September 25, 2019

SERVING SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI SINCE 1927 • WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM • SEPTEMBER 25, 2019 | VOLUME 105 | ISSUE 05

DRUGS ON CAMPUS

PG 2

PLANT PARENTHOOD PG 5

DOWNTON ABBEY PG 6

Local psychic guides students to clarity Illustration by Lillie Busch | Printz

KAYLYN JONES PRINTZ REPORTER attiesburg psychic April Moonsage is happily married, takes care of her golden retriever mix, studied history and is an avid writer. In addition to her seemingly normal life, Moonsage works as a psychic and tarot card reader. She has traveled to events, has networked with colleagues and has built a good reputation after a number of years.

In addition to marketing herself on

Instagram and Facebook, Moonsage will soon launch her own website, and she hopes to eventually take her tarot reading across the country by van.

Moonsage offers tarot readings for a dollar per minute at the Red Jasper in Hattiesburg on Saturdays. From Hattiesburg to Denmark, clients reach out to her for not only readings but her vivacious spirit and wisdom, and Moonsage prides herself on creating great experiences with her clients.

“Other [tarot readers] treats it as a hobby, which is fine, but for me it is what I love,” Moonsage said.

Despite her reputation, local residents and students are often put off by the idea of approaching a psychic or spiritual reader due to stereotypes that continue to overshadow the

reality.

“I think of the stereotypical image. You got the crystal ball, they got piercings all over their face and a little shawl over their head. I think of a woman with dark makeup—kind of spooky,” freshman history major Taylor Pitts said.

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NEWS SEPTEMBER 25, 2019 MEET THE STAFF Executive Editor

Alyssa Bass alyssa.bass@usm.edu

Managing Editor

Olivia Saldana olivia.saldana@usm.edu

News Editor

Caleb McCluskey caleb.mccluskey@usm.edu

Entertainment/Opinion Editor Jack McCallum john.mccallum@usm.edu

Feature/Lifestyle Editor Karigan Teer karigan.teer@usm.edu

Sports Editor

Makayla Puckett makayla.puckett@usm.edu

Multimedia Editor

Blair Ballou blair.ballou@usm.edu

Webmaster

Omer Arshad omer.arshad@usm.edu

Photo Editor

Brian Winters brian.s.winters@usm.edu

Design Editor

Emily Brinkman emily.brinkman@usm.edu

Graphic Designers

Brian Winters brian.s.winters@usm.edu Lillie Busch lillie.busch@usm.edu Kathleen Hetherington kathleen.hetherington@usm.edu Alexandria Moore alexandria.casey@usm.edu

Printz Advisor

chuck.cook@usm.edu

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Drug use threatens students MOLLY SCHRAEDER PRINTZ REPORTER rug use threatens university students nationwide, and Southern Miss students are no exception. The University Police Department’s 2018-19 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report reveals that drug use is one of the university’s primary safety concerns.

The report lists two kinds of drug incidents: drug law violations referred for disciplinary action and drug law arrests. According to the 2018-19 report, which provided statistics from 2015 through 2017, there were 81 on-campus drug law violations as well as 37 drug law arrests on the Hattiesburg campus alone.

“An arrest can occur if a student, faculty, staff or visitor is found in violation of state and local laws relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing and making of narcotic drugs,” University Police Department Chief Rusty Keyes said. “The relevant substances include opium or cocaine and their derivatives, marijuana, synthetic narcotics and dangerous non-narcotic drugs.”

Those who violate drug laws may also require disciplinary action in accordance with the Code of Student Contact, according to Keyes.

“I have been a law enforcement officer for 30 years with 13 of those years at Southern Miss,” Chief Keyes said. “I’ve seen drug trends change in several ways over those years on the local and national level, and drug trends will continue to change in the future.”

Director of student counseling services and adjunct faculty member for the school of social work Deena Crawford said she sees the

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effects of drugs on college students.

“What I do know is that our college students, like the rest of the college-aged population, use drugs to rebel, explore and self-medicate,” Crawford said. “There are much better ways to do that without wrecking your body or having serious consequences.”

Some people often associate college drug use with Greek life.

Senior healthcare marketing major and current president of Sigma Phi Epsilon Tyler Barnett shared his fraternity’s aim to create a substance-free environment.

“In terms of drugs, we have a zero-tolerance policy on drugs,” Barnett said. “So any member found with any type of illegal drug in the house will be put on suspension and then sent to a Standards Board hearing.”

Barnett said he is familiar with the pressures college students face as a student involved with many

facets of the university.

