Vindicator Cleveland State University’s Arts and Culture Magazine
Complimentary SPRING 2018
Oh! What a Time to Teach REFLECTIONS OF CLIMATE IN THE CLASSROOM
SPR 2 Want More? 3 Staff 5 Letter from the Editor 6 Calendar ARTS 7 Filmmaking for Free 9 Mental Health in Teen Novels 11 Photo Series After Hours CULTURE 15 D iagnosing the Epidemic in American Schools 17 A Movie and a Movement: Black Panther FEATURE 19 Earth Day: Saving Our Planet 21 Restoring a Piece of Cleveland 25 What a Time to Teach BEAUTY + WELLNESS 33 Stress Less with Yoga 35 Slow Fashion, Fast Change 37 Self Care in Men SOCIAL 39 Our Plastic World 41 Beyond the Filter 43 Download & De–stress POETRY 45 In the Morning 46 Resident
29 Getting to Know the professors of Cleveland State
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Thank you to our Multimedia Manager, Evan, for a great 4 years! “I’m so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had over the past 4 years at the Vindicator. I am most thankful for all the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet and photograph. It’s been really important for me to get to know people who come from different life experiences than my own. I hope to continue my to highlight social justice issues with my photography for the rest of my life and I have the Vindicator to thank for that.” SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 2
Faculty Advisor Julie Burrell
T
e heTam Web Specialist Daniel Lenhart
STAFF HEADS
Arbela Capas
Holly Bland
Andriana Akrap
Loren Shumaker
Michella Dilworth
Editor-in-Chief
Managing Editor
Art Director
Asst. Art Director
Online Content Editor
Evan Prunty
Alexis Rosen
Multimedia Manager
Features Editor
Brenda Castañeda Yupanqui Culture Editor
Alana Whelan
Imani Stephens
Arts Editor
Beauty Editor
Dorothy Zhao Junior Editor
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
JUNIOR DESIGNERS
Greg Elek
Brenda Castañeda Yupanqui
Nahomy Garcia–Ortiz
Arbela Capas
Michella Dilworth Alexia Carcelli
Holly Bland
Chau Tang
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS
Renee Betterson
Imani Stephens
Elizabeth Elliott
Dorothy Zhao
Alana Whelan
Taylor Hannah
Grace Roberson
Austin DiLorenzo Anna Oprisch
Austin Cupach
CONTRIBUTING POETS Joy Yayoi McKinney
Alexis Rosen
Jacob Irey
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 | SPRING 2018
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EDITOR’S LETTER
EVERYTHING IS FINE
T
he experience of working at the
improve with each issue is rewarding and
Vindicator has been much more
something we may not have experienced
than just an extracurricular or
otherwise.
something to add to a resume or
This isn’t only the last issue for
cover letter. The ability to work with such
us, either. The Vindicator is also saying
amazing people, such talented writers,
goodbye to our wonderful and talented
designers, artists and editors, has really
Multimedia Manager, Evan Prunty,
opened our eyes to the type of people
who has worked tirelessly for 4 years
we want to surround ourselves in the
to produce amazing images and video
years to come after we leave Cleveland
content that brought our publication
State. The Vindicator taught us strength
to the next level. We’d also like to say
and patience, flexibility and creativity.
a special goodbye to Alexis Rosen, who
It has also taught us the value of being
earnestly took the job as Features Editor
vulnerable, critical and personal with our
two semesters ago and has helped with
work — and that sometimes pushing the
contributing meaningful stories and
envelope is warranted.
helping make our little magazine more of
Being a part of this magazine has created a support system we never
a community. Through the late night deadlines
dreamed of having. Not only have we
and the hours of editing, we’ve learned
had the ability to experience storytelling
so much through working on a magazine
on behalf of other people but digging
as special as this one. We will hold this
deeper and challenging ourselves to find
experience close to us as we enter the next
our own voice and place with writing.
stage in our lives. Everything is fine.
ARBELA CAPAS & HOLLY BLAND 5 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2018
PHOTO CREDIT: EVAN PRUNTY
Seeing ourselves and others evolve and
w h a t’s h a p p e n i n g i n
S P R I N G 4.14 Workshop
RBR Monthly Compost Workshop At this monthly event, you will learn all about what it takes to start composting. This particular event will be focused on creating awareness about food waste and how to easily compost at home. $10 @ 1PM, 5401 HAMILTON AVE
4.24
4.20
Third Friday
Third Friday at 78th Street Studios Get in touch with your inner artist by attending this art gallery opening that happens on the third Friday of each month. Enjoy great food service, live music and dozens of art gallery and studio openings.
4.27
Forum
FREE @ 5PM, 1305 W 80TH ST
Jeff Rosenstock w/ Martha & Badmoves Finding a Path to Equity: Media’s Role in Advocating for Youth Join the City Club of Cleveland to engage in a conversation about children living in poverty throughout the city. Learn about the role media plays in helping the public understand how stable environments can be created for children in Cleveland. FREE @ 12PM, 11038 BELLFLOWER RD
5.5
Snag a ticket to this night of punk and alternative rock before it sells out. You won’t want to miss these quirky bands when they come to Mahall’s on the last Tuesday of the month. $15 @ 8PM, 13200 MADISON AVE
VegFest
Experience dozens of diverse food vendors, demonstrations, talks and live music at the 7th annual Cleveland VegFest. Learn about all the benefits of a plantbased lifestyle and come away feeling full of knowledge and delicious food. FREE @ 11AM, 300 LAKESIDE AVE SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 6
FILMMAKING FOR FREE Why you don’t need money to make your next movie. // Gregory Elek
L
ike everyone else I didn’t see “A
Wrinkle in Time” (2018). Can you
million on a $2 million budget, and everyone
blame me (and the rest of the
liked it; if you didn’t you’re a bad person. “A
“It Comes at Night” (2017) made $19.3 million
world)? If the movie is as bad as
Ghost Story” (2017) made $1.9 million on a
on a $2.4 million budget, and critics liked it,
the trailer I’d rather rip off my
$100,000 budget, and everyone liked it with
and they’re always right. “Moonlight” (2016)
fingernails one by one than watch it. The
the exception of the guy who stormed out
made $65 million on a budget between $1.5-4
only remotely appealing thing about the
of the theater halfway through because the
million, and it won best picture at the oscars
film is the thought of getting to watch $100
movie was “gay and boring.” “Call Me by Your
meaning it’s objectively a good movie. The idea
“The Florida Project” (2017) made $7.7
million on a $4 million budget, and everyone liked it unless you’re a frat boy or a soccer mom.
million burn for 109 minutes. It makes you
Name” made $34.6 million on a $3.5 million
that you need a big budget (or even a budget
question why a film would even need that
dollar budget, and it was gay, but it definitely
at all) to make a successful film in this day and
much money in the first place.
wasn’t boring. “The Witch” (2016) made $40.4
age is ludicrous.
Antonio Campos is a very well respected
wasn’t very concerned with the low quality,
filmmaker in the independent scene in
he first got to film school was to raise funds
because not only did they accept the film into
America. He’s directed “Afterschool” (2008),
for a very ambitious feature film. The film
their festival, but it also won awards there,
never got completed due to budgetary issues,
and it was competing against films that had
ANTONIO CAMPOS
“Simon Killer” (2013), and “Christine” (2016).
What Campos tried to do initially when
Along with his friends from film school, Josh
but this is a common issue with those who
actual budgets. The lesson to be learned from
Mond and Sean Durkin he’s also produced
try to get into filmmaking. They tend to let
Antonio Campos’ story is that if you have
“Martha Marcy May Marlene” (2011) and
their big ideas get the best of them when they
talent as a filmmaker to use the resources
“James White” (2015). Even if these are films
have little to no resources. What Campos
that you have available to you, and people
you’re unfamiliar with, you’ve undoubtedly
did after this was find a couple people that
will take note of what you’re doing. In the day
heard some of the talent involved with them
he knew would be comfortable in front of a
and age of the internet where we can easily
such as Ezra Miller, Rebecca Hall, Elizabeth
camera, got a compelling story, and filmed
try to crowdfund, and always upgrade our
Olsen, Sarah Paulson, and Michael C. Hall.
in locations that he knew he had available to
equipment it can get easy to suck yourself
What’s important about Antonio Campos
him, with a camera that he already owned.
into the idea that budget and equipment is
when looking at low budget filmmakers
the most important thing to a filmmaker,
is that he originally tried to start the way
(2005). You can tell how cheap it was, but
a lot of filmmakers try to get a start, and
that doesn’t take away from the two most
This resulted in his film, “Buy it Now”
this method more often than not sets the
important aspects of filmmaking, the story
filmmaker up for failure.
and the acting. Cannes film festival also
7 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2018
when that couldn’t be any less true
SHANE CARRUTH Another well respected American indie
him. His film “A Topiary” getting scrapped
darling that you have to mention when
all together and never getting released due
discussing low budget independent film-
to ironically enough budgetary issues, even
makers is Shane Carruth. Carruth is known
though the likes of Steven Soderbergh and
for “Primer” (2004) and Upstream Color
David Fincher were ready and willing to jump
(2013). When I say Carruth is known for these
on the project as executive producers.
films what I mean is he wrote, directed
produced, was director of photography,
out Shane Carruth has still made to great
Even though “A Topiary” didn’t work
edited, acted, and even composed the music
sci-fi epics without ever having a budget
for both films. Carruth having his finger-
even close to $100,000. “Primer” cost $7,000
prints all over these films is kind of what
to make and made just under half a million
makes him so special. No one is making
dollars at the box office, and “Upstream
movies like him, they’re completely his own
Color” cost $50,000 to make and made
thing. If you put on “Primer” or “Upstream
nearly $600,000 at the box office. Carruth’s
Color” you’re going to get a cinematic
wholly unique vision has gotten a lot of eyes
experience that you’ve never had before, and
on him in the film industry, so much so that
it’s not never been done before in the sense of
his next project, “The Modern Ocean”, is set
the stories have a unique twist, or the shots
to star Anne Hathaway, Keanu Reeves, Daniel
are composed uniquely, but that every aspect
Radcliffe, Chloe Grace Moretz, Tom Holland,
of the film is completely unique to Carruth.
Asa Butterfield, Jeff Goldblum, Abraham
Attah and of course, Carruth himself. Just
Unfortunately, this has worked against
Carruth in a sense of his films aren’t very
pray to the movie gods that this film doesn’t
accessible. They’re nearly impossible to
end up the same way “A Topiary” did. What
grasp after one viewing, and even if you have
we can learn from Carruth is that if you have
a general idea of what’s going on, you won’t
a vision for how filmmaking should be that’s
get everything until several viewings — un-
completely unique you should stop wasting
less you’re a godless swine that googles the
your time and make your movie right now
meaning behind movies. Carruth’s films be-
regardless of what you have available to you.
ing so niche so unfortunately worked against
MATTHEW JOHNSON The last filmmaker that we can learn from,
Band The Show”. The reason Johnson is so
and perhaps the most important one when
important when it comes to this topic is be-
know everything he’s doing is completely
talking about micro budget filmmaking is
cause he simply cut out many of the difficult
legal (please educate yourself on fair use
Canadian filmmaker Matthew Johnson.
parts of filmmaking, and was able to do so
laws if you want to try to recreate what
Johnson is known for writing, directing, and
because of his low budgets. All of Johnson’s
Johnson does). The hidden cameras nev-
starring in “The Dirties” (2013), “Opera-
films are mockumentaries, but they don’t
er take away from the quality of the films
tion Avalanche” (2016), and his web series
play like your average documentary you’d
because the main characters are always
turned Viceland show, “Nirvanna The
find on Netflix, it’s almost like the behind
characters making documentaries. What
the scenes of a documentary (I would just
we can learn from Johnson is that having
call it found footage, but there’s a very neg-
no budgets doesn’t have to be a crutch. It
ative connotation around that phrase, even
can be a way to make your films different.
though that’s kind of what it is).
