UWC-USA
Literati Issue I
September 26, 2016
Avital Balwit Josh May Philip Jaeggi-Wong Andy Pavey Amanda Padden Priyav Chanda
The Man Who Was StuCo and Why He Left First I would like to say that I was planning on leaving STUCO before Deeva did. [2]
Lucy Stefanova Jang Belche
What Does Leadership Look Like? Inside this issue: Christian Morales 2 Hugh Somerset
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North Carolina
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North Korea
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Botswana
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Las Vegas
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Flipside
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The pillars to effective leadership are awareness, charisma and efficiency. [5]
Inside the World’s Most Secret State Q: How hard is the process to visit North Korea? Because I‟m from China is generally easier. [7]
The Legal Way to Rig Elections
Africa’s Missed Opportunity
In 1776, Thomas Jefferson composed the phrase, “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…” [6]
Having achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, Botswana boasted nothing fanciful other than a high ranking on the list of the world‟s poorest countries. [9]
How Outlaws Ruined Las Vegas “Without exception there was no town which harbored a more disreputable gang of desperadoes, and outlaws than did Las Vegas.” [11]
Utterly Without Copulation Roomies gone. Door locked. Smooth jazz plays in the background. The girl and the boy move closer on the bed. Suddenly, he leans in. She pulls away and says, "I can't, we have to wait just a few more weeks." [13]
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The Man Who Was StuCo and Why He Left
Andy Pavey
An Interview with Christian Morales Q: Your departure from UWC-USA's STUCO was shocking, especially to your co-years, many of whom regarded you as the heart and soul of the organization. But your resignation also dealt a massive blow to the credibility of the already faltering Student Council. Barring sentiment, is STUCO an organization worth maintaining at UWC? To answer this question, one must ask where the current STUCO members as a whole would like to take STUCO. If it wants to go on the path that is being called “the right side of the spectrum�, which deals with controversial topics, then I say no. I say this because (now) 10 students, who are to represent 235 students to decide on how policies should be changed, that were originally thought out and decided by administration, is biting more than STUCO can chew at this time. However, if they decide on doing things like taking charge of organizing events, or being in charge of whatever nomination process that either administration or students ask for, then yes, STUCO should stay. This opinion, I believe, is coming from my experience in Student Council in my old high school where we were solely in charge of annual events such as school dances or fundraisers and things worked out just fine. But, this is no ordinary high school. Q: STUCO has been experiencing something of an "identity crisis" this year. If it were to remain operational, what function should STUCO fulfill? Similar to the answer to the previous question, I feel that STUCO should have a role as a group of students that are in charge of making sure that the basic ways of life on campus are satisfying. For example, improving the laundry room by adding permanent baskets for which students may put others students clothing when they are done but there is no basket on top of the machine, adding a swing for relaxation, or holding social events on the weekend such as field days like last year. Q: Freedom of information is a hotly debated topic on the global political stage - and on our campus. How much access should the Student Council have to administrational files and reports? Is this information vital to the function of STUCO? I believe that STUCO should be informed on topics such as purchases or projects that are made and done for the campus. For example, why is there
Issue I
a water fountain next to the welcome center? Things like that. But topics regarding the privacy of students should be kept to administration which is understandable. Another example that can be used is the timetable. The students last year were not consulted at all for the timetable reconstruction, except for deciding on whether or not we should have break, but I believe something such as that should be communicated thoroughly with all the students, explaining the reasoning of the changes, like for example, one reason was that our TOK hours were lower than where we should be and that the validity of the school was at risk of being stripped of being an IB school, thus a change was imminent. Q: Your decision to leave STUCO must have been highly nuanced and complex. What were the factors under consideration, and what ultimately caused you to step down? First I would like to say that I was planning on leaving STUCO before Deeva did. I was seeing that things were a little slow and the 