Nov 6, 2019

THE MEREDITH

@meredithherald @meredith_herald #harktheherald meredithherald.com

HERALD

Aw, shucks.

November 6, 2019

Apple Bobbin’ Jeans! Corn with the Husks!

By Alyssa Irons, Contributing Writer

Seniors took the win at Cornhuskin’. Their memorable skit addressed the fear every senior has: “What happens after we leave?” The answer? No worries, ladies! The Onyx ring will always bring us back together.

After the event, the overall scores were tallied together by the event’s judges and announced by the

Burnt Corn

MRA Cornhuskin’ co-chairs. The seniors won with a total of 92 points making them this year’s Cornhuskin champions. The juniors took second place with 82 points, the sophomores grabbed third with 62 points and the freshmen landed in fourth with 40 points.

Great job, class of 2020, and congratulations on your win!

Read the full score breakdown on page 3...

Photo courtesy of Meredith College

14 Little-Known Rules of Cornhuskin’

By Karli Keller, Contributing Writer, and Angela Cowo, Staff Writer

By Kaylee Kalaf, Contributing Writer

Psychology Today defines burnout as “a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress,” and college students are one of the most burnt-out populations.

Cornhuskin’ season creates added stress in the lives of Meredith students since they must divide their time between school, Cornhuskin’ events, extracurriculars and more.

Read more on page 4...

Photo courtesy of Meredith College

1.

Themes submitted within the past eight years may not be used.

Though most students will not know which themes occurred before their time at Meredith, the limit on the repetition of themes is on behalf of the faculty and young alumnae. It is also to make sure young alumnae are not giving certain classes an unfair advantage.

2.

No open flames of any kind, Read more on page 3...

Editorial: Huskin’ Through History

What the Shuck: 2019 Cornhuskin’ Themes

While beloved by most, Cornhuskin’ has not been endorsed by all. Many have criticized Cornhuskin’ for being trivial, unartistic and something that doesn’t contribute to the education of students. I think that many of Corn’s biggest advocates, the students who take Corn extremely seriously, would also

The 2019 Cornhuskin’ year brought us a creative, broad and new collection of themes for the classes to carry out. The themes were announced on Monday, Oct. 28 in the Johnson Hall rotunda during the 10 o’clock hour. Students gathered around as the co-chairs announced their themes. They are as follows:

By Hannah Davis Johns, Staff Writer

Also Inside

All things Cornhuskin’!

NEWS

Useful Apps and Websites Political Protests Local Election Results A&E Cross Country Canes College Night Company Opens NC Courage Wins NWSL Lore Olympus A Pop of Culture: Jeffree Star OPINIONS El Día de los Muertos Pittsboro Protests

agree with the criticism. The general consensus of Corn has become, “it’s not real theater, it’s just for fun.”

However, as a lover of theatre and theatre history and as someone who thoroughly enjoys Cornhuskin’, this has become a statement I disagree with. After participating in many Read more on page 3...

By Sarah Karboski, Contributing Writer

Finding Treasure Abroad

By Olivia Slack, Online Editor the way. The video, which features

Cornhuskin’ is a tradition beloved by many at Meredith, and those studying abroad for the semester in Italy are no exception.

Students in Sansepolcro have been planning throughout the semester to produce a video of their own miniature Cornhuskin’ skit and dance. The theme was “International Treasure”; the twist was that the treasure to be found was the friendship they discovered along

footage from Switzerland, Germany, Greece, France and, of course, Italy, can be found on Meredith College’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Photo courtesy of Meredith in Italy

10 Cornhuskin’ Themes That Will Never Be

By Angela Cowo and Hannah Davis Johns, Staff Writers

Class of 2023: Mereco Musical Class of 2022: The Bravest Thing You Can Be is Yourself Class of 2021: Onyx! At the Disco Class of 2020: The MC Experience

Each theme brought something new and unique to the event.

These broad themes were able to Read more on page 4...

Editor’s Note

Our usual issues are four pages in length, but, a few times per semester, we encounter an event big enough to have copy to fill double the pages. Our last ‘jumbo’ issue was RBG-themed, and this one centers around Cornhuskin’.

As one of the biggest events at Meredith College, Corn was a clear opportunity to be able to generate a lot of content.

However, I cannot deny that my role as a Cornhuskin’ co-chair for the class of 2020 contributed to my eagerness to provide coverage of the event. It is for this reason that I sought the contributions of writers beyond our staff and the perspectives of Cornhuskin’ that differ from the traditional. I believe that The Herald should represent views to which all students can relate, and I respect that not all students share my love of this tradition. Therefore, I hope that you, our readers, find this issue informative, thought-provoking and representative of all MC students.

Sincerely,

Mimi Mays, Editor in Chief

1. Magic Mike: Corn all day, Corn all night 2. Fight Club: The first rule of Corn is: you do not talk about Corn.

3. Die Hard: Yippee ki yay, Mother Shuckers 4. The Fast and The Furious: The most important thing in life will always be the people in that amphitheatre.

5. Black Panther: This is your theme?

6. Grey’s: Real life only comes in shades of corn. Corn changes in a heartbeat. Let the year you win be your senior.

7. The Godfather: I’ll give you an experience you can’t refuse.

8. Get Out: Just because you request a guest ticket doesn’t mean you’ll get one.

9. Handmaid’s Tale: Ignoring practice isn’t the same as ignorance, you have to work at it.

10. House of Cards: A great person once said, “Everything is about Corn. Except for Corn. Corn is about power.”

News

Apps and Websites for Semester’s End

By Katelyn Wiszowaty, Staff Writer

With so many student apps and websites out there designed to make life a little easier, there’s no reason not to use them. Students today are using their laptops and phones for almost everything yet can still be missing out on the amazing technology that can help them save time, stay focused, get assignments done and study more efficiently. With it now being November, Meredith students have survived midterms and are heading for the home stretch.

Here is a list of student apps and websites that can help them survive the rest of the semester.

