13 November 2013

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA STUDENTS’ NEWSPAPER

A tale of two student groups

n e ws

co m m e n t

s c i e n c e & t e c h n o lo g y

ROBFORD

O-RLY?

Axons, dendrites Lionized

Fix or repair daily: A reputation

page 6

Oprah denies atheist their atheism page 10

New transistors mimic synapses page 11

a rts & c u lt u r e

Lion in the Streets showing at Black Hole Theatre page 12

Vo l 1 0 0 · N o 1 3 · N ov e m b e r 1 3 , 2 0 1 3 · w w w.t h e m a n i to b a n .co m

page 5

s p o rts

Dinos devour Bisons championship hopes trampled page 17

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Index

VOL. 100 NO. 13 November 13, 2013

News

| pa g e s 3 – 6

4

Campus redesign winners announced

6

The Mayor of Toronto is a troubled, troubled man

Editorial

cover image

| pa g e 7

Science & Tech

11

| pg 11

Brain computing

Arts & Culture

| pgs 12–15

12

Difficult, primal, heart-wrenching theatre

14

Creative futures for street kids

by Vladimir Kraynyk Kraynyk’s work will be displayed in the GSA

Diversions

until Nov. 15.

Please contact designteam@themanitoban.com if you are interested in submitting a cover image.

Comment

| pa g e 1 6

| pa g e s 9 – 1 0

For other volunteer inquiries, please come to our office in University Centre (across from Tim Horton’s, behind GOSA) or email the editor of the section for which you are interested in writing.

Sports

Please direct all other inquiries to editor@themanitoban.com.

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Blackface Halloween

10

How to offend a heretic

| pa g e s 1 7 – 1 9

17

Dinos devour Bisons

18

Huskies swept away

19

Bison Briefs

Toban Talkback

Q:

Foster Lyle

Tom Ingram

Katy MacKinnon

Bradly Wohlgemuth

"In general no, unless it seriously affects their judgement to serve those that have elected them, or makes them vulnerable to potential extortion. In the case of Mayor Rob Ford, I would say only the latter is applicable. "

"I don't think so, but good luck getting people to stop wanting to know this stuff, or the press to stop looking for it whether or not it's there. It's all a miserable cesspit and there's nothing any of us can do about it."

"The public should be concerned if politicians are engaging in acts in their private lives that harm other individuals. Otherwise, elected officials have the right to a private life just as any other citizen."

“Not unless it impacts that person’s ability to do their job properly.”

Quinn Richert, staff

Business Manager

S cience Edi tor

Should what elected officials do in their private lives be of concern to the public?

N ews Edi tor

Graphic s Edi tor

Senior News Editor: Quinn Richert News Editor: Katy MacKinnon Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

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News

campus news briefs

By Katy MacKinnon,staff

The likeness of Peter Kropotkin, the "Anarchist Prince," reads upon his "throne" by caroline norman

photo by beibei lu

Final exam policy changed World Opportunities The U of M implemented Week (WOW) promotes changes to the final exam and cultural diversity final grades policy effective Sept.

Special events including displays, 1 of this year. The policy applies to speakers, and information sessions final exams scheduled within exam were held throughout the week to week, deferred examinations, and promote the variety of international supplemental examinations. opportunities available to students Six pertinent revisions were at the U of M. made to the policy.

WOW is held every year by the When requiring a deferred exam, World W.I.S.E. Resource Centre. students must submit their applica- A Student Exchange fair was set up tion within 48 hours of the date the in University Centre, with tables final exam is scheduled. and displays showcasing various Once a final exam is com- countries offering exchange opporpleted, deferred exams will not be tunities. Volunteers were situated permitted. by the displays to respond to quesStudents who are not able to tions and share their stories from write exams as a result of athletic, international experiences. academic, or religious responsiDancers performed at the bilities must make requests within Fireside Lounge Wednesday their faculty using the deferred afternoon. exam process.

Keynote speaker Michel When bringing possessions to Chikwanine spoke Thursday final exam rooms, students must afternoon about making posinow place them below their exam tive changes in the community. desk instead of at the front of the Chikwanine was a child soldier, room. and left home at the age of 11 as The faculty of engineering is a refugee. now using the term “supplemental The week wrapped up with examinations” instead of the previ- a workshop on food security by ous “special examinations.”

Engineers Without Borders.

Final course grades will be displayed on Aurora only.

New display in Gallery of Student Art (GSA) Asper students hold explodes with colour polar bear swim U of M student Vladimir Students donned bumblebee Kraynyk f illed the Gallery outfits and bathing suits to jump of Student Art in University in a swimming pool filled with Centre with bright, colourful oil cold water at the Duckworth paintings.

Quadrangle on Thursday. The According to Kraynyk, the “Chillin’ 4 Charity” event raised paintings encourage personal money for United Way of Winnipeg, interpretation by the individual. He a non-profit organization that helps is inspired by surrealist painting, finance other charitable organiza- and a theme presented throughtions and programs. out the series is exploring the The original goal was to raise subconscious. $15,000 for United Way. By Friday, Kraynyk’s work will be displayed earnings had reached $14,865, and in the GSA until Nov. 15, and can donations will be accepted until the also be found on large murals in the end of the month. tunnels at the U of M.

Albert Street Autonomous Zone hosts Winnipeg’s 6th Anarchist BookFair Literature and DIY offered at annual event for leftists and other critical folks in the Peg Kevin Linklater, Staff

T

his past weekend, Winnipeg leftists, anti-capitalists, and other folks critical of the current state of affairs gathered at the Albert Street Autonomous Zone at 91 Albert St. in Winnipeg’s Exchange District for the sixth iteration of the Winnipeg Anarchist BookFair and DIY Fest.

The event ran over three days— beginning with a kickoff concert on Friday, and ending with a sold-out supper and discussion on Sunday night—and featured workshops, discussions, concerts, and other community events throughout the weekend.

Tim Brandt, a volunteer at Junto Local 91, a collectively-run, anarchist lending library located in the second floor of 91 Albert Street, has been involved with the book fair from the beginning.

“Some of the volunteers here, myself included, had been to the Montreal Anarchist Bookfair, which is about five years older than the one here, and it’s pretty big, the biggest in North America. We knew that there are anarchist book fairs in other cities and we wanted to have one in Winnipeg, so we started organizing and got the first one off in 2008,” he told the Manitoban.

Each year is a little different, explained Brandt: “Every year we start fresh, so whoever is around and willing to help organize it makes it happen. This year we were thinking it wouldn’t happen. By June we had all but given up hope that we could pull off another book fair because there didn’t seem to be anyone who wanted

to help. But then in mid-June, during The DIY workshops covered a the peace walk and after, some people range of diverse topics, from plumbcame forward and we were able to ing, bike repair, electronics and start organizing for this year.” soldering workshops, to a capoeira Many different groups take part class, guitar tech, home brewing, and in the Anarchist BookFair from year a seminar about travelling cheaply. to year. The participants are not limThe weekend also saw musical and ited to anarchist groups. artistic events, with Montreal-based This year, the Winnipeg chapter of artist Norman Nawrocki playing two the Industrial Workers of the World, shows and promoting the release of the Winnipeg New Socialist Group, his new novel Cazzarola!: Anarchy, the Communist Party of Canada, Romani, Love, Italy. as well as several anarchist collecNawrocki played Friday with a tives—including Prairie Struggle and number of other artists including Turning the Tide—took part.

Süss, David Sweatman, Scott Leroux, “I think there is that misconcep- Osani & Kenneth, and Ladybug the tion that as an anarchist book fair, it’s Rambler. The evening included a only for and about anarchists,” said poetry reading and a theatrical perBrandt. formance by Adhere and Deny.

“We use that term because we like On Saturday night, a number the philosophy and use an anarchist of Winnipeg DJs played sets on the sort of framework in what we do here, third floor of the A-Zone in the in that we try to do things without Rudolf Rocker Cultural Centre. hierarchies and use consensus-based While speaking about his involveplanning and decision-making, but ment with the book fair, Brandt was we welcome anyone who is open- careful to emphasize the imporminded and wants to learn more tance of clarifying what “anarchism” about critical and alternative ideas.” means.

The Anarchist BookFair has “The word ‘anarchist’ frightens attracted many different publications people. It’s funny what that word in the past. Canadian Dimension, a does; I think that it’s probably one of magazine started in Winnipeg by Cy the most misunderstood terms there Gonick in 1963, Briarpatch, another is. A lot of people think it means long-running magazine out of Regina, chaos, but it is about wanting to be and Upping the Anti, a radical journal treated as equals, without hierarchies. from Toronto, have had tables at the If people would take the time to learn Winnipeg Anarchist BookFair. about anarchism as a philosophy, I “Because the event is inside this think most people would find that year, we don’t have as much space they agree with a lot of what anarfor book tables and we’ve focused a chism is about.” bit more on the DIY side of things,” said Brandt.