6 members (including myself) of serving the second half of their term were truly affected by the events and criticism of last year. Though, being the small optimist that I am, I still had hope. That‟s when Martina had asked us to run the nomination process for the UWC Congress. I saw this as an opportunity to redeem ourselves from last year, -- that it was possible if we showed that we were not corrupt or show any fear of being corrupt, which was an argument when deciding if STUCO should take on the task of running the nominations. This nomination process was one that was discussed more than it should have, and that was when Deeva had stepped down, beating me in leaving STUCO but for entirely different reasons. That is when I felt one of the pillars of STUCO had fallen when we lost Deeva. I commend her for her charisma and energy she would bring to our meetings but every candle burns out at some point. Given this statement, I decided to stay longer in STUCO. Once the nomination process was done, our focus in our meetings was dissolving STUCO, which came about from me. I was in support of this which some of my peers may find surprising but I had come to this opinion based on STUCO‟s past (and by past I mean from 2004 to now) and the way that we were being taken into consideration by administration which was no consideration at all because, a budget of $500 dollars that we could spend freely on how we deemed worthy was actually $0. However, the main reason that I left STUCO and the one that I posted to the public was that I was so invested to STUCO, that other areas of focus, which personally I do not feel comfortable in sharing were not going the way I would like them to. Also, I was getting angry and annoyed not only from a revolution that Deeva was indirectly starting against STUCO but by the endless arguing with one another in STUCO meetings. I loved STUCO, I loved the work that I did which were STUCO Minutes and loved answering to the needs of those who asked, and I do not use the word “love” lightly but I truly mean it when I say it. I had passion in STUCO. But my patience had reached its end and I no longer could take STUCO further than what I had done last year. Some peers tell me that they worry that I left STUCO because I felt that
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I was not being appreciated for my work but this is totally not the case. Even if I wasn‟t being appreciated or given thanks, I would not have stopped working so hard in STUCO because I care about this community as much as I care about my own family. I am just doing what I believe I should be doing which is serving others and trying to put a smile on someone‟s face every day. I felt sad that I left but I know that I made a good decision for myself and realized that I won‟t stop caring about this community for the same reason as to why I entered STUCO which is to serve those around me. Q: Do you have any words for the voices of dissent in the community? Do you believe their frustration is justified? These are dark times when speaking about issues concerning the lives of students on campus. But do not let these dark times cloud you of your vision of the beautiful moon. Do not be fooled by artificial lights, planes and helicopters. Look closer and find the stars around you. But don‟t just look for them, chase them. Don‟t just point, but run with them! Become one of those stars and not only that but become shooting stars. STUCO can‟t do everything by themselves. They are always considering ways to improve this campus and they understood when becoming part of this group that they would be doing something of noble cause. But they are not super beings. They too, struggle with the IB, with Ex-Eds, with being away from home where they would be with their beloved families, yet they took on the challenge to balance all that and make sure that life on campus will run smoother for all you to enjoy and feel that you are in safe and caring hands. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Q: Finally, what advice would you give to the remaining STUCO members as they face growing criticism and narrowing odds? How can they return STUCO to its former glory? I will tell them, “that the odds and criticism should not bother you one bit. You know very well that you care about this community so much that it is why you ran in the first place to become a STUCO member. You are not there for power, fame or glory but you are there because you feel that you are the right group to do the job. If it means anything, I couldn‟t be prouder to have worked beside you in STUCO and now having seen how you can take STUCO even further based on the recent STUCO minutes, I see a bright future. Always remember, if the boat won‟t come to you, then swim to the boat and what I mean by that is go to your fellow students, ask them how are they? What can you do to make them feel comfortable? What can YOU do to make UWC-USA stand out from the rest of all other UWCs. I wish the best of luck, though I know you all will do just fine.”
Issue I
What Does Leadership Look Like?
