filled with the roars

we

ed of over 12.5 viewers.

Sanchez said “Overall

The Dawgs held this pro-

Several of GC’s stu-

of Dawg Nation chant-

scored

a

touchdown,

Oliver Sanchez is a ju-

that’s the best the de-

lific offense to 13 points,

ing

everybody

cheered

nior music therapy ma-

fense has played all year.”

195 passing yards, and

and went crazy, so that

jor here at GC and has

Sanchez has not had

289 yards of total offense.

dents are proud to call themselves

members

For

“OVERRATED.” Georgia

fans,

“Every

time

Kirby

Smart’s

that

night.

offense

averaged

49.4

points per game, 353.4 offensive

passing

per

6

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

11.16.2022

SPORTS

Brady and Rodgers face early-season struggles Autumn Arnette

side of being a successful

Staff Writer

QB, Brady has endured

team’s effort on gameday

more within his personal

is the most embarrass-

life in the last few months.

ing part of our team.”

Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers have caught the attention of NFL fans

Even at the age that

Brady

On

said,

“The

multiple

occa-

Brady is, fans expected

sions, Brady has an-

his typical top-tier per-

swered

formance once he decid-

regarding potential re-

ed to return from retire-

tirement in the middle

ment. After Brady took

of the season. To him-

time away from the team

self, he has zero regrets

during training camp,

about

missed

walk-throughs

and retirement is the

and tended to his person-

last thing on his mind.

to be better than him.”

es of 20 yards, and the

al life, the QB isn’t per-

“Brady has been an

For Aaron Rodgers

team is averaging 17.8

forming like he used to.

outstanding player for

and the Green Bay Pack-

points per game, the

Brady and Aaron Rodg-

too long,” said Carson

ers, their season has also

lowest scoring six-game

looked like, these lead-

The Buccaneers’ re-

ers are not the first QB’s

cent losses cannot all

Cale, a junior market-

fallen short of being suc-

stretch of Rodgers career.

ers of offenses seem

to make it this long in

be pinned on the lack

ing major. “I do believe

cessful. The Packers have

to be going nowhere.

of Brady’s performance.

that his age is catch-

a losing record seven

on Rodgers frequent-

Tom Brady, 45, has

Some of his most sig-

ing up to him. There

games into a season for

ly

struggled noticeably for

nificant

re-

are much more valu-

the first time since Rod-

practices which inev-

the Tampa Bay Bucca-

volve around the lack

able QBs younger than

gers became the starter.

itably affected how he

neers this season. Out-

of offensive weapons.

him

To fans, Rodgers has

plays with the team.

this season due to their uncharacteristic performances. On and off the field, Brady and Rodgers have reacted poorly in their recent losses.

Many would consider these players to be among the greatest of all time, but because of what their season has

issues

questions

playing

with

again,

capabilities

Aaron Rodgers

exacerbated

their

Brady,

missed

In

Aar-

off-season

recent

inter-

uation with bad body

views, Rodgers has ex-

language and an un-

pressed

interested

the

mentality.

concerns

team

by

for

saying,

Players

like

Tom

the league. At the age that they are now, ego and ability are two of their biggest contenders.

Matthew Leo, a senior business

major,

said,

“Their recent time on the field has shown that their career will end soon.”

As the NFL approach-

Spear Celaya, a soph-

“Guys who are mak-

omore business major,

ing too many mistakes

said, “His attitude has

shouldn’t be playing.”

taken over the season

“The minute that Rod-

Rodgers still have time

for him. He truly plays

gers gave coaching ad-

to turn their seasons

like he is still practicing.”

vice is the minute I knew

around, and fans all

the

he should retire,” said

across the league are cu-

Packers’ statistics, Rod-

sophomore management

rious to see how these

gers is completing just

information systems ma-

seasoned veterans will

26.7 percent of his pass-

jor, Sam Hutto. “Playing

do in the final stretch.

According

Aaron Rodgers

sit-

Like

is not in his best interest.”

to

es the second half of the season, Brady and

Hayden’s Hot Takes: Week 11 Hayden Flinn

sippi State. It was a closer

Sports Editor

first half than expect-

Nothing changes in

ed as UGA led 17-12.

Georgia

my top four teams in college

football.

The

best win of the weekend came from the fourthranked

TCU

Horned

Frogs who defeated No. 18 Texas on the road in a tough atmosphere 17-10.

The

Horned

Frogs

proved their worth in the top four this week with this resume win.

