Vol. 104, No. 1 - 01/27/2016

r Vol 104

Jan 27, 2016

Issue 1

rattler the

A S T. M A R Y ’ S P U B L I C AT I O N S I N C E 1 9 2 4

CADETS ON THE TRAINING FIELD

Malfunctions cause Hoverboard ban on university campus St. Mary’s University joins the ban of hoverboards, twowheeled balance boards, due to hazardous malfunctions.

VALERIE DOMINGUEZ STAFF WRITER

lasted two days during the third weekend in November.

The FTX was organized and conducted

by MS IVs (fourth year military science cadets), contributing to leadership training as future officers in the Army.

MS IIIs are trained by MS IVs in order to lead the FTX the following year.

MS Is and MS IIs undergo more simplified versions of the exercises.

After becoming last Christmas’ most popular gift, hoverboards, two-wheeled balance boards, continue to provoke safety concerns due to battery-related fires. These concerns have prompted a number of safety regulations on a global scale to the point of it being taken out of stores and being banned off of the St. Mary’s campus.

According to USA Today, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)’s Patty Davis stated that so far, there have been 11 reports of fires and a total of 39 emergency room injuries related to hoverboards.

CPSC Chairman Elliot F. Kaye released a statement explaining that an investigation is being conducted to evaluate different components of the hoverboard, including the lithium-ion battery packs.

Although the safety concerns have revolved around the fires, the CPSC is also investigating if the hoverboard’s design itself may increase fall-related injuries.

Chairman Kaye explains that, “the designs of these products might not take fully into consideration the different weights of different users, potentially leading to the units speeding up or lurching in a manner that a user would not have reason to anticipate, especially a firsttime user…they [may] present a hidden hazard that is leading to fall injuries that should not occur, even on a product that presents some risk of falling.”

On campus, the Office of Student Development sent out a notice banning any version of the hoverboard until the

CONTINUED IN “CENTER”

CONTINUED ON PG. 3

Freshman political science major, Gabrien Gregory works with team to succefully pass one of twelve obstacles during FLRC. | Photo by Sara E. Flores

The Rattler Battalion conducted their annual Field Training Exercise last November. Cadets participated in a weekend of tactical training at Camp Bullis.

ALLIE BEEDLE & SARA E. FLORES STAFF WRITER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Through sweat, rain, aches and pains, Rattler Battalion strives through field

training exercises every semester. Military science students from all levels participate in the exercise, with each level having different tasks.

This past fall, the battalion, which consists of cadets from Alamo company (St. Mary’s) and Cardinal company (Incarnate Word), participated in a weekend of tactical training to enhance readiness for future military careers.

The November FTX (Field Training Exercise) was held at Camp Bullis and

ENTERTAINMENT

Science Fiction genre discourages cultural diversity ALLIE BEEDLE & SARA E. FLORES STAFF WRITER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Science Fiction has provided audiences with an opportunity to experience endless possibilities since the beginning of the 20th century.

Some of these films have left a huge cultural imprint on society, such as “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Alien” and “Star

Wars” due to imaginative storytelling and stunning visuals.

Although science fiction has undoubtedly impacted pop culture, there is an apparent lack of people of color.

According to Lee & Low Books, only eight percent of science-fiction and fantasy films have protagonists of color and zero percent of which are women of color.

It was not until the late 1960s when

Nichelle Nichols, an African-American woman, starred as Lt. Uhura in the television series “Star Trek.” Her breakout role was revolutionary for AfricanAmerican woman who wanted to work in the science fiction genre; however, vast lines and screen time were not given to her.

Alongside Nichols was George Takei, CONTINUED ON PG. 12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE LUMBERSEXUAL Learn about this trending fashion style for men, how to spot it, and how to follow it. PG 10 BASKETBALL MOM Junior player Mariah Lee shares how she manages to play basketball while being a mother of two. PG 16 www.stmurattlernews.com

2 NEWS

EDITOR: BLAKE A. VERA/ @STMURATTLERNEWS

SNAP | FEATURED PHOTO

THE RATTLER

WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER MEETINGS

TUES, JAN. 26 GOELZ CONFERENCE ROOM 5:30 P.M. TUES, FEB. 9 GOELZ CONFERENCE ROOM 5:30 P.M. TUES, FEB. 23 GOELZ CONFERENCE ROOM 5:30 P.M. TUES, MARCH 8 GOELZ CONFERENCE ROOM 5:30 P.M.

STANDARDS The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University.

The publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy. The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, the College Media Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

POLICY ON NEWSPAPER THEFT Due to high production costs, members of the St. Mary’s University community are permitted one copy per issue.

Where available, additional copies may be purchased (for 50 cents each) by contacting The Rattler newsroom.

Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and/or subject to university discipline.

EDITORIAL STATEMENT

St. Mary’s students promote social justice and racial equality by participating in the annual MLK march on Monday, Jan. 18.| Photo by Sara E. Flores

Students discuss Islamophobia in the U.S. BLAKE A. VERA NEWS EDITOR

St. Mary’s prides itself on being a university that emphasizes diversity and acceptance of different people, cultures and religions. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the rest of the country as a whole. Over the past few years, it has been evident that Muslim-American communities have been villainized, making people fearful. This past year has made the situation especially difficult for Muslim-Americans as misconceptions about extremist-backed terrorism continue to further promote Islamophobia, the dislike or prejudice against Muslims and Islam. With the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis and the recent terror attacks in Paris, there has been a rise in people mistakenly associating the faith of Muslim-Americans with political and social events around the world.

This phenomena even crosses over with the current presidential campaign

as Republican candidate Donald Trump recently called for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the U.S.” according to The Guardian.

As of last December, there have been a total of 38 anti-Muslim attacks in the U.S. since the Paris attacks according to NBC and California State University San Bernardino college professor Brian Levin. These attacks on Muslim-Americans can range anywhere from the vandalizing of mosques or Muslim community centers to actual physical attacks on innocent people.

There is a significant prejudice and misconception against Muslims throughout the U.S. and other western countries. As for students here at St. Mary’s, the story takes a different approach for most.

Freshman political science major Samire Adam, who was born in Ethiopia but grew up in Arizona, describes her experience as a Muslim-American who has noticed a rise in anti-Islamic sentiment throughout the U.S. as the elections draw near.

Adam says it is frustrating to see political

The content published in the Rattler is the responsibility of each respective writer.

The views expressed in the staff editorial reflect the views of the majority of the editorial staff.

MISSIONS Grounded partially in the Marianist values of family and community, we maintain an open forum for discussion. We strive to produce quality content that informs, not inflames; encourages, not discourages.

We must be sensitive, not sensationalistic; reasonable, not ridiculous; balanced; not bitter.

Graphic by Brandon Leonard

candidates outwardly disrespecting Muslims because how they interpret the faith and religion.

“Most of the time, people do not know I am Muslim because I don’t wear the Hijab. Because of this, I’m not treated any differently. However, this changes when I reveal my faith. When I do wear the religious headscarf to pray, I see the mosque surrounded by police to keep the people in there safe,” Adam said.

Luckily, like other Muslim students, Adam generally feels safe at St. Mary’s and also within the larger San Antonio community. With that being said, she also says she does not try to test security and is still extremely cautious when going out.

Muslim students like Adam stress the importance of keeping an open mind and becoming informed on Islam before being quick to judge.

Instead of making assumptions, people should respectfully ask questions about the religion or the different cultures of Muslim countries. Education is key.

The fact is that Muslims around the world come from around 50 different countries according to the Pew Research Center.

They also make up around 22 percent of the entire world population. Its simple, one cannot label Muslims as extremists because out of the 1.5 billion that live in the world, less than 1 percent fall into that category.

Although the experience Muslim students have here at St. Mary’s is generally positive, there’s still discriminatory and even violent action against Muslims as a whole in the country and is a serious problem.

The San Antonio community is generally more accepting, but at the same time understands the political situation that is going on.

NEWS 3

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Campus becomes eco-friendly for the new semester

POLICE BLOTTER JANUARY JAN. 12 Theft of $500-1500 from campus property reported in Lot O. Case is still active.

JAN. 12 Burglary of a vehicle on campus reported in Lot M. Case is still active.

JAN. 14 Criminal trespassing warning given to individual by Lot F. Case cleared by arrest-citation.

JAN. 17 Theft of $500-1500 from campus property reported in Chaminad Hall.

Case is still active.

JAN. 22 Consumption of alcohol by a minor reported in Dougherty Hall.

Case cleared by arrest-citation.

JAN. 22 Presumption for theft by check reported off campus.

Case is still active.

DENISE MA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

With the constant fear of global change breathing down the back of people’s necks, the question of what is being done to prevent climate change is raised. St. Mary’s has undergone multiple changes and taken on numerous efforts to try to make the campus and student body more environmentally friendly. Being sustainable can mean any range of things, such as turning off room lights, recycling something instead of throwing it away or carpooling with a friend.

