The Silhouette - November 28, 2019

S The Silhouette

Thursday, November 28, 2019

T N E D U T S CHOICE INITIATIVE What does the ruling mean for students? // PAGES 4-5

INSIDE>>

FEATURE: How SCI has impacted services since its implementation // PAGES 8-9 ARTS & CULTURE: Your guide to the holiday season in Hamilton // PAGES 15-22 SPORTS: A loss for the men’s football team // PAGE 23

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The Silhouette

The Silhouette Volume 90, Issue 11

Thursday, November 28,142019 Volume 89, Issue McMaster University’s Student Newspaper Thursday, November 29, 2018 McMaster University’s Student Newspaper

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITORIAL BOARD

FOLLOW US FOLLOW US /THEMCMASTER @THE SILHOUETTE SILHOUETTE /THEMCMASTER @THE /MCMASTER SILHOUETTE SILHOUETTE SILHOUETTE

Dec.17, 1948

/MCMASTER SILHOUETTE @MCMASTER SILHOUETTE

December 6, 1974

WINTER EXAM BLUES

editor-in-chief | thesil@thesil.ca editor-in-chief | thesil@thesil.ca Hannah Walters-Vida

Emily O’Rourke @emily_oro

digital media specialist | dms@msu.mcmaster.ca digital media specialist | dms@msu.mcmaster.ca

Maxine Gravina Aaron de Jesus

LET An editorial cartoon from 1948 shows IT that, when it comes to exams at Mac, SNOW nothing has really

managing editor | managing@thesil.ca managing editor | managing@thesil.ca

NedaDhesi Pirouzmand Sasha @SashaDhesi

online editor | online@thesil.ca production editor | production@thesil.ca

Razan Samara Hamza Furmli

production editor | production @thesil online editor | online@thesil .ca.ca

Elisabetta Paiano Yvonne Lu sections sections

news editorNEWS Cassidy

Bereskin

newseditor reporter Ryan Gregorio Forrest Tse news Trisha news @thesil.caMalik news reporter Shamir

In1974, the Silchanged.

Good luck with winhouette caught ter exams! the student

news@thesil.ca features reporter Hannah Walters

Vida FEATURES features@thesil.ca features reporter Adrianna Michell features@thesil.ca opinion editor Sabrina Macklai OPINION opinion@thesil.ca opinion editor Steffi Arkilander opinions thesil.caParker editor@Justin sports SPORTS sports reporter Jessica Carmichael sports editor Graham sports @thesil.caWest sports@thesil.ca & culture editor Razan Samara artsARTS AND CULTURE arts & culture reporter Rya Buckley arts & culture editor Andrew Mrozowski aandc@thesil.ca arts & culture reporter Lauren O’Donnell artsandculture@thesil.ca media MEDIA photo editor Kyle West photo editor Cindy Cui photo reporter Catherine Goce photo reporter Matty Flader production coordinator Sukaina Imam production coordinator Katarina Brkic production coordinator Sabrina Lin production coordinator Zoya Gomes production@ thesil.ca production@thesil.ca Sasha Roshan video editor ONLINE social media Martin video coordinator editor Jaden Lall Burwell online@thesil .ca Mark social media coordinator Erica online@thesil.ca COVER PHOTO

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Silhouette is an editorially autonomous newspaper published (905) 525-9140, ext 27117 by the McMaster Students Union. The SilAdvertising houette Board of Publications acts as an inccpc@msu.mcmaster.ca termediary between the editorial board, the McMaster community and the McMaster Students Union. Grievances regarding the published by the Silhouette may be forwarded in writing to: McMaster Students Union, McMaster University Student Centre, Room 201, L8S 4S4, Attn: The Silhouette Board of Publications.

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in the middle frozen with paranoia at the tought of the upcoming exam season! Good luck, Marauders! Be safe out there!

THAT’S ALL, FOLKS!

BYEEEEEEEEEEEEE

The Silhouette is done publishing for 2019. See you in 2020!

The Silhouette is done publishing for 2018! Thanks for reading, we’ll see you in 2019!

From all of us at the Sil,

From the gang that brings you the Sil,

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

NEWS

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

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News

Responding to women’s homelessness during the winter For women without a place to live this winter, emergency shelter services are crucial Christina Reed Contributor

Every winter, many women in Hamilton find themselves without a safe, warm place to sleep.

Without protection from the elements, these women struggle to survive. As the housing crisis in Hamilton escalates, there are an increasing number of homeless women in Hamilton in need of emergency shelters each year.

In Hamilton, a number of dedicated non-profit organizations work concurrently to address the needs of women vulnerable to homelessness. Mission Services of Hamilton runs Willow’s Place, a drop-in hub providing safety and amenities during daytime hours. This includes access to showers, harm reduction services, and a secure place to rest, as well as opportunities to engage in creative and social activities.

Carole Ann’s Place is an overflow women’s shelter run by the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Hamilton.

Women coming to Carole Ann’s place are greeted with a hot meal, a safe bed to sleep in, and hot coffee the following morning. Bus tickets are also provided so that women can easily travel between the two shelters.

Mission Services and the YWCA work together to ensure “that [Willow’s Place and Carole Ann’s Place] are as around the clock as possible,” according to Violetta Nikolskaya, Senior Program Analyst at the YWCA Hamilton.

“Our relationship was built on the collaboration of women’s services - no one organization can do this alone.”

This is the fourth winter that Carole Ann’s Place has sup-

ported homeless women in Hamilton. The program originated with another Hamilton non-profit, Out of the Cold, which offers hot meals to those in need over the winter months.

“One of their volunteers was speaking to a woman who was at one of those hot meals. She talked about how she had nowhere to go after the dinner. She asked if there’s any way that she could stay overnight so that she had a warm and safe place to sleep,”, Nikolskaya recounts. “Out of the Cold wasn’t prepared to respond to that, because that’s a very considerable and very complex structural problem. They were able to speak with YWCA Hamilton, as well as other partners, and asked ‘what can we do for women like this’?”

“After all the beds are full, shelters are going above and above and beyond locating somewhere for women to sleep. But that’s not sustainable,: it’s impacting the way that they operate, and the way that they can offer services … what they found is that emergency level shelters on monthly basis are turning away women because they have no beds to offer, and they’re turning away, hundreds, hundreds of women, every month.”

For the past few years, Carol Anne’s Place has been funded

by Our of the Cold and Hamilton-Niagara’s Local Health Integration Network. When Ontario’s fourteen Local Health Integration Networks dissolved earlier this year during the merger with Ontario’s provincial health care agencies, the YWCA was unable to receive the funding which had previously supported the program. Because the new provincial funding plan has not yet been reorganized,

there would be no provincial support for Carole Ann’s Place this winter. Willow’s Place has relied on donations to expand their hours, but was also in need of further funding this winter.

In a last-minute push for emergency funding, City Hall approved $128,000 in emergency funding on November 6th to keep Carole Ann’s Place and Willow’s Place available this winter. Without this funding, Carole Ann’s Place would be unable to open this winter, leaving many homeless women with nowhere to go during dangerously cold nights. But this is not a sustainable solution for both the YWCA and the City. As Sam Merulla, the Ward 4 councillor that moved to provide the donation, stated to CBC, “It’s not good management to have someone all the sudden come in at the eleventh hour and say ‘we need a quarter of a million dollars?’ It’s not good governance.”

According to Nikolskaya, it is not uncommon for “housing programs for women homelessness [to] struggle with not having sustainable core funding”, regardless of how imperative such services are. The need to maintain emergency shelters in Hamilton becomes even more urgent with the steadily rising number of homeless women in the city. Nikolskaya reports that emergency women’s shelters have been over capacity for the last several years, and has witnessed the amount of women seeking refuge at Carole Ann’s Place increasing with every year. at times reaching 140 per cent capacity. In the winter of 20142015, only “about five women would come out to access the program [on a nightly basis]”; in the winter of 2018-2019, Car-

ole Ann’s Place saw “13 to 14 women each night on average, with nights as high as 20 [women needing shelter]”.

Many of these women, she says, are emerging from invisible homelessness. Individuals experiencing invisible homelessness are those who are inadequately housed, but aren’t often counted in statistical reports due to usually not accessible homeless services. “This can include couchsurfing in a place that’s unsafe, living in a place that’s not suitable for human habitation, like a storage container, or camping underneath bridges.”

Both shelters are invaluable to the lives of women who find themselves without somewhere to go this winter. However, organizations like the YWCA and Mission Services recognize that this is a temporary solution to the complex, systemic issue of unaffordable housing in Hamilton.

In a step towards establishing low-income housing, the YWCA Hamilton is currently building a new six-storey housing facility on Ottawa Street. 35 of the 50 units in the building will be affordable housing units with priority for those in greatest need, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, as well as those struggling with mental health, people with disabilities, veterans, and young people.

Nikolskaya emphasizes that there are a “whole host of reasons” that anyone might experience homelessness at any time, such as a relationship breakdown, a fire, a medical crisis, or an eviction, whether legal or illegal. One night as she was covering a shift at Carole Ann’s Place, she met a postsecondary

student who had been scammed by a landlord. “They were all ready to move in, and found that their landlord.. didn’t have housing for them. The student, completely shocked, found themselves homeless for one night. We talked about how how necessary it is to know, directly, that in the moment that you need an emergency service, they’re low-barrier and accessible. We were able to connect her with her further to the next step, to be able to find a suitable housing option in the short term and how to connect with friends and family to be able to problem-solve after that one really crucial night.”

“No one is immune to this.

I think that there are a lot of students at university who may have experienced troubles with a housing crisis, and they’ve resolved by couchsurfing with a friend, or connecting with friends and family, or connecting with a landlord who will be able to make an accommodation on a really quick turnover.

But not everyone is that lucky.

So, it’s really vital for us to have these department services up and running as quickly as possible.”

Mission Services and the YWCA also offer essential services to women and children fleeing abusive and/or dangerous situations. Inasmuch House, run by Mission Services, and Phoenix Place, run by the YWCA Hamilton, are shelters for women and children seeking safety from domestic violence. On top of meals, accommodation, and amenities, women are provided access to legal resources, counselling support for youth, and transitional support for women returning

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NEWS

Hannah Walters-Vida Editor-in-Chief

Neda Pirouzmand Managing Editor

On Nov. 21, the Ontario Divisional Court struck down the Student Choice Initiative, a controversial directive introduced by the provincial government which required universities and colleges to allow students to opt-out of student fees deemed “non-essential.” Three judges unanimously ruled that the government did not have the legal authority to interfere with the autonomous and democratic decision-making process between universities and student unions.

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov.28, 2019

food banks, student societies and campus media became vulnerable to funding cuts.

On May 24, the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario and the York Federation of Students launched a joint legal challenge against the provincial government’s SCI directive, claiming that the SCI was unlawful, proposed in bad faith and carried out in a way that was procedurally unfair. On the basis of the legality of the SCI, the Divisional Court of Ontario ruled in favour of CFS-O and

its own governing body … The government thus has no legal power to control the universities even if it wished to do so.”

The Ontario government attempted to defend themselves by arguing that the SCI was a “core policy decision” not subject to judicial review, and that they were exercising their prerogative power over spending decisions.