Socratic

Socratic is an iOS app on which students can ask questions and get help with any class subject. When the app is opened, it prompts the user to either take a picture of their question, type in a question or verbally ask a question. It takes a moment to analyze the question and then responds with relevant and accurate answers and examples.

Grammarly

Grammarly is an app, website and chrome extension that is a proofreader. Students can copy and paste or upload documents that they want to be checked for grammar and punctuation. Grammarly also lets users set goals for their writing such as formality, audience, tone and intent.

StudyBlue

StudyBlue is similar to Quizlet and lets users create and study flashcard sets. What is great about these platforms is that students can also search for flashcard sets that have already been created by other students and share sets with friends.

SelfControl

SelfControl is a Mac OS app that keeps students productive by blocking distractions. With this app, students can insert websites that they want to block for a specified amount of time that they choose.

Ecosia

Almost indistinguishable from Google, Ecosia provides a smooth, efficient and more eco-friendly alternative to other search engines. All you have to do is set the Ecosia page as your default browser, and you are good to go for a more sustainable web-surfing experience!

Toggl

Whether it’s juggling between school or work, this handy little app, accessible both on your phone and your laptop, is a useful timer that can be used to track work hours, test-taking practice or any other situation that requires a timed log! It tracks the time you spend on your work, and if you forget to stop the timer, Toggl allows you to go back and set the time stamp for exactly when your previous session ended. Users can also name their timed sessions with whatever title they wish, whether it be “work shift,” “homework practice,” or “timed test practice.” Once this app is utilized, you can quickly forget what time-keeping was like without it!

MyBib

MyBib is a citation tool that is organized, easy to use and does not interrupt users with ads. The citation generator lets users search for websites, books and other forms of media and choose the citation style. When citations are complete, they are added to the user’s list and can be downloaded into GoogleDrive or as a Microsoft Word document.

Political Protests in Hong-Kong and Chile

By Savi Swiggard, Associate Editor, Huma Hashmi, Staff Writer, and Angela Cowo, Staff Writer

Meredith’s Art and Humanities theme this year is “activism,” and it is appropriately relevant to international events. The citizens of Hong Kong and Chile have taken to the streets to call for systemic governmental change.

The Hong Kong protests started on June 9, protesting a proposal that would allow extradition from Hong Kong to mainland China. Historically, Hong Kong has had more autonomy than mainland China, and its people have had more rights. The New York Times reports that “the protests started as peaceful marches against the extradition bill,” then came the clashes with the government involving government use of tear gas. These protests are ongoing.

The Hong Kong protests have taken social media by storm as individuals begin the hashtag “#FreeHongKong.” The social media presence of the protest has brought the attention of foreign citizens, either in with the protestors or with the Chinese government. Notably, video game company Blizzard has banned “Hearthstone” player, Ng

“Blitzchung” Wai Chung, for supporting Hong Kong protesters during a competition’s live stream. They’ve also banned numerous other players and streamers who showed support.

The company, most wellknown for its game “Overwatch,” has received massive pushback from fans and protestors due to their handling of the issue. Now “Overwatch” character Mei-Ling Zhou, or Mei, has been adopted as a major symbol of the protest. Protestors have begun photoshopping Mei into protest gear and into protest imagery, turning her into a symbol of their resistance and identity while directly calling out Blizzard for supporting the Hong Kong government.

Since Oct. 8, Chileans have taken to the streets to protest the high cost of living, extreme inequality and privatizing of citizen resources.

A 4% hike in Santiago subway fares sparked the flame of protest against the Chilean government, with demonstrations quickly expanding to six cities.

Almost a month of continual protests has become a nationwide up-

Protests in Chile, photo courtesy of the BBC

rising demanding dramatic changes to the country’s systemic inequality.

The government has responded by sending about 10,000 military personnel and police to the streets and has officially declared the country “at war.”

To many, this feels like the return of the August Pinochet military dictatorship. Twenty people have died in the violence and over 7,000 have been arrested with 150 recorded cases of blindness and eyeball loss in addition to other credible allegations of human rights abuses by the security forces. Activists indicate that numbers are being downplayed

by the government and are actually much higher.

Chile’s inequality is not just economic; it’s systemic. The Pinochet dictatorship segregated class groups into different parts of the city and set things up so that public services (health care, schools, and transit) have been delivered unevenly across these neighborhoods. Resulting in power concentrated within a very small group. Nearly a fourth of the Senate and House of Commons is run by graduates of elite Catholic boarding schools and the top university graduates (on both the left and Read more on page 8...

re-election due to caring for family members.

Rolesville’s mayor pro tem, Ronnie Currin, was permanently elected to the office. Long-time mayor Frank Eagles did not seek re-election.

Last month, Raleigh voters elected Mary-Ann Baldwin mayor.

Though the close election mandated a run-off election, runner-up Charles

Francis announced last month he would decline a run-off and concede to Baldwin.

For full Wake County results as of 10:15 p.m. Tuesday night, visit https://www.newsobserver.com/ news/politics-government/election/ article237028449.html

Wake County Election Results

By Mimi Mays, Editor in Chief

Voters in Raleigh and Cary cast ballots in their municipal elections last month, and yesterday it was the rest of Wake County’s turn.

Since polls closed last night at 7:30 p.m., Garner, Apex and Rolesville have new mayors, and several incumbents were re-elected as mayors, to town councils and to boards of commissioners across the county.

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Garner’s new mayor, Ken Marshburn, beat incumbent Ronnie Williams by 17 percentage points.

Apex’s new mayor, Jacques Gilbert, is an Apex native and former captain with the Apex Police Department. Current mayor Lance Olive was a former council member and had been mayor since 2015. He announced in August he would not seek

Cornhuskin’ Scores

Continued from page 1...

Event: Apple Bobbin’ 1st: Seniors 2nd: Sophomores 3rd: Freshmen 4th: Juniors

4 pts.

3 pts.

2 pts.

1 pt.

