October 2022

The

Boomerang October 2022

O Voto é Secreto

by Elisa Uccello

I was 7 years old when I saw my mom curse for the first time. She had always taught my sister and I not to use bad words, and she infallibly lived by that for those first seven years - but then Dilma Rousseff was elected president of Brazil. No moral high ground was enough to keep her from shouting at the television in indignation as the news anchor announced the poll results.

Illustration © Ren Carmody-Hendriks

The next morning, as she drove me to school, I asked the question that had been ceaselessly bothering me since the beginning of the campaigning period: “what is going to change now that Dilma is president?” After the scene from last night, I was expecting the worst. Instead, she said, “in your life, nothing really.”

At this point, I am accustomed to being eternally disappointed in my country’s political situation. It has been decades since the last mandate with no corruption scandals; money laundering has become a household term.

But the criminality is so normalized that every election year I’d ask my mom that question and, despite her repeated displeasure at the candidates, her answer remained the same.

On the 2nd of October, I took a train to Amsterdam to cast my vote for this year’s presidential race. Of the eleven candidates running, only two had a chance of winning: Lula and Bolsonaro. Lula was president from 2002 until 2010, accumulating countless accusations of corruption, many with supporting evidence that eventually led to his prosecution and arrest. It sounds like a joke that a man known to be dishonest and fresh out of prison still has an insane amount of support from the public, serving to show how deplorably low our standards have become. Because of the polarization in Brazilian politics, there is a famous saying: o voto é secreto, “the vote is secret,” meaning people shouldn’t expose their political positioning so as to not cause conflicts or be defined by their candidate of choice. With that said, I voted for Lula.

a vote based on how a candidate would affect my personal life is quite a selfish thing to do, but I think highlighting these consequences makes understanding the bigger issue much easier, so this is what I assume my mom’s answer would entail:

I voted for Lula because I could never place concerns for corruption above those for human rights If Bolsonaro wins the elections, I might not be able to get married to who I want in my home country. If I get pregnant as a consequence of rape, the state won’t allow me to have an abortion. There will be no laws protecting my right to earn the same salary as a man who has the same job as me and projects to combat domestic violence will end since the government plans on further cutting its budget.

My chances of losing friends to gun violence will drastically increase as guns will become legal. Healthcare costs will go through the roof, and if my family gets sick they might not be able to afford treatment. Inflation will continue increasing with no adjustments to public servers’ salaries, meaning I will rarely

Now that I am old enough to grasp the impact of politics on the country, I don’t have to ask my mom what will happen if Bolsonaro wins the elections. For the first time, however, I know her answer wouldn’t bring me any relief. Casting

get to see my family as plane tickets become too expensive. My mom might have to stop giving me financial help because the government blocked her from receiving my late father’s pension on top of her wage. It won’t be a crime to discriminate against people of my sexuality, and, in a near future, I might even be persecuted for loving who I love. If Bolsonaro wins the elections, I might not get to vote at all in 4 years, as he threatens to overrule our democracy and bring back a violent and tyrannic military dictatorship.

So I voted for Lula.

I don’t think Lula is a good candidate or even a good person per se, but voting for him was the easiest choice I’ve ever made. Not only for the terrifying ways in which my life could change in case Bolsonaro gets reelected but for the ways in which the lives of every black, female, poor, LGBT+, vulnerable Brazilian will too. I voted for Lula because I could never place concerns for corruption above those for human rights, and additionally, Bolsonaro did worse for the economy than any of his precedents. So on October 30th, when all Brazilians make a choice between these two candidates, they will actually be making a choice on much more.

My anxiety and indignation leading up to this race, which I know will be a tight one, can be heard whenever I talk about home. The immense love I have for my culture, language, country, and people, is overshadowed by the knowledge that tens of millions of Brazilians are standing behind a man who promises to fight against our freedom. So I voted for Lula, and I will vote for Lula again. Not because I want him to represent me, but because I want to be able to choose who represents me next. Because I want to choose my religion and who I want to marry. I want safety, healthcare, and education, and I want a president who believes in human rights.

I don’t need to keep my vote a secret - I am voting for democracy, for freedom, and for the hope that my country will do the same.

Iran's Performance of Religion

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From HEMA with love

Rock The Boat

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Interrailing

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IRAN & FEMINSIM SPREAD

The Boomerang | October 2022

When Women Start a Revolution

Illustration © KD

by FeministCo Mahsa Amini, with the Kurdish name Jina, died on September 16th, in the hospital, after being arrested and beaten by the morality police in Iran because her veil was too loose. Even though Iran’s government claims she suffered a spontaneous cardiac arrest, an aggrieved Iran started protesting on September 17th, outside the hospital where Mahsa died. The news raised mass anger, and the next day thousands of women took to the streets, some burning their veils and cutting their hair on social media as a sign of defiance and grief.

The revolts in Tehran sparked a number of protests in a matter of days- from small to main cities, each violently suppressed by the police. Over the past month, the death of Mahsa has turned the country out into the streets.

We might ask ourselves, why have these protestors not stopped in the face of violence and death, and why are young people the driving force against such repression?

and the oppressive directorship. These groups have united against the powers that be, but there is definitely an overrepresentation of young women in the protests.

Their demands: liberty to dress how they want, to use or to not use a head scarf, to travel without a man's permission.

These are all concerns regarding women's freedom of choice over their bodies. With other social groups joining the protests, the demands began to change. This was influenced by the government’s oppression, the Iranian economic crisis, and young people being unable to find jobs while Iranian high spheres of power monopolized the economy. Protestors adjusted their cries to a sweeping, “Death to the dictator”, showing widespread disapproval of the whole theocratic government.

Repression continues to grow as the protests become bigger and as the movement circulates on social media under the hashtag #protesteverywhere. Young people continue to go out every night to reclaim their streets, where more than 150 people have been assassinated by the state. We might ask ourselves, why have these protestors not stopped in the face of violence and death, and why are young people the driving force against such repression? There has It is not the first time these protests have been a rise of leaderless social movements happened in Iran. In 1999, a student protest in the world. It is the younger generations was repressed by the Iranian government that have seen failure in every capacity and and shut down in a matter of days. 2009 are bearing the brunt of the consequences. saw many months of protests, which were considered some of the most important Women know that they since the Iranian revolution. Following a presidential election where the incumbent have more to gain from the Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a diehard protests than to lose, and conservative, was once again elected, thousands of people demonstrated publicly claiming the election was fraudulent.

Despite retaining strength for months, casualties and thousands of arrests ensured that the protests were practically nonexistent after a year. The 2009 protests are generally viewed as ‘leaderless’, noting the obvious civilian conflict between the supporters of the elected president and the supporters of the reformist candidate who had lost the election.

The protests this year look different.

While initially the main protest was led by women, many other social groups have joined the movement. Students and professors from prestigious universities have turned to the streets in a more unilateral movement against the Iranian government

that has resonated with younger generations around the world.

The younger generations in Iran cannot find jobs. The young women have been raised in the age of social media. They communicate amongst themselves, and they have seen the critical realities

of their situation. They have seen other women around the world fight for freedom of choice over their bodies, whether this be for abortion rights or for the mandatory hijab. These women are choosing to scream every night despite the violence they withstand. Latin American feminists would say “nos han quitado tanto que hasta nos quitaron el miedo” [they have taken away so much from us that they have even taken away the fear].

Women around the world, and even more so in punitive states like Iran, live in constant fear. Fear from social norms, institutional oppression, their husbands, the police, and the justice system. These Iranian women take action every night because fear has become anger. That is the reason these protests have persisted for weeks and do not seem to be slowing down.

Women know that they have more to gain from the protests than to lose, and that has resonated with younger generations around the world. If the police, the state, can beat you to death when walking on the street because of your dress or your skin colour, then what is preventing you from risking your life to fight that power, with the hope that something will change?

