rattler 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 1 9 Vol 107 | Issue 2 | Sept. 26, 2018 | San Antonio, Texas
OPINION
TOBACCO 21 PG.7
THE NEW ORDINANCE MAKING IT ILLEGAL
FOR THOSE UNDER 21 TO PURCHASE TOBACCO PRODUCTS IN SAN ANTONIO AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR UNDERAGED TOBACCO USERS
Calling out modern “cancel culture”
LIFESTYLE
RENEE PADILLA & SAMANTHA SALAZAR STAFF WRITER & MANAGING EDITOR Beginning Oct. 1, the Tobacco 21 ordinance will take effect in the city of San Antonio, requiring residents to be 21 years of age to buy tobacco products such as cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco and chewing tobacco. “This public health measure will delay the age of first tobacco use, reduce the risk of youth becoming regular smokers and help keep tobacco out of schools,” said the Metropolitan Health District in a statement on their website. “I think the ordinance will make it so less young people become addicted to nicotine and tobacco, therefore hopefully causing a curb in addiction and deaths due to addiction. I think it will
be more beneficial,” Lucas Kein, senior psychology major. Retailers who violate the new ordinance will be charged with a Class C misdemeanor and can face up to a $500 fine. Individuals aged 18-21 will not receive a penalty for the possession of tobacco products within the city limits. The Tobacco 21 ordinance, published by the Metropolitan Health Center, cites several reasons for its decision to pass the legislation, one being national data that asserts 95 percent of adult smokers begin smoking before turning 21. Another reason cited claims the increase in minimum age will be beneficial to the well-being of young people. The Institute of Medicine stated that “raising the minimum legal sales age for tobacco products nationwide will reduce tobacco initiation, particularly among adolescents aged 15 to 17, improve health across the lifespan, and save lives.” Gonzalo Guerra, senior psychology major, believes the ordinance is overall a step in the right direction. “I think raising the legal age to buy tobacco products
is a good call,” Guerra said. “Cigarettes and tobacco are highly addictive.” The ordinance, which has already been implemented in more than 280 cities and counties in 18 states, was introduced to the community in August of 2017 and will go into effect Oct. 1. This means that tobacco retailers within the city are now required to verify customers are 21 years of age before selling them tobacco products, post-Tobacco 21 signage and educating employees on the new ordinance. Minors who violate the new tobacco law may be fined up to $250, according to Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, who says that the Comptroller can suspend or revoke the permits of retailers who sell any tobacco product to a minor. They may also face fines of up to $1,000 per violation. Some people worry that retailers will lose a significant portion of sales if the legal age is raised to 21, but studies such as one published in the American Journal of Public Health show that this might not be the case. “Retailers would only lose up to 2 percent of total cigarette sales,” said the article.
PG.10
Should having tattoos affect job prospects? ENTERTAINMENT
PG. 12
Fotoseptiembre exhibit premieres
SPORTS
CONTINUED ON PG. 2
Impending elections spur millenials to exercise voting rights Samantha
Ruvalcaba CONTRIBUTING WRITER
As the midterm elections loom closer, millennial voter engagement is expected to increase. “Your generation has more power than any
other to change things,” said former president Barack Obama during his speech at the University of Illinois earlier this month. He said this after noting that the younger generation—presumably between the ages 18 and 30—has the largest number of eligible voters than any other generation. With this, the younger generation also appears to be the most civically and politically
engaged. By voicing their political views via social media and hashtags, volunteering and protesting year-round, young adults are making sure to exercise their rights as citizens. However, the issue is that this motivation to make a difference is not taking younger people to the voting booths, resulting in low turnout. CONTINUED ON PG. 7
PG.14
Welcoming the new athletic sirector
2 NEWS
EDITOR: VICTORIA SALDANA | @STMURATTLERNEWS | SEPT. 26, 2018
Service dog prohibited from public areas VICTORIA SALDANA NEWS EDITOR
A friendly face has recently been banned from the public areas of St. Mary’s. Jacqueline Lucero, senior psychology major, has a service animal to help manage pain caused by fibromyalgia. However, in recent weeks Lucero has experienced administrative opposition to bringing Ophelia with her around campus, resulting in a subsequent
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Ophelia aids Jacqueline Lucero daily, and goes everywhere with her. I Photo by Natalia Zuniga.
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ban on taking Ophelia to class or to other campus venues—a ban that has caused Lucero considerable pain, both emotional and physical. Ophelia is a husky mix who helps Lucero manage her pain by applying warmth and pressure to problem areas on her body, stabilizing her so that she can balance better while walking around campus and alerting her to approaching flare-ups that she can possibly avoid. “It’s just confusing…. I just want my dog with me,” said Lucero. “It’s been really problematic since I got her.” The ban on Ophelia was placed due to anonymous complaints against the service animal being disruptive and barking in campus venues. Lucero, however, asserted that many of these allegations were false and that she has the supporting documentation to prove they were indeed untruthful, but has yet to hear back from Dean Tim Bessler
or disability support services. Because students are constantly walking around campus, commuting between classes, the University Center and the Commons, they may often see various service animals assisting students, faculty and staff members on a daily basis. These animals, often crucial to their owners’ wellbeing by reducing painful symptoms and preventing further pain, are one of the few non-medicinal forms of treatment for both physical and mental disabilities. Protected under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are defined “as [animals] that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” This is the most fundamental difference between service animals, emotional support animals and therapy animals, as the latter two are not protected under the ADA. Another familiar face around campus is Tater Tot, the standard poodle who helps Katherine Lehman-Meyer, director of the Academic Media Center, manage the pain caused by her chronic illness as well. Because Tater Tot is dually trained as a therapy animal, not only does he help Lehman-Meyer manage her pain, but he also provides emotional comfort to students in need of it. To provide this emotional comfort, he allows students to touch him, an action typically avoided with service animals on duty as it can distract them from working. As for how Tater Tot helps Lehman-Meyer specifically, she explains how he often leans against her body, applying warmth and pressure to areas of her body where she feels the most pain. “I don’t know how, but it short-circuits
Tater Tot, service dog to Katherine Lehman-Meyer, sleeps peacefully at her feet, while still providing emotional support and alleviating pain relating to chronic fibromyalgia.| Photo by Natalia Zuniga
FROM “TOBACCO”
The university and advocates for Tobacco 21 express similar concerns regarding health. In 2015, the Institute of Medicine reported that raising the tobacco age limit to 21 could decrease the national smoking rate by about 12 percent. “Raising the tobacco sale age to 21 will have a substantial positive impact on public health and save lives,” said the Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation. “Tobacco use is not a rite of passage or a sign of adulthood,” said Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids in a statement. “Tobacco companies target young people before they can fully appreciate the consequences of becoming addicted to the nicotine in tobacco.” According to Shireen Bedi, a general
the pain,” Lehman-Meyer said. Lehman-Meyer and Lucero both asserted that training their service dogs is an ongoing process. Even though LehmanMeyer trained Tater Tot for an entire year before bringing him onto campus, training him to apply enough pressure to problem areas and act obediently in venues around campus is ongoing in their unique relationship. Like Lucero, Lehman-Meyer does not bring Tater Tot to venues like the Diamondback Cafe, though this is partially due to her desire to avoid making students uncomfortable, especially those who have an aversion to dogs. In accordance with the ADA, students, faculty and staff members with service animals can only be asked whether the service animal is for a disability and what tasks the service animal has been trained to perform, not what their disability is. Although it is not required the service animal can also receive a St. Mary’s tag that includes both the animal’s identification and the student’s ID number. To obtain a service animal, students must go through an extensive process with the Disability Support Services here on campus, a process that includes having a doctor’s letter recommending a service animal. “This documentation must indicate that the animal is necessary to afford the person with the disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling and there is an identifiable relationship or nexus between the disability and the assistance the animal provides,” said the Disability Support Services in a statement. Disability Support Services was unavailable for comment.
Graphic by Natalia Zuniga
surgeon within the United States Air Force, tobacco addiction is a serious problem even though it is banned throughout basic training and the first four weeks of technical training. As of July, the Metropolitan Health District worked with Joint Base San Antonio to form a plan that includes basic trainees and military dependents. The Metropolitan Health District is working with the city and Bexar County to promote and enforce the ordinance. Violations can result in fines and penalties, but St. Mary’s students may face other penalties for violating the university drug policy. Tobacco use is prohibited on the St. Mary’s campus except within designated smoking areas. Violators of the campus policy will face disciplinary action, while visitors and guests can be removed from campus.