Event: Cornshuckin’ 1st: Seniors 2nd: Juniors 3rd: Freshmen 4th: Sophomores

4 pts.

3 pts.

2 pts.

1 pt.

Cornhuskin’ Event: Can Art: Intended Design 1st: Seniors 4 pts.

2nd: Juniors 3 pts.

3rd: Sophomores 2 pts.

4th: Freshmen 1 pt.

Event: Tall Tale: Script 1st: Juniors 4 pts.

2nd: Sophomores 3 pts.

3rd: Seniors 2 pts.

4th: Freshmen 1 pt.

Event: Can Art: Execution of Design 1st: Seniors 4 pts.

2nd: Juniors 3 pts.

3rd: Freshmen 2 pts.

4th: Sophomores 1 pt.

Event: Tall Tale: Overall Performance 1st: Juniors 4 pts.

2nd: Seniors 3 pts.

3rd: Sophomores 2 pts.

4th: Freshmen 1 pt.

Event: Sweatshirt: Overall Design 1st: Juniors 4 pts.

2nd: Seniors 3 pts.

3rd: Sophomores 2 pts.

4th: Freshmen 1 pt.

Event: Can Art: Significance to Theme 1st: Seniors 4 pts.

2nd: Juniors 3 pts.

3rd: Sophomores 2 pts.

4th: Freshmen 1 pt.

Event: Sweatshirt: Significance to Theme 1st: Juniors 4 pts.

2nd: Seniors 3 pts.

3rd: Sophomores 2 pts.

4th: Freshmen 1 pt.

Event: Class Songs: Overall Performance 1st: Seniors (tie) 4 pts.

1st: Juniors (tie) 4 pts.

3rd: Sophomores 2 pts.

4th: Freshmen 1 pt.

Event: Attendance 1st: Seniors 2nd: Sophomores 3rd: Juniors 4th: Freshmen

Event: Tall Tale: Costumes/Props 1st: Juniors 4 pts.

2nd: Seniors 3 pts.

3rd: Sophomores 2 pts.

4th: Freshmen 1 pt.

8 pts.

6 pts.

4 pts.

2 pts.

14 Little-Known Rules of Cornhuskin’ Continued from page 1... including fire and fireworks, are permitted in any event.

While the aesthetic would be pleasing, open flames on a field with so many people and movement is too much of a hazard. Due to safety concerns, if there are any open flames, the class will be immediately disqualified from that event, and other repercussions may ensue.

3.

No acrobatics or stunts above-head are permitted in any event.

Again, this rule is for safety reasons. While Cornhuskin’ is a tradition about skill and talent, the College does not allow acrobatics or above-head stunts because of the safety concerns. Most of Corn occurs in the amphitheater in the evening at the main event. The amphitheater is dark, and the ground is uneven. Not to mention that the stage, a grassy hill, and the brick stairs are often slick. Thus, more dangerous tricks like acrobatics are banned. Any acrobatics or above-head stunts will result in the disqualification of the class in that event.

Huskin’ Through History

Continued from page 1...

parody plays and outrageous comedies, I saw clear stylistic similarities to Corn. With a little deeper research it became clear that much of Cornhuskin’ is derived from the historical

Event: Hog Callin’: Script 1st: Sophomores (tie) 4 pts.

1st: Seniors (tie) 4 pts.

3rd: Juniors 2 pts.

4th: Freshmen 1 pt.

Event: Hog Callin’: Overall Performance 1st: Seniors 4 pts.

2nd: Juniors 3 pts.

3rd: Freshmen 2 pts. ***Sophomores were disqualified in this category for going over time.

Event: Skit: Script 1st: Sophomores 2nd: Seniors 3rd: Juniors

4 pts.

3 pts.

2 pts.

4th: Freshmen

1 pt.

Event: Skit: Costumes/Props 1st: Juniors 4 pts.

2nd: Seniors 3 pts.

3rd: Sophomores 2 pts.

4th: Freshmen 1 pt.

Event: Skit: Word Parade 1st: Seniors 4 pts.

2nd: Juniors 3 pts.

3rd: Sophomores 2 pts.

4th: Freshmen 1 pt.

Event: Skit: Overall Performance 1st: Seniors 4 pts.

2nd: Juniors 3 pts.

3rd: Sophomores 2 pts.

4th: Freshmen 1 pt.

Cooperation Points Seniors Juniors Sophomores Freshmen

24 pts.

24 pts.

20 pts.

17 pts.

Overall Results 1st: Seniors 2nd: Juniors 3rd: Sophomores 4th: Freshmen

92 pts.

82 pts.

62 pts.

40 pts.

4.

Only current students and up to one faculty member are permitted in the skit.

Corn is a densely populated, watched and participated-in event.

Only one faculty member is allowed in the skit for each class because we do not want bias, and because that is too much to ask from our faculty.

Only current students can participate because of the many practices needed. Also, all our traditions are for current students and their families and guests only. Corn is a class competition. Thus, only members of the class should participate. The class will be disqualified from the skit portion if this rule is broken.

5.

The parade, the hall raids and the processional into the amphitheater are not judged.

These three aspects of Corn are highly participated in and performed, but interestingly do not count towards the final Corn score.

Neither do the dances!

6.

The script is judged separately from the props and costumes, the word parade and the performance of the skit.

Since the skit is the main

event, it is allotted the most points out of all the events. There are many different aspects that make up the skit: props and costumes, word parade and performance. Each of these aspects is unique and has its own influence and effect. So, the elements are judged separately from the overall skit performance because of how much work goes into the individual aspects of the skit.

7.

Planning committees for each class may meet as early as they wish, but no judged aspects may be practiced before the freshman class co-chairs have been elected.

This rule is often the least known. Many students believe that planning committees cannot meet until the assigned date at the beginning of the school year for their class.

However, the committees may meet as early as they would like, as long as no judged material is rehearsed before the date assigned to their class.

8.

Hog Callin’ is four minutes. If the class’s performance extends four minutes, they will be disqualified from the event.

