Vindicator Cleveland State University’s Arts and Culture Magazine
FEB 2018
THE BLACK HISTORY ISSUE
generational divide
+
protesting throughout history
FEB 2 Want More? 3 Staff
5 Letter from the Editor 6 Calendar ARTS 7 Black Community v. Academy Awards 9 G et Out: A Cultural Analysis 11 Not Your Fantasy CULTURE 13 Why is There Still Slavery in 2018? 15 R espect AAVE 17 T he Dangerous Dishonesty of Drug Culture 19 You Are What You Eat FEATURE 21 Net Neutrality 23 B lack Studies at CSU 27 It’s Not Right, But That’s How It Is 35 Playlist: AfroLatinx SOCIAL 37 Stop the Selfies 39 Enemy in the Ranks 41 A Look into the Factory of Sadness POETRY 43 A Winter Day 44 Just a Girl 45 Resilience
29 A Look at Generations
How young Black activists today refuse to be compliant
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Faculty Advisor Julie Burrell
T
e heT am Web Specialist Daniel Lenhart
STAFF HEADS
Arbela Capas
Andriana Akrap
Loren Schumaker
Holly Bland
Michella Dilworth
Editor-in-Chief
Art Director
Asst. Art Director
Managing Editor
Online Content Editor
Evan Prunty
Alexis Rosen
Multimedia Manager
Features Editor
Brenda CastaĂąeda Yupanqui Culture Editor
Alana Whelan
Benjamin Heacox
Arts Editor
Copy Editor
Dorothy Zhao
Imani Stephens
Junior Editor
Junior Editor
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
JUNIOR DESIGNERS
Nahomy Ortiz-Garcia
Chau Tang
Alana Whelan
Tyisha Blade
Michella Dilworth Alexia Carcelli
Grace Roberson
Jamia Richardson
Caitlin Cole
Brenda CastaĂąeda Yupanqui
Samantha Sanker
Greg Elek
Reshae Davenport
Logan Hammond
Imani Stephens
Dorothy Zhao
Austin DiLorenzo
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Mikayla Colston
CONTRIBUTING POETS Sidney Berry Chau Tang
Aliaa Elfadil
Disclaimer The content of the Vindicator does not necessarily represent the opinions of Cleveland State University, its students, faculty, or staff: nor does it represent the members of the Vindicator staff or our advisors unless otherwise stated. The editor reserves the right to comment on any issue that affects the student body in general as well as the multicultural community at large. Letters to the editors and other submissions are accepted, however they must have the authors name, address, major if applicable, and telephone number. All submissions become property of the Vindicator and the Vindicator reserves the right to edit submissions as deemed necessary. 2121 Euclid Ave, MC 471, Cleveland, OH 44115 216 687 2118 3 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
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EDITOR’S LETTER
TO BE BLACK IS TO BE BOLD, TO BE BOLD IS TO BE DEFIANT
M
y parents sacrificed so much
such as, “to have half of what they have
is wide.
for their children’s education.
you must work twice as hard.” The “talk”
I didn’t know how much my
consisted of the “proper way to act” when it
what I take pride in for I was created by
family struggled financially
Black love and Black femininity is
came to law enforcement, and it was a okay
a beautiful Black man and a fiesty Black
until I was older — but they made sure
to have white friends but to never get too
woman. Black femininity shaped the way
my childhood was amazing — I never
comfortable, because at any given moment
I saw the world and other women of all
wanted for anything. They sacrificed a way
they can leave you and go back to their
shapes and colors. They taught me to love
of living that they deserved to support
white world and your Black problems will
myself even though society taught me not
us and make sure we were afforded the
never affect them.
to. I was told my name was “too ghetto,”
same opportunities my white peers had.
For 22 years and 365 days a year I’ve
and I was “too light for the dark skin girls”
They went without to make sure we were
felt this. I weep for my fallen brothers and
and “too dark for the white girls” — but
successful. Not just a financial sacrifice,
sisters who have been executed by law
with age I learned that Black is Black.
but a loss in community as well. Education
enforcement. I’ve worked twice as hard as
correlates with wealth, and wealth was
I watch some of my white peers excel in
brothers and sisters, I love how creative
found in the suburbs where Black faces were
their mediocracy. For 365 days a year I am
we can be with the alphabet when it come
lost in white crowds.
reminded that I am a Black woman, and I
to our names. I love our swag, slang and
feel it everywhere I go. For 365 days a year
culture. Being Black has taught me to not
we participate in activities outside of the
I celebrate my Blackness because there is
only be strong, but be confident and that
suburbs that would give me and my siblings
nothing that I would rather be. And for 28
it’s okay to express myself in various
a good sense of who we are, and taught us
days of the year, people who judge me by the
forms — because there are various forms of
to love our Black selves. Knowing that this
color of my skin have to listen to me while
Blackness. Soon we will go from surviving
world was not created for Black boys and
I’m unapologetically Black. Like Kendrick
to thriving, this I promise! Happy Black
girls to thrive taught us survival skills.
Lamar, I celebrate February like its my
History Month!
Our talks consisted of old Black proverbs
birthday — my hair is nappy, and my nose
Never wanting to lose our Blackness,
I love all the shades of my Black
JAMIA LAUREN EDITED BY HOLLY BLAND
5 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
w h a t’s h a p p e n i n g i n
FEBRUARY 2.10 Teach-In
2018 Social Justice Teach-In The InterReligious Task Force on Central America (IRTF), together with Case Western Reserve University, will be hosting a social justice teach-in for people of all ages. To learn more about this event go to www.irtfcleveland.org. 10AM-3:30PM, 10900 EUCLID AVE
2.24
2.17
Now That’s Classy: A Formal Event
Wear your perfect glam gown or tux and come to this rare event happening at Now That’s Class. Participate in a costume contest that will be judged by special guests. Don’t get caught in casual attire - only ball gowns, black tie and bow ties are welcome. More information will be released as the event gets closer.
2.21
Speaker Event
8PM, 11213 DETROIT ROAD
The Mothership at Mahall’s
Invasive Plants: Beyond the Backyard In conjunction with the Watershed Volunteer Program (WVP), Invasive Plant Coordinator, Jennifer Hillmer will share stories of the weeds of the Cleveland Metroparks and what you can do to help control their spread. 6:30PM, 2277 WEST RIDGEWOOD DR
2.14
WCSB Presents: The Mothership at Mahall’s Get your funk on and make your way to the basement of Mahall’s to experience dancing like you never have before. Witness and explore various forms of dance, like funk and boogie, and be prepared to sweat. 9PM, 13200 MADISON AVE
Storytelling
Skip the usual gooshy Valentines Day plans and come laugh at the hilarious stories of Tinder dates gone awry. Clevelanders will tell their tales while you get to sit back and enjoy the wine and cheese plates available for purchase. 8PM, 2785 EUCLID HEIGHTS BLVD FEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 6
THE BLACK COMMUNITY v. THE ACADEMY AWARDS // Nahomy Ortiz-Garcia
T
he Academy Awards, one of
going on for 90 years, that would mean that
Best Director, were all white nominees. Many
America’s most prestigious award
there have been over 2,000 winners and African
thought the reason why there wasn’t more
shows celebrating women and
American people have won only 38 times out of
diversity in the categories is due to the large
men in film, will celebrate its 90th
167 nominations.
amount of white males that form the members
anniversary in March. Although
of the Academy. The members of the Academy
African American people have been
mainstream film increasingly showcases
nominated in 17 categories out of 24. African
are the people who ultimately choose which
brilliant Black actors and creators, the Academy
American people are yet to be nominated in
films get nominated. When the nominees are
still continues to be called out for lack of
seven categories which are: Animated Feature
announced the Academy also get sent a ballot
diversity.
Film, Foreign Language Film, Makeup and
to vote for who they think should win. Many
Hairstyling, Production Design, Best Short Film
think that this is a biased process due to its
times African American people have been
(Animated), Sound Editing, and Visual Effects.
members not embracing different cultures and
nominated throughout the 90 years that the
having tastes that no longer reflect our modern
Academy Awards have been running. This is
not counted in the 167 nominations) that the
society. An article from Variety pointed out
not looking specifically at how many actors
Academy gives out such as Humanitarian
that there are around 160 African American
or creators have been nominated, but instead
Awards and Honorary Awards. Most recently
members in the organization that is consisted
looking at the amount of times they have been
in 2015 the academy awarded an Academy
of 6,200 people.
nominated. Therefore, actors and creators
Honorary Award to African American
could have been nominated more than once.
filmmaker Spike Lee. The Special and Honorary
guilty of this. Just this year, Jada Pinkett-Smith
This article will be focusing on how many
There are also Special Awards (that were
The Academy Awards aren’t the only ones
Awards have been given out since 1927. The
decided to speak out about the Golden Globes
directors or other creators, African American
awards have been given out almost annually
2018 nominations. Pinkett-Smith was upset
people have been nominated 167 times. This
(No awards were given in 8 years throughout
that there were no nominations for the film
number may seem large, but when you look at
time) to a specific person or a film company
“Girls Trip” and she was specifically upset
the 90 years the Academy Awards have been
for over 10 decades. Only 7 African American
about her co-star in the film, Tiffany Haddish
running, the amount of categories - 24, and
people have won this award. Other than Spike
who wasn’t nominated. Pinkett-Smith said
the amount of people they nominate in each
Lee 6 African American people to have been
in a series of tweets, “Tiff was hands down
category, 167 is not a lot. Also, the nominations
awarded special awards were: James Baskett,
one of the funniest person on screen in 2017
tend to be the same people but in different
Quincy Jones, Sidney Poitier, James Earl Jones,
and we couldn’t get eyes on the film or a press
years, therefore if we were to only count
Oprah Winfrey, and Harry Belafonte.
conference. How could a nom[ination] happen
each creator once instead of the number of
& how much more critical acclaim must a
nominations, the number of 167 nominations
criticism for many years over its lack of
movie have to simply get a screening?”.
will become lower.
diversity among nominations. Specifically the
Within each category, whether it be actors,
The Academy Awards have received
The most nominations out of any
For example, Pharrell Williams was
88th academy awards became the target of a
category are Best Music, Original Song with 32
nominated for Best Original Song in 2013 and
boycott, in which people were saying that the
nominations, but the most won Oscars out of
also later in 2016, he was nominated for Best
academy was biased and that it was all-white
any category are Best Actress in a Supporting
Picture, which would count as two times out
acting nominees.
Role with seven Academy Awards awarded to
of the 167. Many artists like Pharrell Williams,
African American women.
Quincy Jones, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg
Jada Pinkett-Smith and Spike Lee decided to
and others have been nominated more than
boycott the ceremony in 2016. The hashtag
recognition to people of color in all of the seven
once.
#OscarsSoWhite trended the week nominations
categories where not one African American
For the 88th Academy Awards, actors like
Overall, the Academy needs to give
came out and many Black actors were speaking
person has been nominated in 90 years.
winners (without counting that sometimes
out about the concurring issue of diversity.
Hopefully, in this upcoming 2018 Academy
there’s more than one winner in some
Awards there will be more diversity within
categories) and the Academy Awards have been
Awards such as Best Actor, Best Actress and
Calculating that every year there are 24
7 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
Within the top categories for the Academy
nominations and winners alike.
THE BALLOT The following are the number of nominations, plus the number of people who have won in each category.
Best Actor
Best Original Song
Best Director 4 nominations
32 nominations
0 African American wins
9 collective African American wins on 6 winning songs
Best Original Screenplay
Best Original Score
21 nominations
3 nominations
11 nominations
4 African American wins
0 African American wins
2 African American wins
Best Actress
Best Cinematography
Best Sound Mixing
11 nominations
2 nominations
9 nominations
1 African American win
0 African American wins
3 African American wins. *Russell Williams won twice.
Best Supporting Actor
Best Documentary Feature
Best Film Editing
17 nominations
10 nominations
2 nominations
5 African American wins
2 African American wins
0 African American wins
Best Supporting Actress
Best Documentary Short
Best Costume Design
21 nominations
2 nominations
4 nominations
7 African American wins
1 African American wins
0 African American wins
Best Picture
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Live Action Short
9 nominations
7 nominations
2 nominations
1 African American win
3 African American wins
0 African American wins
PHOTOS BY GOOGLE IMAGES
TRAILBLAZERS
HATTIE MCDANIEL (1939)
HALLE BERRY (2002)
STEVE MCQUEEN (2014)
MAHERSHALA ALI (2017)
Best Supporting Actress. From this category came the first Academy Award ever awarded to a black person which was Hattie McDaniel. She received the award in 1939 for her performance in Gone with the Wind.
Best Lead Actress. Halle Berry is the only African American woman to win best actress in a leading role.
Best Picture. Steve McQueen was the first black producer to win Best Picture for the movie 12 Years a Slave.
Best Supporting Actor. Mahershala Ali became the first muslim to ever win an Academy Award.