“I think, honestly, it’s stressors and obligations, but it’s also just ease of access,” Barnett said of the reasons for collegiate drug abuse.

“It becomes so easy for them to get it, and then it’s like, ‘Why wouldn’t I?’” Southern Miss provides resources for students, including eight licensed mental health professionals on staff at Student Counseling Services. Crawford said she and her department are here to help those in need.

“College students are most influenced by their peers, so if you are concerned about a friend’s use, tell them and make a plan to get them some help, and we’d be glad to help,” Crawford said.

Student Counseling Services is located in Bond Hall, and they can be reached at 601-266-4829 during business hours, which are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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

NEWS SEPTEMBER 25, 2019

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Methodist group explains importance of acceptance CALEB MCCLUSKEY NEWS EDITOR

he United Methodist Church voted in February to ban not only same-sex marriage but also LGBTQ+ clergy members, and that has left some in the community to oppose the decision, including in Mississippi.

Mississippi Sojourn, formerly known as the Kansas 10, stopped in Hattiesburg at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, located at the Peck House in Southern Miss, for their second meeting since forming to share spread awareness and share the stories of participating members of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Many of us were deeply hurt, disappointed and saddened by the decision by the church to affirm the traditional plan, which meant the exclusion of openly gay pastors in the church and also the refusal to perform gay weddings in the church,” professor of philosophy and religion at Southern Miss Sam Burton, who attended the first meeting of the Mississippi Sojourn in Jackson, said.

Mississippi Sojourn formed in response to the decision the United Methodist Church made in regards to uphold traditional laws banning LGBTQ+ clergy and samesex marriage. Ten Mississippians came together to form the group and had their first meeting in Jackson, which boasted 150 attendees.

This event was also used as a drafting and learning experience for Mississippi Sojourn. Papers were given to each person in attendance that held the mission statement and guiding principles of the group.

“We aspire to follow Christ’s example by affirming, welcoming and expressing love to ALL people, including people with any sexual orientation or gender identity,

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Sam Burton speaks to Jaq Jefcoat (left) and Brenry Boleware (right).

and are committed to strengthening the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church by being in ministry together,” the statement read.

Burton, who is also a member of Parkway Heights United Methodist Church, said he was happy with the turnout and discussion the event brought but is afraid for the future of his church.

“A lot of Methodists are just done with the church’s backwardness on this issue,” Burton said. “They’re ready to move on, and if the church is not coming with them, one big concern is that the bigger church may come flying apart.”

French and English double major Brenry Boleware said he is nervous to tell his story but feels it is important to help put

growing up as a member of the LGBTQ+ community into perspective.

“I’m a little nervous,” he said. “I haven’t really spoken about my coming out story before and what I went through being a young gay, but I am looking forward to it.”

Gender and Sexualities Alliance president and senior English major with licensure Jaq Jefcoat along with two other members of the GSA and a member of the Hattiesburg Methodist community gave their experiences, answered questions and took time to explain some issues during the meeting, but the major focus of the meeting was on acceptance. “[Mississippi Sojourn] asked the GSA to come speak and give a student perspective on what it is to be in the [LGBTQ+] community and how we can help educate others about it,” Jefcoat, who is transgender, said.

Jefcoat spoke to the crowd about his identity as a transgender man and how he grew up in the Southern Baptist church community. He said he was nervous yet excited to speak.

“It feels nice [to change minds], but at the same time, it is also uncomfortable remembering the past,” Jefcoat said He said it is worth speaking about his past in order to help people in the present.

After the speakers concluded, there was a Q&A portion for the night where many members affirmed their support of the community to the speakers as well as asked clarifying questions.

Burton praised the speakers for their powerful stories and the strength they had in sharing them.

“The speakers we had were so moving and so impressive,” Burton, who helped organize the event, said. “There personal stories really hit home. My brother is an openly gay man, and I grieve for him knowing the heartache and hurt he has suffered from not only our church but our nation as a whole. [It] is just not where it should be.”

Southern Miss works toward greater sustainability CALEB MCCLSUKEY NEWS EDITOR

he Office of Sustainability and the Student Government Association are working toward a more eco-friendly campus through different programs.

Manager of Sustainable Operations Leslee Potvin said they started a program over the summer that included adding five recycling cans next to trash cans around campus. Potvin said the idea came from having the five unused cans in storage. They painted the cans blue and gave them proper recycling signage.

The cans had an issue, according to Potvin, that involved students putting incorrect or nonrecyclable items in the cans, but they found the solution in changing the signage.