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News

VOL. 100 NO. 13 November 13, 2013

photos by beibei lu

Campus redesign winners announced Exhibition held in University Centre to showcase plans Grace Kennedy, volunteer staff

O

n Nov. 3 the University of Manitoba announced the winners of the Visionary (re)Generation Open International Design Competition, a contest that drew submissions from around the globe for the redesign of the Fort Garry campus and Southwood Lands.

Toronto’s Janet Rosenberg and Studio Inc. and Arup Canada Inc., in partnership with Winnipeg’s Cibinel Architects Ltd. and Landmark Planning and Design Inc., were named the winners.

George Cibinel of Cibinel Architects Ltd. and Donovan Toews of Landmark Planning and Design Inc. are both U of M graduates.

Michelle Richard, director of campus planning at the U of M, said the group was chosen largely because they “started with the concept of the landscape first and then layered systems on top of that. Landscape, transportation, infrastructure, and then build form [ . . . ] they got it.”

One of the elements of the competition brief was to work with the land, in contrast to traditional methods of

formulating building plans, which mix of public and private services and ers, said it can be done sustainably. give only secondary consideration to residential space for a denser comRosenberg echoes this sentiment: the environmental surroundings. munity on campus. “[Our concept] includes boat rentals Going forward with the planJanet Rosenberg told the and a restaurant by the water because ning process, it will take about a year Manitoban that as a firm, Janet we think this should be a major mode before anything materializes. There is Rosenberg and Studio Inc. “are look- of transportation and way of igniting still plenty more community engage- ing at design differently.” people to come down to the campus ment to take place in realizing the “After years and years of just taking and really engage the campus this formal plans. sites and seeing nothing recognizable way… [the flooding] doesn’t mean it Richard said extensive stakeholder after the development, we’ve taken a can’t happen, as well as dealing with engagement was undertaken, which different approach [ . . . ] how there all the water on-site and not dumping helped the U of M formulate ele- is a relationship between existing any of it – using all of it on-site and ments of the competition brief. vegetation and water for livability. being respectful of it.”

One of the key drivers of the proj- How people live: their walkways, A sustainable campus—in all forms, ect, said Richard, is the completion of their park systems, engagement of especially energy—was another funthe Southwest Transitway, which will the river, shelter bands – so that the damental component in the compeenhance transportation to campus. wind would make outdoor spaces tition brief, said Richard. Manitoba Students can look forward to their much more comfortable. We looked Hydro has been a partner, providing continued involvement in planning, at what existed and supplemented their expertise on the project. including design charrettes – a col- those so there are good forms of recJay Robertson, a master’s student laborative process designers use to reation that would prevail against the in architecture at the U of M, told the interact with stakeholders in order weather.”

Manitoban it is great to see new ideas to create design solutions.

A prevalent theme in many of the and potential for the campus, but he The winning creative concepts submissions was the development of believes the feasibility and financing illustrate respect for nature by pre- the river as a recreational setting and may be challenging. senting infrastructure secondary to transportation mode.

Richard said that as of yet, fundthe natural landscape, especially in Richard, who has travelled to ing is largely uncertain for the projregards to the former Southwood golf Hamburg and witnessed the engineer- ect, in part because it is still in the course and riverbank, and provide a ing of structures surrounding their riv- conceptual stages, and the mix of

public-private use is yet to be determined. According to Richard, the U of M will soon be looking for several development partners.

On the winning proposal, Robertson said, “considering it is winter for [almost] six months of the year and [the] U of M lacks quality indoor social space, it would be nice to see non-commercial social spaces in the demonstration plan. Gathering spaces should take precedent over cafes and retail space.”

While Roberston acknowledged that he is pleased with the landscape and ecology integrated in the proposal, he added, “the distance between housing blocks and lack of density would likely limit the social vibrancy portrayed in the renderings.”

He believes the second-place submission addresses housing and density in a much more effective way.

Students and community members can stay tuned for invitations for involvement in the project from the U of M campus planning office.

Senior News Editor: Quinn Richert News Editor: Katy MacKinnon Contact: news@themanitoban.com / 474.6770

News

5

A tale of 2 student groups

U of M panel highlights Canada’s worsening international reputation

AJDOC will move ahead with SGPAC approval; SAIA awaits final word

Canadian mining and energy firms’ reputations sully the country’s image abroad

Quinn Richert, staff

T

wo U of M student groups interested in examining the Arab-Israeli conflict were recently before the University of Manitoba Students’ Union’s (UMSU) Student Group Promotion and Affairs Committee (SGPAC) seeking off icial group status approval. They were met with opposite results.

Arab Jewish Dialogue on Campus (AJDOC), founded by co-chairs Josh Morry and Mohammed Abas, received the go-ahead from SGPAC. Students Against Israeli Apartheid (SAIA), ultimately, did not.

SAIA had their student group status revoked by UMSU last year after Morry and Maria Gluskin, who served on council as commerce reps at the time, were able to convince a majority of councillors that the group violated UMSU policy 2009, which forbids “behaviour that is likely to undermine the dignity, selfesteem or productivity of any of its members or employees and prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment.”

SAIA asked SGPAC to reconsider earlier this year, and on Nov. 1, Brian Latour, a founding member, was told that the group had been approved.

On Nov. 4, however, Thao Lam, UMSU vice-president student services and SGPAC chair, informed SAIA the committee required more time for “intensive research and deliberation” before his group could be approved.

“The committee has unanimously decided to withhold your group’s current status, pending further legal opinion,” wrote Lam in a correspondence with the group.

“I don’t know what else they need, or what else they’re looking for, especially considering they’ve already approved us and then went back on it,” Latour told the Manitoban.

“I’m not sure what the process is, but I’m trying to contact the committee and trying to contact the VP-SS [Lam] to see if we can get more information.”

Latour rejects the claim that SAIA has ever been in violation of policy 2009, pointing out that the group worked regularly with Independent Jewish Voices (IJV), and never received any official complaints.

“We are an anti-racist organization. We are dedicated to organizing against apartheid, and we’ve

Kevin Linklater, staff

raised that issue on campus. We haven’t been engaging in any harassment or discrimination, and we’re opposed to all forms of racism, including Islamophobia and anti-Semitism,” he said.

Meanwhile, AJDOC is looking forward to its first meeting, which Morry expects will be held between late November and early December.

“We want to make better living and working relationships between Arabs and Jews at the U of M and in Canada. In order to do that I think you really have to get the two sides sitting down and talking about the issues” – Josh Morry

dents, faculty, staff and members of the community,” AJDOC is a “‘closed group’ based on ethnicity or peoplehood.”

Morry says that the reason for this is that the conflict is fundamentally one between Jews and Arabs, and both sides will benefit from a one-on-one dialogue format.

“It gets back to our values [ . . . ] we want to make better living and working relationships between Arabs and Jews at the U of M and in Canada. In order to do that I think you really have to get the two sides sitting down and talking about the issues, while not having people talk for them and while not being clouded out by other groups,” said Morry.

AJDOC will consist of six Arab and six Jewish members, but will hold general meetings at which all are welcome.

Whether or not SAIA ultimately receives SGPAC’s blessing, both groups are doing their best to move forward with their plans for the remainder of the school year.

Christine Melnick, former minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism, has invited AJDOC to hold their f irst group meeting at the Manitoba Legislative Building. They are also considering inviting speakers from academia and elsewhere to address the group. Eventually, they would like to expand onto other campuses.

“Mohammed [Abas] and I have discussed how to expand, but before that, we first have to get our start. But our goal is to expand,” said Morry.

SAIA, for the time being, will continue to meet outside of UMSU spaces and attempt to find ways to operate without student group status.

“We’re going to work on reconstituting ourselves, whether we have student group status or not,” said Latour.

“We are going to look into holding public events on campus over the next few months without student group status; we want to look into booking other spaces on campus, for example.”

As of press time, there is no word on when—or if—SAIA will again be welcome in UMSU spaces.

AJDOC is aff iliated with Arab Jewish Dialogue (AJD), a Winnipeg-based group that shares almost the exact same “core values and beliefs” as outlined in AJDOC’s constitution.

The only difference is a ninth section tailored to the U of M campus and agreed upon by Morry and Abas, indicating that AJDOC “condemn[s] any student group on campus that undermines the dignity and self-respect of any student group on campus because of their views on Israel, Palestine, or any other Arab country.”

“It is blurry wording, but for good reason,” Morry told the Manitoban, making reference to the fact that the ninth section deliberately uses language taken from UMSU policy 2009.

“It is designed to protect students who feel unsafe or feel threatened by the actions of someone else [ . . . ] I think that the drafters of the UMSU policies wanted students to read into them what they will, because UMSU is very keen on protecting students who feel threatened.”

A key difference between SAIA and AJDOC is that while Follow the Manitoban for furSAIA membership was open to ther updates on the activities “all University of Manitoba stu- of both AJDOC and SAIA.

