The Student Printz: January 22, 2020

SERVING SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI SINCE 1927 • WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM • JANUARY 22, 2020 | VOLUME 105 | ISSUE 14

CUSTODIAN BALANCES ROLES PG 4

‘DOLITTLE’ DOES LITTLE PG 6

ROYAL FAMILY SPLITS PG 7

Student filmmaker talks post-production process

LILLIE BUSCH

FEATURE/ LIFESTYLE EDITOR Brian Winters | Printz

he navy blue binder sitting on the cafe table is nondescript, with little signs of wear. A finished script of 13 pages rests inside, freshly printed and unmarked.

The psychological thriller, aptly titled “The Archangel,” is to be the peak of Garrett Stone’s filmmaking education.

Stone is one of many Southern

Miss media production students tasked with a senior project. Besides working at the Hattiesburg WinnDixie, Stone’s resume includes middle school documentaries and filmmaking contests. While attending Southern Miss, Stone worked as an assistant director with the local director, producer and writer Miles Doleac. Doleac now teaches at Loyola University.

Stone conceived the idea for the short film in September 2019.

He then wrote the script over

Christmas break.

“I don’t want this to be a student film. It is a student film, but I want to take student film to the next level and treat it like a real production,” Stone said over coffee. His script and laptop sit before him as the two most important tools for any student filmmaker.

Endless hours of work—developing the idea, writing the script, filming, post-producing— will culminate in a 20-minute film. The standard length for short films lies in the

sweet spot of 7-10 minutes.

“I’m shooting it in 4K, I’m shooting it in a log profile, which means no color, and I have to add color in post-production. And I’m going over the time limit because I want to prove that this is what I can do,” Stone explained. The words spill eagerly out of his mouth, and his cup of coffee remains untouched.

CONTINUED | PG 4

NEWS JANUARY 22, 2020 MEET THE STAFF

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Executive Editor

Syphilis remains prevalent Mississippi risk

Entertainment/Opinion Editor

JACK MCCALLUM ENTERTAINMENT/OPINION

Alyssa Bass alyssa.bass@usm.edu Jack McCallum john.mccallum@usm.edu

Feature/Lifestyle Editor Lillie Busch lillie.busch@usm.edu

Sports Editor

Makayla Puckett makayla.puckett@usm.edu

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he United States has seen its highest syphilis rates in 20 years.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can have permanent side effects if left untreated, and health professionals are taking action to inform. Between 2013 and 2016, the number of syphilis cases tripled in Mississippi.

Mississippi is the state with the highest rate of STIs and is ranked third in syphilis cases.

Health educator Kayla Johnson said syphilis is treatable but has to be caught in time.

“If it does progress to those upper stages then, while it can be cured, it doesn’t repair any of the damage that may have been done.”

Divided into four stages, syphilis can start off as a painless, round sore in the primary stage. These sores can develop into a rash on the genitalia and hands in the secondary stage. While syphilis is typically nonfatal when treated, the tertiary and neurosyphilis stages’ symptoms include blindness, paralysis, dementia and even death.

The latent stage of syphilis is a period of time where there are no signs and symptoms of syphilis, coming in between the tertiary and secondary stage. Early latent syphilis refers to syphilis where the infection occurred less than 12 months ago while late latent syphilis refers to infection occurring more than 12 months ago.

Mississippi saw a 68% increase from 2017 to 2018 with early latent syphilis cases, going from 555 reported new cases in 2017 to 937 in 2018. Forrest County had 32 early latent syphilis cases in 2018, up from 11 in 2017. Of the 937 cases of early latent syphilis in Mississippi in 2018, 636 men were diagnosed.

Syphilis is treated either with one shot of penicillin or an antibiotic that can cure a patient who has had syphilis for less than a year.

More doses and other treatments are needed for patients with later stages of syphilis.

Planned Parenthood’s Hattiesburg location is one option for people to get tested and treated for STIs. Vice president of patient services Jose Delgado manages several Planned Parenthood locations throughout the Southeast. He believes the reason for the comeback of syphilis in states like Mississippi

MEN WOMEN

Graphic by Kathleen Hetherington and Alexandria Moore

is because of a lack of sex education among other issues.

“Syphilis is an STI that hasn’t been common for a long time,” Delgado said. “So when I hear syphilis is making a comeback, to me, that’s almost in the same vein of hearing measles are making a comeback.”

It is possible for the patient to not receive treatment and live with syphilis for years without any signs or symptoms. Hinds currently has the highest rate and number of all STIs in Mississippi with 203 of the 937 early latent syphilis cases in 2018 coming from Hinds.