9.

Comfort Colors may not be the chosen sweatshirt or t-shirt brand

because of the cost.

10.

The apple bobber must always have her hands behind her back, or the class will be immediately disqualified from the event.

11.

Only one person (plus one prop assistant) is allowed on stage for the performance of Tall Tale, and the person must always represent an object. The time limit is three minutes; going over time results in disqualification.

12.

The class songs must be performed acapella. The time limit is two minutes; going over time will result in disqualification.

13.

Classes may practice their Can Art before the event but not in the courtyard.

14.

Two members of each class are asked to serve on the spirit stick committee and are selected by MRA President, MRA Vice-President, MRA Cornhuskin’ co-chairs and the MRA adviser. The spirit stick committee members are anonymous to the Meredith community. They observe the classes’ activities throughout Corn season and determine who exhibits the best Cornhuskin’ spirit to therefore win the spirit stick.

european tradition, British Panto.

Panto is a holiday tradition in the UK that takes a typically well known story, like Cinderella or Aladdin, and twists it with inside jokes catered to the region where its being performed (sound familiar?). Other tropes of Panto are exaggerated acting, pop

music, dancing and audience participation. British Panto dates all the way back to 1717 when actor John Rich created his famous harlequin character, and since then many famous modern actors have participated in and endorsed the Panto including Henry Winkler, George Takei, John

Barrowman, Richard Madden, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart. So, next Cornhuskin’, keep in mind that you are participating in both rich Meredith history and an international theatrical tradition.

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Cornhuskin’

Opinion: How Hall Raids Affect Dorm Animals

By Ell Shelp-Peck, Staff Writer

Hall raids are a key part of Meredith’s Cornhuskin’ tradition.

Everyone on and off campus is aware of this startling event. Each night, a different class raids a different dorm: banging pots and pans, blowing whistles and chanting. While this can be a rude awakening, it is a fun tradition that makes sure everyone is included in Corn. However, as the animal population in campus dorms grows, it brings into question the preparation and act of hall raids. This year, everyone who has an ESA or

service animal on campus was sent an email in advance, warning them of the impending raid. Vann and Stringfield’s residence director, Kayla Quinn, sent out an email informing those who fit the requirements in those dorms and then shared her plans to keep her dog, Jackson, calm during the raid. She stated in the email that she and Jackson “will just set an alarm and will leave the building during the raid.”

Is this a justifiable solution, or should new rules be applied

What the Shuck: 2019 Cornhuskin’ Themes Continued from page 1...

give each class something entirely different. “When your themes are broader, you all have more room to be creative,” says Megan Gale, a class of 2021 co-chair.

The Class of 2023, with Mereco Musical (High School Musical), had “we make each other strong” as their tagline, which was displayed their Can Art and on their sweatshirt designs. They continued this theme in their skit, two students struggling to get through their first year but getting through it with the help of their

sisters.

The Class of 2022’s “Brave” theme focused on the Clifton Strengths and Meredith StrongPoints, the overall idea of their performance being that we have our strengths for a reason. “We wanted to send a message of self-acceptance and self-love that we find within ourselves,” says Jeanine Carrol, a class of 2022 cochair. “Discovering ourselves takes bravery as we face the highs and lows of sophomore year.”

The Class of 2021 celebrated their new bling with “Onyx! At the

to hall raids as a result of growing animal populations? In respect to the tradition, the changes should be small. Thursday night, in Vann, there was an extensive use of whistles.

While this is quite effective in waking people up, it caused a lot of stress for those who chose to stay in the dorms with their dogs because of the weather. Dogs’ ears can pick up higher frequencies, which can make these whistles quite distressing.

Therefore, the hall raid itself remains a fun tradition, but the quesDisco,” a roller rink-themed production. Their performance revolved around four skaters, one losing her memory after a fall on the rink. The friends reflect on their past years in Boogie Wonderland as the amnesic one gains her memory back just in time for “Disco Dinner.” She learns that it isn’t all about the milestones she has accomplished at Boogie Wonderland but who she experienced them with.

The Class of 2020 spent their final Cornhuskin’ with a theme of reflection, calling it “The MC Experience.” Their theme was based around

Bentley, my service dog

tion remains: should it be allowed to affect the members on campus who do not have a voice?

the Cornhuskin’ season and the feelings that come along with it. The performance was based on two friends: one participates in Cornhuskin’ and tries to convince her friend to participate because she had in the years prior. Eventually, after a lot of effort and reflecting, the two friends experience their final Cornhuskin’ together.

Each theme brought something extremely different, not only to the main stage but to Cornhuskin’ week in general. This was a refreshing change for students who have seen Cornhuskin’ events in previous years.

From top left, clockwise: freshman, junior, senior and sophomore Can Art designs; photos courtesy of Meredith College

Burnt Corn

Continued from page 1...

Practices range from three to four times a week and last from anywhere between 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. They become more frequent and lengthy as the event draws closer. This heavy level of commitment wears on all participants.

One such participant is Katie Thompson, a residential student. She was in both the group dances and skit for the junior class. For Katie, Cornhuskin’ season means staying up past

4

1 a.m. studying. However, she knows that the late nights are worth it when her class hits the amphitheater.

Commuter students have a different experience. Sophomore Madai Adaia Valle rides the bus an hour each way to get to Meredith every day. For her, attending dance practices requires staying with an on-campus friend. It helps that the dances are uploaded on Facebook, so she can keep up when she misses practice.

Given these challenges, both students agree that avoiding

the burnout from Cornhuskin’ is all about budgeting your time. Katie suggests keeping a to-do list and a running calendar to stay on track.

Similarly, Madai suggests prioritizing classwork and studying before going to Cornhuskin’ practices. It is also important to make time for yourself; this could include making a cup of tea, taking a short nap or listening to upbeat music.