THE DECISION The Divisional Court found that by interfering with the agreement between student unions and universities, the SCI posed a threat to universities’ autonomy from the government.

Louis Century, an associate at Goldblatt Partners and lawyer for the CFS-O, sees the decision as proof of the importance of student unions.

my of the university generally,” he said.

The YFS and CFS-O also argued that the government had implemented the SCI in bad faith, on the basis of a politically-motivated attack on student unions. While the Court heard this evidence, it did not end up being a factor in determining the legality of the SCI. In a fundraising email sent to the Conservative party in February, Premier Doug Ford wrote, “Students were forced into unions and forced to pay for those unions. I think we all know what kind of crazy Marxist nonsense student unions

Collective student action leads to legal victory, but what lays ahead is uncertain On Jan. 17, 2019, Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities publicly announced the SCI alongside a series of changes to post secondary funding, including cuts to the Ontario Student Assistance Program. When students were given the opportunity to optout in September 2019, services deemed non-essential such as

YFS on Nov. 21.

The legal document explaining the judges’ decision cites previous Supreme Court rulings, which concluded that, while universities are regulated and funded by the government, “it by no means follows, however, that universities are organs of government … The fact is that each of the universities has

However, the Court’s legal documents state that, “with the exception of narrowly defined powers in the MTCU [Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities] Act, policy-making and governance authority over a university is vested in its [university’s] Boards of Governors and Senates.”

“I would hope that student unions would read this decision as an affirmation of the central role that they play on campuses. That was a core part of the Court’s decision, is recognizing that . . . they’re actually core to what happens on campuses at universities, so much so that the government overriding their affairs is overriding the autono-

get up to. So, we fixed that.

Student union fees are now opt-in.”

Kayla Weiler, the National Executive Representative of the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario, believes that the SCI was about silencing the organizations critical of the Ford government that advocate on behalf of students.

“This was never about

The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

choice. It was always about the Ford government trying to silence the exact bodies that hold them accountable and challenge them to do better,” Weiler stated during a press conference on Nov. 22.

Since its introduction, the SCI has been widely criticized.

Student union representatives have argued that, while the purpose of the SCI was to allow students to decide where their money would go, student unions already have democratic procedures in place that allow students to decide which services to fund. At McMaster, for example, undergraduate students have the opportunity to vote on fees during annual general meetings, referenda and other processes.

Weiler believes that the implementation of the SCI was to question the validity of student unions as valid democracies and valid organizations.

“It’s about time for the government to recognize us as autonomous organizations. . .What we want is to be recognized as autonomous organizations that fight for student rights, and we don’t want to have government interference into our budgets or the work that we do and we don’t want the Premier to comment on the fact that we are crazy Marxists. What we want is legislation that protects us and not hurt us,” said Weiler.

“It’s important for these conversations to be held in a particular campus because Doug Ford is not a student in 2019.

The Minister of Colleges and Universities is not a student in 2019 at Algoma University or the University of Windsor or

“This was never about choice.

It was always about the Ford government trying to silence the exact bodies that hold them accountable and challenge them to do better,” Kayla Weiler National Executive Representative of the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario George Brown College, so why are they making decisions for the students on these campuses?”

WHAT HAPPENS NOW? Unless the decision is success fully appealed, the fee structure for student unions will return to normal.

“Any legal requirements that existed before this case was brought are now restored,” said Century.

The MSU, however, will not implement the results of the Court’s decision until the appeal period closes.

“Until we have the appeal period, and until we have that final decision, we do need to operate in the most financially stable way, which is assuming that those agreements are still in place,” said MSU president Josh

Marando.

If the decision is upheld in Court, the results of the SCI will still be felt at universities and colleges across the province.

Some Ontario student unions had to cut entire jobs and services this year as a result of SCI. MSU general manager John McGowan pointed out that McMaster was lucky to be able to rely on reserve funds this year.

However, student services have still felt the impact. With their budgets uncertain, services have had to hold off on hiring and long-term planning.

Furthermore, the MSU dedicated resources towards implementing the SCI and educating students about the process.

“There has been quite a bit of time and energy put into creating the fees, educating students on what those fees look like, as well as making sure that we’re compliant with the framework and the new tuition and ancillary fee framework,” said Marando.

If the SCI decision is upheld in court, it will mean that an unlawful directive caused harm to campus services and student unions. Chris Glover, the MPP for Spadina–Fort York and the Ontario New Democratic Party’s postsecondary critic, noted that many campus services are currently struggling financially as a result of the SCI. Glover called on Ford to reimburse student services for the losses they incurred under SCI. “I really think that the government should step up …

Their actions were unlawful and now students are suffering, campus services are suffering,

“Until we have the appeal period, and until we have that final decision, we do need to operate in the most financially stable way, which is assuming that those agreements are still in place,” Josh Marando MSU president

“The [government’s] actions were unlawful and now students are suffering, campus services are suffering, and the government should make up for this shortfall, Doug Ford should make up for this shortfall,” Chris Glover MPP for Spadina–Fort York and the Ontario New Democratic Party’s postsecondary critic

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and the government should make up for this shortfall, Doug Ford should make up for this shortfall,” said Glover during a press conference.

If the student fee structure that existed before the SCI is restored, it is unclear how services and clubs whose funds have been negatively impacted may be compensated, if at all.

Both CFS-O and YFS representatives emphasized that, at the very least, the Court’s decision should be a lesson as to the importance of engaging with and protecting the democratic processes at all universities and colleges.

@TheSilhouette

ANDREW MROZOWSKI / A&C EDITOR Representatives from the Canadian Federation of Students and the York Federation of Students, along with MPP Chris Glover, spoke at a press conference on Nov. 22.

PRESIDENT’S PAGE

November 28, 2019 | thesil.ca

in October of 2019. Over the last several weeks, the Board has laid the groundwork to implement each and every recommendation made within the review and prepared an implementation plan to share with the campus community.

JOSH MARANDO President president@msu.mcmaster.ca 905.525.9140 x23885

In March of 2019, the MSU committed itself to hiring an independent consultant to review all polices, practices, and structures related to the Maroons, as well as the organization as a whole, in regards to sexual violence response and prevention. That process was led by Karen Bridgman-Acker (BA), (BSW), (MSW) – an expert in workplace harassment and human rights investigations and workplace violence risk assessments. Karen was in control of all aspects of the investigation and was given as much time as necessary to complete the review.

The review invited any and all members of the McMaster community to participate and special outreach was directed to current and former Maroons members. Logistically, Karen conducted numerous phone interviews, in-person interviews, and collected anonymous survey data.

The review is now complete and was received by the Board of Directors

“I would like to again reiterate the MSU’s condemnation of sexual violence, as well as our commitment to fully implement the recommendations provided by the external review.”

What we learned is that we need to do better. The report highlights that there were people who volunteered or participated in the Maroons, who felt uncomfortable reporting incidents of harassment. The Board of Directors takes responsibility for overcoming the structural shortcomings as outlined in the recommendations. Further, on behalf of the organization, I would like to apologise to the students, volunteers, and staff members who were letdown or left unsupported by the workplace policies of the MSU. Beginning immediately, the Board of Directors commits to instituting all recommendations made within the report, including:

The President’s Page is a space sponsored and used by the McMaster Students Union (MSU) Board of Directors (BoD) to communicate with the student body. It functions to highlight the Board’s projects, goals, and agenda for the year, as well as the general happenings of the MSU.

•

Continuing the probation already in place within the Maroons on an ongoing basis, and extending specific event planning / approval systems to all services.

•

Conducting the necessary consultations and research to update the current Workplace Anti-Violence, Harassment, and Sexual Assault Prevention Policy.

•

Creating a neutral, third-party intake process for disclosures, reports, and concerns relating to harassment, sexual harassment, and workplace violence, in conjunction with the Senior Human Rights Officers and Sexual Violence Prevention and Response resources located in the Equity and Inclusion Office.

•

Committing to new systems of ensuring all full- and part-time staff, as well as volunteers receive mandatory training at their time of hire and throughout regular intervals during their employment relating to MSU workplace policies, and health and safety policies, while ensuring inclusive practises, accessibility, and sexual violence response and prevention are prioritized.

SARAH JOSH MARANDO FIGUEIREDO President

VP (Administration)

I would like to thank everyone who took the time and energy to share information with Karen. I applaud your bravery. In doing so you have helped guide the findings and recommendations that will be instituted by this organization.

The report can be found at msumcmaster.ca and should be read alongside the MSU’s commitments to action document, which outlines how each recommendation made by the report will be implemented and the work that has been done thus far. In addition, Hagar Akua Prah, Consultant on Sexual Violence Prevention and Response within the Office of Equity and Inclusion, is available on campus for one-on-one support and can be reached at prahh@ mcmaster.ca or extension #20909.

On a final note, I would like to again reiterate the MSU’s condemnation of sexual violence, as well as our commitment to fully implement the recommendations provided by the external review. I would like to reaffirm the Board of Director’s commitment to eliminating any barriers to reporting and/or supporting disclosures of harassment or sexual violence inside any aspect of the MSU. I welcome any and all feedback, questions, and discussion regarding the recommendations and action plans contained in the statement and commitment to action.

SHEMAR HACKETT VP (Education)

ALEX JOHNSTON VP (Finance)

Call For Nominations

PRESIDENT’S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT LEADERSHIP

The McMaster community is invited to nominate an undergraduate student for the President’s Award of Excellence in Student Leadership.

The deadline date is Friday, March 13, 2020.

This annual award recognizes undergraduate students that have demonstrated a commitment to the University’s belief in excellence in its student body. For more information on the award or to obtain a nomination form visit:

studentaffairs.mcmaster.ca/students/the-presidents-award-of-excellence/

Money talks: building financial literacy through expert advice Additionally, Zanbergen suggests that students keep a list of achievements and experiences to help build confidence and overcome imposter syndrome.

Vanessa Bowen, Chartered Professional Accountant and Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner

The fact that 6 out of 10 Canadians only have basic financial skills means that there’s a sizeable gap in financial education. Mac’s Money Centre is helping students bridge this gap.

For individuals who couldn’t attend the event, here’s a recap of the panellists’ top tips and insights.

Last week, Mac’s Money Centre hosted Money Talks With Financial Experts as part of Financial Literacy Month. The event featured an interactive panel discussion to help students gain confidence in their money management skills.

When dealing with finances, “the comparison culture we live in can be very damaging,” according to Sarah Zandbergen.

She recommends that students resist the urge to compare themselves to others.

Sarah Zandbergen, Senior Program Specialist, stnce

According to Vanessa Bowen, most people have “mental and emotional blocks that [keep them] from setting concrete financial goals and actually achieving them.” To address these blocks, Bowen suggests people “take the time to understand [their] relationship with money.”

Students can take the quiz on mintworthy.co/quiz to learn about their money blocks.

Bowen’s book, Money Mindset Workbook is another useful resource.

Lauren Smith, Entrepreneur For entrepreneur Lauren Smith, “[having] one stream of income is so yesterday.” She encourages students to be confident and make the most of every side hustle. “You need to be the one to hype yourself up,” she says.

