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Christmas at the Mansion
Molly Goff Staff Writer
This December, Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion is adorned with 19th-century holiday decor, creating a magical atmosphere that transports visitors to an antique era.
From Nov. 16 through Dec. 23, the mansion will be fully decorated and open for tours, offering a unique glimpse into its storied past for guests to enjoy during one of the most festive times of the year.
The mansion’s decorations are specifically designed to showcase to visitors what Christmas could have looked like when there were still people living there, though it is supported by the modern blessings of technology.
“Christmas at the Mansion is a seasonal time where the mansion is fully decorated, and visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the Christmas traditions that would have taken place with the different individuals that resided here,” said Dani Schulze, interim director of historic museums and curator of education and public engagement.
As the sun sets, there is a special candlelight tour on Dec. 7 and 21, where the soft glow of candles illuminates the grand interiors while the melodic sounds of choirs fill the rotunda. With tours scheduled at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., these evenings promise an unforgettable experience that combines history, music and holiday cheer.
“Christmas Candlelight Tours are evening tours that are lit by gentle candlelight throughout the mansion,” said Schulze.
The staff at the Old Governor’s Mansion has worked tirelessly to make sure that the decorations for this year’s Christmas at the Mansion are not only authentic enough to transport guests to the 19th century but are also beautiful and enchanting.
“Our Christmas tree is the best piece the mansion offers,” said Schulze. “It is 22.5 feet tall and decorated with lights, crystals and historically inspired ornaments that would have been accurate to the 1800s. The Christmas tree is our show-stopping attraction.”
Monica Lewinsky, they can never make me hate you
Kylie Rowe A&L Editor
OPINION
In recent memory, Monica Lewinsky was 21 years old when she moved to Washington D.C. in 1995 for an unpaid internship in the White House under former President Bill Clinton. As a young woman, Lewinsky landed the internship of a lifetime working with the Chief of Staff, Leon Panetta.
As a 21-year-old almost college graduate interested in politics, I resonate a lot with Lewinsky and her career
ambitions. However, in 1998, when news broke of her “relationship” with Clinton, her career was ruined before it had even really started.
I think Lewinsky was treated unfairly by the press because she is a woman. Everyone seems to forget that there was probably a lot of pressure on Lewinsky to impress the President of the United States, and being pursued by a man with the highest position in the country was probably nerve-wracking.
Clinton had already been accused of sexual harassment by other
women, such as Paula Jones, who claimed that he exposed himself to her in 1991, only four years before Lewinsky started working closely with him.
As a 50-year-old married man, also literally the president, Clinton should have known not to pursue someone less than half his age. And if that were not despicable enough, he then lies over and over about the affair and then lets Lewinsky, a young woman in her 20s, take the majority of the heat.
The Electoral College Is
it a fair system?
Benjamin Clark Asst. Sports Editor
The Electoral College is the system used in the United States to choose the president and vice president. Instead of directly voting for a candidate, Americans vote for a group of people called electors, who then cast their votes for president.
Each state has a certain amount of points, which are allocated based on the number of federal house representatives that the state has, plus two votes for the state’s two federal senators.
270 points are required to win the election; however, many “swing states” are often the deciding factors in elec-
tions. If no one reaches 270, the House of Representatives picks the president from the top three candidates.
Over the previous elections, many Americans have become worried that the Electoral College is antiquated or in need of updating, according to Pew Research Center.
“The Electoral College is meant to be a rubber stamp for the opinions of the people,” said Benjamin Clark, a professor of political science. “So in that sense, it doesn’t work in the sense that it is intended to. That being said, I don’t necessarily have a problem with the electoral college, and I think that removing it to have some kind of direct national vote for the president would be more problematic for a couple of reasons.”
POLITICS & SPORTS
Brennan Schmitz Sports Editor
For many, the world of sports can be a place to escape from the heated political climate that society currently faces. However, politics and social issues often find themselves at the forefront of sports media.
Over the years, many athletes and coaches have unapologetically shared their views
on certain issues in interviews with the press and on social media.
Perhaps most notably, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick caused quite a stir in the NFL after taking a knee during the national anthem that is played prior to games during the 2016 preseason. Kaepernick commented on social media and sat out during the national anthem in protest
of police brutality, specifically the police killings of Alton Sterling, Philando Castille, Charles Kinsey and Freddy Gray. Kaepernick’s protest saw harsh backlash from many NFL fans and players, many of whom claimed that he was disrespecting the United States armed forces and that politics had no place in the NFL.
Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor
ELECTOR
Continued from page 1
Clark remarks on the original intentions of the Electoral College, being an organized way to accurately and efficiently elect a leader based on the opinions of the people. Clark also recognizes the premise of the popular vote and explains his position on whether the popular vote should hold more weight than the Electoral College.
“Well, so as far as in the current system here, the winner of the presidential election should be whatever the rules say it to be,” Clark said. “Both campaigns are campaigning based on the assumption that they are going for the electoral college.”
Clark’s perception seems to be on the complexity of the game of
campaigning, which is generally an extremely strategic process.
“I mean, I would keep it as it is, but I don’t like either system,” said Derek Kim, a junior political science and philosophy major. “However, I think it [the Electoral College] makes the election process and the campaign more strategic.”
Some GCSU students feel that the Electoral College should be revisited as a system and hold less weight than the popular vote in elections.
“I don’t think that states’ rights are as big a deal anymore,” said Margaret Bradford, a freshman accounting major. “We function as a whole country more than when the Electoral College was put in place. I think a popular vote would be a much better indicator of where everyone in the country stood.”
The Electoral College has been a way for the U.S. to elect the president through electors rather than a direct vote by the people, and it has been the national tradition to do so since the nation’s inception.
“I think that the electoral college works fine as far as a manifestation of our federal system; we are not a purely national federal system,” Clark said. “The people of America don’t ever vote on anything; we have never voted on anything. This would be a very radical departure in our system - to move toward a national vote for president.”
While the Electoral College plays a central role in the U.S. presidential election system, it remains a topic of debate due to concerns about fairness, representation and its impact on the democratic principle of one person, one vote.
The Trax on the Trail Project
Chloe Sanders Staff Writer
On Nov. 13, the Digital Humanities faculty held a workshop titled “Hearing U.S. Presidential Candidates in the Digital Age: The Trax on the Trail Project.” This workshop is centered around a research project that examined campaign music used during the past two United States presidential elections.
Dr. Dana Gorzelany-Mostak, associate professor of music, founded Trax on the Trail in 2015 and leads the project. It aims to study U.S. presidential campaign music. Trail Trax is a database that tracks, catalogs, and analyzes discrete instances of music on the trail, for example, at rallies, conventions, fundraisers and what is played across social media platforms.
