Issue 56 - October 2016

M AG DA L E N ISSUE 56

Black History Month

Oktoberfest

The Olympic Shadow

Why do we need to celebrate

The German festival is back in

The Rio legacy: what changes will

Black History Month?

Dundee and bigger than ever!

Brazil make now it’s over?

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Free Student Magazine

Open Mic Night

Air Bar 11th October

7.30pm – 11pm Followed by Karaoke

Dundee University Students Association (DUSA) Registered Scottish Charity No. SC016047

ISSUE 56 Editor’s Letter

Editors

Hello readers, and welcome to another wonderful issue of Magdalen Magazine! This

Editor in Chief

issue’s theme is ‘October-fest’, and we are celebrating all that is October-y. Find

Rebecca Baird

Something Wicked in our Opinion section if ghosts and ghouls are your jam, or check out our Community feature on Dundee’s very own Oktoberfest if beer and German

Deputy Editors

culture is more Ihre Tasse Tee.

Heather Gordon Patrick O’Donnell

There are so many things to celebrate at this time of year: the leaves changing colour,

David White

the return of pumpkin-spiced everything, and Reading Week to name a few! Not to mention one of the most anticipated nights of the student calendar – Halloween! The

Art & Entertainment Editor

night where we can stop pretending we know how to adult and act like kids again.

Lamya Sadiq

Well. Giant, drunk kids in Suicide Squad costumes.

Community Editors Alastair Letch

But in of all the beer-and-sausage fuelled, costume-inspired excitement of October,

Hannah Perrie

there is one celebration which is often overlooked: Black History Month. Here at Magdalen Magazine, we don’t just write for anyone – we write for students, and

Current Affairs Editor

multiculturalism is such a huge part of learning and growing at university, that we

Calum Wilson

couldn’t let this beautiful (and under-discussed) celebration go unacknowledged. As such, we have dedicated a spread in this issue to the African and Caribbean Society,

Design Editor

where you can learn all about BHM, and take part in the global discussion surrounding

Corrie Gorman

Black History and multiculturalism.

Lifestyle Editor Above all, to me October is the season of settling: into university, into the cold

Toni McKinney

weather, and into friendships. After all the excitement of starting new classes and meeting new people, October is the time for growing those relationships, and hoping

Opinion Editor

they’ll last through the winter.

Nicole Harrison

So go and say hi to your friends, old and new, and enjoy the crisp autumn air. You

Science Editor

never know what this season of change will bring!

James Russell

Rebecca Baird

Technology Editors

Editor-in-Chief

Mila Georgieva Hugh Stevenson

“There are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them.”

– J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Published By

Printed By

Andrew Stewart, VPCC

The Magazine Printing Company

DUSA, Airlie Place, Dundee, DD1 4PH

www.magprint.co.uk

vpcc@dusa.co.uk

ISSUE 56 Creative Director’s Letter

Design Team

“You’re the Captain of this design ship. Sail that fucking ship.”

Creative Director Monica Dunne

My friend Sian can be super motivating without meaning to. And just when I need it. I’m a fourth year now, graduating in 8-9 months. Shit’s getting real. But while my

Asst. Creative Directors

education is ending, you freshers have only just started. It’s been a month already

Laura Gelston

(how?!?!) and it’s almost Halloween. I have to say, I’m not the biggest fan of this

Ali Elliott

holiday; much more keen on the sound of impending jingle bells, but saying that, this year’s costumes are going to be aces. I want to see as many Harley Quinn’s as

Designers

possible, and hey, you sexy ghosts drink those spirits. As always, stay safe. The Union’s

Amy Collier

Halloween party is consistently huge and from what I remember, consistently great

Rhianne Connelly

too. And as our theme this month suggests, Oktoberfest is coming around. An eclectic

Grace Cunningham

festival, for sure, and a fun one too.

Macario De Los Rios Bethany Dick

As I’m writing this, I’m looking out over the Tay from THE best view in my studio.

Sarah Duffy

And also as I’m writing this, an amazing amount of £883,000 was raised in the Oor

Monica Dunne

Wullie Bucket Trail auction last night. The money’s being donated to Tayside Children’s

Ali Elliott

Hospital and I was watching the auction live (thank you, Facebook). It was amazing

Alice Farquhar

to see these statues - a lot of them designed by DJCAD alumni - going for so much

Coral Gallagher

money for such a brilliant cause. It also made me super jealous that people have that

Laura Gelston

much disposable income. SAAS only goes so far.

Jenny Hampton Bryony Knight

It’s around about now that some of you will be getting homesick. I’m incredibly lucky

Conor McBay

that home is only an hour away, but I still felt it, and still do sometimes. But when it

Ryan McKnight

starts to interfere with the way you live your life, that’s the point to do something

Ellen McLean

about it. Skype can be great for a more personal conversation with home, but if you

Dawn Neely

can’t, you might really struggle. The university’s counselling service is here for just that

Jamie Stein

kind of thing, and have definitely heard it all before, so there’s no shame in getting a bit of support. Uni is ultimately meant to be fun inbetween all the stress and deadlines

Cover Designer

and...well, you get the point. But seriously, give yourself a break. You’re only human.

Ali Elliott

This month’s cover was created by Ali Elliott, who is my own personal filofax and a really great designer and person.

(Captain) Monica Dunne Creative Director

Contributors List

Gavin Aitken, Rachel Cairns, Naomi Forrest, Mila Georgieva, Heather Gordon, Corrie Gorman, Meritxell Grau, Alastair Letch, Toni McKinney, Kayode Oki, Natalie Olu-Osifeso, Hannah Perrie, James Russell, Hugh Stevenson, Calum Wilson, Ololade Winjobi

CONTENTS Creative Writing

Black History Month

04 - 05

26 - 29

Why Didn’t You Say Hello?

Why Do We Need To Talk About Black History Month?

Current Affairs 06 - 07

30 - 32

Black History Infographic

34

Black Scots

35

BHM Quotes

Battle of the Bulge

08

The Freedom of Censorship

10 - 11

The Olympic Shadow

Entertainment Community 13 - 15

16

36 - 37

The Front Page of the Internet

38

I’ve Been Planting Trees

39

Tis the Season to be Boozy

Oktoberfest

Local Hidden Gems

Design 17

Halloween Graphic Novels

18 - 20

Halloween Stencils

Science 41 - 42

Where My Money At?

43 - 44

Neurons That Fire Together Stay Together

Opinion 21

Is Netflix the New Newsroom?

Lifestyle

22 - 23

Have I Gone Too Far?

46

Cooking Corner

24 - 25

Something Wicked

47

5 Essentials For Autumn

48 - 49

Culture with a K

JOIN US!

Email editor.in.chief@dusamedia.com or go to dusamedia.com/magdalen for more information.

Creative Writing

WHY DIDN’T

YOU SAY HELLO? Meritxell Grau The voice sounds familiar but you never look up. It

he leaves. Maybe he really doesn’t notice you at all. May-

gets mixed and lost in the buzz of cliché coffee shop

be he is still too hungover to even be conscious of where

noises, whispers of a couple on what is obviously their

he is. Maybe he is already too high to even remember

first date and laughs from a small bunch sitting on the

what your face looks like.

tables outside, making the most of the last rays of sun.

But as you hear that unique and oddly familiar melody

The outfit doesn’t look any different to any other combi-

in the voice again as he orders, you can’t help but raise

nation of clothes anyone else would wear; but somehow,

your eyes. And there he is. Standing in one of the last

to you it stands out in the crowd. A beanie hat in the

places you would expect to bump into him. You wonder

middle of summer, an unzipped leather jacket and the

if he has noticed you, hiding behind the cover of the

unique sharp cheekbones. As you walk pass each other

wrecked book you are reading for the third time. You

you stare at him with no shame, because if by chance it’s

wonder if you should try and say hello after working

him a five-minute small talk and a friendly hug would be

out the last place you spoke. You say his name, in a sort

lovely. You can swear he’s looking at you. You are sure

of a questioning tone but it fades away in the air as he

it’s him, but he keeps walking without even bothering

walks to the opposite side of the room without turning

turning round after realising he has just seen a familiar

around. You just accept it. You will not try to go over

face. You keep walking too, your head still turned for

where he’s sitting. It would be uncomfortable, probably

a while, just in case; but he doesn’t look back. Such a

even awkward. The more you think about it, you are sure

shame. Last time you talked to him, you were just asking

if he had wanted to, he would have turned around and

for a restaurant recommendation in the city he was

smiled at you the same way he used to three years ago.

staying at. He said next time you went up; you should let

It is madness thinking about it. And it makes you feel

him know in advance so he would be able to show you

sad too. Sometimes you would still mention the good

around. But time and dates never worked out. Every now

moments, the memories of getting drunk together and

and again you would check on him, just out of polite-

talking nonsense at 4am while the best bet is the fact

ness. He would then ask a thousand questions in the

that he will not even remember you talked for 5 minutes

period of three days, almost always avoiding anything to

over a friend’s phone not that long ago and he was

do with coffee, drinks or weekend visits to his hometown

almost shouting at you for not telling him you were back

where you studied. And then he would vanish the same

in town and hadn’t asked yet for a pint and a catch up.

way he used to when you two spent every night chatting

You don’t even bother trying to get his attention when

about everything and anything over the phone. Making

04

Creative Writing

fun of each other and shamelessly flirting despite neither

invitation came as quite a surprise, he even promised

of you admitting it. It was a waste of time, but fun non

to come pick you up at the bus station if that was all he

the less. A little private game that ended when he moved

needed to say to change your mind and make sure you

away. It sort of felt like he selfishly took it away from you,

would be there. It was really tempting- meeting new

with him; so he would be able to tease some other per-

people and finally hanging out with him again. And you

son somewhere else. You didn’t really feel bitter about

were a little bit curious as well. How would he introduce

the whole situation anymore, but walking down the

you? A friend? Someone he had been more than friends

street; the same one you two used to drag yourselves

with for a while but didn’t work out? On a random night,

along after a long day of boring classes you can’t help

at 3am, he told you he was getting attached, after you

but see the ghosts marching next to you. Maybe he is

drunkly apologised for something you hadn’t done.

distracted trying to find an easy way around the crowd.