Additionally, she encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to value time more than money. This means it’s OK to ask for help.

According to Smith, “Nobody is self-made — everyone has a ton of people lifting [them] up. If you don’t have that community, create it.”

Kim Kukulowicz, Senior Vice President, Residential Sales at EQ Bank Kim Kukulowicz’s approach to professional and financial success isn’t based in clichés.

She says, “it’s not about climbing, it’s about being lifted up the corporate ladder.”

This requires patience, but good work and dedication

will pay off with growth and development.

Additionally, Kukulowicz knows that financial confidence is key. She says, “If you can become confident in one area in your life, it should be your finances.”

Visit: studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/ events/flm to learn about Financial Literacy Month events and workshops.

Students can visit: money.mcmaster.ca to support their financial literacy — not just during Financial Literacy Month, but all year.

Sponsored by:

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FEATURE

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov.28, 2019

Did we choose student life?

Two months out from the SCI rollout we still don’t know the numbers, but some services are feeling the impact

CINDY CUI / PHOTO EDITOR

Adrianna Michell Features Reporter

September 2019 marked the first of possibly many registration periods in which students could opt-out of student union fees deemed non-essential.

This change, instituted by the Government of Ontario in January 2019, is part of the widely criticised Student Choice Initiative. In the past, McMaster’s student union fees for all clubs and services have been mandatory. Non-essential fees range from a few dollars, like the $1 fee for Mac Farmstand or $2 for Horizons, to $13.72 for CFMU 93.3FM or $17.50 for Campus Events. As early as January, student groups have feared the worst and prepared for the inevitable cuts.

Nearly two months after the SCI was introduced, the impact on students and the MSU isn’t entirely clear. Despite other uni-

versities having already released comprehensive opt-out rates to their university’s student unions, McMaster’s registrar’s office still hasn’t released final numbers. According to Alex Johnston, the MSU’s vice president (finance), an official breakdown won’t be released until registration is finalized.

The final registration numbers have yet to be disclosed by the university.

What we do know is that students opted out of services at a rate of roughly 32 per cent across non-essential fees. These fees include services such as campus events, Shinerama and Mac Farmstand. How this 32 per cent rate translates into absolute dollar losses for the MSU is unclear, and Johnston says it’s difficult to speculate.

Throughout the opt-out period, Johnston states that the MSU prioritized transparency. For example, the MSU created a “Choose Student Life” page to

encourage undergraduate students to learn about the MSU services and fee breakdown before opting out.

“We did communicate that this could lead to the potential for a pay-for-service model or a reduction of overall services or just reduction in service operations. So those are things we did communicate. . . Where we actually end up going right now, again I think it’s a little too soon to tell,” said Johnston.

Despite the MSU’s focus on transparency, some felt that the MSU could have done more.

Ed*, a part-time manager of a student service deemed non-essential that asked not to be identified, said that they were displeased with the MSU’s communication leading up to and throughout the SCI implementation.

“Communication has been fraught. Everytime I would bring it up I would receive a ‘we don’t know for sure yet’. And

then no follow ups,” said Ed. Peter*, another PTM that has asked for their identitiy to remain anonymous, felt that work they had previously done to improve their service’s finances hadn’t been taken into consideration. They felt that the MSU should have encourage more discussion about SCI leading before the opt-out period.

“I knew for the majority of my role finances are important … which is why I made a lot of changes … I don’t want to say they weren’t willing to have that conversation really early, but I kind of wish we had that conversation early,” said Peter.

As for faculty societies, whose fees were also deemed non-essential, the SCI’s impact is unclear.

Madeleine Raad, the McMaster social sciences society president, said that the society is being careful about spending, although the alumni society has

stepped up to fill their funding gaps.

...The society is being careful about spending, although the alumni society has stepped up to fill their funding gaps.

“From my understanding, the social sciences opt-out was not as high per say maybe other faculties I might have heard of.

However our fee is one of the lower fees, our fee is $16,” said Raad.

Although it may be too soon to see the long term impact of the SCI, changes are already being made to non-essential services.

To prepare for the possibili-

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MSU Office C/O MADELINE NEUMAN

ty of high opt-out rates, all MSU services were asked by the executive board to make pre-emptive cuts to their operating budgets for the 2019-2020 school year. “[We] cut back on things most companies cut back on which is promotions … The last thing you want to cut back on are salaries and wages and actual staffing positions,” said Sandeep Bhandari, the campus radio station’s administrative director.

In the Oct. 20, 2019 SRA meeting, Johnston gave a report on audited statements from the MSU’s 2018-2019 fiscal year.

While optimistic, the numbers reflected deficits across the MSU. Johnson mentioned that the Underground, the Silhouette, and 1280 Bar and Grill all had large deficits and outlined plans for improving finances going forward. Johnston also said that the MSU is soliciting proposals from an external consultant to assist with financial changes the MSU will need to make going forward as the SCI becomes an annual affair.

“If we continue the way we’re going, we’re going to deplete our operating funds in two years. So that’s obviously not sustainable so we need to make some changes going forward,” said Johnston.

Johnston also reported that the MSU’s executive board, comprised of full-time staff and SRA members, had also made decisions that impact part-time services. The Executive Board has decided to push back the hiring of PTMs for Macycle and

Farmstand into 2020, although they are traditionally hired in the fall. Johnston said this decision was made to buy the MSU more time to figure out a financial plan going forward.

While this is a temporary pushback, there are still worries that the PTMs will be expected to participate in the hiring process after their terms without pay or be cut out of the important process it entirely.

“This is a discussion that happened in close session … but we did decide to delay the hiring for Farmstand and Macycle.

Typically those part time managers are hired … but due to the fact that we don’t have final optin numbers yet we did decide to delay their hiring so we could re-evaluate then move onwards,” said Johnston.

The executive board also made the decision to pause all operations for the Creating Leadership Amongst Youth conference for the 2020 year.

Typically CLAY happens in May, but this year will be the exception.

“We did decide to put a hold on operations for CLAY 2020 just because we couldn’t delay the hiring and then have the part-time manager start later because the conference just couldn’t function,” said Johnston.

Johnston says these decisions are a part of the MSU’s efforts to develop a strategy to make the union more sustainable going forward. The long term impacts of the SCI are

unclear, but the MSU is doing what it can to adapt, including expanding The Grind in an attempt to alleviate 1280’s running deficit and hiring a full complement of staff for the Underground so it can operate at full capacity.

A big concern for most non-essential service employees was job security.

James Tennant, CFMU program director, and Bhandari stressed the importance of student radio, especially for student staff who can’t get these unique experiential learning opportunities elsewhere.

“It’s been said for many years it’s giving a voice to those who don’t otherwise have access to the airways.

And that is the nature of campus community radio across the country.”

Sandeep Bhandari CMFU Administrative Director

“We do have a very small staff compared to some other services on campus. But [job cuts are] definitely a concern,

CINDY CUI / PHOTO EDITOR

and it’s the last thing we would want to do … Because they’re valuable to us and the experience they get in the positions is valuable to the students,” said Tennant.

Bhandari said, “It’s been said for many years [campus radio is] giving a voice to those who don’t otherwise have access to the airways. And that is the nature of campus community radio across the country.”

Peter also reflected on the SCI. He expressed dismay that his efforts to improve his service’s financials weren’t headed leading up to the SCI implementation, despite clearly outlining ways the service could improve financially going forward in the wake of the SCI. Ed wished that there had been a bigger push over the months leading up to the optout period, not just during it.

“SCI’s really bad but the MSU’s attitude of not talking about it makes everything worse,” said Ed. Ed also had hoped for solidarity amongst all MSU services, not just advocacy from the ones impacted. He felt like nearly enough people weren’t talking about it.

Indeed, when Sandy Shaw, MPP for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas, visited campus in February 2019 to talk about the provincial policies impacting students, the MSU gave her a tour of the PCC, Maccess and WGEN—three services deemed essential and therefore not at risk of being impacted by the

SCI.

Despite criticism of the SCI’s rollout and MSU advocacy efforts, many PTMs are are just worried for the future of their services.

Peter said, “That’s been the biggest impact of SCI: emotionally. The worry for the future of the service.”

Ed said, “If my service doesn’t run its going to affect the people who volunteer for me and it’s going to affect all those people who use my service regularly.”

“I’m sad because I don’t want my service to die,” said Ed.

“I’m sad because I don’t want my service to die,” Ed Anonymous part-time manager of a student service deemed nonessential With the SCI mandated for the next two years, with possibility for renewal, the long-term implications could be dire. Without a clear path forward, part-time student staff, volunteers and services users are left to worry for what is to come. MSU advocacy may have mitigated what could have been worse opt-out numbers, but future efforts will be essential to keep services afloat. *Names have been changed to perserve anonymity

We’re here to cheer you on and cheer you up during exam season. Join us for Cheer Week, happening Wednesday, December 4 to Tuesday, December 10, 2019.

Wednesday December 4

Thursday December 5 5

Cheers to the Last Day of Class: Our cheerful staff will make their way across campus delivering joy and sweets.

Time: Throughout the day Where: Across campus Drop-in December Dinner and De-Stressor: Only open to transfer and first gen students.

Sponsored Study Space + Prizes: The SSC is sponsoring additional exam study space in MUSC. Our cheerful team will be giving away prizes to those who are studying throughout the day.

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Where: MUSC Marketplace

Celebrate the last day of classes by stopping by the SSC for dinner, tips for studying, crafts and board games!

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Where: Student Success Centre (GH 110) Register on OSCARplus

5

Friday December 6

Saturday December 7

Sunday December 8

First Day of Exams Boost: Having an exam on the first day can be rough!

Stop by the SSC to grab a beverage (smoothies, coffee and tea).

We’re Cheering for You! Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for a surprise video from our staff.

Bring the Cheer: Toronto Raptors Viewing: Come to a Toronto Raptors basketball game viewing party in our office. This will start our three week viewing series that will take place throughout December.

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: Student Success Centre (GH 110)

Follow @MacSSC on social media to find out more!

Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Student Success Centre (GH 110)

Monday December 9

Tuesday December 10

Unwind at the SSC: De-stress with various activities throughout the day in the SSC.

Pro-craft-ination: Two featured crafts:

Snacks included!

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Ugly Sweater/Hat Decorating

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where: Student Success Centre (GH 110)

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Beading Bookmarks

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where: Student Success Centre (GH 110)

Check the website for full details: studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/events/cheer-week

Study comfortably: Exam tips and McMaster’s best study spots BSB tutorial rooms Pros: Huge rooms (good for bigger groups).

Cons: The rooms can be cold. Bundle up.

The Grind (MUSC basement) Pros: Café atmosphere, lots of drinks and treats.

Cons: The space can get busy.

Bring headphones to reduce distractions.

Winter is coming, and snowy weather is at our front door.

For some, this is the perfect time of year to curl up with a good book or podcast and a hot drink. But during exam season, these activities can feel more stressful than relaxing.

And hot, caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea may be more of a necessity than a comfort.

spots and exam tips to help you de-stress and study comfortably.

Remember, you’re not alone.