Since 2015, Trax on the Trail has tracked over twelve thousand songs connected to the 2016, 2020 and 2024 presidential campaigns. Over 50 candidates are included, such as President Joe Biden, President-elect
Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
“Trax on the Trail offers scholars and the public a more complete record of all music for a single campaign and establishes a central hub where conversations about campaign music can take,” Gorzelany-Mostak said.
Elissa Auerbach, a student research assistant of the Digital Humanities Collaborative, defines the project as an initiative that supports faculty and students from humanities disciplines in using digital technologies for research.
“These technologies can do powerful things for us, such as present data in ways traditional research cannot,” said Auerbach. “Every semester, we offer workshops and presentations introducing various digital tools and methods, and we offer monetary awards to students to recognize achievement in DH research they present at the annual Research Day conference.”
The workshop began with an introduction by Gorzela-
VOLUME 104 | NO. 9
Editorial Board
Kate Verity.........................
Paige Blakemore............
Julia Jensen.......................
Shadimon Smith.............
Editor in Chief
Managing Editor
Art Director
News Editor
Emma Eslinger................
Asst. News Editor
Brennan Schmitz...........
Sports Editor
Benjamin Clark...............
Kylie Rowe.........................
Mary Ciucevich...............
Delaney Derry..................
Isabella McComis..........
Matthew Malkowski.....
Rebecca Ocampo..........
Kassie Arps.......................
Eva Galova........................
ny-Mostak. She gave some background on the database as well as an explanation of why and when it was created.
Trail Trax’s mission is to promote a more critical evaluation of how sound and music shape the public’s perception of presidential candidates.
“I thought it would be exciting to closely follow a campaign and observe how it unfolds musically in real-time,” said Dr. Dana Gorzelany-Mostak. “So much musical activity goes on during campaign season, and while much of it is documented, it is difficult to assemble a complete picture of what a soundscape looks like in a given election and how the soundscape evolves from the candidates’ launch events to election day.”
Campaign music can be walk-on or walk-off songs, candidate playlists, or even parody songs. These tracks are carefully curated to evoke specific emotions, energize supporters and reinforce a candidate’s message or persona.
With over 12,000 results across three elections, the da-
Asst. Sports Editor
Arts & Life Editor
Asst. Arts & Life Editor
Opinion Editor
Digital Media Editor
Digital Media Editor
PR Manager
Ad Sales Manager
Faculty Adviser
tabase documents and catalogs the soundscape of the U.S. presidential campaign, which tracks the music and responses. To track music on the campaign trail, the following process must occur — analysis and tagging, holding grid and database entry.
Attendees were shown how to narrow down the searches and what information was available along with those results. The results include the music title, performer/composer, genre, type of music, type of event or media, the date it was used, which campaign it was used for, what candidate used it and the address in which it was used.
“During the workshop, I gave a bit of a history of music on the trail and the development and purpose of the Trax on the Trail project,” Gorzelany-Mostak said. “I hope the presentation will inspire students to listen more critically when they hear music on the campaign trail.”
Attendees were encouraged to visit the database, www. traxontrails.com. To give them
a better understanding of how to use it, they were encouraged to brainstorm their own questions and follow her example of narrowing down the results.
“My main takeaway was that the use of music in campaigns is much more intentional than one might think, and you don’t realize how much you remember music more than other aspects of a speech or visuals,” said Katie Hitt, a junior environmental science major. “I think the database was very cool, and I can see how it would make research answering music-based questions super easy with how simple it was to use.”
This workshop highlighted the crucial role that music plays in shaping the public’s perception of presidential candidates. By presenting a comprehensive database that tracks over 12,000 campaign songs across three elections, Dr. Gorzelany-Mostak and the Digital Humanities Collaborative have created a valuable resource for both scholars and the general public to explore the soundscapes of U.S. presidential campaigns.
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PROFESSOR SPOTLIGHT: DR. ELLEN FRANCE
Jaylen Mahayag Staff Writer
Ellen France, a biology professor at GCSU, began her journey into biology unexpectedly, shaped by her immigration to the United States from South Korea at 16. She initially imagined studying history or literature, but the language barrier led her to consider other fields.
After exploring options, she found her path in biology, a field where the language of science was universal and one that satisfied her curiosity about the complexities of life. This decision led her to complete a Ph.D. and pursue a career in molecular and cellular biology.
Now at GCSU, France shares her knowledge and passion for biology with students across all levels, from freshmen to seniors.
France teaches a range of molecular and cellular biology courses, each designed to build upon the last and equip students with essential skills for future careers.
Her 1000-level Principles of Biology course introduces first-year
students to foundational concepts, while her 2000-level Genetics class for sophomores explores more specialized topics.
“Learning science is like learning a new language,” France said. “It requires building a basic foundation, starting with vocabulary, followed by concepts and finally applying those in real-world contexts.”
By the time students reach the 3000-level Cell Molecular Physiology and the 4000-level Cell
Signaling or Cancer Biology courses, they are equipped with the critical thinking and technical skills needed for advanced biological studies and careers in science.
France places particular emphasis on research skills at the upper levels, helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to ongoing developments in molecular biology.
“In junior and senior years, I encourage students to dive deeper by researching recent findings,” France said.
This hands-on approach is complemented by labs that build technical skills and give
students a sense of real-world applications, preparing them for future opportunities in research. One of her favorite experiences is watching senior students present their research, an assignment that displays what they have learned and helps them see the impact of their studies.
France emphasizes the joy of watching her students grow is the most rewarding part of her job.
“I spend a lot of time with them during their four years,” France said. “Seeing them mature into young professionals, ready to tackle their next steps, makes me feel fulfilled as an educator.”
She proudly recalls students who have gone on to prestigious institutions, many of whom express gratitude for the guidance she provided early on in their journeys.
France also keeps a box of thank-you notes to remind her why she does what she does.
Teaching at GCSU has enriched France’s career as well. Working closely with students has been a source of inspiration. She describes each semester as a unique
experience where she learns from her students’ questions and insights.
“They push me to keep exploring and finding ways to develop their talents,” France said.
France’s dedication extends to learning every student’s name and understanding their aspirations—something that sets GCSU’s biology program apart from those at larger institutions.
Looking ahead, France hopes to continue building on this supportive environment, especially with the addition of the
Integrated Science Complex. The facility allows GCSU to expand laboratory-based courses.
When offering advice to students considering a major in biology, France encourages curiosity and persistence.
“It’s important to build a strong foundation early on, to really understand the fundamentals,” France said.”