We hope that women in Iran, from across generations, continue this fight until their demands become reality!

[Woman, Life, Freedom!]

A University College Student Association Magazine

IRAN & FEMINISM SPREAD

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Iran's Performance of Religion

by Perlei Toor, interview provided by Pooyan Tamimi Arab Mahsa Amini. If you are reading her name for the first time, you have been living in denial. Her brutal murder by Iran’s ‘morality police’ has marked the start of an elevated battle against a misogynistic, religiously restrictive regime. Women take off their hijab, cut their hair and burn their garments. Scrolling past images of the violence that ensues, the events unfolding in Iran are not as far removed as you think. As a UCU professor walks into his class every week, he brings this news story closer to home.

On campus, professor Pooyan Tamimi Arab jokes with his students, “It’s like I’m in another universe, I’m so busy”. Pooyan teaches ‘Religion & Political Secularism’, a Religious Studies Level 3 course. A year ago, he spoke of the revolution that fills my news feed today. He spoke of mass protests and signs of struggle. He spoke of an unknown reality about Iran’s population.

To reduce what is happening to easily digestible facts, diminishes the ongoing suffering.

Much of religion is performance. What appears at the surface is in reality a play that has been perfected with years of practice.

According to Iran’s census, 99.5% of Iranians are Muslim. Pooyan joked about this in class: “no country is actually 99% anything, right?”. Right he was. Slowly, for those looking carefully enough, things were bubbling under the surface of a seemingly harmonious society with a monolithic religion.

Pooyan was one of those looking. Following mass protests in 2009, 2017 and 2019, as well as his own Iranian heritage, he and his colleague decided to conduct extensive research into Iran’s actual, true population. Surveys conducted in secret, slipping through the glaring watch of Iranian authority, brought to light what was behind that 99% statistic.

To summarize this incredibly complex undercover research (seriously, Google it, it’s insanely cool) into one sentence, a secular shift was fast approaching in Iran. Despite the population’s compliance with religious law, “72% explicitly opposed the mandatory hijab”. Yet, the hijab is only a symbol of a much larger regime. “67% of

the target population of literate adults are against a political system governed by religious law”, and “63% of the population are proponents of either regime change or some sort of transition from the Islamic Republic”. Above all, Iran’s proposed statistic of 99.5% seemed to fall into pieces in Pooyan’s research. His findings indicated that only 40% of Iranians are Muslim. For comparison, this research found less Iranian Muslims than Dutch Christians (43%).

The Netherlands is a secular state, and within it, UCU’s campus seems almost completely removed from religion. It is easy to forget, therefore, that religion always comes hand in hand with genuine power. Though Dutch secularism comes with its own problems, nobody questions or judges your decision to not believe in God. In fact, we can joke about politics with the familiar slur ‘godverdomme’ woven through conversations. This privilege is not afforded to many around the world.

It is, therefore, no wonder that the death of Mahsa Amini and the unfolding events are the result of a tipping point in Iran’s population. “I am not surprised about the events unfolding in Iran, but neither are ordinary people or the regime”, Pooyan admits. He is not bragging here about his ability to predict the future with research. He simply states that the events in Iran are a result of an oppressive regime and a secularizing people finally bursting through the seams.

Therefore, it is important to note that removing the hijab and cutting ones hair is not a fight against Islam or Allah. It is a fight against what Islam represents in Iran.

It is a fight against repression, the Islamic Republic, the government, and the police.

So if this secular shift has been present for longer, and there were already protests in 2009, what is different now? Today, the world seems to stand with the protesters to avenge Mahsa Amini’s death. PooyYet, the conflict in Iran is not all academia, an states that there is a wider acceptance news headings and statistics. To reduce what of violence: “What we see now is that viois happening to easily digestible facts dimin- lence against the authorities has become ishes the ongoing suffering. Even Pooyan, a much more acceptable course of action, who reads, writes and deals every day with and that even such famous commentathe facts of the current situation in Iran, re- tors like Shirin Ebadi, winner of the Nobel mains shocked by the cruelty of the regime. Peace Prize, are justifying the possibility of the police forces being killed by protes“There is one recent event that really shook tors in self-defense. This is very different me. I woke up and looked at my phone to see from 2009, when the discourse was still a horrible video of the regime killing dogs. much more shaped by so-called reformists.”

They had locked up the owner of a dog shelter located in the middle of nowhere and reportedly killed over 1,000 dogs. Seeing the “I am not surprised about footage of the dogs laying in the rubble was one of the most disturbing things I’ve ever the events unfolding in Iran, seen, and trust me, I’ve seen a lot of disturbbut neither are ordinary ing things.” To do the research he does is to be confronted daily with the power dynampeople or the regime” ics and realities of a religion turned into a regime. “For me this was even worse than the images of protestors being killed, because it seems to be a moment in which repression In the same way that solidarity around the and madness become indistinguishable.” world stands with women who choose to wear their hijab in France despite represIran’s people are not just experiencing a shift sive laws, solidarity is rising for the women to secularism that presents this madness. choosing to take it off in Iran. Regardless The weight of secularism comes hand in hand of the secular attitudes held by many, the with an oppressive regime that has not, and place of religion should lie with the indiwill not, allow this shift. The term ‘morality vidual and their choice. Religion, as deeppolice’ is a euphemism for a force of cruelty ly personal as it is, should not be a perand oppression. They reinforce a specific per- formance enforced by the state. Instead, formance of citizens’ religion, whether it is what lies at the surface should be nothing true to their beliefs or not. This performance but a celebration of true, authentic faith. presents an image of a unified Iran, where as the reality could not be further from this.

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The Boomerang | October 2022

WORLD

From HEMA with Love

by Ren Carmody-Hendriks

Hair in a crappy bun, jewellery off, shirt tucked in, and name badged clipped on; my time at HEMA had begun. In any job, there are certain expectations to fit into the company’s culture, no matter your individual expression. Your employer may decide to restrict it; require you to be something you’re not. After my experience working at their Oudegracht store, HEMA became the epitome of a homogenous company culture - no different to Dutch culture itself.

Illustration © Ren Carmody-Hendriks

What attracted me to the job initially was what the store represented for me in the past. No matter how annoying their whistle jingle may get, HEMA products became a flimsy bandaid that barely covered the gap of all that I missed from a Dutch upbringing in the UK. Working at the HEMA was a chance for me to assimilate into a culture that I never felt I could call mine. It was familiar, almost as nostalgic as my grandma’s house. Despite my excitement, I was apprehensive. Thanks to my Dutch family, I was very aware of the doe normaal mindset and its power to “other” anyone who did not abide. It turned out that my apprehension was correct - but not in the way I expected.

over, and I was suddenly ignored - excluded almost. In the end, my lack of Dutch was unappealing for many colleagues. They stopped conversing with me, and I became an irritating presence instead.

The managers were still nice, but in the same way a nice grownup would attempt to speak to a child. On one occasion, my manager told me to follow him to where the children’s agendas were. He took one and joked: “I think you may find this useful for your Dutch.” He opened it and flipped through the pages to show me examples of Dutch phrases translated into dodgy English, chuckling as he did so.

In the end, I found solace with other non-Dutch colleagues. We spoke in lighthearted broken Dutch, enjoying finding our common interests. Working with them, however, opened my eyes to their treatment.

The process of being enveloped by the HEMA bubble was a strange and wonderful thing. Even though my Dutch was something that a four-year-old could be proud of, the initial interactions with my colleagues and managers were full of gentle encouragement. It was nice. I felt strangely comforted, almost as if I was a child.

HEMA company culture illuminated this aspect of Dutch society to me: it takes more than mastering the Dutch language to be part of the club.