The Horned Frogs control their own destiny and will earn a spot in the

College

Football

Playoff if they win out

ed

the

dominatsecond

half

from the start as the offense

exploded

for

28 points in the second half. Georgia took the victory 45-19 and clinched an SEC Championship birth against the top ten LSU Tigers.

Ohio State remains in the second spot of my rankings. After struggling on the road last week against Northwestern, the Buckeyes showed

Claire O’Neill | Art Director

out in Week 11, blow-

Hayden’s top four teams in college football after Week 11.

ing out Indiana 56-14.

were no concerns against

Wolverine defense put

Indiana, as they had two running

touchdown.

into the College Foot-

on a stellar performance,

The biggest upset of

ball Playoff if they had

eclipse

holding Nebraska to just

the week came at the fall

won out and won the

rushing.

146 total yards of offense.

of the sixth-ranked Or-

Pac-12. With this loss,

The Michigan Wol-

Star running back Blake

egon Ducks, who came

and their blowout loss

verines stayed strong in

Corum had another im-

up short 37-34 against

against Georgia in Week

downs. The Buckeyes

Week 11 as they dom-

pressive

performance

the Washington Huskies.

1, the Ducks’ hopes of

Mississippi to take on the

had concerns about their

inated

Nebraska

as he carried the ball

The Ducks were hoping

making it to the postsea-

other Bulldogs of Missis-

rushing attack, but there

Cornhuskers 34-3. The

28 times for 162 yards

to scratch their way back

son seem out of reach.

and win the BIG-12 title.

The offense rediscov-

My number one team

ered their identity as

in the nation remains

Heisman Trophy candi-

the same after another

date CJ Stroud complet-

solid win from the Geor-

ed 17 of 28 passes for

gia Bulldogs. The Dawgs

297 yards and 5 touch-

traveled

Starkville,

to

100

back

yards

the

and

one

7

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

11.16.2022

ARTS & LIFE

GC Forensics speech and debate team return Cale Strickland Staff Writer

After hiatus,

a

years-long

GC’s

speech

and debate team, GC Forensics,

is

back.

In his first semester at GC, Dr. Nathan Bedsole, an assistant rhetoric professor, is the direc-

study and practice the

to celebrate and culti-

said. “In speech and de-

fortable speaking to oth-

terested in debate,” Her-

enchanted art of or-

vate the student voice

bate, we learn strategies

ers or even speaking in

rin said. “Right now, the

atory,”

at

College.”

to break down prompts,

front of large groups of

‘debate-side’ of the club

Anna Lippy, a senior

how to form a strong

people,” Connor said. “I

only has a few mem-

Bedsole

said.

As the team’s direc-

Georgia

tor, he plans on expand-

environmental

science

argument, and how to

ing the group’s com-

major, was on her high

articulate our thoughts.”

petitive and communal

school’s debate team, but

She believes speech

aspects to transform it

she did not have the best

and debate have al-

into one of GC’s integral

experience. Her time as a

student

member of GC’s team has

organizations.

lowed her to harness language’s full potential.

bers compared to the ‘speech-side.’ Anyone in-

They’re not things I’d learn in my classes.

terested in debate should get involved. You don’t need any experience to be a valuable member.”

-Anna Lippy

“It’s empowering to be

Bedsole

a part of this club because I’m learning how to make my words as powerful as they can be,” Lippy said.

Sairsha

Connor,

a

freshman mass communication major, is new to speech and debate. At first, the idea of being on the team intimidated her.

“I didn’t get involved in the team until later in the semester, around Courtesy of Dr. Nathan Bedsole

GC Forensics team members pose for pictures during one of their weekly meetings Monday.

tor of the team. So far,

“I intend the team,

been the exact opposite.

he loves Milledgeville.

moving forward, to en-

“I was on my high

“Our small class size,

gage in state-level, lo-

students,

and community focus

motivated

make Georgia College a wonderful place to

mid-September,”

Con-

nor said. “I had heard about the team pri-

interested students to atfeel that communication is a major skill necessary for any aspect of life, and I feel that I can achieve better interpersonal skills as a member of the team.”

In Lippy’s opinion, the team provides valuable

knowledge

classroom

the

does

not.

“The skills and techniques we work on are so valuable,” Lippy said.

“They’re not things I’d learn in my classes.”

tend the group’s events.

The team holds meetings on Mondays at 5 p.m. in Terrell Hall Room 108.