He said he didn’t want either of you to get hurt, and

Maybe he is so focused on his phone he hasn’t had time

you thought it was awfully considerate of him. It was

to look up soon enough. Maybe he has decided there

unexpected since it usually was you who gave that sort

wasn’t any point after smoothly declining, for so long,

of speech, but for once it was the other way round. You

every single chance of catching up.

respected what he said and let it go. Unless he showed signs of life, swearing he would have a day off at work

The cars are rushing fast. You lose your sight on the old

soon and he would come round to chat. Yet, today you

stickers stylishly decorating the skinny traffic light. The

are in town because the meal cancelled. When looking at

music blasting on your ears. You look across the road. A

the guy on the opposite side of the road, you had your

couple holding hands. It feels like the guy has his eyes

doubts if it was him because he was too hungover and

fixed on you from behind his jacket as he is pulling up

had to cancel the barbecue. So for you there wasn’t any

the zipper to cover his mouth. Red to green. You make

reason why he would be in the centre; that’s why it was

the move. They make a move. And in the middle of the

so hard to decide if your imagination was playing tricks

pavement you can’t help but make eye contact. His

on you. The further away you walked from the crossing

face seems oddly familiar, but the hair doesn’t match

point, the more convinced you were that it was him.

who you are thinking of. As his eyes are fixed on you,

You are glad you hadn’t recognised him at first. Who

still hiding behind the high neck of the coat and the

knows what the scene would have looked like if you had

girl is pulling him away you think it could actually be

stopped him. You wouldn’t want to look like the jealous

him. The dreamy tanned skin, the height and somewhat

type, basically because nothing was ever there and he is

guilty eyes. You reach the other side of the street and

passing by with someone else. You make it home, trying

try to double check if it’s him, but he’s already too far.

to convince yourself not to think too much about it and

This afternoon you weren’t supposed to be in town; the

promising yourself you won’t message him again. Maybe

plan was to be at his flat. That flat he spent two months

he actually had a crush on you that’s why he had to set

craving and talking about while killing nights in an

boundaries and cut back on communication. Maybe he

uncomfortable bunk bed at an overcrowded hostel or in

is a player; or a wanker, as your best friend is describing

your bed after watching the last released episode of a

him to make you feel better about yourself. Maybe he

TV series. This afternoon you shouldn’t have had dinner

was just too drunk when he invited you over and regret-

based on leftovers but rather a nice barbecue and a bot-

ted it in the morning.

tle of cold beer with him, his flatmates and friends. The

05

Current Affairs

BATTLE OF THE BULGE THE MELTING POT IS GETTING HOTTER It’s mere months until one of the most controversial

as president, indicating that many American’s do not

presidential races in history comes to fruition. The cam-

view her as trustworthy- a characteristic that previously

paign up to this point has been fraught with scandals

been regarded with great importance- she continues to

surrounding each candidate and the divisiveness of the

succeed. This means that support does not necessarily

race shows no sign of letting up. Trump and Clinton have

equate to trust and that many are supporting Clinton’s

both transcended political life and become cult figures

run not because they believe in her, but rather to stop

in their own right. With as much attention being paid

the remarkable rise of Donald Trump or simply to sup-

to their personal lives as their political. Currently Trump

port the Democratic party.

is trailing Clinton with a thin margin of 43.4% to 49.2% respectively. This number is constantly fluctuating and

Clinton has also had to deal with the fallout from an

while there have been instances of Trump exceeding his

email scandal that narrowly saw her escape federal

rival, Clinton has generally held the lead over her Repub-

prosecution. While no evidence of criminality was found,

lican rival and continues to do so.

her actions were deemed by the FBI to be ‘extremely

One of the biggest issues plaguing the Clinton campaign

careless’ and there has been publicized instances during the trial where Clinton did not lie but managed to bend

All of which has damaged her public image causing voters to question her honesty.

the truth. All of which has damaged her public image causing voters to question her honesty.

Although these candidates differ drastically on many issues a common feature is that they are both extremely durable. Through a flurry of scandals their support

is her honesty. While she enjoys a lead of her rival, 68%

remains intact. This in itself is a scathing indictment of

of the American public believe she is neither honest or

the current election, where voters are essentially given

trustworthy. This has been nowhere more evident than

the choice of which candidate is the better of the two,

in her favourability ratings which are equal to those of

not the best for office. Both have seen their popularity

Trump’s, having dipped below his upon occasion and

fluctuate massively amidst repeated controversies and

have been described just recently as at a ‘record low’.

these two drastically different candidates have divided

However, despite numerous polls, and the fact that

a nation. But it is not simply a case of good vs evil, and

only 38% of American’s would be proud to have her

while Hillary Clinton is not spouting dangerous and racist

06

Current Affairs

rhetoric, her ties to big business and perceived lack of honesty are things that American’s have to contend with come election day.

The best chance for these candidates to go head to

Appealing to those who are tired of manufactured candidates and the political elite.

head are the infamous Presidential Debates. Presidential Debates carry unparalleled importance in the US

the political elite. His no holds barred attitude towards

political arena with 67 million Americans tuning into

speaking engagements directly challenges that of Hillary

watch the 2012 debates and even more expected this

and every modern candidate for that matter. This is his

year. This combined with the fact that debates are often

greatest asset and what will make the debate a true

cited as ‘game changers’ could mean that current polls

showdown. One that will likely be filled with playground

could hold little bearing or indication on the final result.

insults and angry exchanges throughout.

This means that that there is everything to gain and everything to lose. An intense clash of not just policies

The power of these debates should not be underes-

but styles.

timated, allowing the possibility for Donald Trump to swiftly close the narrow gap between he and Hillary, or

Clinton is known for her carefully crafted speeches and

alternatively for Hillary Clinton to decisively end the race

public image, tailored to appeal directly to every portion

and expose Donald Trump for the widespread mockery

of society, and this army of speechwriters are apparent

he has incurred for the US. Trump’s degeneration of the

every time she speaks. This is one of the reasons why

birthplace of the modern democracy into an MTV style

Clinton is failing to gain the trust of voters, because she

parody has scared many, and the 8th of November will

simply doesn’t appear genuine.

decided if America will be building bridges or walls.

While Trump on the other hand, appears to have no

Calum Wilson

strategy when it comes to public speeches, he simply says what comes into his mind. This strategy, if you can call it that, is in direct contradiction to Hillary and just for that reason it appears to be working. Appealing to those who are tired of manufactured candidates and

07

Current Affairs

Freedom of Censorship Freedom of Speech is often cited as the cornerstone

Universities are often regarded as some of the most

of any democratic society. Citizens are able to express

liberal places. So to see so many actively involved in

anything they want, within reason, without the threat

censorship has caused many to become concerned

of reprisal. In society, Universities are often regarded as

with this course of current events. This is a trend that

amongst the most liberal institutions so it has come as a

has captured the attention of leading academics who

concern to many that 90% are actively involved in curb-

conveyed their concern in an open letter to The Daily

ing this indispensable right. Results published by Spiked

Telegraph. Here they expressed their view that ‘A gener-

this year have highlighted just how severe the situation

ation of students is being denied the opportunity to test

has become. 63 out of 115 Universities have been ranked

their opinions against those they don’t agree with.’ This

RED by the report, with the rest being marked as either

declining toleration of views not considered politically

AMBER or GREEN. As well as having a high amount of

correct or mainstream enough risks setting the UK on a

Universities being ranked in the RED category, what is

dangerous path.

even more worrying is that this amount is only increasing. Censorship has increased from 41% to 55% from 2015 to 2016, which emphasizes a dangerous trend that has been described as ‘endemic’ by The Independent.

Censorship has increased from 41% to 55% from 2015 to 2016

These results indicate an attitude of intolerance that is widespread across Universities, preventing healthy discussion out of fear of causing offence. Some of the

The prevalence of the ‘no-platform’ policy has also found

most notable examples of censorship have included the

itself to be a contentious topic, where speakers and

banning of a speaker, Maryam Namazie, at Warwick Uni-

groups are blacklisted for their views. This occurs in all

versity because of her secular views, the ban of feminist

Students’ Unions that are a member of the NUS, which

writer Julie Bindel from the University of Manchester and

constitutes 95% of all higher education unions in the UK.

the protesting against the leader of the EDL speaking at

Many have questioned the ability of the future genera-

Oxford University. All these examples display an inten-

tion to lead one day when they are surrounded by the

tion to extend conformity at the expense of important

suppression of those with different views.

debates.

Calum Wilson 08

David Oyelowo

Dundee University Students Association (DUSA) Registered Scottish Charity No. SC016047

Current Affairs

The Olympic

Shadow In July the world was rocked by the revelations of a systematic programme of doping conducted by the Russian government. This by far is the greatest scandal to ever hit the Olympic Games, elevating doping from the decision of a single athlete into a government strategy.