NEWS 3
SEPT. 26, 2018 | STMURATTLERNEWS .COM
POLICE BLOTTER AUG./SEPT. 2018 AUG. 30 Theft of a sum between $100 - $750 reported in Leies Hall. Case is closed— administratively AUG. 31 Stalking reported in Chaminade Hall. Case is closed. SEPT. 3 Consumption of alcohol by a minor (7 counts). Criminal trespass warning reported in Cremer Hall. Case is closed— arrest. SEPT. 6 Possession of alcohol by a minor reported in the Flex Field. Case is closed— arrest. SEPT. 6 Possession and consumption of alcohol by a minor reported in Pecan Grove. Case is closed— arrest. SEPT. 8 Consumption of alcohol by minor reported in Founder Hall. Case is closed— arrest. SEPT. 12 Sexual assault reported in Adele Hall. Case is active. SEPT. 12 Possession of marijuana reported in the Blume Library. Case is closed. SEPT. 13 Striking an unattended vehicle damages of greater than $200 in parking Lot W. Case is active. SEPT. 14 Aggravated altercation reported in Reinbolt Hall. Case is closed.
Catholic Intellectual Lecture Series claims creationism and evolution can co-exist VICTORIA SALDANA NEWS EDITOR
This past week, St. Mary’s hosted a lecture within the MacTaggart Catholic Intellectual Tradition series as part of a long tradition of bringing speakers not only to St. Mary’s but also to the wider community to talk about faith and its application within the global community The lecture—entitled “Darwin, God, and the Cosmos: Is Faith Still Relevant in a Scientific World?”—and the series will be further highlighted by the recent Defining Moment campaign. “I think [the Defining Moment] types of talks are really cool and they help broaden opinions and perspectives,” said Karina Nanez, sophomore communication studies major. Kenneth Miller, the lecture’s guest speaker and a professor of biology at Brown University, has not only done extensive research in cell biology but has also published two popular books on how science touches faith and the country. “How does one reconcile a scientific idea like evolution with faith?” asked Miller, beginning the lecture by refuting the idea that there was any conflict that needed to be reconciled. During the lecture, Miller stated that it was not his quest to prove whether God or evolution were true and correct ideas, as those are completely different arguments altogether. Using this as a foundation for the lecture, he explained how the definitions of both science and faith can be intertwined. “[Science and faith] are not identical, but comparable in the sense [that] they
fit together,” said Miller in an attempt to explain the complex world we live in. Miller supported this idea with concrete examples in which science and faith were pitted together, but he asserted that this was a wrong viewpoint. “Science and faith coexist in peace, respecting and even supporting each other,” said Miller. Miller’s primary example of the perceived contention between faith and science is the 2004 case Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District, in which 11 parents protested against the teaching of intelligent design. Claiming the anti-evolution curriculum was an infringement on the first amendment, the ruling of this case was construed as proof of the God versus science sentiment. In actuality, Miller asserted, this was not the case at all. The ruling determined that creative intelligence was simply not supported with scientific evidence and could not be incorporated into a biology curriculum. By incorporating this example into the lecture, Miller’s emphasis was not on the final ruling, but rather on how the message of the case was misconstrued to create conflict between religion and science. “At a time when science is considered suspect and the credibility of organized religion is called into question, it is a very good thing that ‘science and faith’ is the theme of this fall’s CIT lecture series,” said Dr. James Ball, associate professor of theology. “Students want to see for themselves if the supposed conflict between science and faith is real....These two scholars are challenging us to expand our scientific and theological literacy for the sake of a better world. I hope that [religious and irreligious] students ... see that dialogue between science and faith
Kenneth Miller, speaker of the Catholic Intellectual Series.| Photo by Natalia Zuniga
is ... one of the hallmarks of the Catholic tradition: the harmony of faith and reason.” His belief in the intertwined nature of science and faith is rooted in the idea that believers should see evolution as being a part of the natural world and ultimately being a part of God’s plan. “If God exists, the process is part of a natural world that God made in the first place…a natural world to fulfill his purposes,” said Miller. Based on Miller’s assertions, God created the world as well as the natural processes within it, therefore faith and science are very much connected since God is partially its creator. “Faith and science both arise from the same human need, which is the desire to understand,” said Miller.
Molly Cox encourages civic engagement in young adults VICTORIA SALDANA NEWS EDITOR
As part of civic engagement week, the office of civic engagement hosted the event “Civic Engagement in San Antonio: A Conversation with Molly Cox of SA2020” to discuss the development of San Antonio over the last ten years and how it wishes to continue improving the community, starting with getting young people more involved. “Ms. Cox so eloquently illustrated how vital the individual and community are for system change; and most important to keep asking questions as one analyzes the
Courtesy of SA2020
metrics for social change,” said Miryam Bujanda, an adjunct professor in the theology department. Molly Cox is the president and CEO of SA2020, a local non-profit organization working to help the vision of San Antonio imagined in the year 2020 come true. “We drive progress toward a shared vision for a thriving San Antonio,” said SA2020 in the organization’s mission statement. “We report on community indicators, inform and activate the public and align efforts toward the community’s goals.” Cox has been a developer of SA2020 since 2010 when the plan was envisioned, and San Antonio is the only city to create a non-profit organization responsible for developing and enforcing a community vision. SA2020’s primary goal is to focus on points in the community to improve. These areas include civic engagement; community safety; downtown and economic development; education; environmental sustainability; family well-being; health and fitness; neighborhoods and transportation. After envisioning these cause points, the community makes a statement of intent explaining what it wants to see happen at each of these points. In doing so, the community focuses on the sentiment of
taking responsibility for everyone’s collective well-being, reiterating the community’s understanding of looking out for one another. Cox highlighted the city’s accomplishment of being awarded The Culture of Health Award, one of four awards given out by the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation, marking San Antonio one of the cities to look out for. The city was also named an AllAmerican city earlier this year, one of only ten cities to receive this honor. San Antonio was the largest city to recieve both awards. SA2020 tracks 61 community indicators that reveal areas where progress is being made or areas that need improvement. In light of these indicators SA2020 has implemented programs like Pre-K for SA, a program that prepares young children for kindergarten, to improve the community and attend to its needs. In addition to implementing new programs, SA2020 also looks at data to determine how to improve the community. In a recent finding, the organization found that if only 14,000 people obtained their bachelor’s degrees out of the 300,000 potential people in college, this would produce a $1.4 billion revenue to the economy. This would not only be the achievement of 14,000 people getting
degrees and increasing their job potential, but also the revenue generated would improve other parts of the community. When asked what St. Mary’s should do to improve education in San Antonio, Cox pointed out that events like hers were the first step in learning more about the community. “I really enjoyed learning about how our community is quickly changing and developing in a better way [and how] we can help work together to make an even bigger difference in our community,” said Brisella Olivares, freshman forensic science major. According to Cox, another strategy St. Mary’s could use to improve education is bringing the community on campus. After explaining that the busyness of student life is not always conducive to being proactive in civic engagement, she stated it should be both the community and the city’s goal to make school easier not academically but in the aspects of tuition and childcare to help students do more. Cox also stressed to a room filled primarily with students the importance of taking advantage of their youth. “I’m asking you, I’m begging you [to] keep that space, because it helps you get better at civic engagement,” said Cox. “It helps create the biggest ripple effect.”