At the Student Success Centre, we’ve asked our student academic coaches to give us their top on-campus study

Mills Library fourth floor Pros: Good place to focus, less intense than the silent floor.

Cons: Only some spots have outlets. Arrive fully charged.

Study spots MDCL study rooms Pros: Private study rooms (10–15 seats), whiteboard/ blackboard.

Cons: These rooms aren’t available during the day.

HSL reading pavilion Pros: Natural light, big tables.

Cons: Outlets are unreliable. Charge ahead of time.

Thode Library second floor Pros: Open until 2:00 a.m., cozy wall and corner spots.

Cons: It can get loud and busy.

Find a corner spot.

MUSC second floor Pros: Spacious cubicles, open areas for groups.

Cons: The area can get noisy. Bring headphones.

Don’t miss out: On December 5, the SSC is reserving spots for studying in MUSC first floor.

Study tips 1. Study for multiple exams at the same time: Don’t panic over closely-scheduled exams. Make a study schedule for all your exams from the start.

For help dealing with academic stress, visit the SSC in GH 110.

We’re here to cheer you on and cheer you up during exam season. Join us for Cheer Week, happening December 4 to 10.

Follow @MacSSC on social media for details.

2. Don’t ignore “easy” courses: The exams won’t be easy if you have to cram last minute. Keep up with course content.

3. Work on memory recall: Reread your notes, then use flashcards and practice questions to help you remember the content.

4. Make the most of practice tests: Don’t refer to your notes during practice tests. Try to simulate a real exam setting.

Thanks to our academic coaches for all their insight.

Sponsored by:

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

The Silhouette

| 11

Opinion It’s okay to change. No, really.

A reflection of undergrad through the eyes of an alumna Anonymous Contributor

I was never a Welcome Week rep, so being on campus during Welcome Week this year was my first reacquaintance with the emotional rollercoaster of starting university since being in first year. I remember standing bashfully in the middle of a circle of clapping reps, overwhelmed by their kindness. I remember feeling like I didn’t deserve to be here, and hoping that would change soon.

For me, though, it didn’t change, not for a long time.

This year, talking to first years and learning about their hopes and fears reminded me that my first year at university felt less like swimming and more like drowning.

I was always more of a literature person, swayed by my own uncertainty and the emphasis placed on math and science as more “useful” majors, I chose to go into STEM. There were so many good things in my first year of university. There was my residence with its pretty arched windows.

There was friendship. There were string lights and jam sessions and group photos and marathons of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

There was warmth, but I could barely feel it.

I spent my days and nights shut away, working around the clock, yet watching as my grades plummeted. I felt paralyzed at the bottom of a vast and suffocating ocean, watching from below as everyone else swam up into the sun. And that feeling became my normal.

I regularly received test grades I never thought I’d see. I took it personally. I fluctuated between shock, sadness and ringing numbness. I was warned against trying to go on. But I still persisted, driven to continue pushing myself and retaking courses to get better grades.

Why? You wouldn’t be the first person to ask.

Whenever I felt like it was time for a change, I would feel my chest tighten. I could never really identify this emotion, but I thought that if it kept me motivated to persevere without changing my mind, it was ultimately good, right?

But it wasn’t good. It was fear.

I was afraid to accept what I considered a failure. Everyone around me seemed so certain of their futures to me, and I felt so ashamed when I thought about admitting that I had just been trying to imitate their confidence without really feeling it.

It felt like trying to draw a perfectly straight line freehand when everyone else had a ruler.

And … it was university, right? The best four years of our lives. It’s supposed to be perfect. We’re supposed to make it perfect.

And therein lies the core of this harmful way of thinking.

Culturally, we’re so obsessed with the myth of the perfect postsecondary education experience (and our individual responsibility to make it so) that any mistake feels like an unforgivable failure of the self.

And I think my shame at the struggle I was experiencing stemmed directly from my belief in that myth. I was so worried about how what I was doing looked to everyone else that I forgot to ask myself how I felt about it.

Even if we hear it’s okay to

make mistakes, it’s so hard for us to actually believe it. And some of us never actually hear it at all.

I think it’s past time to turn that around.

Pushing myself to the limit in pursuit of a false narrative of perfection took me farther from true understanding, not closer to it. Only redirecting my energy to something I wanted to pursue and overhauling my entire mindset about university could do that.

And that wasn’t a fast process. At first, when friends and family suggested that I look into changing my major, I resisted.

But closer to the end of the year, while reviewing for finals, I started to go through my old notes, written painstakingly down on paper, late into the

night. I had worked so hard, so much harder than I even realized. Shouldn’t I be happy?

Shouldn’t I finally, finally be proud of myself?

But I wasn’t. I had missed out on spending time with my friends. I wasn’t taking care of myself like I should. I spent all my time not looking forward to what I could gain, but dreading what else I might lose. And, ultimately, I hadn’t brought myself any closer to a student life that I could thrive in.

I was still reluctant to admit that I needed help, but I came to realize that unless I wanted to graduate in this exact same situation, I needed to make a change. There was no other option.

So I reached out, asked for help, and decided on a new direction. I took that leap and changed my major, and it was a massive relief. When I started a new subject, I learned to listen to myself, to recognize happiness and excitement in myself and follow where that led me.

Suddenly, I loved what I was doing. One day in fourth year, I realized I could look back on my past mistakes with compassion instead of shame. And that’s when I knew: that’s what I should have done all along.

I never want anyone to feel how I felt back then. But maybe you have. Or maybe you do right now.

So, with my own past in mind, I’ll tell you what I’ve told every first-year I’ve met who has asked me: it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to change your mind. It’s okay if you need help. And no mark on your transcript, whether it’s a one or a 12, could ever, ever cost you the right to your own happiness and well-being.

No exceptions. @TheSilhouette

KATARINA BRKIC / PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

12 |

OPINION

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov.28, 2019

When land is not enough Settler theft of Indigenous opportunity

A banner on campus promoting the Indigenous Studies program at McMaster CINDY CUI / PHOTO EDITOR Evan Jamieson-Eckel Contributor

On Nov. 8, 2019, Indigenous women took to Twitter to call out Ainsley Whynacht.

Whynacht applied for an Indigenous Student scholarship through the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and received one of the six awards worth $1,500.

Her paper, which was required to apply for the scholarship, discussed the negative conditions experienced by people living on reservations. Here’s the catch: Whynacht is not Indigenous (and, no, claiming fake Indigenous identity doesn’t count).

The issue here is theft of opportunity for Indigenous peoples that may otherwise allow us to reclaim our voices. If we look at this issue on a broader level, it is more common than you might realize. In this era of reconciliation that we are currently in, it has become acceptable for mainstream society to consume anything Indigenous without reciprocation or even a basic awareness of the consequences of consumption. This non-reciprocal consumption occurs here at McMaster University, where settlers can major or minor in

Indigenous studies.

You read that right: our university provides the means for settlers to establish a career in dominating Indigenous voices.

This is a core issue with reconciliation-driven initiatives.

Instead of creating opportunities for Indigenous people to reclaim our voices, make a living and rebuild Indigenous nationhood, mainstream Canadian society maintains the oppression of Indigenous peoples by supporting the creation of settler “indian experts”. Settlers like William Fenton, an anthropologist who rewrote Haudenosaunee history as he saw fit throughout the mid 1900’s, have dominated Indigenous knowledge and its reproduction for centuries. Twisting the truth of our Nations and cultures to better suit settler needs and wants has always taken priority over undoing the destruction caused by settler colonialism. Institutions like McMaster University allow Settlers to continue to have our cake and eat it too, in 2019 and beyond.

Now using reconciliation as their excuse, Settlers are all too eager to find the next way to benefit from Indigenous ex-

perience. With most of our land base taken from us, the knowledge we’ve protected as Indigenous peoples is more valuable than ever. While Whynact’s theft of $1,500 is wrong, it is also a drop in the bucket compared to the wealth that settler graduates in Indigenous studies will generate at our expense in the future. There are various lucrative jobs that having a degree in Indigenous studies will allow you to be considered for, including in education and politics. As of right now, the average annual salary for these kinds of jobs is around $94,743. Having a minor or major in Indigenous studies acts as a resume buffer when reconciliation is positively regarded in hiring processes.

These institutional preferences may prevent employers from addressing discrimination in their hiring practices, as credentials such as a university degree will outweigh actual Indigenous experience. This is a major problem since many Indigenous peoples do not have the ability to attend university to obtain a degree in something that is clearly for us, yet it is all available on a silver platter to be consumed by those who can afford to enroll in the Indigenous

studies program.

The issue goes deeper on the local level. Even before settler students at McMaster University graduate from the program, they are also able to obtain employment as teaching assistants in Indigenous studies classes. I took this issue to CUPE 3906, who are now bargaining to give preference to Indigenous applicants in the TA hiring process. This is common practice in other Indigenous-focused organizations and programs. Beyond obtaining a degree in Indigenous studies, employers will also be looking for graduates with experience.

By allowing settler students to be TAs in Indigenous Studies courses, it sets them up for further success and profit when they enter the job market as settler graduates will have the added experience of being a TA. Worse still, the dynamic of settlers marking Indigenous knowledge is problematic in its own right. Considering how unemployment is often referenced in anti-Indigenous racism through laziness or lack of intelligence, it is a wonder that settlers will also take away employment opportunities that are best suited by Indigenous

peoples ourselves.

To be clear, Settlers that take advantage of opportunities that are meant for Indigenous people are not helping us. The impact of their actions will always outweigh their intent.

If they were committed to real reconciliation, settlers would learn how to not take up space and know when it is time to stay in their own lane for once in the history of Indigenous/ Settler relations. They would only take Indigenous Studies courses to supplement their learning, not as a minor or a major that allows them to establish authority over the subject.

They would support Indigenous peoples in their efforts to rebuild their Nations. They would not be looking for the next way to make a buck at our expense.

They would take the time to educate themselves about the settler-colonial foundation of Canada, understand their complicity in it and seek out Indigenous written resources for how to commit to genuine reconciliation. @TheSilhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

The Silhouette

| 13

The CSSA de-ratification from an SRA member’s perspective The process has been unclear, even though it shouldn’t be Eric Sinnige Contributor

cw: white supremacists Note: This article is from the perspective of an individual Student Representative Assembly member, and not representative of the whole SRA, or the McMaster Students Union, in any way.

The Sept. 22 deratification of the McMaster Chinese Students and Scholars Association has been a frequent topic in the SRA and the Sil for the past few weeks, and an issue that the SRA has been aware of since the inciting incident occurred back in February 2019. Since then, there have been many miscommunications about the de-ratification process and what was going on as a whole with the club to the student body, which I would like to clarify.

The current SRA members for the 2019-2020 year took office in April. I was unaware of the actions of the previous SRA with respect to the Mac CSSA incident because, at the time, I had not been very involved.

In July, when it came time to ratify clubs for the 2019-2020 school year in July, I was given the impression that Mac CSSA was to be under probation for a calendar due to the February incident upon ratification for the 2019-2020 year. Evidently, this had not been true. As there is no transition process between outgoing SRA members and incoming SRA members, and along with internal miscommunication, this caused previous meeting events to be misunderstood.