The report, conducted and published, by the World

for the guarantee of a ‘comprehensive restructuring

Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) alleges that urine samples

of the Russian anti-doping system’, Russian athletes

that were found to have contained banned substances

who had been tested abroad and tested negative were

were regularly swapped with clean samples. It has also

allowed to compete. This was with the exception of

been alleged by the former head of Russia’s anti-doping

the track and field athletes who faced a near complete

laboratory, Dr Grigory Rodchenkov, that as well as the

ban. Only one athlete, long jumper Darya Klishina, was

swapping of positive urine samples, athletes were also

allowed to compete- but later tested positive for banned

provided with banned substances mixed in with alcohol.

substances and was disqualified. This was not the case, however, for the Paralympic athletes who faced a com-

While doping is by no means exclusive to Russia, it is the

plete ban.

scale of this doping that has caused many to consider the complete ban of Russian athletes from internation-

Citing concerns for clean athletes, whose hard work and

al sporting events. There have been notable instances

determination could have been for nothing, many viewed

of doping in the past such as American cyclist Lance

the result as lacking in relation to the severity and scope

Armstrong and sprinter Justin Gatlin, and there is no

of the revelations. So while the reaction of the IOC has

doubt that many more will be exposed at Rio. However,

been perceived to be far too lenient, spectators at Rio

these were confirmed to be isolated instances and more

have been far less hospitable with Russian athletes. This

importantly believed to be beyond government and

has resulted in many having been received with general

official knowledge.

hostility and suspicion at various events - coupled with instances of widespread booing from the crowd.

The possibility of a complete ban was implied by the head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC),

The scandal has been compared to the doping scan-

Thomas Bach, who upon the publication of the report

dal conducted by the East German authorities during

promised the ‘toughest sanctions’ for doping. However,

the Cold War. A country that has been considered a

he stopped short of calling for the ‘nuclear option’ of a

‘pioneering state in doping’, due to its widespread use

complete ban on all Russian athletes. Instead, in return

and refinement of the practise. The Russian motive for

10

Current Affairs

doping is the same as the East German one: To increase national pride and soft power through success at sporting events. Sport is universally loved and when Russia performs well, it shows the world that it is still a serious sporting and cultural adversary of the West. However, the perceived disregard for sportsmanship at an event that is a source of inspiration and joy for so many, will likely see Russia’s international reputation tarnished even further. And will see the culture war that dominated the Cold War slowly reassert into the global community as media outlets in the Russia and the West seek to demonise the other. The scandal has occurred at a time of heightened international tensions, after the annexation of Crimea, and relations between Russia and the West are only likely to get worse.

A stigma has engulfed the games and if the IOC fails to adequately deal with the scourge of doping in the future then all the progress achieved by the games will fall into disrepair as it risks becoming more about suspicion than celebration. So as much as Rio will be about breaking records and achieving medals, it will be known as the

In the face of overwhelming criticism Russia’s response has been far from remorseful. Instead seeking to downplay the incident to what it sees as endemic anti-Russian bias in Western media. In addition to the denial of a state doping programme, Russia has also vilified athletes and scientists who exposed the operation. Dr Grigory Rodchenkov has been forced seek refuge in the US and run-

Olympics where doping remerged at the forefront of international sport. The credibility of the games has been thrown into disrepute and mistrust. Never has a modern Olympic games been so divisive and the status of the Olympics as an apolitical event, whose primary goal is to unite countries across cultural decides, risks erosion if its integrity is not restored.

ner Yuliya Stepanova has also fled the country, recently having been the victim of a hacking attack.

By Calumn Wilson

11

More info at www.dusa.co.uk/sex Dundee University Students Association (DUSA) Registered Scottish Charity No. SC016047

Community Opinion

O

ktoberfest is a celebration where one can embrace Bavarian culture and wear lederhosen whilst drink-

ing copious amounts of German beer. But what if I don’t like lederhosen and beer, you might ask?

Special thanks to Robert Dunn & Tim Heil��onn

E DUN R E

have become a worldwide phenomenon; with the main

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community, beyond the apparent novelty.

Since the early 19th century, Oktoberfest celebrations

E DE

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Well, the Oktoberfest organisers provide benefits to the

Oktoberfest generating £868 million in Munich alone last year- according to ‘THE WEEK’. With the festivities starting from mid-September (as opposed to October, as most organisers know that the festivals work better in nicer weather), we can look back on the benefits of the festival and how it has made an impact on Dundee.

GERM

Oktoberfest began in 1810, to celebrate the marriage of

By Alastair Letch

von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Instead of beer being the

Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese

main attraction however, the event itself was set around a horse race. The party was so successful that the organisers made it a tradition; to celebrate every year. The first beer tents came about in 1896 to present the wares of many budding brewers and local landowners and since then the celebration has become centred on German culture and beer.

13

Community

as Brazil (the origin of one of the performing acts) and is, of course, fully embraced by the locals. The company sells over 600,000 litres a year with plans to expand.

The festival itself has made an impact on the company’s est

profits, and subsequently benefits the local Government

1905

through tax.

There is an element of challenge however, when maintaining a festival. In Kirkcaldy, there is a Twin City project set up between community groups from Fife and Ingolstadt; creating a team of Community Learning and Development Workers, Politicians, Council Rep-

charity

The International Rotary Club

o go t sed rai ds

One hundr ed p erce nt vo l

anised. A r org ll f un tee n u

FEST BER O K TO ATIONS C E L EBR

resentatives, Brewers and Translators to help run the project. The project itself was set up to promote cultural diversity while raising money to allow community groups to travel between each city/town. Every second year, the organisers and community groups from Germany come together in Kirkcaldy to celebrate and trade wares; the Germans bring fine beer and the Fifers bring whiskey over to Ingolstadt every other year. The festival earlier this year celebrated 50 years of the Twin City Project and raised money for their associated youth projects.

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e l e brated in Dundee since 2 0 1

I managed to speak to one of the locals involved with the project in Kirkcaldy, to know of the difficulties in running the festival and what benefits that the beer festival has on Kirkcaldy. He told me about the difficulties of maintaining a secure place to run the festival In many places around the world there exist little

(as previously it was run in a public park, which caused

pockets of German communities. For instance, a part of

issues with local residents due to noise complaints) and

downtown Cincinnati is known as “Over the Rhine” as

the subsequent challenges of making the event happen.

the Germans who emigrated thought the place reminded

The beer fest has moved to the town centre, which

them of home. For many Germans abroad, Oktoberfest

worked well, as the local nightclub Kittys could share

is a way to celebrate cultural identity, whether for senti-

their staff and their licence to sell alcohol and the beer

mentality or for fun.

fest has managed to attract a large crowd from Fife and bordering areas- selling and running out of beer for the

On a larger scale, Oktoberfest also brings a huge eco-

last two years.

nomic benefit to communities. In Taybeh, on the west bank in Palestine, there has been an Oktoberfest since

When asked about the city and how the festival makes

2005. Despite the unpredictable political climate of

an impact, he responded with “Things aren’t great in

the region, the Taybeh Beer Brewery (Palestine’s only

Kirkcaldy, so it’s something to look forward to. These are

brewery) celebrates Oktoberfest openly. The festival

good people that really want to help the community.”

brings people together; a crowd is attracted from as far

In Dundee, The Rotary Club has voluntarily organised

14

Community

the Oktoberfest for Dundee at the Discovery Point for the last 6 years. The Rotarians, a society that has played

When asked if the event will continue, Robert Dunn (a

a part in Dundee’s communities since 1921 – soon to be

Rotarian and organiser) stated that in the same sense as

celebrating their 100th year – decided to run the event

the black tie dinner event (that has been run for the last

for the purpose of raising money for the community

31 years), the Oktoberfest will hopefully have the same

(previously raising funds for Dundee Carers and the

longevity.

Riding for Disabled). After getting in contact with the organisers, we’ve found out the benefits that Oktober-

One of the biggest criticisms of the festival however,

fest brings to Dundee.

is the ‘stereotypes’ that Oktoberfest presents of the German culture. This however is an initial glance that de-

“Primarily, Oktoberfest is considered a fundraising event

tracts from what the festival actually is. The Oktoberfest

in Dundee (not to be confused with the commercial cele-

festival is more than a cultural gimmick; it is a celebra-

bration in the city centre) and has previously fundraised

tion that gives back to the community.

over £100,000 for local charities/voluntary organisations over the last six years.

A special thanks goes to Robert Dunn and Tim Heilbronn

In the past Rotary’s main fundraising event has been a

from the Dundee Rotary and Euan Connelly from Kirk-

black-tie Charity Dinner, which whilst very successful

caldy for supporting this article.

(and it still is), reaches a rather select group of people.

Running Oktoberfest enables us to reach a much wider group of people to show what Rotary can do. If nothing else it shows that we can throw a good party and are not just a group of “old men in suits”!

There are a number of “Beer Festivals” in the area, but the Rotary “Oktoberfest“ is now the largest, and in its location in marquees alongside the Discovery, certainly provides the most iconic setting. The music, showcasing new young talent, as well as more established local bands, is outstanding, and all the musicians donate their time and talents for nothing, so that every penny of the profits go to charity. We also try to make the

Bands, Bratwurst & Beers

event different by bringing in genuine German food to accompany a fantastic range of both local craft beers and continental biers.

The Thursday night is primarily a corporate night, with

R IV

E RSID

UEES AR Q EM

An annual cele��ation of Bavarian culture in Dundee

local companies taking tables and entertaining their clients, and their support is certainly crucial to the success of the event. The fact that they know that all the organisation and running of the event is done entirely by volunteers, so that every penny raised goes to good causes, means that they are very keen to work together to support us.”

