Volume 70 Issue 12

The Highlander

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE

For the week of Tuesday, January 18, 2021

VOL. 70, ISSUE 12

STUDENTS ASK FOR HOUSING AND DINING REIMBURSEMENTS.

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NEWS

UCR will hold classes online throughout the end of January

HARU CHANG Contributing Writer

JOSHUA WANG / THE HIGHLANDER

UC remote learning extensions have raised many concerns, primarily those of students that are navigating an uncertain and precarious winter quarter. Students not only face financial vulnerabilities, but their proximity to COVID-19, due to inadequate COVID regulations, places them at risk.

UCR, UC Los Angeles and UC Irvine announced they will be extending remote learning by three more weeks amid a surge of COVID-19 cases in the state. In-person classes are scheduled to resume on Jan. 31, in response to the news that the omicron variant is likely to spread more easily than the original COVID-19 strain. On Dec. 1, 2021 the CDC confirmed 133,344 positive cases and reported on Jan. 4, 2022 that there were 717,765 new confirmed positive cases in the United States.

‘Euphoria’ outshines itself in its latest season premiere BRENDA JOVEL Assistant Radar Editor

“Euphoria” is a beauty to watch that has excited fans for its newest season. Its blissful soundtrack, makeup and overall cinematography make every scene feel like a dream that viewers can catapult themselves into. Its jarring storylines captivate every person’s attention and turn them into dedicated fans of the show. “Euphoria” itself is very graphic and oftentimes may seem like it is glamorizing the innerrings of drugs, sex and violence.

To some, the content is overbearing

and unnecessary, yet it aims to show the raw lives of young teenagers battling these obstacles.

Premiering just last week, the latest episode has already become HBO Max’s most streamed episode since the platform’s initial release.

The new season kicks off with Fezco “Fez,” portrayed by Angus Cloud, whose story leaves little to the imagination. Similar to other characters receiving their origin stories in the first season, Fez’s story is illuminated as we walk through his tumultuous upbringing. From being taken in by his grandmother to becoming her partner in crime

within the drug business, Fez’s character is given the long awaited spotlight he deserves. The episode also delves into the New Year’s Eve party where we see familiar characters back on screen as they drink away the sorrows of their past year.

Various promos for the new season displayed the challenges each character will have to face, such as Cassie (Sydney Sweeney), who is still haunted by her past actions and ventures on the journey to find her true self, or Kat (Barbie ► SEE EUPHORIA PAGE 11

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► SEE REMOTE LEARNING PAGE 3

SPORTS

RADAR

THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED TEEN DRAMA RETURNS WITH MORE EMOTION AND ENTICING CHARACTER STORIES THAT ARE SURE TO ENTERTAIN ITS DEVOTED FANS.

UCR Environmental Health and Safety reports that in the student population there have been 235 positive cases: 0.36% of tests performed are positive. This data is cumulative from March 1, 2020 to the present. Students complain that the UCR COVID dashboard fails to give timely updates of current positive cases, making it difficult for them to see the amount of cases on campus and in their own residence halls.

There has been no movement to extend the emergency relief funds, the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, for winter 2022 amid COVID-19 setbacks.

UCR Students are advocating on social media for financial relief for their housing rent and dining hall fees. Many students that do not live near Riverside have sought out last-minute housing due to the 95%

UC Riverside’s men’s basketball team claims back to back victories at the start of the Big West Conference Season THE HIGHLANDERS IGNITE A WINNING STREAK WHICH THEY HOPE TO EXTEND AS THEY GO INTO THE COMING WEEK. KEVIN CONTRERAS Sports Editor

The Big West 2021-22 season for men’s basketball is still in its genesis as the UCR men’s basketball play their second and third game of the season. Amidst wavering uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic and its omicron variant, the Highlanders press on in their journey to the Big West Conference Championship.

On Thurs. Jan 13, the men faced off against the Cal Poly SLO on the central coast of California. The Highlanders went toe to toe with the Mustangs in the first half but began to break away by the eighth minute, going on a run that granted them the lead. The Mustangs fought back, but fortunately, UCR’s tenacity allowed them to close the first half with a lead of 10, 32-22. Going into the second half, the Mustangs charged with a newfound vigor, keeping the Highlanders at bay. Cal Poly SLO went on multiple runs at the beginning of the second half. UCR fought back and ► SEE MEN’S BASKETBALL PAGE 12

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Upcoming Events:

Humans of UCR KELLY CHEN | BIOLOGY| FOURTH YEAR COMPILED BY JOSHUA WANG

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Adelante! Success Series 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

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“I began doing research my 1st year here at UCR, and was inspired in highshcool by my biotechnology teacher. When I began working over the summer, I was surprised to discover how little we knew. The internet, which I thought held all the information in the world, disappointed me when I wanted to learn more about the specifics of my project.

There was indeed still so much more to be discovered. Sometimes things just don’t go

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as initially planned, and the process can be frustrating at times. However I believe that each step taken is one step closer to completing the bigger picture, and no matter the struggle I won’t allow myself to be discouraged by the bumps in the road”

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News

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NEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

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Students grow upset over testing at UCR

MADISON RHEINS Editor-in-Chief

The omicron variant is rapidly closing in on students as many are swarming to get tested at UCR’s two available testing sites: the Bear Cave at Pentland Hills and Curative at lot 26. The website for Curative has been reportedly down, only getting back to students 48 hours later. This has caused an overaccumulation of students at the Bear Cave.

In regards to Curative, Reddit chains have started questioning when results will return. Some students have expressed concern and have stated, “UCR is claiming to be more aggressive about tests going into Winter 2022 … I did it more than once a week last quarter at lot 26 ... but now the testing sites’ capacity available to students are reduced when we need them more than ever.”

“The curative site at lot 26 has reduced how far ahead you can book your appointment and slots seem to get booked quickly after being posted. The next closest testing site at Spruce and Iowa has similar appointment limitations,” expressed one Reddit user concerning the Curative issue.

Two tests are required to return to campus: one before you arrive and one five days after. However, with these issues in place, students are worried they will not be able to be tested in time and blame UCR for not taking accountability for this issue.

Lines are amassing at Pentland Hills, and one Reddit user complained, “My husband had an 8 a.m. appointment at the Bear Cave this morning. He showed up to a walk up line of at least 100 people …and people ahead of him said they had already been in line for 45 minutes. I should mention he’s actively sick and that’s why he was getting tested.”

Depending on the time of day, some students must wait in long lines for up to 45 minutes. They are also expected to wait in both symptomatic and asymptomatic

WITH CURATIVE AT LOT 26 BEING DOWN AND UNAVAILABLE AND WITH PENTLAND HILLS TESTING EXHIBITING LONG LINES OF THOSE INFECTED, STUDENTS ARE WONDERING WHO WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.

JOSHUA WANG /THE HIGHLANDER

lines, which poses a threat for a spread of the omicron variant.

Another Redditor explained that they were placed in close proximity to a line of symptomatic testers. “Literally UCR put me in a situation where I was astronomically more consistently exposed to COVID than I ever was in the first place!” they emphasized.

Third-year political science major Dorian Dabbs explained that the center was not very organized to begin with and that there was no definite place to go once you were supposed to do the saliva test.