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Avital Balwit
A Talk with StuCo Member Hugh Somerset Q: When you think of effective leadership or successful governance, what comes to mind? The pillars to effective leadership are awareness, charisma and efficiency. Leaders who understand not only what the followers want but would benefit from have a good start. The ability to inspire confidence and faithful support goes a long way. Then eventually, things need to happen under the leadership, goals met, targets reached, dreams fulfilled. Itâ€&#x;s also nice to have benevolent leadership with no private agendas, add that in and we have the recipe for good stuff happening. Q: Do you think a student government should behave in the same way, or do the obligations differ due to the differing level of power and influence? Awareness, charisma, efficiency and benevolence? Those are definitely adjectives you want to associate with a student government regardless of power and influence. Perhaps it is not different behaviour that should be expected from a student government but a difference in conduct and behaviour given its leadership position. How do you believe StuCo is or is not fulfilling this ideal? StuCo this year is new, though some may be skeptical I would take the liberty to say StuCo has gone through a moderate extreme makeover. It is new because half the members are different this year, half the student body represent is different and even particular faculty members we are interacting with are different. Last year, though my perception of StuCo was as an outsider, I did not feel StuCo fulfill my little ideals or perhaps their own. However we have a new year, new energy and a new route forwards. The key to this year in StuCo is communication and more communication, effective, transparent and a lot of it. Communication invites our student body to observe our work and encourages the contribution of opinion and ideas; it leads to stronger understanding between StuCo and faculty and staff; it will then, (fingers crossed), lead to the efficiency and tangible achievements that we have been looking for. Are we fulfilling the ideals for a student government in terms of behavior? I give us a thumbs up. Are we fulfilling the ideals for a student government in terms of accomplishment? Exeds only started two weeks ago.
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Hugh, what do you hope to see from the student body in the coming months? Only a few things could please me more than seeing our student body actively and critically following StuCo. Please, question whether or not StuCo is effective or even needed. However, what could also go really far is support of StuCo‟s effort. Help us help you, fill that suggestion box to the brim, reply to those Google surveys, stay up to date with our task list and videos. We are reaching for that an ideal student government, what a fantastic boost it would be to have ideal student support.
The Legal Way to Rig Elections
Amanda Padden
In 1776, Thomas Jefferson composed the phrase, “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…” thus creating a crucial component of the American democracy. Each year, voters visit the polls and select the candidates they feel best represent their opinions. Though this right is imperative to the functioning of the democracy, it has been constantly challenged and restricted since its creation. Voting rights were once limited to white men. Eventually, women and minorities were granted the right too, however, the governments of southern states attempted to derail the vote of black Americans with poll taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation. In today‟s world, state governments still control the vote using a different tactic: gerrymandering. Every two years, Americans across the country elect members to the United States House of Representatives. Each state is divided into electoral districts, which individually elect representatives. This alone seems practical, as it ensures that the varying opinions of different regions have the opportunity to be heard. However, when the practice of gerrymandering occurs, the controlling party of a state redraw the district lines to minimize the voting power of a specific group. Demographics that traditionally vote Republican or Democrat are shoved together into a few districts, allowing them to elect as few members as possible of a specific party to the House. North Carolina is the epitome of gerrymandering. For years, the party with the clear majority in the North Carolina state government has drawn district lines to give them the best advantage. Both Democrats and Republicans are guilty of gerrymandering in North Carolina. The problem has come under serious criticism of late, after North Carolina was ordered by a panel of three judges in February to redraw the electoral districts, as they found the first and twelfth congressional districts to be unconstitutionally gerrymandered. District 12 resembled a skinny river, sloping southwest,
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while District 1 reached to both the coast and the middle of the state. With these districts, minority voters were slammed together, dramatically minimizing the impact of their votes. Out of the thirteen electoral districts in North Carolina, only three elected Democrats: the first, twelfth, and fourth districts. This fact has the potential to be grossly unrepresentative of North Carolina, given its “purple” nature. According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, as of 2016, 39.8% of voters are registered Democrats, 30.3% are registered Republicans, and 29.9% are either registered Libertarians or are unaffiliated. Yet somehow, over three-quarters of North Carolina‟s representatives in the House are Republicans. Following this, a second panel of federal judges found electoral districts used to elect the North Carolina General Assembly to be wrongfully gerrymandered based on race. Again, North Carolina must create a new map of voting districts so that everyone‟s voices can be heard. With gerrymandering, state governments are infringing on the constitutional rights of demographics all over the country. The practice occurs throughout the United States, in both blue and red states. Due to its profound impact on the outcomes of elections, many have called for independent commissions, separate from the state government, to create the electoral districts. Six states have done so, finding that it results in districts where elections are much more competitive. Until the other forty-four follow suit, gerrymandering will continue to sway elections and restrict the right Thomas Jefferson penned over two centuries ago.