Johnson said students come in to treat STDs frequently, and Moffit offers an RPR screening, which involves drawing blood to detect syphilis.

Working as a health educator and promotions coordinator for the campus clinic at the University of Southern Mississippi, Johnson said her workplace creates specific events tailored towards college students. One of these events, “Man-up Monday,” is meant to encourage men to get tested for STDs.

The founding of an event like Moffitt Health Center’s “Man-up Monday” is in part due to the prevalence of syphilis among men who have sex with men, who made up 64% of new syphilis cases between 2017 and 2018.

“For guys, it’s still tricky just getting them to come to the doctor, especially just for a regular checkup,” Johnson said.

Robin Carmichael from the Forrest County Health Department believes the reason Mississippi has such a high rate of STIs is due to a lot of things, particularly funding.

“It’s a lot of factors, a lot of barriers. Socioeconomics and your environment,” Carmichael said. “Because of those barriers, even with transportation. You know, Mississippi is a poverty state so all that is linking to why.”

Carmichael said that syphilis is not particularly an issue with college students, but it is on the rise for everyone. As a whole, getting tested and practicing safe sex is recommended by nearly all health professionals.

“Get tested, get tested, get tested. We don’t want [STI testing] to be a stigmatized thing,” Johnson said.

The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not represent those of the faculty, staff or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligible for publication, all submission must include name, class distinction, major, phone number and email address. Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@ gmail.com by 5 p.m. on the Friday before publication. Please limit them to 500 words or less. The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space or journalistic ethics.

Opinions expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publication manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.

Comic by Darius Harris | Printz

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Residents prepare for medical marijuana vote MEGHAN FULLER PRINTZ REPORTER

n November, Mississippi residents will vote on the legalization of medical marijuana.

The Mississippi ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana is being supported by many physicians with a campaign called Medical Marijuaa 2020. Jamie Grantham, the communications director for the campaign, believes in the numerous benefits medical marijuana provides for various diseases.

“A medical marijuana program will help thousands of people who are suffering from debilitating and serious medical conditions,” Grantham said. “It will allow doctors to have an alternative treatment option that is helping 3 million patients in 34 other states.”

The goal for the Medical Marijuana 2020 campaign is to have qualifying patients with debilitating medical conditions be able to have safe and legal access to medical marijuana.

Grantham explained wanting to hear patient testimonials from people in Mississippi who no longer have to deal with pain and unwanted side effects.

“I want patients to have an option to something that could potentially be life-changing for so many who are suffering here in Mississippi,”

Meghan Fuller | Printz

Your CBD Store in Hattiesburg offers an alternative solution to medical marijuana.

Grantham said. “I want them and their doctors to have that choice.”

Currently, Mississippi has less than 20 CBD distributors, with one shop in West Hattiesburg, Your CBD Store, which sells hemp-derived products.

Sales associate for the shop Zachary Dale explained that medical marijuana could be more beneficial for customers than CBD. “Medical marijuana has many

benefits that even CBD cannot provide,” Dale said. “While reducing nausea, swelling or providing a simple anti-inflammatory, the THC in medical marijuana can do more than just CBD.” Although many CBD markets could be at a disadvantage because of the competition medical marijuana provides, Dale said he believes that the business will continue to thrive due to the acceptance the community has

already shown for CBD. However, Dale voiced concerns for those willing to make a profit from their own medication if marijuana was legalized.

“I’m concerned if people were to abuse it or if they were to falsify their medical needs,” Dale said. “You always have concerns, but at the end of the day- the positives outweigh the negatives.”

Many students with medical issues such as anxiety or insomnia hope to branch out from CBD and show full support for medical marijuana.

Mckay Eaton, a junior communication studies major, feels her support for the legalization of medical marijuana is personal.

“I believe that people with diagnosed anxiety could benefit from small doses of medical marijuana,” Eaton said.

“When put in large social settings, I tend to get overwhelmed, and I believe that medical marijuana could help.”

Although there have been concerns against the legalization of medical marijuana, Grantham ultimately believes that the laws directed towards the ballot should still remain firm, as the vote is not for recreational marijuana.

“Medical marijuana should be treated like any other medication,” Grantham said. “It is a treatment option that is helping so many patients across the country. Mississippians deserve to have the same access and should not have to wait any longer.”

New vaping laws pose pros and cons MORGAN USRY

PRINTZ REPORTER ith new restrictions on tobacco products, questions have been raised on how the changes will affect teenagers, young adults and vape shop owners.

The federal minimum age to purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarette products, is now 21 after being signed into law by President Donald Trump Dec. 20. Soon after, the Food and Drug Administration updated their policy to reflect the minimum age change to take effect immediately.