15

Community

Local Hidden Gems

By Hannah Perrie

KitschnBake

TOPPING & COMPANY BOOKSELLERS

SCOTTISH ANTIQUE & ART CENTRE

SAAC

Whether you’ve spent only one month or a long 3 years

or an indulgent cake. They have an extensive choice of

in Dundee, I think it’s never too early or too late in your

fancy sandwiches for lunch (brie, bacon and cranberry

university career to leave the comfort of your student

bagel is my all-time favourite!) and a large selection of

flat for a day and go explore outside the city.

scones, cakes and tray-bakes. I’ve seen their new Mars

Check out the following places, which are my favourite

Bar muffins on their Instagram, and I am praying they

places outside Dundee, that I think everyone should visit

have them in next time I’m there! Kitschnbake’s quirky

during their time living here.

and eclectic design also gives me some interior inspiration for the day I finally leave student accommodation

First on the list is Topping and Company books. I reg-

and my parents’ house.

ularly take trips through to St. Andrews (admittedly, the main premise of these trips is to have Janetta’s ice

This next place is a bit of an out-there recommenda-

cream), and I always have a browse around this beautiful

tion, but Perthshire’s Scottish Antiques and Arts Centre

bookshop. The bookshop has everything from Fiction

in Abernyte is a lovely day out. They have a beautiful

and History to Science and Design with even a cute little

collection of antique jewellery (surprisingly, some that

kids’ corner with some titles to bring a wave of nostalgia.

actually do fit within the student budget; treat yo’ self!),

There are ladders attached to the walls and comfy sofas

and I could spend hours wandering around the furniture,

dotted about. You can even indulge in a free tea or cof-

clothes and art. There’s even a food hall that sells a wide

fee whilst reading your new purchase - what’s

selection of quality Scottish products; this place really

not to like?!

does have something for everyone.

Perhaps you fancy taking time out from the city but

If you have any places in the local and wider community

don’t want to go too far; Kitschnbake, a fabulous little

that you love, I’d love to hear about them! Email me at

cafe in Newport-on-Tay, is a lovely place to relax and en-

community.editor@dusamedia.com.

joy views across the Tay whilst having a delicious lunch

16

Design

5 Graphic Novels You Should Read This Halloween.

1. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

grandfather's death and embarks on an adventure to

“A Monster Calls” revolves around a young teen-

understand the life of his grandfather during his time

age boy named Connor who wakes during the

at Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.

night to find a monster outside his bedroom window. However, this monster is different to the one

4. The Walking Dead (comic series)

Connor expected, not the one from his constant

by Robert Kirkman

nightmares filled with darkness and screaming.

Focusing on deputy Rick Grimes, who is shot whilst on

Instead it is an ancient monster who has come to

the job and later wakens from a coma in the middle of

get something from Connor.

a zombie apocalypse, this black and white American

The truth. Patrick Ness is successful in creating

comic has had major success and was made into a

a tale filled with fear and humour depicting the

popular TV series in 2010. Even though the TV show

world of monsters both real and imaginary.

is regarded for pushing the boundaries of violence displayed on-screen, it is nothing compared to the

2. Locke and Key by Joe Hill

original comic material. The off-screen stories go

This tale gives an insight into Keyhouse, the unu-

slightly more extreme featuring exploding eyeballs and

sual New England mansion with a secret.

crushed babies; maybe not one for the faint hearted.

With doors that alter all who walk through them and a fierce, unstoppable creature desperate to

5. Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol

open the worst door of them all, this narrative is

“Anya’s Ghost” is a humorous, sweet and scary story

a popular one for the Halloween season.

about a young girl for who life is far from enjoyable.

With the normal fears and embarrassments of a teen-

3. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children:

age girl, falling down a well may seem like a blessing,

The Graphic Novel by Ransom Riggs

especially when she finds a new friend.

A twist on the original story, this graphic novel

Even if it’s one that’s been down there dead for

is portrayed by popular illustrator Cassandra

the last century.

Jean who depicts a simplified version of the classic tale.

However things soon turn sinister as Anya realizes her new ghostly friend is a lot more disturbing than she

During Jacob Portman’s’ childhood, he was

would have liked.

smothered in tales and photographs of Miss Peregrines home during WW2 by his grandfa-

by Corrie Gorman

ther. Although initially regarding the tales are pure fiction and solely a means of entertainment, Jacob begins to investigate further after his

17

Design

Corrie Gorman

Donald Trump is an American businessman who is currently known for his terrifying role as the Republican Party nominee for the President of the USA in this year’s election.

18

Design

Kanye West is an American vocal artist whose “resting bitch face� can haunt you straight through to your very soul.

Not to mention he thinks he is a God. 19

Design

N

Bruce is a great white shark featured in the Pixar animation Finding Nemo.

Even though he is the leader of the Fish-Friendly Sharks support group, his teeth-filled cheeser is enough to send chills down your spine.

20

Opinion)

IS

NEW TEMPLATE (DELETE) THE NEW NEWSROOM? Netflix in recent years has gained a significant amount

It may be argued that the film received so much pop-

of attention which has led to debate over whether or

ularity on Netflix that it put pressure upon the popular

not it is a beneficial service or simply another of life’s

sea park which has, this year, announced the end of its

distractions. The on-demand entertainment company

orca breeding program.

Pull quote should be 12pt with leading films, available to those with subscriptions at16pt the touch has made many documentaries, television shows and

of a button. Although the quick episode turnaround makes it easy to binge watch programmes for several hours, it would be fair to say that its vast content is sparking controversial discussions all around the world.

The hit documentary Making a Murderer has opened the eyes of many into the story of Steven Avary. A wrongful conviction case is always gripping, yet the suspicion surrounding his subsequent arrest has led many to take to social media and debate the innocence or guilt of the man. Not only is this the case, but the judiciary branch has been placed under a magnifying glass for the world

Netflix is used by a variety of people, who watch a pleth-

to see through their screens, accessible through Netflix.

ora of different genres and sub genres. For this reason,

The ability to have real life stories experienced by such

it has been possible for programmes and films, which

a large audience means that controversial topics gain

would otherwise not get the recognition they deserve,

more recognition. This may encourage certain issues

to be noticed by the masses. The consequences of this

to be addressed and consequently remedied to suit all

have been far reaching with the ability to have power-

involved.

ful branches of society analysed and previously loved

One topic which may be brought to mind when discuss-

entertainment parks scrutinised.

ing Netflix’s involvement in controversial issues is that of animal captivity. Blackfish hit Netflix in 2013 and since

- Naomi Forrest

then has continued to raise awareness surrounding the lives of killer whales kept in captivity. Gabriela Cowperthwaite, the director of the documentary, captured the sometimes fatal incidents which arose from the wrongful treatment of whales. Focusing specifically on the well-known aquatic centre SeaWorld, Blackfish viewers were made aware of the whale Tilikum who, captured in 1983 at the age of 2 years, has lived out his days in various tanks.

21

r?

Too

Fa

ne

Go

Ha

ve I

Opinion

Carolina S A First Hand Experience of a Study-Abroad Fresher ‘But that’s too far away!’ That’s what most people said when I told them I was moving to Scotland to study, but that’s the point ­— going far away. And when I’m far away, go even farther. That’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was 12. Maybe it’s the drudgery of going back home after a while which makes me want to go away again, or maybe it’s that ‘home’ pushed me away.

Not enough for me; always wanting more. That’s why I decided to study abroad. What better place to start my life long journey than university? But such a huge decision doesn’t come without it’s pros and cons, discovered after experiencing it, of course.

The obvious pros are meeting new people, getting to know a new country and its ways, and learning in a completely different way. But little do we talk about how it makes us grow and learn about ourselves. I’ve always thought about myself as somebody not very attached to people, an independent soul, a lone wolf. I thought it would be easy, going away. But, oh boy, how wrong was I: I cried so hard the first time I had to part ways with my family that I got hiccups. Now, writing this on the plane, again, for the third time in the year that I have to leave my family, I still get a burning in my eyes because of the

22

tears that want to come out remembering that moment.

Opinion

I wasn’t sad. I was scared. And of course I was scared.

I was moving 2000km away. I knew nothing about the place I was moving to, except that the city was the sunniest in Scotland. And for someone a little obsessed with having everything under control, that was nerve wrecking. But I had to accept that it was ok to be scared

“...Of course I was scared. I was moving 2000km away. I knew nothing about the place I was moving to...”

and then, I had to woman up and focus on “adulting” as

wonderful. It made me sad and uncomfortable and it

best as I could. Being in a situation so new taught me

affected my well being and academic performance. But

that we can’t have everything under control and that’s

with the university’s help and my own determination,

completely fine. Things fall into place eventually. You

everything is getting better. I thought it was a bad expe-

grow. You evolve. And I don’t think I would have been

rience, but it wasn’t, it was just an experience that taught

able to do that if I hadn’t moved abroad.

me something really valuable: How to say no. To be assertive. To set boundaries. That’s something I’ve been

This whole experience comes with plenty of fears,

lacking throughout out my life, and I’m grateful I came

especially at the beginning. One of the many fears I had

all the way here to experience it.

about going to university abroad was living with new people. And I would like to think that was a fear I shared

So, university is about getting a degree and studying

with most of the fresher students moving to new flats.

what you want, yes, but it’s also about growing up and

A lot of what-ifs filled my head and almost stopped me

discovering who and how you want to be. Everything

from coming to university. But they all went away when I

I’ve gone through this first year of uni has taught me so

met my wonderful flatmates. They were very nice and we

much. Without studying abroad, I would still be the same

got along well. That was at the beginning.

control freak who lacked self-confidence. And I can honestly say that I’m very happy and grateful I was able

They then started making some life decisions I didn’t

to leave that behind and get a little closer to being the

agree with. And that’s when things stopped being so

person I truly am.