Additionally, she recommends that students cultivate a habit of active reading and research, as these skills will serve them
throughout their careers.
By the time students graduate, France hopes they will leave her classroom with a solid academic foundation, sense of commitment and work ethic. Her goal is to inspire them to take their education seriously.
“In many ways, I feel that teaching is like gardening,” France said. “What you put into it definitely affects the growth and development of young people. The same kind of feeling when you garden well is how I feel about my profession.”
Writing for Success podcast equipment giveaway
Shadimon Smith News Editor
In the Pat Peterson Museum Education Room on the second floor of Russell Library sat a wall lined with podcasting equipment and posters from the Writing for Success grant. On Nov. 12, the grant decided to give away multiple sets of podcasting equipment.
These sets included four headsets, microphones, sound barriers, 10 SD cards, six months of Buzzsprout premium podcast hosting and one Zoom Podtrak P8 that contained over 36 sound effects. The Podtrak can be used to record podcasts and edit the podcasts without opening a piece of online software.
“The Writing for Success grant is a federally funded $385,000 project from the Department of Education’s Community Projects Grant Program, and it was established in order to improve literacy, confidence, and skills in Baldwin County students,” said Jessica McQuain, programming coordinator for the Flannery O’Connor Institute of Humanities.
The grant wanted to give the equipment to Baldwin’s teachers and educators to help them out in their classrooms. The teachers signed up through a QR code before the giveaway and were chosen before the giveaway. Then, there were two more sets left that would be randomly raffled at a later date.
The first set went to Mary Vinson Memorial Library, and Kara Nitschke, the reference manager at Mary Vinson Memorial Library, picked it up on the library’s behalf.
“We’re going to make it available to our patrons to use, which is really exciting,” Nitschke said. “I’m not sure if
we’re going to make it like check out able, or if we’re going to be able to set it up at the library for them to use, but either way, we will make it available to patrons to use, so anybody who has a library card can come and use the equipment or check it out, which is really awesome because library cards are free here as part of the pine system.”
The second set went to Baldwin High
School teacher Steve Rudd, an audio, video, technology and film teacher. The school originally partnered with GCSU to start a podcast club, but due to a lack of participation, GCSU pulled out.
“I’m going to incorporate it into the classroom and start a weekly podcast for now,” Rudd said. “Dr. Price will be here tomorrow to interview and we will air it Friday. It will be our first, called
Baldwin Beats. And then we’re planning on doing community leaders and school leaders that necessary people don’t know about. And that’s what we’re going to be striving for. Changing the whole face of Baldwin High School.”
The equipment given was valued at over $1700, and six sets of equipment were given out. One of those sets went to GCSU’s library, and another to Lakeview Academy.
“Well, the way they did it when they came and did the grant with us at school was to they talked about stories from their childhood,” said Erin Smith, a fifth-grade teacher at Lakeview Academy. “So I want to be able to use it in that same kind of capacity because I think podcasts are what they listen to more than they listen to the news or anything else, and media is where their attention is, so I think with fifth graders, that’ll just be very inspiring for them and good for them.”
Writing for Success also worked with the Lakeview Academy and Midway Hills Academy curriculum teams to develop a fifth-grade unit of study and to provide supplementary resources like field trips, podcasting and literacy mentors to come work in the schools.
“I think it’ll be easier access to tools for folks to do podcasting and digital storytelling,” McQuain said. “We hope that by making it available both in the public schools and with partners like the Mary Vincent Memorial Library, Create Inc. and Allied Arts, that storytelling will really be a family affair for folks of all ages, all backgrounds, all levels to come together and tell stories and share those stories.”
Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor
Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor
POLITICS
Continued from page 1
However, Kaepernick’s actions seemed to spark lots of social and political conversation among many athletes and those that follow sports. According to Sports Illustrated, more than 40 players followed Kaepernick in protesting the national anthem in some form that season.
It seems that athletes and coaches have become more comfortable sharing their political opinions in recent memory.
NBA superstar LeBron James is one of many athletes that have spoken up on certain issues. He has previously used his platform to encourage others to vote, donning a shirt that read “VOTE OR DIE!” during a Los
Angeles Lakers practice in 2020. He has also been very critical of president-elect Donald Trump, and he publicly endorsed President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.
Some sports fans are very receptive to athletes’ opinions, praising them for using their platforms
to contribute to political discussions. Others have adopted a “shut up and dribble” mentality, being critical of outspokenness on sensitive subjects such as police brutality, elections and trans-inclusionary athletics.
“I don’t have a problem with athletes saying their opinions on social
media because that’s a personal account,” said Dylan Lewis, a senior marketing major. “But I don’t really like when they say things during game interviews because then it feels like it’s overshadowing the game.”
With an election taking place during the NFL
and NBA seasons, players had plenty of chances to make comments and give endorsements, and many of them took advantage of that.
In a recent post-game interview being given to his teammates, 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa walked behind them and pointed to his hat which read “Make America Great Again,” a famous slogan for Trump’s 2016, 2020 and 2024 presidential campaigns. Roughly eight years following Kaepernick’s protest, another 49ers player had brought backlash against the team for a public display of opinion.
Bosa declined to comment on the situation in his media availability after the game.
Professional athletes were not the only ones in the world of
sports to endorse candidates in uniform.
After scoring an exciting touchdown on a fake field goal, Texas Tech football kicker Reese Burkhardt lifted up his jersey to reveal “Trump 24” and “MAGA” written on a white shirt.
“I honestly couldn’t care less if an athlete talks about politics,” said Cole Lazich, a senior management information systems major. “If anybody else can talk about politics at their job, then they should be allowed to too. The only difference is that a lot of them have a camera in their face.” It does not seem like athletes dedicated to social and political change have any intentions of becoming silent.
Schultz’s goal secures home playoff game for GCSU
Bryan Cohen Contributing Writer
After a clutch goal late in the first half of GCSU soccer’s game against Georgia Southwestern State University, senior forward/ midfielder Sara Schultz was named the Zaxby’s Player of the Week.
The Bobcats were looking to clinch a fourseed spot in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament with a win over Georgia Southwestern on Nov. 2.
Not only did the Bobcats want the win to improve their playoff chances, but it was also Senior Day at Bobcat Field, where 13 players were honored in their last guaranteed home game.
Coming into the game, the Bobcats had a record of 7-6-3 and a win streak of three games, having outscored their opponents 12-2 in those games.
While the score sheet was silent between both teams, the Bobcats
scored the game’s lone goal after 40 minutes.
Fittingly, Schultz put the ball in the net for the Bobcats off of an assist by junior forward Ali Amrozowicz.
The Bobcats ended the day with 10 shots, seven of which came from senior athletes.