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6 OPINION
EDITOR: LOUIE DIAZ | @STMURATTLERNEWS | SEPT. 26, 2018
New Tobacco 21 ordinance affects vendors and young adults in San Antonio Kimberly
Salazar CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The city of San Antonio has successfully implemented the Tobacco 21 ordinance, increasing the age for sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21. This ordinance is taking effect on Oct. 1 and will include cigarettes; e-cigarettes; cigars; pipe tobacco; chewing tobacco and more. This is a major step in the right direction in regards to the health of young adults. Tobacco, cigarettes and especially e-cigarettes have had detrimental effects on the health of young adults, so this ordinance is the right step in remedying the issue. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District cites three main reasons for the implementation of the ordinance: reducing the possibility of young smokers, deferring the age of first tobacco use and assisting in keeping tobacco out of schools. According to a Tobacco 21 education and implementation overview, published by the Health District, “Raising the minimum legal sale age for tobacco from age 18 to 21 will have a substantial positive impact on public health and will save lives.” Hugo P. Salazar, Jr., M.D., student health center physician, stated that the Tobacco 21 ordinance could prevent future illnesses in the nation’s youth. “We’re at least preventing that young adult population from prolonged exposure ... [and] maybe potentially having less of a chance to have something like lung cancer or COPD [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease] show up later in life,” said Salazar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death, with cigarettes killing more than 480,000 Americans each year. “This is a public health issue that’s really affecting millions of people across the
country,” Salazar said. Louie Smoking tabacco also negatively Diaz effects the loved ones of those who smoke OPINION EDITOR due to the consequences of secondhand smoke. According to the American As of Oct. 1, San Antonio will be Lung Association, secondhand smoke implementing a new city ordinance causes more than 40,000 deaths a year effectively raising the age to buy tobacco from lung cancer and heart disease. products from 18 to 21. Under the Secondhand smoke is one of many Tobacco 21 ordinance, vendors who sell negative consequences smoking causes tobacco products to minors are subject to and although the Tobacco 21 ordinance punishment under the law. However, this may not fix the problem, it will discourage ordinance is unnecessary government smoking at a young age and thus decrease regulation and should not have issues in the long run. been passed. San Antonio has become the first city “Personally, I don’t think it makes a in the state of Texas to raise the legal dfference; most people will still purchase smoking age from 18 to 21, a step forward tobacco products or find a way to, whether in eliminating smoking and its many or not they are of legal consequences. age,” said Dominique The CDC states Garcia, junior that tobacco use is mathematics major. primarily established At age 18, people are during adolescence, but considered adults in this ordinance could many aspects of society. effectively discourage For example, people are youth from smoking allowed to vote, are tried tobacco products. as adults in a court of Graphic by Victoria Valle According to the Truth law and have reached Initiative, both adult and the legal age of consent. Young adults high school student usage of tobacco has should maintain the right to buy tobacco fallen under the national average, therefore products. If they make the choice to smoke this ordinance will only affect these or use tobacco and understand the risks statistics positively. attached to it, then they should be allowed The ordinance will bring improvement to do so without repercussion. to St. Mary’s, as it will prevent students Young adults who truly want to quit under the age of 21 from buying any smoking should do so of their own volition, tobacco products in San Antonio, not because the government prodded them therefore reducing the overall presence of to do so. tobacco on campus. Overall, the Tobacco While the negative health effects of 21 ordinance is a step in the right direction tobacco products are indisputable, it is in reducing the amount of people with not the government’s prerogative to decide tobacco addictions and the harmful whether individuals who want to smoke consequences to those around them. are allowed to go through with this action. “This is one step towards trying to help St. Mary’s students over the age of 21 fix a problem,” Salazar said. “It’s a step who do use tobacco should not have a forward in the right direction.” problem. However, those who are under
21 and don’t have transportation to travel outside city limits may find themselves in a predicament, finding some other means to get their cigarettes, tobacco dip or juice. It is also an inconvenience for those who do have a means of transportation, since they have to drive outside San Antonio city limits to buy their products. “The main issue that I would see ... [is that] we can’t really have somebody who is 19 years old ask for a cigarette from a friend because now, under the new ordinance, this could potentially be considered illegal,” said Dr. Hugo Salazar, Jr., student health center physician. The Tobacco 21 ordinance also has a negative effect on businesses that sell tobacco products. Some businesses, like smoke shops, rely heavily on traffic from young adults. Alternatively, students could possibly order products like juice online, as there is no clause about it in the ordinance. Ultimately, this new ordinance is a poor choice. There should be a degree of separation between the government and citizens’ lives. In addition, the regulation will prove to be a nuisance to both old and young tobacco users. This ordinance might deter some young adults from smoking, but many others will not be shaken and will continue using tobacco. There are other methods that could prove more effective in halting teenage smoking, such as raising the prices of tobacco products through increased taxes. This method seems a little fairer because it does not involve direct government interference in people’s lives but indirectly accomplishes the same goal.
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Negative culture surrounding alcohol affects drinking age Miriam
Robles EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As a response to the rising number of DUI incidents in the ’80s and after considerable lobbying efforts, the legal drinking age in the United States was raised from 18 to 21. This was a stark change, especially in considering that most other countries maintained a legal drinking age of 18. However, the United States has consistently remained in the top three on the World Health Organization’s yearly global status report on road safety,
“World’s Worst Countries for Drunk Driving,” prompting the conclusion that changing the drinking age may not have had the desired effect. However, there is something to be said about the health benefits of preventing developing brains from drinking. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, drinking copious amounts of alcohol while the brain is still in development has immediate shortterm effects and significant long-term effects on the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for long-term memory. “I think the drinking age should remain
at 21 because a lot of people are really immature and would not be able to behave and drink responsibly,” said Carlos Vasquez, sophomore history major. It is also important to mention that more and more American children are drinking at earlier stages in their lives. A study conducted by the National Drugs and Alcohol Institute states that 27 percent of students surveyed had consumed alcohol to some capacity by eighth grade. That number more than doubles to 66 percent by 12th grade. Arguably, raising the drinking age may not have had its desired effects considering the given information. However, giving young adults with developing brains the right to drink what they want, and as much as they want, may not be the solution either. The issue with alcohol consumption and alcohol-related incidents in the U.S. is that they do not necessarily stem from the presence Graphic by Natalia Zuniga of alcohol, but more
so from the culture surrounding alcohol in the United States. The way young adults in America perceive alcohol is starkly different than the way it is perceived in other cultures. American youths constantly overglamorize binge-drinking, with depictions of it appearing all over the media—in movies, songs and television shows. In contrast to how other cultures see alcohol, American youths regard drinking as an all-or-nothing ordeal. With this perception, young adults in America think the only purpose of alcohol is to get drunk, rather than something they are necessarily supposed to enjoy. While raising the drinking age made it harder for young adults to get ahold of alcohol, it did not make it impossible, and when teens do get ahold of alcohol it is not to sip as an accompaniment to a fine meal but to binge on. Alcohol is consistently and widely regarded as something that equates to a good time or to a cure for a bad day, and that is a problematic ideology that gets handed down from American generation to generation regardless of the legality. This is what needs to be addressed before even considering dredging back up the consumption age debate. Before addressing whether or not the drinking age should be lowered, it is important for the U.S. to address the negative culture surrounding drinking.
OPINION 7
SEPT. 26, 2018 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM
Cancel culture fails to reach the root cause of toxic behaviors Julissa
Cantu LIFESTYLE EDITOR
As Twitter becomes one of the most popular social media platforms for sharing profound, interesting, random or unexciting thoughts to an audience of peers, it becomes more common to find users with a tendency to publish openly hostile and discriminatory comments. These comments are usually accompanied by a wave of retaliation from the general public with a simple underlying rhetoric rooted in what has now been deemed “cancel culture.” To cancel an individual is to reject that individual and said individual’s ideas. Within the past few years, as Twitter has gained mass popularity, cancel culture has also experienced exponential growth. “Through smart phones and tablets, Millennials and post-Millennials’ lives are increasingly encompassed and influenced by social media. From academic research to news, from planning parties to organizing
“
Through smart phones and tablets, Millennials and post-Millenials lives are increasingly encompassed and influenced by social media.”