Inside the World’s Most Secret State
Lucy Stefanova
Have you ever felt like something prevents you from being yourself? Have you ever felt like there are too many irrelevant rules? Have you ever felt afraid of expressing your opinions and ideas? If so, you will understand how some free spirited people in North Korea feel. As we all know, in North Korea the rules are very strict. This is the country where blue jeans and driving are banned. “Rules are made to be broken” is a popular phrase, but what if your life depends on that? Life without any rules would be a chaos. But what if the rules do not respect your human rights? Not cool, right? Just to know more about the atmosphere in North Korea and how does it really feels to be there, I‟m interviewing Shuyuan Shi - a UWC-USA second year student from China. Q: So Shuyuan tell us, why did you decide that you wanted to visit North Korea?
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North Korea is a really mysterious country for most people, right? So I think first it was because of curiosity. And I‟ve also seen a lot of documentaries describing how the people are miserable and the government is super centralized. So I really wanted to go and explore it by myself and to see how it actually is. Q: How hard is the process to visit North Korea? Because I‟m from China is generally easier. It wasn‟t really that hard, but the only thing is that when we were in the train, expect them to check your visa, and they also open your backpacks and check your phone and for every book I brought they wanted to make sure that I didn‟t bring anything that is not allowed to -- such as books that contain things from South Korea or USA that can kind of liberate people‟s mind there. So I actually saw they picked away some others people books, fortunately didn‟t take anything of mine. Q: How did your friends and parents react when you told them that you were planning to visit this country? My parents were worried actually because of the stereotypical thinking. Everyone thinks North Korea is a really dangerous country, like if you say something against the government you just get cut so they were worried, but I was going with a group of people so they let me go. My friend were like “Oh that is so cool!” *laughing* Q: Considering your personal observations, do you think the citizens there are happy? Yes, I actually think they are. When I talked to the local people, because I speak a bit Korean, I felt like they take this as a religion and they have so many rituals to worship it and they have a really strong patriotic feeling and they appreciate what the government gives them and they are really happy to pay back the government in a way. Q: Can you share an experience that impressed/surprise you the most during your stay there? Something that I found really surprising was when one day I went to the massage place in the hotel and when I was talking with the massage woman and my accent is totally South Korean but she actually said to me “Oh, your accent is so cute” and she told me that she would like to go to South Korea if she got the chance, but unfortunately the government doesn‟t allow it and she also told me that she really would love to sent her son to study in USA. And that actually really surprised me because people are not
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that isolated from the world even that they don‟t have WI-FI, TV, they don‟t have “window to the world” but they are really talkative and liberal in a way they say „‟I would like to visit US‟‟ and stuff like this. Q: What is your biggest advice for a person who is planning to visit North Korea? Just don‟t bring too much of the stereotypes because you may find is quite different but also do not expect too. And also, be very careful what you bring. Thanks for this interview, Shuyuan.