Fortunately, there are a few things on campus that have the St. Mary’s community working towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Blue recycling bins dispersed throughout the buildings help facilitate recycling efforts. These help us reduce the impact on landfills and the use of energy.

As a part of a class, students and professors built the rain water-harvesting tank located outside the Garni and Moody Hall last semester in efforts to sustain water. The tank collects rain to water the

grounds rather than doing it through wells or other methods that require more energy.

Last semester, the Civic Engagement center and the Marianist Leadership Program combined efforts at making the campus more environmentally friendly.

Civic Engagement hosted programs and activities seeking to educate the St. Mary’s community about the importance of water conservation. The Mariantist Leadership Program established a mission for the year around sustainability as well.

The Environmental Conversation and Outreach club took a different approach and targeted the focus to help reduce food waste produced by The Pod, Starbucks and the cafeteria. Faculty members and students are also in the process of proposing and applying for grants to construct a community garden on campus. The garden will help promote local farming, community stewardship, reduce gas emissions and raise awareness of habitat and environmental issues.

Finally, the St. Mary’s sustainability committee is open to all faculty and students who may be interested in helping the campus move forward in becoming more environmentally friendly. This committee,

like the Environmental Conservation and Outreach club, helps focus campus efforts around sustainability and environmentoriented projects.

All of the projects that will be conducted this semester and beyond show how fervently the St. Mary’s community is at being stewards of the Earth, a principle teaching of Marianist education. This semester the Environmental Conservation and Outreach Club, meets every other Wednesday at 5 p.m. in Garni 217 to discuss these issues.

Graphic by Brandon Leonard

Extreme weather affects students returning home for the winter break JASMINE MORALES CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Source from https://qzprod.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/hoverboard-legs.

FROM “HOVERBOARDS”

CPSC completes the investigation.

Dean of Students, Timothy Bessler says that the university is generally supportive of students and that, “it’s pretty rare that we will go down the road of restricting something being on campus. In this particular instance there were so many reports of these things overheating and fires starting.”

He says there could be increased danger

“

It really seems like it’s a manufacturing issue that hopefully is resolved quickly because it seems like they are really cool items and would be fun to use, but for now I would say stay with the skateboards.”

Tim Bessler, Ed.D. StMu Dean of Students

to students in the residence halls or classroom buildings where these could be charged and could overheat and start fires.

Along with these official notices from university administration and the CPSC, hoverboards safety concerns have also caused retailers like Amazon and Target to stop selling many brands.

According to the CPSC, Amazon went a step further and reached out to customers who bought hoverboards and asked them to dispose it and offered a full refund.

Due to the hoverboard’s classification as a vehicle, its use has also been limited by several cities like N.Y. where it has been banned completely, according to the New York Daily News.

Until the CPSC investigation is concluded, it’s likely that restrictions will not be lifted.

St. Mary’s students were eager to return home to their respective parts of Texas for this past winter break. While these students initially looked forward to returning to rest from the previous semester, the forecast for many parts of Texas threw a major curve-ball at local residents as the state experienced numerous of storms this winter break. From rare ice and snow storms in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez to deadly tornadoes in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex , it is safe to say many Rattlers experienced very different breaks depending on what was going on outside.

El Pasoans may not have been expecting a winter wonderland this Christmas, but they definitely made the best of the rare weather. This year the icy cold storms caused several complications stemming from the 5 inches of snowfall including dangerous road conditions, power outages and business closings. According to the National Weather Service, nearby Horizon City recorded more than 7 inches throughout the holiday break. Many students from Mexico also experienced similar winter weather.

In Ciudad Juárez, the city that shares the border with El Paso, the snow also caused chaos citywide with dangerous road conditions, power outages, minor accidents and roof collapses. Many people in Juárez turned to the four opened

emergency shelters in various parts of town according to city officials via Twitter. Many students from St. Mary’s returned from the break with stories of the so-called winter wonderland as a significant portion of the university’s population comes from the El Paso-Juárez region.

While the far western part of the state was blanketed with snow, other areas of Texas unfortunately experienced more severe weather that even resulted in tornadoes in some parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex What seemed to have triggered these deadly tornado outbreaks across the DFW area was the convergence of warm, moist gulf air, an approaching cold front and an upper-level low pressure system with plenty of chilly winds. It was the worst outbreak in the region almost 90 years according to the Dallas Morning News. Roughly a dozen tornadoes killed a total of 13 people in the cities of Rockwall and Rowlett, around the area east of Dallas.

However, even with insane, perilous weather, residents and rescue crews gathered together and assisted those struggling all in the midst of an inch and a half of chilly rainfall. With so many St. Mary’s students coming from different parts of Texas, it is no wonder so many experienced different weather phenomena across the large state. Whether it was the tornadoes in North Texas, the snowfall in the west or the extremely warm weather upon returning to campus, this past winter break was definitely one for the books.

Near Dallas, Rowlett was badly hit by tornadoes. Source from http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com

4 CAMPUS BITES

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

WORD SEARCH

KEYWORDS IN THIS ISSUE: WEATHER HOVERBOARD POLITICS INTERESTING

BALANCE FASHION EDUCATION HIJAB

ETHICS INFORMATIVE LATINA MUSIC

FILLED WITH

ATHLETICS WELLNESS NEWS

COMMUNITY SPIRIT SINCE 1852

As a Catholic and Marianist University, St. Mary’s is committed to serving our community and developing leaders dedicated to the common good.

The Catholic and Marianist University | www.stmarytx.edu

WHY BECOME A

MARIANIST? When Father Bob Jones, SM, started thinking about a religious vocation, it scared him a little. But under God’s guidance, “I knew it was right,” he says. “Looking back, it’s been exciting and challenging. I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.”

Father Bob is campus minister at Chaminade College Preparatory High School in St. Louis and associate pastor at Our Lady of the Pillar parish.

IS A MARIANIST LIFE OF SERVICE, COMMUNITY AND PRAYER RIGHT FOR YOU? Learn more: Brother Tom Wendorf, SM twendorf@sm-usa.org Sister Nicole Trahan, FMI ntrahan@gmail.com BROTHERS – PRIESTS – SISTERS

marianist.com

6 COMMENTARY

EDITOR: SOFIA ZANETTA/ @STMURATTLERNEWS

Visa regulations aim to notably restrict specific minorities

Source from stonehavenlaw.com Jose

Andrade B.A. ENGLISH

A revised visa waiver program targets Muslims who live in and out of the U.S. The Intercept states that the visa waiver program originally allowed foreigners to

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Sara E. Flores

enter the U.S. without a visa for a maximum of 90 days. Politico states that the visa waiver program listed only 38 countries that had the privilege to traverse foreign land without visas.

Muslims who lived in Europe or America gained the opportunity to travel abroad without interruption.

According to The Hill, the revision now prevents Muslims who lack visas from residing in the U.S. In addition, anyone who visited places such as Syria or Iraq requires a visa in order to enter the United States.

Any Muslims who was born outside of the mentioned countries also applies, especially since the laws in Iraq and Syria consider Muslim offspring as nationals, regardless of their place of birth. The intercept believes that the U.S. will also demand Muslims with dual-citizenship to leave the country if the citizens fail to obtain a visa.

The visa waiver program contains a plethora of restrictions for Muslims who wish to travel abroad without visas. Muslims who are concerned over their businesses, family, or friends living in and out of the U.S. will have to lose their privacy, time,

Advertising Manager Michelle Michimani-Levya Layout and Design Editor Guillermo Avelar Web Editor Brandon Leonard Photo Editor Julia Ewalefo

News Editor Blake Vera Features Editor Jasmin Rivera Commentary Editor Sofia Zanetta Entertainment Editor Claudia Cardona Sports Editor Kimmy Arrieta Faculty Adviser Brother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Rattler welcomes letter to the editor.

Letters should not exceed 500 words and must include writer’s name, classification, major and telephone number. Editors reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar, spelling and content.

For more information, call the newsroom at (210) 436-3401 or email rattlernews@gmail.com.

CHECK US OUT ONLINE WWW.STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

law implements actually limit the freedom Muslims should acquire as American or non-American citizens.

As Ghaemi from the Al Jazeera article stated, “I want the government to be vigilant about who enters the country but an approach that targets entire communities, restricts them and holds them all responsible for the acts of a few, sets a dangerous precedent.”

The mentioned quote essentially explains that misdemeanors from a small group of people from a given race do not exactly represent the whole community.

There is no universal truth that proves Muslims, Asians, Americans, or Blacks as either ignorant, terrorists, athletic, or condescending races. Likewise, the program that the Congress intends to pass should not discriminate against the Muslims for security reasons.

However, the bill does require an update on its security measures that prevent radicals from manipulating it.

As to go so far to bar Muslims from entering the country for business or family matters, however, seems a bit prejudiced.

