Feb 11 2015

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2015 VOLUME 104 ISSUE 55 www.UniversityStar.com

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Food bank hires new director

By Nicholas Laughlin NEWS REPORTER @nick_laughlin

without licensing or regulation.

The state government passed laws in 1871 restricting public display of pistols. Texas is currently one of only six states to fully prohibit open display, Cox said.

Cox would like to see the Texas Legislature “restore” the second amendment and allow citizens to carry firearms openly without restrictions.

Cox said current laws permitting citizens to display rifles and

The Hays County Food Bank named Denise Blok as the new executive director Jan. 5 after six months of having an interim in the position.

The food bank’s board of directors received over 70 resumes from applicants, said Dale Schneberger, board of directors president. Some of the applicants were from out of state. Blok began work on Jan. 19 after the announcement was made.

Blok served as the chief operating officer for the American Red Cross of Central Texas before taking the job with Hays County.

The hiring committee was looking for someone who could take the food bank in a new direction to better serve the hungry, Blok said. “(Blok) had over 20 years of experience at the American Red Cross,” Schneberger said. “She started out as a volunteer and moved her way up. She knew all the different aspects of a non-profit.”

The food bank has been without an executive director since August, when Jerry Gracie, former director, left to be closer to her family, Schneberger said.

See OPEN CARRY, Page 2

See FOOD BANK, Page 2

DENISE CATHEY ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Hal Skaggs displays popular handguns Feb. 6 at Gun Guys & Gals shop.

Open-carry bills spur discussion among San Marcos residents

By Jon Wilcox NEWS REPORTER @thrilcox

O

pen-carry handgun bills introduced at the start of the 84th Texas Legislative session have sparked debate among Hays County residents concerning safety.

Texas gun advocates disagree over whether pistol owners should be required to pass background checks and certification classes before being able to carry

and display handguns in public areas. Lawmakers in support of open carry legislation must decide between two distinctly different bills.

House Bill 106 would allow Texans to carry pistols openly only after passing background checks, completing classroom instruction and receiving certification.

Constitutional carry advocates side with House Bill 195, which would allow open carrying of handguns and remove the requirement of having a Concealed

Handgun License in order to carry.

This bill garnered significant media attention at the opening of this year’s session in a series of protests at the Capitol.

Constitutional carry supporters such as Mike Cox, a lifetime member of the Texas State Rifle Association, believe in a strict interpretation of the second amendment. Cox argues for the ability to openly carry handguns

2015 STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRESIDENTIAL & VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES Student Government elections are approaching quickly. The University Star sat down with presidential candidate Lauren Stotler and vice presidential candidate Tyler Burton to discuss their campaigns.

Burton is running unopposed, and Stotler will face Abdualrahman Muhialdin in the race for president. Stotler and Burton discussed their campaign platforms and favorite Texas State memories. Muhialdin could not be reached for comment. Voting begins Feb. 16 and concludes Feb. 19.

LAUREN STOTLER

Finance/accounting junior Presidential candidate

tion, and I’ve seen the change that we can create, and I see a lot of things I personally want to change. I want to make sure those things get done, and (running for president) seems like the best way.

MADELYNNE SCALES PHOTO EDITOR

By Kelsey Bradshaw NEWS EDITOR @kbrad5 KB: Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?

LS: This might seem really cliché, but (Lyndon Baines Johnson). I saw a lot of the leadership styles he had were just really interesting and effective. He worked well with people, and I kind of got inspired and thought, “If I could get elected, I would like to run things similarly.” The way he worked well with people—he knew what people wanted and how to use that to his advantage.

KB: What made you want to run for president?

LS: I‘ve been in (Student Government) since my freshman year. I started off in Freshman Council, then I ran for Senate last year, and I became Director of Finance, and this semester I’ve moved up to Chief of Staff. I’ve been very dedicated to this organiza-

KB: Why do you think students should vote for you over your opponent?

LS: I have SG experience. I know a lot about the organization. I’ve been a part of the cabinet for the past year, so I think I definitely have that competitive edge. I’m running with a vice president. If (Tyler Burton) and I get elected together, we already have common ideas that we want to do together. I guess that’s kind of nice, to come in with a cohesive idea of what needs to be accomplished, and we already know each other’s leadership styles.

We work really well together.

KB: Cake or pie?

LS: Cake. (I’m) not really a pie person. I mean, I like pie, but I’m much more of a chocolate person, and chocolate pie just isn’t as good as chocolate cake.

KB: What would you say are your main initiatives?