One of the hardest things to do when
writing your script is writing dialogue, and if
PHOTOS BY GOOGLE IMAGES
go from an article to a small book, but just
Studios can’t do what Johnson is doing. In “Operation Avalanche” there’s a car chase that feels incredibly real, because it was. Due
you don’t have access to top level talent, it’s
to not having money to work with the actors
incredibly hard to get actors to say that dia-
got into their cars, and actually had a chase
logue convincingly. So they not only don’t
on a country road. I’m not saying that you
write dialogue for any of their projects, but
should do something like this, and if you
they also interact with real people using
do be careful, but what I am saying is find
hidden cameras. They’ll also go onto loca-
the things that you aren’t good at, or things
tions they don’t have permission to film on,
that you can’t due because of money, and
and just shoot everything as fast as they can.
turn those disadvantages into ways that can
make your film unique.
If we were to talk about the legal side
to all of what Johnson is doing this would SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 8
MENTAL HEALTH IN TEEN NOVELS The importance of having accurate and diverse stories about mental illnesses for young adults // Nahomy Ortiz-Garcia
N
etflix original series “13 Reasons Why,” released in March 2017, is based on the young adult novel by the same name, and it centers around
a young woman who takes her own life and leaves behind a box of tapes describing all of the events that lead up to her suicide. This made me begin to think about how important mental health representation is in both TV and literature. The representation on these media platforms help to spark conversations about heavy topics that are rarely included in common conversation, but should be. I soon came to realize that “Thirteen Reasons Why” was the first book that dealt with mental health I had ever read. Further, I have found that the amount
of books dealing with mental health/illness
in different districts, “A lot of authors see
has to solve throughout the entirety of most
seem very limited.
their book being banned or challenged as
of the novel, but as a climatic event (or
a badge of honor. But for me, it’s nothing
plot twist) the main character recalls that
representation, other tropes such as
but frustrating and upsetting. I hear from
she was sexually harassed. The paranor-
‘personified illness’ and ‘romanticization
readers, and now viewers of the Netflix
mal fantasy novel has a lot of mystery and
of mental illness’ also exist. Personified
show, that my work encouraged them to
adventure themes, but it isn’t a novel that
illness happens when the author portrays
ask for help or reach out to someone about
is willing to talk about sexual harassment
the character as just the mental illness
the situation they’re in. When you hear
in a serious tone. The event is definitely
and nothing more. A book that does this is
stories like that on a daily basis and then
used as plot twist, but is never really spoken
“All the Bright Places” by Jennifer Niven.
hear adults call for your work to be banned,
about again. The author had no intention in
The book’s characters are very hard to talk
it’s proof of why the stigma around these
having the traumatic experience become a
about or even describe because they were
issues is so dangerous.” According to the
big part of the story, therefore it should’ve
nothing more than illnesses. While depres-
American Library Association, “Thirteen
been erased completely.
sion can be an all-consuming illness, books
Reasons Why” continues to be one the most
relating to this topic should show that there
frequently banned Young Adult books.
is more to people than their illnesses. Books with personified illnesses don’t do a good job of portraying mental illness. Books like these give no hope and leave readers with a false image of a depressed person being nothing more than their depression. Romanticization of mental illness is when the author interchanges pain and beautiful as synonyms. This can occur when novels include a relationship and have a love interest ‘save’ the character from the mental illness or when the author writes in perks for having a mental illness. For example, in the novel “Thirteen Reasons Why,” throughout the novel the main character, Clay Jensen, blames himself for thinking that if he had told Hannah Baker that he loved her that maybe then she wouldn’t have committed suicide.
Banned Books Many school districts ban books with heavy
PHOTO BY LINDSAY ANNE
topics like mental illness. Some authorita-
“
A novel that does a good job with including trigger warnings is “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson. The book deals with the main character’s trauma and her healing process. The novel does not hide what her
Young Adult mental health fiction tend to focus on a small section of illnesses...
“
In addition to lack of mental health
Trigger Warnings
traumatic experience was, and in fact they disclose this information on the synopsis that can be found in the back of the book or as the description if you search it online.
Own Voices Novels An OWN voices novel refers to an author of a marginalized population that writes about a topic or a character with the same marginalization (authors of color writing about characters of color, LGBTQ+ authors writing about LGBTQ+ characters, disabled authors writing about disabled characters, etc). OWN voices novels written about mental health always tend to be a more accurate representation of the struggles of mental health because the author has had experience going through a similar struggle. Authors do extensive amounts of research, but those who write stories about things
tive figures are intimidated by answering
In the book community, trigger warnings
they have experienced are usually more
questions about sensitive issues, so they
have been discussed for a very long time.
authentic and sympathetic towards readers
remove the source entirely, and what that
Topics like sexual abuse, physical abuse,
who have had similar experiences.
does is shield children and teens from
neglect, self-harm, suicide and more have
learning about these topics and having a
the potential to further harm a reader.
titled “History is All You Left Me” featur-
source to relate to. Books like “The Perks of
These topics should not be used as plot
ing a gay main character who suffers from
Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky,
twists by authors. Authors should continue
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, the repre-
“Looking for Alaska” by John Green and
to write these stories, but not blindside the
sentation has been called one of the most
“Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher have
reader. If a book will contain rape, physical
authentic in Young Adult literature and it’s
all been banned in at least one district. In
abuse, self-harm, or anything relating to
mostly because Adam Silvera is a gay male
Mesa County Valley School district in Col-
these, it should be disclosed on the summa-
author who suffers from OCD.
orado an official ordered librarians to take
ry and not used as a plot twist by an author.
the book “Thirteen Reasons Why” off of
People in their everyday life (such as read-
to focus on a small section of illnesses such
the shelves due to a recent students death
ers) do not experience these negative parts
as depression, anxiety, eating disorders,
by suicide. Many librarians didn’t sit well
of life to forward a story. Readers should
and more — which is great representation,
with this decision and protested by calling
be allowed to be prepared for a heavy topic.
but there are many types of mental dis-
the order ‘censorship’ and the decision was
A book that utilized trauma as a plot twist
orders that barely get any representation,
reversed.
was the paranormal novel “The Unbecom-
such as personality disorders and schizo-
ing of Mara Dyer” by Michelle Hodkin. The
phrenia. There are many more stories to
novel focuses on a mystery that Mara Dyer
tell.
In an interview with PBS Newshour, Jay Asher, spoke about his book being banned
Author Adam Silvera wrote a novel
Young Adult mental health fiction tend
AFTER HOURS INSTAGRAM – @austin_cupach
These photographs are exposures at night, in and around the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. The lighting creates an uneasy feeling of isolation. This view of suburbia, void of human presence, allows the viewer to imagine their own narrative. // Austin Cupach
I
am a contemporary landscape pho-
my photographs. As an artist, I have always
fluenced by photographers such as Walker
tographer whose artistic output has
felt that the important role of my work is
Evans, Robert Adams, Henri Cartier-Bres-
often focused on the dark underside of
not to create meaning but to be rich with
son, Peter Brown, Bill Brandt, Robert Frank
suburbia that is hidden from us in plain
ambiguity. Sometimes, when you isolate
and many more. Through my influences
sight. I find myself drawn to places that
things down and don’t have people in the
in photography, I continue to shape and
photograph, it’s more evocative, and the
am interested in — where life presents its
viewer has to come to their own con-
more unraveled self. My photographs are
clusions. My photographs are often time
primarily centered around relationships
stamped or untitled, as titles would limit
and the psychologies of life at night.
their meaning. I also like that, without a
The suburban exteriors are of homes,
title, it’s impossible to even nail down the
apartments and businesses. The land-
place I photographed. Ultimately, in my
scapes are either shot at night, or at dawn
work, the meaning is often disclosed —
or dusk. These shooting times often create
less about the concept and more about the
an ominous glow, and the photographs at
photographs ability to be open to interpre-
times include fog or haze. These photo-
tation.
graphs show us that suburbia can be eerie
I like the idea of suggesting, but not
or cold rather than the bright and inviting
telling. I just put things out in the world
place it appears to be in the daytime. While
and let people interpret them as they wish.
showing a different side of suburbia, the
My interest in photography as an
photographs still suggest themes of family
artform developed back in 2010, when I
and memory. While familiar scenes are
discovered the work of newly found 20th
obscured by the darkness of night, one’s
century photographer Vivian Maier. I re-
perceptions are changed. The lighting
member her work striking me as so much
creates an uneasy feeling of isolation. This
more than just someone taking a photo-
view of suburbia, void of human presence,
graph. She had a genuine eye, and this was
allows the viewer to imagine their own
the first time I really delved into a photog-
narrative.
raphers work. Since then, I have exten-
I’m not married to reality. I do not feel I have to faithfully describe a place with
sively familiarized myself with pioneers of landscape photography. I am heavily in-
“
further my work as an artist.
I’m not married to reality. I do not feel I have to faithfully describe a place with my photographs.
“
reveal more of a story. It’s the backstory I
SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 12
13 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2018
SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 14
D I A G N O S I N G
T H E
EPIDEMIC IN AMERICAN SCHOOLS Thoughts and prayers may not be the antidote, but if you must, pray for white men. // Holly Bland
I
remember the way I clung to my chair
many other people of color who fall victim
regarding gun violence in schools is vital
junior year of high school when TJ Lane
to gun violence either by police or at the
when attempting to comprehend it. As
had opened fire in Chardon High School,
hands of fellow civilians, they are villain-
previously mentioned, 18 school shootings
injuring multiple students, three of which
ized. When white men open fire injuring
have been reported when the most recent
were fatal. Chardon isn’t far from where
and killing multiple to dozens of people,
Parkland tragedy occurred. Two were sui-
I was in Ashtabula. But the fear that took
America excuses their behavior, ignoring
cides, three were accidental shootings, and
over the room, you would think shots were
the happy finger on the trigger and shifting
nine of them had no fatalities or injuries.
blame onto anything else imaginable.
Not to make this excusable in the slightest,
the highway. Just months later over two dozen people were shot at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut — 20 of which were children under eight years old. The same fear filled the same students — and the same conversations ensued — mimicking what our parents had told us caused the shootings at Columbine in 1999. No real solutions or common ground seem to be reached when violence carried out by guns in American schools occurs. This year, it has been reported across media that over 18 school shootings have taken place — though this is clearly not a 2018-specific issue. But when Tamir Rice was shot outside his home here in Cleveland for playing with a toy gun, the conversation was focused on how a Black 12-year-old shouldn’t have appeared to be “violent.” America excused officers who are supposed to be high-
“
The common symptom of mass gun
but when critically evaluating something, recognizing context is important. According to Chris Nichols in an article
The link of toxic masculinity and white supremacy is a vehicle of this violence.
“
fired down the hall, instead of exits down
for Politifact titled “How are school shootings defined,” only “three involved the sort of mass school shooting now defined by Parkland, Sandy Hook, Columbine and others.” Further, they discovered there’s no legal definition or consensus for how best to define a school shooting. They concluded that what constitutes a school shooting is still up in the air, and is fairly broad — including a firearm being discharged on school grounds unintentionally or a student being shot in an attempted robbery after school hours in a parking lot. In data collected by Statista, 56 out of 97 mass shootings in between 1982 and February of 2018 have been carried out by white people. This statistic isn’t focused explicitly on school shootings, but it illustrates the pattern on a broader spectrum.
ly-trained when confronting high pressure
violence in schools is often overlooked, and
In another data collection by Statista in
situations — like eyeing down the barrel
it’s the link between toxic masculinity and
the same time frame, two mass shootings
of a gun — when they shot an innocent
white supremacy as vehicles of this violence
were carried out by women and 94 by men.
child.
being carried out by guns. Of course, there
The links of toxic masculinity and white
are many data sets exploring gun violence
supremacy with gun violence have caused
the victim of this violence was doing and
in any community. Focusing on the charac-
immense havoc in American schools, and
what he did to be shot. A Black child merely
teristics and behaviors of the perpetrators
continue to do so throughout time.
possessing a toy gun illustrated more hos-
of this violence in schools could give a clue
tility and violence than anyone that could
to the contributions of what some officials
obtain and shoot a real gun can do. The
consider a uniquely American epidemic.