“We started a pilot program over the summer to expand our indoor recycling services to the outdoors,” Potvin said. “The only problem with the original recycle sign was that we were getting lots of cardboard disposable cups which are plastic or wax-lined and cannot be recycled.”

She also said paper trash must be dry to recycle, which is difficult to accomplish with outdoor cans, so their solution was to remark the blue cans to say plastics and cans only. The trash cans titled “LANDFILL” cans adjacent will take everything as a common can.

The Office of Sustainability takes everything recycled and puts them into large bins in the physical plant parking lot; they transport these large bins to two off-campus businesses that deal with recycling, according to Potvin.

“All recyclables collected are taken to FV Recycling in Sumrall and RA Recycling in downtown Hattiesburg,” Potvin said.

The office made $16,451 in 2016-17,

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$18,222 in 2017-18 and $10,830 in 2018- 19 with an average of $433.20 on each deposit, but Potvin said these numbers are skewed slightly due to the money they receive on several deposits made from stolen bikes, missing locks and keys. The Office also makes money through bike rentals, which can range from $500 to $1200 a school year.

“USM does receive a rebate on some recyclable material,” Potvin said. “Due to commodity prices being so low at this time, we only receive a rebate on baled cardboard, sorted office paper and scrap metal.”

The Office of Sustainability is not the only entity on campus looking toward a greener future. SGA Senator and sophomore political science major Cynthia Myles is the chairperson

of the campus living committee, which works on topics like sustainability.

“I agree with the increase of bins, but we have to promote and motivate students to recycle,” Myles said. “They see [recycling] bins, but they sometimes just throw regular trash in bins.”

Senior nursing major Joshua Robinson agreed with Myles when she said he recycles when it is convenient and that students should get more motivated to recycling in general.

“I never search for recycling bins, but with these new bins, I’m more likely to recycle,” Robinson said.

Recycling is not the only way to make the campus more eco-friendly, according to Myles.

She said she and her committee started research

into making the school more sustainable with various means such as reusable cups and solar panels.

“We’re here to make the campus more eco-friendly. So far we’ve done research into replacing the styrofoam in the cafeteria,” Myles said. “Basically, we are trying to get more biodegradable containers [on campus] because styrofoam is relatively expensive.”

Myles said sustainability is a broad issue that affects everyone not only on campus but also in the world and needs to be considered more.

“The university [and] SGA we have a duty to promote the idea of recycling. We have to motivate students to recycle. We need to teach them how [pollution] is affecting our planet,” Myles said.

FEATURES SEPTEMBER 25, 2019 CONTINUED FROM PG 1 Psychics are often depicted negatively as schemers, villains or simply unreliable thieves. Moonsage says the stereotypical image of the psychic can date back as far as Greek Antiquity and the Bible the forms of prophets like Noah. Narrow views dominating the specific surroundings can also affect interpretations.

“I think it has something to do with where we live. I am from in Mississippi, which is in the Bible Belt. When you start talking about magical stuff, they automatically think that’s not right,” Pitts said.

Senior forensic science major Maya Caradine said she pictures psychics as normal people. “ I have friends who are psychics and most of them are normal,” Caradine said. “It’s weird. Sometimes I don’t

believe in things that they say, and sometimes I do.”

Moonsage said she tries to tear down the expectations against psychics and spiritual readers. According to her, being a tarot reader in Hattiesburg is a highly positive and accepting experience because of the area’s liberal-minded and urban lifestyle.

A diverse range of people go to her to seek answers about their dream partners, careers, infidelity and other family issues. Though people come to her with a wide range of questions, Moonsage said the majority of her clients are lonely.

“They are people who want to be heard. Sometimes people just want validation for their intuition,” Moonsage said.

Moonsage disagreed with the idea that psychics and tarot readers are born

with a gift.

“Can you learn philosophy? Then you can learn tarot readings,” Moonsage said.

She said tarot readings are simply listening to intuition, energies and body language, which requires practice. Tarot cards are the most iconic and the most personal to tarot readers. Moonsage has multiple tarot decks, each with its own personality and meaning.

“I let the cards guide me,” Moonsage said. “The more you practice the more you get better, similar as acquiring any skill.”

Though many clients are truly seeking guidance for their futures, others simply want to know what the process is like.

“Honestly, I would do it just for the experience,” Pitts said. “I would want to know if going to have a good future and am I on the right track.”

Others might find searching for an-

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swers of the future terrifying.

“I don’t see the worth of knowing the outcome,” Caradine said, “Even if you know, there’s no way of preventing it from happening.”