While Schultz made the big goal of bringing playoff soccer back to Bobcat Field for the first time since 2015
possible, seniors have been a prominent portion of the success of Bobcat soccer this year.
“This win gave our team confidence going into the first round of the tournament with a four-game winning streak,” said Chloe Markey, a senior defender.
Leadership is a big part of any sport, and having so much talent and experience to offer will influence the
future of GCSU women’s soccer. This Bobcat team is full of seniors and graduate students, so this win was emotional for many players.
“I’m focused on soaking up every moment and giving everything I have to make it count,” Schultz said.
Schultz’s goal and the GCSU win were no fluke. The Bobcats were on an impressive hot streak to close
out the regular season.
“It’s the first time since I joined that we’ve won five straight games,” Schultz said.
This win also meant a lot regarding playoff placement for the Bobcats, as they clinched the fourth seed in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament.
With the help of Schultz’s one goal and a team of many seniors, the Bobcats took home
the victory on senior night, allowing them to accomplish something that GCSU soccer has been unable to do for quite some time.
“I mean, coming from Taylor Salvaggio and me, we’ve been here for five years, and we’ve never hosted a tournament, so once we got that fourth seed, and we were able to host the first round tournament […] we felt that we were on top of the world,” said Grace Phillips, a graduate midfielder.
The Bobcats took full advantage of their home-field playoff advantage, eliminating Clayton State University from the tournament with a score of 2-1.
The team’s playoff run would unfortunately come to an end after a 2-0 loss to Columbus State University in the semifinals of the PBC tournament, but they set a new standard for the program and left it on an upward trend.
The Savannah Bananas continue to rock baseball
Kate Briesemeister Staff Writer
Baseball games have taken a very unique twist in Savannah. The city’s historic Grayson Stadium is the home base for the Savannah Bananas, a unique baseball team that creates a theatrical and immersive experience for fans with a special set of rules, giving them a unique approach to baseball.
The Bananas prioritize entertainment above all else, mixing baseball with performances, music, comedy and trends.
The Savannah Bananas have a few different
rules than the average baseball game or team. An example of a different rule is that there is a two-hour maximum time limit for each game. The rules are in place to elevate the game to make the experience more enjoyable and entertaining for fans by eliminating the least popular aspects of regular baseball.
“I think that the league of baseball helps impact the baseball community for marketing purposes and getting fans to the game, but I do not think it impacts the actual baseball teams in any way,” said John Luke Glanton, a
junior marketing major.
The Bananas’s marketing approach has helped to sell out every single home game at Grayson Stadium since the team’s inception in 2016. Their social media presence is massive, with videos of their stunts, dancing and gameplay frequently going viral across platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.
The Bananas’s Instagram page has a large following of 2.8 million.
“The Bananas are an entertaining team, but I would not compare their league to any other baseball league,” said Caden Tillman, a junior mar-
keting major. “I would not go to one of their games for anything other than entertainment. It is not an actual team an average baseball fan would keep up with. It is a fun idea, though, so I understand why people would go to it.”
The players on the team are all paid and recruited. The game gives the players a chance to play the sport that they love while also putting on a fun show for the fans.
“I think they seem like really genuine fun guys!” said Ella Williams, a sophomore nursing major. “I think it is kind of corny for them to do,
but it is a good idea for the general public and younger audience’s entertainment, in my opinion.”
The team tends to perform trending TikTok dances and puts on an extravagant show for their audiences. The team also provides great entertainment for those watching clips of their games on social media.
“The Savannah Bananas are very engaging,” said Sarah Richardson, a junior exercise science major. “I think they brought excitement back to baseball. It also seems like a wholesome event for kids and their families to go to.”
The Savannah Bananas play year-round and go on tours around the country incorporating both TikTok dances and trick plays into their games.
“They are a great team to watch because they give entertainment,” said Emma Schrujier, a junior mass communications major. “I have only seen videos of them on TikTok, but I would not be opposed to going to one of their games if I had the chance. I also think it is so funny that the players are actually getting paid for it.”
San Francisco 49ers former quarterback Colin Kaepernick and former defensive back Eric Reed kneel during the national anthem
Courtesy of GCSU Athletics
2024 GCSU women’s soccer team picture
An unprecedented number of injuries in the NFL.
Hudson Taylor Staff Writer
The 2024 NFL season has had numerous injuries which have left multiple players sidelined for weeks and some out for the remainder of the season. Tua Tagovailoa and Aidan Hutchinson are two players that had potentially career-threatening injuries.
Tagovailoa has experienced damaging head injuries in the past, and another happened the weekend of Sept.12. Hutchinson, the Detroit Lions’ star defensive end, sustained a fractured tibia during the week six game against the Dallas Cowboys.
The injury occurred after a sack on quar-
terback Dak Prescott. Hutchinson was carted off the field and underwent emergency surgery shortly after. An injury of this magnitude will most definitely leave Hutchinson out for the remainder of the season, but head coach Dan Campbell is optimistic about a return for the playoffs.
“That was one of the worst injuries I have ever seen,” said Carter Kling, a junior business major. “It looked like his leg was literally hanging on by a thread.”
San Fransisco star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will miss the rest of the 2024 season with a knee injury. In week seven, Aiyuk tore his ACL and MCL against the Kansas City Chiefs. This hurts the Niners, as
he is their best receiver, and Aiyuk recently earned a $120 million extension for the next four years. Some of this may have to do with the fact that he barely participated in the pre-season because of contract problems, and he was not at his full strength as the season started.
Another gruesome injury occurred in week seven regarding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin. The game was pretty much over as the injury happened late in the game against the Baltimore Ravens. He caught a pass and was immediately hit and rolled his ankle badly. Godwin, who was having a great start to his 2024 season, was carted off the field
and underwent surgery soon after. It was later announced that Godwin will miss the remainder of the season.
Star receivers Stefon Diggs for the Houston Texans and Christian Kirk for the Jacksonville Jaguars, both suffered season-ending injuries this season. Diggs tore his ACL during the Texans week eight game against the Indianapolis Colts. Diggs was working as the No.1 receiver for the Texans as fellow receiver Nico Collins was dealing with a hamstring injury that left him sidelined for a couple of weeks.
The Buffalo Bills star linebacker Matt Milano suffered a broken leg early in the 2024 season that will leave him sidelined for the rest of the
year. Some reports say that there is a chance he makes a return in late December, but that has yet to be confirmed. Milano has been the cornerstone of a very good Bills defense since he was drafted in 2017.
49ers running back Christian McCaffery returned last week after being out every game to start the season. He began the year on injury reserve dealing with a calf strain as well as Achilles tendinitis. There was no real timetable for when his return would happen, but he is now back and looks healthy.