Students are walking around, and some people aren’t wearing masks. Students have nowhere to go when performing the test, so there are people performing saliva tests around each other, possibly exposing each other to COVID. Third-year sociology major Brenda

Mungarro expressed how there should be some separation between asymptomatic and symptomatic people because there were some individuals walking around coughing.

While the Bear Cave could possibly accommodate just a few people when it comes to testing, students deem them ill-prepared to deal with large masses of people due to Curative being down.

It’s clear that students are growing restless with the lack of accountability on UCR’s part when it comes to getting students tested, and many are wondering when accommodations will be made to make testing more streamlined. Much more, students are also growing concerned with an even larger spread of the virus due to the disorganization of on-campus testing and hope to see some sort of change in the H future.■

► FROM REMOTE LEARNING

in-person announcement and are now confronted with uncertain instructions for the winter program. Students feel that COVID conditions make it difficult for them to maintain regular work schedules and income that would otherwise pay housing and dining hall fees, which range from $400 to $2,250 a month. The petition organized

by ASUCR has accumulated around 3,018 signatures in support of financial relief.

In an email sent to students Thursday, UCR Housing services announced, “We are not offering rent credit at this time. University housing remains open for all residents.” They also announced that they will be allowing students with a meal plan to switch to a lower tier or have their unused swipes carry over to next quarter. If you would like to make a change to your dining

RYAN POON /THE HIGHLANDER

plan, email housinginfo@ucr. edu. Students have until Jan. 21 at 5 p.m.

ASUCR has emphasized financial relief for on-campus housing and meal plans for the month of January in addition to reduced costs of room and board for the months of February and March at the least in order to compensate for the extended remote instruction.

UCLA and UC San Diego are already set to financially accommodate their students.

UCLA Student Housing has offered to have housing bills probated to the date students check into their housing and offered students refunds when checking out to leave. UCSD will not be charging students for the unused portion of their housing and dining contracts.

Students can find the petition H at change.org. ■

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NEWS

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ASUCR

The tenth ASUCR meeting saw two new legislations and the nomination of a new Associate Justice.

AMARAY ALVAREZ Assistant News Editor

The tenth Associated Students of UCR meeting took place Wednesday, Jan. 12 remotely due to classes being held online the first month of the quarter. All senators were present, excluding CNASS senator Catelin La and CHASS senator Blanca Estela Alba.

Motions to approve the current meeting’s agenda were called for by Executive Vice President Mufida Assaf with the addition of SR-W22-002, in support of expanding/improving COVID testing locations oncampus, and SR-W22-001, investigation request and annual email in remembrance of Black dicrimination in Black scholar’s house fire. The agenda was approved first by senator Aalani Richardson and second by senator Amy Do. The previous meeting’s agenda was approved with a count of 12-0-0.

During the public forum, a presentation was given

by Esmeralda Quintero-Cubillan, the UC Student Association president and fifth-year political science and sociology major student at UCSB. Cubillan’s presentation outlined UCSA’s mission and the recent work they have done to acquire menstrual equality on UC campuses. UCSA is currently working on increasing the Pell Grant to provide more aid for students, implementing non-instruction election days so students can exercise their civil liberties and redistributing UCPD funding for campus-based resources. UCSA’s proposed budget for the state would include 22.5 million for student academic preparation and educational partnerships, 1.5 million for menstrual health and equity, 4 million to establish an Underground Scholars Center on every campus, 5 million to expand frontline program support for Undocumented Student Programs and 6 million for UC Former Foster Youth Services.

Senators Christopher Kent and Rachel Paredes questioned Cubillan regarding how underrepresented schools, like UCR, would be included moving forward.

This was in regards to a statement put out by UCSA that addressed class instruction now being remote that failed to include UCR. Cubillan stated that the mistake was not intentional and that UCR will be included in all future conversations.

Isaac Lee, the campus organizer from CALPIRG, also spoke during public forum about the amount of plastic waste in our environment. CALPIRG is campaigning to have single-use plastics banned or be required to be recycled properly. Lee hopes to work with ASUCR to have legislation written to reduce single-use plastic at UCR. New Business saw the judicial nomination of UCR student Simone Cigar for the position of an Associate Justice. Senators Christopher Kent and Dorthy Doronilla spoke in favor of the candidate. Cigar was approved for the position with a vote count of 15-0-0.

Executive Office reports followed with Ethnic and Gender Programs Liaison Jeanine Nassar sharing that her department is working on finding more grant and scholarship opportunities for students. Nassar also expressed that E&G would be postponing informational events until classes return online but would be prepared to redirect if remote instruction is extended. Mufida Assaf reported on behalf of the Executive Cabinet stating that the senate secretary has resigned due to class conflicts. Third-year business major Helen Chu, a former CHASS senator, was ratified for the position with a vote count of 14-0-1.

During committee reports, the Finance Committee hearing minutes were read by senator Christian Martinez. Many of the club finance meetings have been rescheduled due to classes being remote at this time.

Both minutes one and two were passed. Two pieces of legislation were then reviewed following their approval from the Legislative Review Committee.

SR-W22-002, in support of expanding/improving COVID testing locations on campus, was presented

by President Pro Tempore Orlando Cabalo and senator Victoria Nguyen. The legislation addressed adding more testing locations on campus with better procedures due to the long lines and confusion.

SR-W22-001, investigation request and annual email in remembrance of Black dicrimination in Black scholar’s house fire, was presented by senator Cabalo and senator Tammar Akel. The legislation addressed a house fire that occurred in the 1970s where Black scholars operated. The UC system failed to address the fire then, and ASUCR would like to send an email out

A PRESENTATION WAS GIVEN BY THE UC STUDENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT.

RYAN POON / THE HIGHLANDER

for awareness. Both lesliglations were approved.

No public comments followed, but there were senator reports from three senators. Senator Cabalo reported that the R’Garden and Pantry will be expanding their services to assist more students with food insecurity and would like to implement a fee that students would pay to provide more help. Senator Martinez addressed the Finance Committee, and senator Nguyen reported that meetings occurred recently with the CHASS and Personnel Committees.

No further announcements were made, and the H meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m. ■

Giulia Palermo and John Ira Jennings receive awards for their achievements MADISON RHEINS Editor-In-Chief

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On Jan. 4, 2022, Giulia Palermo, assistant professor of UCR Bioengineering, earned a $650,000 National Science Foundation CAREER award to research the state-of-art gene editing technology. She expressed gratitude for the award on twitter, exclaiming, “Honored to receive the #NSFCAREER award! This will give us the opportunity to pursue exciting research and high-level education to mentor students, including minorities and #womeninSTEM! I am grateful to my lab members, who made this possible through their dedication and work!”

Alongside Palermo, John Ira Jennings received the 2021 HugoAward for Best Graphic Story or Comic for his piece, “Parable of the Sower,” a graphic novel adaptation of Octavia E. Butler’s novel with the same title that Jennings completed with Damian Duffy. The novel follows a young woman named Lauren Oya Olamina who lives in Southern California in the year 2024. According to Jennings, “The country is in unrest, there’s famine, there is ridiculous wealth disparity gaps, there are an insane amount of homeless people, the environment is on the brink of destroying mankind, and the infrastructure of the United States is all but gone.”