“These events range from limited preparation, impromptu speaking, prepared rhetorical performances of original research, and prepared oral interpretations of poetry, drama, and prose,” Bedsole said.

Debate and speech is open to students of all dis-

a

ciplines and skill levels,

ly intimidated by it.”

not just rhetoric majors.

school debate team for

senior economics ma-

Now, she wishes she

“The team welcomes

cal, and campus-level

one year and didn’t like

jor, aims to compete in

joined sooner. Through

those of any and all lev-

controversies with pub-

it, because we didn’t fo-

the team’s debates. He

her involvement with

urges his peers to join

els of expertise — in-

lic

Bedsole

cus on learning how to

the team, she hopes to

the team’s debate wing.

cluding none — and

said. “At the end of the

debate, but rather how

become a better speaker.

“Personally, I think we

is great for any level of

day, our raison d’être is

to talk quickly,” Lippy

“I want to feel com-

need more members in-

interest,” Bedsole said.

debates,”

or, but I was honest-

encourages

Samuel

Herrin,

Celebrity costume controversies

Can Halloween costumes be offensive?

Cara Radosevich Staff Writer

spectful because that vio-

doesn’t shock or bother

lence actually happened,”

me as much as the oth-

making fun of religion is

Megan Fox and Ma-

said

Acosta,

er costume they wore.”

“out-of-bounds,” just like

art

major.

Machine Gun Kel-

someone’s

Panter,

junior

ly also dressed up as

“Many

Natalia

chine Gun Kelly dressed

freshman

up as Pamela Anderson

Lily

and Tommy Lee for Hal-

marketing major, also

loween, and this was crit-

feels

icized online. Because

this

similarly costume

about choice.

there was a lot of domes-

“Regarding the nega-

tic violence that occurred

tivity surrounding who

in Anderson and Lee’s re-

they dressed up as, this is

lationship, this costume

just like people dressing

was

online

up as Jeffrey Dahmer,”

for being in poor taste.

said Lily Painter, ju-

“That relationship was

nior marketing major.

definitely toxic and abu-

“People glorify trage-

sive. It just feels disre-

dies all the time, so this

criticized

argued

that

appearance. people

fled

a sexy priest and Me-

countries to have re-

gan Fox dressed up as a

ligious

sexy nun for Halloween,

people still die today

which garnered criti-

because of their beliefs.

cism online due to the

By sexualizing this, it

sexualization of religion.

makes it seem like they

Acosta said that it

could not care less about

freedom,

and

is not her place to say

sexualizing

whether someone can

the

wear a costume that

or quite honestly, any

sexualizes

religion.

other one,” Painter said.

However, she said that

Billie Eilish and her

the

couple’s

people

Catholic

of

religion,

costume

boyfriend Jesse Ruth-

was the “opposite” of

erford’s costumes were

a

religious

costume.

“I can’t really say whether they are allowed

Courtesy of Billie Eilish’s press kit

Some

also heavily criticized.

The couple has an 11year age difference, and

Courtesy of Megan Fox press kit

wrote critical comments.

freshman nursing ma-

“I guess that kind of

jor, also found Eilish

makes me a little un-

and Rutherford’s cos-

comfortable just because

tume

they are a couple,” Acosta said. “If they were two friends that had a big age gap, and they decided to dress up as a little kid and an older person, it would be funny.”

inappropriate.

“Granted,

he

was

matching one of his friends who was dressed up as a grandmother, and he was a grandfather, but Billie did not have to be baby by any means.

to do that or not. But

they dressed up as a

She also said that

fundamentally, just the

baby and an old man for

the costume choice was

concept of a sexy priest

Halloween. Eilish post-

“kind

and a sexy nun, I find it

ed the couple’s costume

because it normalizes in-

in The Neighborhood

kind of disgusting. Those

on

which

appropriate relationships

and they have a song

things just do not belong

made light of their 11-

with a large age gap.

called

together,” Acosta said.

year age gap, and fans

Instagram

of

Hannah

concerning”

Hollis,

That

was

awkward.

But it’s funny that he’s

though,”

Daddy

Issues,

said

Hollis.