The conversation was focused on what
same way America excuses perpetrators of gun violence in schools. In the instance of Tamir Rice and so 15 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2018
Toxic Masculinity A factor overwhelmingly consistent in mass school shootings — where students are
Instances Of Gun Violence How we define, interpret and collect data
severely injured or killed inside school facilities and during school hours — are boys
that have been carrying out this violence.
and in these instances; violence. The need
A black shooter is not a disturbed child;
That is not to say girls are incapable of
or longing to achieve societal constructs of
they are a savage thug radicalized in a cul-
becoming violent, but it is peculiar that in
masculinity becomes toxic.
ture that glorifies violence. A Latinx shooter
every instant of a school shooting fatal or
is not an enigma; after all, we have been
injurious to more than two people at a time by guns, a boy has pulled the trigger. “America’s boys are broken. And it’s
White Supremacy Men are inherently privileged in America. Since the beginning of American history,
taught to fear such dangerous immigrants. This is what we are told.” Further, Shaun King wrote for The
killing us,” said Michael Ian Black in a New
being a man equated to power. If not finan-
Intercept, “An apparent white supremacist
York Times article titled “The Boys Are Not
cially, power over women, children, and
can go through life making threats, talking
All Right.” Black evaluates how America has
so on. But there has always been immense
about weapons, harassing people, warning
centered the focus on liberating
power for white men. Which leads to the
that he would be a school shooter, have
girls out of gendered ste-
American structures of white privilege, and
people call the FBI on him and yet never get
reotypes and expectations,
in turn, white supremacy.
while rightfully so, but
Gun violence isn’t
have left boys behind.
unique to school
“No commensurate
shootings.
serious scrutiny from just about anyone. There were just no consequences.” With movements like #BlackLivesMatter to end violence against Black people, an
movement has emerged
influx of white people have become vocal
to help them navigate
and feel threatened that their identities
toward a full expression of
will be set aside or are at stake, rather
their gender. It’s no longer enough
than equally centered. Not
to ‘be a man” — we no longer even know
only does the narrative
what that means,” said Black.
from white Americans
Black continued to analyze the way
succumb to villainiz-
boys are still trapped in an archaic model
ing other races at the
of masculinity with no light at the end of
face of violence, but in
the tunnel. “They are trapped, and they
liberation, and really just
don’t even have the language to talk about
existing. These skewed
how they feel about being trapped, because
Though, gun
the language that exists to discuss the full
violence in schools
range of human emotion is still viewed as
is almost explicitly
imagery of what it means to be
sensitive and feminine.”
tied to being white,
American, or that power and success
and that is when we
need to maintain in reach of white
lost in ways to express their masculinity,
decide to further
people as a priority.
feelings, or emotions, Black states that they
turn our cheeks.
As a result of boys feeling questionably
views of white Americans’ ideas on other people create false
have two choices; withdraw or rage. And the
School shoot-
outcome this can have — seemingly leading
ings have occurred
to school shootings in some instances.
in primarily white
been conflated with patriotism
towns, such as the
and what it means to be American.
Black’s analysis doesn’t inherently dis-
How They Tie Together Whiteness and masculinity have
miss or discount movements of liberation,
recent shooting in
such as feminism, but addresses the gap of
Parkland, FL, and in what
focus on men. Moving forward and busting
many like to consider “good”
through traditional societal expectations
neighborhoods. Many discount race and so-
norm for so long, as culture shifts, white
and embracing new ideas on one’s identity,
cioeconomic status as factors because that
males can be left feeling displaced or oth-
particularly based on sexuality, gender and
“has nothing to do with a shooters intent.”
ered — similarly to what folks with other
expression, has not had the same effect on
But when any instance of violence either
identities have endured for centuries here.
men and masculinity. Men and boys still
at the hands of or is victim to say, a Black
But the outcome has become violent.
face levels of pressure surrounding their
man, these factors shape the narrative for
identities, particularly masculinity, and how
the reason one perceivably became violent.
to uphold, achieve, or express masculine or “manly” ideals.
In an op-ed by Brendan Murtha for the
Privilege in white men has left a long-lasting impression and perception of this, and because it has been the
It seems that gun violence in schools is peaking at the same time men and boys’ self-entitlement is plummeting. Those
Bowdoin Orient titled “White supremacy
with the highest sense of entitlement in
fuels American gun violence,” “In a country
America appear to be white men. Solving
their inability to achieve or maintain these
where non-white culture is scrutinized and
this uniquely American epidemic will show
ideals, it couples with entitlement carried
demonized, any violence that emerges from
higher rates of success once we focus more
through patriarchy and its structures deeply
such culture is immediately turned around
on treating the parasite as opposed to the
embedded into our culture. This can cause
to justify pre-existing bigotry. A Muslim
countless hosts affected by it.
isolation (which is where people poke men-
shooter is not mentally ill; they are a ter-
tal illness), and further retaliation, rage,
rorist operating under the banner of Islam.
When a man or boy feels threatened by
And damn, is America infested.
SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 16
A MOVIE AND A MOVEMENT
BLACK PANTHER How Black Panther showcases agency, empowerment and excellence. // Renee Betterson
W
hat did she say? “You
seconds of awkward silence I walked away,
it’s an us versus them mindset that all
know, ever since I got
still struggling to reconcile this fantastical
of us fall prey to at times. A mindset that
back from that mis-
encounter with reality.
sion’s trip to Hai-
It wasn’t until later that I realized
ti, whenever I see a
Marvel’s “Black Panther” shatters. “Black Panther” is all about giving a voice to “the
what Mrs. Johnson had really done. She had
other,” by celebrating the importance of
colored person I want to speak Creole to
mistaken me for someone else-or rather
individuality and the power of unity.
them.” What did she just say? As I tried to
for everyone else. When she looked at me,
formulate an appropriate reply, the look on
she didn’t see me. What she saw was a poor,
anticipated films of the year, and when it
my face must’ve betrayed my displeasure.
underprivileged girl from Haiti; a colored
finally hit the big screen it did not disap-
Colored person? I thought. What is this, the
person who needed her help. Mrs. Johnson
point. The movie has surpassed estimated
1950s?
lumped all black people together into one
sales and dominated box offices worldwide.
homogeneous group of “the other,” where
It has continued to clench it’s spot as the
I was completely taken aback, dumb-
“Black Panther” was one of the most
founded. I couldn’t think of anything to
no one inside had individuality, or any real
number one movie in the world several
say, so I said nothing. After a few brief
value. It’s not exclusive to Mrs. Johnson,
weeks after it’s release. With all of the buzz
18 VINDICATOR | MARCH 2017
about the film, we need to take a moment to explore what makes “Black Panther “so great. “Black Panther” was an incredible movie in every way, but its most important accomplishment was giving a voice to people who have been largely marginalized and ignored; especially women and people of color.
The Women of Wakanda In our world, today, finding accurate representation—especially in film—of women reaching their full potential is rare. Gorgeous women are around every corner, but portrayals of strong, confident women are few and far between. Enter Wakanda to the rescue again. The women of Wakanda were not side chicks, waiting to be saved or swept off their feet. They were leaders, warriors, and innovators. And what is truly the film were central to the story. They had a purpose and drive that actually contributed to the plot. So rather than accessories, they were key players in the execution of the story. According to the director, Ryan Coogler, the film was very deliberate in its portrayal of women as strong, graceful and intelligent. In the movie, the head of technology and research is Shuri, a fiery 16-year-old girl. She’s a young, brilliant, incredible black woman; and she’s a role model for young girls everywhere. Letitia Wright who plays Shuri in the movie, said she hopes that her character can be a source of, “Positivity and light,” and encourage girls to, “Use their mind as a weapon.” Finding positive representations of black women… Is virtually impossible. Lupita Nyong’o plays Nakia, T’Challa’s love interest in the movie. To see a brilliant, passionate, beautiful dark-skinned woman portrayed in this way meant the world for women of color everywhere. Nakia allowed all of us to see a different kind of beauty.
Vikings Forever PHOTO CREDITS: Marvel Studios Film Stills
On opening night, Cleveland State’s Black Student Union brought a huge crowd of students to Tower City to see the movie with discounted admission. I had the pleasure of sitting down to talk with BSU’s Vice President, Bennidita Smith about the group’s involvement in making tickets available to students. Bennidita explained that she and President Julian Wilson along with the other members of the executive
board, saw the movie as an important
chord. She said that T’Challa’s sister, Shuri,
opportunity for unifying the Cleveland State
was a source of encouragement and hope.
community.
“Shuri is like this young, beautiful,
Benedita said, “This movie is important for everyone to watch. I think the timeliness of it’s release is really key to
“
it’s significance. Right now, with all of the
black girl and who is developing the world’s most advanced technology. I’m going into STEM myself, so seeing Shuri meant everything to me.”
craziness going on in the news it’s really
#WhatBlackPantherMeansToMe “Black Panther” is more than just another
Nakia allowed all of us to see a different kind of beauty.
“
remarkable is this: the women characters in
nice to have a movie like this that brings
superhero movie. It is a movement that resonates deeply with people everywhere. And people are sharing their opinions about the movie online with the hashtag #WhatBlackPantherMeansToMe One Twitter user used this hashtag saying, “For the the first time in my life, I will get tvo see minorities, people who look like me, portrayed as “strong and intelligent.” For Bennidita, it means representation of her dreams. “Black Panther” is a more than just a superhero movie. It’s a movement, an iconic symbol of empowerment for millions of people for so many reasons. It masterfully celebrates individuality and serves as a vivid reminder of the importance of
everyone together. It celebrates individu-
unity for everyone. I began this article with
ality and reminds us of the importance of
my story. For me, “Black Panther” means
working together to solve our problems.She
agency: the ability to choose who I am and
also stressed the special meaning it has for
continously strive for excellence without
the black community at large, saying that it,
limits. I think Lupita Nyong’o summed
“allows us to see ourselves as superheroes,
up the feeling perfectly when she said , “I
Kings and Queens. That’s not something
know this industry wasn’t made for me, but
we get to see very often.” But for Benedita,
I’m not going to apologize for being here.”
one character struck an even more personal SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 18
EARTH DAY SAVING OUR PLANET Humanity must take both large and small steps to help heal the environment for future generations. // Dorothy Zhao
E
Earth Day — the largest secular
With landfills overflowing and emit-
must create and satisfy to better shape the
holiday in the world, observed
ting gases like methane and carbon dioxide
in 192 countries and celebrated
to trap heat in the atmosphere, corporate
future of our environment.
every year on April 22 by over a
greed resulting in overproduction of multi-
Water Act to the Endangered Species Act,
billion people. The first Earth Day
tudinous materials, and ignorance coming
the environmental laws of the United States
From the Clean Air Act to the Clean
took place in 1970 after an oil well blew out
and implementation of the U.S. Environ-
in Santa Barbara, California the year before.
mental Protection Agency were all measures
Activists and Americans were prompted to
that America, the leading country of the
make a change for the better, espe-
time in 1970, took to prevent harm-
cially during the turbulent decade
ful environmental accidents and
of the seventies. In honor of
pollution by various com-
such a noble holiday, what
panies. Throughout the
are we doing over forty
decade of the seventies,
years later to save the
an insecticide called
planet? Some argue
DDT was banned due
not enough, while
to environmental
others believe
problems, pes-
— or, at least,
ticides became
claim — that
regulated, ma-
climate change
rine sanctuaries
does not exist.
were created
In our
to protect
homes, at our
biological
workplaces
and historical
and schools,
treasures, and
and in our
environmental
mindsets,
activism arose
we must take
from toxic waste
small steps
in the Love Canal
and adjust-
community of
ments to our daily
Niagara Falls, New
lives to minimize
York.
the negative im-
Continuing for
pact we have on the
the next few decades,
environments around us.
sewage and medical waste
Looking towards the large
were tracked and cleaned, the
corporations, companies, and
Clean Air Act was updated and
governments, change must occur
passed to target acid rain and ozone
in order to fulfill the big steps that will
depletion, and a climate agreement was
significantly change practices for a health-
reached recently. In current day legislature
ier, more sustainable world. What countries
around the globe, governments are encour-
around the world have planned and agreed
from wasteful individuals, the situation
aging their countries and companies to go
to, such as banning plastic bags or utilizing
certainly appears dire. However, as opti-
green, become aware of the environment,
more renewable resources, is promising but
mism pervades and prevails, there are still
and give note to climate change. A well-
debatably not enough.
ambitious goals we as a human population
known example of such action is the Paris
19 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2018
Agreement, the world’s first comprehensive climate agreement.