The Trump Administration also announced on Jan. 2 that it plans to ban most flavored e-cigarette products, with the exception of menthol and tobacco flavors. This plan applies only to cartridge-based vaping products, such as Juul, which are popular among teenagers and young adults.

Jerica Galloway, who manages the vape shop Rev in Hattiesburg, said she does not agree with the minimum age change and expects the new law to negatively affect sales at the store.

“Because we are right by the college and that is where the main revenue comes from, it might put a damper on things.

Every single vape shop is going to take a big hit,” Galloway said.

However, she does think the ban on flavored cartridgebased products, such as Juul and Leap, is a good idea that could help decrease the number of

teenagers using the products.

“I think those were the easiest things for kids to get their hands on because gas stations are not as thorough when checking IDs as we are,” Galloway said.

To combat the expected loss in sales, Galloway said that Rev

is going to focus on promoting and selling more CBD products, which can be purchased by those 18 and older.

“For college students who vape, if they’re not addicted to the nicotine aspect of it, our goal is to get them to use CBD in their vape instead. We’re just going to try to introduce more

people to that,” Galloway said.

Angel Walker, a freshman biological sciences major, said that the changes are good, but probably won’t have a large effect on those under 21.

“Just like with alcohol, we still have access to it through other people, so I just think those people who do vape will find people old enough and find a way to get to it,” Walker said.

Kayla Johnson, health educator and promotions coordinator at Moffitt Health Center, said the changes are a step in the right direction to reduce appeal and limit access to tobacco and vapes for young people.

“Delaying the age for when someone tries tobacco or becomes a regular user of tobacco can reduce the risk for addiction,” Johnson said. “Also, from a financial standpoint, tobacco products are not cheap.

If young people aren’t using tobacco and devoting financial resources to the purchase of those products, they can use that money to help get through school, find a new hobby, fund trips with friends, etc.”

Johnson said that she does have concerns about the change being so sudden and those who have been using these products now being expected to quit cold turkey.

“Nicotine addiction is very real and even with the proper resources to help someone quit, it can be quite a challenge.

What I will be curious to see is if it leads more people to seek cessation support, especially those in the 18-20-year-old age [range],” Johnson said.

FEATURES JANUARY 22, 2020

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Custodian shares day in the life EARL STOUDEMIRE PRINTZ REPORTER

eronica Jackson has been a custodian with the Physical Plant at Southern Miss since Feb.18, 2019.

With Jackson focused on being a good employee, student and mother, she has set high goals for herself and others around her.

Jackson said her job has fulfilled her.

“I didn’t realize if I would like it or not,” Jackson said. “I don’t want to change jobs. The only time I want to change is when I graduate, and it’s time for me to go teach.”

For many people, working the early morning shift is awful, but this is only the first piece of the typical long day Jackson goes through.

“I get up around 4, get dressed, get my stuff in the car, my son in the car. Take him to his sister’s for her to take him to school.

Come to work. Work from 5-1:30.

Go to class from 3-6 and then on Wednesday, it’s no class. I go to bed on any night from 9:30-11:30 P.M.,” Jackson said.

Jackson has four children, whose ages range from four to 21. She calls her children, along with her four-month-old grandson, her crutches.

“They have been the reason I never give up. There’s no way on God’s green earth I could have made it without him or them. He knew I needed them more than they needed me,” Jackson said.

“In my life, I want to buy a house, graduate from college, get my teaching position, love where I’m at, love the children I’ll be in contact with, make a difference,

CONTINUED FROM PG 1 Stone, his partner Josh Crepeau and the film’s 18-person team will have only 12 weeks for filming and post-production.

Already a difficult project, “The Archangel” would be lonelier and more daunting without a partner. Josh Crepeau and Stone met in class two years ago. Crepeau is a senior sound recording major. As Stone’s production partner, Crepeau’s role involves sound engineering, sound design and anything in between.

“It’s been interesting watching the story develop during this process. Reading new scripts or material as they are released has given me a neat perspective on how Garrett’s ideas take shape,” Crepeau said. “I have been coming up with ideas as well, and I believe our two creative minds will do justice to the

be a good mother and raise my children.”

Before she began working at Southern Miss, she dreamed of working as a delivery nurse. Then, her life took a turn. For 10 years, Jackson was a single mom who was married for five years, divorced for 10 years and then remarried.

With Jackson overcoming obstacles in her life and experiencing similar struggles with people close to her, her mother and faith in Christ were the catalysts for life change.

“My mama got hit by a train when I was a 28-year-old. I was not living the life I was supposed to but I

knew better. When that happened, my mother was everything that I have ever had, and the thought of losing her was something I could not deal with,” Jackson said.