23

Opinion

Something Wicked?

Reclaiming the figure of the Witch ‘‘Far from signifying evil or horror, the Witch is a heroine. She’s independent and empowered and exactly the kind of female role model we seem to be constantly seeking in the 21st century.’’

For most of my early childhood there was only one thing I wanted to be when I grew up; a Witch. Not a Fairy, a Princess or Rachel from S-Club 7 like all my friends, but a broomstick-riding, potion-making, pointy-hat-wearing Witch.It’s an ambition which is met with a lot less ‘aww’s than the classics above (admittedly there is a slight horror-movie vibe about a five-year-old obsessed with Witchcraft) but nevertheless, the legendary figure of the Witch has always been my icon and inspiration. Far from signifying evil or horror, the Witch is a heroine. She’s independent and empowered and exactly the kind of female role model we seem to be constantly seeking in the 21st century.

The symbol of the Witch has always been a potent one but over the last few decades it has become inextricably linked to female empowerment and women’s rights.

When I was a child I simply saw the Witch as a cool and exciting thing to be- I mean, they have magic. That fairy-tale archetype which more traditionally features in the make-believe of young girls, the Princess, always seemed to pale in comparison to the Witch. To me it was obvious that if we were going to play ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at break time, it was a lot more fun to be the character that turns into a dragon half way through than the one who spends most of it unconscious.

As it happens, the Witch has become such a powerful symbol for precisely this reason; she’s active. The Witch doesn’t passively wait in her tower for a stranger to rescue her - she might even do a little rescuing of her own - but whatever she is up to, the Witch is fundamentally in charge of her own destiny. From the 1960s sitcom ‘Bewitched’, where a housewife escapes drudgery through magical hijinks, to feminist political activists W.I.T.C.H in 1970s America, to the success of Terry Pratchett’s young adult ‘Tiffany Aching’ series, we can see the image and

24

Opinion

character of the Witch being recognised as one that is empowering and inspiring to women and girls of all ages. Throughout the last century, as women have gained more and more of the freedoms and rights of men, there has been a demand for a female role model whose power and destiny comes from within herself, not from her position in society (or the kiss of her Prince) and popular culture has reclaimed the once-despised figure of the Witch, to fill that void.

‘‘...whatever she is up to, the Witch is fundamentally in charge of her own destiny...’’

The power of the Witch isn’t just any old magic however, it’s intrinsically feminine. Historically, witchcraft has always been linked to midwifery, childbirth and the idea of ‘female intuition’. This association between an apparently evil practise and three of the most traditionally powerful, respected and feared abilities of women has often been seen as an attack on womanhood itself and a tool of oppression. Indeed, 84% of the thousands of people accused of Witchcraft in Scotland alone, were women and most of these are thought to have been executed.

By reclaiming the figure of the Witch as our role model today, we are not only honouring the thousands of women who were killed for nothing more than possessing the kind of qualities that are sought after today (independence, wisdom, imagination or knowledge) but we’re also acknowledging our own intrinsically female strength.

This all might sound a bit New Age, but the point isn’t that you should go out tomorrow and buy a pentacle, a crystal wand and a lot of really black eyeliner. Pop culture has already redeemed the figure of the Witch, to reclaim her as a role model in your own life is simply a case of reclaiming, and trusting in, a strength that comes from within you, an internal power which doesn’t rely on anyone but yourself; that is what the figure of the Witch really represents.

– Rachel Cairns 25

Black History Month

WHY DO WE NEED TO CELEBRATE

BLACK HISTORY MONTH?

A

s the year draws to a close, we are once met again with the blustery

month of October. Common associations with the tenth month include the brisk and breezy arrival of autumn, when crispy golden leaves dance with the wind, scarves and knitwear dominate the wardrobe, and an array of jaggedly carved pumpkins begin to show up at every corner.

A less common October-ism?

Black History Month.

The United Kingdom has been officially celebrating Black History month (BHM) for 28 years since its inception in 1987, with this year marking its 29th anniversary – and yet so many British people just don’t know about it. This, ironically, is one of the reasons we need it – but we’ll get to that.

Created and organised under the leadership of Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, a Ghanaian analyst, who was then the coordinator of Special Projects for the Greater London Council

26

Black History Month

Who is Akyaaba Addai-Sebo?

Akyaaba Addai Sebo was raised in Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana.

In a nation filled with the spirit of Independence and Self Reliance, he would be one of many young men and women to benefit from Nkrumah’s Young Pioneers, developing a new generation of leadership for Afrika.

“Although I initiated the idea, making Black History Month was a collective effort, and it could not have been achieved without the London Strategic Policy Unit, an organisation established after the Thatcher government abolished the GLC in 1986.”

(GLC), it aimed to follow its American pre-

tors, once said, “I don’t want a Black History

decessor, which started its celebrations as

Month. Black History is American History.”

‘Negro History Week’ and was formed by the historian, Carter G. Woodson in 1926. The

Meanwhile, others believe that celebrations

month has become an annual commemora-

are absolutely essential, with the present

tion and remembrance, not only celebrating

day proving that oppression still rests on

significant members and historical events

the shoulders of the black community at an

of that shaped the African diaspora across

international level. The wealth of evidence

the globe, but also the importance of the

for this is staggering – 102 black people

positive contribution that the Black and Indi-

were killed by police in America during 2015,

an community have made to British history,

1 in 3 were found to be unarmed (Mapping

shaping the template of society’s cultural and

Police Violence 2016). Black People are still

traditional norms, as we know them today.

far more likely to be stopped and search in nearly every part of England and Wales as of

Yet, we all know that in today’s society, you

2016. School girls in South Africa are given

can’t please everyone. Black History Month

detention for wearing their natural afro hair.

alone, often spurs debates and criticism

The list goes on and on. So the celebration

from both the Black & Indian community and

of Black History month, is a way to empower

people from other races. Some tend to ask,

the young and old generation to learn and

why do we need celebrate Black History? Or

connect with their heritage. With the use of

those who stand at the right of the political

media, and events, it appears that Britain

spectrum argue that it is unfair, divisive and

takes this into account, yet, this isn’t the case.

racist to devote an entire month to a single

Growing up, my attention rarely turned to the

race! Even Morgan Freeman, one of the world’s most famous and notable black ac-

27

Black Month Arts &History Entertainment

October tribute. After reaching a certain

this experience can be quite excluding for

age, I realised the main reason; black history

children in the black and Asian community,

itself was and still is, severely underrepre-

as nearly all information being taught them

sented. Evidence of black presence in Britain

ignores their cultural heritage, and therefore,

dates back to the Roman times, yet, there

something that they could relate to. Carter

is still a persistent belief that it began with

G. Woodson believed that black history was

a wind rush of migrants during the 1950’s.

key to aiding the study of race within society, saying, “If a race has no history, it has no

They are innovators.

Visionaries.Activists.

Scientists.Businessmen.

worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.

So I turn back to the very question that In school, we are encouraged to learn all

started the whole conversation; why do we

aspects of history that has moulded Britain

need to celebrate Black History Month?

into what it is today. Britain has been deemed successful in integrating multiculturalism.

Whilst it is used to highlight the symbolic

Nonetheless, when it comes to learning about

accomplishments that the black community

history, there is almost an exclusive theme

have made towards British History, there is a

that stems from a Eurocentric perspective.

larger, and much deeper meaning behind it.

Children learn about Florence Nightingale,

Black History Month embraces not only the

but many are unaware of Mary Seacole, a

hardships, but the joyfulness, the representa-

Jamaican nurse (of Scottish and African de-

tion and the gift of heritage. Striving for

scent) who nursed wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. It may not seem like it, but

FACTS : - There are now roughly 5,000 events taking place for Black History Month across the UK every year.

- There are 1.87 million people living in the UK who identify themselves as “Black British”.

28

- Black people have lived in Britain since at least the 12th century.

- As well as the US and UK, Black History Month is also celebrated in Canada.

- Slavery was made illegal in the UK in 1772 and was officially abolished in 1833.

Arts Black & Entertainment History Month

endeavours, no matter the obstacle. Acting as role models and making the world a better place for young boys and girls. They will follow and strive for even greater achievements with the same determination and courage, because the black community in the UK has risen above the general misconception.

They are innovators. Visionaries. Activists.

Scientists. Businessmen. Presidents.

Despite its namesake, Black History Month is not only creating awareness for just African, Caribbean or Indian members of society, but

FACTS :

awareness for all people. It poses an opportunity for many to challenge themselves. It is a development tool within society, cultivating

- During WWI, a separate black unit was formed within the British Army called the British West Indies Regiment.

- Black History Month is recognised by the UK government and is supported by many MPs across the country.

cultural and social awareness and encouraging a sense of unity and equality amongst all.

That in itself is history made to be proud of.

Natalie Olu-Osifeso

- Throughout the war, 15,204 black men had served in the British West Indies Regiment. Of these, 185 were killed in combat and 1,071 died of illnesses.

- October was chosen for the UK as it is a time when children are at school, so helps to instil pride and identity into young people.

- Populations increased dramatically in the 17th century, when people were seen as a unit of currency for slavery.

- Black History Month stems from 1926 when Carter G Woodson launched Negro History Week in USA, which later became Black History Month, marked for February. Carter specifically chose February to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, the president who ‘freed the slaves’.

