On Dit Issue 85.11 by On Dit

On Dit

Issue 85.11

~ On Di t ~

The year is nearly over but feel free to send your ideas/ work to onditmag@gmail.com

Editorial

~ On Di t ~

here is a recurring joke amongst the editors where we rank our editions like we would Radiohead albums. It’s a lame joke, but in this penultimate issue of our editorship, we can only promise more highbrow content to see you through the end of the year. It’s a quick thrill, an evergreen gag that keeps us going in the fast-paced, media frenzy. We chuckle at the idea that we’re even comparing On Dit to multi-platinum, award winning albums and there is good reason why they’re still selling records, 25 years on. The year has zipped right by and we’re now in the gruelling stages of assignments and ‘preparing’ for SWOT. You should definitely take a break from it by joining us on the 27 October for ‘Summer Daze’ an end of year celebration by the Arts Students Association and yours truly. Don’t forget, if things get too tough, make sure to seek out professional help via Student Care and Counselling. Slow down, breathe! It’s crazy to think about how On Dit has changed from its humble beginnings 85 years ago. In under a decade, online media has cemented its position as an expected core function of student media. This year we have published 80 articles on news and events online at the time of writing this. When a lot of ‘journalism’ is now focussed of dead flower flat-lays, drone videos over the city and novelty columns by tory teens in TaroCash, it is sometimes difficult to filter through and find pieces of actual news that affect ‘you’. We craft the stories from the dingy basement, interviewing, researching, asking legal advice, and then

wait for it to reach the masses. It is a roller coaster of emotions reviewing the likes/reacts, comments and shares. Highlights from the discourse include “on dit is petty for writing negative stories” when reporting on misconduct by a university club, or “stop telling us how to vote!” in the most unethical, superfluous survey ever conducted “no one fucking cares” on reports about sexual harassment on campus. These comments, while they rocked us, never derail what is important. We don’t do things that are trendy -hell, On Dit doesn’t even have a freaking website - we do it because of you. In this issue, our writers have researched, drafted, re-wrote and interviewed to bring you stories that is important in their world. And we are proud as punch to publish commentary on economics, politics, marriage equality, mental health and more. These stories are the stories shaping your magazine, the ‘university experience’ and what it’s like being a young person in a seemingly dark, dystopian world. You might not necessarily agree with this, so write to us if you’ve got a hotter take: you’ve got one more issue to do so. Sometimes, the media is a dick-swinging contest, where your ‘success’ is measured by the number of likes. Sometimes, it’s just about publishing the poem you wrote while you were bored in class. We appreciate both sides of the coin equally. Yours, Jenny, Tom, and Jesse.

OUTSTANDING QUALITY PRINTERS FOR ALL YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS For all your Limited Edition Prints, Brochures & Catalogues, Booklets & Flyers, Books, Magazines, Calendars, Postcards, Stationery, Self-adhesive Stickers, Packaging, Posters & Point of Sale…

CALL 8443 8011

GRAPHIC PRINT GROUP: REAL PEOPLE, REAL SOLUTIONS.

~ On Di t ~

On Dit

Contents Editorial

State of Union

SRC President

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On

Vox Pop

Left, Right, and Centre

Cover Art

Montgommer y Do-Wyeld

Articles

Editors Tom Haskell, Jesse Davidson, and Jenny Nguyen

Contact

A Little Respect

Self Care

University Council changes

Angela Short Interview

Lettice and Lovage Review

Econ-Dit

We r e c o g n i s e t h a t t h e K a u r n a Pe o p l e

Cultural Cringe

are the traditional land-owners and

Big Data Knows You Best

custodians of the Adelaide plains

Catalonia: First Jenga Block of Spain

Freedom for All

Not The Fringe of Society

Flongus Pongus Reviews

Abstract Comics

Ranstpace

Poetry

Bertie Beetle Surprise-

ondit@adelaide.edu.au

Ngaldu tampinthi Kaurna miyurna yarta mathanya Wa m a Ta r n t a n y a k u

~ On Di t ~

STATE OF THE UNION Words by AUU Board President Brodie Scott

In all honesty as your board president for 2017, I write to say this year comes to an end with many students still not aware of our union, what we do for the wider student body or actively participating in how it functions. That’s troubling, to say the least, for a student-led organisation. In every column I have devoted time to talk about what is here for all of us to access, and to recognize the meaningful work and quality in the services, facilities and community we work to foster. Despite this and every effort by our hardworking staff to combat a lack of recognition or awareness, the Union has been out of sight and out of mind for many students and behind the times in crucial areas that are shifting constantly. Overall, this difficulty to adapt and grow comes down to the failure of a specific agenda by the political students. This was a year that saw over-politicised factions with state and federal ambitions grandstanding on issues that didn’t meaningfully or directly affect us on campus; where individuals and groups from them relied on creating as much political drama as possible, too proud to create or mediate solutions, and wouldn’t put aside irrational hostilities. What they declared was a tide of change last year has resulted in a complete failure by them to make a difference. Rather than helping to solve the problem of bringing the organisation forward through professionalism, they demanded with a shrill cry for the tide to

go backwards. When they declared they were holding others accountable, they never looked to their own actions or performance. The result in September, the highest for any team in history, confirms to everyone a basic reality we deal with in a disruptive era - if the union must move forward, everything must change. Progress, the team I’m a member of, ran this year in the elections to remove factional politics and non-student issues from the union, and to bring the focus back to students. We spent our time on the ground talking about what this body could do for students that was real and deliverable, in multiple languages with international students and as part of a multicultural and multi-campus effort. 2017 might be ending but the work of 2018 is already ahead of us and the union’s staff members, who though may share different viewpoints at times, will continue to put aside political differences to fulfill the mandate given to them by students. My predictions for next year will be the modernisation of student media, with radio branching out into foreign language programming, inter-campus content and podcasts. There will be a massive expansion in video content for On Dit TV. Clubs, the subject I wrote about throughout the year, will see heavily increased funding, and the SRC will finally directly involve itself in campus life. Most of all, student politics will lose much of its pointless antagonism, and everyone finally may see the union for the work it does.