GET OUT A CULTURAL ANALYSIS A look into Jordan Peele’s creation of a horror film that has a different kind of monster: the monster of systematic racism. // Alana Whelan
G
et Out, released on February
in America - one that epically depicts the
sues, Rose’s relatives all seem eager to meet
24, 2017, appeared to be just
issue of racism in a way that has never been
Chris, however their comments seem a bit
another cheesy horror film,
done before.
too purposeful — as if they are pointing out
like “Cabin in the Woods” directed by Drew Goddard, that
The movie begins with Chris (Daniel
that he’s black to achieve some sort of goal
Kaluuya) and his white girlfriend, Rose
for themselves. When an incident occurs
might scare viewers a little but would most
(Allison Williams), talking about Chris
with the black husband of one of Rose’s
likely make them feel like dozing off.
meeting Rose’s parents for the first time.
relatives, Chris shows a photo of the man to
While Chris worries what her parents will
his friend Rod, who recognizes him imme-
into the film, Chris, the main character’s
think because they are unaware Chris is
diately. This causes Chris to become ner-
story quickly encapsulates the viewer,
black, Rose insists they will accept him no
vous and he decides to ask Rose if they can
building suspense as the plot slowly un-
matter what. Upon arriving to her parent’s
leave, but there is more stopping him than
folds. It may come as a surprise that Jordan
house, everything seems normal, until little
he realizes. “Get Out” is a film that takes
Peele, of the famous comedy duo, Key &
details begin to creep in that Chris brushes
one of the most vital issues of our time to
Peele, both wrote and directed the film,
off for some time, but soon can’t ignore.
the forefront, and forces audience members
because it’s hard to grasp the reasoning
From a comment Rose’s dad makes about
to feel vulnerable and uncomfortable in the
behind a comedian writing what feels like
Obama running for a third term, two black
face of injustice.
a dark, surrealistic depiction of a problem
servants that seem a bit withdrawn, and
so prevalent in society today, yet so under
a pushy concern about Chris’s smoking
interview, was not certain what direction
the radar of many (white) American people.
habits, Rose’s parents make Chris question
he wanted the film to take when he first
What Peele had created was a satirical film
whether they really do accept him. When
began writing. He was sure he wanted it to
centered on the theme of systematic racism
the annual Armitage family’s reunion en-
be a film that black audiences didn’t have to
However, about a quarter of the way
Jordan Peele, as told in a Variety.com
come away from feeling disappointed, but rather feeling some of their truest concerns when it comes to film, and specifically horror films, had been addressed. A popular belief in horror films is that the minority character is often the first to die - or no minority character even exists in the first place - so Peele set out to change that by making sure no white saviors were present at all. Instead, he made every white person the enemy, which pinpoints exactly that racism isn’t a problem that only existed before the twenty first century. In the postObama era we are currently living in, many have the presumption that racism is dying out — that younger generations are changing the negative perceptions of minority groups in America, and we only need to wait for those few old, southern racist men 9 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
fine. However, underlying racist tendencies are present at every turn in life, whether we acknowledge it or not. Peele uses some unique concepts to exemplify these tendencies, one of which is the sunken place. The sunken place is a metaphor for the state of marginalization that black people are often put in. For black audiences, “Get Out” was probably one of the first mainstream films in which they could identify with the lead character’s anxiety about white people’s subconscious, and often completely conscious, racism. In President Trump’s America, racism has unpleasantly taken a front seat. After Charlottesville, when the President failed to condemn the white supremacy and blatant racism it included until a few days after, many Americans were left feeling uneasy. The shooting at the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston was another obvious and wrongful act of white supremacy and racism. Countless other acts of hate and violence toward minorities have unquestionably highlighted that racism is still — and even increasingly since President Trump was elected — a problem. With “Get Out”, Jordan Peele brought an extremely vital issue to the attention of people across PHOTO CREDIT: GET OUT FILM STILLS
the world in a way that only an artist could. He did it without assuming who would go see it — assuming that anyone could walk into a theater and put themselves in Chris’s shoes no matter what race or ethnicity they identify as. The way that many Americans perceived “Get Out” came under question after it was nominated for a Golden
“
versal submitted the film to be considered
Peele was able to portray the racism that has so long plagued our country in a way that allows all viewers to empathize
“
to die, and then everything will be perfectly
Globe in the Musical or Comedy category.
Jordan Peele wasn’t exactly pleased when he heard this news, but he accepted it,
knowing that the message he intended with the film goes much deeper than what a comedy could portray. There is no clear reason the film was nominated as a comedy, except for some people’s theory that Uni-
in the Musical or Comedy category because they wanted to give it a better chance at winning. Despite this, Peele hoped that the true message he intended could be a force for change in audience members, and that no matter what category it is placed in, the systematic racism it portrays is very palpable. The film’s placement in the Musical or Comedy category goes to show that African American pleas for equality are not being taken seriously, yet this film has still been a game-changer with a hard-hitting lesson: that this country still has a long way to go when it comes to racial equality. After its nomination Peele tweeted “‘Get Out’ is a documentary” in a seeming attempt to lighten up the situation. Nonetheless, it is important to question it’s placing in these light-hearted categories, as anyone who has seen the film can tell, its subject matter does not make it a comedy in the traditional sense. “Get Out” will undoubtedly be one of the most important films of our time. With it, Peele was able to portray the racism that has so long plagued our country in a way that allows all viewers to empathize with the main character. Peele also gave black audiences a character (Chris) who they could relate to and feel like some of their deepest concerns have finally been represented. Whether “Get Out” wins the award for best Musical or Comedy or not, the monster of systematic racism that it addresses is still what Jordan Peele intended to depict, and it is the message that people across the country should take into account. FEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 10
NOT YOUR FANTASY DISSECTING THE MANIC PIXIE DREAM GIRL Exploring the problematic trope that damages female representation in film. // Grace Roberson
I
’m impossible to forget, but I’m hard to
placed upon her well before her first scene.
Gordon-Levitt concluded that it’s not
remember.”
She is expected to be charming, funny, cool,
healthy to fall in love with just the idea of a
understanding, spontaneous, and nothing
person, which is part of the problem when
the phrase “manic pixie dream girl” in
short of that. The moment she reveals that
male writer-directors create these female
his review of Cameron Crowe’s 2006
she has emotions and problems of her own,
characters for Kirsten Dunst, Zooey De-
film “Elizabethtown”, starring Orlando
the film’s plot shifts gears, as well as her
schannel, and Natalie Portman to bring to
Bloom. Kirsten Dunst played Bloom’s love
love interest. It’s not a healthy portrayal of
life. It creates unhealthy molds for real-life
interest, a stewardess named Claire who
romantic love, let alone women. This is a
relationships.
helps Bloom’s character Will deal with the
selfish and one-sided narrative. Women are
death of his father and let go of his personal
multidimensional, and should not be dis-
essay for Salon.com almost a decade after
failures.
credited or invalidated for the sake of Manic
his review of “Elizabethtown”, titled “I’m
Pixie Dream Girl characters.
Sorry for Coining the Phrase ‘Manic Pixie
In Rabin’s words, Dunst’s character falls under the following category, “The Manic Pixie Dream Girl exists solely in the fevered imaginations of sensitive writer-directors to teach broodingly soulful young men to embrace life and its infinite mysteries and adventures.” Over the past decade or so, starting with the recognition of Kirsten Dunst’s performance in “Elizabethtown”, more of these dream girls have appeared. More notable performances include Zooey Deschannel as Summer in “(500) Days of Summer” (2008), in addition to Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Ramona in “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” (2010). But before Claire, Summer, and Ramona, and Nathan Rabin’s diagnosis, came Natalie Portman’s character Sam in “Garden State” (2004). Typically, these characters are white,
“
In a 2012 interview with Playboy, actor
In 2014, Nathan Rabin published an
Dream Girl’”. In this essay, Rabin explained
Not roles for just white women, but for all women — there needs to be representation across the spectrum.
“
In 2007, writer Nathan Rabin coined
straight, attractive upper middle class women whose personalities must have a certain “quirkiness” to them, or their
Joseph Gordon Levitt, who starred along-
that when he published his review of “Eliz-
beloved male protagonist finds something
side Zooey Deschannel in “(500) Days of
abethtown”, he didn’t realize how much it
about them that he latches onto. Needless
Summer”, provided his own analysis of his
would influence pop culture.
to say these women are often put on a ped-
character Tom, and how problematic his re-
estal, and once the male protagonist has an
lationship with Summer was. Although the
life-lover who cheers up a male sad-sack
epiphany or realizes that the object of his
film was a breakthrough for Gordon-Lev-
had existed in the culture for ages. But by
affection is more than the idea he built up
itt’s career, he was concerned about the way
giving an idea a name and a fuzzy defini-
around it, we never hear from Manic Pixie
his character would be viewed, especially by
tion, you apparently also give it power. And
Dream Girl again.
young people.
in my case, that power spun out of control.”
The concept of a Manic Pixie Dream
Gordon-Levitt comments about his
“The archetype of the free-spirited
The MPDG archetype extended beyond
Girl is part of the male gaze category, but
character, Tom, saying that “He develops a
the world of film and made its way into
it’s arguably much worse in actuality. It’s
mildly delusional obsession over a girl onto
young adult literature, and Rabin even re-
not just an actress appearing in a film on
whom he projects all these fantasies. He
called seeing a musical whose title was the
the basis of her physical attractiveness. It’s
thinks she’ll give his life meaning because
phrase he created. Although he coined the
a woman being created by men, for men; a
he doesn’t care about much else going on in
phrase originally, he credited the internet
woman who already has high expectations
his life.”
for its growing popularity.
11 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
To conclude his essay, Rabin wrote “Let’s all try to write better, more nuanced and multidimensional female characters: women with rich inner lives and complicated emotions and total autonomy.” Since the publication of Rabin’s apologetic essay, women in Hollywood have stepped up to the plate to create better roles for women to portray; some of them even doing the creative work themselves rather than leaving it to the men. One of the more prominent, recent examples would be Mindy Kaling from “The Office”, who created her own show, “The Mindy Project”, which ran for six seasons (2012-2017). “The Mindy Project” follows the life of Mindy Lahiri, a successful, Ivy-League educated OB/ GYN living in New York City. By creating a character who already established a career, Kaling made it possible for there to be more room to showcase Mindy Lahiri’s personality and her romantic adventures. While the character of Mindy Lahiri is quirky, spontaneous, and outspoken, none of those traits exist solely to form another MPDG character. The Mindy Project is a show created by a woman, starring a woman, who is unapologetic about being herself, regardless of the fact if there is a love interest present or not. Mindy Lahiri’s quirkiness isn’t the result of a hyper-fantasy created by brooding male writer-director types. Kaling created a woman with a rich inner life, complicated emotions, and total autonomy - which is what Nathan Rabin hoped to see more of in Hollywood, to spite the MPDG movement in pop culture. But “The Mindy Project” is a breakthrough not only because of its female-centric, girl-power attitude, but because it stars a woman of color - an Indian-American woman. The show is important because its content raises the question - why can’t women of color be the romantic leads, and why are we starting now? It’s 2018, and the time has come for there to be more strong female characters. Women who are bold and ambitious, and women who are just trying to find their way like so many of us are now. Not roles
PHOTOS BY GOOGLE IMAGES
for just white women, but for all women there needs to be representation across the spectrum. Down with the Manic Pixie Dream Girl. Let this be an era of new, revolutionary creating and storytelling. It’s time to roll up our sleeves, and start writing.
FEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 12
WHY IS THERE STILL
SLAVERY IN 2018? Slavery ended in the United States in 1863, but that doesn’t mean slavery ended // Imani Stephens
T
here are some things that
from inside the imprisonment chambers.
should never be repeated,
They spoke of being shot multiple times and
is still thriving in Libya, though to a much
though the phrase “history
tortured with hammers and knives. Many
greater degree with slavery. Humans were
repeats itself,” seems to echo
said the majority of the people being killed
not born to be held captive or to be slaves
loudly even in today’s day
while imprisoned in Libya were Black.
– but this crisis in Libya is leaving many
and age. Is something as old as slavery
“The father has guns, the mother has
Much like the United States, racism
questioning if people value the lives of
becoming a reality again? In Libya, people
guns, the children have guns – they all have
other people, especially Black people. It’s
are being taken from their families and
ammunition to threaten blacks,” said a CNN
hard to grapple with the idea of slavery and
being held hostage by smugglers – similar
rescuee Celestine Ike.
using another person’s body as a pawn,
to slavery in the United States and the not so distant past. Being abducted could happen by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The age of social media has made it incredibly easy to spread news to a wider range of people. Therefore, more people in the United States are knowledgeable about these kidnappings versus before, where a mask was put on the true injustices in the world. Ending this sense of obliviousness is vital. Libya is in need of allyship to solve these problems, and discovering who can
“
help is a greater task. Kidnapping and abduction are not the only forms of slavery. Many people use immigrants and minorities to do their work for less than what they deserve. According to a CNN article titled “They use black men as slaves: Migrants tell of brutality in Libya,” the first to post videos about this issue in Libya, a rescue boat operated by Proactiva Open Arms picked up 695 migrants from 27 countries during its first mission to Libya. Among those that have been rescued, only a few were willing to cooperate about what went on throughout their horrific journey, but the stories all had a recurring theme of Black men and women suffering. Some of the people rescued told stories 13 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
a tool for the advancement and pleasure of others, primarily for white people.
especially in 2018. An article on Time’s website titled “Libya’s Migrant Economy Is a Modern Day Slave Market” reports, “In 2000, more than 600 African migrants were killed at
Protesting should not have to be held every month with a new problem from the world not respecting another humans rights...
“
concentration camps in Austria in our
The Black body has always been seen as
the hands of Libyan mobs shouting ‘blacks must go.’” Innocent people are disrespected and their bodies are discarded like trash. Because of this, it seems that blacks are still seen as worthless, making it hard to see what else can be done to prove themselves. One can only hope that this doesn’t just become popular on Twitter and fade from our memories once again. Too often we see issues from around the globe stressed only on social media and never getting real news coverage. Everyone deserves equality; justice must be served. It is sickening to imagine inexplicable realities of slavery. Men being burned, shot, whipped to take away masculinity from their entire existence. Woman getting raped in front of their children, being viewed hypersexually and being sold into sex trafficking. Kids being put to work never knowing what it’s truly like to be free and suffering from seeing their families being torn apart. Similar to what occurred during the 1800’s with slavery in America, it’s hard to believe that this can happen in an instant.
The slavery in Europe upset numerous
into social media there are countless posts
people in Paris and the African Union. After
trying to spread awareness about various
the news spread, people began to protest.
issues, but injustice continues. The leaders
As a result France plans to accept 10,000
of Libyan slave trafficking should have
refugees in 2019 to help reduce the number
been put in jail or caught, yet they are still
of those captured. Nour Youseff, a writer
out there. These issues should be taken a
for the The New York Times, reports in his
little more seriously by those who actually
article, “Sale of Migrants as Slaves in Libya
have the authority and power to bring
Causes Outrage in Africa and Paris”,
justice. Yet, the same pattern continues:
that it was mostly Black people protesting
people just talk about slavery in hopes of it
in front of the Libyan Embassy in Paris.
changing and never actually being an agent
Protesters held up signs that said things
of change. Social media has a tendency of
like, “Put an end to the slavery and
posting a situation so much that it begins
concentration camps in Libya.”
to get normalized and often time forgotten
Photos all around the internet from CNN’s sources and photojournalism have surfaced of men being gathered into
about. Slavery will never be okay.
THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW The International Organization of Migration (IMO) says the journey to Europe from Libya is the world’s deadliest with more than 33,761 killed in the last 17 years. Smuggling slaves has been in the works in Libya since 2006 89 million people worldwide have experienced some form of modern slavery, whether for a few days or many years, since 2012.
bunches crying for help. On CNN’s Twitter, a video of slaves showed them freed in rescue boats, shaking and telling traumatic stories of being sold and escaping to freedom. These videos of these mortified people on have even reached people who all have power and status. Thousands of people across the world are wondering how they can help and what they can do to spread PHOTO CREDIT: GOOGLE IMAGES
more awareness of these issues. One of the most important things to remember is that these events do not just die off. They still continue to occur whether media covers them or not. Overall, the world should be worried
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP Hold those with higher job titles and high paid social media sites reliable Give money to all the anti slavery campaign possible When shopping buy products that weren’t made by slaves or immigrants who get paid little to nothing for the labor
about how to not let these issues fade and actually solve the problem. When checking FEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 14
T C E P S RE
E V A A Speakers of African American Vernacular English are facing language barriers in the classroom. // Reshae Davenport
E
ducation is often referred to as the “great equalizer” and for
who do not. If students speak another language
they embrace, and there are rules governing its use, just as there are rules governing
many acquiring a quality educa-
besides English, they are given special in-
the use of SAVE. Chelsea Easter gives an
tion it is the key to unlocking the
struction in Standard American English as
example of the social rules governing the
American Dream. Unfortunately,
a part of their education. However, because
use if SAVE in communities where AAVE is
African American students whose primary
African Americans are American born, and
spoken, “Just as the use of AAVE is of-
dialect is African American Vernacular En-
speak their own dialect of English, they are
ten considered wrong in most classroom
glish (AAVE) are at a disadvantage accord-
often viewed as poor English speakers.
settings, the use of SAVE is occasionally
ing to our education system.
Fromkin notes that, “Since the onset of the
considered inappropriate in the African
civil rights movement in the 1960s, AAE
American community.”
Victoria Fromkin defines American Vernacular English (AAVE) or (AAE) as “…
has been the focus of national attention.
Dialects of English spoken by some Amer-
Some critics attempt to equate its use with
glish” ignores history and culture, insults
icans of African descent, or by any per-
inferior genetic intelligence and cultur-
the African American community, and
son raised from infancy in a place where
al deprivation…” This perception is false.
allows for discrimination.
AAE is spoken” The dialect that is used
AAVE is a complex dialect with its own set
English teachers have only a limited
in academic setting is Standard American
of rules and its own unique origins. AAVE
number of hours per-week to teach chil-
Vernacular English (SAVE), and it is the
developed as a result of slavery.
dren grammar. As time goes on, traditional
prestige dialect in the United States. According to Fromkin the definition
Creoles often arose on slave planta-
Mislabeling AAVE as simply “bad En-
grammar is being taught less and less in
tions where Africans of many different
public schools. This is especially true due
of a prestige dialect is “The dialect usually
tribes spoke mutually incomprehensible
to standardized tests such as the OGT.
spoken by people in positions of power, and
African languages. One of the theories
Teachers are often forced to “teach to the
one deemed correct by perspective gram-
concerning the origins of African American
test”… or prioritize what they teach based
marians.” Any member of American society
English is that is derives from an earlier
on the areas that students will be tested
who wishes to advance their education,
English-based creole that developed when
on. Therefore, teachers have to find ways
must first master this “standard” dialect
African slaves had no common language
to incorporate bits and pieces of grammar
of English. A dialect which is considered
other than the English spoken by their
instruction into their lessons where they
standard only because those in power
colonial masters.
can. Tragically, It’s usually not as often as
labeled it as such, effectively privileging
Today AAVE is a part of African Ameri-
those communities that use it over those
cans’ cultural heritage. It’s something that
15 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
they’d like. Jackie Dickerson, an AP English teach-
er for 10th and 12th graders at Shaw High
but even with their best efforts they stress
“Poor whites tend to live in more afflu-
School, has over 17 years of teaching expe-
that there is a lot that is out of their con-
ent neighborhoods than do middle- class
rience. She said she’s noticed that students
trol.
blacks and Latinos, a situation that leaves
have become less and less connected with grammar over the years. In her opinion learning prescriptive
Essentially, teachers in communities
those minorities more likely to contend
where AAVE is commonly used have to
with weaker schools, higher crime and
teach students an entirely separate dialect
greater social problems…”.
grammar is very important because of the
of English in addition to the rest of their
prestige it carries with it. She said that,
curriculum. A task they are expected to ac-
viewed as ESL learners they could have the
“grammar is the first line of presentation.”
complish in the same amount of time that
extra instruction they need to succeed in
Her belief is that students will be more
is alloted to students who already learn and
the world of academia. Fromkin suggests
likely to have doors open for them if they
speak Standard English at home.
“Educational programs that respect the
She said that changes could benefit her students and grammar should be taught throughout school, instruction should be similar to the instruction given to ESL (English as a Second Language) students, and grammar should be included as a freshman class or elective. Although she recognizes that her students are disadvantaged, she only has a few hours to make changes. Some methods she uses are breaking down literature into small pieces, explaining vocabulary, creating personal connection between students and the material, and giving examples of literary terms. Mrs. Fiebig, a teacher from Early College High School, a top rated magnet school, explained that her students typically come from “better homes” and know how to code switch. She said since state exams typically start around 4th or 5th grade, many students don’t get much of grammar instruction after that point.
“
acquisition of a standard dialect. Ideally, the bidialectal method would also include
AAVE is a complex dialect with its own set of rules and its own unique origins.
She said that students, especially those with less exposure to Standard English, need multiple exposures to prescriptive grammar before they can apply it. She said that she found ways to teach grammar,
home language may better facilitate the
“
understand prescriptive grammar rules.
If students who spoke AAVE were
Students who speak AAVE are dis-
class discussion of the phonological and grammatical differences between the two dialects…” Such programs could give students the tools they need to pursue higher education. A student’s ability to adjust to college within the first two years is a huge predictor for their academic success. It is estimated that 40% of college students will leave higher education without getting a degree (Porter, 1990) with 75% percent of such students leaving within their first two years of college (Tinto, 1987). Freshman class attrition rates are typically greater than any other academic year and are commonly as high as 20-30% (Mallinckrodt & Sedlacek, 1987). (DeBerard 1) In the world of higher education Standard English is spoken by the professors, written into every textbook, and expected in every writing assignment. If students aren’t highly proficient in Standard English they will struggle to comprehend the material presented to them during lectures, they will struggle to read their textbooks fluently, and they will write papers the
and what methods are most effective, since
proportionately affected by the limited
same way that they speak (in AAVE). Ad-
students tend to struggle with diagram-
amount of grammar education in schools.
ditionally, they will be subjected to other
ming sentences.
For many students who come from families
people’s biases regarding AAVE.
What works best for her is showing
and communities where AAVE is the most
Easter elaborates on the issue in
students a PowerPoint and then creating
common dialect, the only time they have to
her own research by stating, “…like ESL
small grammar assignments as bell work.
practice Standard English is in a classroom
students, AAVE students are likely to have
Assignments are sometimes as simple
setting. Fromkin explains, “AAE is gener-
had negative experiences with writ-
as having students identify words and
ally used in casual and informal situations,
ing, and since academic success in many
phrases in sentences they create with the
and is much more common among work-
fields relies on writing in some form, may
book “Writers INC” as a reference. Or as
ing-class people”.
have negative attitudes about school and
creative as playing an educational CD about
Meanwhile, students from more afflu-
about themselves as students.” Unless
grammar called “Shakespeare is Hip-Hop”.
ent areas, with better schools, and commu-
the barriers to these students’ success are
She also dresses up with a wand and a
nities which tend to have a higher number
recognized, and they are provided with the
pointy hat, and gets into the character of
of white residents aren’t as affected. They
appropriate remedial instruction and ac-
the “Grammar Witch” to keep her students
are much more likely to be exposed to
commodation, it’s likely that such students
interested. Teachers have to work hard to
Standard English outside of the classroom.
will struggle during their first extremely
find creative ways to help their students,
This is supported by Fletchers report that
important years of college.
FEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 16
THE DANGEROUS DISHONESTY OF
DRUG CULTURE What a young rapper’s death tells us about the culture of drugs in music. // Samantha Sanker
A
ddiction is most unglam-
he “remembers a happy brother who was
advantage or benefit from fame and money
orous and ugly. This can be
content on where his life was.”
when it’s convenient for them. Surrounding
seen in the life of Gustav Åhr,
The most insidious thing about drug
yourself with people who are only along
also known as Lil Peep, a boy
use is that people rarely get high with the
for the fun is a poor mental health decision
communicating that he needed
intention of becoming addicted, it just
when you’re vulnerable. Lil Peep’s circum-
help and who didn’t get it soon enough. He
happens regardless. The true extent of Lil
stance was so bad that he was left on a tour
built an entire image based around sadness,
Peep’s drug use is unknown to those who
bus for an extended period of time because
writing things like “When I die,You’ll love
were not around him, but many signs point
his friends thought he was only sleeping. Is
me” on his Instagram account. How did
to this being a case of a kid who trusted
there a worse way to leave this earth than
something this dire, go so overlooked?
somebody he should not have.
to be overlooked by those you think love
In any case, whoever supplied him
at the age of 21. The official cause is “fen-
with a heavily abused, highly addictive drug
tanyl overdose.” His bodily fluids tested
like the Xanax that was found in his sys-
positive for ten different drugs in addition
tem, should be held fully accountable and
to fentanyl, a narcotic analgesic that is 50x
responsible. Addicts need people who have
more potent than heroin and 100x more
only the best intentions for them. There are
potent than morphine according the CDC.
people who have no interest in helping you
Maybe a failure to understand chemical
love yourself or helping you grow and these
reactions is at fault here, or suicidal inten-
people are often careless with their friend-
tions are the culprit. There are people who
ships. In fairness, these loved ones are often
like to make his death a moral debate or a
mentally ill or addicts themselves. Whitney
just say no conversation, but this type of
Houston and Amy Winehouse would defi-
judgmental discourse is merely superficial
nitely still be alive today if not for the in-
to the real issue and only increases addic-
fluence of their partners, Blake Fielder-Civil
tion stigma.
and Bobby Brown, who were addicts them-
The focus of this discourse should be
selves. Sure, Whitney Houston and Amy
on mental health and the many friends
Winehouse were autonomous adults who
and family that remain complicit and allow
could make their own decisions, but they
this self-destructive behavior to continue
put their trust in their partners, who want-
in plain sight like a loud secret. However,
ed nothing but to lead these women down
there is a large probability that Lil Peep’s
the wrong path. For every celebrity over-
death was completely accidental and he
dose, there are countless loved ones who act
wasn’t as depressed or addicted as his social
shocked but enabled the behavior all along.
media presence made him out to be. In
Silence can be a strong statement.
publications like People Magazine, his older
Being a friend or partner means loving
brother Karl has said he doesn’t believe
the horrible and fantastic aspects of a per-
Lil Peep intended to overdose. He said that
son. Fair weather friends only seek to take
17 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
“ and care?
Being a friend or partner means loving the horrible and fantastic aspects of a person.
“
Lil Peep passed away on Nov. 15, 2017
The Culture
before. Some of them turned to chemical
Malone went so far as to get a tattoo of
“Mask off” and “XO TOUR Llif3” are great
dependence to escape pain and trauma
Peeps face. Bella Thorne, Peep’s ex-part-
songs, but they’re as dangerous as they
while others were influenced by fellow
ner, tweeted, “Life didn’t do your greatness
are catchy. Whether it’s Future mumbling
addicts that they trusted because “misery
justice.” Close friend and collaborator Lil
“Percocet, Molly, Percocet” or Lil Uzi Vert
loves company.” Maybe if these people had
Tracy pays homage to Peep through his art.
yelling “Xanny, make it go away. I’m com-
social media in their time, they would have
Fortunately, the conversation changed and
mitted, not addicted, but it keep control of
communicated similar sentiments of need
is still changing. The radio DJ’s and media
me,” high schoolers internalize this which
like Lil Peep did.
personalities have used their powerful plat-
leads to dangerous perceptions involving
It’s our duty as friends and family to take people seriously when they ask for
or Future specifically, but the culture that
help even if a social media post seems more
see an opportunity to exploit this story.
allows reckless promotion of dangerous
like a personal diary entry than a message
There have been memes made about Peeps
drugs to impressionable teenagers.
to others. Failure to treat situations with
passing. Making death jokes at the expense
seriousness can have awful consequences.
of a young man just to exploit some likes
radio, magazines or one specific fashion
Despite all this, this culture can have won-
and views is repulsive. Human life is more
brand. Teenagers are dancing and singing
derful pieces to it. Lil Peep himself spoke
precious and valuable than any social media
along to songs about Xanax, Molly and Per-
out against toxic masculinity, homophobia
validation and we need to recognize that.
cocet as if they are fun, happy drugs, fully
and violence against women. It’s imperative
This was a human being deserving of re-
blind to their insidious potential. It appears
to see past the flaws and celebrate the per-
spect and compassion. It’s time to question
to be all fun, games and hallucinations, but
son who did great things for the culture. He
who we think our friends are and check for
opioids are actually ending the lives of the
had the potential to do anything he wished.
our neglected friends who are calling out for
people who take them every day. Hopefully,
He lived a life outside of drugs and social
help. We also need to question what we are
this culture will change and instead pro-
media and had experiences that helped him
exposed to on social media and if it’s honest
mote self love and healthy social habits.
grow and develop into an adult just like
or not. The world does not want to hear or
anybody else.
see another story about a life lost too soon
This culture extends well beyond the
The interesting thing about Lil Peep is influences and made a name for himself in
Unfortunately, some people only
at the hands of drugs.
that he took goth, gangster emo and trap
PHOTO BY GOOGLE IMAGES
forms to enlighten their audience.
drugs. The problem here is not Lil Uzi Vert
Respect for the Dead
music. He really resonated with the teenage
The tracks and videos “Benz Truck,”
angst crowd. His followers are members
“Awful Things” and “Beamer Boy” show
of the “Goth Boy Clique,” — think Edward
massive artistic promise. It’s always sad
Scissorhands meets Snoop Dogg meets the
when an artistic inspiration passes, espe-
early 2000’s. In regards to pop culture,
cially before they reach their prime. Peep
people like Kurt Cobain, Whitney Houston,
would have gone on to be an iconic vision-
Amy Winehouse and Jimi Hendrix have been
ary in his adult years. He could have been a
examples of what happens when addiction
creative director at Gucci or Versace or even
and fame combust. It’s like a re-run — we
a filmmaker. Many in the industry shared
have seen this episode too many times
love and condolences on social media. Post
RESOURCES SUBSTANCE ABUSE & MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION NATIONAL HELPLINE 1-800-662-4357
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE 1-800-273-8255 FEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 18
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT If we could stop hurting humans, animals, and the planet via factory farming, that’d be great. // Caitlin Cole
T
here are many wonderful
factory farms are “not all bad” because
and drugs are just a few of the unnatural
reasons to live in Ohio, but the
they are still providing the world’s popula-
elements within factory farm animal feed.
nation seems to focus on only
tion with food – which I feel to berong. To
The antibiotics, drugs and chemicals with-
one thing: our bitter winters.
make this complex and frightening topic
in the feed are eaten by the livestock and
This may be a painful, yearly
more understandable, I will break it up into
then carried over to the humans that eat
occurrence for Ohio residents but there is
three different sections: negative effect on
the animal’s meat. Some medicines used
so much more to remember the state for.
animals, humans, and our earth.
to make animals grow quicker or get rid
One overlooked aspect of living in Ohio is the importance of its agriculture. According to the most recent Census of Agriculture,
of parasites contain arsenic. To humans, Impact On Animals Imagine, standing in inches of your
a certain amount of arsenic can be fatal. Animals are meant to roam free and graze
there are approximately 2,109,303 farms
own filth, squished shoulder to shoulder
from earth’s food supply, not chemical-
in the state of Ohio. This makes Ohio the
with thousands of other humans, and no
ly enhanced food that makes them grow
seventh largest state for agriculture, which
access to fresh air. This is the life of factory
fatter at an accelerated rate.
is the human race’s main source for food.
farm livestock and this practice is increas-
Unfortunately, this also makes it suscep-
ing at an alarming rate.
tible to one of the nation’s biggest threats: factory farming.