“I feel like the reason the Niners struggled to start the season is because they didn’t have McCaffery,” said Jared Carter, a senior
GCSU Bobcats at the PBC Invitational
Bryan Cohen Contributing Writer
After clinching the four-seed with a win over Georgia Southwestern on Nov. 2, the GCSU Bobcats looked to advance through the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, beginning with a quarterfinal match-up against fiveseed Clayton State University Lakers on Nov. 9.
Coming into the game, the Bobcats had previously played the Lakers earlier in the season, resulting in a tie game, zero to zero.
Having not won a post-regular season game since 2019, in which the team made the championship game, the Bobcats women’s soccer team was looking to flip the script against Clayton State University, ranked No.10 in the NCAA Division II Southeast Region.
“Securing the fourth seed was a major achievement for our team, marking the first time we’ve been able to host a game since I’ve been here and the first time since 2015,” said Sara Schultz, senior public health major and forward on the women’s soccer team.
With each soccer playoff game being elimination-based, every goal scored is vital to the team in terms of the scoreboard and how it impacts team morale.
The Lakers began scoring at the Bobcat’s field with a goal from Lakers’ forward Carrie Consolino, who would finish the day with another shot on goal and five shots in total.
This would conclude scoring in the first half; however, besides the 1-0 lead Clayton State had over GCSU, the Bobcats led in almost every other category, having
four corner kicks and eight shots at halftime.
“Being able to play at home first round with a big crowd of fans cheering for us helped keep our energy high during the game,” said Chloe Markey, a senior economics major and center back on the women’s soccer team.
Chloe Markey, who helped lead the Bobcats to a victory the previous week over Georgia Southwestern State University, took home the title of Peach Belt Conference Defender of the Week.
“I’m super happy to have been chosen as Defender of the Week, but it’s bigger than just me,” Chloe Markey said. “I think it goes to show the strengths of our defense as a team.”
Chloe Markey demonstrates that their success stems from not only their talent but also their team chemistry, allowing them to come
back from behind as they did in their game against Clayton State.
It took 15 minutes after the beginning of the second half for the Bobcats to tie the game with a rebound shot by Ava Martin off of an initial shot from Lily Markey, which provided ChLoe Markey with an assist.
With the game now tied, both needed to play shutdown defense, knowing that the next goal would likely send their team to the succeeding tournament round.
For the remainder of the half, both teams followed through with how they needed to perform defensively, putting pressure on their opponent and continuously knocking the ball away from their side of the field. That is until the final eight minutes of the game.
Clayton State’s goalkeeper, Tuva Etterlid, defended her goal, making
nine saves in ninety minutes; nevertheless, the Bobcats broke through.
Substitution defender
Sydney Charles, who entered the game late in the first half, helped set up a goal for forward and midfielder Aralyn Everett.
Charles broke away from the Lakers’ defense down the far side of the field, making a solid shot on goal. The Lakers’ goalkeeper blocked the ball beautifully in a diving stop until she let go for a split second, giving Everett enough time to kick the ball into the back left corner of the net.
“We showed real resilience and determination, fighting hard to score two goals in the second half,” Schultz said.
This would lead to the end of the season for the Clayton State Lakers, as the Bobcats were able to hold them off for the final few minutes.
“We could have been
finance major. “I have him on my fantasy football team, too, so I am so glad that he is back.”
This year, there have been a significant number of injuries, leaving many questioning whether the players are preparing for the season the right way or not. Some players sat out the entire pre-season because they wanted to figure out their contracts and didn’t want to risk injury.
“Players need to participate in the pre-season,” Carter said.
“When they sit out all preseason and aren’t in the weight room, that could be the reason for some of these injuries.”
better in some areas and aspects, but there’s always room for improvement.”
Said Grace Phillips, a graduate MIS major and attacking midfielder on the women’s soccer team.
The women’s soccer Bobcats were set to play on Friday, Nov. 15 against Columbus State, the top-ranked NCAA Division II Southeast Region opponent.
The Cougars advanced to the next round after beating the University of South Carolina Beaufort 9-2.
“As the lower seed, we have nothing to lose; the pressure is all on them, and we are hoping to take advantage of that and win,” Lily Markey said.
The Bobcats must “Bring the Thunder” to Columbus to move to the next round.
ARTS & LIFE
CHRISTMAS
Continued from page 1
This cherished tradition not only enhances the beauty of the historic home but also invites visitors to explore its rich history through guided tours, ambient candlelight and harmonious choir performances. To gain a deeper understanding of the importance of this festive celebration at the Governor’s Mansion, it is essential to explore the historical background that establishes this location as a cherished
holiday destination.
“Christmas at the Mansion has been open to the public since the 1970s,” said Matt Davis, former director of historic museums at GCSU.
The Old Governor’s Mansion stands as a significant historic house museum, offering insight into the lives of its former inhabitants and the complexities of antebellum society in Georgia. It is specially opened to the public for Christmas traditions and an atmosphere of elegant holiday magic.
For those seeking
a unique blend of education and holiday cheer, the Old Governor’s Mansion promises an unforgettable experience this December. The 19th Century Christmas char is perfect for families, friends and people of all ages.
Reservations for the candlelight tours are now open, ensuring that everyone can partake in this enchanting celebration which is sure to be as magical as the staff at the Old Governor’s Mansion promises.
Diabetes Awareness Month
Raising awareness for American diabetes.
Kate Walker Staff Writer
November is American Diabetes Month, an annual time to spread awareness and education of the disease and to recognize those who live with it every day. According to the American Diabetes Association, 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed each year, with an additional 97.6 million American adults living with prediabetes.
Diabetes is a common condition, and while college students may not be at risk for developing diabetes right now, it is important to recognize those with the disease and become familiar with preventative measures.
Sophia Tritto, a sophomore elementary education major, is well aware of diabetes and its impacts, as both of her parents and grandparents have diabetes. She notes that, over-
Julia Jensen | Art Director
all, diabetes calls for a lifestyle change, especially regarding diet.
“A lot of it is eating healthier; sometimes you have to change the way you prepare meals,” Tritto said. “I eat a lot healthier now ever since my parents were diagnosed, just because they’re trying to protect me from having it when I’m older.”
Damian Francis, director of GCSU’s Center for Public Health and Social Issues, observed that 11 -12% of Americans are living with diabetes. He urges that because it affects so many people, college students need to be aware of it.
“I think as future leaders in various capacities, college students should be aware that diabetes is a common condition, one that, of course, can be prevented, and one we can also manage,” Francis said.