LS: One thing is definitely going to be increasing athletic attendance—not just at football games but other athletic events as well. It’s definitely frustrating for the students as well as the football team that they’ve been bowl eligible two years in a row and they haven’t gotten to go (in 2013) because of student attendance. That’s something we want to work more with: athletics and organizations that promote athletic attendance. That’s a big thing that we’re doing as well as increasing awareness for different organiza-

See STOTLER, Page 2

TYLER BURTON

Finance/accounting junior Vice presidential candidate

By Kelsey Bradshaw NEWS EDITOR @kbrad5 KB: What made you want to run for vice president?

TB: Lauren came up to me, and she was talking about wanting to run for president, and I’ve been involved with Student Government for two years—freshman year, and took a break sophomore year and now this whole year. I’m Freshman Council Coordinator, and seeing the good Student Government does for the school and everything we are capable of doing, I saw that there (are) changes that needed to be made.

So (running for vice president is) the best way to get here and make the changes.

MADELYNNE SCALES PHOTO EDITOR

KB: Do you have any opinions on why no one else is running for vice president?

TB: The whole culture of college students and college life is much more lazy than what it was back in the day. People just want to sit back and let everything get handed to them—not everybody, but a lot of people do. No one wants to get engaged and be a go-getter.

what President Tiffany Young and Vice President Sean Quiñones did this past year?

TB: Not differently, but I want to expand on what they have done and maybe implement a couple of new things such as a financial literacy class for the US 1100 students so that they can start learning about finances even though they’re not business majors.

KB: What would you say are your main initiatives?

TB: I want to run more efficient committees and have our committees get more involved with the school. I would also like to have a very good Director of Marketing that gets the Student Government name out to the public. I want more involvement with the school due to the Director of Marketing – whoever that may be in the future. That’s going to be my most important position, I believe.

KB: Last year, 2.9 percent of the student body voted in the Student Government election, so how do you plan to increase involvement with SG and the student body? If you get elected, how are you going to make people care about SG? TB: With my Director of Marketing—I want to work hand in hand with him or her, whoever it may be. I really want to go out, not just to the Greeks. I feel that Tiffany and Sean really went to—Sean’s organization was Men

KB: Is there anything specific you want to do differently from

See BURTON, Page 2

2 | The University Star | News | Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Correction: In a Feb. 10 University Star article, “Faculty jazz performance honors Eddie Durham,” Dan Morgenstern was incorrectly identified as being affiliated with the National Education Association instead of the National Endowment for the Arts.

FOOD BANK, from front “The food bank has been doing fabulous work—has a great reputation in the community—but we really want to see it grow so we can see more people,” Blok said. “I hope to grow the food bank in such a way that we are able to help more people and we are able to sustain the growth.”

Blok wants to focus on the administrative side of the organization by reviewing vendor agreements to make sure the food bank is getting what it pays for and saving money.

“I want to look at reducing our expenses if at all possible while we are trying to grow at the same time,” Blok said.

Schneberger hopes Blok will become the face of the food bank as she takes part in community events with the board.

The bank receives all its food and funding through donations and grants, Blok said.

People and corporations can make financial contributions, and food and monetary donations are raised during several different events throughout the year. H-E-B is one of the biggest contributors.

The food bank “rescues food” from H-E-B stores all over Hays County, she said.

“We aren’t giving them bad food,”

Blok said. “We are basically repackaging it and putting (it) in the hands of someone who really needs it.”

The food bank sorts through and weighs all of the donations. Bags of packaged food are given to Hays County families in need five days a week, Blok said.

“We do have cans, and we do give those out, but those have longer shelf life than fresh produce,” Blok said.

“Plus, fresh produce is more nutritious, and that is really promoting our mission.”

Blok said the food bank is always in need of volunteers, and positions are available for students.

Rochelle Olson, health information management junior, has been volunteering at the food bank since October. “(Volunteering at the food bank) really opens your mind (about) donating your food and clothes,” Olson said. “I think it’s really important to volunteer with something that benefits people.”

Schneberger said Blok didn’t have any experience working for a food bank previously, but he thinks her day-to-day leadership will take the group to the next level. “(Blok) is a very smart lady,” Schneberger said. “The board of

directors has the easy job, but what (Blok) and the staff do—we tip our hats off to them.”

Blok served 48 counties while working with the American Red Cross. She is now enjoying the opportunity to give back in Hays County, her home of 17 years.

“Even though I was helping people before, I feel like I’m a little bit closer,” Blok said. “There’s something to be said about actually getting to see your work come to fruition in front of your eyes and see how a family has been touched when they have food.”

violence without the requirement of licensing.

“As a person who thinks people need to be responsible for their own actions, I get a little concerned because we don’t necessarily live in a time when people embrace personal responsibility as well as they used to,” Skaggs said.

Cox and Skaggs said they believe people’s actions—not the overt display of weapons in public—contribute to violence.