29

BHM

BLACK PEOPLE YOU SHOULD HAVE HEARD OF, BUT HAVEN’T Black people came from all over Europe and Africa and settled in London where their presence is significant but little known. The presence of Africans in England dates back to at least the Roman period when African soldiers who served as part of the Roman army were stationed at Hadrian’s Wall during the 2nd century AD. Septimus Severus, the emperor who was born in Libya, spent his last three years in Britain before he died in York in 211AD.

30

BHM

1593

1753-1784

The earliest known record of a Black person living in

In 1773, Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784) was the first Afri-

London is of “Cornelius a Blackamoor” whose burial on

can-American woman to have her book published:

2nd March 1593 was recorded in the parish register at St

‘Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral’.

Margaret’s Church in Lee.

The book was published in London with the help of the Countess of Huntingdon.

1788-c.1833 Mary Prince (1788 - c. 1833) was the first Black woman to write and publish an autobiography ‘The History of Mary Prince: A West Indian Slave,’ an account of the horrors of life on the plantations enslavement, published in

1745-1797

Britain c.1831. Mary Prince was also the first woman to present an anti-slavery petition to Parliament.

Olaudah Equiano (1745-1797) was one of the most prominent Africans involved in the British movement towards the abolition of the enslavement of Africans.

He was a prominent member of the ‘Sons of Africa’, a group of 12 Black men who campaigned for abolition.

In 1789, he wrote his autobiography ‘The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African’ which depicted the horrors of slavery and

1858-1894 J.S Celestine Edwards (1853-1894) was the first Black man to edit a White-owned newspaper Lux (1892-1895), the weekly Christian Evidence Newspaper. He was also the editor of its monthly journal ‘Fraternity (1893-1897)’ which reached a circulation of more than 7000.

helped influence British lawmakers to abolish transatlantic enslavement through the Slave Trade Act of 1807.

However, no enslaved people were freed by the Act - so the struggle continued.

1729-1780 Ignatius Sancho (1729-1780), the composer, actor, writer and businessman was the first Black person known to have voted in Britain in 1774 and 1780. Sancho was also the first African prose writer whose work was published in England.

1788-1870 William Cuffay (1729-1780) was a Black tailor who lived in London. He was one of the leaders and martyrs of the Chartist movement, the first mass political movement of the British working class.

1912 The ‘Africa Times and Orient Review’ was the first political journal produced by and for Black people ever published in Britain. Duse Mohamed Ali, an Egyptian Nationalist and Pan Africanist Journalist founded The African Times and Orient Review in London in July 1912. It was printed on Fleet Street in London.

Marcus Garvey was a staff writer at the newspaper.

31

BHM

1882-1947

1897-1969

In 1931, Dr Harold Moody (1882-1947) founded the

Amy Ashwood Garvey (1897-1969) was a playwright,

League of Coloured Peoples (LCP) in 1931, the first Black

lecturer and Pan-Africanist who founded the Nigeri-

pressure group and the largest British Pan-African or-

an Progress Union in London in 1924. She became an

ganisation in the 1930s and 1940s.

important figure in the anti-racist movement in England.

In 1959, she chaired an enquiry into race relations fol-

1905-1965

lowing the racially motivated murder of Kelso Cochrane

Una Marson (1905-1965) was the first Black female

in London. In the wake of the Notting Hill riots in 1958,

broadcaster at the BBC from 1939 to 1946. Marson, born

she co-founded the Association for the Advancement of

in Jamaica in 1905, was a poet, publisher and activist

Coloured People.

for racial and sexual equality. She was a secretary to the League of Coloured Peoples as well as many other or-

1920s-1960s

ganisations including the Women’s International League

The West African Student Union (WASU) was one of

for Peace.

the most important political organisations in Britain from the 1920s until the 1960s. Members included Kwame Nkrumah, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Joseph Appiah who played an important role agitating for an end to colonial rule in Britain’s West African colonies.

1904-2003 Elisabeth Welch (1904-2003) was one of the first Black people to have her own BBC radio series in 1935, ‘Soft Lights and Sweet Music’, which made her a house-

1869-1911

hold name in Britain.

Henry Sylvester Williams (1869-1911) helped to found the African-Association, which lobbied for human rights in the colonies and was instrumental in holding the first Pan-African Conference in London (1900).

1863-1932 John Richard Archer (1863-1932) became London’s first Black Mayor on 10th November 1913 aged fifty years old when he was elected mayor of Battersea.

32

By Ololade Winjobi

Jackie Kay

Dundee University Students Association (DUSA) Registered Scottish Charity No. SC016047

BHM

Quotes about Black History Month

By Kayode Oki

“It really doesn’t mean that much to me because it’s an American thing. But I will say it’s a way to celebrate the positive things that Black people have done. That the media doesn’t show.”

Kehinde Gbadamosi

“It’s a reminder that you are not a victim of your circumstance and every individual can impact the world.”

Yusuf Sule

“Black History Month is about remembering where we started; taking time to remember all the contributions black men and women have made to shaping the world we live in, remembering how far they’ve brought us. Black History Month is about celebrating, and looking forward to what’s to come.”

Kathleen Kelly

“Black history month should be every month in the year. When is white history month? Asian history month? Latino history month? We should be discussing/learning/writing about black history every month.”

Muyiwa Oki

34

BHM

Black Scots An Appreciation of Notable Black Scots and their Contributions to Society and Culture

By Kayode Oki

Emeli Sande

Jackie Kay MBEFRSE

Singer/Song writer

Poet and Novelist

Accomplishments:

Accomplishments:

Number one debut album / 3 Brit awards /

Saltire Society Scottish First Book Award /

2 Ivor Novello awards / 3 MOBOs

Awarded an MBE in 2006 / The Current Scots Makar (National Poet of Scotland)

Origin: Born to a Zambian father, English Mother in

Origin:

Sunderland but moved to Alford, Aberdeenshire

Born in Edinburgh in 1981 to a Scottish mother

when she was four

and a Nigerian Father

Fun Fact:

Fun Fact:

She is a former medical student at

Was in a 15 year relationship with Scottish poet

Glasgow University

Carol Ann Duffy

Eugene Bullard

Andrew Watson

Military Pilot

Footballer

Accomplishments:

Accomplishments:

Served in both World War I & II.

First black person to play international football.

Origin:

Origin:

Born in Georgia USA but stowed away on a ship

Son of Scottish sugar planter Peter Miller Watson

to Scotland to escape racial discrimination.

from Orkney and a British Guianese woman.

Fun Fact:

Fun Fact:

Nicknamed l’Hirondelle noire de la mort(Black

Captained Scotland to a 6-1 win over England -

Swallow of Death)

remains England’s biggest defeat on home soil

35

Technology

The Front Page Of The Internet

I

n 2016 we have reached a point of critical mass in

you, a place you like to go and there is a Reddit page

social media, the main players are well established and

for it. However, not only is there a page for it, there is a

do not appear to be as fragile as their predecessors. The

community for the page, ranging from vast colonies of

naissance of social media for the post millennial gen-

hundreds of thousands of contributors all the way down

eration was Bebo, for me at least, it was the first taste

to niche groups with a few members.

of true social media. It set the groundwork for many of the features that we see today on Facebook, Twitter,

In that group you will find an entire range of posts from

Instagram and Snapchat. Bebo, like MySpace and others,

useful information, funny stories and discussion pieces

faded away into the internet nether despite Justin Tim-

that – if you have the time – can be very enjoyable to

berlake’s best attempts to revive the latter.

read. Whether you like Basketball, Make-up tutorials, League of Legends, 19th Century Art, Dogs or Frogs, if

There is another player that is not thought of as a part

you can dream it, there’s a Reddit page and Reddit com-

of the well-known group, but is on the rise. Those of you

munity for it. I know it sounds like a secluded and

who know what I am talking about would have grasped the nature of this article from the title, for those who did not, I’m going to stretch this out a little further. When you first discover it you may think you’ve made a dicey search and ended up deep within forums where only a

IT’S APPLICATION IS ENDLESS, DUE TO ITS ABILITY TO SERVE MULTIPLE NEEDS.

troll or recluse could survive. When your eye’s scan the page you may even question if you’ve somehow trav-

segregated platform with nothing to connect users with

elled back to 1999, becoming a witness to web design in

diverging interests, but there is a large wealth of com-

its infancy.

munal pages where information, stories, videos, news, funny things and creepy things that have mass appeal

Putting an end to this hyperbole, I am describing Reddit.

are all shared. Being top of the front page of Reddit

Known as ‘The Front Page of the Internet’ and it is exact-

could be considered quite the achievement

ly that. You tell me; an interest, a fact about

by many.

36

Technology

Its application is endless, due to its ability to serve mul-

realising that providing an unconventional platform is

tiple needs. Want information about the city your living

what sets them apart from the competition. It is the

in? Whether in Dundee, Detroit or Düsseldorf, there’s a

ultimate meritocracy, if you make good content, you will

community with locals sharing stories on the best places

be successful on Reddit. It doesn’t matter what filter you

to eat, things to do in the city or even just photographs

have on your photo or how relatable you can be in 140

taken around town. The ability of Reddit to serve as both

characters; appearances don’t substitute character on

as source of entertainment and humor whilst also having the ability to serve as a utility is what makes Reddit ingenious and unique.

The platform is light on personal information – unlike

IT’S NOT WHO YOU KNOW, IT’S ABOUT WHO’S GOT SOMETHING WORTHWHILE TO SAY.