Moonsage wanted to make it clear that psychics are not miracle workers. She said that not all psychics can contact deceased relatives, and they certainly don’t predict lottery tickets. She said she encourages others to practice common sense when contacting psychics and mediums.

“If a medium asks for $1000 to talk to your deceased mom, do not do it,” Moonsage said. She admitted that there are con artists who prey on people who are vulnerable which angers her intensely.

“Tarot readings help find patterns in your life and how to address them headon,” Moonsage said. “It’s cheaper than therapy.”

Mississippi influencers share their journey MEGHAN FULLER PRINTZ REPORTER pon reaching success, bloggers like Kelsie Bynum, Mary Leslie Pajarillaga and Victoria Strickland reflected on how social media helped shape their brands and create the platforms they use today.

Kelsie Bynum has been a role model for fashion-forward women all throughout the South, but especially in Mississippi.

Although she resides in Laurel, Bynum travels the world in order to shape her brand and continue her journey as a blogger. With more than 62,000 followers, she said Instagram is her favorite social media platform.

Since Bynum was a little girl, she has been obsessed with fashion, as well as using it as a way to express herself.

“I always say my favorite childhood memories include tutus, plastic high heels and clip-on earrings,” Bynum said.

Bynum attended Mississippi State University with a major in fashion design and merchandising. She began her blog, Sassy Southern Blonde, in 2016, but during her last semester in 2017, she truly saw a future in it. Bynum said that semester was when she decided to see where her blog could go. She explained that her main sources of income are from brand partnerships and rewardStyle, an affiliate program.

“The best thing about my job is connecting with my amazing followers,” Bynum said. “Everyone is always so kind, and I truly love receiving messages from people telling me that I’ve helped them find something they love—or just inspiring them to step outside their comfort zones.”

Bynum said her main goal is to effectively manage her time throughout her busy schedule.

“In total transparency, time management is something I’m still working on,” Bynum said. “I never understood how people were obsessed with their jobs until I began running my own business.”

Fellow blogger Mary Leslie Pajarillaga began her blog, Mississippi Momma, as a creative outlet and used photography as her main source for reaching followers.

After graduating from Belhaven University and Indiana Wesleyan University, Pajarillaga began thinking about her future

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as a social media influencer. As she was getting back into photography, Pajarillaga began to blog, and it wasn’t long until brands started reaching out to her on a product exchange basis.

“Companies and businesses are turning to platforms such as Instagram to market to millennials,” Pajarillaga said. “If businesses have not utilized this tool, they are really missing out.”

With more than 11,000 followers, Pajarillaga said she gains income through the content she creates. She believes that the best thing she has gained from her blog is her followers. Pajarillaga has connected with many women and mothers, regardless of how far away they live.

“Social media can be a negative platform that drives disconnection,” Pajarillaga said. “But it can also be a great network of women supporting each other and each other’s businesses.”

After graduating from Jones County Junior College in 2019, Victoria Strickland knew she wanted to begin her journey into blogging immediately. Inspired by famous influencers, Strickland stepped out of her comfort zone and began embracing her style. She started posting her outfits, hosting try-on sessions and interacting with her followers. Strickland said that she hopes to encourage other women to be themselves and to welcome various senses of styles, just as she has.

“Fashion is all about unique styles, so everyone should be proud of who they are, how they look, and how they dress,” Strickland said.

Although she is just starting out as a blogger, Strickland would eventually like to turn her hobby into a source of income.

She agreed that social media has a large impact on influencers, as well as their followers. Strickland said that her mom

inspires her to continue pursuing a career in blogging and to keep God in the center of her busy schedule. Strickland said she also finds inspiration in Bynum.

“She’s a local, and you don’t see many bloggers from around here,” Strickland said. “But that has not stopped her one bit.”

In regard to time management, Strickland said that with a full-time job, she finds it hard to make time for her blog.

Ultimately, she tries to set aside time to read her Bible and focus on getting the more important things done first. She said that this practice allows her to rest as well as lighten her workload. Strickland continues to look to other bloggers for inspiration with the hope that she can be just as successful.

“So many women are thriving based on their platforms,” Strickland said. “I hope to be there someday.”

LIFESTYLE SEPTEMBER 25, 2019

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College students struggle to find employment LILLIE BUSCH PRINTZ REPORTER s a senior, you are an old friend of the dreaded question. It hides behind every corner and every well-intentioned smile: “What do you plan to do after graduation?”