Dr. Charles Cotrell political science professor
a rally, from selfies to memes, social media shapes the lives of “Generation ‘Like,’” said Dr. Charles Cotrell, professor of political science. With this increase of power the platform has gained for itself, in addition to how quickly information can spread over social media, it is no wonder how a phenomenon such as cancel culture came about. Individuals who partake in cancel culture often do so as a public way to stop showing support for
specific celebrities and, henceforth, whatever individuals get away with the reprehensible deed they same problematic behavior. have committed—such Due to society’s inability as the sexual assault to educate the general allegations against populace about issues Kevin Spacey regarding respect and or the situation tolerance toward Graphic by Victoria Valle regarding James others, there will Gunn’s pedophilic unfortunately be comments from 2012. instances of discrimination throughout “People that are looked up to should not social media platforms. As long as there is be openly discriminatory or problematic a profit to be made, there will be no issues because then it allows other people to do the along the way of whom the industry is same,” said Gabrielle Murillo Diaz, senior stepping on. political science major. Finally, ostracizing problematic people In considering the consequences of to the outer rims of their social circles does cancel culture, there are three issues that nothing to educate those people. Because emerge. First, with the cancellation of of this lack of education, cancel culture
EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Miriam Robles Managing Editor Samantha Salazar Copy Editor Jamira Richardson Advertising Manager Daria Flowers Layout & Design/Photo Editor Natalia Zuniga Web Editor Victoria Valle Social Media Manager Jocelyn Alvarez Bibian News Editor Victoria Saldana Lifestyle Editor Julissa Cantu Opinion Editor Louie Diaz Entertainment Editor Elizabeth Arredondo Sports Editor Tawny Davis Faculty Adviser Camille Langston, Ph.D.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Rattler welcomes letters 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.
celebrities and their platform usually comes the cancellation of the shows on which they appear, which happened for both the Netflix series “House of Cards,” in which Kevin Spacey starred, and Louis CK’s show “Louie.” While it is true that problematic celebrities should not have a platform to promote their harmful agendas, with the cancellation of their shows comes the dismissal of entire staffs of individuals who work to support their families. Additionally, while the spotlight is on these high-profile individuals, other lowprofile
does nothing to further society. While it is true there are evil individuals in the world who will continue to be problematic with all of the knowledge at their fingertips, the individuals being cancelled are more often than not simply ignorant about the issue. Therefore, cornering these individuals into a space with other like-minded people is not the wisest decision. Cancel culture, while a useful technique for low-maintenance activism, does not do much in the long run. In their future endeavors, students especially should continue to educate their peers in order to create a more just society.
DO YOU THINK CANCEL CULTURE IS GOOD FOR SOCIETY? LET US KNOW. Write a letter to the editor! Submit: rattlernews@gmail.com
FROM “VOTING”
“While many millennials and eligible post-millennial young people do vote, the fact is that voting is not one of their primary ways of becoming civically engaged in their community,” said Dr. Charles Cotrell, political science professor. “They’re not engaged in the traditional ways in which many Americans of older generations have expressed themselves, that is through the vote.” That is not to say that the current generation of young adults lacks motivation or has its priorities in the wrong place. There are several other reasons—reasons the voting system created—that discourage many people, not just millennials and post-millennials, to register to vote. From registration deadlines to policies stating that student IDs are not an acceptable form of identity verification, some of the voting policies implemented in Texas can make a citizen in any age group lose interest in voting. “Young people are extremely interested in current events and what’s happening in the world,” said Sean Rivera, organizing manager of MOVE Texas. “However, the voting process is super archaic and there have been measures taken to make it actively more difficult.” MOVE Texas is a non-partisan, non-
“
Young people are extremely interested in current events and what’s happening in the world.” Sean Rivera
organizing manager of MOVE Texas
MOVE was built to encourage under-represented young people to vote.| Photo by Natalia Zuniga
profit organization that focuses on voter engagement, specifically with young people. MOVE volunteers often set up and go canvassing at universities all over the state, including St. Mary’s. Just this year, the organization has registered 15,000 students to vote. “It’s just the act of having young people talk to young people,” said Rivera. “When we approach young people, we try to be as understanding as possible, and we want to make [registering] easy because Texas already makes it so extremely hard to be civically engaged in the voting process.” MOVE Texas hosted National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 25, where students were able to register to vote by finding a registration table on their campus or voter registrars holding clipboards. “We’re going to try our best to register as many students as humanly possible on
that day,” Rivera said. “We’re expecting thousands and thousands of registrations.” Some students have already taken the time to register to vote. Freshman international and global studies major Grace Fry registered as soon as she turned 18. “I think it’s important to exercise your rights; we have them for a reason,” Fry said. “[People in] other countries and other places ... don’t have the freedom to make the decision for themselves.” The next election to take place in Texas is the senate race, where incumbent Ted Cruz will face off against Democratic candidate Beto O’Rourke. “You can’t change law only by protesting,” said Dr. Cotrell. VIEW MORE ONLINE AT
www.stmurattlernews.com
10 LIFESTYLE
Money Matters Cash is becoming less and less common. At the same time, transferring money to friends is important when splitting checks, paying for shared utilities or generally owing people money. There are plenty apps that facilitate that.
PROs: A free debit card is available and it is super user-friendly. CONs: It costs money to deposit into a bank account and not at a flat rate.
PROs: The deposit rate is a flat rate and Venmo offers free debit cards to link to one’s account.
EDITOR: JULISSA CANTU | @STMURATTLERNEWS | SEPT. 26, 2018
TREND WATCH: Overcoats overhaul winter fashion JULISSA CANTU LIFESTYLE EDITOR
With the coming winter months, it is ideal for students to consider the best ways to stay warm as they face the dreaded cold fronts that mark October and November. Because the weather is often chilly each morning and warm throughout each afternoon, students often feel the need to pick between being too cold or being too warm at some point during the day. However, there is a relatively simple solution for this problem: a long, thick coat. A coat, while a seemingly heavy piece, can actually tie together any outfit, both casual and formal. Coats are also easy to take off when the sun comes out in the afternoon and put back on when a classroom feels a little too cold for comfort, thus becoming a necessary statement piece in every student’s closet. When choosing a coat, students should keep in mind the proportions and length. Wearing a coat that is too long could be troublesome when walking through the
Shifting perceptions prompt college students to get inked JULISSA CANTU LIFESTYLE EDITOR
For as long as tattoos have been around, there has been a widely held perception that it is harder to get a job with tattoos or that tattoos are considered “unprofessional.” These preconceptions prompt tattooed individuals to cover up their art with jewelry or with makeup in professional settings. However, employers are slowly yet surely moving away from that mindset, recognizing that tattoos do nothing to diminish the intelligence of potential employees, nor do they suddenly
CONs: It costs money to deposit into a bank account.
consider the different ways in which tattoos hold meaning. For some individuals, there has to be a concrete meaning behind each piece of body art. However, for others, the experience of going out with
to $30, which is cheap considering most shops have a minimum payment of $60 to $80, regardless of how small the design might be. Although the sensation of being tattooed is often described as similar to cat scratches centered on a particular point, pain tolerance varies from individual to individual. However, most professional tattoo artists will agree that getting a tattoo will hurt in some capacity, regardless of where the tattoo is placed. Therefore, the most important factor students should consider in deciding where to place a tattoo is making sure they’ve chosen a place where they believe the design will look best. While some
@remzilla_’s tattoo represents her desire to travel the globe.| Courtesy of @remzilla_
@soledad_anne’s tattoo is in honor of her late coach. | Photo courtesy of @soledad_anne
PROs: The app connects directly to a bank account, no fees. CONs: Not as many people have Zelle, which makes it difficult.
grassy patches around campus, and it would only be paired with trousers might also give off an ominous vibe that or tapered jeans to combat the frigid some students may not want to emit. weather. However, in the middle of Students should choose a coat that stops Texas, students have more options. For around mid-thigh for a length that is example, tailored shorts can be paired flattering on all body types, no matter the nicely with a nice coat, since the warmth height, as it will always elongate the torso of most fall afternoons requires students and highlight the legs. to let their limbs breathe. Matching the Popular patterns seen on coats pattern of the coat with bottoms like ever ywhere jeans, shorts or skirts can from the also be a marvelous option, U n i t e d as seen in the well-known Kingdom film “Clueless.” to the west When considering coast of the what articles of clothing to United States pair with a coat, students are plaid or should also keep in mind tweed, which the occasion, though a students coat is great for almost any can use to outing. Coats look great put together going into an interview a studious or presentation since they ensemble. vamp up a professional Big patterns Photos by Natalia Zuniga outfit tenfold. Coats also like that, make a simple trip to the however, can very easily be overwhelming, grocery store more fun, offering a mature so it is best to keep the outfit simple and yet flirty atmosphere to simple tasks. clean when pairing with an elaborate Coats always make for a great addition to coat. In contrast, wearing a simple coat a fall and winter wardrobe, and students with a solid color offers students a wider should learn to have fun with them rather range of possibilities. than letting the mundane and practical get Anywhere else in the world, coats them in the winter blues.
make them unqualified to do the job. Tattoos are art, and because art is an expression, tattoos should not hold the heavy stigma often imposed on individuals with visible body art. So long as they are not inappropriately sexual or gory, tattoos should be allowed to be on full display for the world to see if they are placed in areas that are usually exposed. As social perceptions of body art continue to progress, students should
friends and acquiring a pre-drawn flash tattoo that takes anywhere from five to 15 minutes is meaningful. The latter should take advantage of Friday the 13th deals, which is when many tattoo parlors offer a special of getting any flash tattoo for only $13. Including tip, the total cost would come out to about $20 @jazzyajel’s tattoo shows her Filipino patriotism. | Photo courtesy of @jazzyajel
All of @EmilyHawley8’s tattoos carry special meanings.| Courtesy of @EmilyHawley8
people want their tattoos prominently displayed, choosing a placement on their arms and legs, others prefer their tattoos in a place where they can be hidden, such as the torso and back. The bottom line is that students should not be too concerned with what anyone else will think because the only opinion that is relevant in deciding whether or not to get a tattoo is that of the wearer.