Meredith’s professors have balancing acts of their own. Dr. Martinson, a professor of Political Science, does not believe any pro-

fessor would purposefully increase their students’ workload around Cornhuskin’. However, they do have course objectives to meet and can’t just stop their classes, especially since Cornhuskin’ falls within the densest part of the semester. He also noted that many of the best students seem off during Cornhuskin’ week because of the burnout.

Cornhuskin’ is a beloved tradition at Meredith. Participants agree that although the burnout is difficult to manage, the memories and camaraderie it creates are worth it.

Cornhuskin’

Opinion: Saturday Night Cornhuskin’

By Lena Pedlikin, Contributing Writer

Cornhuskin’ at Meredith has been held on a Friday night since 1995. Last year, due to rain, the event was postponed until Saturday, and this year, the change was made permanent. The schedule change was at the request of students who felt that Cornhuskin’ was taking up their Friday and interfering with schoolwork. This schedule change will be implemented every year after 2019.

The day being moved will allow for the participation of students who had previously been unable to attend. The parade was also moved to Saturday afternoon. This benefits students who commute, as they no longer have to navigate around front gate closures. As a result of Cornhuskin’ and the parade being moved to Saturday, Can Art has been moved to Friday afternoon, meaning Can Art

occurs closer to the weekend, rather than on a Wednesday afternoon.

While this is contradictory to one of the main reasons the main events of Cornhuskin’ was moved, it does allow for more participation and viewing of the Can Art event.

Cornhuskin’ on Saturday allows more students to attend the parade and professors do not feel obligated to cancel Friday afternoon classes on behalf of Corn. Saturday Cornhuskin’ also allows for alumnae and families of current students to more easily come and watch. Many alumnae and families must travel far to come to campus, and Corn moved to the weekend allows for more of the Meredith community to attend the sacred tradition.

Editorial: Popped Corn — Is Unity a Reality or a Goal?

By Savi Swiggard, Associate Editor

On Oct. 10, 2017, I lost my grandmother and lost all ability to participate in my first-ever Cornhuskin’. After one practice, I was unable to emotionally balance the pressure of memorizing movements or scripts, and I needed to focus on keeping up with my new college workload. After this, I felt a sudden disconnect from Meredith culture, which was only furthered when I lost my father on Sept. 11 2018 and was unable to participate in my second Cornhuskin’. Now, in my junior year, while I did not lose a family member, and while I had the time to participate, I chose not to join in the Cornhuskin’ hype. I felt that after missing it for two years, I would be so far behind my peers and so new that I couldn’t be a helpful addition to the competition.

I don’t understand the Corn jokes or memes. I can’t relate to the long nights of work or the competition.

I feel as though I haven’t had the

Meredith experience, regardless of the Onyx on my hand.

Cornhuskin’ is one of the longest and most noticed traditions of Meredith College, from being named the second-most bizarre college tradition in an issue of Teen Vogue to being a major advertising tool for prospective students. It is so deeply ingrained into Meredith culture that one friend complained to me, “What’s the point of coming to Meredith at all if you don’t participate in the traditions?”

Something about that statement stung. While it’s great that the tradition offers an opportunity for classes to bond within their class and with others through the spirit of friendly competition, students who cannot participate ultimately feel isolated from their peers.

After feeling lost and exasperated by the tradition, but still wanting to be a part of my class and a part of Corn, I spoke to my own Cornhuskin’ Co-Chairs, Neali Helms

Photo courtesy of Meredith College

and Megan Gale. My main question for the chairs was as the title suggests: Is unity the theme or the goal? Helms and Gale offered a deeply diplomatic response; yes. Helms expressed that “the goal is to become unified and to come together as four classes. We’re in four different classes, but we all go to Meredith, and this is how we’re celebrating the fact that we go here.”

Gale, to add on, stated, “I think it really is something that we have to work towards, even if it is the theme, it’s something we’re still working towards.”

Helms and Gale offered up different ways for students with less time or less knowledge to get involved with Cornhuskin’ if they wished, such as Can Art, which typically requires no practice to be involved with, or Word Parade, which allows students to hold up signs during the skit with little practice. Helms and Gale wanted to remind students that there are video clips of Cornhuskin’ on campus available for anyone new

to the tradition in order to learn and participate. They also added that the manual is available on the SLS MyMeredith page at all times for more detailed understandings.

While the heavy emphasis on Cornhuskin’ can alienate students who wish to participate but are unable to, I have learned that my fears weren’t as realistic as I thought.

Helms’ final advice was to “reach out to your co-chairs. We love when people come up to us and say, ‘we’ve never done it before, but we wanna try,’ and we’re like, ‘oh my god okay great!’ We get so excited.” The energy from Helms and Gale reminded me that even though I couldn’t participate, I didn’t need to feel alienated.

Regardless of whether you’re a ’huskin’ veteran or a baby corn, the tradition is intended to be welcoming. I’ll try to be a part of Cornhuskin’ next year, and I don’t think I’m less of an angel just because my first year participating will also be my last.

Opinion: A Commuter Perspective on Cornhuskin’

By Gisselle Alejo, Contributing Writer

During college, being a commuter can make it hard to engage in school events and activities. Not being able to participate in campus traditions can make it feel like you’re not getting the full college experience. Some commuter students at Meredith College feel this way when it comes to the college’s largest, most well-known event: Cornhuskin’.

Although Cornhuskin’ is a one-day event, it requires weeks of preparation and practices if you want to participate in the activities within it. These practices start weeks in advance of the date and can run for about two hours each time. In addition, dance practices are done

at night, ending at about 11 p.m. This can be very inconvenient for commuters who live a significant distance from campus, especially if they have classes early the next day. Other commuters may not have the time to dedicate so many hours and days in preparation for the event. Work and life commitments make it hard for people who don’t live on campus to separate time to commute back to campus for practice.

There are various reasons commuters feel that Cornhuskin’ is not as accessible to them as it is to on-campus residents. For example, as a freshman, I wanted to participate in Cornhuskin’ and had attended the

first three-or-so dance practices. The practices started around 9 p.m. and went until 11 p.m. I only live thirty minutes from campus, but it became difficult for me to attend because I would get home at 11:30 p.m. and still would have homework to do. After that late night, I had a class at 8 a.m. the next day.