Reports of rape increase on college football game days

Managing Editor Paige Gandara-Valderas

Assistant Photo Editor Kriston Minor

and money for a visa pass. Al Jazeera also reported that if the revision of the waive program passes, Muslims are obligated to obtain an e-passport. The e-passport’s purpose is to attain the Muslims’ biometric data which consists of fingerprints, ID, name and demographics, an invasion of privacy.

According to Al Jazeera, The Muslims are also required to divulge their personal information to U.S. security checks known as Interpol databases.

Additionally, checkups will become a priority on Muslims than on any other foreigner.

Based on this information, the Muslims who reside in the United States will feel oppressed by due to the restrictions that encompass the bill. Actions will become limited, fear will envelop in the Muslim community and the relationship between the U.S. and Muslims will deprecate.

Politico and The Hill deduce the government’s reasons for revising the waiver program to the earlier Bernardino and Paris shootings. While the previous fiascos affected the European and American communities, the heavy restrictions that the

Graphic by Brandon Leonard

SARAH ELLIS JUNIOR, ENGLISH & COMM. ARTS

Recent studies from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) show there is a rise of rape at universities on division one football game days. The NBER believes this spike in rape occurs due to the correlation of partying and rape being related back to one another.

College football game days imply a certain atmosphere that allows college students to believe that it is okay to partake in excessive partying even if it is not the most ideal situation. Due to this atmosphere, more students go out to a party and the number of people that consume alcohol also rises.

Past studies have shown us that the rise in alcohol consumption also causes a rise in rape and sexual assault. The number of perpetrators that normally consume alcohol on these days range from 34-74 percent.

The amount of alcohol found in victims is almost just as high, ranging anywhere from 30-79 percent. When football game days and excessive partying are combined and a rise in intake of alcohol, the correlation of rape rises significantly by 61 percent for home games and 28 percent for away games.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), allowed for data to be collected on the rise of rape on division one football game days and states that these games cause anywhere from 253-770 additional

rapes per year.

This data was collected from the 128 Division I football bowl subdivision schools.

The FBI was also able to relate the number of wins-losses from football games that affect rape. According to the data that was provided, the chances of rape increases even more so when a football team wins a game versus when they lose one. This can once again be related back to the increase of partying done by people at this time.

Partying is obviously intensified when there is a football game occurring due to the culture that we live in but there needs to come a time when students become more self aware about the events that are occurring around them. Campuses can hopefully begin to help lower these rates of rape on game days by hiring additional security, not only at the game, but around the campus itself. These studies shown between the two go hand in hand and it is time for students to begin to become more aware of surroundings.

Terrorism abroad statistics do not compare to gun violence RICHARD S. PRESSMAN PH.D.,PROFESSOR EMERITUS

Nervous about people with guns?— especially the terrorist kind?

Understandable. Hearing that 138 people were killed in a horrendous act of terror in Paris certainly gives one pause about being in Europe.

But are people really safer back here?

When that act of terror in Paris occurred, one’s chance of being a victim in it were about 0.0055 percent—that is, about a half of a thousandth of a possibility.

In fact, the vast majority of Parisians were not even aware of it until later, when they heard the news.

Meanwhile, your chance of being the victim of a murder right here in San Antonio is about 0.00654 percent. At the same time, the general murder rate in Paris is about 0.001 percent, about the same as it

is in London—less than a sixth of the chance in San Antonio.

The murder rate in Madrid is even lower, at 0.0008 percent. And while the figure is not readily available, the rate in the city where St. Mary’s has its Spain program, Alcalá de Henares, must have a rate that is minute.

In short, one is vastly more safe in Paris, in Madrid—and especially in Alcalá—than in San Antonio. Terrorists have little interest in attacking Spain.

Is San Antonio an unlikely target of terror?

Well, with four military bases, San Antonio is actually a prime one. It would be quite a coup for these maniacs to undermine the sense of safety at our own bases. We are ever watchful, yet it could happen.

The point is that acts of terror can happen anywhere, but that Europe is a far safer haven from murder acts of terror, including other forms of murder, than is San Antonio

or any American city. It would be a shame if fear would keep students from taking advantage of travel abroad programs like our wonderful London and Spain programs.

DEATHS BY TERRORISM VS GUN VIOLENCE

2007

19 Deaths by Terrorism (U.S. & overseas attacks targeting Americans) 31,224 Deaths by Firearms in U.S. Soil

2009

27 Deaths by Terrorism (U.S. & overseas attacks targeting Americans) 31,347 Deaths by Firearms in U.S. Soil

2011

19 Deaths by Terrorism (U.S. & overseas attacks targeting Americans) 32,351 Deaths by Firearms in U.S. Soil

2013

21 Deaths by Terrorism (U.S. & overseas attacks targeting Americans) 33,636 Deaths by Firearms in U.S. Soil Courtesy of CNN.com

Compiled by Sofia Zanetta

COMMENTARY 7

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Chicago protesters demand Mayor Rahm Emanuel resign from office SOFIA ZANETTA JUNIOR, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Activists are demanding that Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel resign due to another police brutality occurrence. According to the Washington Post, a Chicago officer shot and killed Bettie Jones, a mother of five, and Quintonio LeGrier, a college student at Northern Illinois University.

According to The Guardian, 1125 people have been killed in 2016 due to police brutality. The problem traces on to the new year as it has in all of 2015.

No drastic measures have been taken to minimize excessive police force and brutality in Chicago. No answers have been found much less simple solutions to the reoccurring problem. The system has failed and affected minorities the most, refusing to serve justice.

The murder of Laquan McDonald was the last straw for the citizens of Chicago.

People are sick and tired of being oppressed and abused without a reason.

Many activists are claiming Emanuel knew the evidence existed before it was revealed to the public but chose to cover it in order to ensure his reelection. According to ABC News, citizens feel deceived, and are upset with how Emanuel handled the investigation, and why Officer Van Dyke wasn’t charged with murder for 13 months.

Protesters staged a die-in at City Hall.

Medical students from the University of Chicago wore their lab coats, lined up against the pavement for 16 minutes.

The people of Chicago’s needs are being ignored, the police system, education and housing aspects are all lacking.

A mayor should continuously strive to provide its people with equal resources and benefits, something Emanuel has failed to do.

A mayor is a leader who should be respected and stand with and for his people.

People from all backgrounds, race and social class are erasing divisions and joining together. Social issues affect all human beings equally, it is disappointing that some of our leaders are too stubborn to realize just how affected by them they are themselves.

“

Agreeing that yes, there is some advantage to being white in the United States, doesn’t then mean stripping white people of their jobs and possessions. A request to acknowledge one’s privilege is just a reminder to be aware — aware that you might not be able to fully understand someone else’s experiences, that the assumptions you were brought up with may be blinding you, that some people may have to struggle for reasons foreign to you.

-The Washington Post

Protesters unite in community to fight for equal rights and treatment. Source from edia.zenfs.com

St. Mary’s Law requests full course credits Obama urges for Sofia

Zanetta JUNIOR, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

To what degree should legalities, ethics and morality be separated? If it is legal is it ethical? According to the Dallas News, The State Bar of Texas is denying St. Mary’s School of Law students from attaining credit in the course, “Christian Ethical Perspectives: Faith and Law Today.” The course asserts that law, morality and ethics are all connected.

“The school and the State Bar are in a stand-off over whether lawyers should be given continuing legal education credit for a faith-based educational course.

The State Bar contends that its rules only allow credit for courses specifically related to attorney duties, excluding issues related to religious or moral responsibilities.”

Laws change over time as ethics and morals progress through people over time as well, always building on a history or previous consciousness. However, when law is independent it is usually concerned about political and economic ties rather than social justice. If lawyers are not being educated over the importance and significance of virtue, on what principles will they be defending or practicing?

At times ethic and moral standards are claimed to be too subjective while the law supposedly remains objective, although the irony remains when the matter becomes all about who knows who. The law becomes about power and connections, which in turn results to be more subjective than objective.

To be part of civil society means to be held ethically accountable for a judgment and or action. All human beings should strive to be a part of civil society, lawyers included. If lawyers are simply applying

the, “how much they can legally get away with” method then a just society is bound to deprecate.

Does one really want lawmakers to nearly graze upon their legal requisites to get them by or would one prefer lawmakers to strive for children’s safety, environmental consciousness and humanitarian rights above many other things?

Slavery, segregation and child labor were all legal until people stood by ethical standards and fought for justice. Respect is not something the legal obligations can earn from citizens.

During an interview with the Dallas News, Robert Piatt, a law professor and former dean at St. Mary’s, said, “We want them to acknowledge that these types of programs are legitimate and valid, it creates a horrible chilling effect on anybody who wants to talk about anything other than purely technical legal matters.”

St. Mary’s attorneys and educators are uniting against the State Bar decision, on the basis of the First Amendment.