She was not the only example. A month into the job, HEMA started to employ more foreigners when finding employees became tough - almost as if it were a last resort, as if employing foreigners betrayed the company’s culture. Despite feeling like a baby, I was left in charge to train some of them to stock shelves. One new colleague was from South Asia, fluent in English and her mother tongue, but not in Dutch. She told me she had already earned her PhD, moving to the Netherlands with her four children.

Even in English she was belittled, made to follow other managers and colleagues like a little lost puppy.

The differences in our treatment were beyond comparison, my Dutch passport being my sad excuse to pass. The peak of the irony revealed itself during a work meeting. It was mandatory for all employees to attend, but the only foreigners there were my Turkish colleague and I. We had to contend with complaints from management: where was our HEMA passion? Our HEMA love? Why weren’t we the spitting image of teamwork?

The demographic of the employees was shamelessly predictable. First were middle-aged Dutch women who’d been loyal to the company for at least 15 years. Second were Dutch girls, most of them students with long blonde-brunette hair. These two categories characterised the HEMA look.

The third smaller category consisted of a few men and a handful of foreigners.

The men either took up the managerial or shelf-stocking positions (women were almost always the cashiers or food servers).

Numerous suggestions came from my Dutch colleagues. One suggestion was “Maybe we could give each other compliments,” another was about practising patience. My Turkish colleague and I were silent - we could barely express what we enjoyed doing in our free time. The lack of foreign voices stayed with me.

The foreigners held any position but managerial. A couple were fluent in Dutch, others could get by, some not being able to speak a word. I was somewhat of a floater - with enough Dutch features to pass, but betrayed by my babyish vocabulary and bleached white hair.

As time went on, I felt more and more like a child. Despite efforts to assimilate and improve my Dutch, the once calm and slowspeaking colleagues became more and more impatient. The honeymoon period was

I never expected her to be treated more like a child than me, a young adult 10 to 15 years younger. Dutch colleagues with her same experience would snap at her, correcting her behaviour with harsh commands no matter how much she smiled.

A colleague I regularly worked with was a Turkish woman. She was a spark - I’d always look forward to her happygo-lucky attitude. Her Dutch was childish like mine, using hand gestures to get by.

Despite the joy I had found when serving a child their birthday tompouce, or the delight on a customer’s face when presenting them with a stroopwafel ice-coffee, HEMA company culture illuminated this aspect of Dutch society to me: it takes more than mastering the Dutch language to be part of the club.

A University College Student Association Magazine

You Are Not Free

WORLD

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by Pablo Ruiz Delgado

While procrastinating the soul-crushing workload of midterms and trying to avoid thinking about the very real possibility of failure, I’ve been reflecting on free will. Can I truly be held accountable for whatever grades I end up with? Are we free when choosing to play videogames over studying?

Illustration © Friso Wassenaar

Most of us would agree that there are situations where we certainly don’t have free will. If you do something out of coercion, by mistake or because you’re drunk out of your mind, we can agree that you didn’t make that decision freely. But most people believe that when there’s no external factors constraining or directing their choices, and they’re doing something purely because they want to, they are exercising their free will. And yet, it is precisely because of this that we have no free will.

hensibly complex chain of cause-and-effect that stretches infinitely into the past. The fact that we are unaware of this chain of causality, and that we have no control over it, means that we also have no control over its outcome. Therefore, the mind is no freer than a seed getting carried by the wind and landing in a patch of soil. Whenever we do something because we want to, we don’t choose to want to do that. When you end up ordering the coconut ice cream, you didn’t choose for your vegan convictions to outweigh your liking for chocolate – it just happened.

Our decisions are based on a balancing of preferences we don’t choose to have.

Our thoughts are not under our control.

Our decisions are based on a balancing of preferences we don’t choose to have. Metalheads don’t choose to like heavy metal over other types of music, nor do classical film fanatics choose to like Charlie Chaplin over Marvel. Our brains are but a very complex bundle of cells, and our minds are mere chemical processes happening inside it.

Like everything else in the material world, our thoughts are the result of an incompre-

With this exercise in intellectual masturbation, we can sufficiently establish that free will doesn’t exist. However, there are other grounds to believe this. If the reader is unconvinced by philosophical arguments, we can instead explore some fascinating research. In 1983, a pioneer in the field of neuroscience, Benjamin Libet, conducted an experiment in which he wired up subjects to an EGG machine to measure their brain activity. He then put a timer in front of them, asked them to consciously decide to perform a hand movement, perform that movement, and to then report the exact time that they had made the decision.

Whenever we do something because we want to, we don’t choose to want to do that.

Let’s do a thought experiment. Say you’re at an ice cream shop that sells only two flavours: dark chocolate and vegan coconut. You really like chocolate, but deeply care about animal exploitation and the environment. There are two competing preferences at play here: first is your preference for the taste of chocolate, and second is your preference for vegan products. You ponder for a long while, with the employee awkwardly waiting in silence.

If you choose to buy the dark chocolate ice cream, it's because your preference for the taste of chocolate outweighed your preference for vegan products; and conversely, if you go for coconut, it’ll be because your moral convictions beat your desire for chocolate. Whatever the case, the point is that you didn’t choose for this to happen.

the-same. If your mind is dictated by the laws of the universe, then so are you. Your actions are predetermined, and your future is already written. You are not free.

The results were ground-breaking. He found that “the onset of cerebral activity clearly preceded by at least several hundred milliseconds the reported time of conscious intention to act.” In other words, the subject’s brain had initiated the hand movement before the subject had consciously made the decision to move.

Therefore, even when we’re acting free from external constraints, we are not engaging in free will. If we were to wind back time to the start of yesterday, your day would develop in the exact same way it already did. The only way free will could exist would be if humans were somehow exempt from the laws of physics and didn’t have to worry about cause-and-effect ruling over them.

As it stands, the very concept of ‘free will’ is inherently nonsensical. To think of ourselves as some independent agent with control over what we do and feel is wishful thinking, a comfortable lie that we evolved to believe. You and your mind are one-in-

In 2008, researcher Chun Siong Soon conducted a similar experiment using an fMRI machine, in which he asked participants to choose between one of two buttons operated by their left and right index fingers, and then to immediately press it.

His findings were similarly remarkable. He found that “the outcome of a decision can be encoded in brain activity […] up to 10 seconds before it enters the subject’s awareness.” This research reveals that the unconscious mind begins to prepare an upcoming decision long before we are aware that we’re going to take it, which further proves the lack of conscious control we have over our choices.

While our feelings of free will are very real, free will itself is just an illusion. A very powerful illusion, no doubt, but an illusion nonetheless.

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The Boomerang | October 2022

WORLD

Train Training

by Ida van Zwetselaar

Back in May, an Instagram story caught my eye; “celebrating 50 years of Interrail, -50%!”. As you average korting-crazy student without a plan for summer, I clicked on the advertisement. I’m unbelievably glad that this internet trap led to some random flash sale which got me a €270 ticket to travel across all of Europe and neighbouring nations for two months… With a much-too-heavy backpack I threw together in a hurry, my solo adventure began.

Every train I took, city I saw, station I stopped in, place I slept at and shop I visited, was infested by young EU citizens going on their cheap, sustainable trip around the continent. So, having toured 10 countries in 80 trains, covering over 10,000 kilometres (as my Eurail map statistics tell me), I couldn't help but amass my experiences into an anecdote-infected advice article. During my travels I met many wonderful people, but I also had less friendly interactions with others. I saw stunning new views, but I also trekked the piss-stained concrete most tourists avoid. Hopefully my brief review of the train world can help you get a taste of whether it is anything for you.

With an Interrail/Eurail pass, you can take anything within the European railway system, including night jets, high speed trains, and some ferries. You just have to download the ‘railway planner’ app and log in with your ticket (side note: in Dutch, mine was what you would call a “koopje,” literally a “tiny buy” or a “bargain”. In reality training can be expensive :’), which allows you to choose rides and activate a QR code.