“I have (a) shop full of guns here,” Skaggs said. “They never go off on their own.”

Cox and Skaggs believe openly displaying firearms may deter individuals from committing violent crimes.

“People don’t rob gun stores,”

Skaggs said.

Others believe gun restrictions should be extended, not weakened.

Jon Leonard, chair of the Hays County Democratic Party, said unpredictable situations can lead to violence when guns are displayed openly despite training and good intentions.

“People can find themselves in a situation where they are reacting rather than thinking,” Leonard said. “When you have the ability to just to pull a gun out and do something with it, and you are not thinking, and in an emotional situation—tragedy can grow from that.”

Cox disagrees, citing the records of states with constitutional carry laws.

“It’s not like it’s unknown territory,” Cox said. “There are plenty (of) states that have open carry.

The law enforcement in those states (has said) it’s not an issue.”

Cox, Leonard and Skaggs may disagree on the issues of open carry, but they all expect a less restrictive handgun law to pass this year.

Cox said any step toward making the open display of firearms easier would serve to dispel myths and half-truths, although he supports the creation of constitutional carry laws.

People are less likely to be afraid of guns for irrational reasons if they spend time around them, Skaggs said.

“In the Middle Ages, if a horsedrawn cart ran over a peasant, they

would burn the cart and hang the horse and attribute (it) as having evil spirits,” Cox said. “That’s just about what they’ve done with the gun.”

Leonard has hope for the future.

He believes “cooler heads will prevail” eventually, even if some form of open carry law passes this legislative session.

The open carry debate is an important discussion but ultimately a distraction from larger social issues like healthcare, education and the minimum wage, Leonard said.

“This is a sideshow,” Leonard said. “There are so many more important things to focus on than open carry.”

OPEN CARRY, from front shotguns in public, but not pistols, are backward and illogical compared to laws in other states.

New Mexico has always allowed the open display of handguns and, after legislative battles, has passed laws to allow the carrying of concealed firearms.

“I believe the constitution has been weakened through time, and I believe the founding fathers knew what they were doing,” Cox said. “I have confidence in my fellow man.”

Hal Skaggs, owner of Gun Guys & Gals in Kyle, said he understands both sides of the debate.

Skaggs said concealed carry makes sense from a constitutional standpoint, but irresponsible gun owners may contribute to more

STOTLER, from front

BURTON, from front

tions. We want to—this was an idea that was on the platform last year—create a system to match people to organizations so that they’re more likely to get involved. I think a problem that we have is that a lot of students don’t get involved because they don’t know. There’s over 300 organizations. It’s hard to pick where you would best fit. So getting that finished—it’s been started. I want to make sure that gets done in my administration.

KB: Is there anything specific you want to do differently from what President Tiffany Young and Vice President Sean Quiñones did this past year?

LS: Definitely working together more, because like I said, it was harder for (Young and Quiñones) because they didn’t come

in together, so they had to sit down and figure everything out.

I want to make sure that we have a more cohesive cabinet.

KB: Last year, 2.9 percent of the student body voted in the Student Government election, so how do you plan to increase involvement with SG and the student body? If you get elected, how are you going to make people care about SG? LS: My first thing that I would probably do if I get elected is go around to every organization I can get in contact with and speak to them and start a relationship with them so that they feel comfortable coming to us with ideas. When (organizations) see problems that they want to get fixed—because

a lot of the times people don’t come to us because people don’t know about us, or they see us as exclusive, or they just don’t feel comfortable talking to anyone in the organization.

I want to make sure that they feel like they can come to us because they often see many of the problems that maybe we don’t, so I want to make sure they feel comfortable coming to talk to us.

KB: What is your favorite Texas State memory?

LS: I don’t have one specific memory, but definitely living in the residence halls. I lived in the Honors Learning Community, and it was a tight-knit community. I had my small group of friends, so I guess just hanging out in the hallways, as stupid as that seems. I miss those.

Against Violence, and I feel that Tiffany went to the Greeks and maybe a couple of her personal organizations that she is involved with. I want to go to H.E.A.T. H.E.A.T is a very large organization on campus.

I want to get H.E.A.T involved big-time with us.

I want to get (students) from a diverse background, and I want to get nontraditional students.

I want to get them more involved with Student Government this year.

KB: Cake or pie?

TB: Well, I don’t eat either one, but probably cake. I feel it has more flavor.

KB: Who

would

you

have dinner with, dead or alive?

TB: My grandma. She raised my dad. I think they had a family of nine. She was a school bus driver and a single parent with nine kids and taught my entire family everything they know.

KB: What is your favorite Texas State memory?

TB: That’s a tough one. There (are) a lot of them. Probably (an Alpha Tau Omega) brotherhood event for my fraternity (we) had at one at one of our lake houses. I’ve enjoyed meeting everyone inside of organizations and outside of organizations.