According to Francis, there are three different types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1,
often called insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs when the pancreas organ does not produce enough insulin, a hormone critical for regulating blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes is often referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes, where the body makes some amount of insulin, but that insulin is either blocked or not made in sufficient qualities. When there is an excessive amount of fat stored in the abdomen, insulin resistance can develop, preventing insulin from reaching the body.
The third type is gestational diabetes, which can occur during the onset of pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes.
“I think that people should be aware of the different types, who they affect, and that there is something we can do about it,” Francis said.
A part of GCSU’s Diabetes Prevention Program, the Center for Public Health and Social Issues at GCSU does se-
mesterly health screenings in the community for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. In Spring 2024, the Center, with the help of volunteer GCSU nursing students, hosted screenings at the Collins P. Lee Center, Cafe Central, Taste and See Plant Based Eatery, the Milledgeville Mall, Dublin’s Saint Patrick’s Day Festival and the Art Healthy Festival
“At the age group of between 19 and 23, people are usually very active, even if they are eating terribly, and there’s something about age that serves as a protective factor,” Francis said.
At GCSU, the Public Health Student Organization (PHSO) hosts the annual Dunk for Diabetes event, which raises awareness and funds for research on Type 1 diabetes. Dunk for Diabetes will be held on Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. on Court One of the Wellness and Recreation Center and will feature prizes for the winners and a raffle to win a YETI cooler.
Kimberly Griffin, a nurse practitioner at GCSU’s Student Health
Australia’s proposed social media restrictions
Ryan Grant Staff Writer
Australia’s lawmakers are writing laws that could potentially ban social media for children under 16 years old due to mental health awareness, as well as general safety. If these laws are introduced, no child under 16 could potentially be allowed to have a social media account.
The 36 Months Initiative petitioned the stance that social media proves to be detrimental and argued that kids under 16 are not yet ready to navigate social media networks safely.
“Excessive social media use is rewiring young brains within a critical window of psychological development, causing
an epidemic of mental illness,” said the 36 Months Initiative.
This petition will take two weeks from Nov. 18 to be approved or disapproved by the legislature and will take a year before Australia will have the law made in full effect. During that year, social media platforms will have to figure out how to exclude children under 16 from their sites.
Australia plans to hold the platforms Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, to these new standards once the law is enacted. Only the media platforms would be punished in breach of this law. Children, along with their parents, would not be penalized to any extent.
Many students at GCSU are
consistently active on social media, and while they may not be directly affected by Australia’s new possible restrictions, many have opinions on the possibilities that it presents.
“Social media has done some damage to my mental health, but it also helped bolster my mental health,” said AJ Harris, a sophomore mass communication major. “Anonymity on social media allows hate groups and hate words to go unpunished, but certain communities help children who may be unable to express their own interests by providing a safe space where they can freely explore a part of themselves that may be restrained in their daily life.”
There are positives and
negatives to the proposed social media ban in Australia.
A concern of students who have recently surpassed the proposed minimum age is that youths who do not participate in social media may rely on the help that minority communities provide.
“I definitely saw a lot of explicit things that I feel I shouldn’t have seen when I was young,” said Jared Reese, a senior computer science major. “There’s a lot of stuff on social media that kids should be sheltered from; they can be exposed to dangerous people.”
Reese understands the concern that social media poses a threat to youths. He noted that a law like this may be the best way to solve the
Services, believes that part of diabetes awareness is taking steps to prevent it, such as watching what you eat and exercising regularly.
“Especially in the Southeast, in a state where diabetes is so prevalent, students need to be aware of it and how to prevent it,” Griffin said.
Aside from GCSU, other counties, cities and organizations in Georgia host awareness and fundraising events during November. Some of these events include the Diabetes Awareness Health Fair at Emory University in Atlanta, a 5K Walk for Diabetes hosted by the Diabetes You Can Win Foundation in Gwinnett County and the 2024 State of Diabetes event held by the American Diabetes Association.
“It’s important for students to be aware of diabetes because it is something that can come unexpectedly, and giving it a dedicated month just serves as a yearly reminder that it is a thing that we should be aware of,” said Emmie Carter, a sophomore middle-grade education major.
problem, specifically, but also understands the issues posed by people who are pro-social media for children.
“Helping me grow my own opinions on world issues that don’t apply to me helps me express empathy,” Reese said. “Teenagers can be helped to learn about communities and many issues outside of their world.”
Some believe that the benefits of social media outweigh the dangers that could affect the safety and mental health of children. However, Australia’s lawmakers are making moves they believe will ultimately benefit their citizens.
Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor
Luck of the Irish?
An increasing interest in the Irish Citizenship
Mary Ciucevich Asst. A&L Editor
The homeland of the Irish has always been a place of wonder and excitement for travelers. In recent years especially, many have voiced a strong interest in gaining Irish citizenship or moving to the Emerald Isle.
GCSU’s Study Abroad Advisor, Ariana Youmans, expressed her delight for Ireland as she lived and found her husband on the island. She recalls a different pace of life where there was more of a focus on one’s being and less on career expectations.
“I loved living in Ireland,” Youmans said. “It gave me the personal space to be who I wanted to be, without any other person’s expectations or who anyone had known me to be up until that point.”
The fascination with the Irish stems from the perpetuation of mysticism and magic told in stories of folklore. Americanized celebrations of Irish holidays, such as Saint Patrick’s Day, play into this folkloric feeling of the Irish spirit.
“I think there’s a certain spiritual quality, if you wanna call it that, that’s in our DNA,” Youmans said. “So many people’s heritage is linked back to Ireland or nearby parts of the world, so I think instinctually we feel a connection to it without understanding that’s where the connection comes from.”
Many students who have some bit of Irish descent or who grew up in places with strong Irish heritage often feel a connection to the island, whether that connection is distant or relative.
“I have Irish descent and honestly, it’s beautiful there,” said Caitlyn Balcom, a junior psychology major. “I think it would be very calm, very fun and I’d like to learn about heritage and stuff.”
Olivia Hohnerlein, a junior accounting major, feels some semblance of a bond to the country and its culture through her and her family’s red hair. She
expresses that there is no specific reason for a fascination with the island but that living in Savannah, where the Irish are a big deal, has perpetuated the interest.
A major factor for the additional intrigue of citizenship is, in part, the Irish government’s Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. The government’s promotion of the grant has piqued many Americans’ interest, especially following the presidential election.
“I mean, offering people money to let people live there, that’s doing more than what we’re doing here in the U.S.,” Balcom said.
According to Citizens Information, the grant aims to boost the population of the remote islands in the Atlantic Ocean and offers homeowners $92,000 to renovate or refurbish vacant properties for either the homeowners’ living or long-term renting. The grant applies to both Irish citizens and non-Irish citizens, contributing to further interest in the country’s citizenship.