In the weeks leading up to the Sept. 22 meeting, where Mac CSSA was de-ratified, I met with McMaster students, who had contacted me to ask about what was going on with Mac CSSA and if the MSU or SRA would be taking action. Other SRA members were also contacted by their constituents, leading to investigation and eventually de-ratification. You can find evidence from these personal investigations in SRA documents from meeting 19H, which include the meeting minutes and documents labelled with CSSA. Many of the students

The SRA acted on the deratification of Mac CSSA. C/O KYLE WEST

felt unsafe as a result of Mac CSSA’s actions and concerned that they could not express their political or academic freedoms, especially in criticizing the Chinese government, without repercussions for them or their families.

Some people have subsequently spoken out against the de-ratification as procedural unfairness or bias. I understand these concerns, as this process has been anything but clear.

Please continue to hold the SRA and MSU accountable for our actions.

I understand these concerns, as this process has been anything but clear. Please continue to hold the SRA and MSU accountable for our actions.

To clarify the procedural unfairness issues: the SRA did not disband Mac CSSA, but rather removed its status as an MSU club. Disbandment is a sanction, handed out to the club by the Clubs Executive Council so they may not operate as

an MSU Club for a calendar year, that the SRA then makes official. Instead of disbandment, the SRA de-ratified Mac CSSA in July, rescinding its recognition as an MSU club. This meant that while Mac CSSA could still operate, the MSU would not allow them access to clubs resources such as funding and room booking. This difference between disbandment and de-ratification is important, as the latter process removes MSU club status through SRA motions, and does not go through the CEC. As such, the SRA is not required to grant an appeal period, as no appeal process exists for the SRA. However, one was granted anyways. In good faith, Mac CSSA should have received a notice that their de-ratification motion was on the upcoming agenda, despite not technically being required.

This to me was due to a lack of communication. This needs to be changed, and the clubs policy review, which will encompass the CEC, will include these concerns.

As for the bias concerns, these I can only address as myself. My reason for voting in favour of de-ratification was due to Mac CSSA’s reporting of Rukiye Turdush’s Feb. 11 talk, which was about the Uyghur concentration camps in China, to the Chinese consulate. Dis-

agreeing with the event is Mac CSSA’s right, but the endangerment of students, and Rukiye Turdush, is unacceptable. The SRA had also previously acted with the safety of students in mind during meeting 19F, when the Dominion Society (formerly the MacDonald Society) was de-ratified for the potential to endanger students after the SRA received evidence that linked the club to white supremacists.

While Mac CSSA claimed that the previous president had acted alone in reporting the event to the consulate, they did not rescind the statement, and conversations with the other clubs that co-signed the statement point to being pressured

by Mac CSSA’s executive team to add their clubs’ names. Mac CSSA provided no evidence to dispute any information in the statement.

The risk of endangering others for exercising their right to expression, especially those of marginalized groups, should not exist on this campus. Students who wish to engage in academic or political thought opposing the Chinese government, especially Chinese international students, should not be at risk.

The evidence brought forward during SRA meetings highlighted how the Chinese government has monitored and interfered with students and citizens

abroad, as seen in both U.S. government reports and international headlines, and as such I felt it was in the best interest of student and staff safety to remove the recognition of Mac CSSA as an official MSU club for a full calendar year.

Chinese international students should feel welcome and safe on our campus. Other groups that offer support for Chinese students are the Chinese Students Association, McMaster Chinese News Network and MELD Students Association. The SRA is doing an ongoing review of how international students are supported by the MSU and on campus as a whole.

Please contact either myself or another SRA representative if you would like to be involved.

If you wish to contact me with questions or for any clarification, you can write to sraeng@msu. mcmaster.ca or my personal email at sinnigee@mcmaster.ca.

@TheSilhouette

14 |

OPINION

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

Cancel culture doesn’t exist. It never has.

If cancel culture does exist (which it doesn’t) it’s extremely ineffective

A cursor hovering over a cancel button.

CINDY CUI / PHOTO EDITOR

of Hollywood and the public leaders of the world would be jobless and hated by the masses. cw: racism, sexual assault, trans- However, this is not the case.

In fact, there are many public phobia figures who publicly defame and maliciously target groups “Cancel culture”, also known as of marginalized people whose “call-out culture” is a form of careers have yet to be destroyed. social and real-world boycotJordan Peterson, a professor ting of a public figure who has and clinical psychologist at the done wrong, by an individual University of Toronto, is what or a group of people. Typical the far right describes as a man celebrities and public figures who says it how it is. He does that contribute to acts of social many talks on the dangers and discrimination such as racism, toxicity of political correctness misogyny or homophobia are and believes that freedom of so called “victims” of our “toxic speech is under attack by the cancelling”. Many argue that the existence of cancel culture is left. However, many of Peterson’s harmful and it only discourages supporters use his arguments about freedom of speech to people to grow from their past justify their refusal to call trans mistakes.

I, however, argue that while students by their preferred pronouns, and to endorse or the intentions of cancel culture promote oppressive rhetoric are displayed during public without backlash. scandal, the entirety of cancel Many U of T students culture as a concept doesn’t exist. disagree with Peterson’s transI believe that it’s only in its first phobic ideologies and some have stage of existing. And this first petitioned for him to be fired. stage is not nearly as promiIf cancel culture really existed, nent in today’s society nor is it someone like Peterson would as effective in “ending people’s lose their job in an instant. Not livelihoods” as it is often made only does Peterson still have his out to be.

While I agree that there are job, he appears at many events celebrities that have had their ca- across Ontario at universities to reers ruined due to actions they discuss how freedom of speech have made in the past, I wouldn’t is in great need of protection.

By giving Peterson the platform say that public figures are “victo express this harmful narratims” of this boycott. Bill Cosby and R. Kelly, two men who have tive, universities are essentially commited countless sex crimes, enabling Peterson and telling marginalized students they don’t are examples of celebrities who have been publicly cancelled and matter to the administration. sentenced to jail for their crimes. McMaster is no exception to this. Peterson gave a talk at McHowever, two examples are not Master, despite student protest, enough to prove that cancel in 2017. culture exists.

Former President Patrick If we’re going off the idea that cancel culture is once a pub- Deane of McMaster defended lic figure has offended a group of the university’s decision to have Peterson come speak about people, their careers are ruined political correctness stating that and they aren’t ever allowed to taking opportunities to listen to change, then more than half Suad Alad Contributor

someone speak, even someone one might “vehemently disagree with” is a crucial part of education. He felt that for this reason, excluding Peterson, or any controversial figure, would be an unjust decision, even though one of Peterson’s main topics of focus is the protection of transphobic rhetoric.

What many people fail to acknowledge is what the actual purpose of cancel culture is. It does not exist to end the careers of innocent people, nor does it exist to not accept the fact that people can change. It exists to hold people accountable for actions that are inexcusable, and its intentions are to let people know that in the future, the same sort of behaviour will not be tolerated. And this sort of accountability rarely occurs.

Even our Prime Minister isn’t expected to own up to his problematic past, no matter how harmful and racist it may be. Just this past October, Justin Trudeau was under fire for having taken part in forms of black and brown face in his college years, which came to light during the Canadian 2019 Federal Election. Although

Trudeau did publicly apologize for his racist actions, he barely acknowledges in his apology that they were racist. He more so plays it off as a dumb mistake he made as a teenager.

[Cancel culture] exists to hold people accountable for actions that are inexcusable, and its intentions are to let people know that in the future, the same sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.

And this sort of accountability rarely occurs.

Many black and brown Canadians took to social media to express their disappointment in both Trudeau’s actions and his

is understanding my needs.

Help us (Re)envision the HSR. We’ve created a digital space where you can share your ideas.

Join the conversation today!

Sign up at hamilton.ca/myhsr

apology and for a short period, his numbers in the campaign polls dropped. Nevertheless, mockery of racialized people did not seem to affect Trudeau’s career. Despite his racist past being exposed so close to voting day, the public backlash he faced clearly wasn’t enough for him to experience genuine repercussions since he won and will serve as Canada’s prime minister for another four years.

I won’t deny that the intentions of cancel culture are there and that for a short period of time, the public tries to hold public figures accountable. I also won’t ever see this as a bad thing. But intention and trying to hold someone accountable doesn’t mean anything if the consequences don’t follow through. We are in the very midst of having cancel culture become real and it could be a good thing if demonstrated correctly. However, the perception that cancel culture is “toxic” and “discourages people” to change only allows room for transphobes and racists to avoid owning up to their past, but to completely ignore it. And it is important to remember that there is nothing toxic about calling out prejudice when it occurs.

If racist people can be presidents and prime ministers and white supremacists can still make a decent living and function within society without repercussions, then it’s safe to say that cancel culture is nowhere near close to existing. At least not in the way we think it does.

@TheSilhouette

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

The Silhouette

| 15

PHOTO BY ANDREW MROZOWSKI. LEE HIGGINS, BRYANT FALLIS AND ANDREW SMITH GRAPHICS BY ANDREW MROZOWSKI / A&C EDITOR

16 |

A&C

Food for thought

Hamilton Food Share and the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train raise funds for food Lauren O’Donnell A&C Reporter

For the past 20 years, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train has traveled across Canada and the United States, spreading holiday cheer and making donations to food banks at each of its stops.

This year, it will be making its annual Hamilton stop on the evening of Nov. 28, in Gage Park.

The Holiday Train is always decked in festive lights and decorations. At each of its stops one of the train cars opens up to reveal a stage for a live concert performance. Both the concert and the event itself are free. The featured musicians will include Alan Doyle — formerly of Great Big Sea — and Beautiful Band.

While guests are encouraged to donate non-perishable items to Hamilton Food Share, it’s not mandatory.

“Nothing there costs anything, so even families who might not have a lot of extra can come out and enjoy [the event] as a kickoff to the holiday season to get into the festive spirit,” said Celeste Taylor, the Resource Development Manager for Hamilton Food Share.

Every month, over 13,000 people in the city, including

almost 5,000 children, need a food bank every month. As rent in the city continues to increase, food is becoming more difficult to access for many.

According the the Hamilton Hunger Report 2019, households who access a food bank spend, on average, more than 50 per cent of their income on housing, increasing the risk of displacement or homelessness.

Food is an important part of most holiday traditions, and it can be difficult to celebrate when there’s nothing to put on the table.

“Everybody wants to celebrate, whether they’re celebrating Christmas or another holiday, they want to be able to be with their family or to be with the people they care about and food is often central to that. It’s a method of social inclusion when people are able to have the food they need to make a meal. The other part is, here in Hamilton we have such a high percentage of people who are struggling so much with paying the rent that sometimes there just isn’t anything left to buy food with . . . It’s not just holiday food, it’s also being able to put a meal on the table,” said Taylor.

Taylor says that there are many other ways that the

community can get involved.

“The other thing that people can do is to be looking towards social policy change that would be helping people to cover the expenses of daily life and life’s basics . . . The important message is not that it’s Food Banks or policy change, it’s both.”