At some stations, like Utrecht CS, the gates do not allow you to scan this pattern, so you should ask an employee to help you out.

Whenever this happened they usually looked me up and down and guessed my problem right away. They probably see dozens of confused Interrailers come by on the daily to ask them to open up. A heads-up though, your automatic ticket suffices for slower trains, whereas in France and Italy the faster lines will require you to reserve a seat online ahead of time, which costs you €516. In extreme cases, such as long distances or between big cities, this cost can get way

However, if you’re like me, you ignore that and either take a painstaking amount of regional trains for days on end or go for the gamble of potentially sitting on someone else’s seat in the fancy high-speed trains.

Fortunately, I am great at putting on an innocent pout and signalling “I’m sorry ma’am/sir, I didn’t know” in whatever language happens to charm them most.

Playing the dumb Dutch tourist is a go-to.

Next, some good advice for not being disappointed or disheartened while training is to expect the train you’re on, or the one you’re waiting for, to arrive late. That way, when a connection finally goes well, it feels extra amazing. Or I guess simply having the trip plotted out properly rather than fluttering around Europe like a butterfly without any preconceived plan would make everything go smoother. But trust me, either way you always want to have a back-up journey ready, especially in Germany and Italy.

Lesser-known facts In Germany, if your late night train is cancelled and there is no alternative way to get to where you need to go, go to the hotel closest to the station and send your original ticket plus the stay receipt to Deutsche Bahn.

They are legally required to reimburse you.

In Italy, if you miss your train, it’s late, or cancelled, your ticket is valid up to six hours afterwards on the same trajectory.

In Poland, if the train you are on is late and you are afraid you may not make your connection, you can go to the middle of the train, where there is a little office. The conductor will call the next train you are supposed to catch and ask them to wait for you at the station(!)

For during your trip, I would recommend going to a supermarket outside of the station beforehand to avoid spending €3.50 on bottles of water and stale shop window sandwiches for every meal. Take enough

tissue paper, hand sanitizer, and wet-wipes with you, because you will be confronted with rather disgusting environments. And if I were you I would exclusively go to the WC nearest to the first class cabins. Download playlists and series ahead of time, and make sure you have international roaming data and are in touch with someone that knows roughly where you are at all times. Charge your devices whenever you get the chance, and have a powerbank on you just in case.

A (pocket)knife is useful, as is a watch, a lightter, as well as passtime tools such as drawing utensils, novels and note-or-sketchbooks. I would also really highlight the opportunity to document your memories, for example by taking photographs or videos or writing in a journal. So much happened to me in such a short time, my mind was not capable of processing it all without some support.

Apps like Hostelworld and Couchsurfing are most useful for finding places to sleep, however, you might end up locked out of a

train station in the middle of buttfuck nowhere at two in the morning too, depending at how you manage yourself. In this case, I propose one of two survival strategies, both empirically tested: if you’re lucky, there will be other travellers struggling with their wait for the first train of the morning.

When I was stuck in Geneva, I went for a gorgeous walk around the entire city in the deepest hours of the night with a Parisian dude while his travel buddy rested with our bags. On the other hand, when I was stuck in Narbonne, I sat on top of my bags for over six hours until the station doors opened again, finishing my book, cigarettes, water and crackers reservoir in the meantime. I did not want to risk falling asleep and discovering one of the sketchy station folks closer to me than comfortable. this article continues on page 7

Illustration © Avantika Bhowmik

Lifesavers, Loopholes & Practicalities

less appealing though, and during summer months they can happen to be fully booked.

A University College Student Association Magazine

Even lesser known facts Apparently, being a young woman and touring around with only my bag (which was large enough to pass as another human being. At some point I mailed a package with clothes and gifts to my grandparents due to the extra weight. I often put it in the seat next to me and hugged it tight while sleeping to prevent waking up drooling on someone else’s shoulder. Pro tip: do this in general if the coupé is not too full, that way there is also no chance of people stealing your stuff) is like having a neon flashing sign above my head with “talk to me”. Normally, I do not mind this; in fact, I love meeting strangers.

I tend to attract them, and if this is a good or bad thing I still have not determined.

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that the first duo almost forced me to come taken an aeroplane around for my and stay in their house and kept making holiday. Does that pardon me flying across sexist remarks, the second two kept trying to the globe this December? Nope. But it does talk me into a threesome and the third was more interested in my love life and sexuality provide me with the life bagage to promote than my entire personality. I didn’t expect a much more mindful mode of travel. Espeto find so many countries where my status cially if you are just going to a close country: you’d be surprised how advanced the Eurotranslated to “harass me”. pean railway network is!

One night, I was in an otherwise empty Imagine showing up ten minutes before carriage when a drunk Polish man came to sit next to me, not letting me move from my departure time, having sufficient leg space, window seat. I waited until he fell asleep and enjoying neverending city and countryliterally leapt over him and escaped. The side views, and sitting opposite interesting nice thing about training? You can always strangers, using free WiFi (sometimes), and get off at the next stop or hop on another a trip with much less annoying announcetrain whenever you feel like it, or really need ments. I would definitely encourage anyone to try Interrailing at least once; for me, so to. many weeks travelling around by myself As was mentioned before, some individ- was like one big lesson and test happening uals (read: “men”) in public places can better at the same time. be avoided, and I had plenty of experiences Also, I have to admit that I did feel lonely to confirm that. I even know girls who carry sometimes, and - no matter how much I some form of self-protection on them, and it is ridiculous that we have to consider this. hate to admit it - started missing Utrecht.

Assault is never your fault, and I cannot say That’s why I would recommend going with much more than: please try and be aware of a friend, because the feeling of freedom is irresistible, but the feeling of safety is your surroundings at all times. irrefutable. For a bit I travelled with my little brother, and I miss those super chill journeys together. But in the end, even In the end though when on the expiration date of my Before I round off, let me remind you that ticket I was met by national NS strikes I produced up to 90% less CO2 than if I had and disgusting weather, I was happy to return to the Netherlands.

Dearest Campus As I make peace with a new campus, leaving behind conversations with my now graduated unit mates and the old Boomerang board (whom I tried to impress by drawing a tattoo on my cleavage with a ball-point pen), I am at a fork on the road - navigating a new campus, a new board, and a new issue.

This issue is a labour of love, made amidst midterms and in the arms of overwhelming grief. I hope this love permeates through the wonderful articles written about Iran and feminism, the illusion of free will, working at HEMA and how foreign workers are treated, coupled with blackouts on the constitutional borrel and breaking up with your love. As the new issues reaches you after class in Locke or Voltaire; as lies on your abandoned Kromhout tabletop while you bike past; or perhaps as it gives you company while you walk up the stairs in G, I hope this brings you the solace and joy it brought me.

I want to welcome our new Boomerang board, with Katrina, Sophie, and Hilde as editors. I have Ida to thank for gathering such lovely illustrations and Pablo, Isa and Kitty for their support and work on this edition.

To the lovely first years: UCU is a scary ordeal, but as you stumble through Research in Context at 9am you’ll find summer trips to the river blissful, running jacketless back home from the bar will feel easy and the inevitable trip to either Dublin, Paris, Lisbon, or Malta for spring break will be unique.

As I swim in nostalgia and spend hours scrolling through UCU memes for lekker dreams, I leave you with this October edition.

With love, Avantika Bhowmik Chair & Layout Director

Illustrator © Avantika Bhowmik

For example, in the Dolomites I met two Austrian-Italian pensioners on their way back from mountaineering, and they were incredibly happy to talk to someone that reminded them of their journeys as youngsters. Then, when I missed my train in Bologna, two university friends got me a free crema caffé and took me to a park to pass the time doing amateur gymnastics and teaching me about Italian dialects.