The University Star Cordially Invites You To Announce Your Wedding in

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The University Star would like to feature your wedding announcement in our Bridal Issue February 24, 2015.

The deadline to submit couples’ information is Februaury 19 at noon.

Information can be submitted online at Universitystar.com or in our office located in the Trinity building.

The University Star | Wednesday, February 11, 2015 | 3

SPORTS

UniversityStar.com

BASEBALL PREVIEW

By Quixem Ramirez SPORTS EDITOR @quixem

The Bobcats are not talking about rebuilding heading into the 2015 season despite losing 10 players from last year’s roster.

The departures include Hunter Lemke and Austen Williams, a duo that combined for 141.3 innings and 122 strikeouts last year.

On the offensive side, Texas State lost last year’s starting catcher, Tyler Pearson, and Garrett Mattlage, who led the team in batting average.

“It’s gonna be a challenge, and this club has met every challenge this staff has put in front of them,” said Jeremy Fikac, assistant coach.

“We haven’t had to push and ask for energy and attitude. They’ve been unbelievable to work with. In my years, this has probably been one of the funnest bunches to be a part of.”

Texas State was picked to finish second in the Sun Belt Conference behind Louisiana-Lafayette.

Coach Ty Harrington enters his 16th season at Texas State with a 507-378 all-time record. His confidence has not wavered this year, but he understands unknowns need to be sorted out.

“To tell you I know for a fact that we are going to finish in the top two or three—I don’t know that,” Harrington said. “I know that I am

confident that every day these guys are going to give everything they have. As a coach that’s all I can ask for.”

Youth is a recurring theme for this team, particularly offensively.

Fikac said Luke Sherley and Jaylen Hubbard, freshman infielders, will compete for starting positions.

Youth is not an excuse. Granger Studdard, sophomore outfielder, is expected to assume a larger leadership role to compensate.

“You are a rookie as long as you play like a rookie,” Fikac said.

“When you put up numbers, people look at you that way.”

Pearson and Austin O’Neal are among the priorities for the Bobcats. The two replace Mattlage, who reached base on 40.6 percent of his plate appearances and drove in 44 RBI. “I think our staff did a tremendous job recruiting a group of people who can come in here and assist the older players that have been involved with this program,” Harrington said. “The last couple of years we’ve evolved.”

Texas State placed ninth out of 10 conference teams in runs and on-base percentage last year. Fikac is confident in his team’s offensive ability with a new influx of players.

“We don’t have a weakness,” Fikac said. “We can put two lineups out there—one with all freshmen and one with juniors and seniors.

Somebody will step up. These guys are unbelievable.”

Lucas Humpal, junior pitcher, will be at the forefront of the pitching staff. Humpal allowed 37 earned runs in 88.2 innings last year. He was named the Preseason Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Year prior to this season.

Cory Geisler, junior pitcher, is a multi-purpose player who influences pitching and hitting. Fikac said Geisler spends most of his time in center field when he is not pitching. Geisler joined Humpal on the Preseason All-Sun Belt team as a utility player.

Experience is not a problem for the pitching staff, which Fikac said will neutralize the opposition and allow the team to compete in Tuesday night games on short rest.

Texas State has reached the 29-win threshold each year under Harrington. Fikac, however, holds his team to an elevated standard.

“The consistency wasn’t there for us last year,” Fikac said.

“That’s something we have to build on.”

LUCAS HUMPAL JUNIOR PITCHER

ARKANSAS STATE RED WOLVES LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 32-27

Arkansas State, third behind Louisiana-Lafayette and Texas State in the preseason poll, had two players on the Sun Belt Conference’s All-Preseason Team. David Owen, junior pitcher, was sixth in conference strikeouts, and Matt Burgess tallied 58 runs batted in, putting him 15th in the nation.

LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE RAGIN’ CAJUNS LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 58-10

Louisiana-Lafayette set a school record with 58 wins last year, and junior shortstop Blake Trahan, the 2015 Sun Belt Conference Preseason Player of the Year, is returning to the team. Trahan tallied a .455 on-base percentage along with 12 doubles, four home runs, two triples, 49 runs batted in and 58 runs last year.

TEXAS LONGHORNS LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 46-21

Texas, ranked sixth in the USA Today Coaches Poll, was one of three Big 12 teams to finish in the top five in earned run average and shutouts last year. Junior pitcher Parker French, who led the team in innings, assumes a lead role for a Longhorn team that gave up 2.25 runs per nine innings last year.