Since 1999, the Holiday Train has been contributing donations to local food bank organizations. While the concert in Gage Park is only one night, it’s important to keep that same level of donation energy throughout the year as giving shouldn’t end after the holidays.

The CP Holiday Train will be rolling through Gage Park (1000 Main St. E) on Nov. 28 at 7:45 p.m.

@TheSilhouette

C/O CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY

FIVE fashion items for anyone

The Silhouette | 17

The best gifts come with a variety of designs and forms that can suit anyone

Katie van Kampen Contributor

Finding the perfect gift while holiday shopping is hard and will likely be time consuming, nerve wracking and frankly, stressful. Clothing, in particular, is nearly impossible to get right.

What size is the person you’re shopping for? What styles do they like? Do they prefer fitted or oversized? With so many variables to consider, you’re overwhelmed. To help you find gifts that everyone would appreciate, here are fashion items that you couldan buy for anyone this holiday season.

them in. So, go out there and get your Secret Santa their favourite band t-shirt or a comic graphic t-shirt, and don’t worry if it’s a size too large. There’s lots of ways you can style a t-shirt — perhaps through a french tuck, layering the shirt with shorter items or by rolling the sleeves. Omnes (191 King St. E) has a selection of second hand vintage shirts from brands like Adidas to Guess.

Or, you can take a walk down James Street and browse through boutiques like The Pale Blue Dot (240 James St. N) to find the perfect t-shirt for whoever’s on your list.

Let’s Sock n’ Roll

The Holiday Sweater

Price: $ There has been a recent resurgence in sock subscription services and an increasing demand for trendy sock designs. A wellpicked pair of socks can complement your outfit while adding a splash of personality. A great place to find a variety of socks within the city is floorplaysocks (194 Locke St. S). They have walls filled with socks, neatly organized and displayed for easy browsing. One reliable brand that the store carries is Stance—. my favorite brand for fun and durable socks.. They have many different designs to choose from that’ll be sure to appeal to anyone on your holiday list.

Green (T-Shirt) Sleeves

Price: $$ T-shirts are one of the best gifts you can give someone. Just like socks, they come in a variety of shapes, colours and designs. As trends in 90s fashion re-emerge, it’s becoming cooler to wear oversized t-shirts or to tuck

Price: $$ ‘Tis the season! What’s better than an aggressively adorned holiday sweater for those office parties, unbearable family events, or themed parties. Holiday sweaters vary in their design from “My Grandpa made this in the 1970s” to “Minimalistic snowflake” and can be found at a variety of stores. Depending on what you think they’ll like or how much you actually want them to wear this sweater, there’s a variety to choose from. The McMaster Campus Store carries their own McMaster Christmas sweater so you can get some Mac swag while also purchasing a festive gift. If your friend won’t buy one for themselves, and always complains about not owning a holiday sweater, you can easily fix this situation. They’ll soon be sporting their new sweater to every holiday event.

Backpack, Backpack, Yeah!

Price: $$$ A backpack is a necessity for

students, so why not take the opportunity to turn it into a fashion item? Even if they already have a backpack, having different styles and different sizes to choose from can be useful if they ever want to downsize their daily carry-all. Pair it with the right colours and it can be easily integrated into any outfit.

Check out the Campus Store for a variety of backpacks featuring designs by Hershel and Fjallraven.

Jean-eology

Price: $$ While it is a bit chilly for denim jackets, they can prove useful and fashionable during the warmer months. As I said, oversized clothing is in style. Buying someone an oversized jacket can help elevate their style as they can experiment with layering other fashion pieces. Jean jackets come in a variety of linings and colours. Some non-conventional colors to check out are grey, white, black and olive. Denim jackets are a great item to find at a thrift store, especially since they’re quite durable and timeless. One close option to Mac is Deja Vu Used and New (262 King St. W). Here you’re sure to find different styles, colours and sizes of jackets. If you want a vintage, retro aesthetic you can take the trek to Ottawa Street and visit Out of the Past (308 Ottawa St. N). Whoever you’re buying for will surely appreciate this item as it can be styled in many different ways, creating a great addition to their wardrobe. @TheSilhouette

ELISABETTA PAIANO / PRODUCTION EDITOR

C/O SAMANTHA MCBRIDE

18 |

The Silhouette

How do you spend the holiday season?

Rachel Lieske: My friends refer to me as the Grinch. The older I get, the more I realize how important Christmas is to others, and how insignificant it is to me. My sister and I set up a Christmas tree every year, even though my family never exchanges presents. I would wake up early like my friends, but instead of rushing to open presents, I would watch TV. The first year of university was the first year my parents didn’t put up a tree, and the second year we only had four family members over for Christmas, this year is undecided.

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

Razan Samara: One of the perks of growing up as a Muslim in North America is having opportunities to partake in the seasonal festivities without necessarily feeling the pressure of the holidays or any affiliated expectations and obligations.

I typically take advantage of the time off to reconnect with long-distance friends or spend quality time with family. Coincidently, my siblings’ birthdays are on Dec. 25 and 28, so there’s always a reason to gather the family and celebrate. For me, the holiday season is all about community. Last year, I spent a day with a couple friends cooking at the Hamilton Farmers’ Market. I have fond memories of chef Grant from Best on Bread teaching us how to make a delicious stack of bruschetta for a friend’s holiday party.

Steffi Arkilander: Usually, I spend the holidays with my family. Because I’m biracial, holiday gatherings are usually a mix of both sides of my family.

I get to see family members I haven’t seen in a long time, and we learn about what everyone has been up to in the past year. New Year’s is special too because my Chinese side of my family values a fresh start [and] going into the new year with good intentions.

Jessica Gelbard: Most of my holiday season is spent spinning wooden toys, spending time with family and stuffing my face with jelly-filled deep fried doughnuts. In order to celebrate the miracle of a tiny drop of oil lasting eight nights, I get pretty lit. And by getting lit, I mean I light a candle for each night of [Hanukkah] amassing a fully lit menorah by the last night!

Trisha Gregorio: I don’t have any particular holiday season staples or routines. My family consists of my mother, my younger brother and myself, and we spend Christmas quietly without exchanging gifts or holding Christmas parties at home. I find that in the lack of any concrete traditions Christmas feels lacklustre relative to the whirlwind of the days preceding it. Instead, I enjoy the lead-up to the week of Christmas — the hustle and bustle at stores, the neverending Christmas carols, the holiday drinks — more than I do Christmas Day itself, so a lot of the holiday season is spent basking in that Christmas atmosphere.

g n i c a r b m E Diversity

What parts of your identity or culture influence your holiday traditions?

Rachel Lieske: Neither of my parents has strong familial ties with their immediate family, and neither do I. Inherently, I don’t have that strong nostalgia that lets the holiday tradition live on for kids my age, despite our impending adolescence.

Razan Samara: One of my religious holidays includes Ramadan — a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, reflection and prayer. Sometimes I miss a few days of fasting during Ramadan and I like to make them up during the winter holiday season. I typically have more time to focus on my spirituality and wellbeing, which is important when it comes to facing the winter blues. The days are also much shorter and fasting becomes easier. I especially enjoy it when I get to break my fast alongside friends celebrating their own holidays and traditions over dinners — there’s a collision of diversity that’s incredibly empowering. Since Islamic holidays are observed on a lunar calendar, then every 30 years or so Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (festival of breaking fast) end up coinciding with other winter holidays. I can’t wait to shop for Eid gifts during Boxing Day in 2033.

Steffi Arkilander: I often get together with the two sides of my family — my white side and my Chinese side. We usually have two dinners for each side of my family, whether it’s for Christmas or New Year’s. One dinner is definitely considered more “traditional” to Western culture, where we all eat together, but my Chinese side often holds a hotpot or some form of Chinese food. We usually have a prayer in both English and Chinese.

As gifts, red pockets with lucky money are often given from the elders of our family to the younger ones to celebrate Christmas or going into a new year. My family also usually cleans on New Year’s Day as it represents a “fresh start”.

Jessica Gelbard: Most of what influences my holiday traditions comes from my Jewish identity and European culture. For example, the holiday of Hanukkah itself, emanates from the story of the Maccabean revolt, in which the Jews defeated their Syrian-Greek oppressors in 160 BCE. So that comes from my Jewish identity. On the food side of things however, potato latkes, generally associated with Hanukkah, come from my European culture!

Trisha Gregorio: I grew up in the Philippines, where the Christmas season lasts from September to early January.

While very little of the customs I had then remain with me [now], habits from childhood still inform my expectations for the holidays (that instinctive anticipation is probably why I like the pre-Christmas season so much). Christmas in the Philippines was also heavily religious, marked by week-long dawn vigils and multiple masses per day, and while my relationship with religion has only gotten more complicated the more I’ve come to terms with my identity, Christmas Mass is the one holiday tradition that my culture will always anchor me to.

A&C

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

How do ideas around a “traditional holiday experience” influence your traditions?

Rachel Lieske: Not being absorbed in the “traditional holiday experience” has given me a lot of anxiety about going home for the holidays. Motivated by FOMO [i.e. fear of missing out] and worry surrounding how I will spend such a long time in a town that doesn’t feel like home is daunting.

What’s one takeaway you want readers to walk away with?

Rachel Lieske: Not having strong holiday traditions can be isolating at times. Just know that many people are on the same page as you, those who may have distant family relationships that don’t call for celebrating. This holiday I’m taking advantage of my free time and expending my energy on what’s important to me, and that’s okay.

| 19

Razan Samara: My ideas around a “traditional holiday experience” come from watching the Home Alone franchise and feel-good Hallmark films. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how representation of the holidays in the media are almost always monopolized by Christmas and White American culture, so it’s no surprise that my own traditions tend to fit into this “picture-perfect” representation of Christmas. I walked by the Santa Claus parade in Hamilton and Toronto last week, listened to Christmas carols while cooking dinner with a friend a couple nights ago, and I have plans to check out the Toronto Christmas Market for the first time. While I do enjoy my cup of eggnog, I’m hoping to learn more about other holiday traditions this year.

Steffi Arkilander: I think that traditional holiday experiences can come in forms we may not necessarily consider traditional.

Although my experience with the holidays may seem unique and different, it’s always been my normal to celebrate the holidays twice and to embrace both sides of my identity as not separate, but whole. Maybe my celebration of the holidays isn’t Western, but it doesn’t mean it’s not traditional. This is a tradition in my family and a tradition within many Chinese and even biracial communities.

Although my celebrations may not be the majority, it doesn’t mean they aren’t any less meaningful.

Jessica Gelbard: I’ve notice in recent years, that in order to partake in “mainstream holiday seasons,” many Jewish people have taken to the idea of a “Hanukkah Bush” to replace a “Christmas Tree.” While the idea is cute, I think it adds to the unfortunate reality of assimilation. I too however, partake in events such as Christmas markets, and listening to Christmas music (obsessively I may add!) to feel apart of what society has deemed a “traditional holiday experience.”