In Perpignan, a man asked me for some tobacco to then offer me half of his joint, and we smoked it reflecting on his 7-year jail sentence for shooting a burglar that threatened to kill his girlfriend. Fun fun. Except

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The Boomerang | October 2022

HALLOWEEN Leo

Aries

July 23 -August 22

March 21-April 19

Don’t hide your nature, we all know you want to talk about yourself. It’s not narcissism if you’re actually the best (a Leo wrote that sentence). You are the Sun after all. In fact, that’s my costume idea for you: the Sun. The best star, provider of heat, light, and growth (we also need some of that in the NL).

That or go as a fuckin’ disco ball, maybe Gemini will join you.

Baby of the zodiac! Usually impulsive and unprepared. Aries has poorly put-together costume ideas along the lines of: “I saw a pink ribbon in my room so I’ll be a pig for Halloween.” It’s okay Aries, no need to overexert yourself. Be a devil, witch, or re-wear that costume from when you were 5. You’ll look hot either way.

Virgo

Taurus

August 23 - September 23

April 20 - May 21

Who would I be if I didn’t tell Virgo to dress up as queen Virgo herself: Beyonce?

Virgo is an Earth sign: organized and resourceful. A witch is actually a great costume for you.

Although classic, witches are a great symbol of knowledge about nature. I would argue that it is a necessary costume to have at any Halloween event.

We know Sagittarius is

Taurus! Such a wholesome sign! They know what they like, are in tune with nature, and understand the simple things!

Te Fiti from Moana, the goddess of life, would be a wonderful costume. Please get Aries to go as Te Ka, the fire demon. You could also be a sloth, to really nail the stereotype. But most importantly, enjoy the snacks, movies, and whatever DIY project you’re currently working on.

November 22 - December 21

partying on Halloween.

As. You. Should. Sagittarius, the arrow that lights the way. It rules over higher education and is known as the luckiest sign of the Zodiac. I wouldn’t be surprised if you had more than one costume throughout the night. Barbie is a great suggestion for you: a woman of infinite talents. Definitely embodies a fire sign’s energy. Bring your favorite Himbo along to be Ken and you’re sorted.

Capricorn

Aquarius

January 20 - February 18

You’re going out on Halloween? I thought that Halloween parties were too mainstream for you. I think an alien costume suits an Aquarius perfectly. It matches that ‘I’m misunderstood and quirky’ vibe.

I should advise a chaperone for you, maybe grab a Pisces, so you don’t wander off at a party to never again be seen.

December 22 - Janurary 19

Final cardinal sign. Capricorn isn’t whimsical, so giving them a costume idea is difficult. Capricorn is another earth sign, known to be ambitious, dependable, and successful! Hate to give you a mythical creature for a costume but a dragon does suit your vibe: powerful and all about execution.

But honestly, you’re likely to dress as something classic. Wrap toilet paper around yourself and be a mummy (that leaves time for those important matters you must get to).

Illustration © Jana Fragoulis

Sagittarius

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Scorpio

© LogiCo

October 23 - November 21

HALLOWEEN

9

Gemini May 21 - June 21

Oh God, I don’t know how to give you advice.

The obvious joke is You’ve already thought of some costume ideas and my opinion won’t sway you away from them. telling you to dress As opposed to Aries, your costume ideas are pret- as your second perand all). ty thought out, but maybe we’re early enough that sona (being two-faced your stubbornness hasn’t won over yet! Just tell us But surprisingly, I like Geminis! Despite being all over the place, Geminis are fun what you’re thinking; dress as your thoughts! Alternatively, Scorpio rules over death: perfect for people. Maybe you can go as that probHalloween. You could dress as Hades, Medu- lem you’ve brushed under the rug, ignored, or forgot existed. No? Fine, go as Gossip sa, or fine, do whatever you were already Girl. We know you love gossip (that’s why planning on doing.

Geminis make great writers), and although you’re not the best secret keeper, live out your drama database dreams on Halloween.

Cancer June 22 - July 22

Pisces February 19 - March 20

The zodiac stereotype dictates that you’re also a member of the ‘I’m sad all the time” club. However, I’ve never met a Pisces who doesn’t love partying and getting a bit messy. It’s the last sign of the Zodiac, which means, closest to the end, so, naturally, they are filled with existential dread, great intuition, and a love for drugs :) A water sprite costume is perfect for a water sign such as yourself and alludes to your dreamy nature. Alternatively, Romeo or Juliet suits the nostalgic romantics amongst these Pisces.

Libra September 23 - October 23

Why are you here Libra? Halloween is no time for people-pleasing! Who am I kidding? Libra is another cardinal sign, they’re not asking you for costume opions. Maybe Libra is here to gather intel, so here are my ideas: Audrey Hepburn/ Marylin Monroe (a chance to wear pearls), money (you like money, right?), or you could… Oops, why am I giving multiple options to a Libra? We’ll be here for a while…

Illustration © Elaine

DISCLAMER this isn’t a Case Study based on people I know; I’d neverrr do that.

If this doesn’t correspond to you, you’re wrong and should adjust your entire personality accordingly :)

Part of the ‘too emotional’ club! Cancer was probably too busy helping others with their costumes to find one for themselves.

You’re known as a homebody, so would maybe rather stay in with Taurus. However, that’s a cop-out for what I’m wiring. Here are some ideas for you: a bat. This can be last-minute or very creative and sexy depending on how much time you have after dealing with all those feelings. Alternatively, Disney can be a big inspiration for you; give us Ariel or your favorite childhood character!

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The Boomerang | October 2022

Pondering with Jane

How can we invest in impermanence? by Jane Cole

Glossy pictures on social media of dorm rooms furnished with privately owned furniture can disappoint when arriving at a cot. But it also comes as a surprise to many incoming students that we have to move all our belongings and find another place to live each summer. On the UCU website, this information is hidden away under ‘City Registration 2nd and 3rd years’, information few students read before applying.

Speaking of the dark depths of the UCU website, it is your own responsibility to find the form to request recompensation for your double room, reminders are not included when choosing this option. Is that part of the responsibility of becoming an adult? What is the point of not informing us? Why is this not an automatic process? If this were any other type of ‘housing contract’, not explicitly informing people before they sign up that they both have to move every year AND that they will be homeless for some months would be unacceptable. At best, this policy assumes an amount of class privilege – that adult students would be able to go home and stay with their families, at times overseas.

On top of that, an already expensive university is charging international students for insufficient storage space and does not provide any for students living in the Netherlands. It’s a good thing even more storage space was converted into UU classrooms this year. Granted, all of this is easier to accept given the current state of the housing market. We are lucky to have guaranteed housing during our academic year, if not during the summer months.

But there is another thing to consider.

Since we are aware that our living situations are short-term, we are less likely to invest in the place we live in. Lots of us have relatively bare rooms, bare-bones common rooms, and smelly drains with no unified unit intention to fix them as it is not really our space.

We don’t start gardens or work on them, because no one will be there to take care of them over the summer. Yes, some of us are willing to painstakingly drag a slightly too distantly located couch onto campus. Said couch might fit into ‘UCU storage’, might be lost in a pickup-box scandal, might end up at the yard sale, which only collects for a couple days after half of campus has left, or in the huge dumpsters the university provides.

some of those things have been donated?

In fact, we are so notorious for throwing away perfectly good stuff, that off-campus people arrive in vans to go through our dumpsters. What about having donation boxes on campus for the Kringloop that are just as convenient as a UCU dumpster?

How can we invest in impermanence and responsibly deal with our belongings in the midst of stressful academics and moving?

Does our student-identity somehow absolve us of our obligation to live sustainably? Do we also get that exemption when we start our job or have kids? If the university is not taking the lead in environmental awareness, who will? The city of Utrecht provides composting solutions, why are these not available to residents at UCU? UCU student living doesn’t prepare you to become a responsible adult, it teaches wastefulness and consumerism.