C

anada’s waning international reputation was the subject of a panel discussion hosted last Tuesday by the global political economy program at the University of Manitoba, as a part of World Opportunities Week. The panellists were John Serieux, Fabiana Li, and Jonathan Peyton from the departments of economics, anthropology, and environment and geography, respectively.

The panel focused on the poor reputation that Canada’s mining and extractive firms have in the developing world and the increasingly negative reputation that the country as a whole is developing as a result.

Canada has become a major player in global mining and energy sectors in terms of mineral exploration, production, and exports.

According to a report released by the Mining Association of Canada, the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the TSX Venture Exchange now account for “40 per cent of global mining equity capital.”

Natural Resources Canada stipulates that Canadian firms are increasingly involved in resource extraction globally, with “assets abroad valued at over $129 billion in 100 countries.”

“There has been a lot of recent investment in large-scale mining projects by Canadian companies, for example, in Latin America. We’re seeing an expansion of resource extraction into areas that were used for other economic purposes, so agriculture and farming are competing with extractive industries, which use a lot of water and land,” Li explained at the discussion. “The people living in the vicinity of these projects are not seeing much benefit from these mining projects, and are suffering from considerable environmental and social costs that result from these activities.”

Canadian mining firms have earned a particularly bad reputation in the countries in which they operate, and the panellists argued that this is progressively affecting Canada’s international reputation as a whole.

Serieux pointed to the role of the federal government in exacerbating this growing negative perception of the country abroad.

“Under the Harper regime there has been a much more conscious effort to attach Canada’s reputation, and the considerable influence that the Canadian government has, to the fortunes of Canadian extractive firms. Things like putting CIDA [the Canadian

International Development Agency] within DFAIT [the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade] are very much a conscious effort to bring the two agendas together – the aid agenda, and the trade and foreign relations agenda.”

Li added, “NGOs and grassroots organizations that oppose mining projects sometimes see their funding cut off because their activities are not consistent with the interests of the Canadian government.”

Serieux elaborated on why creating growth and development is very difficult within an economy that is heavily dependent on resource extraction.

“Resource extraction typically does not produce high levels of employment, it is very capital intensive, these activities do not have a lot of linkages to the rest of the economy, and the output is exported. So the direct dynamic impact on the economy is limited.

On top of that, most of the wealth that accrues through resource extraction is through the tax system—royalties—which goes directly into government coffers, which often times is not equitably distributed.”

Li said, “With any resourcebased economy, you are vulnerable to changes in prices on international markets. I think it’s dangerous to build an economy based on industries that are not stable in the long run and that are so heavily contingent upon something that is outside of the country’s control.”

Serieux commented on the lack of regulatory oversight that Canadian firms operate under when outside of the country. “[Canada] has refused to develop laws for regulating the behaviour of these firms abroad, essentially allowing these companies to do whatever they want and get away with it.”

Li also pointed out that, “There is no way for Canadian companies operating internationally to be made legally accountable here in Canada for their actions abroad.”

As an indication of Canada’s worsening international image, the panel said that the practice of travellers affixing Canadian flags to their backpacks is less common nowadays than it once was.

“In certain parts of the world, being an American is easier than being a Canadian; it’s true and it’s not a joke. [It’s] something that, two decades ago, was definitely not the case,” said Serieux.

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News

VOL. 100 NO. 13 November 13, 2013

Toronto mayor, on the rock(s)

illustration by justin ladia

Rob Ford’s questionable behaviour through the ages Caleigh MacDonald, staff

R

ob Ford is no stranger to contro- admitted to the media that this was a that while he had been on his phone, he aide Earl] Provost as he walked by the versy. The recent scandal involving lie. did not make any rude gestures. security desk.” a video of him under the influence of Two years later, charges were filed “This [accusation] is a misunderstandThe evening ended with Ford shovcrack cocaine is just the latest in the saga against Ford for assaulting and threaten- ing,” said Ford on Twitter. ing his assistant Brooks Barnett, who of Ford’s public run-ins with the law ing to kill his wife Renata. The charges One year later, a photograph was was trying to stop him from making that stretch back into his time as a city were ultimately dropped due to discrep- taken of Ford once again distracted phone calls, and Ford being escorted councillor. ancies in statements she made following while behind the wheel, this time home in a cab.

As far back as 2006, there are docu- the incident. reading while driving at a reported 70 In late February of 2013, Ford fell mented cases of Ford behaving poorly in Ford encountered his next round kilometres per hour. Ford responded under scrutiny after being kicked out public. On April 15 of that year, the now- of public difficulties when he was seen that it “probably” was him. of the Toronto Garrison Ball, an event mayor was ejected from a Toronto Maple by Ottilie Mason and her six-year-old “Yeah, probably, yeah. I’m [trying] that honours military members and Leafs game for obnoxious behaviour. daughter talking on his phone while to catch up on my work and you know I raises money for wounded soldiers, for When asked by an attendee to “be driving. The pair gave the mayor a keep my eyes on the road, but I’m a busy his alleged level of intoxication. quiet,” Ford began to shout profanity- “thumbs-down” for distracted driving, man,” Ford said to a reporter following Just two weeks later, he was accused laced insults at him. and rolled down the window to shout, the incident. of acting inappropriately towards “Are you a fucking teacher?” Ford “get off your cell phone!”

March of 2012 saw Ford’s next political rival Sarah Thomson at a gala. reportedly asked the fan, later adding, According to Mason, the mayor gave incident involving public inebriation, According to Thomson, he groped her “do you want your little wife to go over them the middle finger, swore at them he appeared drunk at city hall on St. and made sexually suggestive remarks to Iran and get raped and shot?” from behind the glass of his own win- Patrick’s Day after a night of partying. about her coming to Florida with him.

Ford was identified through a busi- dows, and then drove off in a vehicle According to a security memo, Ford That July, Ford was also caught on ness card he left behind. He initially with licence plate “ROBFORD.” Ford “had problems walking, was sweating camera urinating, and disposing of denied attending the game, but later responded to the account, admitting profusely, and was swearing at [senior empty alcohol containers behind a public

school in broad daylight.

May of this year saw the beginning of the scandal centred on a video of Ford allegedly smoking crack cocaine – allegations further supported by Toronto police Chief Bill Blair on Oct. 31. Ford confirmed earlier this month that he had in fact smoked crack in the past.

Finally, Nov. 7 saw the release of a video in which Ford graphically describes a desire to murder someone.

It is unclear whom he is referring to, but a gesticulating Ford is seen explaining how he will “rip his fucking throat out” and “poke his eyes out.”

Since the video’s release, Ford has apologized publicly, but has stuck to his assertion that he will not step down from his position. As of Nov. 9 he maintained a 44 per cent approval rating.

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Editorial

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The above oil painting references a post-surgery photo of a recovering young child that I discovered following a series of debates between the deaf and hearing communities that revived my concerns about cochlear implant surgery. The picture in question shows a child who was born deaf to hearing parents, and underwent surgery to receive cochlear implants to restore his hearing based on his parents’ wishes.

My painting depicts the aftermath of the surgery in attempt to capture not only the

emotional turmoil of the child but also my own. I am hearing impaired and have worn hearing aids for most of my life, and while I have never had such a surgery, I’ve always considered it a distant possibility.

But such a surgery would constitute a rejection of the identity of a lifetime. It means quite literally to leave one world and enter another. This is not an easy decision for me, but this child never had a chance to consider it. Whether this is “good” or “bad” depends on which world you come from.

—Bram Keast, graphics associate

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Comment Editor: Katerina Tefft Contact: comment@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

Comment

Blackface Halloween costumes unacceptable Historical context of minstrelsy and slavery cannot be erased Seamus Hamilton-Pattison

illustration by bram keast

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t’s that time of year again. Another resulted in a great deal of righteous the American Civil War. Originally a recognizable characters were Mammy Halloween has come and gone in community outrage. part of a theatrical performance style and Uncle Tom: older, wise parental Winnipeg, as have all the seasonal However, a surprisingly compa- known as minstrelsy, white perform- figures who would not abide by any amenities that go along with it. If rable amount of people have spoken ers would don blackface by apply- backtalk from their offspring, and you’re in your late teens or early out on various social media outlets ing burnt cork as facial makeup and loved by advertisers across the counadulthood, you’ve likely partaken in stating they do not see why this is a engage in productions based wholly try. You might know these archetypes Winnipeg’s diverse, rambunctious cause for alarm or offence. Blackface around the stereotyping and mockery by their current titles: Aunt Jemima Halloween nightlife. In the week is representative of a period in his- of the black slave culture that had and Uncle Ben. leading up to and directly following tor y duremerged All these characters and stereotypes Halloween, Winnipeg is inundated ing which over the recurred throughout minstrel shows Blackface has a history with a plethora of socials, house par- black men decades. in the 19th century, and in the words ties, and bar events. During this fes- and women The per- of Dr. Paul Lawrie—a University of of dehumanizing and tive time, it’s quite common to walk were formers Winnipeg assistant professor of hisinto your favourite club to find people mocked, would imi- tory—largely represented a “culture mocking an entire in spandex suits, comically-rendered dehumantate and of nostalgia” after the American Civil demographic of recently animal costumes, celebrity lookalikes, ized, and exaggerWar and the abolition of slavery had young men in blackface . . . generally ate slave taken place. One might extrapolate enslaved men and Wait, what? Hold on. Let’s talk ridiculed accents, that this “culture” rose out of many women, with stereotyped about that last one. as a perfordancwhite Southerners longing for the During a Saturday event on Oct. mance art. ing, and black slaves they had systematically characters that persist 26 at Stereo Nightclub, one young As such, I music, and bought, worked, and abused throughin advertising today man made the decision to spend his argue that even cre- out the Antebellum Era. The general evening in a Halloween costume that it is alarmated “black” historic consensus is that blackface did not appear to consist of much ing, it is characters and minstrelsy gained prominence due more than donning blackface. This offensive, and the continued existence that would endure as stereotypes for to this nostalgia, and out of a desire costume was not only permitted by of this practice in society should not years to come. for white Americans to reinstate their the club in question—as the man was be condoned or ignored.