LIFESTYLE 11
SEPT. 26, 2018 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM
Eating around campus accessible to all KATIE DREES GUEST CONTRIBUTER @SAFLAVORTOWN
Henry’s Puffy Tacos
For students who are new to San Antonio or have never tried a puffy taco before, Henry’s puffy tacos are some of the best that SA has to offer. The crispy yet light puffed tortillas are delicious and unique. The restaurant also offers free unlimited chips and salsa, which is definitely a plus. For lunch, Henry’s offers a special for two puffy tacos of choice served with rice and beans for only $6.99. The restaurant is located at 3202 Woodlawn, San Antonio, TX 78228, and is only four minutes away from campus when driving.
Barrio’s Barista
In a Buzzfeed article Barrio’s barbacoa grilled cheese was deemed the best in the state of Texas. If that’s not convincing enough, Barrio’s is also known for its really good coffee. As an added bonus, the atmosphere is quiet enough to study in and the owner is a St. Mary’s alum who offers discounts to St. Mary’s students, yet another reason to go check it out. Barrio’s Barista is located at 3735 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, TX 78228, and is about four minutes away from campus when driving.
Las Mangonadas Ice Cream Shop
Despite being located right across the street from St. Mary’s, most students don’t know about this cute little ice cream shop that never fails to satisfy any sweet tooth without costing a lot of time or money. The shop offers Mexican treats ranging from mangonadas to corn in a cup, along with a variety of ice cream and paleta flavors. Las Mangonadas is located at 3018 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, TX 78228, and requires a three-minute walk from campus.
Frida’s Corner
This hidden gem is both a healthy smoothie shop and a Mexican snack place mixed in one. The shop, small but quite vibrant and colorful, definitely has a Frida Kahlo vibe, hence the name. The neon sign seems to be a big hit among Instagram posters so students in need of a new profile pic should definitely go check it out. The shop’s smoothie bowls are about $8, which is pretty reasonable for a fresh smoothie topped with lots of healthy toppings. Everything tastes so fresh, and an added bonus is that the majority of the ingredients are considered healthy. Frida’s is located at 1407 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78228, and is about five minutes away from campus when driving.
Graphics by Natalia Zuniga
Recycling less, reducing waste more JULISSA CANTU LIFESTYLE EDITOR
It is a lot harder for students to live sustainably than is often advertised. For the most part, students are advised to simply separate their recyclables into plastic, paper, cardboard and glass. However, even in doing this, the recycling symbol located on numerous products are not accurate indicators of which products can be recycled and which cannot. Due to this common misconception, students often throw away entire pizza boxes when, in reality, only the top of the box can be recycled since grease has seeped into the bottom portion. T h o u g h recycling is considered the easiest way for students to reduce their carbon footprint, sometimes it is not the best method. Apart from recycling, students should also be aware of the positive effects of reducing and reusing the products they consume. Living a more sustainable life does not require students to change their whole lifestyle, either. Incorporating simple changes, like investing in a reusable water bottle to take to and from class, can do wonders in decreasing the amount students expend. “Instead of having to purchase a pack of water bottles every week, opting for a reusable water container saves you money,” said Gerardo Nino Pozos, sophomore economics and environmental science major and treasurer for the Ecoclub. According to Pozos, using a reusable straw
is another option for students who want to be more sustainable. Another way students can reduce carbon emissions is by cutting animal products from their diets. This simple change would greatly help the environment since raising livestock generates 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. According to Earth Day Network, reducing the amount of animal products included in the average diet would be equivalent to taking a vehicle off the road for five weeks. Becoming vegetarian or vegan also opens up a wide variety of options when it comes to dietary needs, prompting students to enjoy different Graphic by Victoria Valle many vegetables and fruits grown around the world. Switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet does not require expensive organic products, either. Simply opting for plant-based salads and soups instead of a pound of burger meat that might end up being thrown away would greatly improve the carbon output of numerous students. On campus, students can also partake in volunteer opportunities with organizations like the Ecoclub and Enactus, who both frequent the St. Mary’s community garden to tend to the vegetables and fruits. While environment-centric advice is often centered around recycling as the best method for living sustainably, these are some small steps students could consider when it comes to reduction and reuse.
Serving students’ safety needs: How St. Mary’s assures personal security JULISSA CANTU LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Many universities pride themselves on creating a safe environment for students to thrive in, and St. Mary’s has demonstrated an extraordinary record for campus safety. Based on yearly surveys conducted by the school regarding student life, approximately 95% of students report that they feel safe while on campus. While the roads and sidewalks may seem frightening at night when it is time for students to walk from the middle of campus to the residence halls, the university has taken various measures to make the experience as safe as possible, including the implementation of 22 poles of blue lights located around campus. Blue lights, when pushed, are designed to notify police officers from the university police department (UPD) to be dispatched to particular locations across campus. Though there are many programs and services offered by the UPD, Lieutenant Jeffrey Paullus commented that the blue lights have been found to be an ineffective feature since they are not used often. “[They are] becoming less used as most students carry their personal cell phones,” said Lieutenant Paullus.
Graphic by Natalia Zuniga
Cellular devices seem to be students’ first response to crimes they witness on campus as more and more of them are reporting through this means. This is an important distinction, as schools such as the University of Texas at Austin have reported having the same lack of effect regarding the blue lights. However, even if students do not use the blue lights, the university offers several programs and services as safety precautions. UPD offers escorts across campus both day and night, whether students are walking to their vehicles or to their own residence halls. These escorts are ideal for students who feel unsafe walking across campus or in instances when a student has a restraining order against another student. Students are also welcome to stop by the physical location of the police department, located on the ground level of Treadaway Hall, to request various self-defense classes. This includes the department’s Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) course. The UPD usually hosts this course a few times over the semester. However, this course is usually open to only the first 30 students who sign up. Therefore, for students unable to sign up for this class, there are other opportunities for them to learn these techniques. Another helpful service for students
is the university’s RAVE notifications, mobile notifications that notify students of dangerous events occurring around campus. Students interested in signing up for these notifications can do so in Gateway by searching under key applications and looking for campus alerts.
Items like swords and pepper spray are not allowed on campus. | Graphic by Victoria Valle
Finally, the UPD has made an important observation regarding many students; they have a tendency to keep their heads down and headphones in. According to Lieutenant Paullus, this is a dangerous practice. “Students and staff should still remain aware of their surroundings at all times,” said Lieutenant Paullus.
12 ENTERTAINMENT
EDITOR: ELIZABETH ARREDONDO | @STMURATTLERNEWS | SEPT. 26, 2018
Fotoseptiembre exhibit honors St. Mary’s alumna for her pictures that capture everyday beauty EVA GARCIA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
St. Mary’s is currently hosting an exhibition for Fotoseptiembre, displayed within the gallery of the Louis J. Blume Library to honor a St. Mary’s alumna. The photographer, Nicole Marie Moore, graduated from St. Mary’s in 2002 with a degree in English literature. Her exhibition “Along the Way: Moments Captured in Nature, Dance, and Life” features different moments of life. “My work as a photographer has consistently focused on singular moments in time,” said Moore in her artistic statement. “I believe the desire to preserve moments of solitude, beauty [and] duende, or passion and inspiration, helps cultivate
a greater understanding of the world in which we live.” At the opening reception held on Sept. 13, there was a special performance by the Arte and Pasion flamenco, which Moore has photographed and worked with for many years now. “Dance, in particular, has become a favorite subject of mine, as it expresses intense, and I think honorable, human qualities,” said Moore. “The poise and sternness of the dancer, the intense gaze, the play of shadow and light ... [and] the expression of determination shows a life dedicated to discipline, achievement and celebration.” Of her exhibition, Moore speaks about how it offers an outlet for her to share her experiences through photographs.“This exhibit allows me to share moments of
beauty, singularity and integrity that I have captured in nature, dance and life, along the way.” Professor Brian St. John, chair of the art department, chose Moore to have her artwork displayed. “I like her work very much, which is why I selected her,” said St. John. “While she was an English major she took a lot of art courses, so she was a student of mine.” When asked how he came into contact with Moore, St. John said it all began when he struck a conversation with her at a coffee shop. “Previously, I had been following her on Instagram and saw that she was taking photographs of moments of life. I just thought [her photographs] were wonderfully dynamic,” said St. John. “This is her first public exhibition. I thought it would be a nice connection for her since
she’s an alum of this university, continuing her work in poetry and now photography.” St. John added that next year’s exhibit will feature Marianist archives compiled by Geremy Landin, a graduate student of the public history program. “It will be the first time a historian goes through the archives,” said St. John. Some of the pieces displayed at the Louis J. Blume gallery include “Sisters,” a photograph of Moore and her sister, “Modern Dancer Stephen Gaeth,” “Limes and a Lemon,” “Flamenco dancer Sonya Jimenez,” “White Bird at the Japanese Tea Gardens” and “Fourth of July Watch Party.” The 2018 Fotoseptiembre Exhibition will be featuring Moore’s work until Oct. 14 and will be available to view on the second floor of the Blume library.