Africa’s Missed Opportunity
Priyav Chanda
Botswana's Pathway To Riches Having achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, Botswana boasted nothing fanciful other than a high ranking on the list of the world‟s poorest countries. Stricken by poverty and ridden with crime, the nation‟s unsteady political and economic structure propagated only uncertainty and doubt among the distraught yet hopeful citizens. But wasn’t this expected? Although the purpose of British imperialism was economically-driven and not to repress the citizens of Botswana, the ruthlessness with which the Brits exploited Botswana‟s resources left several unprecedented effects -- namely, a nation unable to get back on its feet, thousands of square miles of unproductive land, and a society so damaged that the inhabitants didn't have the motivation to get back to rebuilding the country. Clearly, the nation was in an undesirable position, but a miraculous discovery was bound to occur… While Britain had taken advantage of the geographical location of Botswana and the vast resources attached to it, they failed to satisfy their predictions of the locations of diamond mines -- and without much success, decided on renouncing their annexation in Botswana, thus granting independence to the nation. Mere months later, ambitious citizens of Botswana embarked on a largescale treasure-hunt to find the diamond mines imagined by the British. Inspired by the initial prediction of the Brits, these curious and optimist citizens worked tooth and nail for a far-sighted goal that may have not even existed. Lo and behold… An abundance of mines about 100 miles north of Gaborone were found --
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giving Botswana a much-needed boost to prosperity. The over-abundance of diamonds, coupled with a history of disciplined leaders gives it a strong foothold in not only Southern Africa, but also in all of the African continent, and today, after years and years of developing a steady infrastructure, Botswana stands as one of the most stable economies in the world. But the big question is whether or not Botswana has fully exercised its potential -can more be done? If so, why hasn't it been done? While the diamond industry creates jobs and brings much-needed income into the economy, the industry isn‟t really sustainable. Diamonds are a luxury and can be bought at leisure, but they are not a necessity -- individual entities like corporations aren‟t ever obliged to supply diamonds because they know that during recessions or depressions customers, too, won‟t feel the need to buy diamonds. The fact is that global traders have a window of possibility to toy around with prices offered for diamonds, especially given the lack of economic diversification. As such, Botswana is bound to suffer if a global-powerhouse such as the United States decides not to purchase diamonds -- as there is a degree of dependence that Botswana beckons. It‟s the same story with tourism. Botswana boasts beautiful parks and deltas, which attracts many millions of tourists every year -- but again, tourism is a luxury and not a necessity. Who would want to go to Botswana for vacation if their pockets are getting empty? Botswana needs to diversify and develop industries that supply necessities over luxuries, but it ultimately boils down to more diversification of economic goods and services. Livestock are abundant, so why not find a way to develop industry centered around livestock? Leather, for example, can be used in shoes. So why not start up shoe factories as opposed to sending the leather to Italy, where factories produce expensive leather shoes using Botswana‟s leather and then sell them back to Botswana for 10x the worth? If the country is copious in beef, why do we send it to South Africa, who rely on us for it -- who then produce it into popular beef jerky? Why are we outsourcing to them when we can start up our own factories? We can, but we need the government to take initiative... The possibilities for diversification are endless -- the government must step up and realize that, despite the comfortable position of Botswana on a global scale, more can be done. Instead of being complacent, be proactive, and instead of simply accepting the process as it is, CHANGE IT! A failed government to me is a government that doesn‟t recognize that MORE CAN BE DONE. And more can be done, Botswana.
Issue I
How Outlaws Ruined Las Vegas
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Jang Belche
“Without exception there was no town which harbored a more disreputable gang of desperadoes, and outlaws than did Las Vegas.” - Ralph Emerson Twitchell, historian On the 4th of July, 1879, Santa Fe Trail got a new railway station in Las Vegas. It was a pivotal moment in the history of a small town, forever changing its destiny. Before that time, Las Vegas was barely known as a small village of settlers. After the arrival of the Santa Fe Trail, everything changed. Though the town was not as well known as other Wild West towns, such as Dodge City, Deadwood or Tombstone, Las Vegas is said to have been the worst of the worst of the Old West. Las Vegas began booming, economically and politically. By that time, the Santa Fe Trail was being traveled frequently. This allowed entrepreneurs to send their wares westward while the enterprising Las Vegas traded eastward. For travelers along this rustic path, Las Vegas was a welcome site. The town provided whiskey and women, which were in high demand from traders, pioneers and prospectors. The Santa Fe Trail offered jobs, so the many town merchants prospered during this time, their numbers growing to over 1,000 by 1860. During the next two decades, its population quadrupled as it established itself as a major center of trade. This boom brought legitimate business, but also introduced