Trisha Gregorio: The “traditional holiday experience” presents this ideal where all is cheerful and light-hearted during the holidays. As heartwarming as that can be, I also think it places a particular burden on those of us who don’t have access to the picture-perfect scene that Christmas ads present. For some, the holiday season may have its complications, whether it might be seasonal depression, or someone having to be around homophobic relatives, or simply having to spend Christmas alone. Not everyone has what counts for a warm, “complete” family, either, nor has the financial means to afford a big dinner. It isn’t so much that traditions are affected by this ideal; more than anything, it’s that this expectation of existing traditions isolates those who don’t have any.

Razan Samara: The holidays can be overwhelming. Whether you’re facing challenges, or your life seems to have been taken over by festive stress, it’s important to recognize when you need to take a break and focus on your own wellbeing. In the past, I’ve definitely been caught up in all the great expectations of the holiday season while also feeling quite lonely when I don’t see my own cultures and identities well represented. Whether you want to celebrate or not, I encourage you to seek out meaningful connections with your communities — it’s made a world of difference for me.

Steffi Arkilander: Biracial communities often have mixed celebrations and traditions that have shaped how we’ve grown up. I am not just 50 per cent Chinese and 50 per cent white. I am 100 per cent mixed and that is a different experience altogether. My culture can be seen through my meals, holidays and languages (or lack thereof) and they help shape my identity and who I’ve come to be today.

Jessica Gelbard: While the holiday season is often portrayed with a heavy focus on Christmas and the mainstream idea of Christmas, it’s important for us to have pride and joy in our own cultural and religious holidays at this time of year! We should be sharing our holiday joy and knowledge with others as well, so they too can join in the recognition and celebration of our respective holidays. Celebrate your holiday with pride, and reflect on your family’s history as these holidays have been celebrated over the generations before you.

Trisha Gregorio: Don’t get me wrong: Christmas is my favourite part of the year! I think that even at its most simple, the holidays can be a quiet, lovely period to take a break from life.

However, while it’s important to channel the Christmas spirit, it’s also worth keeping in mind those who might not be spending Christmas like you are. This doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to be happy — you are, and despite everything, I encourage liveliness during the holidays whenever possible. It’s simply that one aspect of Christmas means extending that helping hand, so if you know someone who might be spending Christmas alone, or someone who will be going through a tough time attending family parties, it won’t hurt to send a message or two. @TheSilhouette

GRAPHICS BY RAZAN SAMARA / ONLINE EDITOR

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A&C

What's on in November 28th

December 3rd

CP Holiday Train with Alan Doyle and Beautiful Band Location: Gage Avenue Time: 7:45pm - 8:45pm

Workers Arts and Heritage Centre Youth Council Meeting Location: 51 Stuart Street Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm

December 1st

December 6th

Petting Zoo at the Market Location: 35 York Boulevard Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm

Lighting the Christmas Tree of Hope at Gore Park Location: 1 Hughson Street South Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm

December 2nd Holiday Merriment at Merit Brewing Location: MERIT Brewing Company 107 James Street North Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

December 7th Holiday Hamilton Makers Market Location: 252 James Street North Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm

The Silhouette | 21

December?

December 7th

November 14th

Handmade Hamilton: A Holiday Craft Show and Sale Location: 27 Dundurn Street North Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm

Traditional Meets Digital Location: Centre3 173 James Street North Time: 12:00pm - 5:00pm

December 7th Made in Dundas Christmas Location: 139 Park Street West, Dundas Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm

December 13th TEDxMcMasterU 2019: Ambition Location: David Braley Health Sciences Centre - 100 Main Street West Time: 9:00am - 6:00pm GRAPHICS C/O RACHEL TAYLOR & LANDIS CLARK-SMITH

22 |

A&C

Christmas Markets across the city Taking a look at what Hamilton has to offer this holiday season

Lauren O’Donnell A&C Reporter Donna Nadeem Contributor

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping and there’s no time like the present to start. With a number of Christmas markets coming up in Hamilton, you’ll have more than one chance to take a retreat away from campus and enjoy seasonal holiday delights. You can also look on the City of Hamilton website for a list of more events.

Two markets taking place in Hamilton are being organized by their respective Business Improvement Areas.

In Hamilton, a BIA is composed of property and business owners in a pre-established area who work to support the area’s commercial success.

Ottawa Street Christmas Shopping Day: Nov. 30 From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 30, the Ottawa Street BIA will be hosting a Christmas Shopping Day. Located on Ottawa Street North, this day will feature ornament painting at Earls Court Gallery (215 Ottawa St. N), strolling carolers, hot chocolate stations and tote bags filled with goodies from different businesses. It wouldn’t be a proper event without Old Saint Nick himself. Indeed, Santa Claus will be making an

appearance.

The even will also offer free horse and carriage rides. The pickup and dropoff is in front of the BIA office (3 Britannia Ave), and the carriages will go almost the full length of the street and then circle around through the neighbourhood, so shoppers can get on and off.

Ottawa Street has always been a popular destination for fabric and antiquities. Recently, it has evolved into a vibrant shopping centre for small businesses of all kinds. Its fabric and antique stores still remain, but they’ve been joined by cafés, restaurants, a bookstore, a thrift store and even a handmade candle shop.

Ottawa Street North’s Christmas Shopping Day just may be the perfect opportunity to buy your friend, secret santa or significant other a gift. With the number of options available on Ottawa Street, there should be something for everyone.

Board games to play together? Check. Candles with their favourite scent? Check. A store dedicated entirely to cheese?

Check, check and cheddar.

Emily Burton, event coordinator for the Ottawa Street Business Improvement Association, spoke to the benefits of getting your holiday shopping done in one stop.

“The holidays can be a

little bit overwhelming as far as figuring out a way to afford presents, and just to find nice and unique gifts. I think the Christmas Shopping Day, and just in general our stores are a really cool opportunity to find some more personal presents,” said Burton.

Even though the event is called “Christmas shopping day”, Burton emphasized that Ottawa Street will be open for everyone to enjoy. With exam season looming, this could be a great opportunity for some light-hearted holiday fun and an escape from your textbooks and lecture PowerPoints. Hot chocolate and free carriage rides would be a great place to start.

Since the 10 B-Line express bus now runs on Saturdays, students can reach this event by bus or take advantage of free street parking from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24.

International Village: Dec. 6 From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 6, the International Village BIA will be hosting Victorian Night in the Village. Located at the International Village — on King St. between Wellington St. and James St. — this night will offer guests free hot apple cider, Victorian carollers and special sales at shops and restaurants.

The night will coincide with the Gore Park tree lighting.

Susie Braithwaite, the Executive Director at International Village BIA, anticipates that the event will be magical.

What will make the event so magical you may ask? Take a peek at Santa’s workshop nestled within Ferguson Station.

Horse drawn carriages will be available to shuttle people from Ferguson Station to Denninger’s Foods of the World (284 King St. East) and back. Hot apple cider will also be available to warm up those cold fingers during the night while you enjoy the voices of holiday carollers as you stroll in and out of the many shops that line this area of King Street.

Local businesses such as Studio 205, Gameopolis and Girl on the Wing will be a part of the Victorian Night in the Village. Studio 205 is having a “Sip & Shop” event where customers will be able to shop tax free and receive a free hot beverage. Gameopolis, Hamilton’s first board game cafe, will be offering sales on board games to purchase or to play.

“I’ve always had a positive experience working with the BIA and participating in the local events that they host. The BIA is a helpful resource if you are a new business or even an existing one,” said Jess Maurice, co-owner of Gameopolis.

Many businesses are

getting involved by extending their hours into the evening so shoppers can explore all that there is to experience. Many are also holding sales, workshops or other events.

“It helps everybody in the village when the businesses take part, we find that very important,” said Clayton Burns, owner of Studio 205.

Not only are you sure to find something unique for everyone on your list at Victorian Night in the Village and Christmas Shopping Day, but you can also support local brands.

Shopping locally over the holidays helps small businesses to grow, which in turn livens up the community.

“We’re wanting to promote people to shop locally and to invest in the local economy here. The stores are open all day and it has a festive spirit to it,” said Burton.

Both events are a chance to come together and celebrate the upcoming holiday season with Hamilton’s local community.

@TheSilhouette

ELISABETTA PAIANO/PRODUCTION EDITOR

The Silhouette | 23

Sports Nothing stopping the football team next year The men’s football team’s season didn’t end the way they had hoped, but they have a lot to look forward to.

Dueck handoff to Lyons Mitchell Bowl 2019 C/O DAVID MOLL, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

Graham West Sports Editor

On Nov. 16, the University of Calgary Dinos crushed the Marauders’ Vanier Cup aspirations in a crushing 30-17 loss.

However, all hope is not lost.

This was quarterback Andreas Dueck’s first full year as a starter and the fact that he was able to lead the team this far is a promising sign for the future.

While the Marauders will lose some key pieces to their team next year, they may be able to tap into the skills of younger players to repeat their success of this season. For example, long-time starting running back Jordan Lyons will be graduating next year. However, the men’s team also has third-year running back Justice Allin, who averaged an astounding 7.2 yards per carry over the season on 48 attempts. Allin’s stats jump off the sheet, indicating that he may be more than capable if

tasked with taking over Lyons’ lead-back duties.

“I feel like I’m ready for it, I just have to get back in the gym and build up the body for it. He’s [Lyons] taught me a lot since he’s been here. I’ve been here for three years, and he’s more of the inside runner kind of guy and I was less of that my first two years, but with him being the leader that he is he’s kind of showed me the ropes of it. He’s helped me create a better inside run game for myself, so I see myself definitely taking over that role hopefully,” said Allin.

Allin is a do-it-all type back. In the three games that Allin played in for the 20182019 season, he averaged four receptions per game. In the 2019-2020 season, Allin was also the kick returner on 17 out of the 22 kickoffs returned by the Marauders.

While these stats are important, they do not match the valuable relationships he has with his teammates, including the Marauders’ leading receiver

Tommy Nield and quarterback Dueck, who Allin immediately suggested come along when we reached out to get an interview from Allin. Along with Allin, Dueck and Nield are, individually and collectively, key strengths of the Marauders’ team.

“We all came in as strangers. We knew of each other coming in through social media and football out of school.

Coming into first year we hit it off and since, we’ve been good buds and we spend a lot of time together outside of football which has definitely contributed to our success on the field, and I can see that continuing to grow throughout the years,” Allin said.

Dueck competed with another quarterback Jackson White for the starting position last year, but this year Dueck won the starting job. After he earned the starting role Dueck greatly improved, throwing for 15 touchdowns and 2431 yards compared to five touchdowns

and 1458 yards last year.

“It’s definitely been really good for me, just having that trust from the coaches, knowing that they have your back and that they’re going to fight for you is big,” Dueck said.

Dueck has greatly improved this season, with the help of the Marauder’s coaching staff. Still, he acknowledges that there will always be ways that he can challenge himself to be better.

“I want to make better decisions every game, that’s something I want to improve.

Eliminating those interceptions, with better decision-making that will come. I attribute a lot of success this year to the coaching staff. They got me prepared really well and we had a great team around us,” Dueck said.

Nield, the aforementioned top receiver and second-team Ontario University Athletics allstar, will be returning next year.

This bodes well for the team’s future success. Nield has been

Dueck’s favourite target on the field for the past two seasons.

The connection that this duo has on the field will continue to threaten defences around the province.