The characters of Jim Crow and status and power over the black popuable to enter the club—but was even Before we address the Stereo Zip Coon were among the first of lation by way of simple mockery. After posted in Stereo’s Facebook album Nightclub incident and the reactions these stereotypes to emerge in the all, isn’t absolute power the act of provpromoting the event after the fact. to it in further detail, a brief history of 1830s, mocking the assumed arro- ing you can dehumanize and ridicule Though this photo was removed post- the origins and intentions of blackface gance and pretension of freed blacks an entire race unchallenged? To again haste by the club (reportedly about 12 is in order. Blackface first appeared and eventually merging into one quote Dr. Lawrie, it was as if blackface hours after posting), the image was in the 19th century during the years recurring character simply known made the statement, “I’m doing this shared widely on social media and has leading up to and primarily following as “Coon.” Some of the most easily to mock you because I can.”

In response to the Stereo blackface incident, for every person willing to stand up and publicly state that this was not okay, there have been an equal number of responses either dismissing or even outright defending this young man’s choice of costume. One needs only to peruse the comments section of CBC’s online coverage to see evidence of this, and it must be addressed.

One of the most prevalent defences of the costume I’ve come across is the comment that a black man clad in white facial makeup would not face the same public outrage, so why should blackface? The implication of this comment is that there is some form of double standard here that promotes inequitable treatment, but this comparison is faulty, as the connotations and cultural significance of “whiteface” and blackface are entirely different. Blackface has a history of dehumanizing and mocking an entire demographic of recently enslaved men and women, with stereotyped characters that persist in advertising today. What cultural significance or stigma does “whiteface” have? An ill-conceived movie by the Wayans brothers called White Chicks that was unpopular with critics and all but forgotten in cinematic history.

Another common argument used by apologists of this incident is that the young man in question simply did not know the connotations of blackface and that he donned the costume out of complete ignorance. Considering the “costume” consisted of few components other than the facial makeup itself, what else could the intention have been? I have a hard time believing the young man harboured no intention to offend with his actions.

However, say for the sake of argument that I’m incorrect. Perhaps the costume was done in absolute ignorance with no ill intent. The club still allowed him to stay for the duration of their event, a photographer still took his picture, and—even more perplexingly—the nightclub decided to use the photo in an album promoting their event. An offensive image or act with no ill intent is still offensive. Whether the man knew what blackface was or not, it still shouldn’t be condoned or excused.

One person’s race is not another’s costume; it’s as simple as that. Those who have been pigeonholed as bleeding hearts crying out for political correctness are really the few unafraid to take a stand and say that grotesque, discriminatory symbols from the past ought to be left there.

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Comment

VOL. 100 NO. 13 November 13, 2013

How to offend a heretic Atheists do appreciate the beauty of the universe, contrary to Oprah’s misconceptions Alex Passey

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illustration by heather kat cole

here are very few things one can to imagine millions of loyal viewers say about atheism that will gen- sitting in their living rooms, bobbing uinely offend an atheist. Generally their heads in agreement. speaking, non-believers don’t hold Perhaps it is a fundamental flaw to any dogmatic guidelines to live by in atheism that allows for someone that others may ridicule as archaic or like Oprah to view atheism as she antisocial. Atheists aren’t required to does. As I stated before, atheism is eat certain things, wear certain hats, a lack of religious faith and nothing or cut their hair in a certain fashion. more. There are some theists who They aren’t compelled by religion to like to pose the ridiculous assertion view those who think or live differ- that atheism is a religion in itself, that ently than them a certain way. atheists put their faith in the dogma Of course, there are some “mili- of science. In truth, atheism is simply tant atheists” in the world: those who an empty void that some people have are offended by any sort of religious filled with religion, and I suppose it is display, write angry letters when they understandable how a casual observer see a nativity scene on public property, might judge this void as sterile and and fly into a frenzy emotionless. In of secularism when fact, the opposite their child’s school is true.

An atheist gazes puts on a Christmas Religion has up at the stars pageant. However, answers. That has, what these people on the surface or the sunrise represent is not at least, always atheism but antibeen its primary with a different theism, which is purpose: to promentality, one a very important vide people with distinction. answers to life’s that casts aside At its core, athehardest questions, the comforting ism is merely the to act as a roadmap absence of belief in for people to follow idea that we are supernatural deities, so that they don’t the centerpiece is entirely benign, get lost and overand therefore a whelmed on this of existence very difficult founchaotic highway of dation upon which life, and to even go to build insult. But so far as to offer us a there is one thing that a theist can comforting image of what happens to say that I think every atheist takes us after we die. Doubtlessly this can to heart when they hear it, and such be a useful tool for some, but is this a statement was recently uttered by a type of mentality really the best way very influential person. to fully embrace the wonder and mysIn an interview with Diana Nyad, tery of our world, and the universe it an endurance swimmer who swam dwells in? from Florida to Cuba at the age of I submit that atheists not only pos64, Oprah Winfrey implied that sess the worldview necessary to stand she doesn’t believe that atheists are in awe of this existence, but that they capable of appreciating the beauty of are, at the very least, just as capable the world we live in. In the interview, of doing so as anyone who subscribes Nyad identified herself as an atheist, to a religion. and stated that she doesn’t feel that Most mainstream religions mainher lack of belief in a god or creator tain the egocentric philosophy that a is a hindrance to her spirituality, and divine creator crafted the cosmos as a that she is still able to “weep with the stage for us humans to exist on – that beauty of this universe and be moved not only do we as humans occupy a by all of humanity.” special place in the universe, but that Oprah was quick to interject the planet which we inhabit happens though, as it appeared that Nyad’s to be the most special place in the outlook didn’t fit in with how she universe. The stars, the oceans, the believes atheists view and interact rising and setting of the sun are all with the world. “I don’t call you an works on a god’s divine canvas, and we atheist then,” Oprah said dismis- are all patrons perusing his art gallery. sively in the interview. “I think if you There’s a comfort to that, and admitbelieve in the awe and the wonder tedly a bit of romance as well, but does and the mystery, then that is what it really inspire awe? In fact, to me it God is.” sounds downright boring.

While there are a multitude of An atheist gazes up at the stars or prominent religious personalities the sunrise with a different mentality, who say far worse things about athe- one that casts aside the comforting ists in public forums every single day, idea that we are the centrepiece of such things are expected from those existence, acknowledges how small people. What was really wrong with we truly are, and that our planet is just this comment was the person it came one beautiful and intricate snowflake from. Oprah is a heavily influential amidst a blizzard of cosmic activity. In person, and considered by most the magnitude of that chaos, in that to be a progressive figure. To hear utter lack of security, let me assure someone in her position so casually you, atheists are more than capable of dismiss atheists as unimpressed and feeling a sense of awe at the mystery mechanical creatures is damaging of it all. enough, but it is far more troubling

Science & Technology Editor: Tom Ingram Contact: science@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

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Science & technology

Brain computing New synaptic transistor is inspired by biology Elizabeth Drewnik, staff

illustration by bradly wohlgemuth

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cientists at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied

Sciences (SEAS) have developed a revolutionary transistor that behaves

in similar ways to the synapses of rizes the action between the neurons,” neurons in our brains. explained Jian Shi, a postdoctoral The brain is the world’s greatest fellow at SEAS and the lead author computer, and it runs on 20 watts – on the paper published in Nature less power than a light bulb. This effi- Communications. The synaptic tranciency makes it an attractive model sistor operates in an analogous way. It for engineers. has platinum terminals correspond“There’s extraordinary interest in ing to axons and dendrites, and the building energy-efficient electronics ability of the “synapse” to carry a these days. [ . . . ] With electronics signal is strengthened each time it becoming more and more power- is used. The entire device is only a ful and ubiquitous, you could have few hundred microns—a fraction a huge impact by cutting down the of a millimetre—in length and can amount of energy they consume,” operate above room temperature on said Shriram Ramanathan, principal a silicon chip. investigator on the project.