Besides the almost inevitable food waste we cause each time we move, rugs, mattresses, sweaters, bowls from Japan, healthy plants, and brand-new crepe makers can all be found in UCU dumpsters at the end of the year. Couldn’t

Settling it over a cup of tea

Did I just watch a dystopian film? by Pieter Dolmans It was Friday afternoon, and I was sitting alone on the couch when I decided tonight would be movie night. My movie of choice? Her. A cute little love story starring Joaquin Phoenix in a slick moustache and the disembodied voice of Scarlett Johansson. Little did I know that my high school philosophy book would mention this film alongside obscure authors like Michel Houellebecq and vague terms such as ‘social atomism’ and ‘modernity’.

To give you some context: Her tells the

story of Theodore Twombly, whose divorce has left him unsatisfied with his love- and sex life. This changes when he starts dating his virtual assistant, Samantha, who functions using artificial intelligence.

In the end —spoiler alert—the relationship falls apart due to a misunderstanding between them. Whilst Theodore thought he was in a monogamous relationship, Samantha, being a highly efficient operating system, had been working for thousands of

other people at the same time, having romantic relationships with several of them.

Yep, it’s not your typical romcom, and this has caused some controversy as to what the moral of the story really is.

My high school philosophy book insisted it was bleak and dystopian, a warning for the near future about the incompatibility of humanity and technology. this article continues on page 11

Illustration © Clara Mikellides De Chiaro

The impermanence of our living situation here on campus has been rationalized to us many times: each unit on campus is different, and to make it fair, we rotate buildings each year. Having different unitmates each year encourages exposure to diversity and exchange of knowledge: a UCU value most, if not all of us, said we cherished in our application letters. But I ponder, what other consequences does this impermanence have?

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It did so through the lens of Michel Houellebecq, who, despite being a massive sexist pig, wrote some pretty interesting philosophy,. He believed that the free market, technological progress, and Western ideas about freedom would lead to a society where personal relationships— and especially services designed to emulate personal relationships — are products to be ordered, rather than experiences to be lived.

There is some merit to this critique, as the technological advances featured in Her seem to make Theodore’s love- and sex life a lot more difficult.

The scene where he had phone sex through a dating app with someone who turns out to have a fetish for dead cats certainly wasn’t easy for me to watch, neither was his heartwrenching breakup with Samantha after finding out she cheated on him with hundreds of other users. In the end, though, I believe this reading is missing the point.

Framing the hardships Theodore faces purely as the fault of the technology he uses, is quite a naïve take on personal relationships. It implies that he would have an easier time if he were to meet real people in the old-fashioned way, as if that method is any more reliable. However, I believe that many of us, living in a less technologically advanced world than Theodore, face the same problems when trying to have platonic, romantic, or sexual interactions.

Building relationships is difficult, it requires you to meet many people, and to experiment to find out who you’re compatible with. If you really like someone, but your needs don’t match up, it’s okay to stop and look for someone else. Sometimes someone has a fetish you don’t like, and sometimes you want to settle down in a cottage in Scotland, whilst the person you’re flirting with just wants a one-night stand. You’re not supposed to meet the perfect person right away.

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It is emphasised throughout the movie that Samantha’s outlook on life is very different from that of a human like Theodore. When Theodore finds out about her other relationships, she tries to explain to him that “the heart’s not like a box that gets filled up. It expands in size the more you love. I’m different from you.”

This tells me that Samantha isn’t some heartless cheater, but simply someone who experiences love in a different way from Theodore. It’s not a story about the incompatibility of humans and technology, but about the incompatibility of two people who likely go on to live happy lives, separate from one another.

What Her was actually trying to tell us, is that there’s more to life than monogamous, lifelong, heterosexual, missionary-position relationships. And although I agree that dead cat sex is taking things a bit far, I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt if we explored our options for different types of relationships a little more.

Movie Monster

The King by Alejandra Monerri Revuelta Timothée Chalamet. There it is, that’s it; that was all that was needed for me to convince you to watch this month’s movie.

No, but seriously. Timothée Chalamet is an excellent actor, and his talent peaks in this movie as he portrays King Henry V, the ‘warrior King’, and his seizure of France in the 15th century.

My favourite scene is one where King Henry delivers a speech to his men before the Battle of Agincourt.

“You expect of me a speech? I have only one to give and it is the same one I’d give were we not standing at the brim of a battlefield.”

Why is it my favourite? It’s not only rich in terms of literary technique, but also in terms of cinematography; the imagery, the music... Indeed the scene is representative of the movie as a whole.

“It is the same one I’d give were we to meet in the street by chance. I have only ever hoped for one thing. To see this kingdom united under this English crown.”

Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of literature, or just a simp for Timmy, this movie offers it all. And because of this

variety, the movie has faced criticism.

The King has been called out for being a bit of a mix between historical records of Henry V’s life and what Shakespeare wrote. This makes sense, considering his plays on Henry V were a major inspiration for The King. But, as long as we can distinguish between fact and fiction, this movie shines. So, let’s make that distinction!

(Spoilers ahead! I’d recommend watching the movie first, and then reading on.)

At times, The King steers away from reality for dramatic purposes or literary faithfulness. The King is spot on when it comes to the complex relationship and vast political disagreements between Henry IV and his son, Henry V. However, this accuracy didn’t translate to all areas. In the movie, King Henry IV announces Henry V’s little brother, Thomas of Lancaster, as the next ruler, a historical inaccuracy.

However, in both reality and in the film, Henry V comes to the throne anyway.

Similarly, The King depicts Henry V as a ruler who wanted peace, and Henry IV as one who wanted war, a factual role rever-

sal. Most characterisations are based on Shakespeare’s plays. In the movie, Henry V’s rebellious nature disqualifies him for succession to the throne. Remaining true to his portrayal in Shakespeare’s play, he is depicted as a party animal, more suited for Primus parties than for ruling a country. But in reality, Henry V spent his teenage years fighting for his father, with his first major battle at age 16.

Another character is that of the dauphin, the crowned prince of France, played by Robert Pattinson, who I have neglected to use as bait for valid reasons. In accordance with Shakespeare, the dauphin is devious, arguably making him the most entertaining part of the movie. But most of his appearances throughout The King were not made in real life, such as his fighting at the Battle of Agincourt. They probably just wanted to give Mr. Pattinson some more screen-time.

Despite these countless inaccuracies, The King is a movie well worth watching.

Though at times awkward, the unfilled silences in the movie provide for an unsettling intensity. And who doesn’t love that?

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The Boomerang | October 2022

Katrina's Playlist

Settling into the Season by Katrina Koy Funk Fall is my favorite time of year. Though the shorter days and the sudden chill in the air do often make me long for summer, there’s something undoubtedly magical about autumn. It always feels like something’s about to happen - something unexpected, something exciting. Over the past few years, I’ve developed the tradition of putting together an annual playlist of my favorite songs that encapsulate the fall feeling. The tunes on these playlists have accompanied me on walks to class, set the mood for dinners with friends, and helped energize me while getting ready in the morning. I think it’s important to make even seemingly mundane daily routines and tasks feel special, and sometimes finding the right soundtrack is key.

This year, when the trees began to turn gold and more and more puffer jackets appeared on campus, I knew it was time to start collecting songs.

I began with some classics. Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” opens with its slinking and instantly recognizable riff (which is surprisingly easy to learn on guitar). The song is soaked in distinctly 70s cool, but has weathered the test of time and Stevie Nicks’ iconic vocals are mysterious and sultry as she tells us the tale of an ancient Welsh witch. The song pairs well with incense and a deck of Tarot cards. Next, I moved on to one of my all time favorites, Nina Simone’s rendition of “I Put a Spell on You”.

The song is cinematic and the listener is instantly transported to a lounge in 1960s New York City, complete with green velvet couches and gold-rimmed champagne glasses. The song was originally recorded

by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins in 1956, but has since inspired numerous interpretations by the likes of Annie Lennox of Eurythmics and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

However, Simone’s version is my favorite.