Although Cornhuskin’ was a tradition I looked forward to most as an incoming freshman, it was impacting my sleep schedule. I was scared it would impact my academic performance as well. I decided then to not participate that year but try it the next year. However, sophomore year and junior year came, and I found

that I didn’t feel that same yearn to participate as I did freshman year. It’s become something that I will watch if I have time, but if not, that’s fine. It is still exciting, but when I remember the difficulties involved in trying to participate, it takes away any desire to participate. This is especially true since I am busier than before.

All in all, Cornhuskin’ is a very exciting tradition that Meredith students look forward to as they first step on campus. My only contention is that I wish that it was more accessible to commuters who must travel back and forth to Meredith in order to participate in this tradition.

5

Arts & Entertainment

Angels Opt to Run Instead of Fly

By Lilly R. Wood, A&E Editor

Nov. 2 heralded a beautiful 5th place for Meredith’s Crosscountry Angels at the USA South Championship conference. Held in Rocky Mount, the team scored an impressive 130 points comprised of 3 All-conference honors and several personal bests. The team now looks forward to the NCAA South/Southeast Regionals in Memphis, Tenn. on Nov. 16.

The USA South East Division standings found Meredith’s

Avenging Angels solidly in a 2nd place win. The fight was back and forth but ended with Meredith taking victory over Salem during Nov. 1’s game and improving the Angels’ status. The USA South Tournament begins Nov. 5.

For more information and play-by-plays, check out Meredith’s Avenging Angels at: https://www. goavengingangels.com/landing/index.

Photo courtesy of Meredith Athletics

College Night for Caniacs

By Alyssa Irons, Contributing Writer

STUDIO THEATRE JONES HALL Admission is free.

Reservations and donations are encouraged.

Call 919.760.2840 or email boxoffice@meredith.edu

music & lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM written by Company Premieres Nov. 13 GEORGE FURTH

By Alyssa Irons, Contributing Writer

company Nov.

13-16 16&17

2019

The Hurricanes have brought around $40. There is also an app back College Night along with their where students can purchase tickets recent success in the NHL. After a before the game and link tickets with slump since winning the Stanley Cup other classmates so everyone can sit in 2006, the Canes have a pulse once together. again, and their recent success has

For more information and gotten some notice. Despite east of for the Hurricanes schedule, go to the Mason-Dixon being known for https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes. its Southern hospitality, the Hurricanes have a reputation of being “a bunch of jerks”—a title their fans have embraced. They earned this moniker last season after performing their quirky end-ofgame celebration dances and skits as a salute to their fans.

This “bunch of jerks,” their post-game celebrations and their on-the-ice talent aren’t to be missed this season.

Meredith students can watch these games live by presenting their Cam Cards at the box office before the game to purchase discounted tickets. The upper-level tickets average around $20 Photo courtesy of Alyssa Irons while lower-level tickets are

7:30PM 2:00PM

COMPANY is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Company is an adult concept musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by George Furth. It was a groundbreaking show when it was originally produced in 1971, winning six Tony Awards, including Best New Musical.

This theatrical piece has been revived twice on Broadway and will be a third time in the spring when the reworked London production opens on Sondheim’s 90th birthday. The story is centered on a chronically single aboutto-turn-35-year-old who is dealing with a group of advice-giving, well-meaning married friends. However, unlike the original, this new production involves a significant reworking of the show’s gender dynam-

ics because Bobbie, the protagonist, is now female. This clever musical showcases some of Sondheim’s most beautiful tunes, such as “Sorry-Grateful” and “Being Alive.”

It plays Nov. 13 through 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 16 and 17 at 2:00 p.m. in the Studio Theatre of Jones Hall. Tickets are free, but reservations are encouraged by emailing boxoffice@meredith.edu or calling 919-760-2840.

Photo courtesy of Cathy Rodgers

6

Arts & Entertainment

Courage Wins NWSL Championship

By Ell Shelp-Peck, Staff Writer

On Sunday, Oct. 27, the North Carolina Courage won the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship for the second consecutive year. The game was against the Chicago Red Stars at Sahlen’s Stadium at Wakemed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. Courage won 4-0 against the Red Stars, making the win look easy. The NWSL has nine total teams that are included in the league. Players on the NC Courage are from all over the world, from countries including Brazil, New Zealand, and The Republic of Ireland.

The team has 30 total players, and of these 30 players, seven of them are listed on their respective country’s national team rosters.

The game started off at a fast pace when Debinha scored the first Courage goal in the fourth minute,

A POP OF CULTURE

and from there, Courage dominated. McDonald, Dunn and Mewis went on to score the remaining three goals for Courage, securing them the title. When asked about the turning point of the game, rookie Peyton Photo courtesy of Perea said it was “definiteNational Women’s Soccer League ly the third goal in the first half. We solidified the win with that asked how the team dealt with this, goal...we showed our dominance.”

Perea stated, “we prioritized our perThe consecutive win is history-makformance over theirs.” This attitude ing in the young soccer club. Acled them through a successful game. cording to the national Major Soccer Perea also stated that they “never League, Courage’s second champion- expect [to win] anything…but [they] ship win puts them on the path to be did expect to have a strong perfor“the league’s first true dynasty.” mance and knew if everyone did their

Going into the championpart it would lead to a win.” This is a ship match, the Red Stars were on big win for Courage and is hopefully a six-game winning streak. When foreshadowing for next season.

Mounting Lore Olympus

By Savi Swiggard, Associate Editor

It’s official: the popular webcomic Lore Olympus is getting its own animated series! While it remains unclear on which platform the show will air and when any release dates are, it is known that the Jim Henson Company will be producing it.