The transistor does not use the Synapses are the junction between binary system of ones and zeroes used two structures called axons and in most modern computers. “It would dendrites. The axon is the part of a be rather challenging to use CMOS, neuron (nerve cell) that conducts a the traditional circuit technology, to signal, while the dendrite receives imitate a synapse, because real bioit. Synapses adapt to changes in logical synapses have a practically signals. When a neuron fires out a unlimited number of possible states signal, the neuron receiving it reacts – not just ‘on’ or ‘off,’” said Shi. in such a way that the strength of the These states are non-volatile, connecting synapse between them is meaning that the device does not increased. forget its state if power is inter“Essentially, [the synapse] memo- rupted. The device takes advantage

of some unusual chemical properties of samarium nickelate that makes it extremely sensitive.

“A very small excitation allows you to get a large signal, so the input energy required to drive this switching is potentially very small. That could translate into a large boost for energy efficiency,” said Ramanathan.

At present, the main challenge is the size of the transistor, which has an effect on speed. The device built by the Harvard researchers as a proof of concept simplified the engineering by placing the components farther apart from each other, but to take full advantage of the technology’s potential it would be necessary to place them closer together. Ramanathan and his team are working with SEAS microfluidics experts to investigate the engineering challenges involved.

With increased demands for energy-efficient technology, researchers are hoping that this new transistor will be able to cater to the growing needs of our technologically evolving society.

Arts & Culture Editor: Kara Passey Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

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Difficult, primal, heart-wrenching theatre Black Hole Theatre Company puts on award-winning Lion in the Streets before moving to new venue Lukas Thiessen, staff

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oren MacDonald is a third-year BHTC for eight years, since commentheatre student with a flair for con- cing his undergraduate degree. This cise, off-the-cuff reviews of plays. experience laid a framework for his life’s “[Lion in the Streets is] a very unique, work following graduation. experimental play about how people “My experience at the [BHTC] might behave if they had all expecta- has translated into a career working tions stripped away and exposed in the in professional theatre. Shortly after I most primal manner.” completed my degree (BA English honIvan Henwood, the play’s director, ours) I began working as the associate concurs: “I definitely agree with that artistic producer at Winnipeg Jewish statement. Lion in the Streets is uncom- Theatre. I also run local independent promising and may be difficult for some theatre company Snakeskin Jacket people to watch as some of the scenarios with my wife, Jane Walker, who is also and situations that happen in the play are a graduate of the program and recently very graphic and heart-wrenching.” started working as the theatre and film The play will be the first main program office assistant at the U of M. stage production of the University Creating theatre is a huge part of both of Manitoba’s Black Hole Theatre of our lives.”

Company’s (BHTC) 2013/14 seaMacDonald’s ambition when he son. It is the fifth play by award-win- graduated from grade 12 was to obtain ning Canadian playwright Judith a science degree and become a doctor.

Thompson.

Bearing witness to the events of BHTC’s Henwood has been involved with Scene Night 2011 led him to a differ-

ent post-secondary education than he initially envisioned. He was impressed by the camaraderie of the troupe, in addition to the evening’s host—a lamb puppet controlled by puppeteer and faculty member Tim Banfield—and Steve Csincsa’s scene from The Cripple of Inishmaan, which involved six eggs being smashed on his head. “[BHTC] is very open and friendly and always looking for new people,” says MacDonald.

The company has an open theatre concept which allows anyone to audition for shows – so unique, in fact, that MacDonald emphasized that BHTC is the largest non-union open theatre company in Manitoba.

The theatre is set to undergo design changes, which will see it switch from a thrust stage, with audience members on three sides—although for Lion in the Streets the company is removing a

wall to provide seating in the round—to the performances at the venue. the very traditional end stage design, in “Some patrons in the city avoid the which the audience is all on one side of theatre altogether because it is not the stage. ‘professional,’ and that is really sad and Henwood is excited about the disheartening because—and I say this changes, but mourns the loss of a unique as someone who attends an abundance space. of local theatre, both community, inde“The intimacy and the thrust setting pendent, and professional—the BHTC make it very exciting to see a show at. I has consistently been putting on some of will miss the current [BHTC] stage the best theatre in town for years. What terribly as there is no other venue like Chris Johnson [U of M faculty member it,” says Henwood, who feels Lion in who joined in the 1980s] created years the Streets may be the last chance for the ago has really grown into a beautiful public to experience one of the most thing.” unique theatre spaces around.

Lion in the Streets will be showing Nov. “All in all it will be presented like no 19 and 26 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 20-23 and other production has been in the past Nov. 27-30 at 8 p.m. at the BHT. The and patrons will get to see a side of a venue is located at the lower level of theatre never before seen. In a way, it is University College, 220 Dysart Road, for sort of a farewell tour to the [BHTC]. only a little while longer, so you must be I can’t express to you how much I will there to experience theatre like you may miss the venue.” never have the chance to again. Contact Henwood emphasizes the quality of the 24-hour box office at 204-474-6880.

From legislation to action How can Bill 18 actually protect students from homophobic bullying?

Anastasia Chipelski, staff

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hile the public debate around potential effects that a culture of incluAs a result of the First National Bill 18 has subsided since it was sion can have on reducing bullying and Climate Survey on Homophobia and passed in the Manitoba legislature on increasing students’ sense of safety in Transphobia in Canadian high schools, Sept. 13, 2013, Catherine Taylor believes schools. which was led by Taylor and Dr. Tracey that this bill is only the first step in “Many students commented [ . . . ] Peter, Taylor has seen some improvechanging school climates and prevent- on the hypocrisy of schools that claim ments in school climates, which should ing homophobic bullying. to celebrate diversity and promote pride hopefully improve post-Bill-18.

“Legislation is important because in the Charter of Rights yet do little to “[The good news is] homophobia is it restrains harassers and encourages address the bullying and exclusion of widespread but it’s not always deep,” says [LGBTTQ*] inclusion in educators [LGBTTQ*] students,” says Taylor.

Taylor. “In schools where even small who were already inclined but feared Taylor believes that it is important to efforts have been made, [LGBTTQ*] backlash in the absence of legislative take a different approach to LGBTTQ* students report a better school climate authorization. However, there is only bullying, and to point out the specific and feel more attached to their schools. so much that legislation can do.” differences between homophobic harass- GSAs make a significant difference, and Taylor is an associate professor at ment and other forms of bullying. that’s why they’re leaned on so heavily in the University of Winnipeg, and much “The short answer is that generic [LGBTTQ*]-inclusive schools efforts. of her research focuses on improving approaches flat-out don’t work for So do [LGBTTQ*]-specific harassment school climate for “sexual and gender [LGBTTQ*] bullying. Unless school policies and curricular inclusion.” minority students: lesbian, gay, bisexual, officials make a clear statement that Much of the backlash against Bill 18 transgender, Two Spirit, queer, and [LGBTTQ*] students are welcome, was focused on the stipulations around questioning – and students with sexual students don’t assume their teachers are GSAs, and this was seen by some as a and gender minority parents.” supportive, and they are very unlikely threat to their freedom of religion. Taylor On Nov. 16 she will be giving a to report when they’re homophobically argues that while GSAs will need to be talk entitled “Bill 18 and the case for bullied. Permitting GSAs [Gay Straight accommodated, the Bill doesn’t prevent LGBTQ inclusive schools,” where she Alliance clubs] is a simple, clear way of anyone from holding, and even expresswill discuss the historical background of making support for [LGBTTQ*] stu- ing, their own beliefs: “staff and students homophobic bullying in schools, and the dents explicit.” are still free to believe that [LGBTTQ*]

people are sick and that our relationships in their schools. are sinful, and probably free to say so.”

“We need to focus on making schools Taylor promises to contextualize safe and respectful for [LGBTTQ*] stuCanada’s history of exclusion based on dents in particular because major institusexual orientation in order to further tions of Canadian society, ranging from demonstrate why [LGBTTQ*] bully- psychiatry to law to religion to education, ing differs from other forms of bullying, have historically made homophobia and and to put the backlash against Bill 18 transphobia socially acceptable, which in perspective. tells [LGBTTQ*] students that they “Other social markers such as body are objects of contempt, tells other stusize and nerdiness are common grounds dents that they can abuse [LGBTTQ*] for bullying, but they have not been peers with impunity, and tells educators grounds for incarceration, institution- not to work on this problem for fear of alization, excommunication, execution, backlash.” electroconvulsive therapy, castration, “It will be years yet before Canadian defrocking, disowning, eviction, shun- society recovers from the legacy of that ning, and dismissal from employment.” history, but the process needs to start While this list may sound extreme, now if we honestly want [LGBTTQ*] consider that it was only in 1996 that students to believe us when we say the Canadian Human Rights Act pro- ‘everyone is welcome in this school.’” hibited discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, and before 1969, Hear more from Catherine Taylor same-sex relationships were criminal. at her public talk on Nov. 16, “Bill Though legislation changes, some 18 and the case for LGBTQ incluattitudes persist, and Taylor hopes that sive schools,” which will be held her work can help to change this, and to at 2 p.m. in the Anhang Room help more students feel a sense of safety at the Millennium Library.