It is worth thinking about just where our trash and dirty water end up — toxic
and action to save our planet — even if it
dump sites or treatment sites that require
seems like it’s beyond saving now — to
work Convention on Climate Change, the
more energy, water, and time in filtering
prompt and maintain a significantly less
Paris Agreement “entered into force on
and distilling. The fact that it is “out of
wasteful existence as a whole, the future
the fourth of November 2016” with 174
sight, out of mind,” is no longer an accept-
will no longer seem futile. Eradicating the
parties ratifying the plan out of 197 parties
able excuse. Perhaps the zero waste philos-
apathetic, ignorant, and wasteful mind-
to the Convention. The countries that have
ophy that takes reduce, reuse, recycle ideas
set of each person, at least in first world
agreed to this plan will start mitigating
to another level is truly a goal that everyone
countries, is one aspect of a solution to save
global warming in 2020, with the listed
should consider — as difficult as it seems.
Earth.
Under the United Nations Frame-
and nationally determined contributions
In addition to baby steps listed above,
(NDCs). As noted on the Paris Agreement
sign up for the world’s largest environmen-
website, its aim is to “strengthen the global
tal movement at earthday.org and by orga-
by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below two degrees Celsius... [and] to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change.” Although the United States has pulled out of this deal, it does not necessarily mean we as American citizens should simply give up on conserving our valuable resources and protecting our fragile environment. The ways the average person can celebrate Earth Day and subsequently help the environment are practically endless — it’s all in the details. Changing one’s daily habits, no matter how small, will result in a greater positive impact. Obviously, being a locavore (a term for individuals who eat from only locally grown or produced food, despite the subjective descriptor of “local”) or similar suggestions are not always easy or possible to do. Adopting the zero waste
“
nizing for Earth Day in one’s community, organization, or workplace. The Earth Day
Changing one’s daily habits, no matter how small, will result in a greater positive impact.
“
response to the threat of climate change
Network, the organization that leads Earth Day, has planned a goal of ending plastic pollution consisting of four components: leading a grassroots movement to gain the support for a global framework of regu-
ILLUSTRATION CREDIT: Loren Shumaker
However, once we call for collective change
lifestyle or becoming vegan are possibly
lating plastic pollution, inspiring citizens
extremes, but easier steps include simply
worldwide to raise their voices for govern-
carpooling, taking shorter showers, com-
ments and corporations to change their act
posting, going to farmers markets, growing
to controlling plastic pollution, educating
your own garden, not using disposable
people to “take personal responsibility...
items, being a mindful consumer by buying
by choosing to reject, reduce, reuse, and
from eco-friendly companies and boycot-
recycle plastics,” and promoting specifical-
ting those who don’t, turning down the
ly local government efforts to end plastic
heat, using air conditioning less often, and
pollution.
turning off the lights when no one is in the room.
One environmentally conscientious person is not enough to make a difference.
REDUCING YOUR IMPACT BY CHANGING YOUR DIET Some food groups have far higher greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing or eliminating the groups at the top is one way to reduce your impact. Here are some common food groups ranked from highest to lowest impact. 1. Lamb (nearly 1.5x beef emissions) 2. Beef (2x the emissions of cheese) 3. Cheese 4. Pork 5. Farmed Salmon 6. Turkey 7. Chicken 8. Canned Tuna 9. Eggs 10. Potatoes 11. Rice 12. Peanut Butter 13. Nuts 14. Yogurt 15. Broccoli 16. Tofu 17. Beans 18. 2% Milk 19. Tomatoes 20. Lentils Source: Environmental Working Group SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 20
RESTORING A PIECE OF CLEVELAND
A Cleveland development project promotes healthy, sustainable, and vibrant communities. // Taylor Hannah photos by alexis rosen
O
n Washington Avenue, just
from the surrounding community. Lakev-
off of Detroit Road, sits
iew, as its name suggests, rests near the
Lakeview Terrace — the
lake, but it cannot be easily accessed by
first public housing complex
residents any longer. Soon after Lakeview
built in America. The set of
Terrace was built, a highway was construct-
53 buildings was built in 1937 as a $3.8 mil-
ed along Lake Erie that segregated Lakeview
lion Public Works Administration project.
Terrace from the surrounding neighbor-
At the time of its construction, affordable
hood. A highway wall literally divides it
and quality housing was difficult to find be-
form what’s on the other side, and devel-
cause of the rising population in cities such
opments in the area have not always been
as Cleveland. Lakeview Terrace was built
intentional about leveraging the needs of
with the intention of creating a green space
Lakeview Terrace residents — an essential
within a dense and industrial urban area. It
aspect of inclusive development — which
included a community center, playground,
has left the area socially vulnerable.
and murals for people to enjoy — the first housing complex of its kind. It was cele-
Trust for Public Land is developing a project
brated as a step towards making Cleveland
to enhance Lakeview Terrace’s original
a healthy and lively community, and set a
vision and connect it back to the area. The
precedent for other cities to build housing
project’s main focus is to restore a vacant
complexes that did the same.
utility building into a community park. TPL
Cities are always developing and
21 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2018
Thankfully, the Ohio branch of the
plans to incorporate health, sustainability,
growing, which inevitably leaves some
and art into the park, while also designing it
neighborhoods at risk of being isolated.
to intersect with the Cleveland Foundation’s
Unfortunately, over time, Lakeview Terrace
Centennial Trail. The Centennial Trail is a
has been cut off both physically and socially
restored railroad right-of-way that travels
through the Flats and other part of Cleve-
public, which is exactly what Nahu did. She
inspiration from African wax prints, which
land, so intersecting the park with it will
knew that she wanted to paint bright colors
can be seen in the intricate patterns on the
improve connectivity. TPL is intentionally
along the wall, but her decision to paint the
wall. A wall that divides now empowers. It is
working with Lakeview Terrace residents to
faces of children from the area was influ-
a beautiful representation of how public art
make sure the park supports the commu-
enced by how shocked she was by the area’s
can positively influence a community.
nity as best as it can, setting it apart from
isolation. She noted about her work, “I
give new life to the original mission of the housing complex and will hopefully be an example for other development projects to follow. Art is already an active form of resistance for the Lakeview Terrace community. The housing complex is located near a group of murals that were painted during the Cleveland Foundation’s 2016 Creative Fusion public art project. One of the murals stretches down the wall of the highway that divided Lakeview Terrace from everything on the other side. The vibrant
“
figured out maybe I should paint some-
The success of a project such as the Lakeview Terrace Park relies on how it engages the people living there. Public art projects like Nahu’s mural are one way
“
other development projects. The park will
A wall that divides now empowers.
to do so, but TPL is reaching out to the community even further by discussing the needs, concerns, and visions of local community members. Residents of Lakeview Terrace are being invited into the process so that the park meets the needs of the neighborhood, and their involvement promotes a sense of ownership. A feeling of connectedness by the community to the project makes it a more enjoyable and healthy place to live. A Harvard professor, Dr. Felton
mural, painted by Brazilian artist Anan-
thing to protect them, their innocence. Each
Earls, conducted research on this topic by
da Nahu, features faces of children who
one is precious. Each kid here is like a king
studying neighborhoods in Chicago over a
live in Lakeview Terrace and participate in
and queen.” This thought led to the mural
fifteen-year time period. When he began
Brick City, a Cleveland Public Theatre arts
being known as “The Kings and Queens of
his search for what facilitates the most
program. The best public art brings in the
Lakeview Terrace.” Her mural also draws
well-being in a place, he hypothesized that SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 22
“
“
Public spaces are the hearts of neighborhoods...
A TIMELINE OF PUBLIC HOUSING 1900-1920
1933
Cleveland’s population doubles from 381,768 to 796,841 people with a small amount of adequate housing available.
The New Deal set aside $150 million for public housing & the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority formed the first housing authority in America.
23 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2018
1937
1938
Lakeview Terrace The end of WWII opens up. The led to more Housing Act of housing problems 1937 passed when returning which required veterans searching a substandard for a place to live housing unit to caused a housing be removed for shortage. every new housing unit built.
1949 Housing Act of 1949 funded urban renewal projects in American cities.
it would be something like wealth, access to
Club and LAND studio to create the trail,
healthcare, or crime rates. What he discov-
which will convert a stretch of land that
ered, though, was that the opportunity for
follows the RTA Red Line into an almost
people to work together on matters of com-
three-mile trail. It will run through Detroit
mon interest made the biggest difference
Shoreway, Ohio City, and Downtown Cleve-
in the health and well-being of a neigh-
land, while connecting Stockyards, Trem-
borhood. Community engagement, whether
ont, Duck Island, and part of the Flats along
it be through an art project like Nahu’s or
the way. These neighborhoods will become
other project like TPL’s community park,
more connected through the shared trail,
dramatically increase the welfare of an area
and will be more easily travelled between
and assure healthy development.
by bike or foot. The path will even include
Similar to the findings of Earl’s
illumination so that it is accessible and safe
research, the welfare of an area is also
at night. Riding the redline already guaran-
increased by a dedication to placemaking.
tees some of the best views of Cleveland’s
Placemaking is an approach to the planning
skyline, so the greenway will provide an
and design of public spaces that is collabo-
opportunity for people to stop and take in
rative, strengthens the connection of people
the view. Plain Dealer Art and Architecture
to places, and promotes people’s well-being
writer Steven Litt described the path as
and health. It encourages an evolution of
“Cleveland’s version of the New York High
places that pays attention to the physical
Line,” to which Leonard Stover, a Rotary
and social needs of a community, as well as
Club volunteer and investment advisor,
celebrates the community’s identity. Public
responded, “We want to beat the High Line.
spaces are the hearts of neighborhoods, and
[The Redline] is higher, its longer, it’s got
since cities have so many of them, place-
a better view and we won’t spend a billion
making makes sure they all beat in rhythm.
dollars to do it.” Cleveland residents can
Inequalities formed by poverty, segregation,
look forward to experiencing the Red Line
or other geographical problems restrict
Greenway themselves in 2020.
groups of city residents from enjoying
Cleveland, as well as other cities, can-
public spaces and experiencing the benefits
not afford to develop areas without place-
of them — like the highway by Lakeview
making and being mindful of the devel-
Terrace. Further developing an area can ei-
opment’s effects on the surrounding area.
ther reinforce inequalities or work to break
Development projects are not just a luxury,
them down. Good placemaking ensures the
but are essential to sustaining and empow-
former.
ering all communities. The Lakeview Ter-
There are a few other projects in
race Park and Red Line Greenway are just
the works in the Cleveland area that are
a few of the multiple development projects
examples of good placemaking. Similar to
taking place in Cleveland over the next few
Lakeview Terrace park, one of them high-
years. Their placemaking efforts will make
lights sustainability and connectivity — the
Cleveland a greener and more connected
Red Line Greenway. The Cleveland Rotary
city. Just as Cleveland led the way in hous-
Club proposed the idea, initially working
ing the 1900s, it continues to lead the way
with LAND Studio in 2012 to make prelimi-
for development projects today. Cheers to
nary plans. The Cleveland Metroparks, Ohio
Cleveland for engaging in placemaking that
City, Inc., Port of Cleveland, and the City of
is sustainable, connected, and inclusive.
Cleveland are partnering with the Rotary
1965
1968
1974
1992
The Department of Housing & Urban Development is established.
Cleveland, Now! Funds urban renewal & revitalization projects. The Fair Housing Act prevents racial discrimination in housing sales or rent.
Housing Act of 1974 passed, which amended the Housing Act of 1937 to allow urban homesteading & include Section 8 housing.
The National Commission on Severely Distressed Public Housing reported that 86,000 of the country’s public housing units were unfit to live in.
2020
The Redline Greenway will be completed for Cleveland’s pedestrians & bicyclists to enjoy!
SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 24
The
Professors of
Cleveland State
The professors of Cleveland State university talk about their experience teaching different disciplines and topics, dealing with current climates and the lessons they’ve learned themselves over the years. // Alexis Rosen, Arbela Capas, Brenda Castaneda Yupanqui & Holly Bland
P
ublic opinion is notably unstable, usually a “body temperature” at a particular moment in time. The time we are living in today could be a considered
a time for change in our political and social climates. This often translates into our every day lives and our academic lives as well. When we enter college, the world becomes a lot wider when it comes to what we learn in the classroom. We start learning the knowledge we need for our respective careers, or we start taking classes about specific issues and topics we would have never even thought about in our previous school years. For this issue, we decided to give some appreciation back to some of the professors at Cleveland State — the people who have devoted their lives to helping make sense of things to us. At Cleveland State, the professors in charge of teaching the lessons are equally as diverse as the students receiving them. Although every student has a specific major or discipline that they are pursuing, one of the most eye-opening things about studying in college is being able to explore different topics. A big task for professors teaching in the classroom, is making sure that the information in the textbooks is able to be applied and translated to the real world. Cleveland State’s professors do just that, by going beyond the classroom and teaching in a way that is not only relevant for getting a good grade, but being a proactive citizen and a lifelong learner. No matter how much time each of these professors have spent here at Cleve-
PHOTO CREDIT: ARBELA CAPAS
land State, they all have unique backgrounds and expertises that help them bring something special to each classroom. This feature is not only dedicated to the nine professors we spoke to, but also to all the professors and adjunct faculty that work so hard every day to make this university special for the students.
M EG HAN N OVISK Y DISCIPLINE Sociology–Criminology YEARS @ CSU 2 years FAVORITE CLASS TO TEACH Sociology to Corrections Along with Dr. Novisky’s framed degree from Kent State University, her office wall also has photos from various correctional facilities she has visited throughout the United States. Along with this, hangs a map with pinned locations. Currently pinned are: Pennsylvania, Georgia, New York, and others. These areas were some of the facilities Novisky visited to conduct interviews with inmates for her various research studies. “My focus of research is mainly talking about the health effects of inmates who are incarcerated.” Her most recent projects included interviewing women who have left domestic abuse relationships, as well as a series of interviews she did with aging men who are currently incarcerated. For about two years now, Dr. Novisky has
been teaching various Criminology courses at Cleveland State, including women and crime, corrections and criminological theory. Novisky believes that classes such as this that talk about the complicated, stigmatized and often forgotten issues of corrections in the United States, open up a lens for the students who will be working in various fields. “The dynamics of domestic violence also involves extreme isolation of victims by their abusers and threats not to disclose the abuse,” she said as an example. “So, without classes that address these topics, ignorance of them is reinforced.” Novisky also explained that she is particularly excited about the classes she is teaching talking about the deeper and societal issues regarding incarceration and prison in classes like prison and society – the new class that she has helped developed and that will be available next Fall. She hopes these classes will bring to light to students the unique problem of mass incarceration in the United States today. “We’ve invested SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 26
billions and billions of dollars with incarceration and punishment. But it’s no longer sustainable, so we need new minds, to come up with alternatives,” she said.
JAN EN E M . H O B BY DISCIPLINE Political Science YEARS @ CSU 19 years FAVORITE CLASS TO TEACH American Political Thought Dr. Jenene M. Hobby has not only taught at Cleveland State, she also has experience teaching at Case Western Reserve and Baldwin Wallace. However, she genuinely admits that the students at CSU are some of her favorite to teach. “CSU students are often juggling full-time school schedules, sometimes one or more jobs and oftentimes family responsibilities,” explained Hobby. “Given those pressures and demands and responsibilities that those students have to assume, they wind up caring a lot more, in my opinion, about their education and working harder and so I enjoy teaching them more because in my opinion they want it more.” At Cleveland State, Hobby teaches a range of different courses such as international politics, American political thought, politics for peaceful world change. She also says that no matter what major students are, she thinks these classes are very important for everyone to learn about. “They’re not only college students, but they are citizens and they have not only rights in a democratic republic, but they have responsibilities as well,” said Hobby. And we often forget that second part.” Dr. Hobby has always felt the need to tie in current events with whatever class she’s teaching, and whatever climate the country is currently experiencing, but she did notice a stronger focus from students in the last couple of years. When talking about the 2016 Election, she said, “We’ve had in the United States at least, a polarization of the two political parties so like with this last election, students were paying a bit more attention, I would say.” Along with other recent incidents such as the school shootings, Hobby said she had a chance to apply concepts such as rational thought to her class discussion in order to explain how legislators going about changing policy and the kind of pressures this can come with. 27 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2018
D R . AN U P KU MAR DISCIPLINE Journalism & Promotional Communication YEARS @ CSU 10 years FAVORITE CLASS TO TEACH Media, Law, & Ethics Dr. Kumar embraces every course as an opportunity to teach and to learn. “While I am in class and talking with students or telling them about something, I am myself learning something new,” Kumar said. “It is a continuous process of learning. You can very well assume that a class I was teaching ten years ago, I know more about today and not only know more in terms of quantity of information, but I have much
better critical insight from it because I am teaching. That insight only becomes deeper and deeper as I teach.” As a communications professor, he treats his position with intention and care since the course content is so not only valuable, but essential to all industries. “Speech is perhaps the foundation of everything. People understand both speech is right and speech is responsibility. If they understand that, that’s the basis of everything you do as an academic,” Kumar said. That is the purpose of education — to understand that process and a right and a responsibility.” Kumar is invested in not only the topics, but also the students. He is constantly learning about the current state of media and how students connect with
PHOTO CREDIT: ALEXIS ROSEN (LEFT) AND EVAN PRUNTY (RIGHT)
it. “Media is changing so fast, so that is the hardest part, how to make them engage with the material,” Kumar explained. “For that, you have to be connected and have some sense of what is happening in the youth culture. And for that, you need to talk with students, to know what they are thinking, how they look at the world, and what’s happening around them. It also tells you that you don’t realize their position unless you try to understand it from their position.” What motivates Kumar the most is the daily opportunity to provide students with a space to foster meaningful connections in knowledge and relationships. “Why do I do what I do? To let students know they have a space. They have a voice. They have been heard.”
D R . RI CHARD PERLO FF DISCIPLINE Communication YEARS @ CSU 38 years FAVORITE CLASS TO TEACH Persuasive Communication Dr. Richard Perloff, a professor at the Communications Department, teaches classes that expand beyond just the way we speak to one another in society. His background in psychology and politics has allowed him to bring certain courses to another level of understanding for the students. A lot of the classes he teaches, such as persuasive communication and social issues in the news talk about the intricate political, social and cultural issues we are experiencing today. For Perloff, it’s important to help students view the output of news through different lenses. “So you have people who are very much into their own media sphere, and the job is to try and help appreciate what that does to them, what their limits are,” said Perloff. “That is to say that, when you’re
teaching a course, you want to reach people where they are.” One thing that Dr. Perloff has taken away from teaching Cleveland State students all these years is that most students are open when talking about certain topics, and that there tolerance for different types of lifestyles and backgrounds – which often improves in-class discussion. During the 2016 presidential election, Dr. Perloff, like many professors, believed it was important to tie in what was happening in the world of politics to the classroom. “I think the challenge is to help people appreciate their attitudes and then also understand the other side,” Perloff said. Through his years of teaching, he said that he has learned humility and how appreciate where students are coming from. “I’m not the same teacher I was 20, 30 years ago,” Perloff said. “I’m much more appreciative of the fact that you can’t reach somebody unless you know who they are or what they want to do.” SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 28
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A big task for professors teaching in the classroom, is making sure that the information in the textbooks is able to be applied and translated to the real world.
D R. ANTO N I O M ED I NA RIVERA DISCIPLINE World Languages & Linguistics YEARS @ CSU 19 years FAVORITE CLASS TO TEACH Sociolinguistics or Caribbean Culture For almost two decades, Cleveland State University has been Dr. Medina-Rivera’s home, where he has taught Spanish language, Latin American literature, and linguistics courses. A Puerto Rican native and sociolinguist, he is also the chair for the department of world languages, and feels that he has reached a happy balance between his love for teaching and his leadership capabilities. Dr. Medina-Rivera strives to ex29 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2018
pand his students’ perception of language learning into something dynamic and valuable. He emphasizes the importance of immersion and cultural acceptance. “It’s so easy to talk about multiculturalism, it’s so easy to talk about globalism, it’s so easy to talk about diversity—but if you don’t find a way to immerse yourself into the life of the other, you’re never going to understand,” he said. “But when you learn a language, when you learn about a culture, when you travel, when you’re in contact with people from that culture or country, you learn more about their issues and about the way they think about their problems.” For Medina-Rivera, language studies and linguistics are key mediums through which
students can understand tolerance and changes in society. Through his many years as a professor, he has perceived changes and differences between generations, as well as difficulties. “As a teacher you might have the temptation to do things the same way all the time” he said. Medina–Rivera also stresses the responsiveness of students and how some may even be resistant to anything but very traditional lecturing class structures. Although he has had a varied teaching career, Dr. Medina-Rivera says that his goal has always been to teach his students to think in a critical way. “My hope is that they’re getting something that will transform the way they think.”
D R . TH O MAS BYN U M
PHOTO CREDIT: EVAN PRUNTY
DISCIPLINE Black Studies YEARS @ CSU 1 year FAVORITE CLASS TO TEACH Introduction to Black Studies Dr. Bynum has earnestly taken up the position as director of Black Studies at CSU, starting in the Fall semester of 2017. Despite it being his first year in Cleveland, he has had a long and devoted career in African-American studies. He spent almost ten years at Middle Tennessee State University, where he worked as a tenured associate professor of history and as director of their Africana Studies program, which he helped transform into a major. He has since then made Cleveland his home and has many goals for the Black Studies program as its director, but still lists the introductory course as one of his favorites to teach. “I like that class because it allows me to kind of survey Black history and culture, to introduce students to aspects of Black history and culture,” he said. Because race issues and politics are as relevant today as they have been in the past, Dr. Bynum believes
Black Studies and history are increasingly important. “Black studies, like other cultural studies, add to the conversation about cultural literacy in this country,” he says. “I say that the past is always relevant, it’s always a good marker to indicate the future,” he said. In the current sociopolitical climate, Bynum recognizes the need for information in those he teaches. “I think that students are more curious about these issues because they see them unfolding on social media. So they’re looking for some kind of explanation, someone to make sense of it all.” He makes sure to make comparisons, to attempt to connect and make links to students’ own experiences and surroundings. However, he acknowledges that it can be a difficult topic for students to wrap their minds around: “We have to talk about that dark moment in our history, the ugly part of our history,” he explained. When discussing the hardest part of educating students on this topic, Bynum indicates that lack of knowledge on our nation’s history is what may hold them back. “When you begin to talk about it with students, it’s not
necessarily that students are resistant to it but it’s because they can’t even wrap their minds around some of the things that happened or fathom what happened.” The most rewarding aspect for him is the feeling that students take away something from his classes that will make them think and start conversations. While the past may seem insignificant to some, Dr. Bynum emphasizes that the events and people that comprise Black history carry weight even today. “It’s about affirming your humanity, as a person, as a human being, and that people can see that,” Bynum said. “You can see the light bulb come on, you can see their eyes widen as a result of [students] coming to this realization themselves.”
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DISCIPLINE Film & Digital Media YEARS @ CSU 2.5 years FAVORITE CLASS TO TEACH Film & Television Production 1 Professor Suglio has had a passion for films and storytelling nearly all his life, so working as a filmmaker and film educator naturally clicked. Because he understands the industry in Cleveland incredibly well, he made it his goal to instruct and equip students with the tools needed for success. He hopes to be able to one day work alongside them as peers. In addition to providing a wide range of skills, he also brings limitless encouragement and inspiration for personal growth. “You need to learn about who you are as a person to truly grow. Self-Awareness is key,” Suglio said. “You need to know what your strengths and weaknesses are and how 31 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2018
knowing this you can be successful in any field you choose.” Suglio is quick to invite students out of the classroom and into the field through volunteer opportunities at film festivals like the Ohio Independent Films Festival and his recently celebrated Short. Sweet. Film. Fest. As technology advances in tools to connect and capture, Suglio focuses his lessons on not only valuing high quality gear and creating massive amounts of content, but also emphasizes crafting stories that stand out. “I love when students have that ‘ah ha’ moment where what I have instructed, sometimes repeatedly, finally clicks and they see film making in a whole new light,” Suglio said.
“
When we enter college, the world becomes a lot wider when it comes to what we learn in the classroom.