Photos by Natalia Zuniga
Netflix reboot show “Queer Eye” and takes home 3 Awards at the 70th Creative Arts Emmy Awards JAMIRA RICHARDSON LAYOUT AND DESIGN
Honoring the best directing, screenwriting and visual effects in U.S. television since 1949, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences hosted the 70th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles, paying homage to the most diverse list of nominees in the history of the award show. Reminiscent of the award show’s eclectic opening song-and-dance number, performed by Ricky Martin; Andy Samberg; Sterling K. Brown; Kristen Bell; Tituss Burgess; RuPaul Charles and John Legend, one of the standout nominees for this year’s Emmys epitomized the beauty of diversity—the cast of Netflix original series “Queer Eye.” The Netflix original series, initially released in February as a reboot of the 2003 series “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” showcases a team of experts collectively— and aptly—dubbed the “Fab Five” conducting makeovers in the areas of food and wine; fashion; personal grooming;
interior design and culture, primarily for heterosexual men. Comprised of food and wine expert Antoni Porowski; fashion expert Tan France; personal grooming expert Jonathan Van Ness; interior design expert Bobby Berk and culture expert Karamo Brown, the Fab Five of 2018 has captured the hearts of the show’s audience with witty one-liners, heart-warming pep talks and makeovers. “The original [‘Queer Eye’] was fighting for tolerance,” said France in the series pilot. “Our fight is for acceptance.” Due to the wildly positive reception “Queer Eye” garnered from viewers and critics alike, the Fab Five witnessed yet another step forward in their fight for acceptance, reinforced by their sweeping victory at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards. Alongside popular reality TV programs like “RuPaul’s Drag Race”—which earned five Emmy for its outstanding host, costuming, hairstyling, and competition program—“Queer Eye” was awarded three of the four Emmys for which the series was nominated.
While both “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Queer Eye” lost to National Geographic documentary television series “Life Below Zero” in the category for outstanding reality program cinematography, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awarded “Queer Eye” an Emmy dubbing it the most outstanding structured reality program. “Queer Eye”—pitted against reality programs like “Project Runway;” “RuPaul’s Drag Race;” “The Voice;” “American Ninja Warrior” and “The Amazing Race”—was also awarded Emmys in the categories Outstanding Casting for a Reality Program and Outstanding Picture Editing for a Structured or Competition Reality Program. According to the critical consensus of review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, “Queer Eye adapts for a different era without losing its style,
charm or sense of fun, proving that the show’s formula remains just as sweetly addictive even after a change in location and a new group of hosts.” Despite the premise of the series, “Queer Eye” is more than a reality program about mere makeovers, transcending the cultural boundaries between the current generation and generations past—a feat resulting in the series’ triumphant night at the Emmys.
Graphic by Natalia Zuniga
SEPT. 26, 2018 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM
ENTERTAINMENT 13
The Nun, the fifth chapter of the Conjuring series, fails to impress and is an unholy mess ALEXIS ARANDA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“The Nun” is arguably one of the most advertised and anticipated horror movies of the year. With pre-sale tickets completely skyrocketing and beating out every other film based in the “Conjuring” universe, “The Nun” set the bar high before even premiering in movie theaters. Various screenings were organized within actual graveyards and YouTube took down the trailer because of jump scares, so it is no wonder that horror movie fans were begging to watch it as soon as possible. Because “The Conjuring” series is one of the most well-known horror series in the industry, the fact that “The Nun” tied the familiar plotline into the very beginning left many audience members with an itch to watch it. However, after watching the movie, the most horrifying part about it
Photo courtesy of thenunmovie.com
was the money required to watch it in the first place. The movie starts off in Romania with a deranged suicide, after which the Vatican sends a novitiate with a priest (Demian Bichir) to crack the case. Because of the dark history and rumors centered around the particular side of town where the suicide took place, many of the residents avoid the church located there. Frenchie (Jonas Bloquet), a local man, is caught in the midst of this situation when he sees the nun’s body hanging within the church firsthand. After putting her away in a
shed, he immediately reports the incident, prompting the official introduction of the priest and novitiate. Though the trio all have their fair share of being tortured, the novitiate is targeted the most, primarily because she has not completed her vows to become an official nun and is more susceptible to emotional manipulation. Confronted with malicious forces, the gang is forced to go through various hauntings—including being buried alive. Though these scenes left room for screams and absolute terror, audience
members were left with a bland taste in their mouths due to the poor CGI and actual lack of the Nun herself. The relationship between the novitiate and Frenchie was painfully predictable, and including a subplot of unrequited love to spice up the main plot is the oldest trick in the book. Aside from that, the protagonist of the movie played a pretty miniscule role and the entire movie felt like clickbait from a bad YouTube video. Though the storyline had potential, the movie’s theatrical elements did little to build it up, making it seem bland and a waste of time. The camera work wasn’t much better, awkwardly zooming into the actors’ faces, making the film seem a lot less scary and more like a Hallmark movie. Though incorporating the visuals and grunge aesthetic were a good choice for setting the tone, the mediocre acting and pointless one-liners completely obliterated any chance of this film being a good recommendation for any fans of horror.
Upcoming concerts, shows and exhibits coming to San Antonio: What to see and where to go RACHEL HURON CONTRIBUTING WRITER
With school comes fast approaching deadlines, stress, headaches and exhaustion. Some students should take some time to relax by checking out these upcoming events here in San Antonio. “Mel Casas: Human” is on display at the McNay Art Museum and will be available until Jan. 6, while “Pop America: 19651975” will begin on Oct. 4 and will be available until Jan. 13. Both of these exhibits are attributed to the work of Casas, a San Antonio-based artist and co-founder of the Con Safo Chicano art group. “Human” consists of six large-scale paintings revolving around political statements while “Pop America” is focused on the work of Latino pop artists. “Destino San Antonio” is on exhibit at the Briscoe Western Art Museum and will run until Jan. 21. This show focuses on life in San Antonio during the post-Civil War era, revealed through the vast collection of stereographs. The San Antonio Symphony will present John Williams’ iconic score of “Star Wars: A New Hope” live while the movie is playing on the big screen Sept. 28 through Sept. 30. By playing the score live, the symphony will create a whole new experience for even the most diehard fans of the Star Wars universe. “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” will be playing at the Magik Theatre from Oct. 5 to Nov. 12, presenting the classic educational songs generations know and love by bringing the lovable characters to life on the stage.
Scan and take a quiz to find out which event you should go to!