Answering this question is even worse when you consider the statistics, especially when so many students answer that they attend college to “get a better job.” For example, 53% of college graduates are unemployed or work in a job that does not require a college degree. On top of that, the average amount of time it takes for a graduate to secure employment is three to six months.

In college, there are many job resources at your disposal, but how useful are they? At Southern Miss, there is the trifecta of LinkedIn, Handshake and the Career Services office.

Websites LinkedIn and Handshake are both constantly updated with new job and internship positions, but rarely are the postings ever updated or removed if fulfilled. The sites resemble more of an archaeological dig than anything else. Regardless of the customizable search filters, it quickly becomes a chore to dig through it all.

Sometimes, though, there are forces outside of a student’s control, like previous obligations, that keep them from employment during their undergraduate years.

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“While I never consider my family a ‘hinderance’ per say, having to stay equal parts here and at their house an hour away makes getting a job almost impossible,” senior elementary and special education major Brandi Bond said.

However, there are still potential solutions to that agonizing job

search, such as utilizing Career Services on the Southern Miss campus.

As described on the organization’s webpage, Career Services wants to help students “find their passion, get job ready, and make connections.”

The organization offers many different solutions to problems when

it comes to job-seeking. There are aptitude tests, resumé reviews and even a secure internet connection for Skype job interviews.

Another possibility is to foster positive relationships with your professors. If professors are familiar with your work ethic and you as a person, they are more likely to suggest you for internships and job positions. While 20% of students acquire an internship through a friend, another half of students find jobs through staff on campus, according to a Gallup-Purdue survey.

Informal networks are proven the most successful when finding jobs for college students.

However, informal networks may not always work, especially for lower-income students. When writing “Paying for the Party”, researchers Elizabeth A. Armstrong and Laura T. Hamilton discovered that those with affluent connections manage to find employment despite their low academic records. Students without money and a prestigious network struggle much more when trying to secure a job after graduation.

In summary, there are many factors involved when a college student tries to find a job: accessibility, preparation, and networks – or lack thereof. Really, job-searching requires more initiative and self-motivation. Everything culminates into what you know and who you know.

Career Services is located in McLemore Hall 125 on the Hattiesburg campus, and Hardy Hall 240 on the Gulf Park campus.

Students find beauty and peace in plant trend MORGAN USRY PRINTZ REPORTER n the last few years, owning an exorbitant number of houseplants has been a growing trend.

The #urbanjungle hashtag on Instagram is proof of this, with nearly 3 million posts from users showing off their tropical plantpacked homes. But why are young people in particular so drawn to owning plants? While many do appreciate the aesthetic look of plants, they also find mental health benefits in plant parenthood.

Senior marine biology major Matthew Aiken is one of many young people who has turned their homes into miniature forests.

“People’s aesthetics have changed, and I think it goes along with being eco-friendly. That sort of clean and fresh image has become really popular. I love the jungle aesthetic honestly, and I hope it never dies, otherwise my house is going to go out of fashion real fast,” Aiken said.

Aiken owns more than 40 different plants and has a particular affinity for broadleaf and tropical plants, such as fiddle leaf fig plants. While he enjoys the aesthetic value of houseplants, he said there is also a big mental

benefit to owning plants.

“I think taking care of something like that is just in itself therapeutic,” Aiken said. “It offers you some peace, especially when you’re a student and have so many things to do. It’s just a fun thing to help take your mind off things and be proud of, and it’s important to keep little things like that active in your life.”

Deborah Edwards, a sophomore public health and environmental biology double major, is another student who has joined in on the plant craze. Edwards said she particularly loves succulents and cacti because they are so easy to care for.

“I like to add greenery to my space, and I think they automatically brighten up a room and make it look nicer, especially if you don’t have much else in the room,” Edwards said.

But like Aiken, Edwards said she finds a mental benefit to owning plants and tending to them helps de-stress after a long day of class.

“It just makes me happy to have something to take care of. I like to actually see it grow, so all the effort that I put into them is something that I get to physically see through their growth,” Edwards said.

For those wishing to get into houseplants or wanting to add to their collection, Mike Garner,

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owner of Heritage Lawn and Garden Center in Hattiesburg, has many plant recommendations.

“The easiest plant in the whole world is the pothos. It’s a vine plant that requires very little attention and does good in low light. All you have to do is add some water and food once in a while,” Garner said.

He also recommends succulents, Chinese evergreen plants and snake plants, which are all easy to care for and great for beginners or

those with busy schedules.

While the fad of having vibrant green homes may not last forever, it has introduced many people to the world of houseplants and what they have to offer.