8

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

11.16.2022

ARTS & LIFE

Student Spotlight: Jada D’Antigac

GC senior releases her own poetry book

Courtesy of Jada D’Antigac

Hannah Adams Asst. Opinion Editor This September, Jada D’Antignac, senior mass communication

ma-

jor, fulfilled her life goal of publishing a poetry

variety of hardships, par-

are going to have your

thing. If I have boy prob-

Google Doc to make it

for, but I can’t say yet. It’s

ticularly for those in their

good times along with

lems or family issues,

into an actual book. It

like a reflection book,

teens and early twenties.

the bad, and you are

or at any time where I

took a couple of weeks.”

it’s kind of changes that

As the book continues,

going to make mis-

feel

the growth and maturi-

takes and learn lessons.”

ty of the author are evi-

Anjali Shenoy | Digital Editor

book, coming soon. The book is available on Amazon and is published under the pseudonym ‘Nooneiswatching’.

She

uses this collection of poetry to express the emotional

experiences

Anjali Shenoy | Digital Editor

dent through the voice of the writer. Her works range from addressing family issues and heartbreak, to providing hope for the reader that situations will get better even in the worst of times.

has

need to be made or that

I just put it on paper.”

been popular amongst

you have made or cy-

After discovering her

It was during the

GC students, and D’An-

cles that you’ve noticed

love of poetry at an early

month of September that

tignac newly announced

in your life or experi-

age, D’Antignac decid-

D’Antignac

organized

the upcoming release of

ences and emotions that

ed during her teenage

her works into a unified

her next book. Without

you want to reflect on.”

years that she wanted

piece, and her first offi-

revealing the potential ti-

With the upcoming

to write a book one day.

cial novel was created.

tle, D’Antignac described

work to be published, as

Although writing has

Coming soon is a collec-

this next work is set to

well as coming soon still

always been a personal

tion of poetry that takes

be a reflection piece.

being in the new phases

interest of hers, she felt a

place

“This book is a reflec-

of publication, D’Antig-

special connection with

highs and lows of the au-

tion book,” D’Antignac

nac has had an eventful

the style of poetry. Her

thor’s life, ranging from

said. “I’m still consider-

year. It will be interest-

poems became an outlet

the years of 2017 to 2022.

ing the title, for the last

ing to see the new styles

for her. It allowed her to

After deciding to dis-

book I waited until ev-

and topics included in

project her innermost

tribute her work, D’An-

erything was done before

her next work, along

emotions in an artistic

tignac began the steps

I came up with the title,

with seeing the support

way that was therapeutic

of self-publication, and

so this one I have a title

of other GC students.

and productive. Putting

this proved to be a slight-

her thoughts on paper

ly challenging process.

became a habit and over

“The process was dif-

time, her collection grew

ficult because it was my

into one cohesive piece.

first-time

strong

emotions,

during

various

Coming

soon

self-publish-

“I don’t want to say

ing anything, and doing

was

all the time, but when

it on my own with no

embrace

things happen,” D’An-

help,” D’Antignac said.

the universal emotions

change and the differ-

tignac said. “When I’m

“I used an Amazon web-

of young people today.

ent phases of our lives,”

happy, when I’m sad,

site and had to re-for-

Coming soon covers a

said D’Antignac. “You

when I go through some-

mat everything from my

Anjali Shenoy | Digtal Editor

rent and discovered that his wife was pregnant. Af-

“It was a really interesting and valuable expe-

ter he is fired from his gig as an Elvis imperson-

rience for me because the actors and the crew are

ator, Casey finds himself desperate. That is when he

in my classes and are my friends,” Mastras said.

meets Miss Tracy Mills, an elegant but tough-loving

“So I had to learn to differentiate the two and go

drag queen. She takes Casey under her wing and

from being their peer to their director every day.”

transforms him into Georgia McBride who quick-

Directing this show served as Mastras’s se-

ly becomes the most exciting queen in Florida.

nior capstone for his theatre major. He said

of her life while also creating a connection with the reader and some of

“The basically

theme to

PLAY

Continued from page 1 “I had a few different show options that I was thinking of but as I was reading the script for The Legend of Georgia McBride I realized that it had such an overwhelmingly positive message,” Mastras said. “It is just a heart-warming and loving show.”

The play follows Casey, a young Elvis Presley impersonator who barely makes a living. He was broke, had his landlord pestering him for his late

Mastras

experienced

some

difficulties

not only as a director but also as a student.

that he was grateful for this experience and learned

much

about

his

love

for

theatre.