THE AWARDS RECEIVED WERE THE NSF CAREER AWARD AND THE HUGOAWARD FOR BEST GRAPHIC STORY. After a number of violent drug users attack her home, Lauren escapes with friends and forms a religion called EarthSeed which has the goal of sending mankind into space in order for humanity to begin again.

“As you can see, the story is so close to some of the issues that are happening in the world that it almost seems like reportage …The story actually has a populist president who uses the phrase ‘Make America Great Again.’ The story is eerily prescient and is a testimony to the genius of Octavia Butler and also the brutal truths in every book that she wrote.”

John Ira Jennings also explained how this award is the answer to many of his aspirations. When asked what he plans to do for the future, he expressed, “I hope that our next graphic novel adaptation, Parable of the Talents, continues to do some sliver of justice to the brilliant work of Octavia E. Butler.”

H The graphic novel can be found on Amazon. ■

Opinions

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OPINIONS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

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THE HIGHLANDER EDITORIAL

The CDC’s decision to shorten isolation periods is for profit, not for protection

THOUGH THE PANDEMIC IS TIRING EVERYONE OUT, THE CDC SHORTENING ISOLATION PERIODS WILL DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD.

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Perhaps this wouldn’t be as much of an issue if people did take wearing masks seriously in the United States, but as we have seen, people will vehemently protest against them for as long as the pandemic continues.

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fter almost two gruelling years, the announcement of a shortened i s o l a t i o n period for COVID infections should have been something met with great relief.

This wasn’t the case, especially when it came to light that Delta airline’s CEO, health officer and medical adviser sent a letter to the CDC in support of shortening isolation periods. The letter sent the message that airline workers are essential workers and that omicron is a more mild disease. The CDC then proceeded to implement this shortening, though they stated that this choice was based on science. The public response was that of ridicule.

Americans already are resenting unsafe workplaces policies in the midst of this pandemic, and it is no wonder why. The CDC’s choice to shorten isolation periods seems to be one that will cause much more harm than good to the public, all while lining the pockets of CEOs. Though it may seem cynical to jump to this conclusion, it is the unfortunate truth that workers of all fields have had to go through this pandemic being treated as though they are disposable. Healthcare workers are leaving the field from COVID burnout, and millions of others, from chefs to teachers, are leaving their jobs as well. Most of this is due to how the pandemic is being handled, and with more variants and cases every day, it seems unlikely that we will ever return to the “normal” that we once had. The CDC’s choice to shorten isolation periods not only increases the chance of COVID spreading in offices, but it will only push more people to quit their jobs in favor of keeping themselves and their families safe.

Of course, the CDC said that if a mask is worn in the last five days following an isolation period, then transmission will decrease.

However, this statement not only won’t work given the way people disregard masks mandates, but the CDC essentially reminds us why the 10-day isolation period was so important in the first place. If the first five days are the most contagious, and the last five days are still contagious but they’re less so if you wear a mask, then it’s almost ridiculous that 10 days hasn’t remained the standard in order to lessen the spread when someone in a workplace has been infected.

Perhaps this wouldn’t be as much of an issue if people did take wearing masks seriously in the United States, but as we have seen, people will vehemently protest against them for as long as the pandemic continues. Therefore, the CDC’s entire argument ultimately falls apart on these bases alone.

The CDC’s Director Rochelle Walensky stated, “We can’t take science in a vacuum,” indicating that it was necessary for the economy to lessen the period.

People staying at home to recover for a 10-day period puts too much pressure on companies. However, shortening this period will only mean that people might not get the full time to recover, or could even relapse by forcing themselves to work when they should be resting.

The fact that more people can get sick from their coworkers will only push more workers to leave the workforce because they feel unsafe.

This will result in less people being available to work, which could mean that CDC-recommended isolation periods are shortened even more.

This move could be indicating a very dangerous vicious cycle that will make the economy suffer even more.

If we’re expected to not “take science in a vacuum,” then the CDC should have considered the mass of burned out workers leaving their jobs to keep safe from the coronavirus. They should have considered the essential workers who are risking their safety every day to keep working, who deserve 10 days to recover if they catch the virus. They should have considered that Americans will most likely ignore their recommendation for mask wearing in the last five days after exposure. The shortening of isolation periods simply does not work at a fundamental level when all of these factors are taken into account. Though it is unlikely that the CDC will reverse the choice they made, the public has every right to be mocking them for such a risky decision. It is disappointing, but not surprising, that a government organization is putting potential profit in front of the lives of U.S. H citizens. ■

The Highlander editorials reflect the majority view of the Highlander Editorial Board. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Associated Students of UCR or the University of California system.

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6 TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022 DAVID MORENO Assistant Opinions Editor

TikTok has completely taken over the lives of millions across the world.

The social media platform is famous for its rapidly changing trend cycles and never falling short on offering its users something new to try. Over the past couple of years, an influx of fashion trends have come in and out of popularity, with many of these pulling inspiration from past decades and subcultures. Because fashion trends move in and out of popularity so quickly, this entices consumers to shop from fast fashion companies more frequently. Participating in these different fads as they arise gives many users a sense of identity. But that comes at the price of feeding into a toxic culture of overconsumption and the appropriation of POC cultures.

TikTok is notorious for its subcultures across the platform. From “Cottagecore” to “Witchtok,” these communities seem to have a life of their own. Millions of users take pride in having the most niche and unique timelines. This is mainly due to the fact that TikTok’s algorithm does an excellent job at putting its users into these different communities right off the bat. This leads many users to discover subcultures rather quickly, oftentimes without having done any prior research into said subculture. Because of the popularity of these subcultures, viewers may feel inclined to emulate the fashions of these communities in order to fit in.

Many of the users who participate in these TikTok fashion trends are young, which is an example of how much power and influence this platform has over such an impressionable generation. It’s been reported that 63% of Americans between the ages of 12 and 17 use the platform on a weekly basis, surpassing apps like Instagram, which

HAVING TIME FOR THE MIND TO REST MIGHT SEEM DIFFICULT NOW THAT WORK AND PLAY ARE BOTH ONLINE, BUT IT IS NECESSARY.

OPINIONS in years prior was the most popular social media platform among this demographic.

Trends are nothing new; they have been around since the start of modern fashion. These trend cycles originally

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the way in which the fashion trend cycle operates. Now every couple of months, there’s a new fashion trend sweeping the app. One of the most popular trends on the platform in the past couple of months has been the

TikTok’s fashion trends are a gateway for overconsumption and cultural appropriation CONTENT CREATORS ON TIKTOK ARE AIMING TO CHANGE THE RULES OF FASHION WITHOUT DOING THE PROPER RESEARCH INTO THE GREATER EFFECTS OF CULTURAL APPROPRIATION AND FAST FASHION.

COURTESTY OF PEXELS

worked in 20-year intervals, as seen with the rise of ‘90s and ‘80s fashion throughout the mid to late 2010s.

TikTok has completely changed

revival of the Y2K aesthetic, a fashion movement which pulls inspiration from the early 2000s. Many of the individuals who participate in this

fashion trend tend to overlook the origins of this particular aesthetic.

What many creators on the app fail to realize is that the Y2K aesthetic, like many others, was originally pioneered by POC communities.