“I’ve overcome addiction. I’ve overcome rejection. I’ve learned to trust the Lord and not myself.

I just pray. When things get tough or hard I just pray. I ask the Lord for something I need to read, hear, or see. He is the beginning and the end, and my children are next to that.”

In her turnaround of life and dealing with issues in her marriage, Jackson decided to pursue education once again to

be near her kids and touch others through her work.

Jackson has previous experience working as a substitute teacher and as a cafeteria worker, but she had to resign due to her older son’s peers bullying him over her occupation.

When taking her current position, she had the same concerns.

“I felt a little ashamed at first.

I never actually had the title ‘custodian’, and I was thinking my kids would be ashamed of me, but they’re not. They’re thankful.

They’re proud. They’re happy that I’m happy. So now when someone asks what I do, I say that I’m a custodian at the Southern Miss Physical Plant, and I love it.”

Physical Plant Director, Chris Crenshaw, said university staff members are given the opportunity to take two free classes every semester as long as they do not take both classes during the day or miss work.

“I have a special place in my heart for the custodial staff,” Crenshaw said. “They are lifting garbage bags that could weight 30 – 40 pounds. What they do during game days preparing and working the events and out there at 5 the morning after cleaning up, it’s hard. It’s a commitment to what our workers do,” Crenshaw said.

Jackson has plans to become a physical education teacher or coach. Jackson said the only time she’s sitting down is she’s in church, bed or sick.

“When you walk 5-6 miles a day just for work, you stay active.

Laziness gets you nowhere,” she said.

story Garrett has written.”

Although group projects may be unappealing to the standard student, Crepeau said he has enjoyed working with Stone on such an important project.

“I have nothing but respect and compliments for him. He has kept this process very professional, organized and open-minded throughout. I definitely look forward to our future progress with this film,” Crepeau said.

Stone’s ambition and work quality do not go unnoticed, especially by his professor, Jared Hollingsworth. Hollingsworth teaches video production and guides senior students throughout their individual projects.

“Garrett’s level of ambition is exactly what we are eager to see from all of our students,” Hollingsworth said. “With production, it is important to always push for the best quality

product that you can kick out, and that is exactly what he is doing. I’ve consistently been impressed with Garrett’s drive.”

Hollingsworth said student filmmaking is truly a rewarding experience.

“I am able to witness and mentor as they apply the knowledge and skills they learn in the program. To see students carry a project from beginning to end and execute a story that they are truly passionate about is one of the best things about my job.”

Besides his professionalism, storytelling skill and overwhelming ambition, Stone is set apart from peers by his emphasis on crediting the team that exists behind the scenes.

“You look at ‘Avengers’ Endgame’, and it is a multi-billion-dollar movie. But how much of that went to the people that worked on it? ‘Endgame’ would be nothing without the seven minutes of credits that roll after it,”

Stone said, referring to the large production team, and not the blockbuster actors. “I think the little people are what is forgotten in this industry. With my film, I am giving a lot of creative control to the artists on the team.”

Crediting the team, Stone believes, also includes adequate payment. In order to make “The Archangel” feel like a real production, Stone is contributing about two grand of his own money. “Everything is coming out of my pocket to make this film,” he said.

Overall, Stone believes the artistic conversation is getting better.

“The generation after us is learning the value of time. No one thinks that anyone can just do art anymore. And we understand that our time is valuable.”

Stone, Crepeau and their team will begin filming “The Archangel” the first week of the spring 2020 semester.

Earl Stoudemire | Printz

Veronica Jackson and her youngest children, Hannah and Kasen, pose for a picture at the fair.

LIFESTYLE JANUARY 22, 2020

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Cassettes gain popularity in Hattiesburg ASHLYN LEVINS PRINTZ REPORTER

icture this: it’s the middle of summer break. You and your friends hop on your bikes and ride to the mall. You grab an Orange Julius and head for the arcade, but suddenly stop when a music store’s sign catches your eye: “There’s a revolution.”

The Sony Walkman was first released on July 1, 1979, and pioneered portable music. With the first Compact Disc released in 1983, the MP3 player in 1998 and Apple’s iPod Touch in 2007, the way we listen to music has dramatically changed since the 1970s. Although the methods of listening to music have changed, CDs, vinyl and cassettes are still sought after.

Vinyl records have been popular since the late 1940s, but in recent years they have begun to outsell CDs. Vinyl records are sought out and collected, but will we see cassette tapes make a similar comeback?

Sales of cassette tapes have seen an increase over the last couple of years in Hattiesburg. T-Bones Records & Café continues to have cassette sale numbers increase after participating in Cassette Store Day, an event started by Burger Records in California in 2014, and taken part in five of them.