“
M I CHAEL SUG LI O
D R . ELIZAB ETH B LY
PHOTO CREDIT: ARBELA CAPAS
DISCIPLINE Women & Gender Studies YEARS @ CSU 9 years FAVORITE CLASS TO TEACH Gender Communication Dr. Elizabeth Bly teaches women and gender studies courses and has recently taken on an expansion — gender and communication. Since her start at Cleveland State in 2009, like many professors, she’s experienced cultural shifts in the classroom, and most recently in particular with the newest change of administration. “People have a very different idea of gender studies,” Bly said. “It used to be that [students] would come into my 100 or 151 class and it would be a box they were checking off for general education requirements, and now I find they want to know the way in which gender and equality plays out.” In fact, Bly’s favorite part of teaching is engaging in discussions with students as opposed to solely relying on lecture-only structures in class. She feels that empowerment and people’s experience connecting to the material you’re learning is vital. “Everyone’s experiences are equally valid and contribute to the conversation — it’s not just about the professor as an expert,” said Bly. Her main goal is for students to utilize these learned concepts, theories and ideas and applying them in real life. “Being able to apply some of the theory we talk about and some of the open-endedness in gender is getting [students] to think about it when they’re out in the world meeting new people, and when they’re traveling the world,” Bly said. “It’s about learning and understanding, but also about action and how people respond with the knowledge that they have [learned].” Further, she also finds it important to give people tools to access information so they can remain critical of what they’re consuming and learning, especially since social media is such a pillar source of information for many young people. Being a critical thinker is necessary. “To me, the questions people raise are more important than their ability to answer questions for themselves and critically assessing them,” Bly said. “That to me is central to where we are right now, but really central to being just being an engaged citizen.”
D R. ZHAO DISCIPLINE Electrical Engineering & Computer Science YEARS @ CSU 14 years FAVORITE CLASS TO TEACH All of them! Originally from Beijing, China, Dr. Zhao began teaching at Cleveland State University after graduating with a Phd. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of California in Santa Barbara. He currently teaches a theoretical course called Secure and Dependable Computing Systems and a technical course called Mobile App Development. As a professor, Dr. Zhao has been working hard to create knowledge that advances the state of the arts and practices while educating and inspiring. In addition to teaching basic knowledge and skills, he encourages students to explore ways to use technology to address social issues. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Zhao is incredibly invested in researching technology-facilitated solutions for health-
care, particularly those related to mental health. He is currently building a system that aims to reduce lower-back injuries of nursing assistants working in nursing homes. The project was initially sponsored by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, and is now supported by a CSU/KSU TeCK Fund. The ultimate goal of the project is to build a commercially viable product that could save billions of dollars caused by lower-back injuries. In collaboration with two groups of colleagues at the Center of Behavioral Health Sciences, Dr. Zhao is currently working to develop two mobile apps to save lives by connecting drug treatment facilities and patients, and by monitoring the behavior of people in the process of drug recovery. Dr. Zhao’s favorite part about practicing and teaching electrical engineering and computer science is being able to inspire and guide students in hopes of making a difference in their lives.
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STRESS LESS
WITH YOGA Yoga is like a television show, it’s best to try various ones to find what works for you. // Chau Tang
Y
oga is used to calm your body. Your body moves with your breath.” At least, that is what some friends of mine would say. I was skeptical of yoga because it
seems so relaxing that you might fall asleep. I started Vinyasa yoga because the name seemed cool. I knew nothing about it at the
campus speaks about her experience with
10,000 years. Yoga was developed by the
yoga.
Indus-Sarasvati in India over 5,000 years
ago. The term yoga means “yoke,” which is
in high school. She played basketball and
interpreted as unity.
ran track and coaches wanted her team to
do yoga. She wasn’t into it at first but it took
Yoga is said to be beneficial for every-
Scafe started doing yoga when she was
one. It can help with your flexibility and
her awhile to enjoy it. She now uses it as a
since yoga has a lot to do with controlling
stress relief. “Power (yoga) is more faster
your breath, you can focus on it and try to
pace and I feel like it challenges not only my
“
body but my mind ‘cause I’m working a little faster. I love Vinyasa for slowing down,” she
It’s not a trend nor is it limited to one race.
“
I had to do because it required a lot of balance. I thought since I’ve done tap, ballet, gymnastics and karate that my balance would be fine. It turns out, I still needed practice. I wanted to do yoga to de-stress from my classes and it really did. My yoga teacher plays soothing music so it helps to focus.
clear your mind of anything you feel bur-
stress. Meditation, hiking, reading a book by
dened with. It is hard to completely clear
a fireplace or lighting candles while taking
your mind but maybe focus on something
a bath. People might be skeptical of doing
else, a positive feeling or a change in your
yoga because they wonder when they would
life.
even have the time for it. Five minutes out
of your day might not seem as much but if
are many types of yoga. For instance, there
you’re busy, it can be worth it. Ever wanted
is hot power yoga, yin yoga, hatha yoga,
to try yoga but wasn’t sure where to start?
restorative yoga, and vinyasa yoga. These
You can start now. Since, there are many
are just a few of many but these are great
types of yoga, you may not know where to
for beginners. Each type has different poses,
begin, or the true origins of yoga.
some more challenging than others.
33 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2018
Kaylee Scafe, CSU Psychology major,
other researchers may think it goes back
Granted, there were some challenging poses
There are many ways people can de-
Vinyasa Yoga and Power Yoga instructor on
time. After my first day, I was really relaxed.
According to Yogabasics.com, yoga
can be traced back over 5,000 years but
As I’ve stated in the beginning, there
states. She recommends Vinyasa yoga or a slow flow, a 45 minute class to get the basic structure for a beginner. Scafe uses Yogaglo, insight timer for meditation and calm. These are all apps you can take anywhere with you.
When people think of yoga, it’s possible
they think it’s a ‘white girl trend.’ It’s not a trend nor is it limited to one race. According to Elite Daily, Yoga: More Than A White Girl Trend written by Ally Batista, states, “Researchers have found that people had increased brain functions after taking yoga. The human brain excelled both speed-wise and accuracy-wise on brain functioning tests after just 20 minutes of Hatha yoga, compared with the benefits of aerobic exercise.” This is for anyone who wants to feel good about yourself.
Vinayasa Yoga
Restorative Yoga
Hatha Yoga
This is geared towards beginners. This type
If you’re feeling stressful for whatever the
This helps with strength training. There
focuses on the breath. Instructors will tell
reason may be, this can help with de-stress.
are more challenging standing poses. This
you when to exhale and inhale. You go with
Restorative yoga really gets you in the mood
requires balance so it may take time to get
the flow because you’re staying focused. One
of being deep in thought. Instead of being in
used to this. Burch explains, “It’s challenging
of the poses is called the Downward Dog,
your million thoughts while sorting out your
and promotes a deep sweat to help eliminate
this is a resting pose so you can stay in that
day, think about nothing but your breath.
toxins and encourage muscles and joints to
pose and take a break. This is an easy pose
This really helps you focus on your breath
stretch further and more deeply with a lower
for most, but you do this pose before you do a
and being in the moment. For me, It’s better
risk of injury.” If you want to challenge your-
challenging pose. Fear not, while this might
to meditate in silence but for others, you may
self while you sweat, this will be great.
seem it’s an easy type, you do break a sweat
want to listen to some peaceful music or look
with the flexibility and different poses. The
up soundscape sounds such as a waterfall.
poses may look easy but it requires balance.
Are you around Cleveland but aren’t sure where to go to try yoga? Here are a few you can visit!
ILLUSTRATIONS BY BETH ELLIOTT
Yin Yoga
Hot Power Yoga
If you’re looking to increase your flexibility,
It’s great for helping you lose weight. This
look no further. Sure, yoga in general is all
type of yoga can be intense because it will
about stretching your muscles but this is a
make you sweat. The flows may vary from
slower pace that includes a longer hold on
classes but the more you move, especially
your hips, pelvis and spine. You will hold
intensely, the temperature in the room
each deep stretch for three to five minutes
can increase. Linda Burch, yoga instructor
to “lengthen your beyond your muscle and
and owner of Hot Yoga Inc told Shape.com,
into your connective tissue by fascia.” as
“Power yoga is a fun, challenging, high-
stated by Shape. As I’ve read, it sounds like
energy, cardiovascular yoga class. A series
this can help any tightness in your muscles
of postures flow together to build strength,
you would like to see feel better. Don’t try to
improve balance, flexibility, stamina, and
push your body if you feel you’re doing more
concentration.” Since this heated class can
harm than good. Try to listen to your body
cause you to dehydrate, make sure you drink
to see what you are capable of. If you have a
plenty of water because the hydration level
hard time holding for five minutes then de-
can make or break your workout.
Puma Yoga 15602 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
Vision Yoga and Wellness 1861 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
Studio 11 in Tremont 2337 W 11th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
Inner Bliss Yoga Studio 1224 Huron Rd E, Cleveland, OH 44115
Atma Center - Yoga for EveryBody 2319 Lee Rd, Cleveland, OH 44118
crease the time limit. No matter how much you are aching, pushing yourself won’t make you feel better. SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 34
SLOW FASHION, FAST CHANGE Every stitch has a story. Every hem was created by a hand. How our clothing is made and why we should be more mindful consumers. // Alexis Rosen
E
verything comes at a cost. Most
pieces, usually made by smaller businesses
like. She was shocked and disgusted to
college students probably agree
and clothing designers. In opposition, fast
discover the reality was worse than she had
that sale racks of cheap clothes are
fashion is clothing that is mass produced
imagined.
the way to go. As the global world
with poor quality, often to supply the high
social media and shared information, more attention has been brought to the way products are produced — including clothing. Over the last few years, major name brands like H&M, Zara and Forever 21 have been busted for their harmful treatment of employees and the environment. Not only are their garment makers paid far below minimum or a living wage, if at all, but they are also forced to work in dangerous conditions. Countless factory fires have been caused overseas due to highly flammable dyes and textiles, leaving thousands dead and zero changes to increase safety implemented. A movement to bring awareness to
“
demands of a heavily materialistic society.
Thrown out clothing was piled high into mountains that children playfully climbed up. She spoke with locals about why the clothes were there like that. “In
Thrown out clothing was piled high into mountains that children playfully climbed up.
“
has become smaller through technology,
American fashion designer, Margaret
America, people do not have access to clean water to regularly wash their clothes,” a woman told her “that is why we must make so many clothes to send overseas.” In that moment, Burton understood exactly why the fashion industry is the second largest contributor to pollution on the planet. That wasn’t the first time Burton was left baffled by what happens behind the scenes in the fashion industry. As a summer intern in New York City, she was handed large boxes of unsold or usable clothing samples and told to go in the back and cut them up so no one could steal the designs. “As a fashion design student
these issues has recently erupted. It is
Burton, has dedicated her career to
at the time, cutting up beautiful bound
the Slow Fashion Movement. Slow and
increasing awareness of the fast fashion
seams and complicated details was painful
fast fashion refer to the way clothing
industry through education of the slow
because I knew that for whoever sewed
is produced. Focusing on quality over
fashion movement. She even traveled
the garments, it wasn’t easy. So, I began
quantity, slow fashion advocates for fairly
to India to find out for herself just what
researching how common this was, if there
made clothes and more finely produced
the conditions of clothing factories were
were alternatives, why people were doing it
35 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2018
QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY QUALITY > QUANTITY
this way. That lead me to the overall waste
behind Aware sprouted from education.”
problem, which is because there is such a
Kayza said.
high demand on new designs every month
overnight — but, it is more important than ever that this happens for the sake of our
production, the more I wanted change.
planet and the people on it. As a society,
And the more I learned about GMOs and
we need to wake up and be aware of the
that often leads people to believe that more
unethical practices with meat production,
destructive systems currently in place to
material equals more happiness. Matt
the more I started to think about the
fuel shallow materialistic mentalities. It is
Walsh from the Huffington Post broke down
clothing and cosmetics I wear and use on
time we began wearing mindfulness instead
this trend, “That’s our entire economic
a daily basis. This opened up my mind
of cheap clothing because it may not cost a
system: buy things. Everybody buy. It
to animal by-products and slave labor in
lot for us in America, but someone is paying
doesn’t matter what you buy. Just buy. It
factories. I didn’t want to buy that crap
for it overseas.
doesn’t matter if you don’t have money.
anymore but I found a lack of accessibility
Just buy. Our entire civilization now rests on
to the products I wanted. Which meant
Burton and Aware Marketplace, check out
the assumption that, no matter what else
everyone who was interested had a lack of
the links listed below.
happens, we will all continue to buy lots
accessibility. I wanted to change that.”
www.margaret-burton.com
or so, rather than just for two seasons.”