VOL. 100 NO. 13 November 13, 2013

Today, the Cake n’ Shakes.

Tomorrow, the world Winnipeg’s most experimental new venue hosts every conceivable performance imaginable Lukas Thiessen, staff

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innipeg’s answer to Andy Warhol’s Factory in the 1960s is the Frame Arts Warehouse.

Run by local performance artists Paul Little and J.D. Renaud, the space is pretty cheap – you can expect to pay 12 to 15 dollars per-square-foot for a similar space on Albert Street in the Exchange and about 75 cents per-square-foot at Frame.

Based on a conversation they had on New Year’s Day 2013, Little and Renaud created Winnipeg’s most experimental performance venue.

First opened in March of this year, the venue hosts a plethora of acts including laser tag, Sunday matinee all-ages hardcore shows, dance parties, improv, experimental noise-core, stand-up comedy, and more.

“We’re catering to just-underthe-cusp comedians, musicians, artists who can’t book the Cavern, the Pyramid, the Park Theatre, the Gas Station Theatre,” says Renaud.

“They’re expensive; we’re more affordable. Can you get 50 to 60 people to come to your show? Then you should be at the Purple Room.”

“The key word is weird,” says Little.

“This is a weird room in the best possible sense of the word.”

Little describes one of the events he cherishes the most and hopes to nourish: the Cake n’ Shakes. Eight years ago he invited people to his dad’s living room to celebrate a friend’s birthday with cake and milkshakes.

“She made the cake, I made the shakes.”

By the fifth annual celebration it was held at a pub with live music as a fundraising social. Last year it was at Frame’s A Gallery, and this year it was at the Purple Room as a daylong festival.

“I have this weird vision of cake and shakes spreading across North America,” says Little.

Plans for next year involve sponsorships from bakeries. The plan for year 10 is a daylong outdoor festival at Old Market Square.

Inspiration for Frame Arts Warehouse came from two particular sources: the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) Theatre and Hotel Café.

UCB Theatre, an improv troupe that began in Chicago, has two theatres in New York and one in Los Angeles. The small venues hold either just over 90 or up to slightly over 150 people. Shows are inexpensive: $8

or free—and several shows run any given night. People take classes and attend events there and small audiences can see big names – comedians such as Ben Schwartz, Patton Oswalt, Louis C.K., and Donald Glover have performed at its locations.

A few blocks from the UCB Theatre in L.A. is Hotel Café, a performance space that holds about 50 people – Frame Arts Warehouse’s Purple Room also has a seating capacity of 50, and standing room maxes out around 90. All performers get exactly the same amount of time onstage.

During set up and tear down artists interact and possibly end up collaborating. Hotel Café has launched numerous huge names in the entertainment industry, including Katy Perry. Little hopes to recreate in Winnipeg what UCB and Hotel Café are doing in L.A., and Renaud concurs: “It’s like, ‘I took the journey to the Purple Room where I hope to see something I’d never seen before.”

The entrance is off an alley behind the building, bordered by a chainlink car park and a furrier. Renaud says the garbage bin is often full of animal carcasses, but from far down the alley at night, the magical hue of white and purple lights illuminates the otherwise decrepit back lane, beckoning the adventurous patron.

Renaud laughs, “It’s not dangerous; it’s just a strange journey.”

The venue is alcohol-free, allowing audiences and performers of all ages to attend.

To get a taste of the vision of these artist-producers, check out the By Coincidence Comedy Festival. The event includes a performance

by Vancouver comedian Simon King, and next Saturday Renaud is reshowing his award-winning Fringe Festival performance SelfDestructivism for one night only, followed by an Electric-Circus-esque dance party. There will also be a show

by Rumble Pak Improv, and Comedy Prom, a night of stand-up comedy, professionally-led classes, improv, and a 1980s and 1990s-themed promnight-styled dance party.

The Purple Room is a 1,300 squarefoot space in Frame Arts Warehouse at 318 Ross Avenue, on the edge of the Exchange District. To book an event call 204-799-4389 or visit www.thepurpleroomatframe.com.

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The A-B-C’s of S-E-X: kinks, fetishes, and vanilla sex Jodie Layne, volunteer staff

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he words “kink” and “fetish” are thrown around a lot in mainstream culture without most of us knowing what they really mean.

It seems like if you want to write a lady-mag article about “Ways to Spice His Pumpkin This Fall” or “How to be Crazy Enough in Bed That Your Husband Won’t Divorce You, Leaving You Desperate and Alone,” it’s imperative that you use the words “kinky,” “freaky,” and “fetish” liberally.

But what a re t he y?

While they’re substituted as a catch-all for sex “outside the norm,” kinks and fetishes are two different things.

A fetish is something that brings a person pleasure or makes them aroused – sometimes even just by the thought of it. Often this is an object, sensation, or objectified body part. Fetishes that are pretty common in our cultural lexicon are: feet, leather, and shoes. In fact, those are three of the top five fetishes as reported by Discovery Health.

Fetishes drive a strong fixation and gratifying sexual experiences are impossible or almost impossible without having some aspect

of the fetish present, even if only popping balloons. If you can think in fantasy. of it, it’s probably someone’s kink.

Fetishists can often feel or What defines kink, and what’s be made to feel marginalized or the norm? What are you if you strange because of their fetishes – don’t like anything that you think especially since they often involve is kinky? People who don’t indulge things that are not inherently sex- in kinks are usually called “vanilla.” ual or that are inanimate objects. A You know, just kind of plain. Some quick zip around the Internet will people say it like a curse word, as show you, though, that no matter though the worst thing in the world what gets you hot, you’re likely not is to enjoy some light humping alone. and frenching while Barry White Kinks, on the other hand, are plays. feelings and activities that are pleaBeing vanilla is fine. Being kinky sureful and wonderfully exciting is fine. Having a fetish is fine! Sex when indulged, but aren’t necessary that satisfies you and doesn’t hurt in order for sexual gratification to anyone (in a non-consensual way, of occur. Things that are fetishes for course) is all fine. Great, even! some might be kinks for others, so Like many other things in this lists of common kinky activities and world, our predisposition is to fear fetishes are actually quite similar. or mock anything we don’t underThings like bondage, water stand. It can be scary to have a sports (urine play), sensation play partner with a kink or fetish that (like flogging or using impact toys, you don’t share, but a little sexual hot wax, or tickling), electricity play, negotiation and open minds— outdoor sex, breast manipulation, and legs—are all it takes for some incorporating food, and genital mutual satisfaction. control are a very short sampling of some common kinks.

You can confidentially subThere are also lots of not as mit a question or topic common kinks and fetishes such to jodie.m.w.layne@gmail.com. as clowns, diapers, furries, and even

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Arts & Culture Editor: Kara Passey Contact: arts@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

From South Furby Creative futures for street kids Fundraising for Kimisagara Orphanage in Rwanda provides both basic necessities and artistic skills Anastasia Chipelski, staff

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ebuilding lives means more than just providing the basic necessities, and sometimes art can play a part in building a future that involves more than basic survival.

Those are the hopes, at the very least, of Julie Epp and Ivy Gowen.

Since she first visited Rwanda in 2010, bringing two hockey bags of donated shoes to a local orphanage, Epp has been fundraising to provide this orphanage with the basic necessities as well as opportunities to develop creative skills.

The Kimisagara Orphanage is run by one man, a former street kid and mechanic. “[He] just takes kids off the street and tries to house them and feed them and give them education,” says Epp. “[He’s] a mechanic, and all the money he makes at this mechanic shop supports 100 kids.”

When Epp first visited the orphanage, it had no electricity.

“All the kids walked in carrying candles, so that stuck with me.”

When she returned to Canada, she raised $8,000 and brought it back to Rwanda, to build a new dormitory building and to see what else was needed – be it water filtration systems, mosquito nets, or crates of laundry soap.

In March 2013, when Epp was joined by her friend Ivy Gowen, they spontaneously decided to ask for donations, and showed up at Kimisagara with 10 cameras. “[It] became such a big part of our time there because the kids really loved using the cameras, and it became something that we did every single day; when we’d visit the orphanage we’d bring the cameras.”

Epp and Gowen would return

home and empty the memory cards, then bring the cameras back the next day. The end result was 16,000 photographs, as well as joy and a sense of community as the orphanage’s kids learned and shared skills.

As they are both involved in the arts in one form or another—Epp is an art therapist, graphic designer, and videographer, while Gowen is a tattoo artist, photographer, and graphic designer—including art in their support to the orphanage was a natural extension. “[W]hen countries are at war, the first thing that goes is culture,” says Gowen.