Black women throughout the late ‘90s to the early 2000s are to be credited for the creation of Y2K fashion.

The trend becomes problematic when white content creators credit white celebrities like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears for the creation of the Y2K aesthetic. At a certain point, it crosses the line into cultural appropriation. Many of the different aspects of Y2K fashion were seen as “trashy” by white people, until they incorporated it into their own personal wardrobe when it became popular in the mainstream media.

Furthermore, the constantly shifting fashion cycles on TikTok have paved the way for a greater consumption of fast fashion.

Companies like SHEIN capitalize on these fashion trends to push their products to a young consumer base.

Because the quality of the garments large retailers sell isn’t the best, they can quickly keep up with the changing trend cycles. This has led to content creators doing massive SHEIN hauls for their followers, which only leads to more people participating in the consumption of fast fashion. Fast fashion, of course, has many negative impacts on not only the environment but our overall relationship with the ways in which we purchase clothing.

Nonetheless, it seems like these fashion trends aren’t going out of style anytime soon. It’s up to consumers to do the proper research behind the trends they see on the internet.

Content creators should focus more on pushing individuality, instead of H these mass marked personalities. ■

Our brains need a rest despite life being pushed to the confines of our homes MADISON RHEINS Editor-In-Chief

COURTESY OF PEXELS

COVID has tested even the best of us when it comes to finding time to let the mind wander. Once a class or lecture is over, the only other safe option is to glue our eyes back to our screens and distract ourselves with another digital escape. However, for the sake of mental wellness and maintaining optimal physiology, it’s important that we take breaks from our devices. Too much time on the computer and sitting down can lead to negative long term effects, so we must pay attention to this and strive to do better.

It is scientifically proven that taking short, frequent breaks from the computer strengthens productivity and overall wellbeing. Every hour, people should be taking three 30-second breaks and one 3-minute break in order to avoid negative health effects such as tired eyes, discomfort, short-sightedness and headaches. Without necessary breaks, students are put at a higher risk of these effects that will only worsen if they switch from hours of online schooling to hours of online leisure.

Not only do taking breaks between classes and leisure time online prevent negative health effects, but they also help the mind. It is proven that some of the benefits from taking breaks include an increase in processing and retaining information. This is especially important for students who opt to relax online after working because without breaks,

transitioning from work to play in the same environment could negate any information that was learned prior to starting relaxation.

Not only this, breaks can also help you be more creative, cultivate healthier habits and be more productive. All of these benefits come along with doing such simple tasks, that people must begin taking this seriously and implement it into their daily routines.

It could be argued that having time for the mind to wander is more difficult in today’s digital world, but it is still possible.

Having the discipline to prolong these short computer breaks to a few hours in between work and relaxation will give the mind an opportunity to explore other ways to keep you entertained. Whether it be reading a book, finger knitting a blanket or cooking a new pasta dish, the mind will come up with many more beneficial new ideas to help get students through the day and out of the digital slump. And even if one believes that the best way for them to relax is online, there is still no hurt in trying. There are even books available online and blue light glasses available to purchase in order for you to keep streaming content to your heart’s content.

What matters the most is keeping your head held high and your mental health at your optimal state during this ongoing pandemic. Taking small breaks and realizing how important it is to let your mind take a breather and focus on something real will keep everyone sharp and ready once things H return to normal. ■

OPINIONS

HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/opinions

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

7

THE POPE’S RECENT STATEMENT ABOUT PARENTHOOD INFLAMED THE PUBLIC AND DREW ATTENTION TO SHIFTING ATTITUDES OF YOUNGER GENERATIONS TOWARD REMAINING CHILDLESS. COURTESY OF CATHOLIC CHURCH ENGLAND AND WALES VIA FLICKR UNDER CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The Pope’s comments on parenthood don’t take the changing climate of having children into account

YSABEL NAKASONE Contributing Writer

Last week, the Pope made comments claiming that couples choosing to remain childless or to only have one child were acting selfishly in the face of the number of orphans in the world. He also stated that choosing not to have children diminishes the humanity of couples. These comments were met with condemnation in the public sphere. Although the Pope is right to be concerned about the possible implications of a declining birth rate and the tragic number of orphans throughout the world, placing blame on those who choose not to be parents is a shameful act.

Simply put, couples and individuals who don’t want children shouldn’t have children. Being a parent is even more than a full-time job, and it’s not something one should take on unless they’re willing to give everything they have and more to it. No one should have and raise a child when they don’t feel capable or want to. Parents that regret becoming parents have been found to have lower-quality mental health, a higher chance of parental burnout and parental identity crisis as well as financial problems. These negative effects are strong indicators that being a parent is something that requires mental and financial preparedness, and it does no one any good to have children without these prerequisites.

Despite the gross overreach of the Pope’s comments, his concerns about declining global birth rates are not entirely unfounded. Younger generations are shedding

light on this issue as they face the inevitable destructive effects of climate change and the difficult state of the economy. For instance, almost 40% of respondents to a survey conducted by Morning Consult for the New York Times said that couples who choose not to have children did so because there isn’t enough paid family leave. In the same survey, 64% of young adults cite the high costs of child care as a reason for not having children. A quarter of adults without children claim that climate change is a reason that at least somewhat affects their decision to become parents or not. Young adults are beginning to seriously consider that the impending problems they and their potential children may face are a viable reason not to procreate.

It should also be noted that, sometimes, people just don’t want to have children, and that is a perfectly acceptable decision. People shouldn’t need a good reason for not being parents. They should need a good answer for why they feel they are capable of being good parents.

A major societal shift that has contributed to declining birth rates is the growing opportunities for women in the workforce and the world. The burden of childcare has historically been deferred to the mother in the traditional, heterosexual household. With women being allowed to grow and take on responsibility in the workplace, more women are choosing not to take on the full time job of being a mother. This choice does not diminish anyone’s humanity, and it is not the Pope’s place to comment on whether or not someone chooses to prioritize their work

in the domestic sphere of their lives or not.

The rhetoric the Pope is utilizing is the soundtrack of exclusion and oppression that has been echoed into the lives of women for centuries. Over and over again, women have been told their greatest and only valuable contribution to society is their children. The idea that a child was all a woman needed for personal fulfillment, and if she needed more fulfillment, there was something inherently wrong with her, which is an idea that has endured for far too long. If the end of preconception and the end of denying women the chance for professional fulfillment means lower birth rates, then the system was far too dependent on the subjugation of about half the world’s population. It is not a woman’s responsibility to have a child in order to uphold a system which does not work. Both men and women deserve the right to choose what they want to do with their lives.

The Pope has been lauded for his reasonably moderate stances on issues like gay marriage and the adoption of children by gay couples. He has refrained from commenting on how people choose to live their private lives, which may be why the public was so reactive to his comments on parenthood. However, the public should hardly be surprised by the Pope’s condemnatory words toward childless couples. It’s not a particularly shocking position coming from the head of the Catholic church.

But, it is not, and should never be, the place of the Pope or the Catholic Church to shame people for having their H own definition of family. ■

MICHIGAN RECENTLY MADE A MOVE TO UNDO YEARS OF GERRYMANDERING, REMOVING A DECADE OF EXTREME REPUBLICAN BIAS.