I grew up on a small farm, which
Factory farms put thousands of livestock in small pens that give no space to move or access to natural water and food
placed me around livestock my whole life.
sources. The New York Times, Rolling Stone
I was taught about the importance of car-
Magazine, People for the Ethical Treat-
Webster as “a large industrialized farm;
ing for our livestock and giving them the
ment of Animals (PETA), and The Humane
especially a farm on which large numbers
opportunity to live their lives as intend-
Society have all published media exposing
of livestock are raised indoors in conditions
ed. The Organic Consumers Association,
these inhumane conditions these animals
intended to maximize production at mini-
a non-profit organization that supports
live in. While the images may be graphic
mal cost.” This definition does not scratch
organic agriculture, has researched what
and unpleasant to look at, it’s important
the surface of the disgusting and inhu-
factory farm animals are fed and the
that the world knows the truth of where
mane processes that factory farms use. It is
results are alarming. Plastic, diseased an-
their food comes from.
a common misconception that many think
imal meat, hair, skin, blood, animal feces,
A factory farm is defined by Merriam
19 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
Considering the amount of animals
often not cared for properly, which leads to poor living conditions. The Food and Water Watch, an organization that keeps corporations accountable for their actions related to the earth’s natural water and food sources, tracks the amount of factory farms and livestock within the nation. The most recent update stated that there are approximately 82,144 dairy cattle in Ohio,
“
The important thing is to know what is being fed to your body.
a thirty-three percent increase in only five years. Impact On Humans Putting farm animals in inhumane factory conditions can also cause harm to humans. One example is food poisoning caused by salmonella, a group of bacteria. According to FoodSafety.gov, this bacteria may be present in some vegetables but is often found on poultry products, eggs, and dairy. Many salmonella outbreaks and other food recalls are due to conditions of factory farms. That one chicken will be covered in many different kinds of bacteria and will transport them wherever it goes.That one chicken comes into contact with thousands of other animals and eventually humans, causing them to be infected with illness. Most Americans have heard the phrase “you are what you eat” and this has never been more relevant to the nation’s health crisis. Many do not think about what they consume, which is the most dangerous part. Unregulated antibiotics are given to livestock through their food or shots and these antibiotics are then transferred to the humans that eat the livestock. According to a public health report published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, these antibiotics humans consume through their food is part of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance, a current public health crisis, is when bacteria learn to change and reduce a drug’s effectiveness at stopping or preventing infection. Families who make a living through
ILLUSTRATION BY AUSTIN DILORENZO
farming are also at risk because business goes to factory farms for their speed and ability to meet the nation’s high- demand for meat products. My uncle’s way of life and providing for his family is through his dairy farm but every year becomes harder. I’ve watched my father, uncle, and grandfather struggle with the upkeep for a small farm but I am beyond grateful that I was
“
in such a small place, these shelters are
raised to understand the importance of
the water. Cyanotoxins are released from
caring for the earth and livestock.
algal blooms and are the cause for humans
When I first moved to Cleveland, I had
becoming ill. It wasn’t until this year that I
to use the dining plan because I lived on
realized factory farming caused that algae
campus. This was one of the worst experi-
bloom and the panic that ensued in Toledo.
ences for me. I would feel sick after eating
There may be some confusion as to
the meat and I gained weight quickly. I
how manure can be so harmful because in
went from eating naturally raised live-
high school most learned about the nitro-
stock, vegetables and fruit to eating meat
gen cycle and why manure is such a good
of an unknown source. This was a huge
fertilizer. While this is true and important
wake-up call for me and I began to really
to those in the agriculture industry, factory
understand the severity of factory farming.
farms produce so much excess waste that leftover nitrogen and phosphorus contam-
Impact On Our Planet The more I educate myself, the more I
inate our water supply, the same ingredients that create algae blooms.
see that it not only directly harms live-
All of this information is overwhelm-
stock and humans, but it is also killing
ing and for those who are just now hearing
what holds us all together: our earth. The
about the issue of factory farms, it may
amount of animals at each factory farm is
seem impossible to fix but the ways to
not natural and is leading to unspeakable
make a difference are endless. If we all
amount of toxins and waste being dumped
start by buying locally sourced produce and
into our water supplies.
meat, we can keep local farms. The import-
The EPA states “agribusiness is the
ant thing is to know what is being fed to
leading cause of pollution for more than
your body. If we educate ourselves, friends,
145,000 miles of rivers and streams, 1
and family, we will stop consuming harm-
million acres of lakes, and 3,000 square
ful food and the number of factory farms
miles of bays and estuaries throughout
will diminish. We could all sign petitions,
the United States. Agricultural runoff — ei-
call our senators or those participating in
ther from manure or from fertilizer used
elections to start public discussions. To-
to grow animal feed — creates dead zones
gether, we can make these changes and end
that stretch across the country, from the
factory farming.
Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico and the Chesapeake Bay.” In 2014, I visited friends in Toledo, while on a summer road trip. That weekend so happened to be the same time as the devastating algal bloom, which put Toledo in a state of emergency. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
WHERE TO BUY HUMANELY RAISED MEAT IN CLEVELAND: North Union Farmers Market Gateway 105 Farmer’s Market Heinen’s (with certified humane label) Select West Side Market Vendors
defines an algal bloom as “when colonies of algae — simple plants that live in the sea and freshwater — grow out of control and produce toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals and birds.” Myself and many others became violently sick from just showering in
GROCERY STORE BRANDS THAT SELL HUMANELY RAISED MEAT: Applegate, Nolan Ranch, Organic Prairie, Strauss Brand, Bell and Evans, Coleman Organic, Murray’s FEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 20
PROJECT SAVE THE The freedom of the internet is at risk, and if we don’t change that, our daily lives will be drastically affected. // Chau Tang
T
he iternet is a tool we use to
to adopt historic net neutrality rules that
interact with each other, seek
keeps the internet free and open.” The
impact at Etsy, told CNBC, “If [small online
news and search anything we
FCC’s Republican majority chairman, Ajit
businesses’] traffic were slower compared
wanted on Google for educa-
Pai, has plans to remove net neutrality pro-
to a larger competitor, then our sellers
tion. It’s crucial in our lives
tections so the free internet is in danger.
would likely lose sales. And I think if you
because without it, we wouldn’t be able
Taking away net neutrality will affect
Althea Erickson, head of advocacy and
kind of expand that out, you see basically
to fact check so we would have to assume
society as a whole in a lot of ways. It will
small businesses and micro-business-
someone else is correct. Without net neu-
impact people who create content online
es being harmed at the expense of larger
trality, 3.2 billion people will not be able to
in different areas, such as having to pay
competitors and fewer of them starting and
use the internet the same way. According to
additional fees — causing free speech to be
growing over the long term.”
Time magazine, there are approximately 3.2
compromised. Small businesses that thrive
billion people who use the internet. When
on the internet will be affected because
communities such as LGBTQ+, people of
we go on the internet, we expect to see free
companies like AT&T, Comcast and Veri-
color, indigenous people and religious
speech, conversations, arguments and even
zon will be able to slow down their web-
minorities, they depend on the internet
sites such as Youtube and Netflix for enter-
site, which can cause a decrease in sales.
to educate society and clear up any mis-
For those members of marginalized
tainment and networking. Some people use
information. Media outlets may represent
the internet for resume building.
information about these communities and
If you are a journalism major then you might have a blog to refine your skills so you can show your employer one day. Or if you’re an artist or a photographer, you need the internet in order to showcase your work, even sell it. A Youtuber may upload content to entertain that can be relatable to viewers, as well as grow their connections. If free speech and free social media were to be taken away then websites could be blocked or controlled by companies such as AT&T. If websites were blocked and con-
Taking away net neutrality will affect society as a whole.
trolled, then facts and political views can
You might see the term “net neutrality” pop up on your social media and you wonder, “What is net neutrality?” Essen-
tion. If net neutrality were to be revoked, activists won’t be able to fight for certain groups, if they have unequal rights. Artists won’t be able to reveal their talent to the world, whether it be as drawing, dancing or singing. Since the internet has been free, people of color have shared their stories and organized for racial justice in profound ways. Online movements have been used as a way to share stories, make connections and provide assistant — such as organiza-
be deleted and people would lose certain important information and simple rights.
fight back against systematic discrimina-
tions having the ability to donate money for Companies like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon
children in need. The internet is also used
can slow down their competition’s content or
for entertainment purposes. According to
block political opinions they do not agree with.
News Week, If net neutrality were to be re-
According to CNBC, they interviewed
voked, consumers would need an extra $10
tially it prevents internet companies such as
a couple who runs a business on Etsy who
per month to gain access to social media.
AT&T, Comcast and Verizon from increasing
talk about the possible struggles they will
Also, since small businesses sell their items
or decreasing speed for services like Netflix
face. Kristi Haner and Alex Tiberio run their
online, it will become harder for them to
and Hulu, that can block any content, ap-
online shop, Gothic Mountain Jewelers,
compete with large corporations and they
plications or websites you wish to use.
where they sell handmade sterling silver
wouldn’t make much profit.
According to SaveTheInternet.com,
jewelry. Haner told CNBC, “if this actually
The First Amendment of the Unit-
“In 2015, millions of activists pressured
happens and pages take longer to load, that
ed States Constitution includes freedom
the Federal Communications Commission
will directly affect our sales.”
of speech, and in our modern world this
21 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
extends to speech online. Without net neu-
online and if the rules of net neutrality are
content such as this be hidden. There are
trality, the freedom of speech will be taken
not protected then it will be even more
other graphic designers and artists is in
away in an instant. If the Constitution up-
difficult for people to know and understand
contact with who have gained a portion of
holds this amendment then it should apply
issues and how they can fight against them.
their clients and income come from the in-
to the internet as well. The internet helps
Many people are angered that the FCC
ternet. Without net neutrality, there might
society become aware of politics, news, and
would even consider to remove net neu-
not be as many clients who will see their
events.
trality; about 76% of people in the U.S. are
content nor will there be as many designers.
People use the internet as a resource
PHOTO CREDIT: FEDERICA GALLI ILLUSTRATION CREDIT: LOREN SHUMAKER
because it is convenient and not every-
fighting to keep it. According to Jane (we have changed
“Only those who can afford to pay the extra fees will be able to successfully work
one follows the news on TV. According to
her name for anonymity purposes), a CSU
to design a website or network,” Jane con-
Business Insider, a chart from Statista from
graphic design major, the internet is an
tinues. She’s not sure what this will mean
2016 shows the average person spends an
important place to network with oth-
for future internet use and technology, but
average of 170 minutes watching TV per day
er designers as well as potential clients.
those who cannot pay the extra fees, it will
and an average of 140 minutes per day on
She is constantly being prepared for new
also be a problem for students to do their
the internet. In 2018 those numbers were
mediums and new forms of technology in
schoolwork since so much of our education
almost identical. Not many people would
order to show her work online. “With net
is based on technology use. Without net
follow the news if it weren’t for the internet
neutrality potentially being taken away, it
neutrality graphic designers like Jane won’t
because if you follow Fox News or CNN on
decreases the amount of designers who are
be able to network with potential employ-
Facebook then you’d click the like button
able to do such things,” she said. Jane also
ers through the education she is receiving.
and you would have alerts to see what is
states, “Only those who can afford to pay
Instead, it will cause a concern for her when
going on not only around your location but
all the extra fees will be able to successfully
it comes to the web design aspect as well as
around the world.
work to design a website or be able to use
building her online portfolio.
Ironically, awareness of the net neu-
the resource for networking.” In turn, this
If the FCC approves to revoke net
trality issue was largely raised through
could lead to companies trying to capitalize
neutrality then it will go against most
Twitter. There were hundreds of people
on speech. It can become a form of censor-
of the people in society who want net
tweeting a picture with a price tag on social
ship because people can pay more to have
neutrality protected. Although this is a
media and websites such as, “Twitter:
certain sites not shown to certain demo-
consideration to revoke it, the fight for Net
$14.99/month, Snapchat: $9.99/month,
graphics.
Neutrality is not over. There is a way to stop
Netflix: $9.99/per movie, and Google:
Social justice organizations such as
Congress from revoking it. You can go to
$1.99/per search. If you don’t want to pay
#BlackLivesMatter use social media to
BattleForTheNet.com to put your informa-
extra for your favorite sites you need to be
spread awareness of issues such as police
tion in and to write Congress.
supporting #NetNeutrality.” This tweet
brutality and mass incarceration — issues
shows people coming together to fight
that are usually glossed over in mainstream
against an issue they do not want. This isn’t
media. This power to spread information
the first issue people have fought against
can be taken away if companies pay to have FEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 22
BLACK STUDIES
A journey through journalism and the history of the Black Studies Program. // Tyisha Blade
Photos courtesy of Cleveland State University Archives
23 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
AT CSU
I
have come across several differ-
acts against Blacks. She died in 1931 but her
Morehouse College while working on his
ent situations that have led me
legacy continued. In 1988, her five grand-
Ph.D. at Georgia State University before
to advance in journalism. When I
children started the Ida B. Wells Foundation
receiving a tenure-track teaching position
began my studies in journalism,
which is located in Holly Springs, Missis-
at Middle Tennessee State University. Dr.