dangerous elements into the town‟s environment. Outlaws, murderers and thieves became so common that parts of Las Vegas became utterly lawless. Names like Doc Holliday, Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp, Rattlesnake Sam, Durango Kid and more made their mark in Las Vegas. According to Dan K. Phillips‟ online blog, there were 29 men killed in and around Las Vegas during the year following the arrival of the railway. They were all either murdered outright, shot in self-defense, or hung. Townspeople soon tired of the escapades of the lawless conditions of their city and took matters in their own hands. The Las Vegas Optic on April 8, 1880 posted this notice: TO MURDERERS, CONFIDENCE MEN, THIEVES: "The citizens of Las Vegas have tired of robbery, murder, and other crimes that have made this town a byword in every civilized community. They have resolved to put a stop to crime, if in attaining that end they have to forget the law and resort to a speedier justice than it will afford. All such characters are therefore, hereby notified, that they must either leave this town or conform themselves to the requirements of law, or they will be summarily dealt with. The flow of blood must and shall be stopped in this community,
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and the good citizens of both the old and new towns have determined to stop it, if they have to HANG by the strong arm of FORCE every violator of the law in this country. " Soon after this notice, the outlaws left for new locations to haunt. Many, like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, traveled to Tombstone, Arizona, to begin new lives. Billy the Kid was killed near Fort Sumner, NM, and his index finger was sent in a jar to a Las Vegas newspaper. The newspaper, the Las Vegas Optic, reported about the incident: "It [his finger] is well-preserved in alcohol and has been viewed by many in our office today. If the rush continues we shall purchase a small tent and open a side show to which complimentary tickets will be issued to our personal friends." The criminality seemed to be over, however, it wasnâ€&#x;t entirely done. Lawlessness continued in Las Vegas, though it was just not so apparent to the townâ€&#x;s citizens. Booming enterprise (and the crime rate) settled down with the times, and eventually the town calmed in 1898. And, with almost poetic irony , Las Vegas became far less appealing to the outlaws, traders, and explorers that made it popular in the first place.
Issue I
Utterly Without Copulation
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Flipside 1
Roomies gone. Door locked. Smooth jazz plays in the background. The girl and the boy move closer on the bed. Suddenly, he leans in. She pulls away and says, "I can't, we have to wait just a few more weeks." This isn't an amish TV drama, it's the southwest studies rule. The SWS rule is the unwritten code of morality that each year the second year class subjects themselves to. It's a mutual decision to hold off hooking up and other illicit activities with the first years until after the week of Southwest Studies/ Survival Week. When the firsties rolled off the bus of course there was some internal catcalling going on, maybe a bit of "Oh god are the firsties that much prettier than we are," but we assume this happens every year (at least that's what we tell ourselves to feel better). But the firsties don't deserved to be catcalled, internally or externally, they just deserve a chance to find their goddamn feet. They've been shipped over thousands of miles and dumped in an amazing, but very strange and at times overwhelming place. The last thing they need is a bunch of sketchy second years pawing at them. We seem cool. And no, we aren't just making this stuff up, we know this because we thought all of this about our own second years. And yes, you might be the same age as us or maybe older even, but we still have more knowledge about the inner workings of this place. We know this system, and yeah in a way that gives us an edge. We seem knowledgeable, well established, we have our patterns and our friend groups, and we know who we are here. But last year this time, we had nothing figured out. So why shouldn't we go around hooking up with firsties? It's an abuse of position, (or positions really) because whether we deserve it or not their is some power that comes with being a second year. Firsties, this isn't to say that second years have bad intentions. The majority of people here are incredibly kind. A lot of the damage that comes with pre SWS hookups is unintentional ( they end up defining you before you've gotten a chance to define yourself, you are spending so much time with them that you aren't making many new friends), yet they still can change your experience here. And as far as the Southwest studies rule goes with substances -- don't even go there. If you want to get kicked out in week three, that's your business, but don't drag first years into that just yet. They deserve a chance to get to know this place before anyone buys them a plane ticket home.
Literati - Issue I
UWC-USA
Please UWC, remain in inter class "reproductive isolation" as Ben Gillock puts it for just a bit longer. And second years, congratulations on the fact that you are unique enough to voluntarily create this moral code -- now just stick to it. Second years, it's two damn weeks left. You can do it. Zip back up your pants, unlock that door, and chill out. First years, take this opportunity to discover more about this place, about your classmates, and who you want to be here. Don't worry, there will still be plenty of time for "international relations" later in the year. Flipside 1
Contact the Editors: avital.balwit@uwc-usa.org josh.may@uwc-usa.org philip.jaeggi-wong@uwc-usa.org
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