HOUSTON COUGARS LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 48-18 STAR FILE PHOTO

CORY GEISLER

Regardless of the ranking system one prefers, Houston is among the premier baseball programs in Division I. The Cougars are 11th in the USA Today Coaches Poll and third in Baseball America. Houston does not give an inch to opposing batters with 119 walks in 589.0 innings last year, the secondlowest rate in Division I.

JUNIOR PITCHER, OUTFIELD

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4 | The University Star | Wednesday, February 11, 2015

OPINIONS

UniversityStar.com

THE MAIN POINT

Range of skills crucial in post-graduation job hunt

RYAN JEANES STAR ILLUSTRATOR

C

ollege students of this generation must graduate with a multitude of skills instead of only having the specific knowledge of their concentration.

According to a Jan. 26 Washington Post article, 40 percent of college students tested on intellectual development and critical thinking did not meet standards set to reflect a professional baseline.

Students are graduating from col-

lege and realizing how little they actually learned.

College students must acquire as many skills as possible to be the people who swim instead of sink.

For most people, it’s unrealistic to graduate with the basic knowledge of a specific major and expect to get a job.

Learning a broad set of skills makes a person desirable to future employers. This tough economy

and job market demand the very best from people. Paying one person to do several different things makes better sense in this economy than having to pay several individuals.

Being good at a specific job is not as relevant if someone lacks the interviewing skills necessary to land the job. Being a journalism major, for example, is no longer just about writing. Good writers

will always be needed, but now industry hopefuls must also have a firm knowledge of the basics of social media, coding, networking and filming.

This generation was fortunate enough to grow up in the era of technology.

Understanding how Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat work is a skill older people are paying to learn. Making oneself into a successful marketable tool is about using prior knowledge.

If college graduates treat themselves as business models, it is easy to see why acquiring as many skills as possible is necessary. Getting a job means selling oneself to future employers, and the more assets added to the portfolio, the more the value increases.

According to a May 8, 2014 Slate article, 8.5 percent of students between the ages of 21 and 24 who graduated with a bachelor’s degree are unemployed.

Additionally, 44 percent of recent graduates aged 22 to 27 with a B.A. or higher are working in jobs that do not technically require bachelor’s degree.

The world is rough, and so is the job market. College can be a fun adventure, but students should take care not to forget the whole point is higher education. Banking on one specific thing and hoping it works out does not make sense.

Student should take control of their future by arming themselves with as many tools as they are able to carry. The wild jungle of job hunting is an unforgiving place for those unprepared to hustle. It’s better to be a jack-of-all-trades and have a broad set of skills than to be an unemployed master of one.

The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University.

JUST A MINDSET

Rivers Wright OPINIONS COLUMNIST @MonsieurRivers

D

isorders are nothing to laugh or joke about, but social anxiety should be viewed as a state of mind rather than a mental disorder.

Social anxiety has been labeled an actual disorder. This has caused more and more people to cry wolf and use it as a crutch to get out of normal activities such as presenting a speech in front of the class.

Having anxiety in college is understandable. Students must juggle tests and extracurricular activities in addition to preparing for the real world.

However, not being able to reach their full potential because of the fear of being scrutinized seems like more of an excuse than anything else.

I understand the haunting feeling of not being good enough. I often feel the empty pit of despair getting deeper and deeper as the dark thoughts of not being able to climb out this time begin.

I also know what I have to offer and what I am worth.

Being a journalist and having people criticize my writing because they do not agree with my opinion is hard to deal with. I have had moments of weakness when I did not want to do something because I thought I would be harshly judged or rejected. Funny enough, because I did not try, I was immediately rejected because I did not give myself a chance.

A REAL ISSUE

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), about 15 million people, mostly adults, suffer from social anxiety. This means 15 million people have an extreme case of shyness and live with a daily fear of being scrutinized.

Being a teenager and suffering from a form of social anxiety is plausible because teenage years are for growing and learning. Being an adult and still being in an overly anxious state of mind is something to be worked through and outgrown like a sweater from seventh grade.

Rejection and judgmental people are everywhere. People in tougher situations other than preparing for an interview or speech for class do not shy away from those circumstances. They do not give it a fancy scientific name and hide behind it. They push through and know they are stronger than what is being said about them.

I am not saying social anxiety is not a real disorder. I understand and accept people deal with social and performance situations in different manners.

Assuming and accepting criticism that may not even be there from the beginning is where the battle is lost.

Social anxiety also stems from being in a certain state of mind. Constantly being in a pessimistic mindset and accepting negative thoughts, fabricated or real, only feeds the beast of social anxiety. On the flip side, waking up every morning and starting it with confidence and positivity can easily snuff out the flame of self-doubt.

Some cases of social anxiety may need medical treatment, but most cases are less extreme than imagined.