The story of Lore Olympus is the modern retelling of the classic Greek myth of Persephone and Hades. Rachel Smythe, the creator of the comic, has expressed a love for Greek mythology and a desire to bring Greek mythos to a modern audience. Lore Olympus, the story of Persephone and Hades, is a drama and romance that deals with many darker issues like abusive relationships and sexual assault.

Lore Olympus is currently the number one webcomic on the app Webtoon. The comic, re-released in the “Features” section of Webtoon in 2018 and still ongoing, gets roughly 1 million readers per episode. Lore Olympus has amassed a massive online following, ranging from cosplay to voice-dubbing projects to tons of fan art. As this announcement sparks

Artwork by Rachel Smythe

Artwork by Rachel Smythe

excitement amidst the fanbase, fans of other webtoons are excited at the prospect of different series getting adaptations. The app, and by extension many of the comics and artists utilizing it, is originally South Korean. Comics on the app have been adapted for TV viewing but only in South Korea and typically as live-action dramas. Lore Olympus is different, having first been released in Webtoons’ “Discover” section, an area where any artist can upload their comics and art for free at any time. Lore Olympus quickly grew a fan base for its unique art style and exciting romance. It grew in popularity and was ultimately re-released with a new style to Webtoons’ “Featured Works,” where artists have weekly updates and receive more advertising. It will not be the first animated webtoon, but the excitement remains high all the same.

Fans of Lore Olympus have been thrilled to learn that the Jim Henson Company is taking the task, as the company is popular for its film success. The Henson Company has produced fan-favorite films for decades, particularly known for their puppet work in films like The Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and the TV show “Fraggle Rock.”

The company has noted that Lore

Olympus will be animated. While the Jim Henson Company has produced animated TV shows in the past, all of them have been aimed at children, whereas Lore Olympus appeals to young adults and adults.

The project will be a change for the company, but Ashley Griffis, executive director of television for The Henson Company, doesn’t seem intimidated. “At Henson, we love stories that inspire, both artistically and intellectually, and Webtoon’s Lore Olympus does both,” Griffis said. She also pointed out that “Rachel Smythe’s new take on mythology and innovative design, with a unique female perspective, makes this project perfect for today’s young adults. The world of Lore Olympus is a welcome part of the Henson tradition of exceptional fantasy storytelling.”

Fans have expressed excitement over the announcement, and now all that’s left to do is wait for further details. If you haven’t joined the excitement, you can start reading Lore Olympus on the Webtoon App or follow this link to join the thrill: https://www.webtoons.com/ en/romance/lore-olympus/list?title_ no=1320&page=

Pop-culture column

By Staff Writer Hannah Davis Johns

The Pig is Dead

If your holiday shopping list includes products from the Jeffree Star x Shane Dawson Conspiracy collection, then you’re out of luck because at this point not even Santa could get his hands on a Nate pillow. Fans lined up at Morphe stores across the globe on Nov. 1 in preparation for the collection’s release, but the frantic anticipation of the launch didn’t stop fans at the Burbank, California location from saving a parking spot for Dawson’s mom. In an even more wild turn of events, the Conspiracy page went live on Star’s website, and the products almost sold out when the website crashed from traffic, a problem Shopify, the web provider, had never experienced before.

Dawson has been a creator on YouTube since early in the platform’s conception, but up until recently hadn’t experienced the same level of success as newer creators like James Charles, Tana Mongeau or David Dobrik. Dawson has experienced his fair share of controversy throughout his career revolving around his early content involving outrage comedy.

These controversies, as well as Dawson maturing from adolescence to adulthood, have contributed to his brand going through many different iterations during the last decade, none of which have been as popular as the revamp Dawson did on his channel a year ago. The flagship of his channel has become his documentary series revolving around controversial beauty guru Jeffree Star. The latest iteration of this series, “The Secret World of Jeffree Star,” documents the creation to conception of the Star/Dawson makeup collaboration. The series details the ugly side of the cosmetic industry, from companies ripping off influencers they collaborate with to unethical practices. If you have ever wondered what you are actually paying for when you buy a product from MAC, Sephora or Kylie Cosmetics, this series breaks down that information with profit margins that may shock consumers.

Through weathering their individual controversies, Dawson and Star have respectively created a devout and loyal fan base that was excited about their collaboration from the first hints Dawson gave in his original Jeffree Star docuseries. Star and Dawson have also used the success of both the original series and the reboot to market their product line through storytelling, bringing their audience in by creating a feeling of participation with their consumers. This unique way of advertising helped provide a fair share of the line’s successful sales, but the main contributing factor can be given to Dawson and Star’s fan base genuinely rooting for the loveable creators’ success.

7

Opinion

El Día de los Muertos

By Yajaira Ramos-Ramirez, Staff Writer

El Día de los Muertos is not Mexican Halloween, contrary to popular belief. El Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that has its origins in indigenous pre-Colombian cultures that celebrate the deaths of ancestors through intricate rituals.

Specifically, the modern-day Día de los Muertos draws mostly from the month-long festivities celebrating the “Lady of the Dead” in the ninth month of the Aztec calendar. In this way, el Día de los Muertos has significant cultural roots that represent the veneration of ancestors. Unlike Halloween, el Día de los Muertos celebrates the dead rather than fearing the afterlife.

In recent years, Americans have started grouping el Día de los Muertos with Halloween, especially when using La Catrina as a Halloween costume. La Catrina is a female skeleton dressed in European-style

clothing, usually seen with either a flower crown or a floppy hat, sometimes a combination of both. La Calavera Catrina is used in many decorations and has become a staple of the holiday. El Día de los Muertos is filled with figurines and people painted and dressed to represent La Catrina.

The use of La Catrina and other skeletal figures began with the designs of Mexican illustrator José Guadalupe Posada. His design for La Catrina is a caricature of Mexican upper-class women who claimed the Spaniard culture over their indigenous roots. The cultural appropriation of La Catrina as a Halloween costume ignores the unique cultural critique that it was meant to address within the Mexican community.

Today, el Día de los Muertos is characterized by families visiting the graves of their ancestors to

Pittsboro Protests: History or Hate?