9

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

11.16.2022

OPINION VOTERS

ads contained informa-

ness or information, one

Continued from page 1

tion that election dates

must be careful to do ex-

“Facebook and Tik-

had been changed. Face-

tensive research on what

Tok failed to block ad-

book approved a signif-

they are sharing. Many

vertisements with “bla-

icant number of these

young people, instead

tant”

misinformation

ads, but TikTok approved

of conducting their own

about when and how

90% of them. Now in case

research, turn to their

to vote in the US mid-

you were thinking this is

favorite influencers and

terms, as well as about

because these platforms

cast their votes based

the integrity of the vot-

are incapable of screen-

upon

ing process, according

ing every ad before they

may or may not be true.

to a new report from

run, YouTube stopped

I would never fault

human rights watchdog

every single one of these

someone for having an

Global Witness and the

ads and suspended the

opinion or an opinion

Cybersecurity for De-

account that tried to run

that differs from my

mocracy Team (C4D)

them.

per-

own. Sometimes it takes

at New York University.”

formance

that

debating and differing

This new study found

these other platforms

opinions for changes to

that major social media

have no excuse. This is

occur. However, it be-

er form of propaganda.

for the potential next

misinformation. It is our

platforms are profiting

yet another example of

comes a problem when

I will never pretend to

candidates. I am not here

responsibility to help ed-

from ads designed to

corporate greed literally

people stop thinking for

be a person that is fully

to say that this is the best

ucate those who may not

stop people from voting.

destroying

democracy.

themselves. I think social

and completely knowl-

and only way to conduct

have the opportunities

This recent experiment

On top of fake ads

media can be used as an

edgeable when it comes

yourself when rereferring

to gain upper education.

tried to run ads on Face-

being approved, many

excellent tool to spread

to politics. Sharing my

to politics, however it is

It is our responsibility to

book, TikTok and You-

influencers and popu-

information, but it is also

political views or debat-

what works best for me.

conduct educated votes

Tube featuring blatant

lar creators turn to their

important that young

ing about my opinions is

With my disclaimer

that will help make our

election misinformation

platforms to spread mis-

people learn to take this

something I like to keep

said, I think it is our jobs

democracy grow stron-

about how to cast your

information for views.

information with a grain

between my family, close

as journalists, opinion

ger, in turn strengthening

ballots and whether the

This is not to speak for

of salt and even begin

friends, or in the privacy

columnists and citizens

our government to sup-

elections were safe. The

every creator, however

fact checking to ensure

of my own home while

of the United States to

port our growing societal

claims presented in these

when spreading aware-

that this is not just anoth-

conducting my research

prevent the spread of

and economical needs.

Abigayle Allen

with bullies in elementa-

my words based on my

ugly sweater your great

ally made for purpose.

created a different real-

Opinion Editor

ry school or mean girls in

surroundings, avoiding

aunt knitted for you, you

Whether this purpose is

ity with your lies. Our

remember

high school. In trying to

confrontation and doing

lied. Is this lying justified?

to create a magical world

brains react to this con-

when rapper-flutist, Liz-

suppress feelings of sad-

my best to not share my

These lies were more

for our children, or, more

tinued dishonesty, and

zo, put out her hit song,

ness triggered by hurtful

own opinions or per-

like white lies. A lie in

often, to be polite and

it can almost become a

“Truth Hurts” back in

words, I began internal-

sonal truths in attempts

general is usually told

demonstrate social man-

habit or second nature to

2019. This resurgence of

izing valid emotions that

ners. Being totally honest

one to tell a lie. Wheth-

the moral dilemma, to

had a profound impact

in certain situations can

tell the truth or to tell

on my mental health.

be offensive and employ-

a lie, many of us strug-

As a creative writing

ing white lies can show

gle with struck a line in

student, I learned the

signs of civility. The dif-

me. I began question-

power that words hold

ference here is that real

ing myself when telling

on the lives of many peo-

lies, big lies, can be seen

a story, giving advice or

ple and myself. Words

as self-serving with more

even dealing with my

are used when deliver-

of a negative connotation.

personal opinions about

ing powerful speeches,

The way I see it, when

things. Do I tell the truth

in our favorite songs,

someone lies out of al-

with the possibility of

in propaganda used in

truism to protect others

offending someone with

shaping

feelings or to ease their

my words, or do I tell

ment and political views,

a lie to avoid conflict?

and even just personal conversations

YouTube’s proves

knowledge

that

Claire O’Neill | Art Director

Can honesty honestly be bad?