Most cases only need a strong group of supportive friends who will be there to bring the light during a dark time to overcome what is a seemingly permanent disorder.

Greg Arellano OPINIONS COLUMNIST @GregGoneWild

S

TALK IT

OUT SOCIAL ANXIETY

tudents with social anxiety issues are constantly in a battle with themselves and their environment.

While today’s culture promotes a stigma against those with social anxiety, people should attempt to learn more about what it’s like to be in their shoes.

The line between introversion and agoraphobia (the fear of crowded and populated environments) can be blurry for those who have social anxiety. Along with a flurry of self-deprecating thoughts, people with social anxiety and agoraphobia may find themselves calculating a variety of ways to avoid risk factors that might put them over their limit.

To expect someone with severe social anxiety to just “get over it” and present their work in front of a class is not only extremely inconsiderate, it is a liability waiting to happen. If a student with social anxiety is forced to present a project in class, the fear of judgment after making a mistake before classmates can be debilitating and humiliating.

It can be frustrating to feel that some students are expected

—Rivers Wright is a journalism junior

to function at a higher level than other classmates. However, these students may possibly have a panic attack while presenting and feel too ashamed to return to class.

While these risks are present, most situations are nowhere near the same levels of anxiety felt by students who are unequipped with the skills society has demanded of them.

An alternative to the simple “suck-it-up” method could be that faculty request that students with intense social anxiety register with the Office of Disability Services or have the student provide some sort of psychologist’s or doctor’s note recommending abstention from presenting. This is a worthwhile course of action to consider as doing so could result in increased recognition and respect for students’ social anxiety conditions and put an end to unnecessary pressuring.

For students with social anxiety disorders, something as simple as physically being at school can take a toll on their psychological perspective. Despite this, they carry on class after class trying to get through the daily struggle of even the minutest social interactions.

Most of these students are trying to get past these self-perceived flaws by following their own path toward the socially fruitful atmosphere.

Students with social anxiety are facing a struggle and deserve encouragement and respect rather than judgment and demands. As fellow Bobcats, we should respect their need to keep their seat rather than to present their plights.

—-Greg Arellano is an electronic media sophomore

BLACK

HISTOR Y MON

TH

In honor of Black History Month, the Opinions section will spotlight a column written by one of The University Star's black staff members in each issue. The University Star hopes to showcase a variety of perspectives in the series dedicated to bringing issues in the black community to light.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

MN OLU

IVERSITY STAR C A UN

2015

‘Womanism’ provides support for black feminists

Imani McGarrell OPINIONS EDITOR @ImaniMcg

B

y this point in mainstream society most people have heard about and formed opinions on the feminist movement.

Feminism has come under attack for a variety of reasons as it

has re-emerged in the limelight.

The seeming disregard for black feminists within the movement is the one criticism amidst all of the complaints about manhating “feminazis” that has some merit.

The feminist movement, while championing equality between the sexes, often involves dismantling the current patriarchal systems of oppression holding everyone down. As far as feminism goes, the intersection between class and race is overlooked, which leaves out a whole section of brown folks vying for a place at the table.

It’s interesting that a movement meant to be so including often leaves out whole sections from the discussion. Thankfully,

The University Star Interim Editor-in-Chief...................................Nicole Barrios, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor....................Cameron Cutshall, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters................................................................................universitystar@txstate.edu News Editor..............................................Kelsey Bradshaw, starnews@txstate.edu Lifestyle Editor..........................................Britton Richter, starlifestyle@txstate.edu Opinions Editor.......................................Imani McGarrell, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor...........................................Madelynne Scales, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor........................................... Quixem Ramirez, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief.....................................Sam Hankins, starcopychief@txstate.edu

black women have a long history of carving out spaces for themselves in exclusionary environments. In regards to feminism, this space for black women is called “womanism.”

The basic departure between womanism and feminism is where males come into the picture. Womanism views black men as co-partners in the struggle for equality. Black men have never really had the opportunity to oppress black women in the way white men have to white women. Black men and women face different struggles but are essentially on the same level of oppression as far as inequality goes.

Many feel womanism is an unnecessary departure from femi-

nism. Those people are probably white. The feminist movement has done plenty of great things for women but often falls short of incorporating race and class into the conversation. White feminism is the same movement that loves Lena Dunham but disses Beyoncé.

I decided womanism was for me when I realized none of my feminist friends were even thinking about how race played into the discussions we were having. I pointed out all of the allowances they seemed to make for their white faves and question why those same ones were not extended to people like Nicki Minaj. I noticed the same trends extended in the larger mainstream and decided

to find something to better suit my needs.

The two movements do not have to combat each other or be mutually exclusive. Someone can be both a feminist and womanist and move forward fighting the good fight. As Alice Walker, African-American activist and poet, said, “Womanist is to feminist as purple is to lavender.”