“I do think it’s one of those things that will pass, but I think that people who really get something out of gardening will realize that that is what is helping them and will keep around plants,” Aiken said.

ENTERTAINMENT SEPTEMBER 25, 2019

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British musical ‘Six’ set to transfer to Broadway ALICE WALTERS PRINTZ REPORTER Graphic by Alexandria Moore | Printz

he cast for the upcoming Broadway musical “Six” has recently been announced, and with the tickets going on sale later this month, there is much speculation as to how the production will be received. “Six” is a British musical transferring from London’s West End and has often been compared to the hit musical “Hamilton” due to its focus on a key piece of British history: the fate of the six wives of King Henry VIII. However, despite this similarity, “Six” takes a completely different approach to the traditional musical form than “Hamilton,” so it is uncertain whether it will appeal so readily to international audiences.

One of the reasons why “Hamilton” is received so well in London is because it relates a fundamental piece of American history with such attention to detail, chronology, and historical accuracy that even people with no prior knowledge can follow the story with relative ease. “Six,” on the other hand, aims to modernize its subject matter.

Instead of remaining faithful to history, it reimagines the six wives – referred to as “queens” – as members of a feuding girl band who argue about who had the worst experience with the king. This premise, though unique and thoroughly enjoyable, gives little aid to audience members who are unfamiliar with the historical background which the musical aims to revolutionize. For this reason, American audiences may find the musical less witty and impactful than it is perceived in Britain.

Similar to the popular new musical “Come From Away” (which, coincidentally, is also based on a true historical event), “Six” is a short, oneact musical that runs for only seventyfive minutes with no intermission. In this way, it distances itself from the more traditional musicals: it is selfconsciously a snapshot of British history, not a full retelling. This shorter style of musical also helps to make theatre more accessible to people who have not previously enjoyed it. With society’s growing affinity for tweets and other short forms of information, this modern configuration of the traditional musical may even be the future of theatre.

The West End production of “Six” has been particularly popular with children and early-teens, especially young girls.

Not only does the production’s curtailed duration appeal to many members of the younger generation, but it also has a strong theme of female empowerment.

The cast and band are exclusively female, and the figure of King Henry VIII, though alluded to, never makes an appearance. Rather, the queens aim to “reclaim their story”, thereby teaching young girls that they should never feel pressured to stand in the shadow of a man. Clearly influenced by current strong female popstars and girl bands, this production foregrounds feminine power in a new and exciting way.

Considering all these factors, it is impossible that “Six” will be received on Broadway in the same way that it is appreciated on the West End. It will also not fare well in the inevitable comparisons to the international sensation that is “Hamilton.” However, it remains a fiercely modern and inspiring production, and it is sure to delight many audiences during its upcoming run on Broadway.

‘Downton Abbey’ wraps series in lovely bow KLARIA HOLMES PRINTZ REPORTER t has been four years since we have seen the Crawley family, and we owe this final visit to none other than the Royal Family. Unlike most reboots, this final chapter focuses more on reassembling the vast cast of characters we love, even down to those we thought we would not see again.

There is a reason why the show has a cult-like following. “Downton Abbey,” like many other shows, has done an excellent job of making you feel like you’re an integral part of the Crawley family, which is a huge part of the show’s overall success.

“Downton Abbey” is full of beautifully shot scenes and wardrobe pieces that place viewers a few years after season six’s finale. The staff and family are preparing to receive the King and Queen, an event that will prove to be stressful for everyone in the household.

Seeing the house and characters after such a long time offers a sense of bittersweet nostalgia: you are pleased to see your beloved characters again, but you know that this is it once it ends.

Through quarrels, deaths and hardships, fans of the show have stuck

by the Crawley family’s side and for a few fleeting moments, we were allowed to relish in the past with some favorite characters.

Another thing the movie does an excellent job of, past capturing the aesthetic and beauty of the time period, is capturing and replicating the essence of the characters. Violet and Isobel are just as spunky as they were when the series concluded: Daisy still as naïve, Mary still as headstrong, Tom still as outspoken.

The consistency of storylines and characters is to be admired, especially after years of filming with one another.

The chemistry of the characters and whimsy of the show is still there, which is what makes the movie a perfect gift for fans of the series years after its ending.

While the movie is an excellent gift for fans of the show, it also functions as a warm invitation to new viewers. The film itself is extremely easy to follow, regardless of whether audiences have seen the six seasons of the show prior to buying their tickets.