St. Mary’s law school | Photo by Julia Ewalefo

change due to gun violence

As gun violence progresses in the U.S., President Barack Obama sheds tears for the victims who have lost their lives.

SOFIA ZANETTA JUNIOR, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

President Barack Obama has issued an executive proposal for gun control.

On Jan. 5, Obama cried to his spectators while revealing his plans for action.

Obama’s plans aim to decrease the number of gun deaths and incidents in the U.S. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, his proposal pivots around new background check restrictions making the National Instant Criminal Background Check System more effective.

He insisted that state and federal laws will have to cooperate with one another on the subject.

If U.S citizens want to help decrease gun violence and tragedy in the nation they must call on each other for mutual support, rather than fight over who has the greatest authority when it comes to the law. However, congressional approval is required. Obama wants to help schools invest in safety, launch a national gun safety campaign, ban military-style assault weapons and improve mental health awareness among many other aspects that have not yet been developed.

It is time a great leader rises up to the challenge of change. Many question if any of these plans would ultimately make a difference, but the nation should not stand by without an attempt.

Graphic by Paige Gandara-Valderas

According to CNN, Obama said, “Every time I think about those kids, it gets me mad,” as he wept.

He added “And by the way, it happens on the streets of Chicago every day,” referring to his hometown where he began his political career.

It is not about eliminating the guns; it is about taking measures to insure greater safety among US citizens.

According to ProCon.org, “The U.S. has 88.8 guns per 100 people, or about 270,000,000 guns, which is the highest total and per capita number in the world.

22 percent of Americans own one or more guns (35 percent of men and 12 percent of women).”

Assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., Robert F. Kennedy and innocent children, how many more future leaders are we willing to lose? Citizens will never know what could have been if victims would not have been shot to death.

CADETS ON THE TRAINING FIELD

FROM “COVER”

LAND NAVIGATION

The first day of FTX was dedicated solely to Land Navigation. Maj. John Lankford explains that being able to read and understand maps as well as terrain analysis are crucial skills cadets must learn and perfect. Even though the military has evolved over time and now uses GPS systems, the reality is that they can break.

Knowing how to plot points and locate coordinates manually is essential for war zone scenarios.

Land Navigation was split in two sections—day and night, and took place in an area of 15 sq km. Daytime navigation required all cadets to locate five points. MS IIIs had to plot and locate points alone, and MS IIs and MS Is were allowed to pair up.

Night navigation consisted of cadets locating three points. For lighting assistance, cadets used headlights with red light, which does not affect night vision the way normal lights would and lowers chances of exposure to the enemy.

STX LANES

A main aspect of FTX is a day spent conducting STX Lanes (Squad Training Exercises). These hypothetical missions are led by MS IIIs to help prepare cadets for possible real life situations faced on the battlefield. The STX Lanes are timed missions where the squad leader receives a mission, relays the information to the second in command cadet, then plan their strategy for completing the mission.

During these missions cadets must also conduct movements requiring them to march to objective rally points.

The missions can include ambushes, injuries or any number of other complications. The missions not only teach cadets about responsibilities and technical training, but they also help develop leadership skills and communication throughout the chain of command in squads.

“I think delegation is important, especially for us as we’re going to become officers,” junior political science major Joshua Davila said. “In every military branch the officers are the ones who plan the missions, and of course they go on them as well, but it’s really up to the noncommissioned officers to take the plan and get everything done.”

Cadets practice how to communicate to patrol base through simulated COMMS and with other cadets through hand signals. The squads also conduct After Action Reviews (AAR) with MS IVs after each mission and movement to refine the process and correct any mistakes.

FLRC

Field Leadership Reaction Course (FLRC) is designed to help MSIs and MS IIs develop leadership experience, quickly formulate plans and learn how to work together as a unit through a series of obstacles requiring cadets to get from one side of the obstacle to the other.

Certain rules can also apply during these exercises including not touching the ground or certain parts of a wall or even being completely silent once they begin the obstacle.

Cadets may receive a mission such as carrying ammunition cans or wheel barrels to the other side of the course without touching the ground and using only a few poles and a 2x4.

Cadets then have to complete the task in the allotted time. These courses were designed with the idea of “broken bridges” in mind and cadets have to build their own “bridges” using whatever supplies are allowed in the obstacle such as ropes, ladders and planks of wood and sometimes even using fellow cadets as building materials.

Cadets have time to initially formulate a plan but are able to adjust as time reduces and work together as a team to fix problems if initial plans fails.

After the time runs out, or the cadets complete the obstacle, they have a chance to

see the easiest and fastest way to complete the task. Some tasks even have multiple ways of being accomplished forcing cadets to think critically and effectively.

ST. MARY’S ROTC

St. Mary’s University’s Reserve Officer Training Course or ROTC focuses on educating the whole person through education, discipline, character and leadership. The program works together with five different universities to graduate people with superior leadership skills who will eventually become commissioned members of the U.S. Army.

Not only do ROTC members take full time student course work of up to 18 hours, maintaining a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, they also meet for military science classes 1-3 times a week depending on their grade classification. ROTC students are also required to attend labs and mandatory physical training from 6-7 a.m.

“It’s a commitment just to decide and say this is what I want to do, I want to be a soldier, to commit weekends and extra time after six o’clock to come and do training exercises,” Senior Military Instructor, Master Sgt. Willie A. Vines Jr., said.

Maturity is evident in the young cadets that have made a serious commitment to dedicate their lives to their country.

“You can feel like crap after PT, but when [you] put those boots on and look down at them there’s no better feeling. You know what you’re doing and why you’re doing it,” freshman political science major Gabrien Gregory said.

FTX is merely a part of the life-long commitment cadets choose to make.

Without passion, the lifestyle would be miserable.

Writers of the above article attended and participated in ROTC’s FTX as embedded journalists. To read about their personal experiences and observations at the weekend training, visit stmurattlernews.com.

You can feel like crap after Physical training, but when you put those boots on and look down at them there’s no better feeling. You know what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.

-Gabrien Gregory, political science”

Junior english major Krisztofer Banales (Left page), and junior biology major Jesus Quilantan (top right center), both MS IIIs participate in STX Lanes.

Sophomore political science major Christopher Haby (top right) and sophomore criminal justice major Alyssa Gomez (bottom right), both MS IIs participate in FLRC. | Photos by Sara E. Flores

10 FEATURES

EDITOR: JASMIN RIVERA/ @STMURATTLERNEWS

New Lumberjack style showcases masculinity on campus MARISSA CEBALLOS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A recent style trend has replaced the metrosexual man and swept the male fashion world. A metrosexual male is a male that takes pride in his outward appearance.

Men have felt that a groomed appearance has harmed their masculine image. As a result, many have become lumbersexual.

According to Mac and Mill Dictionary, a lumbersexual is defined as, “a man who wears outdoor-type clothes, and has a beard, but lives a modern lifestyle.”

A Lumbersexual is what society calls a 21st century hipster.

They are identified by plaid shirts and loose jeans, but most of all the facial hair.

A lumbersexual is easily identified by their beard, and the ability to grow out facial hair.

According to lumbersexuals, the appearance portrays the image of masculinity and comfort. It allows people to view them respectfully and fear men’s physical capabilities.

In Time Magazine’s article “Confessions of a Lumbersexual” written by Denver Nicks the article states that, “It doesn’t take a lot of deep self-reflection to see that my lumber sexuality is in part a response to the easing

of gender identities in society.”

It is believed that with feminism on the rise, men started to feel that roles as the “bread winner” were being threatened.

Males started to notice the lines between femininity and masculinity were being blurred through office positions and recreational activities.

Men wanted to redefine the term “masculine,” and this is why appearances changed. They adopted the look of that which embodies a “real man’s job.”

“It’s confusion with men being very hardworking, doing outdoors work, and being strong,” senior music major, Pedro Noyola said.

The idea behind the beard was to make men appear more rugged as if intimidation created masculinity.

“It made me look older and more mature I suppose. Having a beard is pretty manly,” freshman computer science major Nathaniel Garcia said.

However, not every student feels this way. According to Noyola, he has a beard because he was able grow it out and doesn’t like looking at himself without facial hair.

Freshman forensic science major Christopher Blea said that he felt that the lumbersexual trend did not

The Native American Student Association seeks students JASMIN RIVERA FEATURES EDITOR

St. Mary’s has over 180 registered student organizations on and off campus, but organizations such as The Native American Student Association (NASA) are not as publicized or as popular as others.

Word of mouth is the most popular way to recruit students for clubs and organizations, and the Native American Student Association is one organization that students do not know a lot about. The Native American Student Association, also referred to as NASA, has been at St. Mary’s since 2001. It originally started with Terence Vincent, who wanted to inform and teach students, faculty and staff what the Native American culture is all about.