Black women have always been systematically excluded from progress, and feminism is no exception. Instead of clawing for a seat at the table, black women have simply created their own.

—Imani McGarrell is a journalism junior

601 University Drive Trinity Building, Room 101 San Marcos, TX 78666

Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708

Design Editor...........................................Lauren Huston, stardesign@txstate.edu Assistant News Editor...................Carlie Porterfield, starasstnews@txstate.edu Account Executive............................................Hanna Katz, starad2@txstate.edu Account Executive.................................Morgan Knowles, starad4@txstate.edu Account Executive....................................Jamie Beckham, starad5@txstate.edu Media Specialist.......................................... Chris Salazar, c.salazar@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator...............................Kelsey Nuckolls, kjn16@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator........................................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...........................Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the spring and fall and every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

Copyright Wednesday, February 11, 2015. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy.

Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.

Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com

The University Star | Wednesday, February 11, 2015 | 5

LIFESTYLE

Twisted Rabbit Tattoo Co. welcomes popular rapper

By Jonathan Hamilton LIFESTYLE REPORTER @Jonodashham1 The Twisted Rabbit Tattoo Company welcomed legendary southern rapper Slim Thug Feb. 6 for a meet-and-greet with fans from San Marcos and surrounding areas.

Thug, whose real name is Stayve Thomas, is a Houston-based artist who gained mainstream attention for his collaborations with artists such as Beyoncé and Gwen Stefani. He won an MTV Video Music Award in 2006 for his appearance in Beyoncé’s smash hit “Check On It.” Thug and his entourage visited San Marcos to promote his fifth studio album, Hogg Life: The Beginning. Devoted fans filed into Twisted Rabbit to take advantage of the autograph-and-picture session with the artist.

Slim Thug visited with fans for almost two hours, laughing and joking with the supporters who helped him remain a popular presence in the music industry for over a decade.

Thug said he was overwhelmed by the amount of genuine appreciation he received.

“I met the people at Twisted Rabbit, and they are good people,” he said. “They have been showing me nothing but love. I would definitely come back.”

Co-owners Angel and Emily Chavez, share acquaintances with Slim Thug, who is a tattoo connoisseur himself. The husband and wife were overjoyed at the rapper’s arrival.

“It was surreal seeing him in here,” Angel said.

“He’s just a real genuine dude. He was so down-toearth.”

The Chavez’s sole focus since Twisted Rabbit’s grand opening in December has been making sure every person who walks through the door feels welcomed regardless of individual tattoo desires, Angel said.

“The most exciting thing comes at the end of the day when my husband and I look at Instagram and see all of the feedback,” Emily said. “I look at all of the girls that come in and tell me how much they love and appreciate my hospitality, and that does so much for me.”

Angel, who is originally from the east side of San Antonio, said growing up in poverty helped him to become the business owner he is today. His experiences have helped him understand the importance of not taking anything for granted.

Angel acknowledges he is in business to make money but is quick to point out income is not his only goal.

“I challenge myself to make sure my customers are always happy with the experience here whether they get a tattoo or just come by to check us out,” Angel said. “That is really all I am worried about.”

The Chavez’s said they share a deep appreciation for tattoos. They have a devotion to the art and hope to help spread love in the community.

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UniversityStar.com

Looking for a new show?

Better Call Saul!

By Mariah Simank ASSISTANT LIFESTYLE EDITOR @MariahSimank It was the show nobody wanted to see end, so the masterminds behind Breaking Bad invented a new beginning.

Since the shocking series finale in September 2013, fans have been patiently awaiting another fix from creator Vince Gilligan. Their answer came in the form of a two-part premiere on AMC Feb. 8 and 9 when the Breaking Bad spinoff Better Call Saul made its television debut.

The show flourishes on its own rather than trying to piggyback on the success of its predecessor as so many other spinoffs have done.

There are nods to Breaking Bad, of course, with guest appearances and even full-time roles from former cast members. The show also features a unique soundtrack and an-alltoo familiar camera technique.

However, the series’ creators are careful not to alienate viewers who may be tuning in for the first time, which suggests the show might be able to find its own path.

The premiere episode began with a black-and-white look into the future.

Saul Goodman is shown working at a Cinnabon in Omaha, Nebraska, some time after the events of Breaking Bad. He is balding and noticeably on edge while going through

the motions at work. At home, he pours himself a drink and puts in a VHS tape of his old television commercials, which ends with the familiar slogan “Better Call Saul!”

The show then jumps to roughly six years before Saul met Walter White. The viewer is introduced to Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk), a small-time Albuquerque lawyer trying to make ends meet by taking cases as a public defender. McGill, who hasn’t yet reinvented himself as Saul Goodman, is the focus of this new series.