By Gabby Axner, Contributing Writer

Pittsboro, a town easily identifiable for its “artsy and hippy residents,” has gained coverage over the past several months in regards to a long-awaited decision. In 1907, Pittsboro erected a Confederate monument donated by the N.C. Daughters of the Confederacy in front of its courthouse. The Chatham County Board of Commissioners voted in August that the statue would have to be moved from that location. On Oct. 28, a Chatham County judge delayed actions to remove the monument as the N.C. United Daughters of the Confederacy were granted a ten-day restraining order to halt its removal.

To understand this topic, we must differentiate between hate and history. Supporters of these monuments argue that these statues represent our country’s past.

It is important, however, to question what history the memorials represent. After observing part of a protest, it could become clear that the protests are not just about history and educating others. Surrounded by protesters was a KKK flag, while others held the traditional Confederate flag or altered versions of it. In a later protest, a woman was pictured wearing a shirt that read “secede.” Some supporters who were arrested carried concealed weapons, something that is not needed for peaceful protests.

Part of history and discussing it is teaching others our past mistakes and how not to make the same ones again. The argument that the monuments or flags are history and not hate is a moot point, as the history that they say the memorials represent is not contextualized. Someone needs to explain why these statues are so important and what exactly

Political Protests in Hong-Kong and Chile

Continued from page 2...

right political sides). This leaves little room for middle and working-class representation and indigenous representation inside the government.

A 2017 UN report found that the richest 1% of the population earns 33% of the nation’s wealth; making it the most unequal country part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development group. María Borgoño, an art history student, explained her frustrations

8

to The Guardian, “the people who run the government are the same people who have economic power, it is a perfect circle: they pass laws to make more money, and the rest of us become poorer.”

The protests have forced the billionaire president, Sebastián Piñera, to replace eight ministers and announced a string of emergency measures to tackle income inequality (involving a small increase in the minimum wage and higher taxes on

celebrate their lives. Altars, known as ofrendas, are decorated with colorful papel picado, cempasúchil (orange Mexican marigolds), sugar skulls, pictures of the deceased, pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and food.

The food is shared by both the living and the dead and is usually accompanied by popular Mexican traditional drinks such as atole or agua de jamaica. A variation of the ofrendas can also be set up within the families’ homes. Families clean the graves of their departed and offer their companionship as it is believed the souls of the dead are present. The Catholic Church is heavily involved as the date of the celebration corresponds with All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1. El Día de los Muertos in this way is acknowledged by the Catholic Church and shows the consolidation of the native culture and European religious influences.

Other Latin American countries also have similar celebrations due to strong native influences and the collective veneration of ancestors within these various cultures. The traditions are very different, such as in Guatemala where large kites are flown to help the spirits of their loved ones find their way back to Earth, but they all honor the lives of the deceased.

El Día de los Muertos is a three-day celebration between Oct. 31 and Nov. 2. Generally, Oct. 31 is considered el Día de los Angelitos (the Day of the Little Angels), when the spirits of children come back home.

Nov 1 is when the spirits of adults visit and Nov. 2 is when the main celebration and grave visits occur. El Día de los Muertos is a beautiful holiday that allows for the celebration of those who have passed and not just an opportunity to wear a costume.

they are representing, if not hate.

The Daughters of the Confederacy’s own website has no information on it regarding what their purpose is.

Everything on the page is private and users must be invited to join. If someone is going to create a website to benefit their cause, they should be informative and explain how the memorials are important to our society and how we benefit from them.

Without doing so, it makes it look like they have something to hide, which is not aiding in their advocacy.

What is not often spoken about by monument supporters is that many of the Confederate monuments were erected during the Jim Crow era. This era began in the late 19th century and continued up into the 1960s, but the Civil War ended in 1865, more than four decades before the monument was donated. There must be a reason why the monument was erected so many years on. Perhaps many Confederate monuments

erected at this time were to act as scare tactics for minorities, primarily African Americans. If someone truly wanted to honor those who died, they would have done so sooner, which makes it seem that this was not the sole purpose of the monuments.

Understanding the difference between history and hate is essential. As a country, it is important to understand and allow ourselves to scrutinize America’s past. Without doing so, people will not be able to move forward or expand their tolerance. It is also important to question why protests are happening and, if someone is protesting, the reason why they are in the first place. The purpose of protests is to spread awareness on a topic and allow others to become educated. If someone is interested in protesting, they must be aware of what is being protested and what the message is that they’re trying to spread.

wealthy Chileans).

Protesters say it’s not enough.

They call for a new constitution to replace the 1980 constitution written during the reign of the dictator, August Pinochet. The legal basis for a market-driven economic model that has privatized pensions, health and education is provided by the 1980 constitution. Chileans want a constitution that enacts systemic change in health care, education and pensions for all. Juan Ángel, a schoolteacher in Santiago, states, “There is a privilege

for armed forces, the priests, the politicians, the corporations. And to change that? You have to change the constitution.”

Both the Hong Kong protestors and the Chilean protestors are actively working to change government powers. They are activists on the front lines, and Meredith’s theme of “activism,” in a small way, acknowledges the work they’re doing.

As their voices continue to call for change, we listen earnestly.

STAFF

Mimi Mays, Editor in Chief. Savi Swiggard, Associate Editor.

Lilly R. Wood, A&E Editor. Emma Fry, News Editor. Olivia Slack, Online Editor.

Copy Editors: Amelia Bryant, Sofia Mazzola.

Staff Writers: Angela Cowo, Hannah Davis Johns, Huma Hashmi, Yajaira Ramos-Ramirez, Ell Shelp-Peck, Rachel Van Horne, Katelyn Wiszowaty.

Contributing Writers: Gisselle Alejo, Gabby Axner, Hannah Brittain-Du Bois, Hannah Flood, Alyssa Irons, Kaylee Kalaf, Sarah Karboski, Karli Keller, Lena Pedlikin.