“I mean [Nield] is a beast, he needs to get the ball straight up. When you’re that good you kind of attract the ball, he’s a great guy and I love hanging out with him,” said Dueck.

Even though the season didn’t end in the way the team hoped, getting to the Mitchell Bowl is still quite impressive and has left the team hungry for more. Going into next year, the team will have the confidence they need to be able to take the OUA by storm.

“There’s definitely going to be a lot of hype for it next year coming off a Yates and going to a Mitchell bowl but I feel like our team lives up to the hype and we are the hype. I’m excited for next year,” said Allin. @TheSilhouette

24 |

SPORTS

Closing out the term 4-4 The women’s volleyball team sports a .500 record going into the break

The Women’s Volleyball team 2019 MATTY FLADER / PHOTO REPORTER

Kyle West Contributor

The Marauders were looking to spark some momentum after a tough loss to York on Nov. 15, who stopped their chances at a four-game winning streak. With a return home on Nov. 16, they faced University of Toronto’s Varsity Blues, one of the nation’s leading forces on the court. The match lasted five sets: after a strong fourth set resurgence by the Blues, Mac’s return home was ultimately spoiled.

Burridge gym was on the edge of their seats as they saw Mac take a strong 2-1 lead in the first three sets. But the force of the number four ranked offence, the Varsity Blues, was ultimately too strong to curtail. The Marauders defended admirably to lead to a close final tiebreaker where the Blues were able to capture the win.

There were many familiar faces putting up points for McMaster, spreading the offence through Hailey Kranics, Jessie Nairn and Marina Vesovic.

Kranics lead the Marauders fight with 16 points and added

two aces and five solo blocks to her already impressive record.

Along with the familiar names in the box score against U of T, this match saw rookie setter Nikolina Malic at the helm for her first full game, who reached 34 assists.

Kranics lead the Marauders fight with 16 points and added two aces and five solo blocks to her already impressive record.

With the way the teams were delivering spikes, the match closely resembled blows exchanged in a boxing match. A series of runs for each side led to a gripping back and forth, giving those in attendance an exciting game from start to finish.

The Varsity Blues are one of the toughest opponents in all of U Sports. They are currently ranked second in the Ontario

University Athletics East standings, with a blazing seven-game win streak. With that being said, McMaster made them work hard for the win. Taking the match to five sets proved that the Marauders can play at a high level of competition. They will be looking to continue this style of play as they approach the new year, as they are tied for third place in OUA West standings with the University of Waterloo Warriors, who they just beat on Nov. 23.

The women’s volleyball team, who was just shy of the playoffs last year, is looking forward to ending the fall portion of their season on a high note. It is important for them to regain some momentum as they approach a well-deserved month long break. The team heads out west in late December where they will be playing at the University of Winnipeg for a three-day tournament, where they should be able to secure a few more wins.

It can be tough playing out west, especially due to how cruel the winters can be. But hopefully, a hot streak will make the cold more bearable. Securing wins at the tournament would be a good way to close out 2019 and propel the women’s volleyball team for a strong playoff push during the second half of the 2019-2020 season.

@TheSilhouette

red light cameras Use your head, STOP at the RED #visionzerohamont hamilton.ca/RedLightCameras

The Silhouette | 25

Men’s volleyball is set for a big year With only one loss, the team has been on a hot streak

Men’ s Volleyball team 2019 MATTY FLADER / PHOTO REPORTER Jovan Popovic Contributor

The 2019-2020 McMaster men’s volleyball team kicked off their season on Oct. 5. Currently, the team holds a record of seven wins and one loss. In four of these wins, they managed to sweep the other teams, winning three sets to zero. The team this year looks to be extremely promising and ready to continue to build on their winning history.

McMaster has had an incredibly strong volleyball program for the past few years, with significant credit given to their head coach, Dave Preston.

Preston has been McMaster’s head coach since 2002. Over his time with the Marauders, he has led the team to 12 U sports championship games and nine Ontario University Athletics titles, the team also won two silver and four bronze medals at the national championship from 2013-2018. Preston has been awarded the Canadian University Coach of the year for men’s

volleyball three times during his tenure with McMaster. He is highly credited for the team’s success over the years, not only because of his ability to guide the team, but also because of his ability to effectively recruit new students.

Over his time with the Marauders, he has led the team to 12 U sports championship games and nine Ontario University Athletics titles.

Outside of university coaching, Preston has led other teams to success. In 2012, Preston was named the head coach of the junior men’s under 21 national team for the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation Volleyball championship. The NORCECA

is a non profit organization that holds volleyball tournaments where 42 nations take part.

Preston guided the junior men’s under 21 Canadian team to the finals, where they lost to Cuba.

Coach Preston’s history of success greatly contributes to the men’s volleyball team at Mac. It creates a winning atmosphere that continues to this day.

“Our team culture doesn’t change. That comes from the top, and our coaches are some of the best in the country. They recruit very well, and allow us to become the team that we have been in the past, and to this day,” Delguidice said.

Because of the team’s success in the past and their strong start to the 2019-2020 season, Delguidice noted that they had high expectations for the year ahead.

“I think it’s every team’s goal to compete at the highest level they could achieve, ours is to compete for a gold medal at provincials and further, nationals. These guys know it’s a long process from early September

to March, so we’re playing one game at a time,” Delguidice said.

McMaster is currently first in the OUA West men’s standings and tied with the University of Toronto Blues for the best record in the league.

The team is looking forward to another strong season from their players. Based on their hot start to the 2019-2020 season, an OUA championship seems like a plausible finish, which the team is hoping to secure. McMaster is currently first in the OUA West men’s standings and tied with the University of Toronto Blues for the best record in the league.

They also hold the longest win streak, at five straight games.

Their win streak alone is as many wins as the next placed

team in the OUA West, The University of Guelph Gryphons, who sit at second place in the OUA West with five wins.

With coach Preston by their side, the team is in a favourable position to take the OUA title. The men’s volleyball season will span from October through February, followed by playoffs. It will undoubtedly be an exciting team to follow this season.

@TheSilhouette

26

GAMES

www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019

ACROSS

SHOUT OUT TO THE UM STAFF ( We see you doing our crosswords every week) Thanks for all the coffee!

1. Godiva’s title 5. Cowboys’ contest 10. Recipe abbr.

14. Bread topping 15. Call forth 16. Columbus’s state 17. Certain fortuneteller (2 wds.)

19. Sly glance 20. Vane letters 21. Norwegian city 22. Purple ____ 23. Vapors 25. Operated 27. Pile up 29. African country 33. Fence door 34. Speaker 36. Misjudge 37. Diva’s song 38. Discourage 39. Eden dweller 40. Altar vow (2 wds.)

41. Stick fast 42. Kill a bill 43. Nearly a score 45. Defeated one 46. Campus residence 47. Artist’s need 49. Disrobe 52. Liberal ____ 53. Deli loaf 56. Horn sound 57. Rule 60. Assistant 61. Coliseum 62. Maternity ____ 63. Ran, as colors 64. Positive replies 65. Till bills

DOWN 1. Canter 2. Oh, dear!

3. Group of representatives 4. ____ Kippur 5. ____ Witherspoon of “Walk the Line” 6. Track shapes 7. Extinct bird 8. Squeak by 9. Atop, poetically 10. Ohio port 11. Mets’ old stadium 12. Wharf 13. Arrange 18. Singer Diana ____ 22. Inheritor 24. On a cruise 25. Say 26. Seaside 27. Once more 28. ____ Gras 29. Corroded 30. Walker 31. Angry 32. Knight’s suit 34. More strange 35. Alter slacks 39. Stratford-upon-____ 41. Above 44. Rewrote 45. ____ Kudrow of “Friends” 47. Trim trees 48. Road guide 49. Wild attempt 50. Labor 51. Traveled on horseback 52. Epochs 54. Time past 55. Odds and ____ 57. Light beam 58. Before, to poets 59. A couple

Shop Small Saturday November 30th

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Bring your family, friends, pets and a camera down and get free photos with him.

FREE 2 HOUR PARKING in International Village from November 24th to December 24th at all on-street parking meters.

Bring the whole family down to International Village (West Ave. to Mary St., including Main St. E., King St. E. and King William St.) for a special 3 hour holiday event including free horse & carriage rides (first come, first served), free hot apple cider at Ferguson Station, carolers and special sales at our shops & restaurants.

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LOCATED IN THE STUDENT CENTRE BASEMENT

THURSDAY

THE

HAMILTON SPECULATOR DAYLIGHT SAVINGS RUINING LIVES SINCE 1934

NOVEMBER 28, 2019

NOTSPEC.COM

It’s getting cold, so I’m here to roast you Mercury retrograde is over but life still sucks.

Gemini | May 21 to June 20

Sagittarius | Nov. 22 to Dec. 21

You’re technically a Cancer, but you don’t deserve to be a Cancer, so I’m putting your horoscope here because you’re trash. Because someone needs to tell you: you’re white, stop trying to find a way to be oppressed.

Tbh I keep trying to be friends with you but you’re too polite for your own good. Stop trying to make small talk with me. Like I get it, you’re nice, but I’d rather you roast me than for us to talk about whether your computer is working for the 50th time.

Cancer | June 21 to July 22

Capricorn | Dec. 22 to Jan. 19

You’re more mischievous than people make Cancers out to be. Don’t tell me you “accidentally” lost your friend’s prized possession. We know you wanted to stir up some shit because he’d think that one of his other friends stole it from him. We KNOW you were here for the drama.

You’re an art hoe in every aspect of the term. You may be a little pretentious, but I’ll let you stay because you make me laugh when I really need it.

Leo | July 23 to Aug. 22

Aquarius | Jan. 20 to Feb. 18

We get it, you’re a Leo and your main source of validation is getting people to like you otherwise your world falls apart. Do something for you for once, not because you think someone else would want you to.

I would die for you. Aquariuses are the most wholesome people I’ve met.

Pisces | Feb. 19 to March 20

Virgo | Aug. 23 to Sept. 22

You may want to participate in cuffing szn this year but please don’t lower your standards to the point where you’re considering hooking up with that trash man. You deserve better than that.

You may think that you’re all about planning and logic and that you’re mom friend of the group because you need to take care of everyone. But hey, news flash: sometimes it’s okay if something doesn’t go according to plan. I promise the world won’t end.

Aries | March 21 to April 19

I honestly didn’t think you had Aries energy until I realized I was scared of you until like, three weeks ago and we’ve been working together since September.

Libra | Sept. 23 to Oct. 22

Listen, you might not think that quiet Libras live for workplace drama, but y’all learn about all the hot goss by LISTENING. Quiet Libras are dangerous because they know too much. Watch out.

Taurus | April 20 to May 20

The Taurus stereotype is that you’re quiet and kind and shit but sometimes you need to grow a backbone and stop being anxious 24/7. Stop hiding in the office with the door locked because you’re scared someone will yell at you. Toughen up, bucko.

No Scorpios to see here.

Disclaimer: The Hamilton Speculator is a work of satire and fiction and should not under any circumstances be taken seriously. Looking at you, Twitter.

PER ISSUE: A restful night's sleep INCL. HST, PST & all of Mercury.