Brian Winters | Printz Mik Davis, record store manager of T-Bones, has kept track of vinyl and cassette sales.

“Since about 2018, we have seen a significant interest in cassettes starting with Twenty One Pilot’s surge and the reissues of Prince titles. New releases like Beck, Lana Del

Rey, Weyes Blood and Angel Olsen have all been here at T-Bones,” Davis said. “The local bands are eagerly leaping into the cassette stream with tapes from Judy & The Jerks, Him Horrison and Control Room.”

Although nowhere near vinyl’s sales numbers, cassettes

continue to gain steam with collectors and music fans that are eager to try out and support new artists or styles.

“T-Bones continues to invest in cassettes. Completists love them. The design and advancement in printing and design have made tapes that are far superior to the golden age in the 80s,” Davis said.

Although cassettes may not reach the same popularity as vinyl, they carry a nostalgia.

Southern Miss graduate Allie Morgan adores the look and nostalgia of vinyl records and cassette tapes.

“My niece and nephew both got [vinyl] for Christmas, and they are in high school and college,” Morgan said. “I love the thought of vinyl and cassettes coming back. I think cassettes may have a chance, but I definitely think vinyl will stick around for a while.”

When asked if she would have a Walkman, and what tape she would rock in the 80s, Morgan said, “Oh, absolutely. I would have found a way to make a mixtape because I can’t just choose one.”

While Davis and Morgan see hope for a comeback of cassette tapes, some people, such as senior polymer science engineering major Sarah Gaston, think vinyl will continue to reign.

“I don’t think cassettes will have a chance of coming back. But vinyl, yes. I have several, and I honestly love them,” Gaston said.“If I lived in the 80s, some cassette tapes I’d definitely have would be Led Zeppelin or Journey.”

Painted rocks brighten strangers’ days KARA LOWE

PRINTZ REPORTER hen thinking of unexpected treasures, painted rocks do not come to mind, except for Jackie Hickman.

Hickman visited family members in Pensacola, Florida, a few years ago. During her visit, she discovered her first painted rock.

The painted rocks, also referred to as kindness rocks, are designed to brighten a stranger’s day.

Then when someone finds a rock, they post it on the Facebook page RockinHburg, created by Hickman in 2017, for others to see. The group now has more than 1,000 members.

Hickman has made many lifelong friendships along the way with people in the community whom she would not have met if not for RockinHburg’s activities. Hickman has painted rocks and placed them in many areas, and two of those rocks have been relocated to other countries.

“One was taken to England and another was taken to Paris. The person who took the rock to Paris posted a picture of him holding it with the Eiffel Tower in the background. That was very cool,” Hickman said.

Bethany Moyle, a sophomore accounting major, shared her story of recently finding a kindness rock with the Northern Lights painted on the stone. Moyle had always wanted to see the Northern Lights, and she said that the small rock gave her hope that she would see them one day.

“It was very ironic considering it’s my dream to go see the Northern Lights. It seemed as if it was meant to be that I will be able to see them one day.” Moyle said.

Moyle said she was so overwhelmed with happiness that she decided to paint her own rocks.

“After my own experience, I decided to paint other places I would like to go to one day. I hide them around the city in hopes of someone finding

Kailee Blackledge | Printz

one and giving them faith in their dreams,” Moyle said.

Although some people choose to paint sceneries on the rocks, it is also common for people to paint quirky ideas: food on a chipped rock to resemble a bite or even a rock in the shape of a cactus painted green.

Sophomore accounting major Anna Saucier found one rock in a flowerbed while she was

walking in Downtown Hattiesburg. Her discovery was one of the more comical ones that were meant to brighten up someone’s day.

“It was so funny to see. I had never even seen one of the kindness rocks before, but I feel as though the one I found really fit into my personality and sense of humor. The rock had a hamburger painted on it and said ‘Hattiesburger,’” Saucier said.

Anyone can join the RockinHburg group and attend the events they hold. The group puts on several scheduled rock painting events twice each month, and even holiday activities such as their Halloween and Easter events, “Rock and Seek,” at local parks.

One of the group’s biggest events is held on Feb. 17, which is National Random Acts of Kindness Day.

ENTERTAINMENT JANUARY 22, 2020

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‘The Witcher’ declares itself as next big fantasy series CONRAD ACOSTA PRINTZ REPORTER

here are rare moments in pop culture when a fantasy novel series is allowed to enter the mainstream. Netflix’s “The Witcher” is one of these

moments.