J. Balvin is returning to San Antonio after he impressed audiences at the rodeo with his song “Mi Gente.” Balvin is coming to the Freeman Coliseum on Oct. 7 and will perform songs from his recently released album “Vibras.” The musical “Newsies” will be performed at the Public Theater of San Antonio until Oct. 14. The show has teamed up with Ballet San Antonio to present the musical in full force in order to truly give the audience the true tone of the musical. 4U: A Symphonic Celebration of Prince is coming to the Majestic Theatre on Oct. 19 to present orchestral versions of Prince’s iconic hits. With the goal of keeping the spirit of Prince alive through orchestral renditions of the late pop icon’s music, 4U: A Symphonic Celebration of Prince was created by the Roots’ drummer Questlove . The comic Paula Poundstone is performing at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre on Oct. 19 after her hilarious performance at the San Antonio Book Festival this past spring. For students who are looking for more on Poundstone, she has created a podcast entitled “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone.” Soweto Gospel Choir is coming to the Majestic on Oct. 25. This South African ensemble performs pop music and spiritual music during the show, a multicultural concert presented by Arts San Antonio. “Circus and the City” is coming to the Witte Museum on Oct. 27. This exhibit takes a look at San Antonio’s connections to the circus, exploring the vast Hertzberg Circus Collection that the Witte Museum has to offer. The Mala Luna Music Festival, a festival dedicated to hip-hop and electronic dance music, will be on Oct. 27 and 28 at the Nelson Wolff Stadium. Rapper Cardi B is coming to San Antonio to perform in the festival, her first performance after recently giving birth to her daughter. “Becoming John Marin: Modernist at Work” will be shown from Oct. 27 to Jan. 20 at the San Antonio Museum of Art. This exhibit focuses on drawings and watercolors that present the creative process of John Marin, who was known for his interpretations of New York and rural
Maine. The exhibit shows studio drawings side by side with the completed pieces. The musical “School of Rock” will have its debut in San Antonio from Nov. 6 to Nov. 11 at the Majestic Theatre. Inspired by the 2003 film of the same name, starring Jack Black, this musical centers around a similar plot of a music-loving substitute teacher turning a class of boring private school students into a rock band. The annual event Luminaria begins Nov. 10 at Hemisfair Park with brunch, a special program at Mission San Jose and art projects galore. Luminaria will run from Nov. 9 to Nov. 11. Common is also coming to San Antonio on Nov. 25, and will be performing at the Majestic Theatre. Common has won an Academy Award for his collaboration with John Legend for the film “Selma” with their song “Glory.” A concert aptly named “Big Band Holidays” will be performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on Dec. 3 at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Trumpet master Wynton Marsalis is going to lead a 15-member jazz band containing highly regarded musicians like bassist Carlos Henriquez, saxophonist Ted Nash and trumpeter Marcus Printup. For those who identify as old souls, Elton John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” farewell tour is coming to the AT&T Center on Dec. 12. John is performing everything from “Candle in the Wind” to his awardwinning album from the “Lion King.” Elton John’s farewell tour is going to leave audiences wanting more and saying, “I guess that’s why they call it the Blues.” Brian Wilson is coming to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 17. The co-founder of the Beach Boys is going to be performing “The Beach Boys Christmas Album” alongside former Beach Boys members Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin. Legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz is coming to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 18 and will be presenting her most famous images as well as the stories behind them. Students can’t go wrong with any of these events coming to San Antonio, which just might be the break they need to clear their
Photos courtesy of SA Express-News
14 SPORTS
EDITOR:TAWNY DAVIS |@STMURATTLERNEWS | SEPT. 26, 2018
New athletic director plans big things for Rattler Athletics TAWNY DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR
Photo by Natalia Zuniga
Over the summer, St. Mary’s welcomed a new athletic director, Robert Coleman. Coleman, originally the executive director of athletics and special assistant to the president at Whittier College in California,
plans to bring a brand-new vision to the athletic department. Coleman obtained a bachelor’s degree in science management from St. Leo University, a Catholic liberal arts institution in Florida. He received a master’s degree in education with a focus in athletic administration from Springfield College in Massachusetts. Coleman has also gained comprehensive athletics administrative experience in both private liberal arts and public educational settings over the past 29 years. Over the course of his career, he has demonstrated leadership expertise in the areas of sports management, strategic planning, fundraising, budget management, marketing and recruitment and retention of staff and coaches. During his time at Whittier, he headed a varsity sports program of 22 teams with nearly 500 student athletes, 17 intramural sports and other campus recreational programs. Under his leadership, he had 92 student athletes named Academic AllAmerican, 53 named All-American, 55 teams that earned All-Academic honors and five teams that finished as the top-ranked NCAA Division III programs. Coleman previously served as director of athletics and recreational sports at The City College of New York and as the
associate director of athletics at Hunter College in New York and at his alma mater, Whittier College. Whittier’s program saw tremendous growth under Coleman as the size of the program grew from 280 to 500 student athletes over a span of five years. Coleman’s fundraising prowess also helped with the installation of a turf field, new track resurfacing, a new sound system and video displays for the university. While here at St. Mary’s, Coleman plans to take the athletics department to new heights. “I plan to reshape our culture by investing in people and paying attention to detail,” said Coleman. “I want to cast a vision for the future that will include academic excellence for all of our student athletes ... [as well as] athletic success, social responsibility and spiritual growth.” In comparing the St. Mary’s athletic program to the previous ones he has worked for, he noticed that the programs are very similar. “Though this is the fewest amount of teams ... I have managed, like any new position, there are a hundred different things to do, especially in getting this program prepared to move into a new conference next season,” said Coleman. According to Coleman, he is looking
forward to building a program that will operate with integrity and compliance and foster a culture of diversity and inclusion. “I also want to be able to fundraise at a much higher rate than we currently do,” said Coleman. “I would like to make sure that both our student athletes and coaching staff are equipped to succeed at the highest levels of Division II.” Looking back on his career at previous universities, Coleman plans to bring ideas from those athletic departments to St. Mary’s. “I would like to add a Leadership Academy for our student athletes. It was a program we started from scratch at the last school I was at and it was really well done,” said Coleman. “It incorporated target growth areas for each individual and really helped in building our program culture. I would also like to form a working relationship with one of the top apparel companies ... [which] would ... help in building ... the athletic program brand.” The athletic department, under Coleman, will hopefully see the changes he plans to implement and overall benefit from his new presence here at St. Mary’s.
Valero Alamo Bowl awards scholarships to St. Mary’s athletes AINARA MORA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
This year the Valero Alamo Bowl, a scholarship program funded by the bowl since 2000, honored St. Mary’s athletes with its annual scholarships. The winners were chosen from six of San Antonio’s fouryear universities, each with its own criteria for selection. The monetary amount for the scholarship, specifically designed for students planning to stay and work in San Antonio, varies depending on the amount of community support shown toward the program. Among the St. Mary’s athletes receiving the scholarship were Jacob Aguilar, senior finance and risk management major; Julia Cruz, sophomore exercise and sports science major; Emilio Gonzalez, sophomore management major; Staci Johns, sophomore English language arts and reading major and Monica Ramon, senior mathematics major. This award meant something different to each recipient. For Aguilar, earning this scholarship proves that his consistent late-night practices and study sessions are worth it. “[The Valero Alamo Bowl scholarship] allows me to finish here and earn a quality
degree at such a great institution,” said Aguilar. “The most important thing to me right now is to finish school and graduate on good standing and the Valero scholarship will help [me] do just that.” Emilio Gonzalez also expressed his gratitude as a recipient of the scholarship, attributing this opportunity to all of the people who have supported him on his journey. “[This scholarship is helping me] develop a great preparation for my professional life,” said Gonzalez. “It is an honor to be awarded ... this [scholarship] as it will help me throughout my entire career.” To Staci Johns, this scholarship was an immense honor that she didn’t expect. The scholarship was also a financial benefit, allowing her to have the freedom to focus on school and softball without having to worry about monetary needs. “[Thanks to this scholarship, I] have the opportunity to give back to San Antonio and aid in lowering [illiteracy] rates by helping children learn [how] to read or ... how to love reading through teaching in a high school,” said Johns. According to Monica Ramon, the award is a highlight of her life, reminding her that
St. Mary’s athletes pose at the Valero Alamo Bowl luncheon.| Photo courtesy of rattlerathletics.com
all of her hard work is paying off. “To receive [this award]means more than anyone can know,” said Ramon. “This award has connected me to many more people and will continue to do so. I want to make an impact in people’s li[ves] and to receive this means I’m taking a step closer to
achieving that.” Having St. Mary’s athletes recognized not only on the field, but off the field as well, is a nod toward the university’s emphasis on academic achievement—an emphasis that led to the university being ranked No. 15 in western regional universities for academics.