Her voice is characteristically powerful yet tinged with anger and a maddening sorrow as she laments her unfaithful lover.

The next song I add to this year’s playlist is “Roll the Bones” by Shakey Graves. I always find myself going back to this song no matter the season. Americana music is very popular back home in Montana, where I’m from, and Shakey Graves is considered one of the genre’s modern heroes. The song itself has true Americana elements, but is a little spooky and discordant which makes it perfect for our current playlist purposes.

My favorite version of the song is a live recording from Audiotree, as it captures the rawness of Shakey Graves’ (whose real name is Alejandro Rose-Garcia) vocals.

Rose-Garcia plays all the instruments on the recording (keeping time with a kick drum!) and the energy is palpable (do yourself a favor and watch the video of the recording for the full experience). Fun fact, Shakey Graves is playing at Paradiso

It’s funny when you get broken up with.

You speedrun through the 5 stages of grief. First denial, then anger, followed by bargaining, “depression", and finally, the long-awaited yet simultaneously dreaded acceptance. The process is so quick it engulfs you, but like being swallowed by a wave, you pop back out on the other side, maybe a bit of salt in your mouth, your eyes a bit watery, your hair a mess, but you make it. It’s funny when you get broken up with. The news spreads quicker than you expected yet slower than you had hoped, leaving you having to relive it a few times too many as you inform the stragglers of the newest gossip. People offer sad looks,

But that’s because in most cases you are.

You lost someone, not to death, but to life. They are no longer a part of your life, or at the very least, not to the extent they once were. The awaited yet dreaded acceptance comes in at 200km/h, leaving you crashing into the guardrails, your emotions gushing out the sides. Following the acceptance comes the withdrawal, as

Perhaps this is an excellent metaphor for the season. Things are coming to an end, everyone is settling into themselves once again. The sun may be making less frequent appearances and our bedrooms might be getting noticeably chillier at night, but this is also a season of opportunities. Time to get to know yourself better, time to share conversations over hot drinks with friends and loved ones, and of course, time to discover new music.

Thank you for accompanying me on my playlist building journey. I hope I’ve given you some new listening material and maybe some inspiration.

Now I’ll leave you to settle in with your headphones and a mug of your favorite tea. Until the next edition!

your body adjusts to the absence of the drug on your brain, on your heart. It’s funny when you get broken up with. The questions flood in from every direction as if you were in a world of infinite dimensions, shooting out from one to the next.

You question yourself, your decisions, your reactions. You question the past, the present, the future. The questions continue coming, in some instances providing so much clarity, making the air you breathe so fresh. But then, in the next instance, they are the fuel for your broken heart, pumping your mind with anxiety, confusion, and doubt.

It’s funny when you get broken up with.

You dust the cobwebs off the sad song playlists, the melancholic melodies soothing your soul like warm honey for your sore throat. In an attempt to change the mood, you turn back to songs with uplifting messages, and faster beats, but they hit all the wrong chords, not shaped to fit the moment. It may be heart-wrenching, disappointing, frustrating, but it can also be funny when you get broken up with.

Illustration © Ren Carmody-Hendriks

warm hugs as if someone you’d known had passed away. It’s so right yet so wrong. A break-up is such a familiar feeling for many, yet when it happens to someone else you never know just the right thing to say, to do. So sad looks and warm hugs it is, as if you were mourning someone.

Noord in Amsterdam on November 3rd!

I hop genres a bit to get to my next song. “Another Go Around” by Beach House opens with the familiar tones of a church organ, giving the song an almost sacred feel, and slowly builds into the band’s signature psychedelic sound, rich with catchy and enticing melodies. Victoria Legrand’s soothing, almost monotone vocals make their entrance as she sings of a night of partying marred only by the “one you need” not being by your side. A situation we can all relate to. The mood of the song is melancholy, yet it flows and dances in an almost joyful way.

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Rock The Boat

BLACKOUT

13

by anonymous

I am sick and tired of the hypocrisy of UCU students. Why won’t anyone rock the boat?

thing to do, right? Party and rejoice with the constituents that just elected you! That is how it usually works in the real world when someone wins an election—the elected member thanks and celebrates with all the people who helped to get them there.

deserves some compensation for their hard work, let them have their night,” etc.

I won’t address the tradition argument, The role of the UCSA board is to oras I hope that in your time at UCU you’ve ganize student life on campus. But how discovered that is invalid and we shouldn’t well do they truly represent the studo things for tradition alone, especially dents? Are they even part of the student if they can have harmful consequences. body once elected? I would argue: No. However, if you were to take a smoke break But I will address the positive bond theoon the night of the election and pass the ry. I might buy that all of this isn’t for the Immediately when people get elected to UCSA office, you would have noticed a par- UCSA board’s ego if a couple things were the UCSA board, something about their ty with only the former and new members different. Frats, sororities, fratorities, and personality changes. They start to feel like of the UCSA board. Immediately, the sep- the Independent Body also come to this an elite group, like they’re above the oth- aration of the new board from the student performance and have to adhere to the er students, somehow better than. They body began. And it is not only the members same rules as committees. UCSA doesn’t feel their status and knowledge give them of the Board who get indoctrinated into this do anything for frats, sororities, and ABP, a more important position relative to their narrative of elitism, but also other students. so why are they part of this setup? The Inpeers. It’s easy to notice. If you complain dependent Body is the supreme court of about the institution of UCU to a non-UC- The epitome of this is the Constitutional UCSA, in the sense that you can appeal SA member, they listen, they agree, or Borrel, or CoBo for short. For those of you to them. So why do they also take part in they may not, but they will engage and, in who don’t know, CoBo is an event at the be- this gift-giving ritual? Should it not be conversation, nuance your opinion. As an ginning of the school year where each com- UCSA who gives them a gift? Their parUCSA member progresses through their mittee board “gets to” dress up, go to the ticipation is proof that CoBo serves egos, board year, there is a noticeable shift. They bar, and take shots with the UCSA Board. not helpful bonding between boards and begin to defend the institution. Instead UCSA assigns each committee a 5 minute committees. Don’t make people give a of representing the students and being a timeslot, in which the committee gives speech, and don’t make them give a gift, voice for us, they become a voice defend- a speech. They respond with their own and, for the love of God, get rid of those ing the administration. Suddenly, you feel improvised speech, the committee gives stupid timeslots. The committees do not unable to talk to board members in a way UCSA a gift, and everyone does one shot. need to act as if they are less than UCSA. that criticizes the very institution the board The committee board is then shuffled away members promised they were reforming. in time for the next committee to have their If you argue that UCSA deserves compenturn sucking up to the UCSA board. There’s sation and appreciation, I do not reject In the grand scheme of the world, it’s a even someone helping to ensure every that idea. But I do reject that CoBo is the minor problem; in the scheme of UCU, committee shows up to and vacates their way to do it. The UCSA board gets enough it’s everything. Although we may not place in front of the UCSA Board on time. compensation without the addition of a susee it every day, the UCSA board can acperiority complex. They get paid (in real tually have a significant impact on our money not UCEuros), they get to put it UCU is the perfect place to lives as campus dwellers. We elect them on their CV, and they get their additional play around with how comto change certain aspects of our student semester’s tuition paid for. No one forces life, trust that they know what it’s like to fortable you are standing up UCSA board members to run for election, be a student on campus and will thereand no one forces them to accept their to the status quo. fore fairly represent that experience. victory. UCSA members chose to join out of their own free will, they knew the deal.