Dr. Horowitz’s COM 224 course:
sippi. There is also an Ida B. Wells Museum
Bynum recently made the transition to
Foundations of Journalism and Promotional
dedicated to inspire and educate about the
Cleveland State in August 2017. The Black
Communications introduced me to a world
contributions of Ida B. Wells and other
Studies Program is a part of the Howard
that had been awaiting my arrival. Writing
historical Africans and African Americans.
A. Mims African American Cultural Center
for the Vindicator also opened many differ-
Wells was definitely a rare and extraordi-
which is in the Main Classroom building.
ent pathways and, with each day, I aspire
nary woman. She was kind, yet stern. She
The center is in honor the legacy of Howard
to feed my life with substance pertaining
was tenacious in her fight for justice. When
A. Mims, director of Black Studies from
to journalism. After studying the famous
I see ink as I write, I often think of her. The
1991-2001.
bravery and courageous demeanor. The heroic qualities that she possessed inspired me to seek out ways to speak as a voice for underrepresented people, while also studying her legacy. An anti-lynching crusader, woman’s rights activist, journalist, teacher, civil rights pioneer, and one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Wells was a woman of many talents. She was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi in 1862. Her father was a carpenter and her mother was a famous cook. At age 16, she lost both of her parents and a younger brother to yellow fever. Her strength allowed her to assume
“
I felt as though I was unnecessarily missing a portion of my heritage.
the responsibilities of rearing her five younger siblings, and according to the Ida B. Wells Foundation website, she received her education at Shaw University and then
“
Black journalist Ida B. Wells, I admired her
became a teacher to earn more money for
way in which she used the power of the
her family.
pen to highlight misconduct and help an
[Cleveland State Black Studies Program]
After relocating to Memphis, Ten-
“What really stood out about the
oppressed people is honorable. I hope that
was the fact that we had a center. In my old
nessee, a life changing event happened
as I continue to learn more in journalism, I
institution, there was no center,” said Dr.
for Wells when she faced discrimination
can apply her legacy.
Bynum. “The fact that we have a phys-
while riding the train and was thrown off
Attending Dr. Horowitz’s class also in-
ical space where students can come talk
because of complaints from angry wom-
troduced me to the Black Studies Program.
about current issues and issues relating to
en passengers. She wrote an article about
Being a junior at Cleveland State and not
the Black community was exciting.” The
her experience.This experience led her to
being aware of the program, I felt as though
Howard A. Mims African American Cultur-
decide she wanted to become a journalist
I was unnecessarily missing a portion of my
al Center features a wonderful collection
instead of a teacher because she wanted to
heritage. Visiting the center, I encountered
of African art, as well as contemporary
speak up about injustices blacks faced in the
individuals with great passion for Black
and traditional works of African American
South. As a journalist, Wells wrote about
studies and commitment to advancement.
artists. It also features culture and history
the injustices Blacks faced in the South and
I have since worked with The Black Studies
of peoples of the African Diaspora. There
how lynching had become the main tactic
Program for other stories and attended oth-
is formal and informal colloquia, films,
in the strategy to terrorize Blacks. Friends
er events such as The Kuumba Arts Festival.
video recordings, and programs designed
of hers were lynched for opening a grocery
Former Director of the African Amer-
for student retention. The cultural center
store that was in direct competition of a
ican Studies Program at Middle Tennessee
environment is a tranquil place for students
white-owned grocery store. Her friends
State University Thomas Bynum Ph.D,
to relax, engage in meaningful discussions,
were charged with crimes they did not
joined Cleveland State University as Director
study, socialize, and receive tutoring.
commit, such as inciting riots. While im-
of Black Studies after residing in Tennes-
prisoned, the men were kidnapped from jail
see for 11 years. Succeeding Cleveland State
Program provides undergraduate students
and murdered. Wells used her pen to expose
Black Studies interim director, Dr. Donna
an opportunity to study the history, culture,
the truth in this and other discriminatory
Whyte, Dr. Bynum taught part-time at
socio-economic and political developments
Founded in 1969, the Black Studies
FEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 24
of people of African descent, and their con-
could have more course options to fulfill the
Dubois’ discussion of the “Talented Tenth.”
tributions to world civilizations. Students
requirements for the major.”
The Talented Tenth is a term designated
take courses in the College of Liberal Arts
According to the programs website, the
to the leadership class of African Ameri-
and Social Sciences and the Maxine Levin
ultimate goal of the faculty is to challenge
cans that should be responsible for using
College of Urban Affairs. The Black Studies
Black Studies majors and minors to achieve
their talents and education to instruct the
major currently requires completion of 36
their maximum potential as students and
masses. At the Umoja Roundtables, student
credit hours of Black Studies course work.
citizens of the world. Black Studies Program
led initiatives engage professionals about
majors and minors embody diverse profes-
different career fields. These professionals
posed change to the major requirements,
sions and occupations including education,
educate students on applying knowledge
becoming effective Fall 2018, that requires
journalism, law, business management,
taught in the classroom to professional
students to take only 30 credit hours for the
government, city planning, international
communities. Bridges to Africa discussions
major. “We did some restructuring of the
relations, psychology, public health, reli-
are academically inclined promoting aware-
major, so under the catalogue, as it stands
gion, visual and performing arts, and social
ness to the concerns of persons of African
now, we have two capstone classes. So what
work.
decent and are inspired by the legacy of the
According to Dr. Bynum, there is a pro-
I did was say that we should do away with
The program also has several other
first Black president of South Africa, Nelson
the second capstone and create an intern-
student involved programming such as
Mandela. Kuumba Arts host events such as
ship class,” said Dr. Bynum. “We combined
Black Student Ambassadors, Umoja Round-
Black Studies Open House, Kuumba Arts
two categories (African Diaspora Social
tables, Bridges to Africa Panel Discussions,
Festival, the Truth Crush to Earth Solidarity
Thought and African Diaspora Religions)
and the Kuumba Arts Festival. The Black
Day, and Madam C. J. Walker Extravaganza.
into one category (African Diaspora Social
Studies Ambassadors are recruiters for
Thought and Religion) so that students
the program and are influenced by W.E.B
Upon my initial visit to the Black Studies department, I was welcomed with great sincerity. It was there that I met Prester Pickett, M.F.A., Coordinator of the Howard A. Mims African American Culture Center. Mr. Pickett, a mind of prestigious creativity cloaked in abundant wisdom, had such significant experience and I could see how this encounter was yet another in the forefront of my passion. He armed me with much needed knowledge in my quest and, after a brief yet fundamental conversation, introduced me to Sankofa Society president and Black Studies major, Erica Young. Young, a recent CSU graduate of Fall 2017, told me all about the wonderful Sankofa Society/ Black Studies Elite and several other Black student organizations. During an interview I did with her for the Annual Kuumba Arts Festival, we discussed some of the hardships of our people in the African Diaspora. She also thoroughly explained Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa. With some guided information of hers, I recently attended my first Kwanzaa celebration and I was in awe. The celebration included education and symbolism of African culture. Kwanzaa is a week long celebration lasting from December 26 through January 1 created by scholar and activist, Maulana Karenga in 1966. The celebration incorporates Nguzo Saba principles. These principles are Umoja: unity, Kujichagulia: self-determination, Ujima: collective work and responsibility, Ujamaa: cooperative economics, Nia: purpose, Kuumba: creativity, and Imani: Faith. The terms are of the
BLACK STUDIES PROGRAM Carter G. Woodson Challenge & Madam C.J. Walker Extravaganza February 1. SC Atrium Dr. Wasson All Star Basketball Challenge Cleveland Police & Fire Department February 10. Recreation Center Mack Gym Ralph Pruitt Lecture, Arts, & Media Series with Keynote Speaker Dr. Lynn Itagaki February 20. MC 134/136 Ralph Pruitt Lecture, Arts, & Media
Black Studies Program and the origins of
to Cleveland State University, Mr. Beck-
African American heritage.
er knows everything! I spent some time
In addition to the academic and com-
and I was informed that the Vindicator’s
Studies Program, the Program has the Jazz
origin was, in part, due to some racially
Heritage Orchestra. The orchestra is a pro-
insensitive comments about the first Black
fessional 17-piece performance/education
homecoming queen, Barbara Lois Brown, in
ensemble. An affiliate of CSU Black Studies
1969. The Vindicator, originally a newspa-
Program, the orchestra is composed of out-
per publication, transitioned to a magazine
standingly talented jazz performers who are
in 1993. According to an article published
also highly competent music educators. The
by CSU Newspaper, The Cauldron, Brown
orchestra is available for concerts, educa-
states that when she had first heard of
tional seminars, clinics, master classes, and
her nomination, she wasn’t sure that the
workshops. As a music lover myself, I am
university was ready for a Black queen. Still,
excited to hear the orchestra and watching
she was chosen. The newspaper also reports
I am sure will be fantastic performances.
that she was dismayed by the number of
The jazz genre is specifically significant to
negative remarks from some students, but
African American history and a great addi-
not surprised. She added that the large
tion to the Black Studies Program. Finding
Series with Keynote Speaker
out about the Jazz Heritage Orchestra was
Dr. Nishani Frazier
fundamental in my quest as well. Before
March 8 at 6pm. MC 134/136
learning about the orchestra, I enrolled in
Truth Crushed to Earth Solidarity
State for the Spring 2018 semester. During
Day/Mannequin Challenge April 4. MC Auditorium Educational Excursion to Detroit African American Museum April 13-14 Life as a Black Cancer Survivor April 17 at 12pm. MC 137 Jazz Heritage Orchestra Spring Concert April 28 at 7pm. MC Auditorium
inquiring about the history of the Vindicator
munity engagement efforts of the Black
the Jazz technique dance class at Cleveland the research of Black Studies, several ‘light bulbs’ went off internally. Dance is one of my passions that I am slowly getting back into and I ambitiously await the opportunity to incorporate both jazz and dance. The orchestra has an upcoming concert April 28th at 7pm in the Main Classroom auditorium. The Black Studies Program also has a Black Studies radio station called “Images” hosted by Dr. Bynum, Mr. Pickett,
“
Equipped with this knowledge, a spark was ignited.
“
GET INVOLVED WITH THE
and other Black Studies staff. Images is a half-hour public affairs broadcast of discussions and conversations with local,
Swahili language origin. Each day is repre-
national, and international guests, accord-
sentative of a different term or principle.
ing to the Black Studies website. The radio
number of Black students who promoted
station pre-records the show “Images” in
her candidacy exemplified the growth of the
made to inform and unite Black communi-
the studio of the Cleveland State University
Black community on campus. I admire her
ties. Community meals are prepared, guest
Department of Instructional Media Services
bravery and strong spirit as well. She did
lecturers are welcomed, and children are
(IMS) by members of the IMS staff. The
not have to accept such a nomination, but
embraced. Coincidentally, I saw Mr. Pickett
talk show airs every Sunday at 10:00 am -
she did and she won.
on the first day of the Kwanzaa celebra-
WERE-AM/1490 and Wednesday at 12:30
tions. Though we only met briefly, it was
pm - WCSB/89.3 You can check out more
nalism, I have encountered and studied
great to see him and relate his suggestions
information at the website: WCSB.org
many individuals that have had significant
During the celebrations, efforts are
to the celebrations. During these events I
In my most recent occurrence involv-
During my progression toward jour-
influence in fundamental opportunities I’ve
encountered many community activists,
ing journalism, I made a personal discovery
had as a student journalist. Coursework in
judges, lawyers, and personnel in their at-
of the Cleveland State University Archives
journalism, historical value of the Black
tempts to unify with each other. With each
located on the third floor of the Rhodes
Studies Program and history of journalists
day of knowledge, I couldn’t wait for the
Tower in the Michael Schwartz Library. It
before me have had a tremendous impact in
next day’s lesson. Equipped with informa-
was there that I met with the CSU Archi-
providing direction to my path in writing.
tion, a spark was ignited. While satisfying
vist, William “Bill” Becker. Mr. Becker is
This is simply the beginning, and I can’t
advancement of my own personal knowl-
such a sensational person. He knows all
wait to see what’s next! Happy Black Histo-
edge, I was eager to let the world know my
about the history of Cleveland State. From
ry Month.
findings and provide substantial informa-
it’s time as YMCA Tech to Fenn College
tion to those who may be unaware of the FEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 26
IT’S NOT RIGHT,
BUT THAT’S HOW IT IS The mentality that bred this generation of political activists that refuse to be silent. // Jamia Richardson PHOTOS BY EVAN PRUNTY & HUNTER PRUNTY
T
he fight against oppression is
tect him and his family as well as end the
complexion. This feud of course streams
getting old. Patience is running
hate in the world, Lipford was never active
from slavery; slave owners had fetishes
thin and peaceful protests are
in the movement.
for biracial Black women so they had a
turning into riots and cries of pain. Interestingly enough, when riots
“We went to church with white people,
certain “special treatment,” and this was a
but church people were church people,
way to divide the Black community at the
do happen, many people like to quote Dr.
there was no discrimination there,” he
time. Their light skin and the bounce of the
Martin Luther King Jr. However they always
said.
coals in their hair was appealing to them,
forget another famous quote, “A riot is the language of the unheard.”
both biracial men and women were kept
staple of the Black community as playing a
as house slaves while their darker skinned
key role in the civil rights movement. Seg-
brothers and sister worked outside. All the
cause of a war, but also gave birth to more
regation limited Black people’s abilities to
while ignoring that both dark skin folks
bigotry and hate. A fight against ignorance
socialize so in turn, the church became the
and light skin folks were slaves.
that has yet to end in the year 2018. A fight
main source of congregation. Church ser-
that should have been over but no one can
vices were once a source of sanctuary for
see the end. The “it’s not right but that’s how it is” mentality is not enough for millenials. And the saying “this ain’t your grandparents civil rights movement” has taken over the new era of political activism. This generation of young activists are called radical and outspoken. Believing in peaceful protest but not being as patient as their elders and definitely not willing to accept any disrespect like the ones that came before them. Technology has factored into this new wave of activism and social media is their weapon. With the election of the 45th president, Donald J. Trump, many argue that he has the power to take us back in history but this generation will not stand for it. With everything changing in this world equality and justice are at a standstill.
“
someone else’s job. They were rude to me
They made us know the difference in white and black.