“It was a way for the association to educate people and ourselves,” Grace Keyes, the advisor for the association, said. “The association is,open to anyone and everyone and do not have to be from a Native American background in order to join.”

The association not only consists of students, but also faculty and staff members.

There is also no fee to join, which Keyes believes is a plus for those interested in joining.The Native American Student Association is known for its annual book sale.

The association also holds an annual event in November called “Powwow” embarking the Native American culture.

The association brings in guest story tellers to empower and share Native American cultures. The most recent storyteller brought to campus was Red Cloud, a Native American rapper from California.

The Native American Associations is still a growing organization.

The association always takes an annual trip. It’s a way for the association to bring together all the members for a day and go somewhere that Native American roamed

This year’s trip to Sentinel Canyon Lake, but if that’s not possible then Enchanted Rock is the alternative.

Students who have joined the association benefit from it with the new knowledge about Native American culture.

Keyes explains that even Non-Native American students associated as only members can be impactful as well as impacted. Keyes talks about certain students that have contributed to the association regardless of ethnicities. One student in particular, Rich Dancer, an St. Mary’s alumni still remains prominent is the associations history.

“He was not a president. He set up a non- profit after graduating. He is really interested in helping people. He encourages students to stay in school because NASA helped him. We encourage student to be active in the community,” Keyes said.

For more information on joining NASA, contact Dr. Keyes at gkeyes@stmarytx.edu.

Courtesy photo/logo from The Native American Student Association (NASA) at St. Mary’s.

define masculinity.

“I would say no because if you have to conform to a certain standard of what society thinks is masculine all that is a conformist to an idea. Whereas being truly masculine includes having to be an independent,” Blea said.

Another reason the lumbersexual culture took off is due to how men believe women perceive masculinity.

Men feel that women want a man that appears to be strong but laid back—enough for her to feel protected but not threatened.

In a recent issue of The Journal of Scientific Review, 86 percent of women found bearded men to be sexually attractive.

Sophomore psychology major Chloe Phillips said, “They [lumbersexuals] look strong,” but given the choice between a lumbersexual and metrosexual, she chose the metrosexual. Freshman English major Nayeli Cervantes, however had a different opinion.

“As one who appreciates a hairy face, I hope this trend is here to stay because I’m about to go look for a lumberjack. I love beards,” Cervantes said.

Another pressing question is how long this trend will last?

Until the next rend comes along, grow a

beard, grab a back pack, a pair of boots, and your favorite flannel.

Senior music major Pedro Noyla displays his own identity through a fashion trend that men are beginning to follow. | Photo by Julia Ewalefo

ΣΛΚΞΛΙΘ ΑΣΦ ΦΩΙΟΣΝΑ New fraternity joins St. Mary’s, promotes marianist values JASMIN RIVERA FEATURES EDITOR

St. Mary’s is home to six active fraternities and five sororities, each representing something different and making each set of letters unique. However, St. Mary’s is opening its Greek doors to a new social fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi in the spring of 2017.

Fraternities and Greek social life can be viewed and generalized as groups that party and drink. However, St. Mary’s strives in Greek life to demonstrate characteristics with that of academic achievement, community and brotherhood. Matthew Weido, the coordinator of expansion and growth from the Eta Beta Chapter at San Jose State University, gave background information of the fraternity, which allowed students to know ahead of time what to expect from Alpha Sigma Phi. Alpha Sigma Phi was founded at Yale University in 1845, making it one of the few fraternities that originated at an Ivy League school and the tenth oldest men’s fraternity in the nation.

“The fraternity was founded upon the values of silence, charity, purity, honor and patriotism. We are nationally renowned as a gentlemen’s fraternity on the 140 campuses we call home within the U.S., Canada and Scotland,” Weido said.

As every fraternity and sorority does, Alpha Sigma Phi has a philanthropy that the fraternity represents. Alpha Sigma Phi supports Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN), Humane Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Homes for our Troops and Aware Awake Alive. Each individual chapter chooses which partner they would

like to raise awareness/funds for.

Weido believes that Alpha Sigma Phi will fit in at St. Mary’s because of how engaged they are with the community.

One of St. Mary’s marianist traditions includes service, justice and peace, which falls right into the service aspect through community involvement.

“Each Chapter must raise a certain amount of community service hours. It is up to their discretion whether they would like to volunteer at a soup kitchen, trash pickup, etc. We want our men to be actively engaged in the community,” Weido said.

Although the fraternity is not an official chapter at St. Mary’s just yet, the young men that are part of the fraternity have accomplished great things.

“The fraternity is among the first to be safe havens for human trafficking. We were also the first partner with national organizations RAINN and Aware Awake Alive,” Weido said.

The fraternity is involved with organizations and volunteering, but there are other things that members can look forward to. The fraternity welcomes members that wish to network, volunteer or even join for the social aspect. Each member will be given the opportunity to experience life as a member of Alpha Sigma Phi. Two things that the fraternity does together for fun are going to a national conference and a cultural immersion trip to Central America.

Members of the fraternity are also very successful and well-known such as Warren Buffet, a very successful businessman and Tom Watson, a well-known golfer. Alpha Sigma Phi is not at St. Mary’s yet, but will be a great addition to the Greek life community.

FEATURES 11

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Hijabs express more than just a religion JASMIN RIVERA FEATURES EDITOR

Junior, biology major, Mahum Ijaz shows off her Hijab and her own style on January 19,2016 at the Amphitheatre | Photo by Julia Ewalefo

The hijab is usually associated with Muslim women. To non- Muslims it might seem like a fashion choice, but to the women that wear the hijab it is much more.

Junior Biology major Mahum Ijaz, did not begin wearing the hijab until senior year of high school. Ijaz discussed the meaning of wearing a hijab and how it reflects identity.

What most people do not know is that women decide when to wear the hijab. Every Muslim woman is required to wear a hijab, but the women decide at what age to begin wearing the hijab. It can be anywhere from 18 - 80 old, but depends on the woman. “[It] represents my relationship with God. When I decided to wear it, I began to wear it after the break. Entering the second

semester of the year. My commitment to my faith grew with it,” Ijaz said.

Ijaz explains that the hijab is a commandment; it signifies the relationship with God. The second reason is that the Hijab is a means of modesty.

The hijab a personal preference, but it does not define her completely.

The Chicago native said that the hijab is a part of who she is. but that does not mean that that is all she is.

Along with the hijab comes racism, but that is not something that Ijaz has had to experience.

Going to college can be a frightening thing, especially with the fear of being viewed differently.

When Ijaz came to St. Mary’s she questioned wearing the hijab. “Because it is a Catholic school and I was worried I would

be the only one (wearing a hijab). I was a bit nervous. I started wearing it in high school after break and that was the hardest part,” Ijaz said.

Stereotypes are also a constant factor.

“Unfortunately to some people some believe I’m oppressed, that I can’t speak or drive.

That is wrong.”

Ijaz encourages people to ask about the Hjab and what it stands for.

As long as those questions are asked respectfully, openness about the topic is not an issue.

“Underneath it all we are like everyone else. We listen to music and hanging out with friends. We are really into education.

We are like everyone else living life.”

Ijaz is like every other young woman and wearing a hijab is the way that she chooses to demonstrate her faith.

Creativity is taking the back seat while strategy enhances brain activity

An illistration of Graphic by Brandon Leonard

NICOLAS MCKAY STAFF WRITER

Since the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, America has seen many acts of educational reform. Amidst these acts cause a new form of teaching, known as competency based learning. This type of learning has become a popular form of education throughout the country.

Competency based learning focuses more on induvial topic mastery as opposed to standard in class learning objectives.

Students are evaluated not based on test scores but by how well they know certain subjects at their own time, place and pace.

Curriculum in this new method of education is shorter, but more rigorous and thorough in content.

The department of education believes that this new education approach would decrease time actually spent in class and allow for a greater education budget.

The general goal of competency based learning according to edglossary.gov is to

ensure that students gain the knowledge they require to succeed in both a higher education and a career environment.

In December of 2015 President Obama passed a new education law which decreases the time spent preparing for tests in school to under two percent according to an article from the New York Times. This new law also gives individual states more power over education.

“

In these courses there are lots of little facts that have to be learned and tied together.”

Paul Uhlig Professor of mathematics

Today over 48 states have adopted the Common Core Standards Initiative which details what students K-12 should know by the time they graduate. Common Core is a learning program founded on the ideas of competency-based learning. According to the Common Core website, only states,

including Texas, have chosen not to adopt the new standards.

St. Mary’s University also takes advantage of this learning style through user tailored programs such as Aleks. Students in these programs are graded based on their overall topic mastery.

Paul Uhlig, professor of mathematics, utilizes Aleks to help teach students.

Uhlig believes that while there are some courses that cannot be taught through the CBL learning system, there are many courses such as college and intermediate algebra that work very well with this new form of learning.