For the students or locals who are curious about accessing citizenship in Ireland, the Irish government has several ways to do so. Students can gain citizenship by naturalization or by descent.
Citizenship by naturalization can be achieved in three ways: legally living in Ireland for five years, getting married to or being in a civil partnership with an Irish citizen or applying on behalf of a minor, according to Ireland’s Department of Affairs. Citizenship by descent can occur in two ways: if one grandparent was born in Ireland or one parent was an Irish citizen at the time of a child’s birth, even if the parent was not born in Ireland.
Youmans recommends that students who are curious about citizenship in the country should consider looking into a work-holiday authorization before jumping into anything. She briefly discussed her own experience, suggesting that it was something she was very grateful for doing first before making any abrupt moves to the country.
“It gives you that four months to a year opportunity
to go and see what it’s like if you’ll really enjoy living there, to see if you assimilate with the culture,” Youmans said “It gives a chance to explore different areas, and you’re not tied to being there if you don’t want to be.”
The attraction to the country has increased steadily with the influence of celebrities, social media influencers and overall media. Popular Youtuber and influencer Brittany Broski has expressed multiple times her desire to not only go to Ireland but to find an Irish man.
Broski’s influence and love of the Irish can be seen through her several YouTube videos dedicated to discussing both the country and its celebrities. Her love of the Irish eventually led her to get the chance to interview Irish singer/songwriter Hozier.
“I think TikTok allows people, like influencers or just anyone, to post aesthetically pleasing looks or portrayals of how it is studying abroad, but it doesn’t actually include the parts about really studying; it kind of romanticizes it and puts a good aesthetic behind so people want to travel there,” Hohnerlein said.
Shows like Derry Girls and music like The Cranberries have increased love for Irish culture, as well as a fascination with the country’s visitation. Despite the split between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, from the outside, Irish culture seems to stay united within the two regions.
LOCAL VETERANS GET A CHANCE FOR SELF EXPRESSION
Delaney Derry Opinion Editor
Every year, on Nov. 11, the nation comes together to honor and remember those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. On Nov. 12, Blackbird Coffee, a local coffee shop in Milledgeville, held an exhibit hosted by Stephanie Jett, an assistant professor of psychology at GCSU, and her research lab to honor veterans. The research Jett and her team of undergrad and graduate students conducted was for veterans to define their “veteran identity.”
According to Sharon Young, a writer for The Journal of Veteran Studies, “Veteran identity involves veteran’s self-concept that derives from their military experience within a sociohistorical context.”
Veteran identity is a broadly defined term, and Jett and her team did not want it to be defined by the overall military experience but by the individual themself and their experiences.
“Instead of defining veterans for ourselves, we asked them, ‘Tell us who you are,’” Jett said. “And our jobs are just to be stewards of knowledge.”
The veterans shared what their identities mean to them individually through photos and songs.
“They’re allowed to display song lyrics and photographs that best represent their veteran identity,” said Hadley Quigg, a senior psychology major and member of Jett’s research lab. “It’s
been really insightful, and I have learned a lot from the interviews, and it’s been interesting to hear about all the different experiences.”
The team took the songs each veteran chose and analyzed the lyrics to determine why their song choice correlated to their veteran identity. The same went for the photos that were on display for everyone to see. The veterans were told to choose photos that best represent their veteran identity, and each chose multiple photos that had the most meaning and significance to them.
There were four veterans represented at this exhibit from a variety of different military backgrounds. Each veteran spoke about their experience and had a band play their chosen songs. The band switched up who played a few times, allowing for different groups to perform each song. It consisted of music therapists from the life enrichment center, music therapy students, grad students involved in the project, members of the worship band at New City Church, friends and family of veterans, a veteran involved in the project and even Jett herself.
The first veteran to speak, who went by the alias DJ for privacy, was formerly in the Navy. She spoke about her healing journey and how it has been a life-long process. DJ stated that July 11, 2012, was a day that changed her life forever and that she considers it the worst day of her life. DJ lost her child. Then, she was not allowed maternity leave,
and the Navy tried to get her to go straight back to work. She had to fight for time off to heal her body and mind. She explained how the Navy hurt her, but what she had to learn in the healing process was that she had to stop talking about what the Navy took and had to think about what they gave.
The song she chose was “A Broken Wing” by Martina McBride, which she sang herself to express how the Navy made her into who she is
incredible and healing.”
The next veteran to speak was aliased “A” and was formerly in the Air Force. They joined the military out of high school and spent six years as a radar maintainer. Then, A got into a motorcycle accident the day before they were supposed to be discharged and was put on medical disability.
A talked about how the song they chose was “It’s Called: Freefall” by Rainbow Kitten Surprise, which is about being in a dark place
today. At the beginning of her time serving, she thought the Navy was the best thing on earth and loved it. The song explains that in the beginning verses. Then, it goes on to talk about brokenness, and she explains how it was breaking her spirit but how it did not take her wings or leave her on the ground. It gave her freedom.
“It’s been so enlightening,” DJ said. “Talking about all this really brought up a lot of things that were buried and brought those things to the surface. It’s been truly
and learning to let go, and how struggles are not always surface level.
“There are people in life that you’re close to that you don’t really know as well as you think you do,” said A. “I think anytime you ask someone their experience in things, it broadens your perspective of them.”
The last veteran to speak went by James. As a father to one of the grad students who took part in the research lab, he felt encouraged to join in on the research and talked about his experience with the proj-
ect, which caused him to delve back into old memories, including ones that he buried due to PTSD.
When choosing his song, he explained how no song could give the whole experience of three decades serving in the military. At the beginning of his career, he saw infinite possibilities and potential. In the middle, his perspective changed. There were growth and learning experiences. In the end, he was older and wiser and saw the importance of life, which is why he paired his song with it. He also mentioned how the desire to serve and protect his country never changed through each phase of his career.
The song he chose was “Ashokan Farewell” by Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, which was dedicated to the last section of his time in service, which was about longing and loss. His wife and daughter performed it, which was very special for him.
The photos he chose were photos of things that represent youth and adventure. He included one photo of a soldier embracing his wife. He chose this because the thing that struck him the most during his whole career was the happy reunion he had with his family and the love and dedication there was in service to his country as well as service to his family.
The final veteran who was honored at this exhibit went by the alias Choke. He was unable to make it to the exhibit to speak because he recently underwent surgery to remove his colon cancer. He is now in recovery
and was informed that the doctors were able to remove all the cancer. Jett spoke on his behalf, saying that he served for eight years from 1989 until 1991. The song he chose was “Dragonfly” by Shaman’s Harvest, which represents hope and rebirth for him. He explained that veterans have to evolve from the military self, get out of the mind of a soldier and, while keeping their sense of service, be a civilian and live life to the fullest.