Facebook – with the focus on content rather than its creators. Indeed, Reddit differs from other social media

Reddit as they can on other social media. There can be

in the sense that it’s not all about who you know, it’s

a deceptive gaze cast in social media as to how people’s

about who’s got something worthwhile to say, for this

lives are when they reveal so much, yet so finely curated

reason it is not heavily based around connections and

information. Curated in a way that it all compounds

more focused on worthwhile or popular things that are

into a big ball of indecipherable noise. How many exam

said. It truly celebrates the quality of its content with the

results, driving test pass certificates, pictures from nights

users and moderators being an afterthought. This will

out or stances on social issues have to be shared before

be apparent if you visit the page of any ‘Redditor’ where

your brain switches off. Reddit never lets you flick that

you wont find their face and header serving as a letter-

switch, there’s always something new, there’s always

head to their profile. You’ll see what you always see on

something interesting and most important of all, there’s

Reddit, content, their posts and contributions displayed

always something different.

in a simple list.

Hugh Stevenson These characteristics are unapologetically Reddit, derived not from ambivalence to the norm, rather,

37

Technology

I’ve Been

Planting rees To Stay Focused

http://www.forestapp.cc/

N

o, not in the out-doorsy kind of way - this is afterall,

our brains recognise as “calming” colours and this rather

2016. I’m actually talking about the app, “Forest”.

clever technique helps to get us more in the zone for

Forest works by silencing your phone while you work:

getting work done. The rest of the art is also kept simple

you can set a timer for how long you’re going to be busy

and clean: with a mostly flat “Material Design”. This is a

and the app will do the rest. You can then watch your

concept which was popularized by Google back in 2014

virtual forest grow: the more you work, the more it will

and inspired by the aesthetic of pen on paper drawing:

populate with shrubs, bushes, and trees. However, your

all the shapes are simple but bold, and the design fea-

laziness and social-media-sidetracking will be punished,

tures a lot of two-dimensional art with layering and little

and your trees will wither - adding a tang of guilt associ-

animation.

ated with checking Facebook or Twitter.

It’s amazing how much you can get done when you You can of course “whitelist” certain apps so that, for

aren’t constantly checking every beep your phone

example, answering a call or replying to an email does

makes - like being in a forest with no signal and only the

not count as a distraction. Navigating away from the

silence of your surroundings letting you clear your head.

app and launching any other app, however, will

Whereas a “social media break” can usually do more

usually be penalised and the moment will be saved

harm than good, because even while you feel like you’re

alongside all your other slacking off: displayed in a help-

not working, you’re reading or watching content which is

ful chart so you can see how long it takes for

designed to provoke a response: and emotional thoughts

your concentration to fade.

and feelings can be more of a burden on your mind than sitting in a quiet room and collecting your thoughts.

The art in Forest is perhaps what makes it most attractive: it uses a lot of mellow blue and green tones which

38

Mila Georgieva

Tech

‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE BOOZY...

INTRODUCING

Somabar

www.somabarkickstarter.com/ Kickstarter has brought us a variety of projects over the last few years: from the innovative, such as the Pebble Watches, through to the hilarious, like the card game “Exploding Kittens”. But some projects were created by true entrepreneurial heroes; Somabar is one of those projects.

Designed by Dylan Purcell-Lowe and Ammar Jangbarwala, Somabar disguises itself as a coffee machine, but brews up something which is certainly not

By Mila Georgieva

recommended first thing in the morning - cocktails.

It connects to your smartphone via Wi-Fi and lets you choose a drink you wish to make: either a classic or your own recipe. It then concocts your beverage of choice in under five seconds by combining the ingredients from its six refillable external Soma Pods.

In an interview with Entrepreneur, the creators discussed the ideas behind their project and how their impatience ultimately became their muse when they developed the final product. Born mostly from frustration in queuing and

As of now, Somabar is available for

slow service, Somabar is a truly futuristic bartender - using precise measure-

pre-order. So if you have a

ments every time with little chance of error: ensuring every drink

spare $429 (around £321)

is as perfect as the last. Purcell-Lowe also joked with the interviewer that making cocktails at home is also sometimes quite difficult.. “Especially when

you could have a piece of the future.

you’ve had a few.” (We feel you!) The ideas behind the project were also largely inspired by alcohol-providing vending machines in Japan, and Keurig coffee machines which use “pods” to make each drink.

After three years of planning and designing, the creative duo turned to Kickstarter, where all the hard work paid off as their $50,000 (around £37,512) goal was surpassed within the campaign’s 53-day period, which ended at the end of August this year and raised a total of $312,707 (around £234,607).

But their success is not only due to word of mouth - an attractive advertising campaign and active social media presence helped along the way and piqued the interest of investors who contributed to the now near-quarter-million project.

39

Open Mic Night

Air Bar 11th October

7.30pm – 11pm Followed by Karaoke

Dundee University Students Association (DUSA) Registered Scottish Charity No. SC016047

Science

y M e r e Wh t A y e n Mo B

roadly speaking, full time working men and

even clearer once you see that women’s incomes

woman do not make the same amount of

began to increase and become closer to that

money. This is the same for virtually every field,

of their male counterparts as they entered their

on every level of education, in every country for

middle age. Furthermore, women involved in the

which we have data.

study who didn’t have children had higher earning at approximately double that of their coun-

The cause of this is complex and nuanced and

terparts, roughly 45% to 20% wage gap when

part of a larger web of social issues affecting

compared to men in the study.

people. There is no one cause and no one solution but there is most definitely a problem.

There is one simple explanation for this: women

In the USA the mean financial income of full

get pregnant and have children. Due to social

time men is $50,383. When compared to that of

pressures, they are made to take on a dispropor-

woman which is $39,621, we reach that infamous

tionate amount of unpaid domestic labour. Thus

statistic that” woman earn 79 cents to every dol-

woman tend to do less paid hours not as choice,

lar a man makes”. This may sound insightful and

but through necessity in their social situation;

revealing but it really tells us that there is a gap

and as a result tend to be concentrated in lower

in the pays of men and women; the true nature

paying jobs that can be more flexible to their

of the issues reveal themselves once we track

situations. This still does not explain why there

individuals in similar situations.

are more male medically qualified anaesthesiologists than female and more female than male

For example, a study following the career of

anaesthesia nurses than male - but it does back

thousands of MBA graduates from the Univer-

up the research of Harvard Economist Claudia

sity of Chicago’s Booth School of Business saw

Goldin, who compared gender based wage gaps

graduates entering the Job Market with rough-

of woman in different types of professions. She

ly the same income (approximately $140,000

saw that woman in business-based professions

for woman to $147,000 for men). After 9 nine

(i.e. accountants, stock brokers etc.) had the

years the income of men increased to well over

largest gap between what men and women were

$400,000 when woman only increased to 60% of

paid, while science and tech jobs had some of the

that, at roughly $250,000. The problem becomes

lowest and even in some

41

Science

research positions virtually no gap existed. This is likely due to the flexible nature of the working hours and not having to follow the typical 9-5 day that others jobs in different sectors must.

As previously stated jobs in science seemed to have little to no gender based wage gap. This may be true for hetero-normative white cis-gendered woman but it is a different story for the rest of us.

A University of Kansas researcher published findings showing that the successfulness of a funding application to the National Institute of Health, the largest source of funding for biomedical research, correlated with the applicant’s perceived race.

The data actually showed white woman to be at a slight advantage when applying for particular types of funding.

After previously publishing a paper in 2011 that showed a 10 percent gap between research funding of black and white applicants, it appears that the NIH has done little to mend these issues facing people of colour.

It would also appear that queer individuals are at a disadvantage, as shown in a study that came out of New York University; where 800 virtually identical CVs were sent to perspective employers.

One half of the CVs had some queer signifiers like involvement in a university LGBT+ group; these had a 30 percent lower chance of receiving an interview than their straight peers.

There are no social issues that influence this kind of prejudice, there is no biological imperative to exclude queer people and people of colour. It is discrimination for the sake of discrimination. It has long been said science has an old white guy problem; now it just seems it’s a white hetero cis-gender problem. Is this really progress?

James Russell

42

This still does not explain why There are more male medically qualifIed Anaesthesiologists than female and more Female than male anaesthesia Nurses than male

Science

NEURONS THAT FIRE TOGETHER

STAY TOGETHER With 100 billion neural cells it would seem that our

Functional allows the brain to move functions from a

brain’s structure would be pretty difficult, if not impos-

damaged area of the brain to an undamaged area, hence

sible, to change and tamper with. However, this theory

allowing our brain to compensate for injury or disease.

that had been the accepted truth for 400 years has

Structural neuroplasticity is known as the changes in the

been disproven. Not only can we change the structure

brain that occur as we learn.

of our brains, we can do it just by thinking! Normally in our brains, information is passed from neuron to neuron

The most obvious need for neuroplasticity comes from

through connections called synapses, which comprise a

patients who have suffered brain traumas and debilitat-

pre- and postsynaptic terminal

ing illness. Norman Doidge, a Canadian psychiatrist, has

with a synaptic cleft between them.

written two books that focus around Neuroplasticity, within each giving multiple examples of how neuro-

An electrical impulse is sent to the synapse, where it

plasticity has been able to alleviate patients’ symptoms

initiates the process of passing the neurotransmitter (a

through different techniques used to alter the connec-

chemical messenger) from the presynaptic cell, to the

tions between our neurons. For example, in Doidge’s

postsynaptic cell allowing the ‘message’ to be passed

book ‘The Brain That Changes Itself’, he explains the

along. With practice, our brains can strengthen certain

condition of a patient with uncontrollable dizziness and

pathways and connections and, as we learn new things,

vertigo.

like playing an instrument, our brains make new connections too, all thanks to Neuroplasticity.