“In these courses there are lots of little facts that have to be learned and tied together,” Uhlig said. “It gives students the opportunity to move ahead at their own pace and it would allow students who might struggle with the material to work at a pace that makes learning better for them.”

“I believe that competency based learning teaches students how to be students and how to teach themselves which is what they need

to learn to be in high school and college,” Janelle Mendez, junior interdisciplinary English language arts and reading major, said.

“Once you look past the grade you really get into the most important parts which are the actual learning and learning conceptsit’s memorizing and regurgitating what they are learning.”

Mendez also believes that the learning system is not without its faults.

The most notable of which is the greater difficulty schools and states would have assessing their students and knowing how well they are learning.

In order to obtain teacher certifications, Mendez and other students must now pass Common Core Test, which have since replaced the previous Generalist test.

Despite its surging popularity throughout the nation, competency based learning still remains an unknown concept to many teachers and students throughout the state of Texas. Texas may very well be seeing this new learning method in their near future.

12 ENTERTAINMENT

EDITOR: CLAUDIA D. CARDONA/ @STMURATTLERNEWS

Joe Rodriguez covers songs at The Pub

Source from vanityfair.com

FROM “SCIENCE FICTION”

Rodriguez plays a variety of familiar songs to an audience of students | Photo by Claudia D. Cardona

CLAUDIA D. CARDONA ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

On Jan. 14 Joe Rodriguez strummed his guitar while he sang familiar songs with a voice similar to Eddie Vedder’s at The Pub. During his hour-long set, he covered a variety of songs ranging from “At Folsom Prison” by Johnny Cash to “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz. The crowd at The Pub sang along with his unique covers of familiar songs. In between his songs, the crowd at The Pub requested Rodriguez to play songs such as “Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer.

Rodriguez, a San Antonio native, has been playing solo shows in San Antonio and in Austin since last year. Rodriguez’s love for music originated in middle school, where he was a member of the drumline.

In high school he continued to pursue music by joining his school’s choir. After

coming back from the Air Force in 2009 he went on to play the drums in various bands. One of these bands was “The Jericho Machine,” an alternative rock band that played at Oyster Bake in 2010.

It was not until 2015 that he decided to pursue playing as a one-man band. Some of Rodriguez’s musical influences include Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Dave Grohl and John Mayer. Rodriguez not only plays song covers, but also sings original songs.

“In Austin, I play more originals there but they like more covers in San Antonio” Rodriguez said.

Not only is Rodriguez a singer and drummer, but he is also a producer and sound engineer.

During his set at The Pub, he used a loop station to create a range of sounds while he sang and played guitar. His album can be found on iTunes under the title, “Singing Soul,” which features nine original songs.

an Asian-American man, who played Sulu. His role as Sulu was one of the first major roles for an Asian-American that was not a villain.

In the 90s and 00s, there were several popular science-fiction films with protagonists of color but the same actor, Will Smith, played most of these roles.

There were still no roles given to actresses of color although there were opportunities available. For example, in “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, Katniss Everdeen is written to have olive skin, grey eyes and black hair, yet Jennifer Lawrence was cast to play the part.

“I believe it is essential to include people of color in fantasy films, just like in any other genre of films,” senior public history major, Meagan Lozano said.

“A lack of people of color in fantasy films that conveys a message that people of color are not worthy of acting roles for a film that’s not even set in a real place, unless it’s a subservient role to the typically white main character.”

The conversation about diversity in science fiction has been opened up again due to the release of “Star Wars: The Force

Awakens,” which stars two people of color.

John Boyega, a British-Nigerian actor, plays Finn, a storm trooper who decides to join the resistance.

Oscar Isaac, a Guatemalan-American actor, plays Poe Dameron who is a resistance X-wing fighter pilot.

After the trailer was released for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in fall 2015, some Twitter users started the hashtag #BoycottStarWarsVII because of supposed “anti-white propaganda.” Yet, tweeters forget that the previous “Star Wars” feature exclusively white protagonists. Most directors and writers purposely do not cast protagonists of color in science fiction and fantasy films because there perceptions that diversity will not bring in revenue but “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has proved them wrong. The film has become one of the highest-grossing films in cinematic history breaking records of over $529 million.

Since the world is so diverse, it is only right that films reflect that as well. Science fiction is supposed to broaden the minds of audiences, not limit them to one perspective.

If aliens and cyborgs are believable on screen, why is it so difficult to write in people of color in space too?

The best films of 2015 are praised or ignored by this year’s oscar nominations CLAUDIA D. CARDONA ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Audiences had high expectations for the films of 2015 due to the incredible cinema released in the previous year. In 2014, there were several films that surpassed audience expectations of cinema such as the OscarWinning “Birdman,” “Boyhood,” “Whiplash” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” This year several films have lived up to this same caliber, whether or not they were nominated for Oscars.

In May of 2015, George Miller’s fourth movie in his post-apocalyptic franchise was “Mad Max: Fury Road” and positively received by the typical action-loving movie fan to the cultured cinephile. The story surrounds Max who has been captured by the War Boys, the army of a tyrannical leader, Immortan Joe. Meanwhile, Imperator Furiosa, a lieutenant for Immortan Joe, is sent to drive armored truck to collect gasoline but she drives off-route, taking the Immortan Joe’s five wives with her to the green place, an idyllic land. Max eventually joins Furiosa in aid of freeing the wives.

The film’s cinematography was reminiscent of Andrei Tarkovsky, and it has perfect combination of CGI and live action. The film has acquired ten Oscar

nominations, including best picture, cinematography and directing.

The much anticipated “Carol”, directed

by Todd Haynes, was hailed as a cinematic advancement because of it’s genuine portrayal of a lesbian relationship. Queer women are typically sexualized throughout cinema, so “Carol” was a refreshing film for lesbian representation.

The poetic film highlighted gentle moments, dreamy reflections, and flirtatious looks set against beautiful N.Y. scenery in the 50s. Although the Academy Awards did not nominate “Carol” for best picture, this film snub is not too surprising considering that the film is completely female-centered and the Academy voters are 76 percent men.

Lenny Abrahamson deviated from his previous work while directing the heartbreaking film, “Room.” The film is based on the best-selling novel, “Room” by Emma Donohue. The film focuses on Ma and Jack, a mother and son who live in a small room with a bed, toilet, bathtub and kitchen. It’s later revealed that Ma had been captured seven years ago by a man they call Old Nick. Brie Larson, who plays Ma, won a Golden Globe for her performance. The film is a moving narrative of human resilience, love and childhood.

A lesser-known but creatively crafted film

of 2015 is “Tangerine,” which was filmed completely on an iPhone 5s. Not only is it creative in it’s technical aspects, but the story also brings forth a new narrative onscreen.

The film is set in L.A. with two protagonists SinDee and Alexandra, two AfricanAmerican transgender women, who set out to find Sin-Dee’s boyfriend who has been cheating on her. This film does not solely focus on their trans-ness but rather focuses on Sin-Dee’s relationship and Alexandra’s hopeful singing career. “Tangerine” is far more progressive with its transgender characters than the Oscar nominated film, “The Danish Girl.” The film is available to stream on Netflix.

“Love & Mercy” is a biographical movie based on the life of Brian Wilson, the lead singer of The Beach Boys. The film centers on two periods of Wilson’s life, the 60s and

Graphic by Brandon Leonard

the 80s. Paul Dano plays Wilson’s younger self while his older self is played by John Cusack. The film does not focus too much on his career, but rather the beginning stages of his schizophrenia and the manipulative caretaker who emotionally abused Wilson in the 80s. Although it earned no Oscar nominations, “Love & Mercy” takes a different route on the typical biographical film worth watching.

Although the Academy ignored some of the best films made in 2015, other creative and innovative films were nominated, such as “The Big Short,” “Spotlight” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

ENTERTAINMENT 13

STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

Unique Latina protagonists take the lead on television

Source from mic.com

CLAUDIA D. CARDONA ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

In the past few years, Latinas have entered into fleshed-out roles in American television. Although Latinos have had major roles on television for over 50 years, the rise of shows featuring Latinas is fairly new. In the 20th century, Americans watched shows such as “I Love Lucy,” “Chico and the Man” and “Saved by the Bell” that featured Latinos in main roles.

Although these roles were revolutionary for Latinos, these shows still lacked Latina protagonists. It wasn’t until 2006 when “Ugly Betty,” an adaptation of the Colombian telenovela “Yo soy Betty, la fea,” came along on ABC that helped pioneer the way for Latina-led shows. The protagonist of “Ugly Betty” is Betty Suarez, played

by America Ferrera, a young MexicanAmerican woman from Queens, N.Y. who lands a job at Mode, a highly prestigious fashion magazine. The show had highratings in its first three seasons but dwindled over time. This eventually resulted in the

show’s cancellation after it’s fourth season.

Since it’s cancellation the show has gained a cult following.