For Veteran’s Day, the nation pauses to express gratitude, but there is also an opportunity to deepen the understanding of what it means to serve and sacrifice for a greater cause. Whether through personal stories or collective history, the observance invites people to honor the lived experiences of those who have worn the uniform—and to ensure that their service is never forgotten. That is what Jett and her team focused on.
To close out the night, Jett’s team chose a song that best represented the veteran community based on the conclusions from their research. They chose “Get Up” by Shinedown, and they used this song as a call to arms for the community to reflect on this holiday as a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice that so many have made in defense of the freedoms of the nation.
For some, the day may mean a quiet moment of remembrance, while for others, it is an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate the valor and resilience of U.S. veterans.
Kylie Rowe | A&L Editor
Courtesy of Savannah Greene
MONICA
Continued from page 1
Nearly 25 years later, I am coming to Lewinsky’s rescue to say that she is not any of the negative words that she has been called in the press, but is truly a victim.
With that said, I am not absolving Lewinsky of all of the blame. Obviously, I was not there, and I have no idea who actually pursued who first or what the whole situation was, but I do know that a young woman did not deserve to take the heat that Lewinsky did.
According to Vanity Fair, in 1998, media outlets called the situation
“The Lewinsky Scandal,” which is insane when the other participant is literally the president of the United States. In the grand scheme of things, Lewinsky was genuinely just a girl. Not that she isn’t intelligent and important, but compar-
atively, it was a girl just starting her career versus the president, and yet the title of the scandal fell to her, which is just a touch ridiculous.
Lewinsky has taken the blame; she has made many comments on X, formerly known as Twitter, posting about mistakes she has made, but the consistency with which she was demonized by people is disheartening.
“He could have made it right with the book, “ said Lewinsky. “But he hasn’t. He is a revisionist of history. He has lied.”
I am genuinely so glad that Clinton was impeached. I think it is crazy considering who else we let into office, but I think he needed some consequences for being such a creep.
Lewinsky’s life and reputation were irreparably damaged, and I am glad that Clinton also had to
feel some of that heat.
In the Hillary Clinton Hulu docuseries, “Hillary,” the president equated the affair to something to take his mind off of a stressful situation; he also said it was stupid and knew, even at the time, it was a bad decision that he decided to make anyway.
Honestly, if I were not so angry at Clinton’s lack of apology to Lewinsky and his refusal to offer any protection to this young woman that he absolutely took advantage of, I would be more opposed to his impeachment.
I think Lewinsky being forced to take the blame for a scandal between her and an incredibly more powerful, older and influential white man is just one famous example of how women everywhere are often used as the scapegoat for situations caused by men.
INFLUENCER PLATFORMS AND OBLIGATIONS TO USE THEM
Kate Verity Editor in Chief
As someone who is a perfectly normal person, I consume entertainment media and have certain celebrities, influencers and stars whom I follow consistently and love to watch. However, I think that we as people often hold those with a following to a higher standard than we hold our ordinary peers.
At times I think this is warranted; for example, many of us would turn a blind eye to seeing a classmate cheating on an exam because we don’t want to make a scene, but if we saw Miley Cyrus doing something less than savory, well it’s all over the news. But oftentimes, I find that when people have a screen and random username to hide behind, we expect more out of our idols than we ourselves could give.
I really noticed this when a lot of the details of Israel’s War in Gaza were first coming to light. Obviously, the events of this war are incredibly controversial, and many people have strong opinions on what stances are morally right and wrong. However, let’s just be honest with ourselves for a second.
I can count on one hand the number of my peers who are regularly posting well-thought-out social or political opinions on social media, and I bet that if I were to walk up to the average stu-
dent on campus and ask them to give a thoughtful interview for The Colonnade of their take on the war, most of you would decline to make a statement.
From my experience, the biggest reasons that students wouldn’t want to attach their name permanently to a hot-button issue—whether it be a war, the recent election, abortion or any other issue that presents social, moral and for many, political arguments—are because they don’t want to become a target by those who disagree, attacked because they say something wrong or uninformed or make a mistake because they truly just don’t keep up with world events and aren’t informed.
Though I bet many of you would agree with me when I say that being well-informed is important, it does take some actual effort and regular research that many people just don’t do. Fortunately, as ordinary people, if we’re stopped on the street to give a take on a polarizing issue, we can decline, and no harm is done. But for an influencer, this is much more difficult.
I specifically recall seeing comment sections of comedians and people who just make goofy TikToks filled with calls to “use your platform” and make a statement and promote action on both foreign and domestic events and issues. However, just because these people
have a platform built on humor and jokes does not make them any more well-informed on policy or international relations than the average person, yet they are treated as though they are.
Influencers are expected to take a stand, then demonized if they don’t, demonized if anything they do say is incorrect or ages poorly and demonized by anyone who disagrees with what they have to say. There is no right answer, no way to please everybody and no way to politely decline to speak on account of not being a political scientist.
Brittany Broski, for example, is an influencer and comedian with podcasts, YouTube channels, merch and a pretty big following. Like many others, she got her start by blowing up on TikTok and continuing to grow because she is creative and just funny. However, she became subject to attack in her comment sections when she had yet to publicize her stance on the conflict in Gaza, as hundreds of thousands of her followers demanded to hear from her.
Let’s pause and remember that influencers are real people, and many have secondary jobs. These people still have to go about everyday life but are forced to wear all of their political, social and potentially even controversial opinions on their chest. Influencers aren’t the Taylor Swifts and
Elton Johns of the world who can go about life every day and avoid having to interact with angry followers. What if making a dramatic stand online has repercussions in their everyday job? Between working full time, making internet content and then also just having a life, how do you want them to go about conducting serious and balanced research? It’s far from impossible, but we all just need to remember that having a following and making comedy, cooking videos, arts and crafts, doing hair or any other creative media does not make anyone obligated to express and cement opinion on anything, especially if doing so has the chance to jeopardize their ability to lead a good life off the internet. Essentially, being funny doesn’t make you an expert on social issues. I encourage people to think and remember to have empathy. Though influencers making a stance or encouraging people to involve themselves in politics can be applauded, it shouldn’t be expected of them or warrant attack if they choose not to. Remember that we normal people don’t walk around every day wearing our personal opinions on our chest, and holding others to an unreasonable higher standard that could actually make their life more difficult is hypocritical.
Julia Jensen | Art Director