Andrzej Sapkowski’s series “The Witcher Saga” has been graced with two adaptions, one in 2007 when Polish game developer and publisher CD Projekt Red created a three-game series based on the books, and now another with Netflix’s new adaptation of the story.

Lauren Schmidt’s “The Witcher” brings the cult classic story into a new light.

Schmidt’s adaptation synthesizes the fluid action of the games with the brilliant storytelling of Sapowski’s original work, creating a new standard for fantasy adaptations. The wellrounded cast, stunning set pieces, beautiful cinematography and thrilling action are sure to keep the audience on the proverbial edge of their seats.

The writing on the show is fantastic, and pays close tribute to but not directly

replicating the plot of Sapowski’s novels.

There are a few major plot differences between the two works, but with this being the second major adaptation of this story within the last 20 years, this is an advantage and not a detriment. The dialogue is an adjustment, as the standard mock-Old English style of speaking that has become so common for fantasy writing is used here, but still comes out as consistently engaging.

The performances of the cast are, on average, nothing special, but they are enough to keep the majority of characters grounded and believable. They avoid the pitfall of Shakespearean-style over dramatics that so m a n y

fantasy series fall into. Henry Cavill’s interpretation of Geralt seems as if it’s a direct mirror of Doug Cockle’s Geralt from “The Witcher” game series. While it is in the spirit of paying homage to the games, it would have been nice to see a different take on the character.

Anya Chalotra as Yennefer without a doubt gives the most impactful performance. She transforms from tragic orphan to powerful enchantress without making it a tired repeat of “a woman who is deemed undesirable by society’s standards finds confidence by becoming more conventionally attractive” trope. Her portrayal of the sorceress is equal parts powerful and tragic, and will surely make the character even more of an icon than she already is.

The action present during the fighting scenes is extremely satisfying to watch, especially as someone who has played the games. Many of the sword fights look like they could be direct clips from a YouTube Let’sPlay. This shows that Schmidt is creating an adaptation of the books, but is not ignoring the fact that the games too are a part of the collective cultural pre sence

of “The Witcher Saga”. It is definitely refreshing to see a producer from one of the more respected mediums treat a videogame as an actual piece of art.

The overall atmosphere of the show is simultaneously very dark and very colorful, with many scenes taking place in locations such as an abandoned castle wing or a dank, stone-walled magic academy.

The scenes frequently contrast with the vibrant colors that many of the characters wear. This dynamic of darkness clashing with color is prevalent throughout many aspects of the show and leads to a deep, artistic undertone throughout the series.

With deep respect for not only the original book series but also the games that have caused so many to cherish the twisted world of Geralt the Witcher, Lauren Schmidt has created a heartpounding and addictive fantasy series that will surely more than fill the gap that “Game of Thrones” left many times over.

Illustration by Alexandria Moore | Printz

‘Dolittle’ lacks coherence, does too much MEGHAN FULLER PRINTZ REPORTER

hat was once a highly anticipated film, “Dolittle” undermines expectations with a confusing plot, random scenes and lack of comedy. Compared to previous adaptations, this film is the worst attempt at revamping a past production.

While Hollywood has been lacking in terms of originality, “Dolittle” is yet another film based on a previous feature. With multiple Disney liveaction films already in the making, this movie is just another exhausting attempt to keep the past relevant.

It’s still a wonder how many reboots are needed until society forgets the original film ever existed.

Not only was “Dolittle” a hot mess with absolutely no plot, but it was also a waste of the $175 million spent before it even went to theaters. The comedy in “Dolittle” was open-ended and not even worthy of half the audience’s attention, which was made of fiveyear-olds completely bored out of their minds. If “Cats” was released in 2020, the two films would have a bidding war for the worst film this decade.

Even Robert Downey Jr. couldn’t save the shipwreck that this film had turned into. From his iconic, serious roles in

the past, it was shocking to see him embarrass himself as Dolittle, if even possible for such a blockbuster actor.

Even children can’t deny these spastic scenes and embarrassing cliches that no one wants to watch.

Director Stephen Gaghan is known for his dramatic and humorless films, which made this lacking adaptation unsurprising. Gaghan aimed for simplicity, which ruined the plot, the interaction between characters, as well as any comedic relief the audience thought they might experience.

The CGI animals were painfully unrealistic, as they tend to be in this type of cringe, family-oriented movie.

The only animal scene that involved any genuine emotion was one with a stick bug.

Every kid-focused movie benefits from an adventure, but this film’s plot is lacking and therefore reeks of an unplanned script. “Dolittle” feels as if the writers made drunken bets on which scenes to place where, and somehow produced this movie without anyone else’s consent.