Consumerism has created a mentality
and lots of things. Buy, buy, buy, buy, buy.
Since opening Aware, Kayza has
And then buy a little more. Don’t create, or
received immense positive feedback which
produce, or discover — just buy.”
she credits to her philosophy to be honest
So now, slow fashion advocates are
about products sold. “I believe a huge part
working to cut and restitch the fabric of
of who we are connects people in many
this fundamental belief. Today, Burton’s
different ways because we are transparent.
mission in the fashion industry is to educate
We share who our makers are and what
and bring awareness to changes that can be
they are offering to the world. We work
made to live a more conscientious lifestyle.
with small businesses all over the U.S. We
She makes one of a kind designs using high
connect our customers with the source of
quality materials so they last a long time
their goods and to us, that’s pretty cool.”
and can’t be replicated. Recently, she began
Kayza understands that fairly made
teaching high school students how to sew.
products may seem too expensive and out
One of her favorite parts of the job has been
of reach, but insists that there are many
witnessing the a-ha moment of how much
amazing and affordable makers out there,
goes into making one piece of clothing.
like The Garment Life. She also believes that
Little by little, she hopes for shoppers to
supporting slow fashion requires a mental
realize that for every stitch holding your
adjustment.
shirt sleeves, pant legs, and jacket pockets
PHOTO CREDITS: LEFT: ALEX TAN RIGHT: MARGARET BURTON
“The more I learned about food
Change takes time and doesn’t happen
“Slow Fashion is a lifestyle. You
together, there is a person responsible.
won’t walk into a store and buy 7 pieces of
Like Burton, more and more small
clothing like Forever21 or Urban Outfitters.
shops and designers are emerging, sharing
You don’t need that! You have to pay
this message. Rachel Kayza, owner of
attention to your needs,” Kayza said.
Aware Marketplace in downtown Cleveland,
Believe me, you’ll feel the reward after you
opened her storefront in November 2017
wash the piece a few times and it doesn’t
after being a lifelong dream. “The idea
need to be tossed due to the poor quality.”
Margaret Burton’s Trip to a clothing factory in India
For more information about Margaret
www.awaremarketplace.com
SLOW FASHION BRANDS + DESIGNERS Artisella in Toronto WM Goods Moorea Seal Hazel and Rose Esby Apparel Winsome Goods Jamie and the Jones Elizabeth Suzann Uniform Handmade Conrado LACUSA Mate the Label ABLE Knot Sisters Free Label Groceries Apparel Reformation Vetements
Alex Tan captures Burton at work in her studio
SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 36
SELF CARE IN MEN Men need to be encouraged to care for themselves as much as women, but it seems like the self-care movement is still gendered because of the way we view masculine and feminine roles. // Imani Stephens
M
en are taught to be strong,
baking, or taking a bath without people
pretty bath bomb to soak in next. Those
to be leaders, to not cry
trying to steal their entire masculinity away
things feel good and are fun to do, but they
or participate in socially
from them. Self care is doing activities that
sometimes cannot make up for the lack of
constructed “feminine”
bring you peace to help you get away from
love we must give ourselves on the inside to
activities or else they will be
the stressors in your life. Men should not
truly feel good. Men oftentimes get looked
seen as “weak.” However, men are human
have to forfeit this because the world has
at strangely when they do things such as
beings. We, as a society, can not take away
socialized us to feel like they have to be our
getting their nails manicured, because
their feelings and replace them with inhu-
saviours.
others might call them ‘gay’ for exhibit-
manity. They deserve to be able to indulge in therapeutic activities such as crying, 37 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2018
It should be noted that self-care is not just fancy face masks or choosing which
ing a traditionally-feminine interest and say things like only “females do things
like that.” For a man to be gay, he must be
well. Suppressing your emotions can lead
labels them as weak and over emotional
attracted to those of the same sex. Doing
to a downward spiral of your mental health
this is why women are more frequently
these type of activities alone does not make
and other terrible malfunctions to the body,
going to counseling than men. If men are
one gay, and the usage of that word in such
which is clearly the opposite of self care. It
given a platform or even told it is okay to
a context contributes to stigma surrounding
is important to ask men if they are okay or
talk about their feelings then they could
the gay community. Society pushes women
to encourage them to see counselors and go
possibly be happier and more self aware of
to go out and get their nails done, makes
get check ups.
their actions.
pointments, etc. The same expectations do not seem to be placed on men. Compared to the average woman, men are half as likely to go to the doctor over a 2-year period, according to 2014 survey data collected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physically, you do not have to be the most muscular guy in the room to be the “manliest.” What is on the inside matters the most. Actively going to your doctors appointments and having sexual health check ups, or just general health is practicing healthy self-care practices. This in turn helps yourself and helps whoever you have contact with whether it be a relationship or friendship. Society needs to switch the pressure off of men positioning them with the need to be ‘most superior’. It’s okay to fully and actively check on yourself in every form. It doesn’t make you weak, it makes you stronger. Gender roles in society are often cultural norms that might become amplified or taken out of context. Many men think that it is feminine to know how to cook and clean. Knowing how to take care of yourself or seeking the knowledge to be able to do so can contribute to your desired manlihood. You’re more independent when you know how to do things that will help with your survival. These tasks are not just for women alone they bring men joy and relief as well. Eliminating the gender norms from society could be a breathe of fresh air for many. Gender norms are social roles that are supposedly given to each sex. If society would lay up on making people feel like there are specifics things they must to be considered a man then true relaxation could occur. If the world continues to disable men from expressing their emotions or partaking in activities that are traditionally perceived
PHOTO BY EVAN PRUNTY
as less masculine, then people are going to never be comfortable with themselves. With uncomfortability of oneself come a series of other factors like depression and anxiety. Men get depressed too which it seems that society has a hard time believing. Men have the capacity and ability for deep feelings as
Counseling is a beneficial factor in
We can reflect on social media to see if
relieving stress and dealing with one’s
it is a positive or negative when it comes to
emotions. Often times people think it is
men being afraid to show their femininity.
“
Will Smith, the famous actor most notably remembered for his role of Will, a leading
It should be noted that self-care is not just fancy face masks or choosing which pretty bath bomb to soak in next.
“
sure they make all of their doctors’ ap-
taboo to attend counseling. The worst thing to do is to think that you have everything under control. Friends and family are good support systems but they might not be able to listen as effectively as a therapist can. It should be time to erase the stigma that you are “crazy” if you go to counseling. This is not true. Men and women can go to counseling just to have someone to talk to. Life gets hard and venting with a ear to listen can do wonders for many factors of
your mental health. Often times depression,
character on “Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” wore leopard print pants in the 90’s and never was scrutinized for his feminine dress appearance. Recently, Smith’s son Jaden Smith wore similar pants and the internet broke with constant blogs harassing him for his self expression through his clothing. Jaden himself even says “when I wore my leopard pants everyone laughed at me and said I was gay.” The problem is the lack of understanding when it comes to what society feels is the right way to be or dress. Self care is self expression. It does not matter if you want to dye your hair blonde or enjoy a day at the spa that is how you choose to bring joy to your life. When you love yourself and are comfortable in your skin, you spend less time downgrading others or worrying what they might say. This positive emotional health is especially vital for men. Things build up, life gets hard and it is perfectly okay to do the things that bring you joy. There seems to be this unknown rule everyone follows that they think that showing emotions are expressing themselves is not normal. It seems to be out of fear of being judged or they believe people just do not care. To keep your thoughts in or to follow a set of rules that others have made up for you is not ideal. Now, in 2018, it is best to change the idea of what people feel is normal. Men do not have to walk around saving the day all the time. They are allowed to cry and be vulnerable, because these are all human emotions.
anxiety or other personality disorders can make it hard for men especially to go to counseling. The first step to dealing with this is actually acknowledging that men too can get depressed and have a number
WAYS TO GAIN POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH •
Meditating
inside. Men are seen to be strong therefore
•
Yoga
their emotions are frequently swept under
•
Talking to a counselor
•
Finding a hobby
of other problems they are facing on the
the rug and unacknowledged. As women are seen to be sensitive and delicate society
SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 38
OUR PLASTIC WORLD
Despite single-use plastic products making life more convenient, an increasing reliance on them in the last few decades has become a serious threat to the oceans, marine life and even human health // Alana Whelan
T
he people who discovered and invented the first plasticlike materials could not have predicted the scale at which humans use and discard plastic now, in 2018. This rapid increase in the reliance of single-use plastics has quickly become a significant problem, though many overlook that to avoid the hassle of having to think about “yet another obstacle” that doesn’t directly affect their everyday lives (currently). With the world population continuously rising, and the fast-paced lifestyles of people in developed countries, it is no surprise that the use of plastic has grown vastly since its discovery. Despite how convenient singleuse plastics can be, they are a dangerous sign for the planet.
The History of Plastic
The first plastic materials, such as Parkesine and Polystyrene, were created and discovered by scientists in the mid 1800s — a little over 150 years ago. Plastic use slowly increased after its discovery, 39 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2018
and, due mostly to its versatility, it became an important staple in a number of inventions — from toys and home appliances to clothing and technology, humans found a use for plastic in almost anything. The first man-made plastic, Parkesine, wasn’t introduced to the public until 1862. Then, in the early 1900s, cellophane came into the picture. These inventions paved the way for other inventions like Saran wrap, then Tupperware, plastic garbage bags, and the list goes on. However, much of these products were not widely used until later in the twentieth century. In fact, as recent as the 1950s, it was a spectacle to see when that one neighborhood kid got a plastic match box car (which for most kids at the time, were made out of metal). Though 1950 may seem like a long time ago, in the whole of human history, the time span from 1950 to 2018 is an extremely short amount of time. What may be even more surprising is that, according to EcoWatch — a leading environmental news site — humans have disposed of
more plastic in the last 10 years than in the entire last century.
Contaminating the Oceans
Out of all the plastic produced every year, only about 10% of the 300 million tons of it actually gets recycled. The other 90% goes into landfills, is incinerated, or gets swept into the oceans. Only 20% of that plastic waste comes from illegal dumping by boats, while the other 80% comes from litter, plastic manufacturers or sewage, and can be carried by wind or rain to the ocean. According to BBC Earth, all the plastic in the oceans combined covers about one fourth of the Earth’s surface, and scientists estimate that nearly 8.5 billion kg (equal to more than 187 billion pounds) is dumped or swept into the sea each year. Most of this plastic accumulates in the five major gyres of the ocean, which are formed from the combination of the Earth’s rotation and wind patterns, creating a system of circular ocean currents. The North Pacific Gyre is also often referred to as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch,
where there is thought to be at least three million tons of plastic collected at the center. However, not all of this plastic is visible. Plastic is not biodegradable, which means it cannot be absorbed by the natural environment around it, but it can photodegrade from being exposed to the sun — a process by which plastic breaks down into millions of tiny, toxic pieces called microplastics. These microplastics can then be easily swallowed by fish, seabirds and other marine creatures. So much plastic is going into the ocean that it is having an enormous effect on the individual lives of the animals who call the ocean their home — harming those species who are so vital to it’s biodiversity. The way marine animals are affected by plastic waste itself is extensive. According to BBC Earth, around one million seabirds, and 100,000 marine mammals die as a result of digesting, choking or being caught in plastic each year. Many swallow whole plastics, like pieces of water bottles and packaging, and it has become uncommon to find a fish or seabird who hasn’t swallowed or ingested a micro-plastic somehow. Entanglement
“
Humans are eating waste that they created in the first place.
“
in fishing equipment is yet another issue with plastics in the ocean. World Wildlife Fund estimates that almost 1,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises are killed by fishing nets and gear every day — that’s more than 300,000 each year — not even including the millions of other species who rely on the sea to live. Evidently, this increasing reliance on convenience is not so convenient to the other species humans share the Earth with — and in truth, is not so convenient for humans either.