In 2014, Latina-led shows made a positive resurgence with the CW’s TV series, “Jane the Virgin,” which is based on the Venezuelan soap opera, “Juana la Virgen.”

The satirical comedy-drama focuses on Jane Villanueva played by Gina Rodriguez, a young religious hard-working woman, who gets accidentally artificially inseminated during her monthly checkup. Not only is her virginity compromised, but also the biological donor is a married man, who is the owner of the hotel she works at.

The show has gained critical acclaim due to its clever bilingual writing and a talented diverse cast. In 2015, the show earned two Golden Globes nominations for best musical or TV comedy and best actress, which Gina Rodriguez won. “Jane the Virgin” is reminiscent of “Ugly Betty” but with more meta-fiction and traditional telenovela moments.

In late 2015 and early 2016, NBC premiered three Latina-led TV series despite

the backlash the network has received over its “Saturday Night Live” episode hosted by Donald Trump. The first show to premiere was “Superstore” starring America Ferrara who plays a jaded ten-year employee of a big-box store. The show has continued to receive mixed, but mainly negative, reviews due to its poor comedic writing.

Next was “Telenovela” which premiered in December. The comedy stars Eva Longoria who plays a telenovela star that does not speak Spanish despite being the center of attention of her co-stars and crew.

Most reviewers found the show predictable and lackluster despite the welcoming presence of Longoria. Tim Goodman, a reviewer from “The Hollywood Reporter” wrote, “Whereas Jane the virgin is flawlessly firing on all cylinders in its second season, Telenovela offers up stale variations on the same subject in only a half-hour form.”

Most recently was the January premiere of “Shades of Blue,” a police television series starring Jennifer Lopez who plays a single-mother NYPD Detective. Similarly

to “Superstore” and “Telenovela,” “Shades of Blue” has received mixed reviews due to its formulaic writing, but has been praised for Lopez’s acting. Only two episodes have aired, so it’s too early to tell if audiences will follow the story or ditch it.

Even though the future looks hopeful for Latina protagonists in television, these three new Latina-led shows on NBC are not the best examples of a well-written Latina characters “Jane the Virgin” still remains to be the reigning television show that genuinely portrays a Latina that isn’t hypersexualized or stereotypical.

“Growing up, this lack of representation made me feel like my experiences were not important or that my culture was not as good as others,” senior marketing major, Valerie Dominguez said. “Hopefully showing more characters that young Latina girls can relate to will empower them and help them to more fully embrace their identities.”

NEW AND OLD MUSICIANS THAT SPICE UP THE SAN ANTONIO MUSIC SCENE 1. THE RICH HANDS

3. FLACO JIMÉNEZ

The Rich Hands are a three-piece indie rock group who started out as high school friends.

Their music is heavily influenced by 50s rockn-roll and 0s pop. They have released four albums since they formed in 01 . The Rich Hands are a part of a Detroit based label “Fountain Records” and they have toured alongside Burger Records bands. Source from krtu-indie.blogspot.com

Any native of San Antonio should be familiar to the name Flaco Jiménez. He was an accordionist that majorly pioneered Conjunto music. He has played with “Texas Tornadoes,” “The Mavericks,” “The Super Seven” and Bob Dylan. Source from elaguijonmusical.overblog.es

2. PIÑATA PROTEST

4. LOS DE ESTA NOCHE

Pi ata Protest is a Norte o Punk band that mixes Spanish and English over their accordion punk music. Their music has been praised from publications across the U.S. for its refreshing mix of Tex-Mex and punk. The band has released two albums since 010, “Plethora” and “El Valiente.” Their live shows are noted to be energetic and refreshing. Source from saustex.com

Los de Esta Noche is a Latin roots rock band that mixes Ska, Cumbia, and Conjunto music.

They have performed alongside Molotov, Bomba Estereo, A, La Santa Cecilia, among others Latino bands. Los de Esta Noche have been playing since 00 all over San Antonio.

The band’s members include a mariachi, accordionist, keyboardist, and a player on the congas. Source from btrtoday.com Compiled by Claudia D. Cardona

14 FITNESS & HEALTH

EDITOR: KIMBERLY ARRIETA / @STMURATTLERNEWS

How to fight off the holiday weight nightmares the healthy way DANIELLA MUNIZ STAFF WRITER

The holidays have come and gone along with the delicious seasonal dishes, but unfortunately it came along with consequences—primarily weight gain for most.

The weight gain however, does not have to stay by making the conscious decision to burn it off. Here are some helpful tips to get you on the right track.

The hardest part about wanting to lose weight is actually starting. Start now, don’t wait until tomorrow or the following Monday. Waiting is an excuse to keep eating unhealthy and putting on extra pounds.

Cutting back on foods is essential in the weight-loss journey and ultimately determines the overall success. This means making smart decisions with food and drinking intakes.

With that being said, stay away from sugar-filled drinks and fast foods. Instead choose something like water, natural flavored infused water or green tea.

Don’t let the word diet be scary. Instead of thinking about the sacrifices, think about

Learn tips and tricks about losing weight that comes along with the holiday food and treats. | Graphic by Paige Gandara-Valderas and Brandon Leonard

the new lifestyle in reach. Think of it as a healthy choice to become better. Being strong and staying motivated is the key to personal success, regardless of weight loss goals. Achieving this goal means getting out of bed and going to the gym, which is often times a dreaded decision.

However, going to an actual gym is only one option out of many other ways to complete exercises.

Do fun workouts, they’re surprisingly beneficial! Whether it is playing a game of 1-1 basketball or dancing. Nobody said exercise meant running miles or doing reps in the gym. That can be implemented later-

the important part is getting active and staying active.

Eating is essential in this process. Dieting does not mean starving yourself, it means knowing what to eat and when to eat.

Instead of eating three meals a day, try eating smaller amounts every 3-4 hours, leading to about seven small meals a day.Portions are important.

This will keep the body feeling full while shrinking the stomach. An effective solution to not wanting to eat so many meals is eating small snacks in between meals. There are plenty of people going through the same journey. Share goals, listen, join and tackle

them together.

It is always easier to get on the weight loss journey with someone who has similar goals.

Setting goals and setting a time for it to be met is essential.

Having a goal will allow for progress, which is essential to staying motivated, but if there aren’t deadlines that is all it will ever be—a goal.

Be realistic and reasonable about the time to reach goals and start as soon as possible. Losing weight is not an assignment and remember, procrastination is not acceptable.

The do’s and don’ts to keeping New Year’s fitness resolutions the first time around Year round New Year’s resolution are made about health and fitness. Two weeks into January those resolutions are broken.

Stay on track with a couple of healthy suggestions.

DANIELLA MUNIZ STAFF WRITER

It’s that time of the year again. Students are reciting the usual “new year, new me” and making new resolutions for themselves.

The most common New Year’s resolution is to become healthy and lose weight.

However, few people actually stick to this resolution and can often be unsuccessful.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to becoming healthier and most importantly staying on track.

DO #1 – Make better choices, do research and become familiar with options.

Don’t start a new diet because it’s known to work. What works for some may not work for others. Start by cutting back on the junk food and sugary drinks like sodas.

DON’T #1 – Do not get discouraged. To wake up and suddenly be 20 pounds lighter would be ideal, but change takes time. Get accustomed to a new lifestyle and change will happen. One good meal will not cut weight off instantly just like one bad meal will not add weight instantly.

DO #2 – Make time for the gym and become healthier in the kitchen. It is 90 percent diet and 10 percent exercise.

Exercise should be implemented at least 30 minutes a day, 3-4 times a week as part of a routine. Find something that works well and stay consistent.

DON’T #2 – Do not get caught up with weight loss supplements.

Some have been proven to help with weight loss, but there is nothing better than the old fashioned way. If deciding to go that route, make sure to consult a physician about the supplements.

DO #3 – Drink water, preferably a gallon of water a day. Also, try drinking a glass of water before meals to reduce hunger. If water is not your thing, try infusing water

with fruits or using water add ons with no artificial sweeteners or flavors.

DON’T #3 – Do not waste calories on drinks. This means sugary drinks including, but not limited to, alcoholic beverages. If one cannot refrain from alcoholic drinks go for the tequila.

Eat more protein instead of being limited from high calories in sugary drinks or consuming alcohol. Green tea is also an option instead of water. If soda is a must

try going with tonic water, which is not limited to flavored carbonated water, or sparkling water.

Most importantly, stay determined and on track. Get support from friends, family and track progress over time, the transformation Thursday waiting to be posted will be worth the hard work.

Just try and stay motivated and know that it is possible. Nothing worth having comes easy.

Graduate student and former men’s basketball player John Roberts working out in the AA&CC after the holiday season.| Photo by Julia Ewalefo

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High hopes push women’s basketball to seek a conference title make the regional tournament and hopefully advance to the sweet 16 because it has never been done before. Above all, she wants to have a great relationship with her teammates on and off the court.