Volleyball Standings and Overall Wins as of Sept. 22, 2018 Overall 5-9 Home 1-0 Away 0-3 Neutral 4-6
SPORTS 15
SEPT. 26, 2018 | STMURATTLERNEWS.COM
Volleyball home opener ends with a victory for Lady Rattlers EVA GARCIA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
On Sept. 4, the St. Mary’s volleyball team defeated the Our Lady of the Lake University Saints at their home opener in
the Bill Greehey Arena. During the sets, the Rattlers scored 29-27, 25-22, 23-25 and 2521 to secure their victory. With a final set score of 3-1, the team felt proud about their accomplishment. Comprised of 20 girls, the volleyball team was led to victory under
The women’s volleyball team cheer on team during game.| Photo courtesy of rattlerathletics.com
Assistant Coach Justin Snyder and Coach Stephanie Armstrong, who is coaching her second volleyball season here at St. Mary’s. “Home openers are so much fun because we have the support of our fans there,” said Catherine Cruz, sophomore political science major and one of the volleyball team’s defensive specialists. “Being able to win was great, as it helped us gather more confidence for our next games and to win on our home turf is an amazing feeling.” Cruz, who recently transferred from Seton Hall University and has played volleyball since high school, said that she was not really nervous before the game. “[Everyone] gets nervous, but with the support of my teammates, it was easy to get in the rhythm of the game and perform well,” she added. “The home opener was good for us as a team in general because it boosted our confidence to continue to play well for the rest of the season.” Having won the first two sets, the Rattlers felt confident about winning their first game at St. Mary’s. “It was great to start out at home with a win,” said Haley Bradfute, sophomore communication studies major and one of the team’s setters.
Unlike Cruz, Bradfute admitted that she felt pregame nerves since it was her first home game at St. Mary’s after her transfer from Harding University this year. Like Cruz, she has also played volleyball since high school. “Since it was my first home game here as a new player, I initially had some pregame nerves,” Bradfute admitted. “As the game progressed they went away and I was able to have a lot of fun with it!” When asked what the home opener win meant for the team, Bradfute said she hoped it would help them try harder for the season. “Hopefully, starting out with the win here at home will help fuel us for the rest of the season,” said Bradfute. “We have a lot of talent on the team this year, and it will be exciting to watch it fall into place.” The first win at home gave the Rattlers an extra push to keep working harder during the season while remaining faithful to the game. With this accomplishment under their belts and the determination to continue to strive harder, it looks like it will be a successful season for the St. Mary’s volleyball team.
History made as men’s soccer team ranked #11 nationally TAWNY DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR
After being ranked No. 11 in the country among Division II schools, the St. Mary’s men’s soccer team has made history. This historic announcement came after the team defeated Metropolitan State University and the Colorado Mines, who were then ranked No. 8 in the nation. In doing so, the Rattlers picked up their first victory over an opponent ranked within the top 10, a first in 15 years. “This is a tremendous achievement for our program. It’s a huge credit to our players,” said first-year head coach Johnny Clifford. “We worked in some new ideas and played some players in new positions during preseason and it really paid off.” With this, the Rattlers have earned their highest ranking in the history of the program. “I think it’s great that we were able to accomplish this so early into our season,” said Liam Morrison, sophomore exercise
and sports science major. “I want the team to show the school that we are a team that can showcase our victories. I personally want to show everyone that we are able to accomplish something like this.” Many freshman soccer players are also excited that their first year on the team already showcases what they can do. “As this is only my first year here and ... I am a redshirt, I am proud that my team was able to accomplish this,” said Anthony Moulton, freshman forensic science major. “I hope that when I am able to start playing I can continue this historic ranking that my team has accomplished.” This ranking is yet another great accomplishment for the men’s soccer team, who hope to continue winning and moving up in the rankings. The next home game for the men’s soccer team will be on Thursday, Sept. 27.
Members on the soccer team race onto the field during DBU match. | Photo by Natalia Zuniga
Men and women’s soccer overall wins as of Sept. 22, 2018 Women’s Soccer Men’s Soccer Overall
1-3-2
Overall
4-1-1
Home
0-1-1
Home
2-0-1
Away
1-2-1
Away
2-1-0
Conference
0-3-1
Conference
2-1-0
16 FEATURES
EDITOR: SAMANTHA SALAZAR | @STMURATTLERNEWS | SEPT. 26, 2018
A Rattler History: A look back at how the student-run publication has transformed over the ages
SAMANTHA SALAZAR MANAGING EDITOR
The student-run publication for this institution, formerly known as St. Louis College, has gone through extensive change since its introduction in 1919. Not only has its name changed twice, but the content, the editorial board and the size of the publication has transformed with the ages. The two-page St. Louis College Bulletin was published Sept. 1, 1919 and was edited by the students of St. Louis College, published monthly and contained articles concerning university news. The bulletin also contained short essays by students and all official communications for the school. The first edition detailed the
The bulletin was divided into different sections, including athletic notes, which detailed the latest stats for the basketball and football teams, college notes that often included the highest grades among the students and entertainment, which chronicled things like the latest movies. An article titled “Should an educational qualification be required for suffrage?” published in November 1922 discussed the recently ratified 19th amendment and education in terms of not being a requirement for the right to vote. “[I]t matters little in what class a citizen is placed he still remains a citizen, and as such should be entitled to voice his opinion in the affairs of his government, provided always he is not disqualified by immaturity of mental incapacity. This principle is generally recognized, as is attested by the fact that the right of suffrage or voting has recently
Sketch of Chaminade Hall published in Vol. 8, No. 10.| Photo courtesy of Portal to Texas History
purpose of the bulletin and how important it would become for the students of St. Louis College. “The BULLETIN will thus henceforth be most intimately connected with the existence of S. L. C., forming part and parcel, as it were, of the student’s scholastic life. It will be his paper; for it will be his own record of his life, work and thought at College.” (Vol. 1, No. 1) The student editors were insistent on its success and encouraged their fellow classmates to get involved to make the bulletin a quality publication. “S. L. C. boys! The BULLETIN will be what you make it. See that it becomes a model school paper, the rival of any of its class in the country. You can do it!” (Vol. 1, No. 1)
been extended to woman in our country, as well as in many foreign lands.” (Vol. IV, No. 2) The St. Louis College Bulletin, only available in special collections on the third floor of the Blume Library, was published from 1919 to 1923 until St. Louis College was renamed to St. Mary’s College, spurring the introduction of the St. Mary’s College Bulletin. The new bulletin was similar in style and content to its predecessor with the only main difference being its length. The first bulletin contained only two pages while the St. Mary’s College Bulletin was 12 pages long at the time of its first issue. The first story published in the renamed bulletin outlined the decision the institution made to change its name. “At the same time it is earnestly desired
that the name of the One article entitled “St. Mary’s original foundation in D i s c ont i nu e s Football” this city be perpetuated. chronicles the Accordingly, in the u n ive rs it y ’s future the St. Louis decision College will be known to end the as the St. Mary’s College, intercollegiate while the old St. Mary’s f o o t b a l l College will be known program, as the Academy of citing finances St. Mary’s College.” as the primary (Vol. V, No. 1) reason. The St. Mary’s “S om e t i m e College Bulletin was in the future, only in existence from 1923 to 1924 until the p u b l i c a t i o n’s final name Frank “Dutch” Daehne, captain of the 1928 Rattler change, one football team, featured in Vol. 9, No. 7 of the that would Rattler.| Photo courtesy of Portal to Texas History stick for 99 years— the Rattler. The new St. Mary’s may again enter into active n a m e brought substantial intercollegiate football,” the article asserted. c h a n g e to the publication, “But for the present such plans are not including a bigger layout, more publications considered. The abandonment of the per month and a bigger editorial staff. gridiron sport is made necessary by the Instead of only three student editors, the increase of the enrollment and the fact that Rattler added an editor-in-chief, alumni finances are needed to meet the demands of scholastic necessities,” (Vol. XII, No. 10). editor, exchange editor and sports editor. The student publication for this An article entitled “The New Paper” described the changes and pronounced the institution began as a two-page bulletin that simply published university announcements growth of the new publication. “This is not exactly a newspaper, but before becoming a bigger, more inclusive rather an outgrowth or development of the publication that chronicled students and comparatively small ‘Bulletin’ to the status their experiences. Although the physical publication has been altered in many ways, of a real paper,” (Vol. 6, No. 1). Articles in the Rattler were primarily one thing remains the same: the news service that is provided to this campus for concerned with the happenings of the the students and by the students. students, events on campus and the latest sports news.
Graduating senior editors of the Rattler staff in 1927 pose for a farewell picture publishedin Vol. 8, No. 15 of the Rattler.| Photo courtesy of Portal to Texas History