Through the arts, Gowen believes that these kids are starting to gain some cultural insight into their history and backgrounds, all while rebuilding a cultural identity.

There is also a practical side, as these kids may not be able to find conventional jobs after high school. Gowen sees teaching them about photography—and hopefully Photoshop and other design programs later on—as “implementing self-sustaining goals and activities that will give them future employment.”

Believe it or not, the street kids of Kimisagara Orphanage are holding their first exhibition this month, at Winnipeg’s Tara Davis Studio Boutique. Though they won’t be here to see it in person, 100 per cent of sales from the Through Their Eyes photography exhibition is going straight back to Kimisagara.

This ethic runs through all of the fundraising work Epp and Gowen are committed to.

“We pay for own costs to travel

and our own costs for everything. [ . . . ] We don’t take a dollar of that money,” says Epp. While they are currently not registered as an official non-profit, or affiliated with any religious organization, Epp and Gowen maintain the credibility of their fundraising efforts through daily blog posts and updates while they are visiting the orphanage. Gowen and Epp want those who support their project to see what they are doing, and to know that even if people have only donated $20, that full $20 is going to the kids of Kimisagara.

They’ll be returning to Rwanda on Dec. 17, but in the meantime, there is a lot of work to be done.

Besides their day jobs, they held a fundraising benefit concert on Nov. 9, as well as an opening reception for the Through Their Eyes exhibit on Nov. 14. They’re also asking for donations of cameras, cell phones with SIM card slots, or used laptops to take back with them.

While they hope to grow their project one day—and welcome the support and input of anyone else interested in joining them—they have no intention of slowing down their efforts to help improve the lives of the street kids of Kimisagara.

“It’s for the kids. They’re just kids, after all,” says Gowen.

Learn more about this project at www.streetkidsofrwanda.blogspot. ca, and visit the opening reception of Through Their Eyes on Nov. 14 from 5-9 p.m. at Tara Davis Studio Boutique, 246 McDermot Avenue.

The exhibit will be open until Nov. 30. You can also visit their GoFundMe campaign at www. gofundme.com/streetkidsofrwanda.

Local singer-songwriter Matthew Carter releases debut solo album Kara Passey, staff

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f you are a resident of Wolseley, Matthew Carter’s debut solo album From South Furby could be a welcome soundtrack in your quiet time.

Matthew has made some major changes since releasing his first EP, Thrift Shopping, in 2009.

Under the name Matt Ward, he wrote songs with a backing band that was extremely lively compared to his stripped-down solo sound – not to mention his country twang that stayed true to his Oakbank, Manitoba roots.

“Working solo is great because you get so much control over the growth of the sound and direction of the lyrics,” says Matthew, when asked about his preference during the writing process.

“It definitely has some disadvantages at points but I believe they can be overcome. Doing it all yourself is extremely exhausting [and] I just had to realize that asking other people for help is not only okay to do, but a beautiful thing to do. This album would not have been possible without the help of way too many people to list.”

Matthew’s work has matured since 2009; it shows especially in his voice. His vocals are steady and deep, and mimic harmonies reminiscent of Bon Iver, one of Matthew’s noted inspirations. The high-energy folk songs he used to write are not present on this album, but replaced with something that reminds me of the town troubadour from Gilmore Girls.

From South Furby is an album created by Matthew as a way to cope with and reflect upon a transitional point in his life. The inside cover reads, “The house on Furby Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba was a beautiful place to experience positive growth and change.”

“Though I only lived at Furby for

nine months, leaving it behind definitely was a transitional point for me,” says Matthew. “I moved into that warm home after a tough breakup with my now-ex-fiancée.”

“The five others living there encouraged me to start down the path of finding myself again. The spaces in that place loved to be serenaded and they embraced my songwriting, as did my great roommates [ . . . ] In the short time I lived there I came to love each one of them like family,” Matthew told the Manitoban.

“When time came to leave it all behind, I found that I had grown into a stronger individual with a more focused vision and drive for my life. I feel ready for anything.”

The album contains 11 songs that lead us through the story of the sad termination of Matthew’s relationship to the positive reflection at the end, with all the coping and conflict in between. While lackluster lyrics such as “I feel nervous and I don’t know why,” beg for Matthew to give us more in the song “From the Taxi Window,” more pointed lines like, “the lease ends mid-February, it’s time to start a new home,” in the song “Tapestry Telepathy” give insight to some of Matthew’s vulnerability while working on From South Furby. “Thank You,” the final track, is a nice coming-to-terms song, and really sums up the transitional theme of the album.

While individual songs may not stand up on their own, overall the album is an enjoyable piece of storytelling. Writing autobiographical songs about our personal hardships is not an easy task, and Matthew Carter makes a solid effort with From South Furby.

Check out the album release for From South Furby at aceartinc. on Friday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available at Into the Music.

VOL. 100 NO. 13 November 13, 2013

Arts & Culture

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event Listings The arts events to attend this weekend

music

visual art

Friday, Nov. 15 – 28 New works by Natasha Gusta The Edge Gallery and Urban Art Centre

Thursday, Nov. 14 – Jan. 15 Collective Chaos by EN MASSE x Graffiti Gallery The Graffiti Gallery

Monday, Nov. 18 The Balconies / The Motorleague / Salinas Union Sound Hall

other

Friday, Nov. 15 Matthew Carter album release with Haley Carr aceartinc.

Wednesday, Nov. 13 Protest the Hero / Architects / The Kindred / Affifance Union Sound Hall

Friday, Nov. 15 Hana Lulu EP release with Attica Riots 72 Princess Street

Tuesday, Nov. 12 – 15 Grassroutes: Living on (Un)Settled Land www.grassroutes.ca

Saturday, Nov. 23 Chic Gamine with guest The Reverend Rambler Tickets $20 plus fees in advance Union Sound Hall

Monday, Nov. 18 Winnipeg launch of A Healthy Society

by Dr. Ryan Meili McNally Robinson

Graphics Editor: Bradly Wohlgemuth Contact: graphics@themanitoban.com / 474.6775

Diversions

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Sports Editor: Marc Lagace Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

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Sports

Dinos devour Bisons Calgary shuts down Manitoba to win 6th straight Hardy Cup Mike Still, staff

photos by josh o'brien

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he Manitoba Bisons were offi- reception at 4:47 of the second. cially eliminated from the Vanier Calgary struck again on their next Cup hunt, with a 43-28 loss at the drive, this time on a big 57-yard hands of the Calgary Dinos on touchdown pass from quarterback Saturday afternoon at McMahon Andrew Buckley to Canada West Stadium. rookie of the year Rashaun Simonise.

The Dinos jumped out of the gate Calgary capped off their scoring with fervor, scoring a touchdown on with a 43-yard Johnny Mark field their first drive of the game courtesy goal with less than 30 seconds left to of a 27-yard run by running back play in the half. Manitoba quarterMercer Timmis, who had a brilliant back Jordan Yantz struggled to find game for Calgary. Things got worse a rhythm in the first half. Calgary’s for Manitoba on their first drive, as front four provided enormous presCanada West all-star running back sure, essentially shutting down the Anthony Coombs went down on the Bisons’ passing game. first play from scrimmage and never The Bisons got a bit of luck at returned. The Dinos added two more the beginning of the second half. points to their total on that same Manitoba defensive back Jordan drive, forcing Manitoba to concede Linnen recovered a Simonise fuma safety after pinning them deep in bled punt reception deep in Calgary’s their own end. zone. The Bisons wasted little time The Bisons were shut down for capitalizing, Yantz found receiver most of the first, but mounted a Andrew Smith in the end zone from solid six-play, 67-yard drive to end 19 yards out, cutting the Calgary lead the quarter, capped off by a brilliant to 26-14. That was where the Bisons’ 21-yard touchdown reception by luck ran out. The Dinos proceeded to Kienan LaFrance, who played val- outscore Manitoba 10-0 in the final iantly in place of the injured Coombs. 13:15 of the third quarter. Calgary’s Heading into the second, the Dinos scoring started out on the following led 9-7. drive after the Bison touchdown, as The second quarter was all fifth-year running back Cuong Thai Calgary, as they outscored the Lieu scooted into the end zone from Bisons 17-0 and took a 26-7 lead 42 yards out. The Dinos added a field into the half. goal with 2:29 left in the quarter to The Dinos moved the ball 98 take a comfortable 22-point lead into yards on 12 plays, capped off by a the fourth.

Jake Harty seven-yard touchdown Manitoba would not go down

easily in this one, getting back on the scoreboard with 7:40 left in the game on a 37-yard Yantz touchdown pass to Matt Sawyer. The scoring play was set up by a massive 64-yard reception from Nic Demski. The Dinos seized the momentum right back after the scoring play, as Timmis secured his second touchdown of the game with 4:49 left. The 33-yard touchdown gave the Dinos a 43-21 lead.