Elias believes the team has overcome a lot of adversity in regards to morning practices and understanding each other’s strengths and weakness on and off the court. The team still has to overcome not letting downfalls get the best of them and getting closer as a team when things get tough. This season is Elias’s last, and she gives credit to her family on how much she pushes herself because she has always been overlooked for height

Women’s basketball team’s positive outlook brings high standards for this season.

Teammates push for strong bonds with one another on and off the court this season.

KIMBERLY ARRIETA SPORTS EDITOR

With women’s basketball just eight games into conference play, they are returning from a 16-11 overall season record and a 10-8 conference play record. This season the Lady Rattlers are currently 12-4 overall and 6-2 in conference.

The women’s basketball team had their first conference game Dec. 17 against Oklahoma Panhandle State. The Rattlers defeated the Aggies 90-65, with positive way to begin the Heartland Conference. Senior exercise and sport science major Dezirae Elias racked up 14 points and freshman forensic science major Arysia Porter scored 16. The team then suffered a loss against Lubbock Christian. Powering back from two conference losses, the team won five consecutive games.

Porter is a recent addition to the team.

Her transition from high school basketball to college basketball was smooth, averaging 10.3 points per game, 4.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Porter does believe the team has had a disadvantage when it comes to height, leading the teams rebound average below of where it needs to be.

She believes that the team just needs to

reasons. She hopes that her last season will bring her first team all-conference and the opportunity to continue playing after college.

Elias passes along some advice to her younger teammates, “stress doing your best ever game, at the end of practices/games you won’t have any regrets because you really gave it your all. Also, you must put in the overtime if you want to be noticed, if you want to be that player that other teams stress about when the time comes.”

The team’s next home game is on Wednesday, Jan. 28 against Oklahoma Christian.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Senior point guard and exercise sport science major Deziare Elias and junior forward and accounting major Kiara Etheridge are currently this seasons leading scores for the women’s basketball team. | Photo by Julia Ewalefo

work on boxing out and they can overcome that obstacle. Porter has also seen a decrease in turnovers, which is great improvement for them. Porter, being the only freshman on the team, says she is the athlete she is today because of her friends and family.

“They all believe in what I can do. So their positive feedback and faith toward me just makes me want to be the best I can be.”

Elias has high hopes for the season. She hopes to win the conference championship,

JAN. 28

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MAR. 3- MAR. 6

OK CHRISTIAN l 5:30 PM

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TAMIU l 1 PM

@ LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN l 5:30 PM

@ OK PANHANDLE STATE l 7:30 PM

HEARTLAND CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT l TBA

New faces battle adversity, spark strive for growth for the rest of the season SARA E. FLORES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Junior point guard and exercise and sport science major Trey Hall and freshman forward and business major Yanni Wetzell are two of the men’s basketball leading scorers.| Photo by Julia Ewalefo

MEN’S BASKETBALL JAN. 28

FEB. 18

JAN.30

FEB. 22

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MAR 4 - MAR 6

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@ UA FORT SMITH l 3 PM

ST. EDWARD’S l 7:30 PM

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TX - PERMIAN BASIN l 3 PM

TAMIU l 7:30 PM

DALLAS BAPTIST l 6 PM

@ LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN l 7:30 PM

@ OK PANHANDLE STATE l 3 PM

HEARTLAND CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT l tba

With so many new players on the men’s basketball team, they have faced the challenge of consistency.

The team is learning to work together and overcome adversity in order to win future games.

“The roster has made almost a complete overall [change] from where it was a year ago,” Jim Zeleznak, men’s basketball coach, said. “In a nutshell, we have two seniors, four transfers, four true freshmen and two redshirt freshmen.”

The team went in to this season short eight players—eight players who played key roles in winning the team’s conference title last season.

Two graduated players include 1415 leading scorers, Marvin Binney and Marvin Whitt.

“There’s a lot of inexperience in our program for sure, but we’ve been through that before,” Zeleznak said. “It’s not like it’s the first time it ever happened. It’s just one of those crazy years where you lose a lot of kids and you gotta replace them.”

The team is working to a higher level of performance on a daily basis.

“It’s always hard joining a bunch of guys that have never played together. We had ten guys that have never played a minute for St. May’s and you just have to expect that it’s going to take time to bond. Luckily we get along with each other. Which has made it easier, but in the end it’s just a matter of time on the court together,” freshman forward and business major Yanni Wetzell, a New Zealand native, said.

Seniors on the court this season are Kriston Minor, guard exercise and sport science major and Bryce Smith, engineering management major.

Minor is currently leading the team scoring (252) this season.

In their first season as Rattlers, all four true freshmen have started season games at one point so far this season.

The freshmen players include A.J. McGlown, guard and criminal justice major, Dimitri Peterson, guard and criminal justice major, Wetzell and Lachie Woodhill, forward and undeclared major.

“Yanni’s made great strides and his level of performance, though it may not be where it needs to be just yet, is starting to get better on a daily basis,” Zeleznak said.

Wetzell is currently second in scoring (160), first in free throws made (34) and first in rebounds (85).

“The speed of the game was a huge change. I’m playing faster and with more athletic guys-especially the guards. The intensity is on a whole other level in America, you really notice the difference in fitness level too,” Wetzell said.

The team is fresh off playing number one and three seeds in the Heartland Conference, Texas A&M International and Dallas Baptist University, but the team had no different game plan heading into both games with losses.

“If you’re making the improvement you should be making on a daily basis you should be playing your best ball at the end of the year,” Zeleznak said.

The team will go up against the Oklahoma Christian on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Bill Greehey Arena.

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SHOOTING FOR TWO STUDENT, ATHLETE & A MOM

Junior forward and sociology major Mariah Lee holds one year old daughter Londyn Lee. She overcomes adversity to set great example on and off the court to her two daughters.| Photos by Julia Ewalefo

Full time student athlete and mother overcomes struggles to graduate and be a good example to her two daughters, while balancing playing her last season as a collegiate athlete.

KIMBERLY ARRIETA SPORTS EDITOR

Being a student is a full time job in itself.

Assignments, readings and staying up all night can get overwhelming. Athletes have to balance both the academic workload and the athletic responsibilities such as attending practices, attending games and missing classes due to traveling. Now picture this— a full time student athlete and a mother of two.

Junior sociology major and exercise and sport science minor Mariah Lee, is managing to play her last season as the center for the women’s basketball team while juggling being a mother of two girls, Nairah and Londyn. Balance is Lee’s answer to managing time and stress.

Nairah is 10 and Londyn is one. Nairah lives in Houston with Lee’s father, but she manages to visit at least once a month during basketball season and more frequently once the season is over.

Lee also manages to fit in video calls to help her oldest with homework and has teachers contact her when Nairah is excelling in school.

Nariah is not only doing well academically, but is also following in her mother’s footsteps and is playing on a basketball team; she is also on a cheerleading team.

“I wish to have both of them, but I know

it will be more of a struggle than it already is. I’m just grateful to have support from my dad and mom. It’s hard not seeing the oldest one when that’s the one I’m used to being with,” Lee said.

Londyn, on the other hand, lives on campus with her. In trying to figure out when she can attend class and take care of her daughter, Lee is able to count on Londyn’s father for support.

Londyn’s father, who also attends school in San Antonio, has been able to reach an agreement with Lee where one attends class and the other has Londyn.

Lee also receives help from her teammates, who cannot seem to get enough of her youngest daughter. Londyn can

“

Lee and Coach Martens were able to sit down and make plans for the semester ahead of time.

Athletics does not come easy for a mother and a full-time student. Lee had several obstacles put in her path, but was able to overcome them.

“I have struggled a lot, but not alone.

My parents and my sisters have been there through all these years,” Lee said.

During 2012- 2013 academic school year, Lee admits to falling short academically. At some point, she didn’t think she would be returning back to St. Mary’s.

She even went as far as asking Coach Martens for her film, so she would be able to apply to other schools.

I HAVE STRUGGLED A LOT, BUT NOT ALONE. MY PARENTS AND MY SISTERS HAVE BEEN THERE THROUGH ALL THESE YEARS.” even be seen on the sidelines of practice at times, something that the coaching staff has allowed in order to assist Lee. Lee’s teammates volunteer to babysit for her as well. Junior exercise and sports science major LaBraile Fields and her mom have also been helpful when taking care of Londyn when she cannot.

Lee states that Residence Life was helpful with allowing Londyn to live with her on campus, but Coach Martens was still nervous about distractions.

MARIAH LEE

Coach Martens had faith in her and helped her with her return back to St. Mary’s.

Lee was thankful for crossing paths with Coach Martens during a time of struggle.

Lee is excelling on the court, in the classroom and as a mother, and will graduate next year.

“I wish I could continue to play. I knew this day would come, but now it’s actually here. So now I don’t know what I’m going to do without basketball. It’s the only thing that keeps me sane, besides my family,” Lee said.