We

all

our

govern-

er it be told in attempts to seem less flawed or maybe even in sparing someone else’s suffering, telling many white lies or large lies can seem enticing. Some innocuous fibbing can, in turn, get you into trouble.

I think more than anything, sometimes lies are justified. Sometimes

Courtesy of Art Director | Claire O’Neill

pain, these lies can be

to spare someone that

with malicious intent

seen as acceptable. Most

between

shared knowledge that

or

con-

people lie to be con-

us learn the old saying

friends. Words are used

the truth, indeed can

sequences.

However,

siderate of others emo-

avoid hurt feelings and to

“sticks and stones may

to

ourselves,

hurt sometimes. The is-

when telling a white lie

tions, to protect their

maintain peace. While I

break my bones, but

written or spoken. It

sue with the prohibition,

or slightly bending the

own egos and self-im-

think that making a habit

words can never hurt me.”

is the way one delivers

“Do not lie”, is that we all

truth, the intent usu-

age or to compensate for

of lying is wrong, there is

This line is something I

these words that caus-

lie. If you have ever told

ally is positive with no

our sensitivity to power.

a time and a place when

can remember repeating

es the greatest impact.

a child about Santa Claus

grave

consequences.

I think the largest is-

it can be and is neces-

in my head when dealing

I find myself filtering

or lied that you loved the

White lies are usu-

sue comes when you’ve

sary to bend the truth.

Growing up, many of

express

detrimental

lies are needed in our social construct in order to

10

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

11.16.2022

OPINION

The Colonnade DC trip Hannah Adams Opinion Editor This past month, I had the opportunity to go on a work trip with my Colonnade co-workers to attend a journalism conference in Washington D.C. While on this trip, I was able to create some amazing connections with my coworkers and friends, as well as learn more about myself as an individual. Having the opportunity to get away from the usual monotony of Milledgeville I exited Washington DC feeling more in touch with myself and the potential pursuits that I may want to take on after college. Being able to listen to such remarkable speakers such as the famous, Woodward and Bernstein, caused me to feel connected with my dream to have a future career in journalism.

Listening to Woodward and Bernstein speak truly was a dream come true for any journalist. The stories and advice that they provided had every single person in the room on the edge of their seat, begging for more. It inspired me to have a desire to dig deeper as a young journalist and to never be afraid to do difficult reporting. Kelly Feng’s article, “Woodward and Bernstein offer lessons of the past” with The Clarion, Feng provided a summary of the two men’s offered advice to the audience within their segment.

“The two said one of the first things they did when starting the story was to start making calls and knocking on doors immediately,” Feng said.

“The ability to show up is a skill they’ve continued to do throughout their career. They mentioned

it is too easy to email or text a source when interviewing in person offers more insight and information. The two say they believe there are too many cases today of journalists just mailing it in. ‘We need to show up …We are not showing up enough,’ Woodward said.

They enlightened the audience on the importance of gathering information from low-level sources. Woodward said he learned from Bernstein the type of people made for the best sources.”

Along with the opportunity to see two of my career heroes in person, I was also able to explore Washington DC and experience the history that litters the city. Being so immersed in some of this country’s most remarkable historical reminders had a way of making me reflect. It influenced me to be thankful for the life I live and the freedoms I have. To also be thankful for the amazing friends and family that I have around me.

The washingtondc.org website published an article titled, “The History of Washington DC,” which covers some of the symbolism behind this country’s capital.

“It remains a vibrant and culturally diverse city today. The city is rich

with international cultures, African American heritage and culture and it’s also one of America’s most gay-friendly cities. In fact, DC recognized same-sex marriage in 2010, before the Supreme Court, nearby, ruled that it was a right in 2015. After more than 200 years as the nation’s capital, Washington has developed as a complex and layered city, with a distinctive character: both a town for locals, an international center of power and an amazing place to visit.”

The final takeaway from Washington DC for me was the connection I made with myself and the people I was with.

During this trip I was able to do an extensive amount of self-reflection that caused me to realize much about myself. While on this trip with such amazing and accepting people, I was able to just be myself and feel free to be expressive.

It was a liberating feeling that was a much-needed change for me. Sometimes, being in such a small town as Milledgeville causes you to feel like you must be part of the status quo to fit in and not be singled out by others. Leaving this trip, I felt lighter and happier than I had been before

it began. In the Travelex article titled, “Why travel is good for your health,” it explains why traveling is so beneficial for the human mind.