For those who have missed the Crawley’s and yearn to see their favorite characters again, this movie does the job. For those looking to see what the hype is about, this movie does the job. And for those wishing to disappear into another time period for a bit, this movie does that – and more.

Overall, the movie is beautifully

Graphic by Kathleen Hetherington | Printz

done without seeming too over-thetop or unnecessary, something that other franchises have struggled with.

When you have such a cult following for a TV or book series, the pressure of creating a movie that emulates the same feelings and loyalty that its predecessor does is challenging – but it is definitely not something that the writers of “Downton Abbey” are

struggling with.

For two hours, the writers of “Downton Abbey” invite viewers to get closure on the characters the viewers have loved for six seasons. Overall, the movie wraps the story of the Crawley family up with a lovely bow, serving as an excellent conclusion to the story of the British family we all fell in love with.

OPINION SEPTEMBER 25, 2019

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Facebook plagues online dating BRIAN WINTERS PHOTO EDITOR he point of using a dating service is to meet up with a person and date them— or do other things, no judgment here. Facebook Dating does not seem to be worth the time or effort when other apps are available and already established.

Facebook launched a dating service at the beginning of September. The dating service allows you to swipe left or right on people from cities and schools related to you. Facebook Dating is offered on Facebook phone apps but not on computers.

Facebook Dating combines the layout of Bumble and Tinder.

Facebook has settings similar to Bumble’s to allow your height, religious views and opinions on having children. The inclusion of your Instagram posts is also an option.

A feature the Facebook dating service offers that is different is called Second Look. This option gives the chance to look at matches you have passed on. There are also no super likes, only the basic like and dislike.

There is also an option to add a secret crush. You can add up to nine Facebook friends or Instagram followers onto your list of crushes.

The person will be notified if someone adds them but they will not see the name of the person unless they add the same person to a crush list.

Bumble and Tinder are already prominent dating apps and Facebook’s service seems to try to break into the

Illustration by Alexandria Moore | Printz

dating area. There are also other dating sites too such as Grindr, Plenty of Fish and OKCupid, leaving the question of why is Facebook doing this.

Facebook trying to make a dating service seems like they want to own all of social media. Facebook already owns a lot of the social media apps we normally use such as Instagram, Whatsapp and even technology such as Oculus VR. Facebook added the option to post stories on Instagram and Facebook after Snapchat got popular.

The idea of using Facebook to date people is a strange concept to me. People have found significant others through Facebook by chance,

but trying to date through Facebook seems weird. The only reason other dating apps seem normal is that I use Facebook to keep up with friends and post about my life.

A bit odd is you can press on a picture and send a message on top of liking the person. It is not the weirdest thing, but it could lead to a message you did not want to see. The same can be done with the pictures from Instagram.

The dating profiles show how many mutual friends each person has. This can lead to a person being easily found on normal Facebook. It seems safer to have no mention of mutual friends, a feature Tinder use to have but got rid of. It might not seem like a

big deal, but knowing mutual friends and a name can make it really easy to search for someone.

Unlike other dating apps, I get people recommended to me from across America because of mutual friends. People from Utah and Texas are recommended because I happen to have a mutual friend who lives close to them and is also friends with them. The chance of starting a longdistance relationship over Facebook seems unlikely and not worth the time.

I understand that Facebook Dating was just released, but until it gets redone you might as well use one of the other apps. Stick to what you know, Zuckerberg. Like keeping the world connected and stealing data.

Fan fiction offers a valid form of storytelling LILLIE BUSCH PRINTZ REPORTER Illustration by Lillie Busch | Printz

he first published fan fiction was pioneered by a “Star Trek” fanzine titled “Spockanalia” in 1967. However, this instance was not the invention of fan fiction.

In 1320, poet Dante Alighieri inserted himself in his own “Divine Comedy” fiction to meet philosopher Virgil, among other famous figures of the time.

More recently, E.L. James’ scandalous “Fifty Shades of Grey” novels were “Twilight” fan fiction published online before becoming books sitting on housewives’ bedside tables. This past summer, singer/songwriter Ingrid Michaelson wrote and released an entire album inspired by the Netflix show “Stranger Things”.

The longest piece of literature written in recent history is “The Subspace Emissary’s Worlds Conquest”, a Super Smash Brothers fan fiction that totals at 221 chapters and 4,102,328 words. To put those numbers in perspective, the complete “Harry Potter” book series has a word count of 1,084,170 words.

So why are Dante, James and Michaelson’s works considered valid and are accepted, but not a Super Smash Bros. super tale?