The transformation from “member of the Let’s break this down. First, everyone student body” to “elite UCSA member” dresses up. This ensures that everyone In our classes we get taught every day how is, as far as I can tell, immediate. Many feels this is a Very Important Event. Sec- to think critically. We are told to constantaspects of the system and traditions of ond, the committee has to write a speech, ly challenge the status quo, to take nothing UCU create this identity from the mo- it can be sarcastic, but ultimately has to for granted. We are faced with power imment an UCSA board member is elected. thank the UCSA board for how wonderful balances every day but neglect to mention they are. Sucking up part one. Third, the them. UCU classes teach us to talk about Let’s flash-back to the night the UCSA board committee is strongly encouraged to give injustices, to notice them. Yet, as soon got elected. Students were at the bar to hear the UCSA board a gift. Sucking up part as any of us walk out of the classroom, who won the elections. Everyone who was two. And fourth, there are the timeslots, we are unable to apply this knowledge. invested in them, or just wanted to drink and showing that the committees are one in party, was there. Results were announced, a sea of many who must pay their re- I’m not saying board members bepeople cheered. The Former Board Mem- spects to UCSA. Every aspect of this ritual come terrible people as soon as they are bers immediately shuffled the Newly seems reminiscent of the feudal era when elected and that you should stop being Elected Board members out of the room. lords lined up to kiss the ring of the king. friends with them. Individually, they remain lovely people. However, in interUp until this point, everything seemed I have heard all the arguments as to why acting with them in their capacity as reasonable. Perhaps there was some ur- CoBo is actually not just for the board’s board members, their separation from gent matter that needed to be addressed ego. It “fosters positive Committee-UCSA the student body becomes overwhelming. with the new board and they would return relations,” “it’s just tradition,” or if you’ve to party with everyone. That would be the accepted that it is for their egos, “UCSA this article continues on page 14

14 BLACKOUT

Some people haven’t even noticed the institutionalization of the superiority complex of UCSA members. Others, if they have noticed it, have decided that it’s not worth rocking the boat. How are we such hypocrites that we talk about changing the world in our classes but can’t do that when it comes to UCU? The cherry on top is that it wouldn’t even have significant negative consequences on our lives

The Boomerang | October 2022

to rock this boat. If you boycott CoBo, arrive in jeans, or show up without a gift or a speech, there will be no serious sanctions. In light of this, UCU is the perfect place to play around with how comfortable you are standing up to the status quo.

the institutions that are right in front of us that we do have the power to change, how will we ever be strong enough to change the world? I’m asking you, will you decide to rock the boat? Or, when next October rolls around, will we all be standing in small groups, quietly complaining about the ridiculousness of the Constitutional Borrel, This is why I am pessimistic about the without the balls to challenge the status quo? future. If we can’t be critical enough about

A Letter to his Best Friend by anonymous To his best friend,

at UCU is next to none) at the end of the day, you are still the person held accountI see him all the time - unfortunately - able for putting yourself back together and as the f(l)ight or flight wears off I after you’ve not only been broken but see that you are still there by his side, scattered.

his very best friend. I wonder if he’s told you, if you know, I wonder if he has This is more than the adconfided in you the literal crimes he has ministration’s mishandling committed. A part of me wonders if you of people and cases, it's a will warn the next girl with meaningful glances - a bit too afraid of the words to fundamental problem that speak them (I don’t blame you, those is ingrained into UCU culsame words have taken me ages to say, even just once - and they winded me so ture. badly I haven’t had the luxury of breathing since). I wonder how you are friend I wish we had been friends too. I want before you are woman. I sit praying to to stow you away from him, to shield never have to make that choice myself. you from his rotting hands- I wish you’d see the rot on them like I do. I This campus is saturated want you to be able to smell the putrid and the decay on him, hear the buzzing with traumatized women of the flies - let him decompose, feed who are expected to live life him back to the earth, leave his side.

I wish I were stronger than I am, maybe then the resources provided to me would be better utilized. I’m sure the sexual misconduct people are doing their best - I wouldn’t know, I haven’t been brave enough to talk to them yet (I don’t think that's going to happen). But respectfully, I don’t think this is a problem they could solve. This is more than the administration’s mishandling of people and cases, it's a fundamental problem that is ingrained into UCU culture. I sit and wonder truly, how many people at UCU have been victimized by other students.

One of the most unfair things about trauma is that no matter how much ‘justice’ is achieved (which, realistically

I think maybe I’ve worked you up in my mind, hoping and dreaming that you are this kind, oblivious, and loyal person, who has simply fallen victim to manipulation too. I think that’s because if I ever found myself on your side of the situation, I’d like to pretend that I too would be this ‘perfect’ person. This allows for inactivity - but inaction is in and of itself a form of action. It is a choice against change. So, I am begging that if you think, even for a moment, that this letter is for you: please just look around and allow the fog to dissipate. Open your eyes, stop being his friend, you are so much better than this.

The thing that kills me is that you and I are not unique in this delicate dance.

This campus is saturated with traumatized women who are expected to live life as normal after experiencing one of the most scarring events of their lives. This is their home and there will always be a monster under the bed because he lives here too. It's unreasonable to expect victims to even have the mental space to start putting themselves back together when they have to love share their home - the one place they you, should feel safe - with the people that made them victims in the first place.

The thing about the ‘bad men’ (I immediately hate how reductive this label is, but ok) at UCU is that they are very good at assimilating, convincing not only women but also themselves

Illustration © Anna Zhang

as normal after experiencing one of the most scarring events of their lives.

that they are good people. They love to play feminist, they approach class content with critical feminist pedagogical knowledge and pride themselves on reading theory - but turn around and pretend not to know the meaning of consent when it becomes an inconvenience to them.

A University College Student Association Magazine

BUBBLE

15

Agony Aunt Dear Agony Aunt, a UU student was placed into our unit, and I can’t help but feel our campus is being taken over. How do I deal with the change?

Dear reader, We UCU students tend to view UU students on our campus as obtrusive, arrogant and invasive.

They sit on our grass, make use of our facilities, drive us out of our classrooms, and run us over on their bikes. Many of us chose UCU over other programs or other universities for its campus and community. The small village that UCU was described as on open days and in interviews is almost the antithesis of the impersonal type of mass-education other courses, such as those at the UU, provide.

Now, with the housing crisis more pressing than ever, UU students are being allocated empty rooms on our campus. Already weeks into our semester, getting used to a new unit dynamic can be uncomfortable. And it makes sense, we have less in common with UU students. Most small talk at UCU concerns the courses we’re taking, the parties we’re going to, or the committees we’ve joined. UU students don’t share our indecisiveness, don’t understand the constant changing of curriculum plans, the dread of leaving after three years with a degree you can’t do anything with.

But UU students have problems, just like we do. Take solace in the fact that they too are taking courses they don’t like, but have to for their degree requirements, and that they too are uncertain about which way to go within their degree. On top of that, the UU students staying on campus are internationals too. Having come to the Netherlands for their education, most had to resort to hostels and couch crashing to prevent them from becoming homeless.

Your new UU unitmate is just as insecure as you were in your first semester, if not more. They find themselves in a country they don’t know, having just started higher education away from their family, living in a place where everyone already knows each other and is part of something they aren’t part of.

Illustration © Ella Darshi

You, dear reader, can help by involving your new UU student in those things that they might not feel welcome to on campus. Take them to the bar, invite them to parties and events, and host unit dinners together. On the plus side: not being able to talk exclusively about UCU might help you burst the bubble just a little.

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PUZZLES

The Boomerang | October 2022

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THE BOOMERANG BOARD Avantika Bhowmik | Chair & Layout Director Pablo Ruiz Delgado | Managing Editor Elisa Uccello | Executive Editor Katrina Joy Funk | Executive Editor Sophie Hudson | Executive Editor Hilde van Son | Exective Editor Ida van Zwetselaar | Art Director Kitty Bertrand | PR Manager

Boomerang uses wind energy printers The Boomerang is a periodical newspaper.

It comes out eight times a year.

This is the first edition of the academic year.