He is broke without any clients and desperate as the bills begin to pile up.

A pair of skateboarding hustlers tries to cheat McGill out of $500 by staging an accident, and he sees an opportunity for some quick cash. He recruits the two teens to execute the same plot on one of his potential clients. Things go horribly awry, and Jimmy finds himself being pulled into Tuco’s (Raymond Cruz) house at gunpoint, a cliffhanger which was resolved in episode two. The psychotic drug dealer from the second season of Breaking Bad proves to be an exciting start to the show’s cycle of fate and bad decisions.

McGill’s actions in the second episode were painful to watch because the audience already knew after the first six minutes of the premiere the battle for his soul would ultimately be lost. Perhaps even more importantly, some view-

The Student Publications Board of the Texas State School of Journalism and Mass Communication is conducting an all-campus open petitioning process to select a student as Editor-in-Chief of The University Star. Term begins one week following the final issue of 2015 Spring Semester publication schedule. Applicants must be available to serve the entire term of the appointment. Each applicant is asked to complete a written petition, which is subsequently screened by members of the student publications board.

The board will interview qualified candidates for the position. The student publications board includes the journalism sequence coordinator in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, the assistant director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and a member of the print medium who is selected by the director of student publications. The director of student publications and the current editor-in-chief serve as ex officio members for the committee.

Minimum Qualifications To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in at least nine hours each semester during the term of office. Students graduating in the final semester of the appointment (Spring Semester 2016) may be enrolled in fewer hours as long as they meet graduation requirements. Applicants must have worked in a professional editorial environment, or have served as a section editor at a university student newspaper.

Students of all majors and classifications, including graduate students, may petition for the position. Applicants must be in good academic standing with the university when submitting an application. An overall minimum 2.5 grade-point average is required for application consideration.

ers are familiar with his story’s entire final act. Knowing all of this made me wonder: has the show already revealed too much of the story? It may be too soon to know for sure, but if the first two episodes are any indication, there is no need to panic.

Odenkirk demonstrates his immense skills as an actor yet again. Gilligan and co-creator Peter Gould portrayed Jimmy as an impressive lawyer who pleads his case in front of the camera almost as frequently as he does toward a judge or jury.

The character that was often used in small doses for comic relief during Breaking Bad develops into a desperate man trying to make ends meet for himself and his older brother Chuck (Michael McKean).

Chuck is a far more successful lawyer at the distinguished Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill firm. He is out on an extended leave of absence while battling an unnamed psychological condition that prevents him from leaving his house but intends on making a full recovery.

Two episodes in, Better Call Saul has taken some of the best aspects of Breaking Bad and used them to its advantage. The writing is dark but funny at the right times, and the acting is superb. Old characters make it familiar, while the plethora of new faces gives the show an identity of its very own.

Term of Office Term of office begins following the final publication of the Spring 2015 semester and runs through the Spring 2016 semester. Applicants must be able to serve the entire term of office in order to be considered for the position. A salary is paid during the term of office.

Petitioning Process A written petition is to be completed by each applicant.

This petition consists of questions to determine an applicant’s qualifications in journalism academics and management. A letter of interest must be included with the formal application. The letter should address personal characteristics addressing reasons the applicant is qualified for the position. Applicants, certified as qualified by the student publications board, will be interviewed. The board will select the editor-in-chief.

Petitioning Deadlines Applications for the position will be due by noon, Wednesday April 1 to the Director of Student Publications, Trinity Building, Room 107. People interested in petitioning should sign a candidacy list in Trinity, Room 107 and acquire an information package. Qualified applicants will be notified and interviews will be scheduled beginning April 13. Selection of the editor-in-chief will be made shortly after interviews have been completed for the position. Formal assumption of duties will begin one week after the final newspaper of the Spring Semester is published.

The University Star Mission

PACKETS AVAILABLE: March 2, noon; Trinity, Room 107

The editor is the primary student editorial administrator for The University Star and has authority in all personnel matters and makes the final decision regarding news, sports, feature, photo, Web and opinion content. The editor determines daily operation guidelines, provides a role model for professional behavior, delegates operational authority and fulfills policies and procedures as determined by the student publications board and faculty adviser. The editor oversees meetings and handles personnel problems, evaluates all copy and artwork for each publication. The editor-in-chief is responsible for hiring, properly training and supervising all members of the editorial board. The editor-in-chief promotes relations between the publication, the community and campus organizations. The editor-in-chief is also the voice of the publication with the community.

DEADLINE: Wednesday, April 1; noon; Trinity, Room 107 INTERVIEWS: April 13

6 | The University Star | Advertisement | Wednesday, February 11, 2015

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