The “correct” way to protest is a question that is always being asked and fuels debates
“I also faced discrimination at my job, they needed one black person for their program, I was a token, and I was told I took
“
Hundreds of years of slavery ended be-
Back then, the Black church was the
and it was blatant. They wanted me to feel uncomfortable,” Greene said. “As a Christian I believed with prayer everything would work itself out, I don’t see anything wrong with the protesting it does make a difference but I will leave that to the younger people.” Greene said. Herman Lipford’s son, Herman Leon Lipford Jr. has a different approach when it comes to activism. “I believe in prayer but I also believe in being active,” Lipford Jr. said. Upon graduating from Glenville High School, Lipford Jr. was among the first Black students to attend Princeton. A class of 20 Black males out of 800 white males, it was also the last all-male class. “The guidance counselors at Glenville
on news stations, radio programs and of
the Black community in various forms such
discouraged us from going. My whole life
course, social media.
as political activism and discussion. There
up until Princeton was Black and I was told
were numerous civil rights activist that
that I would be eating up if I went there,”
THE ELDERS
were also prominent in the church such as
Lipford Jr. said.
Herman Leon Lipford is sitting in his office
Rosa Parks. Unfortunately the Black church
he stepped onto campus, the educational
in his recliner chair watching the news.
has lost their pillar in the Black community
and economical divide was apparent.
Eager to tell his story, he sits up and pre-
and maybe this can come into play when
pares to share.
talking about the change in activism.
“I was born in Hensley, West Virginia
Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and of course,
“The majority of the discrimination I
Lipford Jr. goes onto to say that once
“We were honors students at Glenville, but then we got to Princeton and they were working on calculus and that was foreign
in 1929. I was a coal miner for 3 ½ years.
faced is when I move to California,” Lip-
to me. We had the catch up with them,” he
Every few years they would put in a new
ford’s daughter, Beverly Greene said. “I’ve
said.
machine and let go 30 or 40 people. We
never heard of this light skin versus blacks
loaded coal by hand and Black people were
skin. I’ve never thought I was better than
was no surprise that they were unprepared
the first to go” Lipford said.
anyone.”
for the level of higher learning Princeton
“I knew there was discrimination;
Thankfully, in 2018 the “light skin
Education correlates with wealth so it
had to offer.
Black people knew but basically I just
versus dark skin” debate has turned into
raised a family, worked, and went to
somewhat of a joke. For example, rapper
ton; the faculty supported us and soon we
church. I wasn’t out that much. I knew
Drake’s famous line from his song Child’s
were all caught up. And we even tutored
what we could do and what we couldn’t do,
Play, “say I’m acting light skinned.” But
the white students,” Lipford Jr. continued.
we minded our own business, It was safe
when it comes to more serious matters,
“There were some who didn’t want us
that way. They made us know the differ-
Black people who have a darker complexion
there. Sometimes there were fist fights and
ence in white and Black.”
still suffer more than those with a lighter
they told us to get out we even excluded
“I never regretted going to Prince-
Believing that his religion would proFEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 28
Campus racism is still relevant today
dent government. Many people don’t take into account that if minorities, especially
but not so blunt, instead it’s hidden by
Black students, were represented in the
anonymous users on Yik Yak or openly
Student Union there would not be a Black
racist users on Facebook. What happened
Student Union.
in Charlottesville is a great example of that
When talking about his own form
and how there were death threats and stu-
of activism, Lipford stated that there are
dents were afraid to go to class. Segregated
multiple ways to make a change specif-
study groups are a form of racism too; sep-
ically talking about how his own ideals
arating themselves into cliques using them
reflected Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s
to network with mentors to further a career
teachings. However Malcolm X and Martin
while their black peers are left behind.
Luther King’s teachings tend to be black
“We had our own organization on
and white, while very little grey area in
campus and we held a sit-in in the ad-
between. Arguably the new generation of
mission office because we did not like how
activists are stuck between the two.
Princeton was involved with Apartheid
“Everyone can’t march in the streets
in South Africa. It was about 10 hours,”
or riot there are many different ways to
Lipford said.
protest. It’s the person who doesn’t rec-
Unlike Black organizations now, Lipford Jr.’s club with his peers never seeked
ognize the issue is where it’s dangerous.” said Herman Lipford Jr.
recognition on campus. At predominately white institutions now there is a constant struggle to seek recognition on campus from faculty as well as support from stu-
29 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
BELOW Photos of Herman Lipford and family. Provided by Jamia Richardson.
“
I think it’s also good to keep in mind that things could’ve gone differently without the support of some people in the government, without the support of some white citizens.
“
ourselves at times.”
THE MILLENNIALS It’s 2018, people born roughly in the 1990s are entering the first stages of adulthood and are fed up with what has been the norm for years. More likely to be politically correct, millennials have no patience for islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, and racism. Enough is enough for them. The political climate has pushed the majority of them to the left, with their support of Bernie Sanders in the 2016 presidential campaign. With the subsequent election of America’s 45th president, Donald J. Trump, it has pushed them even further. Obviously there has been progress that has occured since the 20th century: racism is not as bold and minorities are not willing to accept the disrespect that their grandparents did. A famous Malcolm X quote speaks more candidly about progress that the United States has made. His quote reads, “If you stick a knife in my back nine inches and pull it out six inches, there’s no progress. If you pull it all the way out that’s not progress. Progress is healing the wound that the blow made. And they haven’t even pulled the knife out much less heal the wound.” “I think it’s also good to keep in mind that things could’ve gone differently without the support of some people in the government, without the support of some white citizens,” said Lipford Jr. Of course there were white supporters of the movement before but the best thing about the current movement is that there are more white people that are a part of the movement than ever. Back in 2016, after the outrage of the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter and its tone-deaf response #AllLi-
was the best outlet for her to take a stance. “I didn’t even pick my major, I met
said. Bland continues to talk about how her
vesMatter, the hashtag #BeAnAlly start-
with someone in the admissions depart-
and the editor-in-chief, Arbela Capas, be-
ed trending in hopes to influence white
ment and they asked my what I wanted to
gan to have these feelings over the summer
America to take a stand and wake up to the
do, and I said I like to write and they said
when Bland went to “abortion summer
systematic racism. Currently the hashtag
journalism and I was like okay,” Bland said.
camp.” Bland is a part of We Testify, an
is used to show support and to “be an ally”
Although the Vindicator gives oppor-
abortion storytelling program through
to anyone facing any discrimination or
tunities to all people interested in mag-
the National Network of Abortion Funds.
fighting for equality.
azine writing, as managing editor, Bland
Through this organization she met people
wanted the Vindicator to be more inclusive
from all over the United States and they
to Black students on campus.
discussed their roles in the fight for repro-
Holly Bland sits on her couch cuddled up with her dog, Rocko. She takes a sip of her wine and covers herself and Rocko up
“The Vindicator was a Black newspa-
ductive rights, which is where she became
in a blanket. Bland is a white millenni-
per as response to a racist cartoon in the
al woman passionate about reproductive
Cauldron. It was a space for Black people
rights and racial justice. After coming to
to write and feel like they had space. Then
ity and deals with issues like abortion, I
Cleveland State and becoming involved
further down the line we looked around
am concerned about intersectionality and
with the Vindicator Magazine, she found it
and there was an all white staff,” Bland
issues in regards to race, class and gen-
more hyper-aware of her white privilege. “As someone who advocates for equal-
FEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 30
der,” Bland said. “I already knew I was
ence. Not only is he an activist, but a poet
benefiting from white privilege but I could
who went viral in 2015 for his poem “Lost
definitely be doing more.”
Voices” with Scout Bostley. With cover-
At the retreat, she was one of only two
age from the Huffington Post and over 51
white people present. Bland said it was an
thousand views on YouTube under his arm,
eye opening experience and it showed her
Simpson was more than willing to talk
how she should be navigating the space.
about race and activism.
“I began to listen,” Bland said. It’s very easy for people to agree and believe that everyone deserves equality and basic rights. However, it’s another thing to humble oneself, put ego aside and listen. This is the first phase of helping people facing oppression. “I observed and listen[ed] and that’s what white people say they do but they don’t,” Bland said. She then started talking about what “white America” should be doing when it comes to social issues and protesting. She stated that as a white person in America, the revolution is not for them to lead but for them to listen, take a step back and support. White America’s role is not on the front lines when it comes to racial justice. It is their responsibility to use their privilege to make sure minorities have a voice and and are free from oppression. So, where does that leave minorities? Darius Simpson is a 25-year-old recent graduate from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor of science in political sci31 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
When was the first time you felt black / what makes you proud about your race? DARIUS: The first time I felt Black was in elementary school when one of the first Black kids came in that wasn’t there when I was in 2nd grade. I remember seeing a similarity and affinity to him and not knowing what to call it. Having attended a majority white school system most of my life “feeling Black” didn’t often come with positive connotation. I didn’t learn to take pride in my Blackness until high school with my involvement in My Brother My Sister. It’s tough to pinpoint a thing that makes me proud about my race but I’m honored to wear this skin daily and I love how we transcend. Our survival alone in contrast to how this world has tried, and in many ways is still trying, to take us out is a thing to marvel at. I’m proud every time every time I see a Black person bold enough to be joyful in this world.
What made you want to be an activist / when did you start? DARIUS:
I don’t think I ever wanted to or
planned to be an activist. My mother had been in my ear about race since I was a child insisting my skin meant something in situations I was shrugging off as coincidence. In my senior year I attended my first rally with her on behalf of a Black mother being charged for sending her kids to our school district. My freshman year in college Troy Davis was put to death even though all the witnesses which led him to being in the death chamber had since recanted or admitted foul play. That spring Trayvon Martin was murdered, I attended my first rally and realized how loud my voice was. This is the first time I heard “No Justice, No Peace!” and the first time I marched. In 2014 Mike Brown is murdered and the other Black “leaders” on campus met to figure out what we were going to do. One of the first statements was that it “wasn’t about race”. They also didn’t want to include the word “Black” in the t-shirt idea that was floating. This caused me to separate and figure out what it was I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to take action but didn’t know what that meant so I watched and listened to how Ferguson
was responding, and how people around
in the ways Twitter was utilized during the
permission of the body, person, people,
the globe and nation were taking action in
rebellion in Ferguson, but in the Egyptian
you are protesting then what you have is a
solidarity. The first protest I ever planned
Revolution. “Tweets from Tahrir” asserts
party, or parade. I can’t protest the police,
was die-in. From there the protests grew to
that the platform made the resistance, in
while asking them to walk alongside our
more disruptive, movement-based actions.
the ways it unfolded, possible. There are
march to protect us. Outside of that I think
Activism wasn’t so much a want as it was a
dangers of infiltration, even more with how
it is imperative that our freedom-fighting
need, something I felt I could no longer go
open the internet is, but there are ways
continue to be as multifaceted as the sys-
on without doing, a responsibility.
around that like using encrypted apps for
tems we are up against.
communication.
DARIUS: I’m not sure how I would classify my activism. I act in whatever way I feel is appropriate to deconstruct, disrupt, agitate, or change whatever (thing) is being acted against. I do believe that a protest with permission is a parade. I’m anti-police, pro-Black, and unafraid to stand on ten toes for these things.
There is always a misconception about who was active in the civil rights movement. Many people tend to believe that all African Americans were active when that is false. Do you believe in this day in age everyone regardless of race should be involved in what’s going on today? DARIUS: I believe any human who is able to take action and does not, is no less evil than the system enacting the wrong on the individuals involved. Any man who is not taking an active role to challenge his fellow men in their misogyny, any white person who is silent on issues of racism are as much at fault as men intentionally causing harm or cops pulling triggers. I don’t believe our liberation as a marginalized group lies in the hands of anyone except ourselves but I do believe the best folks can do from a position of privilege is to get out of our way. Help, sure, in the ways we decide you can be helpful, not the other way around. We find in this attempt to be helpful there’s a white savior narrative where the end to requires a knight in shining white skin to get their hands dirty and join us in the trenches. The truth is we would be a lot better off in this country is folks would challenge the people closest to them on their toxic beliefs and habits.
Social media activism is becoming a new trend, although social media makes it easier to be more vocal is it beneficial? DARIUS:
Social media is definitely a tool
for organizing in this day in as simple as information sharing. The proof is not only
As a young black male what do you want for the next generation?
“
DARIUS: I want the next generation to be further along in the fight than we are for
Many people don’t take into account that if minorities, especially Black students, were represented in the Student Union there would not be a Black Student Union.
“
What is your form of activism?
What is the “correct” way to protest or be an activist? DARIUS: The only persons who have a say
their freedom. I want them to love each other more, to laugh harder, to have the tools they need to build a better world. My hope in whatever job, city, school I occupy is that the Black youth who come behind me will not have to face the roadblocks that I did.
Do you think the media does a proper way of representing what protesting and what activist do? DARIUS: No. The proof is everywhere. I’ll keep it simple though. White people burn, pillage, and break property in New Hampshire at something called Pumpkinfest. For the sake of, you guessed it, pumpkins and being festive. CNN calls them an “unruly crowd”. Unarmed Black folks protest police shootings and defend themselves against military-grade weapons in the hands of local cops, and it’s called a riot.
The 45th president has made talking politics the new norm, what is your opinion? DARIUS: My opinion is that he is no different from many white men or women in this country, the proof is in the polling. Folks say he is unfit for the job when in reality he represents everything this country
in what the appropriate ways to protest
was built on. That’s why his friends have
are the people engaged in that specific
gotten a little bolder in their gathering and
struggle. There shouldn’t be a “right” way
in promotion of his campaign. 45 doesn’t
to protest. Different types of protests have
shock nor scare me, I’ve seen him all my
different targets, depending on the intend-
life. I see him in Starbucks every morning.
ed goal is, and only the organizers can say
I pass him on a sidewalk in a gentrified
what was or wasn’t accomplished. The call
neighborhood. I took his classes from
for compliant, silent, sidewalk-stepping,
elementary to high school. He is another
noise-cautious, ways Black folks are told
symptom of this greater corrupt system
to protest, is absolutely false and another
that we all must work daily to deconstruct.
form of white supremacy and oppression of voices. I do believe one overarching thing about protest which is that if you have the
FEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 32
Being a minority at a Predominately White Institution (PWI) can be hard. Whether people want to admit it or not, it’s human nature to feel more comfortable around people who look like you or you can identify yourself with. The best way to describe this is the book by Beverly Daniel Tatum “Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together In The Cafeteria: And Other Conversations About Race.” Minorities at PWIs had tendency to exclude themselves willingly which is not beneficial. When you submerge yourself in a different culture there is the potential to lose oneself in that culture. However there is a difference in submerging and taking the time to expose oneself to a different culture, which can bring new experiences. A good friend doesn’t depend on skin color, but the content of their character. A good friend outside your race understands that as a minority, you face a different struggle than they do solely based on the color of your skin. Affirmative action does not mean minorities are accepted into college because they are minorities. Minorities are not taking scholarships and other opportunities away from white students, and minorities are not taking spots away from white applicants. According to The Oxford Handbook of Practical Ethics, “Affirmative action in the United States is a set of laws, policies, guidelines, and administrative practices intended to end and correct the effects of a specific form of discrimination. These include government-mandated, government-sanctioned, and voluntary private programs that tend to focus on access to education and employment, specifically granting special consideration to historically excluded groups such as racial minorities or women.” People who believe affirmative action takes opportunities away from white people rather than end and prevent discriminatory practices from occurring are ignorant about a lot of facts. They also tend not to want learn about racial issues and act as if they don’t exist. With these ideals it’s easier to express them anonymously, so they turn to Yik Yak and make racist statements there. As soon as minorities are able to get comfortable on campus they are reminded that they are studying with 33 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
“
... a good friend doesn’t depend on the color of their skin just the content of their character.