The ungerrymandering of Michigan’s electoral districts could mean bad news for the Black vote

COURTESY OF PEXELS

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS UNDER CC BY-SA 4.0

SENNA OMAR Assistant Features Editor

The Republican party in Michigan drew districts so far to their favor that claims of gerrymandering could no longer be ignored. After a decade of these undemocratic districts, justice is being restored with the newly created district map to give Democrats a “fighting chance” in upcoming elections. These new maps were created through bipartisan collaboration and excluded biased lawmakers from the mapmaking process. However, despite this, these new electoral maps could result in stipend influence of POCs on Michigan elections.

It is too soon to call this a success story. These districts were drawn with the intention of removing Black voter majorities and spreading them amongst more districts for the purpose of “increasing representation.” Since the Michigan Black vote is most concentrated in the Detroit area, what appeared to be a noble effort to encourage bipartisan collaboration has essentially backfired and stripped the Black voice from the face of Michigan elections.

Michigan State Senator Adam Hollier, originally from the Detroit area, provides valid criticism to said redistricting plan, stating that the goal of partisan fairness cannot impact Black communities in such negative ways. Despite gerrymandering being a massive problem in Michigan, when these districts

were redrawn, the concentration was not on what could better benefit the state and the people but rather what could make for a more competitive election cycle. The city of Detroit and its overwhelmingly high concentration of POC was not the priority while drawing these new districts.

Because the GOP was previously in charge of electoral maps for the state of Michigan, it is not surprising that talks of changing these maps have also run amok amongst Michigan Republicans.

GOP spokesman Gustavo Portela made a statement claiming that the GOP will take any steps necessary to restore the voices of those silenced by this redistricting. Portela gave no explanation to the voices whom he was referring to; however, one can come to the natural conclusion that he is not concerned with Detroit.

Despite what the GOP tells its followers, these maps give no Democratic advantages. In fact, all three of the new maps still possess a slight Republican edge.

They even violate the commissioner’s guidelines of “keeping neighboring communities together” by splitting over half of the state’s counties into several districts.

With the rules of compromise, no one comes out happy. Michigan’s redistricting is definitely not a bad thing. It is only a step in the right direction on the road to a better tomorrow: a tomorrow where H elections can be free and fair. ■

8 TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

Features

FEATURES

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/ae

Dorm-friendly recipes

for a starving vegetarian

EATING IN THE DINING HALL WHILE ADHERING TO DIETARY RESTRICTIONS CAN BE CHALLENGING. HERE ARE A FEW DORM ROOM-FRIENDLY RECIPES TO TEST OUT DURING YOUR NEXT MEAL.

BY: SENNA OMAR, ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR As a vegetarian student who lives on campus in a dorm room, the struggle of what to have for dinner can often preoccupy one’s mind.

Although Glasgow does a better job than most of the on-campus restaurants in providing dietary-friendly meal options, it is really easy to get sick of vegan grilled cheese sandwiches and the salad bar. Here are a few dorm-friendly vegetarian recipes you should try out the next time you do not feel like indulging in vegan cheese pizza.

We start our day with some MICROWAVABLE FRENCH TOAST consisting of: 2 slices of cinnamon raisin bread 1 beaten egg, or the equivalent egg substitute 1 tablespoon of oat milk, or any milk of your choice Cinnamon to your heart’s content ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract ½ a handful of raisins maple syrup Start off by chopping, or ripping for those without a knife, the bread into cubes. Add the cubes into any microwavable container you have on hand, preferably a mug, and mix in the egg, milk, cinnamon, vanilla and raisins. Allow the bread to soak up all the flavor, then radiate your mug, or container, for 2-3 minutes. Finally, top the “french toast” off with some maple syrup and cinnamon, and enjoy!

We now move to lunch, where the chef is serving a CHICKPEA AND KALE “WRAP.” I put “wrap’’ in quotes because when I made this yesterday, I just rolled out a piece of toast with my water bottle and called it a wrap. For this recipe, you will need: 2 slices of toast, or a single wrap ½ a can of chickpeas, and your roommate’s can opener A handful of kale A handful of cherry tomatoes, cut in half The juice of ½ a lemon 1 teaspoon of olive oil A pinch of salt, pepper, lemon pepper and whatever other seasonings your heart desires Start off by rolling the toast out with any clean circular object you have on hand. Then using your contraband toaster, warm up the bread; this step is optional if you don’t possess a contraband toaster. Mix the kale, lemon juice, olive oil and seasonings in a bowl. Then, add the chickpeas and cherry tomatoes to complete the rap filling. Here, you could add any spread your heart desires or leave the toast barren. Add the filling into your toast/wrap. Finally, roll your “wrap” up, and enjoy.

ILLUSTRATIONS COURTESY OF @PIKISUPERSTAR

Dinner time! We are making TACOS. This time, I promise this recipe will not exploit toast.

Instead, we will be using: 4 tortillas or hard taco shells 1 can of corn and your roommate’s can opener 1 can of black beans 1 avocado, sliced 1 handful of cherry tomatoes, quartered 1 lime A pinch of parsley flakes, cumin, salt and pepper Your favorite spicy sauce for flavor This recipe is pretty self-explanatory; just assemble your tacos. However, I would suggest starting by combining your black beans with all the seasoning and placing those at the base of the taco. Follow the beans with the cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado and, finally, top the tacos off with lime juice and some spicy sauce.

And with that, our trip through flavor town comes to an end. Don’t forget to grab some ice cream for dessert. I hope these recipes inspire you to get cooking, even without a stove.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

FEATURES

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/features

Under the Kilt:

Do Hybrid classes have you in a slump?

Look no further!

MADISON RHEINS Editor-In-Chief

Hybrid classes can be difficult especially if you are trying to find the balance between work and play. It almost seems like students are caught in a lull, trying to grasp at any sense of normalcy they can. But while school teeters between resuming to in person classes and keeping people socially distanced, these tips will assist in keeping you afloat during these uncertain times.

DON’T JUST WALK AROUND THE HOUSE As cliche as it sounds, walking around the house will not get the juices flowing.

It’s important to set aside time in your day to actually get out of the house and take a brisk walk around your neighborhood. The fresh air and vitamin D will reinvigorate your system and get you ready to sit back down and work again. It is scientifically proven that taking small breaks in between work will strengthen your mind and improve your attention span. So, in between lectures, throw on your favorite pair of comfortable shoes and take a walk and

enjoy the scenery of your neighborhood.

WORK AWAY FROM YOUR BED This suggestion is a no brainer! It has been proven that if you work in the same space that you rest, your sleep would be greatly affected and you might actually feel more lethargic during classes than you would if you didn’t do class in bed or next to it. It is very tempting to wake up five minutes before your class and just sleep while your camera is off, but this will not help you in the long run when classes are in person again! Try to have class at a coffee shop or at the library to have a clear separation between work and rest.

Even if your desk is in your room, try to focus on your classes and complete larger assignments in another space in order for your brain to function at its optimal level.