Her vestibular organs, the ones crucial for balance, aren’t functioning correctly and the result has complete-

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to be moulded,

ly incapacitated her, no longer able to work due to the

throughout life, by thinking. It is a fairly new concept in

perpetual feeling of falling.

the world of neuroscience, and in 2000, Eric Kandel was awarded the Nobel Prize for medicine for demonstrating

The condition occurred after she was given an antibiotic

that learning increases the connections between nerve

that is now known to damage the vestibular system in

cells and is able to switch on genes that alter neural

large doses after a routine operation caused a postoper-

structure. Our brain is also able to clean out old, unused

ative infection. However, she is involved in an experiment

connections, known as synaptic pruning.

that could both prove the relevance of plasticity in the brain, and cure her condition.

This is often referred to as the ‘use it or lose it’ function of the mind. There are two main branches of neuroplasticity, functional and structural.

43

Science

In place of her vestibular system, a team of scientists have given her a construction hat with an accelerometer inside, and a thin strip of electrodes that is placed on her tongue. The accelerometer detects movement in two

‘The old saying goes “ you can’t teach an old dog new tricks ”

planes and the strip receives this information and translates it into tiny electric shocks.

Chronic high levels of stress can lead to growth of the amygdala, the centre for emotion processing and the

Almost as soon as the hat is on and the patient closes

area of the brain that shows excessive neural reactivity in

her eyes, she no longer feels as if she is falling, her brain

patients with anxiety disorders.

is translating the shocks on her tongue into information and is using it to determine her position.

Although there are treatments to deal with these conditions, it serves as a warning to take better care of our

The most amazing part comes when the hat is removed,

most important organ by reconsidering our lifestyle and

with no support she is able to stand on one leg without

outlook, as it has been shown that simply a positive atti-

losing her balance. With only twenty minutes of use, the

tude and regular exercise can help to protect our brains

brain has been able to recruit pathways to act in place of

and reduce stress.

her vestibular system and this residual effect lasts three hours and 20 minutes. Over the course of a year, this

This all goes to show we are not doomed to have declin-

was done more frequently and now the patient no longer

ing cognitive function, we can influence and improve it

requires the hat; her brain has created a new pathway to

with our outlook on life and simple lifestyle choices such

replace the broken one.However, there could be a down-

as positive thinking, exercise, keeping our brains active

side to our brain’s ability to adapt.

and learning new things.

With our everyday lifestyles becoming more and more

Heather Gordon

sedentary, and increasing amounts of time spent in front of a screen, this could be causing us all damage.

44

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Dundee University Students Association (DUSA) Registered Scottish Charity No. SC016047

Lifestyle

Carrot and Butterbean Soup

COOKING

CORNER

by Gavin Aitken

Providing you have the bare essentials in your kitchen (that being a slice of butter, oil & chicken and/or vegetable stock cubes) you can make this super tasty dish for less than £1.50. Yes, that is £1.50 for 8 medium bowlfuls! Not only is this dish cheap but it is super healthy and also super easy. Carrots not only aid you in seeing in the dark, but have also along with oranges been shown to give your skin a glow which actually makes you more attractive (I am not making this up, a study at St Andrews University revealed this). This combined with it being cheap, easy and healthy make it a must make dish.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

700g of Carrots (Roughly just

1. Chop the onions roughly and sweat them until soft in

under a bag full out of your local

a slice of butter or oil into a pot

supermarket peeled and chopped)

2. Once the onions are soft, add the chopped carrots in with a splash of water, stir well and allow to cook for five minutes, stir accordingly

3. The next step is to add enough water to cover the 1 Tin of Butter Beans

Butter / Oil

carrots and onion, then allow the ingredients to boil on a medium heat until soft. I myself give a little extra time to ensure they are extremely soft so 30-40 minutes

4. Add your stock cube to the pot while they are boiling and allow time for it to dissolve

5. Now take the pot off the heat and liquidise. Be

2 Onions

careful to avoid burns as the liquid will still be extreme-

Chicken / Veg Stock Cube

ly hot. If you don’t have a liquidiser a masher will do although this will require more effort, and if it is a cheap masher allow the liquid to cool to avoid it melting

6. Once it is mashed put back on the heat, season Water

to taste, drain the liquid off of the tin of butter beans and add them to the mixture.

7. Add 300mls of water, stir well and boil for 10 minutes

Salt and Pepper (to season)

46

8. After the 10th minute you have a quick, easy and healthy meal

Enjoy!

5

Lifestyle

Autumn Essentials for Dundee

So now Freshers you will have been living in Dundee for a while now. If you can believe it, Dundee is one of the sunniest cities in the UK – but just remember that you are still living in Scotland... which means that chilliness will always take precedence.

1. Soup

4. Cosy up and watch films

By now you will have already wasted your student loan

By now you will start to get coursework issued to you

and you will have to budget until the next instalment. We

that you will devote quite some time to, but remember

all know the truth about university: nights out and so-

to take breaks. There are so many films that have an

cials are what we prioritise and budget on first. But why

autumn theme, or even a horror theme. Dead Poets

not start with food, it is now autumn and what better to

Society, You’ve got Mail or even Halloween. After all it is

eat than soup? It super cheap, healthy and easy to make

Halloween this month too…

and lasts a long time! See our super tasty recipe for car-

5. Invest in a Mega Cosy Coat

rot and butterbean soup in this month’s issue!

2. Candles or diffusers

If you have not already invested in a jacket or coat, do it as soon as possible. Hoodies and jumpers are great, but

The days get shorter and night lasts longer, get a few

not for autumn in Scotland. It is sometimes a chilly place

candles to get a nice autumnal glow to your flat or room.

to live in the colder months so make sure whatever you

Alternatively, pick up a diffuser to have a seasonal fra-

buy is thick, durable and worthy of bracing the cold.

grance to match the time of year. It is now the season for pumpkin spice, cinnamon or even marshmallow.

Toni McKinney

3. A nice throw/blanket for your bed If you are anything like me, you will love to be snuggled up in bed with a nice blanket or throw over or around you. Not only will it keep you cosy but will also give a warmer vibe to your room.

47

Lifestyle

Culture with a K Love is Acceptance. Acceptance is Culture.

The theme for this issue is Oktoberfest, the yearly Bavar-

you are from, what your likes and dislikes are, what art

ian beer festival that is held in Munich. This year it marks

you like, what music you like or what religion you follow.

the 183rd Oktoberfest, the annual celebration originating in the 1800s, when Crown Prince Ludwig married Prin-

You can ask any individual around you what culture

cess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen (I know, what

could possibly mean and I reckon each person would

a mouthful). Since then, the yearly Oktoberfest celebra-

give you a completely different answer: culture is like

tions have become a part of the German culture.

magnetism it draws people together, culture is our heritage, culture is how we look, culture is music, culture is the food we eat, culture is working in a certain workplace, culture is being involved, culture is fashion and most of all culture is acceptance of different types of people.

So why is it so important? Well, frankly, without culture you are nothing. When we are born, some people believe that we are born with a mind that is like a blank slate (or a tabula rasa if you would like to get technical), which brings the idea that everything that a human learns fills their slate up.

So culture, what about it? What does it really mean?

Whether you are from any of the seven continents of

By definition, it means ‘the ideas, customs, and social be-

the world, you have some form of culture embedded

haviour of a particular people or society.’ Unfortunately,

within you through learning. Through generations and

a vast amount of people believe that culture is just to do

generations, we have formed so many unique traditions

with religion, but that is entirely untrue. A culture does

and behaviours. Our parents and ancestors are the ones

not just define who you are, it aids people to recognize

to thank for the way we live our lives, our religions and

who you are too. It helps people to understand where

other aspects of our existence. Everything that is passed

48

Lifestyle

down to us, was thoughtfully created to live long and

absolute most of what you have and embrace anything

prosper with us until the end of time.

that may come your way, at any point in your life.

We celebrate our cultures to show how important they

A super important time would be while studying. Your

are, a prime example: Oktoberfest. Over the world

time here at the University of Dundee is an opportunity

there are so many cultural celebrations that take place

to meet new people who have been brought up in alter-

every year, St. Patricks Day in Ireland, Carnival in Rio

native cultures. With over 16,000 students and staff rep-

de Janeiro, Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Thailand, Holi in

resenting over 140 countries at our beloved university,

India, Day of the Dead in Mexico and Koningsdag in the

I am sure that everyone will meet friends from different

Netherlands. If you do ever find yourself traveling and

countries, and be introduced to something entirely new.

there are any type of celebrations going on, JOIN IN!

Meet those new people and share your own culture back

You will have the most amazing experience.

with them.

I myself realized how important embracing different cultures is when I travelled to Vietnam in Southeast Asia for a month during summer. The culture there in that amazing country had an entirely different meaning - I would go so far as saying that I had a complete culture shock. Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), it was like something I had never seen before, nothing that I am already used to in the United Kingdom. Day to day life here was complete and utter chaos, but it was amazing.

This chaos for the Vietnamese people works so well as it is all they know, they do not have as many rules as us and place certain things of higher importance compared

We have such an astonishing cultural vibrancy in this

to the UK but all in all, it just works. Other than the

world. So don’t be shy, embrace what makes the human

chaos, the Vietnamese culture seemed so relaxed for

race so amazing.

a country that had been treated so horribly in the past with the Vietnam War, and this was so extraordinarily refreshing to see. The mentality and culture of the Vietnamese people is to think, yes it has happened but we can move on and enjoy our lives and make the most of what we have. This taught me such an important lesson,

Toni McKinney

that no matter who you are, that you should make the

49

More info at www.dusa.co.uk/sex

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