“
CAMPUS RACISM
racist. Minorities, especially Black students, are less prepared for college and aren’t exposed to the resources that their white peers are exposed to. Without support from faculty they are playing a constant game of catch up.
LIGHT SKIN V DARK SKIN Jay Z released his thirteenth studio album “4:44” in the summer of 2017. The album received a Grammy Award nomination for Album of the Year, while the title track is nominated for Song of the Year and “The Story of O.J.” is nominated for Record of the Year at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. The song talks about financial stability for Black people as well as being proud of your Blackness regardless of the shade. The lyrics of “The Story of O.J.” are explicit but it is a song that needs to be heard within
the Black community. Like most songs, the
sented in media. For example, the most
chorus is the most memorable, listing the
popular show with a Black cast on televi-
different types of Black people whilst still
sion “Black-ish.” There is only one main
reminding them that they are Black.
character on that show that can be con-
It’s a shame that in 2018 “Dark Skin
sidered dark skin, but the show is suppose
vs. Light Skin” is still a debate. It’s almost
to represent the modern Black family. The
laughable because a biracial Black person is
fashion industry is just if not more guilty
leading the second civil rights movement
of this as well. Favoring women that barely
by kneeling during the National Anthem.
past as Black and choosing them to make
Colorism streams from slavery and can
what they were promoting more diverse.
be even be seen in 20th century Black greek
Not to mention cultural appropriation but
life and the Civil Rights movement. When
that is a topic for another day.
speaking to Black folks today, the “Dark
Thankfully inclusion for darker skin
Skin vs. Light Skin” debate has a tendency
people have come a long way. With fashion,
to come off as a joke but it is very much
the recent launch of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty
alive. Black Americans who have fair skin
includes 40 different shades to cater to all
feel as if they have to fight for their Black-
skin tones. Also a “record” number of Black
ness while darker skinned Black Americans
models were featured in the 2017 Victo-
are likely to be demonized.
ria’s Secret Fashion Show, of the six, three
It’s also important to keep in mind
where dark skin. Dark skin Black males are
that although Black people are not as rep-
also being more included in media such as
resented in media as white people, darker
the cast of Academy Award winning film
skin people are not the last to be repre-
Moonlight as well as the television drama series “Queen Sugar.”
ness to police brutality against minorities. But protesting racial injustices all together are not the right way to protest. It’s almost as if the correct way to protest doesn’t actually exist is just what’s being protested makes people feel uncomfortable.
“IN CONCLUSION” “The host kills the virus, or the virus kills the host. Either way the result is the same: The virus dies.” This quote from the “Kingsman: Secret Service” is the best way to describe what’s going on in America today. Bigotry is that virus and Americans (the host) can kill it or bigotry itself will. To completely ignore and accept the way police officers address Black Americans is insensible. This logic stands when thinking about minorities as a whole and the oppression they face everyday in America. This culture disregards women for speaking up against sexual assault and demonizes a race of people who have only committed 4 out of the 19 mass shootings in America. It’s delusional to be so affected
THE “CORRECT” WAY T O P R O T E S T In 2016 former professional football player Colin Kaepernick started his National Anthem protest. In hopes to bring attention to police brutality against Black Americans and other people of color Kaepernick began these protests. However the message was lost and the protest became an argument about whether or not the protest disrespected veterans or current military members. White washing is an understatement when it comes to the National Anthem protest. Kaepernick said in 2016 exactly what he was protesting but instead racist disguised their bigatrory for patriotism and turned what Kaepernick was trying to do into him being anti-American as well as anyone who supported his protest. Soon the debate on “the correct way to protest” came about, but what is the correct way to protest? A protest is a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something. Protesting has a way of making people feel uncomfortable and racism is the most uncomfortable topic in America. In fact it’s America’s biggest shame and an issue no one wants to address. The Black Lives Matter movement wants to not only combat but bring aware-
by someone else’s sexuality or them not feeling comfortable in their own skin that you choose to hate them for it. Racism, sexism, islamophobia, transphobia, homophobia, rape culture — the list of injustices goes on and on. The hatred that is carried in people’s hearts based on learned behaviour needs to end. It begins with the mind, if a police officer approaches a black man with hatred and bigotry the end result will not be a good one. It begins with the mind. Hatred is a learned behaviour and it’s our job to stand up to hate and bigotry and there is more than one way to do so. Raising awareness about social issues and keeping it relevant in the news is just as helpful as protesting and hosting sit-ins. There is no correct way to protest, but to not have a stance on anything and to choose to stick your head in the sand is not okay but also against everything this country stands for. America stands for freedom, freedom to think for oneself, to be safe and live comfortably in ones skin. For now, if no one takes a stand, if no one makes a change, it only means freedom for some people.
FEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 34
AFRO-LATINX MUSIC
T
here is this skewed perception of the Latinx person and what they should look like: European features and hypersexualized. It’s hard to move away from this vision of Latinx identity in our mind, especially because this is all that the media portrays. Our most celebrated and recognized Latin American celebrities fit this mold: Sofia Vergara, William Levy, Adriana Lima, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez—all of them white or white-passing Latinxs. As an identity, Afro-Latinidad is seriously misunderstood. To many outside and even within Latin America, anti-blackness is unseen and, at the same time, pervasive. It’s hard to explain how a culture simultaneously exploits and shames a community’s accomplishments and contributions to society, history, and arts. In my own experience, in my own country, Peruvian media and society is one of the most outwardly racist and oblivious—though most of the music we celebrate and most of our recognized singers and artists are Black, there is no hesitation in using blackface and racially charged language in weekly comedy shows. This may come as a shocking fact for those who believe anti-blackness is solely an issue in the United States. Just as we experience the appropriation and minimization of Black excellence in all its forms in the States, so does the rest of the world.To me, as a Latina, this is especially clear in our music, in the most popular and transcendent way that we all communicate. African and Black influences can be seen in any and all forms of self-identified and recognized Latin music. Sadly, these roots mostly go uncelebrated and overlooked. This, by all means, is not a complete compilation—but it does include some of my favorite artists, vocalists and musicians of all time, people whose music I’ve grown up listening to and those who are just getting started.
// Brenda Castañeda Yupanqui
LISTEN FOR YOURSELF Me Gritaron Negra Victoria Santa Cruz (Peruvian) Rebelión Joe Arroyo (Colombian) Almendra Rubén González (Cuban) Permiso Que Llego Los Van Van (Cuban) Negra Presuntuosa Susana Baca (Peruvian) A Mulher do Fim do Mundo Elza Soares (Brazilian) Te Busco Celia Cruz (Cuban) Bang Bang Joe Cuba (Puerto Rican) Saudade Songbook BROOKZILL! (Brazilian) Yanira Ibeyi (French-Cuban) Africana Los Rakas (Panamanian) Adorn Miguel (Afro-Mexican) Brujas Princess Nokia (Afro-Nuyorican) Lonely Lover Xenia Rubinos (Puerto Rican-Cuban) Las Caras Lindas Ismael Rivera (Puerto Rican) La Estrella Irregular Algodón Egipcio (Venezuelan) Lamento Jarocho Toña la Negra (Mexican) La Reina La Lupe (Cuban)
FIND THE PLAYLIST AT THEVINDI.COM!
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STOP THE SELFIES THE WHITE SAVIOR COMPLEX Avoid acting like a white savior when volunteering overseas by following these simple steps. // Dorothy Zhao
V
oluntourism, selfies, and third
in their documentation of insistent kind-
White Savior Complex and a need for ethical
world countries — what do
ness. Looking at the pictures of how they
reform in volunteering. Although not every
all three have in common?
posed so happily with grateful islanders, I
volunteer makes their service all about
They all seem to ultimately
realized they had truly cast themselves into
themselves, the heavily-emphasized, prev-
conform to the White Savior
the white savior role, whether intention-
alent altruistic acts still seem gratuitous to
Complex. In today’s time of fervent social
ally or unintentionally. The white people
an extent. Even when examining Hollywood
media posting to satisfy expectations or
came with some form of aid, wanting to
plots and American social studies classes,
emotions, and in the past eras of coloniza-
improve the lives of these destitute peo-
the White Savior Complex is perpetuated
tion, intentions do matter when it comes
ple — and believing that they had — and
again and again. The more privileged col-
to volunteering in a foreign country, and
then abruptly left after a short time. What
lege students, the young and old travelers,
taking selfies with the starving children.
happened to these small, smiling chil-
and the determined do-gooders certainly
The White Savior Complex is a concept that
dren standing in a makeshift shack after
should not be discouraged from serving,
refers to a white person acting to help a
the volunteers left? Those impoverished
but — in the very least — they should stop
and unfortunate enough to remain on the
taking selfies that depict a beaming white
contexts, is self-serving. Instead of asking what voluntourism work we can do, we should ask how we can genuinely help poverty-stricken countries without exploiting the citizens of those countries and simplifying their plight? This means confronting the volunteers who are providing service to make a popular Instagram post to demonstrate their moral excellence, and that is just the beginning in resolving the White Savior Complex. In high school, I had a few white classmates who spent several weeks in countries like Haiti and Honduras — both of which had been affected by natural disasters and poverty. One of my closest friends taught art and distributed clothing and food in Haiti. When she returned she showed me many pictures of her instructing how to make crafts and she was proud to go on
“
How do we genuinely help poverty-stricken countries without exploiting the citizens of those countries and simplifying their plight?
“
non-white person, but the help, in some
behalf of her church and help those less fortunate. Another student, the salutatorian, missed school for a month to give
hurricane-impacted island or the war-torn
person holding a sickened child, standing in
aid to boys in Honduras during his senior
African country might as well have been
the center of the picture surrounded by poor
year. When the two came back from their
abandoned, or they would at least feel that
citizens of another country.
service trips they were lauded as excellent
way until another group of diligent volun-
role models. Despite their noble intentions,
teers arrived.
what skills did they really bring to aid in
The objections of such service trips —
It almost appears as though these service trips are simply self-fulfillment trips. By doing sometimes complex tasks that
improvement of a third world country?
the focus on the volunteer’s benefit, the
take away jobs from local citizens, volun-
What tools did they have at their disposal
actual impact of such short-term trips, the
teers are, at times, told the trip is all about
to create more permanent, long-lasting
promotion of a cycle of dependence, and
them. Organizations cater to the first world
benefits? Although both of my peers meant
the difference of skilled versus unskilled
Westerners who just want to feel better
well, it felt uncomfortable to act interested
help — all condense into the issue of the
about themselves by supposedly helping
37 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
destitute foreigners. Voluntourism is indeed
Volunteers visiting poverty-stricken
cans. Instead of settling for voluntourism,
a successful industry. According to the
areas are helping and trying their best,
travelers can first respect the people in
Wilson Quarterly, the industry is worth 173
true, but one must examine and do some
the countries they are visiting. America’s
billion dollars annually. Between the com-
research on the communities they’re
aggressive and money-hungry foreign
petition among nonprofit organizations,
traveling to. As Teju Cole writes in his “The
policy has created a myriad of negative
philanthropic goals, and commercialization,
White-Savior Industrial Complex” article
impacts in involved countries and areas. By
businesses must constantly balance money
of The Atlantic, “if we are going to interfere
interfering in a country’s issues under the
and mission. The “[problematic] commer-
in the lives of others, a little due diligence
guise of helping or bringing democracy,
cialization of charity” results in merely
is a minimum requirement.” Cole argues
the United States has simply made things
temporary solutions and band-aids to real
that Africa does not need any of these kinds
worse. Exploiting labor and resources in
issues that are multifaceted. To not promote
of volunteers; rather, the country needs a
poorer countries has caused these areas to
the White Savior Complex while traveling
“more equitable civil society, more robust
become further devastated. As a first-world
and helping abroad, one should be aware
democracy, and a fairer system of justice.”
country, however, America can still redeem
of several things: Know that these trips is
Cole has dug deeper and noticed the root
itself by keeping an open mind, doing its
about the people of the country or region.
of the problem — how the third world,
research, and working alongside strug-
Know their culture and history in order to
African countries appear so poor despite
gling nations. It is no longer acceptable to
be respectful. Instead of going on any trip
so many eager volunteers willing to help.
maintain a paternalistic attitude towards
at all, one could also donate the money
It is not that such help is unappreciated.
people of color. Much like colonization,
that would have gone to a trip to legitimate
Rather, the complex and local issues arise
condescension occurring on a service trip
organizations with skilled workers — the
from the government and the infrastructure
with its selfies, self-fulfillment, and blissful
likes of which include United Nations Chil-
of the country, and such problems cannot
ignorance must be a thing of the past.
dren’s Fund, Doctors Without Borders, and
be tackled simply with traveling Ameri-
Save the Children. However, do make sure to do research on nonprofit organizations before donating. Look towards groups and organizations that have goals of sustainable
ILLUSTRATION CREDIT: LOREN SHUMAKER
development.
FEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 38
ENEMY IN THE RANKS THE THREAT OF WHITE NATIONALISM White nationalism is an existential threat that can’t be ignored but it can be confusing to define, so I decided to find out. // Logan Hammond
W
hite nationalism is a
known to have published antiblack screeds
rising ideology that has
in the 1980s and ’90s, at his discussion
race.
become an unfortunate
club.”
part of our military and
nationalists like Spencer believe? Well, we
political culture. The
In 2011, after moving from Washington
as the perfect candidate, a hero to the white With this in mind, what is it that white
D.C. to Whitefish, Montana, he began edit-
can look at the events of Charlottesville to
Military Times polled U.S. service members
ing and publishing the online magazine
help us understand. There is an infamous
one month after the white nationalist rally
Alternative Right, as well as taking over
video showing the white nationalists
in Charlottesville, Virginia, and they found
The National Policy Institute, a white
say they have seen examples of white nationalism among their fellow service members, and troops rate it as a larger national security threat than Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.” The Times also reported that “nearly 42 percent of non-white troops who responded to the survey said they have personally experienced examples of white nationalism in the military, versus about 18 percent of white service members.”