LISTEN TO MINDLESS MUSIC From Mario Kart music to Lo-fi study beats, mindless instrumentals are the best way to get in the zone. This provides good background noise for studying and creates a comfortable vibe to get work done. Even

Campus Cope: BEING TRAPPED INSIDE DURING THE CALIFORNIA RAIN SEASON CAN OFTEN FEEL DEPRESSING. HERE ARE A FEW ACTIVITIES TO DRAG YOU OUT OF BED DURING THOSE COLD RAINY DAYS. SENNA OMAR Assistant Features Editor

As we approach the colder months and the weather gets gloomier, you may find yourself looking for activities to do while sheltering from the rain. Here are some activities to keep boredom away on these gloomy, wet winter days.

Have a karaoke night

Almost everyone enjoys belting out their favorite songs in a room with their favorite people. Take advantage of the rain, and spend the day indoors with some friends. Make a charcuterie board, and belt the most iconic throwback songs.

Learn a new recipe

Any food that makes you feel warm and fuzzy is the perfect drearyday food. It does not matter if your skills parallel that of Gordon Ramsay or if you struggle making cereal; learning a new recipe is a productive way to make the best of a gloomy day.

Lean into comfort foods, and maybe

Learn a new hobby

Feeling productive? Try taking up that hobby you’ve been meaning to test out. Take an online painting class, learn to cook or take up photography.

Take advantage of this rainy day, and do anything you’ve been meaning to try.

music set to rain sounds are a good way to add some peaceful vibes and elevate your mood when trying to get classes done. For instance, I actually found that listening to rain music actually made me work faster as it helped me focus on what’s on my screen. When writing long essays, articles or assignments, music has a relaxing effect on the brain.

ELEVATE YOUR SPACE Whether you’re opting to work in the kitchen, living room or library, there are simple yet effective ways to elevate your space and make it comfortable for you to get some work done. If you are at home, having your favorite candle, soft music or an essential oil diffuser silently humming in front of you is perfect for activating your brain and getting you to concentrate.

Additionally, even if you are at a public library or coffee shop, having a mini table fan or small iced coffee next to you can also be helpful when it comes to curating the perfect study vibe. If you have a private study room, even bringing a small throw blanket or pillow from home to make you more comfortable is perfect for studying

9

IT’S HARD TO FIND BALANCE WHEN YOU’RE CAUGHT IN THE LIMBO OF HYBRID SCHOOL, BUT THESE TIPS SHOULD HAVE YOU FEELING CONTENT IN NO TIME!

and attending your online classes.

Whether you are happy that classes are hybrid or wishing for things to resume in person, these helpful tips are sure to help you and your studies as we start the winter H quarter. ■

JOSHUA WANG / THE HIGHLANDER

7 ways to spend your perfect rainy day Solve a giant puzzle

That 1,000 piece puzzle that’s been sitting in your closet for six years: it’s time to start it.

Completing a puzzle is so satisfying, and it will take up most of your day. After you conquer the puzzle, buy a puzzle frame and show your accomplishment to the world.

Have a spa day

Whether you go for DIY or decide to splurge on a bougie appointment, a spa day is the perfect way to spend a rainy day. Run a hot bath, and use that lush bath bomb that has been under the sink for two months. Do a moisturizing face mask, and just spend the day pampering yourself.

Have a movie marathon

Rainy weather always calls for a day spent in bed cuddling with Netflix and a cup of cocoa. Stream some classic cold-weather movies, bingewatch the whole “Harry Potter” series and spend the night enjoying your favorite movies in bed.

Reorganize your life

Have a drawer that only opens halfway? Try reorganizing your space. Binge-watch Marie Kondo videos and start purging your closet; get rid of that T-shirt you’ve had since the second grade. After spending the day getting rid of every item you own, fill your wardrobe with new clothes that bring you joy.

We will most likely have plenty more rainy days in the coming months, and it is important to spend those cold, gloomy winter days engaging in things that make you happy. Hopefully, this list will help you find a productive and fun way to H spend your rainy days. ■

10 TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

Radar

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/ae

How a posthumous album circulated the legacy of

Mac Miller

AMONG A PLETHORA OF CASH-GRAB ALBUMS RELEASED BY DECEASED ARTISTS’ ESTATES, “CIRCLES” ENCOMPASSES THE BEGINNING AND END OF THE LATE MAC MILLER’S DISCOGRAPHY. ELIAS ALMAREZ-HERRERA Staff Writer

The artistry of Pittsburgh-based Malcolm James McCormick was on public display throughout his 11 years actively making music. His songwriting was ripe with self-awareness. He could be unabashedly honest about his worldview, personal life and current mental state while delicately infusing love through lyricism. His pen could strum from an ode to romance with a woman to a deadly dance with narcotics like a progression on a guitar. He spent time working as a producer under the moniker Larry Fisherman, sharpening his ear for harmony across a track. He could seamlessly blend jazz, electronica and elements of rock instrumentations with soul-infused vocal ad-libs.

Mac Miller meticulously worked to improve his skills as a rapper, sparking friendship, collaboration and respect among his hip-hop peers like Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q and Wiz Khalifa.

Bringing together all of his musical strengths is Mac Miller’s final album “Circles” (2020). The project was released on Jan. 17 and is abstract in every sense of the word. “Complicated” and “Blue World” exercise an upbeat production with lyrics that display his most fully realized sense of maturity to date.

“That’s On Me” and “Hands” feature prominent drums played by Miller himself, invoking the artistry that was within him from the very beginning.

Miller undoubtedly made his way into the world of hip-hop as a smiling underdog. He was 15 years old when he dropped his first mixtape, under the stage name Easy Mac. “But My Mackin’ Ain’t Easy” (2007) acts as a clear homage to his early influences. His raps over sampled beats from the rapper Nas and A Tribe Called Quest showed signs of his respect for the art but were elementary at best. This would also be a sign of legal battles to come as Miller continued to release original songs over uncleared samples on efforts like “The World is Mine” (2007) and “Kool Aid and Frozen Pizza” (2010).

After signing with Rostrum Records, “Blue Slide Park” (2011) marked the release of Miller’s debut studio album named in honor of Frick Park in his hometown.

With an increased budget for accompanying visuals and access to studio equipment to collaborate with producers on original beats, Miller showed love to places that fostered his upbringing. “Best Day Ever” (2011) and “Macadelic” (2012) beam with authenticity and nostalgia as he gains the confidence to express himself through experimentation.

Continuing to release mixtapes and extended play releases under varying monikers, he developed a solid following of listeners eager to hear what was next for the artist. His infectious, full-of-life personality made for hours of content with established interviewers and music journalists alike. While he professed his love for smoking weed early on in his career, the selfinduced highs brought upon by THC were not enough for him to ease the pressures of being a star on the brink of major success. He started consuming lean, a mixture of soda and cough medicine, among other highly addictive substances throughout the production of his second studio album

“Watching Movies with the Sound Off” (2013).

He examined his relationship with cocaine even further on his recently rereleased mixtape “Faces” (2014). Miller’s next feat “GO:OD AM” (2015) featured some of his most honest perspectives on life and death. On “Brand Name,” he explains he hopes he doesn’t join the 27 Club, an infamous line of musicians who passed away at the age 27, typically due to overdose. “Weekend” featuring Miguel is the album’s lead single, a catchy tune about partying on the weekends.