A Threat to Our Health
Though plastic was created to make the lives of humans easier, it has actually caused a significant amount of problems when it comes to human health. Plastic production requires a variety of chemicals and oils, which release toxins into the air during and after production. Plastic also acts like a sponge for other chemicals in the ocean — toxic waste that is frequently dumped in the oceans can latch onto plastics and plastic particles, making them an even more dangerous threat to marine life and humans. The chemical that poses the most threat to humans is called bisphenol A, more commonly known as BPA, which has been used to make certain plastics since the 1960s. This chemical is used widely in the making of single-use water bottles and is found in the linings of most canned foods. According to EcoWatch, Americans throw away about 35 billion plastic water bottles every year — and a large portion of that ends up in the ocean. These plastics then photodegrade into millions of tiny beads, and inadvertently get ingested by fish, birds and other marine life. After one fish swallows the beads, they can get passed from fish to fish and eventually, can end up on the dinner plates of humans. According to BBC Earth, In Europe, the average seafood-eating person consumes up to 11,000 plastic particles every year. This is bad news for people who enjoy seafood, or even those who occasionally eat it. According to National Geographic, BPA has been found to interfere with reproductive systems, cause hormone disruption, contribute to high blood pressure and can be associated with heart disease and miscarriage. Even without eating seafood, the chemicals found in plastic still pose a substantial threat to people. The plastic linings of canned food usually contain BPA, and though people don’t eat the cans themselves, the chemicals from the linings can leach into the food. Essentially — from fish with stomachs full of plastic particles, to chemical-contaminated water — humans are eating waste that they created in the first place. Without plastic, life would not be the same as it is today. The benefits of convenience would have been sacrificed for the health of the marine creatures in the ocean, the stability of the ocean itself, and the well-being of the human race. It is undeniable that the amount of plastic discarded today is excessive and unnecessary, and it is important to remember that alternatives exist. Finding ways to reduce waste can make an extraordinary impact, even with something as simple as switching to a reusable water bottle. Being conscious of the impact humans are leaving on the Earth is a necessary first step toward a healthier, more sustainable planet.
DROWNING IN PLASTIC
Only 20% of plastic is dumped illegally
The average seafood–eating person consumes up to 11,000 plastic particles every year
BPA is a toxic plastic regularly used to line canned food
SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 40
D N O BEY the Is personal branding really worth risking mental health? // Grace Roberson
S
ocial media encourages, if not pressures, its users to present their lives as if they’re looking through rose-tinted glasses. Happy, bright, clean,
and colorful. While Millennials are known for their social activism, they are also known for creating the concept of personal branding. Social media has become less about self expression and more about marketing yourself. It’s no longer a matter of who you are, but what you do — what you’re wearing, what you’re eating or drinking, where you’re going to do all of the aforementioned activities, and how you choose to share it. I’ve noticed this trend over the past couple of years since I started college. My Instagram feed started to look different. Profiles and their content started to change drastically. Instead of sporadic, unedited photos, I started seeing more sharp, carefully constructed photos. Perfectionism has integrated itself into the world of sharing. Rather than having our identities be malleable, our identities have to stay consistent, with every perfect square that is uploaded the moment we click “Publish.” Components of everyday life that are considered mundane and not given much thought by other generations are crucial to Millennials and personal branding — like food, clothes, culture (what we’re reading, listening to, or watching), and physical activity. For social media purposes, all of those things are carefully decided and have to factor into our desired personal brand — specificity is key. But the most important part of personal branding is stylistic and aesthetic choices — most feeds have color schemes or their content has a certain theme. It all boils down to how we want to
41 VINDICATOR | SPRING 2018
be seen. However, there is a line to be drawn
relates to perfectionism and social media,
titled “The Future of You.” Premuzic,
results in an individual exhibiting high
a professor of business psychology at
between our ideal selves and our true
levels of self-monitoring. Perfectionistic
University College London and Columbia
selves. With the rise of personal branding,
self-presenters are able to monitor and
University, took a different approach to
there has also been a rise of stress in
manipulate themselves to the point
personal branding, comparing people to
Millennials.
of creating a more favorable image of
businesses.
“The stress of creating a consistent brand at the risk of not attracting employers can also lead to young adults
themselves or a more appealing lifestyle on social media. Instagram’s prominence has gradually
Premuzic said.
being too afraid to show any part of
risen over the past couple of years. And
their identity online,” wrote Samantha
with its growing popularity has come
activity really add up to something bigger
Fernandes of The Huffington Post Canada,
more features — including the option
or perhaps beneficial, or does it create a
who published the 2013 article “Is Personal
to switch from a personal to business
damaging, unhealthy inner narrative? Social
Branding Necessary to Millennials?”
account, Instagram stories, and more fonts
media is only as real as we believe or want
and customization options for stories.
it to be. Though it rarely mirrors reality,
By adding more features, the platform is
it still plays a large role in our culture. In
Emily Hellmann, did an extensive study on perfectionism and social media. Her research, titled Keeping Up Appearances: Perfectionism and Perfectionistic SelfPresentation on Social Media, explores the dimensions of perfectionism, the concept of self-presentation, and their correlation to social media use. Hellmann found in her research that there are two types of perfectionism: positive and negative. Other researchers have also referred to them as normal and neurotic, or adaptive and maladaptive. According to Hellmann, “the distinction between the two types of perfectionism begins with the understanding that perfectionism is not only a manner of behaving but also a manner of thinking about the behavior.” Hellmann chose to examine normal and neurotic perfectionism. With normal
“
self-branding includes “removing all non-
The “nonessentials,” the moments without the edits, are what make us human.
perfectionism, individuals are motivated to do their best but are not paralyzed by a fear of failure. Those driven by normal perfectionism take pleasure from the effort
pushing its users to be more creative and
they are putting into their work and “feel
take their individuality to the next level.
the need to be less precise as the situation
While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it
permits.”
still creates pressure. The more creative
Neurotic perfectionism, however, has
freedom these social media platforms give,
quite the opposite effect. Even the best
the more pressure there is to maintain our
efforts are not satisfactory, and this results
consistent online identities. The filters and
in attempting to achieve an impossible,
fonts make everything more personal, and
higher level of personal performance. The
the decisions that go into a brand more
consequences of this mindset are reflected
crucial.
upon the perfectionist’s mental health; they
“Welcome to a new era of work, where
are left feeling anxious, or in more extreme
your future depends on being a signal
cases, emotionally drained before starting a
in the noisy universe of human capital.
new task.
In order to achieve this, you will need
The need to maintain a consistent
But does enterprising personal
his article, Premuzic stated that strong
“
In 2016, Depaul University student
PHOTO CREDITS: NATHAN DUMLAO, FILTER BY ANNA OPRISCH
“We are all busy, but the only activity that really matters is enterprising activity,”
to master three things: self-branding,
online identity relates to the concept
entrepreneurship, and hyperconnectivity,”
of self-presentation, or perfectionistic
wrote Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic in a 2013
self-presentation. Self-presentation, as it
article for the Harvard Business Review,
essentials from your public reputation.” How far is one willing to go to make everything seem perfect, to the point of sacrificing sanity? We now live in a world where every moment is documented or shared to an extensive (and arguably excessive) degree. Sure, someone’s Instagram page may be aesthetically pleasing and fun to look at, but what’s more interesting is what we don’t see - the life beyond the filter and the person who leads it. The messy hair, the unmade bed with mismatched pillowcases, the empty plates, the latte with a sip already taken out of it, the smile that doesn’t have the brightness, saturation, and contrast adjusted. The “non-essentials,” the moments without the edits, are what make us human.
DO W N LOA D & DE–STRESS In honor of Stress Awareness Month, we’re encouraging you to pull out your phones and check out our favorite health and wellness apps. // Alexis Rosen
R
each for your phone. Didn’t have to reach far? Or maybe yours was already in your hand, too. There is no slowing down the growth of technology that is transforming
daily right before our eyes. Phone use has been tied to causing major stress… but what if it’s just because we aren’t using them the best way. The app store currently holds over 180 billion apps and counting — and more and more are being created for reasons outside of entertainment, productivity and perfect Instagram edits. Tools for mental and physical support now are literally in the palm of our hands. Here is a list of favorites.
also book a selected session right through the app. Mindbody is connected with all things self care, from boxing to acupuncture to facials. The workout class promotions also are a great way to meet people in the community with shared interests.
good morning text from Shine. You can also hand select more good vibes from a library of hundreds of uplifting audio messages, guided meditation, and productivity tips and support. This is seriously self care on a screen and totally life giving.
Nike+ Run Club
Happify
Stay motivated to run on the regular through this app’s motivating trophies and badges to celebrate new achievements. Nike thought of everything because this app has a built in gps to track runs, audio guided workouts and weekly and monthly global challenges to stay motivated. There are even customizable coaching plans to help track progress and reach goals.
This gaming app comes with major real life rewards. You can increase your happiness by simply playing Happify’s activities and games. Founded by two prior online game owners, this app was designed to combine the effects of mindfulness, positive psychology, and play. This app is rooted in science to develop and build emotional skills, while overcoming stress and negative thoughts. Not only are there build in on screen games, but also off screen activities that users has said made a massive difference over a short period of time.
TO REST
TO MEDITATE Headspace
Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock
Increase relaxation, decrease stress, and improve focus with Headspace’s guided meditations. This app has a variety of audio options to fit your goals, from taking a moment to unwind during the day to decompressing to fall asleep. The in-app notifications help create a motivation to check in each day and be mindful, and the app not only helps you meditate, but also teaches you through fun illustrations the many benefits of doing it. There are 10 free sessions to test it out, followed by the option to subscribe for $13 a month or $96 a year.
Say goodnight to waking up groggy because your alarm went off right in the good part of your dream. By analyzing your sleep through sounds and vibrations, this alarm clock will wake you up when you’re out of a deep dream by going off in your lightest sleep phase during a set window of time. The app can even measure your snoring now to see just how rested you are.
Aura Keep it simple while practicing self love and acceptance with Aura’s three-minute meditations. It changes every day and each one is personalized based on your interest in mindfulness, age, stress levels, and optimism levels. In addition to providing guided meditations, there’s also a gratitude prompt and Mindful Breather, a guide for synchronizing breathe to an animated circle. The coolest part about Aura is that was created specifically to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.
Offtime Do you ever feel like you never can fully focus because of the pinging sound of your phone? Offtime is here to fix that. Designed by a team of psychologists in collaboration with the Humboldt University of Berlin, this app was created to help unplug without missing urgent messages. It acts as a personal assistant by sending built in auto responses to messages, while making a careful and quick log of what was missed while gone. It also generates insight of phone use by charting how many hours are spent using it and which apps suck up the most time. To use it, you simply select how much time you want to spend “off” and the app will block all notifications until you return.
TO EXERCISE TO INSPIRE
Mindbody This app is a win all around. By entering your zip code, it shows local fitness, wellness, and even spa sessions in your area for a bargain price. Not only does it discover deals, but can
TO NOURISH Plant Nanny Sometimes a little motivation to do the basic part of life helps — like drinking water. Plant Nanny encourages getting enough H2O with a cute growing animated plant. It’s like having a Tamagotchi pet — except instead of you taking care of it, it reminds you take care of yourself. Because a lack of water can throw off your mental and physical state, this helps keep you healthy and active on the reg. To use this app, simply enter your height, weight, and activity level, then it will tell you how much you need to drink every day. From there, pick the plant you want to grow to keep your plant and body happy and nourished by tapping a little circle for every cup you drink.
Prepear Getting regular healthy meals in can be tricky. Prepear is a total hero because it saves time and money while condensing your grocery list and weekly meal plan. It even holds a huge digital cookbook to bring inspiration for new dishes. This app is extremely helpful with organizing and increasing health by helping to shop smarter, create meal plans faster, organize your pantry, and discover delicious recipes.
Shine This is literal sunshine bottled into an app. Start everyday off on the right foot with a positive SPRING 2018 | VINDICATOR 44
Every Morning
Every morning, I feel you singing, my creators. You offer me days. I’ll sense your messages from my heart.
PHOTO CREDIT: UNSPLASH
By Joy Yayoi McKinney
Resident By Jacob Irey
Vigilant. watch them. grow, decay, decompose. f a l l from the web cushioned in an open grave
PHOTO CREDIT: GOOGLE IMAGES
I have starved so many nights, in wait seeking those I cannot see while they wrest from my grasp dancing among the winds
MARCH 2017 | VINDICATOR 19