While the plot wavered every so often, the titular character Dolittle still remained the hero that many children now fail to see. The doctor himself continued to heal those animals who were sick, which is more than we can say for the world we live in now. Even though the original story was written in the 1920s, “Dolittle” touches on one main topic still relevant today: taking

care of those who cannot do so for themselves.

Even with issues throughout the movie, the resolution was reached through friendship instead of violence.

This is still relevant today with foreign threats. It is eye-opening to see a movie so relevant, even though poorly made, promote non-violence in such a subtle way.

Illustration by Lillie Busch | Printz

OPINION JANUARY 22, 2020

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Charitable celebrities should expect

backlash BRIAN WINTERS

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR hile fires raged in Australia, social media users raged about celebrities’ charitable donations.

The Australian fires put Jeff Bezos back in the spotlight, who donated $690,000 to the fire. Instagram model Kaylen Ward raised $700,000 for the Australian fires by selling her nude photos online. When celebrities donate to a cause, the public usually condemns or praises the donations.

Bezos should be held accountable for not donating more to Australia than an Instagram model. Nothing against the Instagram model, but Bezos is literally a billionaire. His net worth is $116.7 billion.

Ward would send an explicit photo to a person’s direct messages if they showed proof they donated to the Australian bushfire charities. As a result, Ward suffered repercussions from raising money by having her Twitter and Instagram accounts deactivated. Ward also said that

she was disowned by family members for sending the photos.

Ward did something that many Instagram entrepreneurs do and got her social media accounts deleted in response. The only real difference between Ward and her fellow Instagrammers is that Ward received none of the money.

Another Instagram star and comedian named Celeste Barber raised more than $22 million 48 hours after she launched a Facebook fundraiser. High profile figures such as Bezos should expect to be criticized by the public when they announce they donated a small fraction of their earnings.

I get that it is Bezos’ money, but he could, and should, donate so much more, considering Instagram stars make less than he does.

Celebrities should expect some backlash from the public over the dona-

Illustration by Kathleen Hetherington | Printz

tions or charitable things they do. Sadly enough, some people might just assume that the celebrity is being charitable to make themselves look better or to correct some other previous media faux pas.

When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017, YouTube star Jake Paul went to Houston to save victims. This is definitely a very charitable and kind thing to do.

The only issue I see with the help is Jake Paul uploaded two different videos related to helping the victims.

One video title is related to rescuing animals caught in the storm and has the added clickbait title with the word emo-

tional. The video descriptions do say buying exclusive merchandise will go 100% to victims of Hurricane Harvey, but there is no sign if the videos are monetized.

It seems to me like Jake Paul recorded just to get views and make himself look like a charitable person. Jake Paul could have very easily rescued people out of the kindness of his heart, but it is easy to think he was helping Houston just to gain views.

Jake Paul and Bezos, in theory, did something good, but the way they went about doing it can be subject to criticism or disapproval.

Bias against Markle divides the royal family KAYLYN JONES

PRINTZ REPORTER

uchess Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s decision to leave their positions as senior members of the royal family is unquestionably tied to racism.

Markle has been hounded by media since her relationship with her husband has been made public. Her coverage compared to Kate Middleton is like day and night. Markle is constantly portrayed in tabloids as an instigator, manipulator and diva. Meanwhile, Kate Middleton is portrayed as the English rose, an adoring mother and a fashion icon.

People gushed over how loving a mother Middleton was when she cradled her pregnant belly, a universal gesture for pregnant women. When Markle was pregnant and did the same it was an act for attention. The media’s bias against Markle went so far as to a comedian comparing her and Prince Harry’s baby to a monkey on top of the many jokes about her being assassinated like Princess Diana allegedly was.

With the press coming down hard on Markle, Prince Harry has been swinging left and right to defend their new son. He has been outspoken against the tabloids, and he also filed a complaint against

a conservative newspaper that spread derogatory and false coverage.

With their obvious racist agenda, the British press is the real villain against the Duchess in this fairytale. She is everything the white British colonialists hate: a biracial American and a staunch feminist who happened to marry into ultimate whiteness.

Markle was unfairly doomed from the start. The media uses the excuse of pride and respect for the royal family to justify blatant bullying. Their respect crosses the line to a sense of ownership over the royals since they are synonymous with the country and white nationalist ideology. Because Markle is part of the family, in the tabloids’ mind she is no longer a person, but the property of the country.

It is hypocritical and insensitive of the press to force standards against individuals that have decided to be, or who are born into, public figures. Public figures are people with feelings and should have their wishes respected like when asking for no photos. It is disturbing how some journalists couldn’t possibly fathom that sometimes public figures want privacy, and it is a valid desire.