His final three projects would have Miller thrust into conceptual work like never before. “Divine Feminine”

(2016) marked a true embrace of his love for women, namely his then-girlfriend Ariana Grande who is featured on “My Favorite Part.” He revisits sing-songy coital noises as instrumentation on “Skins” and draws parallels between God and love-making on his track with Kendrick Lamar. The bass-thumping “Dang!” featuring Anderson .Paak is an accessible tune sharing similar sentiments.

Next, Miller embarked on a two-sided concept project to create a dual-listening experience. First came the Grammy-nominated “Swimming” (2018). He explains through tracks like “Come Back to Earth” that he was treading in dangerous waters as his compulsive drug use became overwhelming. When faced with the choice to sink or swim, tracks like “Self Care” and “2009” offer a sense that Mac Miller is hopeful he won’t be pulled underneath the suffocating waters of addiction any longer. “It ain’t 2009 no more / Yeah, I know what’s behind those doors” he croons on the latter song.

He explained the ethereal outro of the album’s final track, “So It Goes,” in a tweet on Sept. 7, 2018. “I told Jon Brion to play the ascension into heaven and he nailed it,” he said, referencing his longtime producer.

Ten hours later, Mac Miller was pronounced dead in his Studio City apartment with the autopsy report showing an accidental overdose.

A mixture of alcohol, cocaine and pills laced with fentanyl ended the 26-yearold’s life.

Unbeknownst to the mourning fans he left behind, Miller’s second side of the project was still to come. Sonically and lyrically, “Circles” (2020) plays off of the outer worldly concept teased at the end of “Swimming.” Miller reflects on his status as a public figure and people expecting to hear “Good News” out of him. He sings of a tender awareness surrounding lies he’s told about his recovery, understanding there is a whole lot more for him “waiting on the other side.” “Once a Day’’ plays on the circular nature of the sun rising and setting. For any person who struggles with addiction, he speaks of the endless cycle of choosing to recover or to relapse as a day-in and day-out activity. Unable to quit using substances completely, he knew his time on Earth would be spent swimming in circles until the inevitable day would come for him too.

Throughout his career, Mac Miller displayed true versatile musicality as a singer, drummer, rapper, guitarist, pianist and visionary. From naiveness and youthfulness to an all-knowing wisdom, his perspectives take shape in an infinite circle with his H final, posthumous release cementing his legacy. ■ PHOTO COURTESY OF RASHID AKRIM VIA FLICKR UNDER CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021

11

AFTER EIGHT SEASONS, FANS WILL NOW SAY GOODBYE TO THE JOHNSON FAMILY AS “BLACK-ISH” COMES TO AN END.

COURTESY OF ABC

ABC’s ‘Black-ish’ returns for its final season with special guest star Michelle Obama AMARAY ALVAREZ Assistant News Editor

“Black-ish,” the popular comedic ABC Network show, aired its eighth and final season on Jan. 11. The show premiered in 2014 and often pushed boundaries as it followed the lives of the Johnsons, an upper class Black American family navigating stereotypes and generational conflicts as they attempted to fit in and establish their identities in suburban Los Angeles.

Since the premiere of the show, it has become a fan-favorite with the inclusion of spinoffs such as “Grown-ish” that follows the college life of the eldest Johnson daughter Zoey, played by Yara Shahidi, and “Mixed-ish” which tells the story of the family’s mother Rainbow Johnson, played by Tracee Ellis Ross. Both shows gained approval from fans with “Grown-ish” airing on Freeform, a teen and young adult centered network owned

by ABC, allowing it to gain a younger audience.

“Mixed-ish” was short-run with two seasons, and “Grown-ish” has had three seasons with fans hoping it will be renewed for a fourth.

While the end of season seven saw Andre

► FROM EUPHORIA

Ferreira), who appears to feel stuck in her newest relationship while also being caught up with her secret life of being a cam girl. The same can be said about Maddy (Alexa Demie) and Nate (Jacob Elordi) whose previous actions in season one remain undisclosed to other characters, yet their rocky relationship and “love” feel uncertain in the latest episode.

Nate’s possessive character on its own could also bring many more infuriating problems into the new season as he continues to struggle with his masculine and sexual identities. The new season does not stray away from putting long-term friendships and blossoming relationships on a thin line in its episode debut.

Season two continues the legacy of intense emotion that its predecessor initiated.

The first season ended with an unsettling and an almost illusory scene where Rue (Zendaya) is seen relapsing before falling into a song with a crowd of strangers dressed in burgundy cloaks. The scene highlights Rue’s distress after she regretfully says her

Johnson, the patriarch of the family played by Anthony Anderson, questioning his career path, the first episode of the new season titled “That’s What Friends Are For” took on a lighter note. This episode stood out as being one that didn’t attempt to make a statement or tackle controversial issues, as the main topic dealt with Rainbow and Andre struggling to make friends as an adult married couple.

The guest star, Michelle Obama, seemed to be who the writers focused the episode around.

Rainbow invites Andre to a charity benefit event wanting a night out to socialize. Andre is displeased with the idea of having to mingle with boring husbands. He argues that while Rainbow may connect with the women that attend these events, he can never connect with their husbands.

The couple agrees to attend the event, however, noting that there will be a celebrity appearance, who the two joke to be John Legend because “it’s always John Legend.”

Toward the end of the benefit, to their surprise, Michelle Obama arrives as the celebrity guest.

The two flock to her, being the only Black people at the event, and instantly connect. In an

goodbyes to Jules (Hunter Schafer) who boards the train to the city. Rue and Jules’ “relationship” was unstable in the episodes leading up to the season finale, so it came as no surprise when they finally parted ways.

The ending left many fans feeling empty-handed, especially when COVID-19 took the world by storm.

The show had to delay its production for season two, but in late 2020, fans were blessed with two Christmas specials focusing on both Rue and Jules. The two received their own episodes that showcased how they dealt with their break up while also navigating their individual relationships with drugs and sexual identity. Jules’ episode, “F— Anyone Who’s Not a Sea Blob,” ends with a teary-eyed Rue as she wishes Jules a Happy New Year.

But fans don’t have much to worry about in season two since Rue and Jules face their inevitable reunion. The scene itself is beautiful and intimate while also building up the suffocating tension between the two characters. The obvious love that Rue and Jules feel for

each other is spoken through their silence, something that fans have been itching to see ever since the specials premiered. This could be their fresh beginning that the show has been aiming toward since its first season, yet it’s hard to feel safe about their relationship in the chaotic “Euphoria” world.

Zendaya’s recent post on her official Instagram page issued a warning to viewers, saying that this season “is deeply emotional and deals with subject matter that can be difficult to watch.”

Season one was known for its excessive use of nudity and drug usage for underage characters, and season two is not shying away from these elements. It seems that the new season will elevate its graphic content with an even greater focus on each characters’ internal conflicts.

This show is no longer a simple teen drama with cliché relationships and petty fights.

It is a show that represents the struggles of finding one’s identity and happiness in a problematic world. “Euphoria” knows how to make that journey beautiful and unsettling H all at once. ■

interview Anderson had with Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show,” he stated that the Obamas admitted to being fans of the show when he met them at a White House event. This, in turn, is why they reached out to Michelle to star in the final first episode.