Some service members didn’t like the
questions, so they left comments expressing their discontent.
“White nationalism is not a terrorist
organization,” wrote one Navy commander, who declined to give his name.
“You do realize white nationalists
and racists are two totally different types of people?” wrote another anonymous Air Force staff sergeant. Both of these commenters are wrong–white nationalists are a threat and are in fact racists.
For the sake of simplicity, I will address
some of the more infamous white nationalist beliefs. The Atlantic writer Graeme Wood writes of Richard Spencer, one of the most well known white nationalists:
“In 2008, he began popularizing the
term alt-right. On Facebook, he posted images of himself with John Derbyshire–
“
marching with tiki torches chanting “You/ Jews will not replace us.” There is some
The total number of fatalities is about the same for far-right wing violent extremists and radical Islamist violent extremists.
“
that “nearly one in four troops polled
debate about what is being chanted; some people say they hear “you” while others hear “Jews.” However, it’s very likely both. This is a reference to a theory called either white genocide–or its more politically correct term, the great replacement. The great replacement is the bizzare theory that the Jews are secretly trying to destroy the white race by causing white people to stop having children and encouraging other races to migrate and have children. White people are so privileged that they have created the “nice” version of genocide. The idea of this theory, specifically the replacement part, is based on the ideas of French philosopher, Renaud Camus.
The nationalists at Charlottesville
also chanted “Blood and Soil,” an English translation of a Nazi slogan that the online news website Quartz explains as a belief “which held that ethnicity is based solely on blood descent and the territory one maintains.” Now, to these white nationalists, the superior blood is white blood, of course. White nationalists also seek to create a white ethnostate through “peaceful ethnic cleansing,” as Spencer puts it. How they plan to remove all non-white people from America is a mystery. They also don’t really have an answer for mixed race people who pass as white; will these white
a polymathic, often charming writer who
identity think-tank with little money, staff,
nationalists also have to do ancestry tests?
was fired from National Review in 2012
or notoriety. In fact, in 2015, Spencer was
Will they just ask and trust people to be
for racism–and Richard Lynn, an English
the only listed employee of the Institute.
honest? Who knows–they certainly haven’t
psychologist who has argued that East
But then, the 2016 election happened, and
thought that far ahead.
Spencer began to throw the weight of his
Asians are slightly smarter than whites, who are in turn much smarter than blacks. Spencer hosted Ron Paul, then not yet widely 39 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
White nationalists have numerous
“alt-right” movement behind then candidate
symbols to indicate their beliefs as well such
Donald Trump. Spencer saw Donald Trump
as “14/88,” a code phrase that refers to the
PHOTOS BY GOOGLE IMAGES
neo-nazi slogan of fourteen words: “We
based on the ideologies admiration of
latter edging out the former by 119 to 106.
must secure the existence of our people and
strength and power as well as the idea that
The report also mentions that “41 percent of the deaths attributable to radical Islamist
a future for white children.” This slogan was
white nationalists are defending western
coined by a white nationalist terror group
culture from the “threats” of Islam, illegal
called the Order. The number 88 refers to
immigrants and liberals. White nationalism
the eighth letter of the alphabet, “H,” so it
obviously involves an extreme love of the
in 2016.”
translates into meaning HH – code for “Heil
homeland, something else that perhaps
Hitler.”
attracts military veterans and active duty
security and moral threat to American
service members.
democracy. They are responsible for
But the white nationalists of the alt-
The White nationalist ideology of the
violent extremists occurred in a single event – an attack at an Orlando, Florida nightclub In the end, white nationalism is a
right have stranger and more subtle symbols
for their movement, such as Pepe the frog.
alt-right is a losers ideology, as it is a way
they ever find a way to gain influence in
numerous terror attacks and should
Created by Matt Furie in 2005, for the online
to blame every failure on the evil, white-
government, will destroy freedom of speech,
cartoon Boy’s Club. Most of the time Pepe
hating Jews and to avoid confronting
religion and assembly. Americans on both
isn’t used in a racist or bigoted way, the use
personal problems. It is a system that
sides of the aisle need to come together to
of Pepe as a racist meme is increasing in
worships “alpha males,” a term meaning
stop this terror threat.
use rather than decreasing according to the
the strongest and most aggressive males.
Anti-Defamation League.
This concept was popularized in a study of
wolves by biologist L. David Mech’s 1970
There are two basic forms of the racist
Pepe meme: one is Pepe depicted in ways
book, The Wolf: The Ecology and Behavior of
that look like bigoted stereotypes of Blacks,
an Endangered Species. However, in 1999,
Jews or Muslims and the second form is Pepe
Mech published another paper that revealed
dressed like a klansmen, nazi or President
that, in the wild, wolves are not led by
Donald Trump. This second form of the
the most aggressive or strong wolf -- but
meme depicts Pepe as a hero-type figure
instead by parents, meaning the venerated
while the first presents Pepe as a “bad”
alpha mentality of white nationalists only
figure.
exists in cages.
In an attempt to fight the more racist
An April 2017 report by the Government
uses of “Pepe”, Furie has begun suing many
Accountability Office (GAO) found “Of the
of the more popular alt-right figures who
85 violent extremist incidents that resulted
use it, such as Mike Cernovich.
in death since September 12, 2001, far-
right wing violent extremist groups were
A 2008 FBI study on white nationalism
states “extremist leaders have historically
responsible for 62 (73 percent) while radical
favored recruiting active and former
Islamist violent extremists were responsible
military personnel for their knowledge of
for 23 (27 percent).” That’s a margin of
firearms, explosives, and tactical skills and
almost three to one.
their access to weapons and intelligence
in preparation for an anticipated war
total number of fatalities is about the same
The report also points out that “the
against the federal government, Jews, and
for far-right wing violent extremists and
people of color.” White nationalism has a
radical Islamist violent extremists over the
certain appeal for service members perhaps
approximately 15-year period,” with the FEBRUARY 2018 | VINDICATOR 40
A LOOK INTO THE FACTORY OF SADNESS Browns Fans In Cleveland // Greg Elek
F
rom August until December every
I’m not going to bog you down with
can act as spoilers, meaning they can knock
year there’s always been one
the complaints you’ve already heard. We’ve
teams in the playoff hunt out. If you take a
constant in my life. Sundays in
all seen the infamous jersey with all of
look at just the last four games from each
this time frame I wake up with
the names of our quarterbacks since 1999
season since the Browns have returned
a special feeling in the pit of my
on the back. You’ve undoubtedly heard
they’ve won 18 games — when it mat-
stomach. One that makes me throw my
someone screaming about some stud that
ters the most the Browns have a winning
hands to the sky and ask what kind of God
we passed up on while watching an NFL
percentage of about 23.7%, and believe it or
would actually put anyone through this. It’s
game. You’ve already heard every single
not some of these years they were actually
weird to think that on these sublime days
reason why Hue Jackson should currently
in the playoff hunt.
there’s an entire community of people, who
be unemployed. Everyone loves to poke fun
against their best judgment, find a televi-
at our suffering on a surface level, but jokes
ally televised games because the entire
sion, and at the same time actually watch
on them, when taking a deep dive into more
nation is watching. If you take look at the
anywhere between thirty minutes and three
advanced stats about the Browns things
national non-cable games since the Browns
and a half hours of football.
look much, much worse. Since the Browns
have returned there have been 1,022. The
Of course I’m talking about Cleveland
Some will put more stock into nation-
were brought back in 1999 they’ve only
Browns have appeared in three, and lost all
Browns football (if you can even call it
won a measly 20 wins against a team with
of them. Over the last ten years not only do
football). My initial plan was to take a look
a winning record. The vast majority of their
the Browns have the worst point differential
at the fanbase of the Browns to figure out
wins are against teams that are essentially
(points scored vs. points given up) in the
why they still stick around, but as some-
dead.
NFL at -1,095, but they’re the only team
one who’s a member of that community I
Roughly 70% of their wins since
that has gotten consistently worse in this
quickly realized that I don’t think myself
coming back have come across teams with
timeframe. My keyboard is seasoned with
or anyone else would have an answer for
losing records. The last few weeks of the
my tears so I’m going to stop with all of my
that. So instead I figured it would be equally
NFL season is the most important, even
deep cut sad stats now, but the point I’m
interesting to take a deep dive into the
for losing teams. The best teams look to
trying to make is the Browns are just as bad
fanbase of our beloved Cleveland Browns,
put themselves in the best position in the
off if not worse than they appear.
as well as the organization as a whole. Bear
playoffs, the middle of the road teams hope
with me, this will get ugly.
to make the playoffs, and the bad teams
41 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
So what kind of a fanbase could possibly be breed from an atrocity of an
organization like this? I’d say a somewhat
over 70,000 meals, so I guess you can’t call
resilient one? The city of Cleveland is very
the Browns good for nothing. Charity seems
passionate about their football. When, he
to be a focal point to the Browns fanbase.
who must not be named, announced that
I’ve seen people throwing around the idea
his grubby little paws were moving the
of an event next year where with every win
team to the huge market of Baltimore, MD,
fans jump in the lake, and for each person
the fans started a grassroots movement to
jumping a certain amount of money will
get their team back. The NFL was getting
get donated to charity. This idea was born
flooded with so many calls and faxes (to
when Browns coach Hue Jackson promised
the points where their fax machines were
that the Browns wouldn’t lose 15 games in a
breaking) that not only did they announce
season twice, and then proceeded to lose 15
that Cleveland would be given an expansion
games in a row. In his defense he said they
team, but the team moving to Baltimore
wouldn’t go 1-15 again, and he was right,
wasn’t allowed to take any of the Browns
they went 0-16.
history with them. This was because Cleve-
If for some reason during football
land would be getting back the Browns.
season, you get the strange feeling that
Since then, the Baltimore Ravens won two
thousands of people are simultaneously
Super Bowls, and the Browns drafted Tim
crying out for help, don’t fret. It probably
Couch with the first overall pick of the 1999
just means the Browns are playing. It’s
draft so I’ll let you decide who won that
weird to think that this team has a fanbase
deal.
at all. The fans do actually show up during
The Browns fan base still has all of
the first few home games of the season
that passion today, we’ve just had to find
before they’re reminded of the team they’re
different ways to delegate it. For example,
rooting for. The one year I’ve experienced
I’m sure many of you reading this know
the Browns when they actually had a shot
that last year a “Perfect Season Parade”
at the playoffs was the most fun I ever had
was planned for if the Browns went 0-16.
watching football. It’s odd to envision what
The parade was spoiled last year when the
a winning Browns franchise would look
Browns won their second to last game of
like. I’m 21 years old so I’m not sure if I’ll
the season, and all of the money donated
live that long, but if we ever have a Browns
to the parade was donated to the Greater
team that can get a couple winning season
Cleveland Food Bank. When the Browns got
together it sure will be something.
off to a rough start again thus the plans for a “Perfect Season Parade 2.0” were born. At the Parade, fans raised $17,175 for the Greater Cleveland Foodbank. When you
“
The city of Cleveland is very passionate about their football.
“
PHOTOS BY EVAN PRUNTY
include the food that was donated, that’s
MARCH 2017 | VINDICATOR 19
A Winter’s Day By Aliaa Elfadil
Shakespearian beauty, endearing cheek Dressed up in black, with accessories in her favorite technique She made my heart reach its peak Yes, this is the woman I should seek I closed my eyes and knocked her door Cause I wanted this love to touch a shore “Would you marry me” was just the chore Of twenty-three years of marriage which I wished could be more. On a day with rain and clouds blare She was standing there, yes, with no hair Cancer took it off yet with no care But still bold and dare, She believed in the marry days in the heaven there. I just stood up and sat closer to her I hugged her tightly and smelled her rosy hair. “I know you’re sad, I know you’re bored But there’s something I should’ve told We were wrinkled, yes and old, But our emotions stood shining like gold Sheets of our book are about to fold Yet our love is the age’s killing sword” She was soft, but she was’nt okay Yes, swiftly her hand could sway Death is the price we should all pay Ladies and gentlemen yes this may Be the saddest story on a winter day
43 VINDICATOR | FEBRUARY 2018
Just A Girl
By Chau Tang
I’m just a girl who enjoys breathing in oxygen
Just a girl who enjoys reading while being curled up in pjs
Just a girl who thinks life will work out in the end no matter how bad a tragedy strikes
Just a girl who’s never been in a relationship before and is sick of hearing
“You’re too beautiful to be alone” by strangers
Or the classic, “When are you going to date?” from relatives
I’m just a girl who’s trying to succeed in life and doesn’t need to hear,
”She’s focusing on her career for now but when she meets someone, she will end up dating.” The truth?
I’ve no idea.
Sure, I’ve had my fair shares of crushes and although I never pursued it any further
I don’t need to look for anyone right now.
It’s true, I may meet someone a month from now or even years later and my plans might derail to see where a relationship can form
But,
I’m certainly not going to dwell on it
The line of suitors doesn’t define me
If there’s a line then of course I’d be flattered,
Who wouldn’t?
I’m sick of hearing people ask about my love life instead of hearing about my goals in
ARTWORK (LEFT & RIGHT) BY MIKAYLA COLSTON
life.
Resilence By Sidney Berry
I know floating black bodies Bring to the surface jokes that we can’t swim in deep waters I know better than to joke about Drowning when it has been my choice of death for the past six years Suicide be the killer Of black teens that no one protest against No picket signs next to grave stones Or outside of my bedroom Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory I imagine how much ill be worth then When I can only be remembered never embraced Some days I am afraid of death I see this as a healthy fear I hold my tongue like a switchblade In my mouth whenever someone ask Me How are you? How have you been ? And i say well i’m alive Some days all i am is alive and that too is a victory That to is a goal To stay To stay to stay to not die to not die That night I had visions of bodies hanging outside My window
Headline black teen girl commits suicide Caption Rest in peace Angel First comment She was good student Second comment Why are we sad she chose to kill herself Third comment depression is A mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood a decrease in interest and energy that can often lead to suicidal feelings and result in unwarranted death Eulogy God took her too soon She took herself too soon didn’t give us time to prepare for mourning I have been guilt tripped into Not taking my own life so I don’t inconvenience others with my absence As well as asked to be silent so I don’t disturb them with my presence & I have been silent As quiet as death barely touching the surface
ARTWORK BY MIKAYLA COLSTON
Of life Drowning The way black bodies Do when Depression Becomes the Ocean
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