The union between this famous couple is a hopeful and small

progression of the most high-profile family. For the most part, the royal family has accepted Markle and begun rolling with the modernity she brings. Because they have no political power and are just expensive mascots for Britain, they have loosened up a bit. With a century-long list of scandals and conspiracy theories, they have no choice but to keep calm and carry on.

Markle and Prince Harry’s departure is not new in royal history. It does not have any impact politically, or even in the line of succession. The problem is not all in the royal family, but rather the media

that covers them. It is another example of how white supremacy uses media to manipulate narratives for people of color.

All the while, everyone seems to gloss over how a current member of the royal house, Prince Andrew, had close connections with child sex trafficker, Jeffery Epstein. However, a couple trying to find solace is way more important and easier to make salacious.

Illustration by Emily Brinkman | Printz

SPORTS

JANUARY 22, 2020

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Golden Eagles bounce back with first conference win MAKAYLA PUCKETT SPORTS EDITOR

espite five straight losses and head coach Jay Ladner being out with illness, the Southern Miss men’s basketball team (5-14, 1-5 C-USA) defeated the Rice Owls (9-10, 1-5 C-USA) for its first conference win of the season.

“We came together as a team really during practice,” Tyler Stevenson said. “With coach being out, him still talking to us [via cell phone,} Coach Roane, Coach Weatherspoon, Coach Hill, they emphasized we need to come together and play defense, so we did what we needed to do.”

Stevenson started off the first half with a dunk followed by a three pointer from Jay Malone. A layup by Josh Parrish put Rice on the board to which Stevenson responded with a layup. Back to back three pointers by Trey Murphy briefly gave the Owls the lead; however, a jumper and free throw from Stevenson put the Golden Eagles back in front.

Malone gave Southern Miss an increased advantage with four more three pointers for the half. In addition, Boban Jadonmi had two

jumpers with Leonard Harper-Baker and LaDavius Draine each contributing one. A layup from Harper-Baker and two free throws from Artur Konontsuk resulted in a halftime score of 34-30.

At the start of the second half, the Golden Eagles had a run, which included a jumper and layup from Malone, a three pointer from Draine and two free throws from Stevenson.

Stevenson had 24 points for the night trailing Malone by three for the leader spot.

Southern Miss kept the lead for the remainder of the game with a final score of 81-68, breaking the losing streak for the Golden Eagles. Associate head coach Kyle Roane led the Golden Eagles in the absence of Ladner.

“For them to let a substitute teacher so to speak walk into the classroom and for us to be that locked in makes us proud. The substitute was myself, Coach Spoon, Coach Hill and the rest of our staff,” Roane said. “For us to all have one common goal and win, we really needed to protect our home floor, and I thought you could tell that with the energy our

Assistant coaches Dalonte Hill and Clarence Weatherspoon help associate head coach Kyle Roane lead the Golden Eagles to victory.

guys displayed.”

After the Golden Eagles’ most recent loss to North Texas, it was evident that the primary area of improvement was defense. Between the two games, the squad reduced their turnovers from 14 to nine.

“We defended. You take a team like Rice who makes a lot of threes, scores a lot of points, and we were able to defend them, hold them to their league average of nine threes and I

thought that was huge,” Roane said. “One of the biggest stats for us is to only turn it over as minimal times as we did. And to make 29 field goals and to have 25 assists on those.”

Malone and his teammates came into practice determined to make a stand by winning their first conference game.

“We play off each other. We have been building this brotherhood since day one,” Malone said. “We always talk to each other on the court to keep each other motivated.”

The Golden Eagles will travel to UAB on Jan. 23 to take on the Blazers at 7 p.m.

Eric Richards

Indoor track and field continues season MAKAYLA PUCKETT SPORTS EDITOR

outhern Miss’ men and women’s track and field teams traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, for their second meet of the indoor season at the Samford Invitational.

Both teams walked away with three first place finishes. For the men, senior Patton Little finished the mile with a time of 4:13.19.

In the 400m relay, the team of junior Kacey Spinks, sophomore Trey Johnson, freshman Landon Chalden and freshman DJ Butler completed the event with a time of 3:16.19. Senior Eric Richards mark of 7’ 0.5” in the high jump earned another first place for Southern Miss.

For the women, senior standout distance runner Sandra Szpott placed first in the 3000m with a time of 9:44.26. Freshman Ashlee Osaji won the long jump with a mark of 19’ 0.75”. In weight throw, junior Kamelian Style had a distance of 56’ 11.25”.

The teams will travel to Houston for their next meet, the Houston G-5 and Mid-Major Invitational, on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

Sandra Szpott Trey Johnson