Although we do not see Andre’s work colleagues in this episode, there are appearances made by every member of the family. Zoey, who is away at college, stops by although she is no longer a main part of the cast, and we even see an appearance from the youngest Johnson child,​​ DeVante, who is a toddler and is often forgotten or rarely included in the plot.

While this era is ending for the cast, many of them have already become involved in alternative projects and can be expected to come across television or big screens again. Anderson is currently the host of ABC’s “To Tell the Truth,” a game show renewal of one from the 1950s with the same name, that also stars his mother, Doris Hancox. “Black-ish” is hilarious and bingeworthy for those who have never seen an episode H or fully followed the show. ■

VERDICT: The episode is light hearted and displays the family dynamic of the Johnsons as they prepare to wrap up their stories. The center of attention is put on Michelle, who the family looks up to and aspires to be like.

Overall, viewers should be prepared for more serious undertones as the season progresses.

COURTESY OF HBOMAX

VERDICT:

“Euphoria” season two pushes the limits of depicting the raw lives of young teenagers confronting their emotional distress. With its content growing more intimate and explicit, viewers should be aware of their own level of comfort when watching the newest season.

COURTESY OF HBOMAX

12

Sports TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

SPORTS

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/sports

HIGHLANDERS LET UP A SEASON HIGH 89 POINTS IN THE LOSS UC Riverside women’s basketball team demolished in a blowout loss to Utah HANSEL CHU Assistant Sports Editor

The UC Riverside women’s basketball team suffered an embarrassing 48-89 loss to Utah on Friday afternoon. The Highlanders were scheduled to play Cal Poly San Luis Obispo at the SRC Arena on Thursday night, but the game was canceled due to health and safety protocols on the Mustang’s side. UCR came into today’s game on a three-game losing streak, but also had a series of games canceled in the middle of December due to COVID-19 protocols. With all the uncertainty of the games, it definitely played a factor in the blowout loss for the Highlanders.

Junior guard Jada Holland got off to an early start by scoring 6 out of the 8 points for UC Riverside in the first three minutes of the game. However, Utah went on a massive 17-1 run throughout the rest of the quarter led by Brynna Maxwell, who had 7 points in the first quarter. The Highlanders got into early foul trouble as the Utes went 9-9 from the free throw line. UCR was also sloppy on the offensive side of the court as they committed six turnovers in the first quarter, which led to 8 points off turnovers for Utah. Back-to-back triples for the Utes to end the first quarter saw the score balloon to 9-24.

The Highlanders tried to climb back in the second quarter as senior guard Keilani Cooper started to get things cooking with a couple of buckets to bring the deficit to 11, 18-29. However, a personal 8-0 run from Kennady McQueen gave Utah its largest lead at the half, 18-37, with 4:32 left. Cooper continued her scoring output ► FROM MEN’S BASKETBALL

was able to seal the deal, closing out the game with a lead of 11, 57-46.

A few days later, the Highlanders traveled back to Central California, this time to Bakersfield, to go head to head with the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners.

And head to head they went, as the Roadrunners forced the Highlanders to give a spectacular performance in the face of the constant offensive charge from Bakersfield.

Graduate guard Dominick Pickett opened up the board for the Highlanders with a solid 3-pointer off of a fastbreak.

The Roadrunners responded with a quick 4-0 run which UCR quickly tied. The Highlanders quickly got caught up in the push and pull with the Roadrunners.

as she scored 10 points in the quarter; however, a 3-pointer from Maxwell pushed the lead back up to 25-42 for Utah to end the first half. At the halfway point, Cooper and Holland led the Highlanders by scoring a combined 19 out of the 25 points for UCR. However, turnovers destroyed UC Riverside in the first half as the Highlanders committed nine first half turnovers. Utah’s bench also provided an offensive spark as they had 18 bench points at the half.

The third quarter was no different for the Highlanders as the onslaught continued from the Utes. A layup from Jenna Johnson gave Utah a 21-point lead, 25-46. A 10-2 run from Utah extended the lead to 29, 32-61, with 3:18 left in the quarter. UC Riverside were unable to get anything going in the quarter, as they committed five turnovers and shot 5-16 from the field.

Utah laid the hammer down in the fourth quarter as the Highlanders looked defeated near the end of the game. The Utes just kept hitting shot after shot and suffocated UC Riverside on the defensive end, not allowing easy shots and forcing turnovers.

A 3-pointer from Dru Gylten extended Utah’s lead into the thirties, 42-74, with 4:43 left in the game. Johnson continued to score at will for Utah as she scored 6 consecutive points to put the game away, and the Utes crushed the Highlanders 4889.

Cooper led the Highlanders with 16 points, two rebounds and two assists.

Holland cooled down after the blistering first quarter and finished with 11 points and three assists. A big reason for the crushing defeat was the 19 turnovers UC Riverside

COURTESY OF UCR ATHLETICS

had this game, which allowed the Utes to get 21 points from turnovers. Utah also had 19 second chance points compared to only 5 from UCR. Finally, the bench production from Utah was a huge reason why they were able to dominate the Highlanders as they put up 38 points.

The Highlanders drop to 3-6 on the season and will take on Cal State Northridge on Thursday, Jan. 20, at the SRC Arena at H 6 p.m. ■

teams went into a three minute dryspell.

Bakersfield then opened up the game, where both teams fought to claim the lead.

This came to a head soon after where both teams found themselves tied at 41 with 11 minutes left in the game. CSUB went on a 5-0 to claim the lead but were met with a 7-0 run from UCR putting the Highlander in the lead again. Both teams traded some shots before a layup from Redshirt Junior center Callum Mcrae began a 7-0 run which put UCR ahead, 57-51 with well over four minutes left in the first half. The final scene of the game proved to be action packed and intense, with the Roadrunners eager to reclaim the lead for themselves.

The Highlanders managed to sink a few shots in between the constant offensive runs from CSUB, ultimately claiming victory with a narrow 1-point lead, 65-64.

Picket led the charge this game with a total of 18 points, followed by Pulin, Callum and redshirt junior guard Flynn Cameron, each with 17,14 and 11 points respectively. The Highlander charge was greatly supported by points made inside the paint but was lacking in their 3-point percentages and field goal percentages.

UCR scored at 22 percent from the 3-point line and 75 percent from the free throw line, as opposed to CSUB’s 46 and 87 percent. Fortunately, the Highlanders won, but with a narrow lead that was almost lost in the final stages of the game.

The Highlanders are currently 2-1 in the Big West Conference with much to go in this 2022 winter season. UCR’s men’s team returns to the court on Jan. 20 against H the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos. ■

CSUB soon after managed to claim the lead, up 17-10 in the 10th minute of the first half. Senior guard Dragan Elkaz sank a solid 3-pointer to get some momentum going for UCR. The Highlanders sank another jumper before CSUB went on a run putting them up 23-15. Junior guard Zyon Pulin then scored 2 points with a jumper from inside the paint, prompting UCR to go on a 12-5 run to close the distance. The Highlander grind led them to close the first half down by 1 point, 2728.

Going into the second half, UCR went on a 10-4 lead which put them ahead for the second time in the game, 37-32.

The Roadrunners then scored a layup, to put them down by 3 points in the fourth minute of the second half before both

JOSHUA WANG / THE HIGHLANDER

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