“The most obvious and potentially most important health benefit of traveling is stress reduction. Traveling has the ability to take you out of our daily routine and into new surroundings and experiences and this can reset your body and mind. Even planning a trip can have a fantastic effect on the body – it boosts happiness and feels rewarding. Not only does travel reduce stress but it expands the mind.

Meeting new people and adapting to new situa-

tions makes one more globally and culturally aware. This keeps the mind sharp, increases creativity and helps with personal growth.”

Sometimes, it takes getting out of one’s normal day to day atmosphere to truly do some inner exploration. To get out of the line of sight from the ones you see every day and just be who you want to be for even just a few days.

Along with this, feeding your inner self by doing the things you love or that interests you can be extremely aiding in self-discovery. It is during these times that you really discover who your real friends are.

The vilification of Sharpay Evans Jennifer Crider

ber. Troy and Gabriella

minished it into a strange

perform a duet with her.

cal 3” is when Sharpay

play and publicly humili-

Arts & Life Editor

are cast as the lead roles,

social movement. Her

Kelsey writes an upbeat

is treated the absolute

ates Sharpay which ruins

but they express that

passion was ripped away

jazzy duet for them, and

worst. Since she was a

her chances of attending

they feel embarrassed

from her, and she was so-

their compatible voices

child, she has been dili-

about this. Rather than

cially ostracized for the

create an absolutely phe-

gently working to attend

this prestigious school.

letting Ryan and Shar-

way she reacted to this.

nomenal

performance.

Julliard after graduation.

pay take the roles that

Even though Gabriella

But at the talent show,

This year, Sharpay and

they are ashamed of, the

is fully aware that Shar-

Gabriella

Troy are the lead roles,

In the “High School Musical” franchise, Sharpay Evans was repeatedly tormented by Troy and Gabriella, yet she was stereotyped as a “mean

performs

a

Sharpay is so close to the dream she has worked so hard to achieve when yet again the real vil-

girl” due to her hyper

lains, Gabriella and Troy,

femininity and passion-

decide their own self-

ate personality. After an-

ish needs are of a high-

alyzing the interactions

er priority than Shar-

between these charac-

pay’s future education.

ters, it is apparent that

Sharpay enjoys tradi-

Sharpay is the victim.

Sharpay

and

tionally feminine things

her

such as makeup, hair

brother, Ryan, have act-

and the color pink, but

ed in 17 school musicals,

she also does what she

and their dedication to

views as necessary to

musical theater is well known among the stu-

achieve her goals. Unlike

dents at East High. When

Sharpay, Gabriella does

Gabriella and Troy no-

not care about tradi-

tice the spring musicals

tionally feminine items.

audition sign up sheet,

They are both intelligent

they make fun of the play

and kindhearted wom-

and Sharpay’s eagerness

an, but Gabriella is por-

to sign up. However, they

trayed as the nice smart

both reluctantly decide

two use their participa-

pay does not like her,

slower rendition of the

and a Julliard recruiter

to audition even though

tion in the play to take a

Gabriella decides to get a

same song with Troy

is attending the open-

they are both busy with

stand against the social

summer job at the coun-

and the other workers,

ing night to analyze her

other

extracurricular

structure of their school.

try club that Sharpay and

and they exclude Shar-

performance.

activities, and they have

Sharpay is justified to feel

Ryan’s family owns. This

pay from this. Sharpay

of following through on

no prior experience in

anger towards two un-

country club is a safe

obviously feels betrayed

his commitments, Troy

acting, singing or danc-

grateful people who took

space where Sharpay is

that Gabriella took her

decides that visiting Ga-

ing. They arrive late and

the role that she was more

not tormentented for be-

son and the man she has

briella is more import-

unprepared for the au-

qualified for. Not only

ing herself. Every year,

a crush on, and every-

ant, so the inexperienced

teen movies in the ear-

dition, whereas, Sharpay

did they infiltrate the

Sharpay displays her tal-

one collectively makes

understudy fills in for

ly 2000’s often villain-

and Ryan’s perform a

hobby Sharpay is dedi-

ents at the summer talent

fun of her reaction.

Troy. The understudy

ized beautiful women

clearly rehearsed num-

cated to, but they also di-

show, and Troy agrees to

“High School Musi-

makes a mockery of the

with a strong work ethic.

Instead

girl. However, Sharpay is considered the villain due to her hyper femininity. The way Sharpay was placed into the sexist stereotype of a “mean girl” which displays how