Manitoba kept fighting, scoring on their next drive, a nine-play, 83-yard march downfield capped by a 13-yard Smith touchdown reception.

The Bisons then recovered an onside kick, but were unable to capitalize.

Timmis was the gamebreaker in this one, piling up a Dinos post-season record 279 yards on 28 carries, as well as two touchdowns. As a whole, the Dinos put up a whopping 623 yards of total offence, marching up and down the field all day.

Yantz finished the day 18-of-40, with 277 yards, along with four touchdowns and two interceptions.

It was another strong performance, but ultimately was not enough to keep the Dinos from their sixth consecutive Hardy Cup title.

The Dinos will move on to face the Western Mustangs in the Mitchell Bowl next weekend.

18

Sports

Sports Editor: Marc Lagace Contact: sports@themanitoban.com / 474.6529

At the rim Canada Basketball hoping for wild card spot at 2014 FIBA World Cup Adam Peleshaty, volunteer

A

t the 2013 FIBA Americas According to FIBA rules, at least two Championship last September, zonal regions must be represented in the hopes of Canada’s men’s bas- the four wildcard berths. ketball team qualifying for the 2014 Despite Canada Basketball launchFIBA Basketball World Cup seemed ing a Twitter campaign to FIBA with to vanish. the hashtag “#Can4Spain2014,” Canada Needing a top-four finish at the is in tough for a berth. The number of tournament to qualify, Canada lost Canadian players making waves in the its final three games to finish in sixth NBA and NCAA, as well as better place. It was a bitter disappointment for international results in the youth and a country with more NBA players than women’s levels and increased interest ever and a rebuilt men’s program with in the international game, could sway Steve Nash as general manager and Jay FIBA’s Central Board.

Triano brought on for a second stint as While basketball is popular in national team head coach.

Canada, their 25th world ranking is However, FIBA may give Canada lower than some of the teams competa second act. ing for berths. Canada may be suitable Canada Basketball has applied to according to some of FIBA’s criteria, FIBA for one of four wildcard berths but not others. into the Basketball World Cup to be However, how these berths are held in Spain from Aug. 30 to Sept. granted is improper.

14. Fourteen other countries have also The idea that some of the countries applied, including Canada’s zonal chosen to play in the Basketball World rivals Brazil and Venezuela and top- Cup would be determined not on a bas10-ranked Greece, Russia, and Turkey, ketball court, but in a boardroom, is who failed to qualify out of the 2013 dubious at best.

EuroBasket tournament.

It can be expected that three more FIBA may create a shortlist of teams European teams will be added as wildfor the berths by Nov. 23-24 before cards. Half of the top-24-ranked men’s making their final decision in February. national teams are from Europe, but,

illustration by bram keast

despite only accounting for almost one- World Championships, six were given World Cup? Such a qualifier could be quarter of FIBA’s national federations, to European nations. held a month prior to the event, during 10 of its 23 Central Board members hail FIBA holds a last-chance qualify- the NBA off-season. Settling it on the from Europe – including four out of ing tournament to determine which court is a better alternative. five executive members. Out of eight teams go to the Olympics. Why can But for now, all Canada can do is wildcard spots given over the past two it not be the same for the Basketball wait.

Huskies swept away Bison women’s volleyball improves to 4-2 Marc Lagace, staff

photos by beibei lu

I

t only took six sets for the U of M errors committed by the Huskies. women’s volleyball team to send The early lead set the tone for the the University of Saskatchewan first set, as the Bisons took it to the Huskies packing. The Bisons swept visitors 25-13. the Huskies three sets to none in Candace Hueser and Kayla games played at Investors Group Tycholiz led Saskatchewan with Athletic Centre (IGAC) on Nov. 8 10 points a piece on the night. The and 9.

Huskies took their only lead of the The Bisons were without Taylor match in the second set, but the Pischke, who led the team in kills Bisons still won the second set 25-18 and points scored heading into the and cruised to victory in the third. weekend. The Bisons were able to fill On Saturday, the Huskies put up Pischke’s spot in the rotation with- a better fight, but were still no match out missing a beat, dominating the for the Bisons. Crystal Mulder was Huskies in nearly every set. the star, leading all players with 11 On Friday, Rachel Cockrell’s kills, nailing two service aces and 12 kills and 14 points led all play- pitching in on defence with 10 digs. ers and helped secure the Bison win “It’s what I expect from [Mulder],” 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 25-14). The Bisons said Bison head coach Ken Bentley. started the match by going on a 6-0 “She’s one of the rocks of the team run, which was aided by four attack and I expect her to play like that.”

Saskatchewan looked to come from behind and steal the first set, but an attack error by Anne Hanbidge on set point gave the Bisons the edge, 25-23. The Bisons continued to dominate the Huskies for the remainder of the game, winning 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-18).

“I’m very happy with their play; we played six very solid sets of volleyball,” said coach Bentley.

“Our defence was really strong.

We had an idea of how we wanted to play them, and I thought we did a great job of sticking to that idea throughout the weekend.”+ With the wins, the Bisons are 4-2 and in a three-way tie for third place in the Canada West conference with Calgary and UBC Okanagan.

Their two losses on the season came on the road against the undefeated UBC Thunderbirds. Their next two matches are against the second place (5-1) Brandon Bobcats at IGAC. “[Brandon] is a very good team so we have to play really good volleyball to beat those guys,” said coach Bentley. “But it is nice to be home for a couple of weeks and get settled in. The extra time you get during the week for your preparation is invaluable.”

Check out the Bisons taking on the Bobcats at IGAC Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 5 p.m.

VOL. 100 NO. 13 November 13, 2013

Sports

19

Bison briefs

Hockey and basketball Mike Still, staff

Men’s hockey goals came from forwards Brendan would hold on to their lead. Kim again next weekend at the Investors less than three minutes remaining The Bisons (2-8-0) lost both away Rowinski, Ian Duval, and Aaron Veldman of Lethbridge led all scor- Group Athletic Centre, welcom- to retake the lead. Brent Watkins games this past weekend against the Lewadniuk, who scored two. ers with 23 points. Sheree Carmona- ing Calgary to town with after- of Lethbridge and Yigit Ozsayiner Regina Cougars (6-4-0), falling 2-1 The next action for the men is Galdamez added 13 for Manitoba. noon games on Friday at 1 p.m. and of Manitoba both had 18 points to on Friday night and 7-4 on Saturday. Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. The Bisons had a better result Saturday at 12:00 p.m. lead all scorers.

Regina scored the game-winning 16 against Lethbridge at Wayne Saturday night, emerging with a The following evening’s game goal Friday with just 2:43 left in the Fleming Arena. Game times are 7 61-53 victory. Lethbridge held onto Men’s basketball saw Lethbridge dominate from third period. Manitoba registered p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. a slim lead in the first and second The men took on Lethbridge this beginning to end, en route to an 27 shots, but only cashed in once quarters, shooting 13-of-27 in the past weekend for games on Friday 82-58 win. The Bisons struggled to against goalie Andrew Hayes, the Women’s basketball first half and going into the break and Saturday night. The result was get anything going offensively, and tally coming via forward Aaron The Bisons (3-1) took one out up 33-31. Manitoba increased the not what the Bisons (1-3) were look- were outscored 21-8 in the second Lewadniuk at 3:35 of the second of two games on the road against pace after the break, going 7-of-13 ing for, as they fell in both games to quarter. Manitoba finished the period. the Lethbridge Pronghorns (2-2) overall from beyond the arc and the Pronghorns (3-1). Friday night night shooting 20-of-63, with a Saturday afternoon’s game was this past weekend. Manitoba suf- heading into the fourth quarter was the closer of the two contests, season-low 58 points. Andre Arruda far less promising, as Manitoba fered their first loss of the young with a 49-43 advantage. The Bison as Manitoba lost a tough one 74-69. was one of the lone bright spots for was dominated, despite register- season Friday night, falling 59-54. defence was the difference in this The Pronghorns led by as much as the Bisons, putting up 19 points in ing 54 shots. The Cougars scored The Pronghorns had early momen- one, holding the Pronghorns to an 13 points and took a 40-29 lead the loss. three goals in both the first and tum, going on an 8-0 run to start abysmal 6-of-33 from the field in into halftime. The Bisons showed The Bisons return home for second periods, chasing starting the game. Manitoba slowly clawed the second half to preserve the lead resilience in the second half, man- games at the Investors Group Bison goalie Deven Dubyk from the back and took the lead in the second and the eventual victory. Stephanie aging to eventually take the lead Athletic Centre this Friday and net after 40 minutes. They added quarter; however, Lethbridge fin- Gill of Manitoba led all scorers with late in the fourth quarter. The Saturday against the Calgary Dinos. one more goal in the third to cap a ished the half on a 9-0 run and led 17 points.

Pronghorns would not let this one Game times are 3 p.m. and 2 p.m., seven-goal evening. Manitoba’s four 24-20 at halftime. The Pronghorns The women take to the court slip away, going on a 7-0 run with respectively.