Many reasons contribute to this train of thought, such as the ideas of high versus low culture, and the—assumed—gray legalities. For example, a popular question is: does fan fiction border on copyright infringement?

The short answer is ‘no.’ The long answer is that fan fiction is legal as long as it is classified as a derivative work that does not infringe on copyright laws

or the rights of the original creator. Many established creative forces actually endorse fan fiction, like J.K. Rowling as well as Rebecca Sugar, creator of the “Steven Universe” television series.

High and low cultures stem from sociology and classist societies – or, depending on your perspective, mass superiority complexes. High culture usually pertains to the arts, such as attending a reputable ballet performance or the opera. Low culture is a derogatory term for popular culture.

In this context, fan fiction is viewed as being low culture due to its negative connotations: nerdy, obsessive, and so on. It is something to be embarrassed

about, instead of being another hobby that is no more extreme than binging “Grey’s Anatomy” for the fifth time.

In today’s era of postmodernism, where anything can be justified if artsy enough, or experimental enough, such lines of high and low cultures are blurred to the point of nonexistence.

This opinion piece is not to say that fan fiction is a genre unto itself, but rather that it is a valid form of self-expression. In terms of legality: no fan fiction authors claim that they own the characters. Fan fiction also allows writers to exercise their skills, especially without the added stress of creating new characters

and a new world.

However, fan fiction does not only serve its authors. Fan fiction is a symbiotic relationship: it is written to be consumed by an audience and unite a community. What is better than reentering a story that you assumed to be finished? Fans consume all types of fan-work: fan art, fan playlists and fan fiction.

Also, fan fiction teaches others to be better and more enthusiastic readers; it offers a great reprieve from the required reading of the classics.

Ultimately, fan fiction is simply another form of storytelling, because stories are for both the storyteller and their audience.

SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 25, 2019

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Crimson Tide rolls over Golden Eagles MAKAYLA PUCKETT SPORTS EDITOR USCALOOSA, ALA. – Southern Miss (2-2, 0-0 C-USA) concluded its non-conference play and road game stretch in Tuscaloosa against the Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0, 1-0 SEC). Alabama outscored Southern Miss by 42 points with a final score of 49-7.

“We battled for 60 minutes,” Head Coach Jay Hopson said. “I certainly want to give them [Alabama] credit. They are an outstanding football team.”

The Crimson Tide offense overwhelmed the Golden Eagles with over two times the amount of total yards. Jack Abraham had 174 passing yards for the game, his lowest of the season so far. The remainder of the offense rushed for only 52 yards compared to Alabama’s 176.

“I’ve never seen an offense with two Heisman trophy candidates in it,” Hopson said. “They are very good, really good.

They are going to be one of the best offenses if not the best offense in college football with that type of explosion.”

Southern Miss was unable to score until the end of the first half, leaving 28 points unanswered. With 4:08 left in the second quarter, De’Michael Harris had two short carries before Abraham connected with Harris for a 37-yard pass. A personal foul on Josh Jobe gave the Golden Eagles an automatic first down. Abraham continued to move his offense down the field with a 14-yard pass to Kevin Perkins. On first and goal, Perkins lost one yard in an attempt to run up the middle. Abraham sent a 4-yard

All Photos by Michael Sandoz | Printz

Michael Sandoz | Printz

pass to Harris for the touchdown, making it the first receiving touchdown for Harris this season.

“We had four pretty good drives, but unfortunately we only scored on one of them,” Hopson said. “Jack did a good job.

He moved the ball around well. He directed our offense well.”

The Golden Eagle defense stayed competitive with 57 total tackles, eight of which were tackles for loss. Swayze Bozeman recorded one sack for a loss of six yards. In the fourth quarter, DQ Thomas intercepted a pass from second string quarterback Mac

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sets up on the line of scrimage.

Jones.

“The interception against Alabama helped us gain some momentum and stop the drive,” Thomas said. “It was really important to get it in that third down right there.”

Going into conference play the Golden Eagles hope to take what they have learned from facing not only one but two SEC opponents and applying it to the remaining eight games.

“Offensively I thought today we had a few plays that could have gone our way, and we could have put up a few more points,”

quarterback Jack Abraham said. “Non-conference is over, so now it’s a new season.”

Hopson and his players also see the remaining eight games as a clean slate with potential still remaining to claim the conference championship.

“Conference USA is not the SEC. I felt like the whole team belonged out there today. We fought as hard as we could,” De’Michael Harris said. “We are shooting for a conference championship. Anything less than that is a bust.”

The Golden Eagles will return home on Sept. 28 for a matchup with UTEP.