~ On Di t ~

SRC PRESIDENT Words by SRC President Mark Pace

It’s been a busy return to classes, with final

Councils is growing increasingly limited: agendas

assessments looming, engie bbq for the term

and reports are kept confidential with little

over, and 20 people accosting students to

exception, observers are often refused entry at

support them in the upcoming University Council

meetings without a rigorous vetting process prior,

elections/ It can become quite a stressful time

and in some extreme cases council members are

of year, so why not check out the SRC’s Stress

strictly prohibited from contacting other council

Less day on the 25th of October at the Barr Smith

members.

Lawns & Mayo Cafe.

The proposed changes in South Australia

Well what is University Council? It’s the

see councils of 21 members (11 elected, and 10

most senior governing body at the University of

appointed), reduced to 16 members (6 elected, 10

Adelaide which overlooks all major decisions of

appointed) and would directly cut the number of

the university community, including the recent

elected staff and students on council.

selection of our new Vice Chancellor Peter

This decision is particularly disencouraging as

Rathjen. Legislation has recently passed the State

a sector-wide approach to students as partners

Parliament that decreases the number of elected

is endorsed, which encourages students to play

staff, and students on University Councils at both

an active role in university decision making. We

Adelaide and Flinders University.

know students are their own specialists, and when

The State Government’s decision follows a

trained and equipped with the tools to engage in

nationwide trend of universities lobbying their

these decision making bodies we can provide

respective state governments to legislate smaller

insights

governing bodies comprised densely of university

could never provide.

management,

external

stakeholders

management and external stakeholders, with a

With nominations for University Council

small minority of staff and student representatives,

closing on the 25th of October, there’s already

if any. Management and external stakeholders

been a large cohort of students engaged and

have only one goal on University Council: to

interesting in running for elections. With only one

corporatise universities and fatten profits at the

undergraduate and postgraduate representative,

expense of a quality education for students.

it’s vital students engage and vote for candidates

Nationwide, the transparency of University

that will represent you until 2020.

~ On Di t ~

N? O S ’ T A WH Echoes: Zephyr Quartet at Z Ward Project Glenside Hospital Heritage and the National Trust of South Australia will be hosting the Zephyr Quartet for a special springtime performance. The local string quartet will be performing an eclectic program of music inspired by film, theatre, and poetry at the former site for mental criminal defectives, the Z Ward. Where: Z Ward, Glenside When: 29 October

ESN End of Semester Cocktail Party Calling all Erasmus students to celebrate a year of ‘P gets Degrees’ grades, coffee crawls Throwback Thursdays and exchange nostalgia. This is your final chance to let your hair down before exams kick in. Where: Ambassadors Hotel When: 26 October

ASA Pubcrawl The Adelaide Sustainability Association will be hosting its end of year pubcrawl in theme of ‘keeping it green’. Going against the grain of colour-coordinated shirts, the ASA will not be selling themed shirts, instead encouraging participants to reuse an old pub-crawl shirt. Tickets are $5 which includes a wristband that can be flashed to bartenders in exchange for drink specials. Where: Belgian Beer Cafe When: 20 October

Rainbow Youth and Family picnic The various Amnesty chapters of Adelaide will be hosting a picnic to celebrate the resilience of queer youth and their families during the postal survey. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic rugs and snacks to share with the community. Allies are welcome and alcohol is prohibited to make it an inclusive, family friendly event. Where: Botanic Park When: October 29

~ On Di t ~

TARNANTHI at the Port The City of Port Adelaide Enfield is teaming up with TARNANTHI to host a street party in celebration of the first nation culture. There will be music, Port River boat ‘story’ tours, and exhibition talks at Vitalstatistix. A smoking ceremony with elders will start off the celebrations at midday. Where: Black Diamond Precinct When: 21 October

2nd Adelaide Rally: Yes To Marriage Equality After the amazing first rally in Adelaide we need to keep up the campaign for marriage equality and get the largest yes vote possible.

Porch Sessions In its 5 season of acoustic backyard gigs, the Porch Sessions returns this spring/summer for more music. With a secret line-up that is yet to be revealed, the next event takes place in Adelaide’s inner south. Not much else is known but for beanbags and kombucha to be a-plenty. When: 19 November

2017 Vegan Festival Adelaide The Adelaide Vegan Festival is a massive 2-day community event that will feature, stalls with amazing food and products, inspiring keynote speakers, empowering cooking demonstrations, workshops, and more. This is one not to miss! Where: Victoria Square When: 28-29 October

Such a great start to the campaign should be followed up by a fantastic end, so join us again for another rally in the closing weeks of the postal survey and make sure our voices are heard! Where: Parliament Of South Australia When: Sunday, October 22 at 1 PM

Say ‘Yes’ For Equality Picnic! This picnic is a chance to come together, demonstrate that Aussies overwhelming support equality, and celebrate rainbow families and queer communities. All attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, seatings, rugs, personal entertainments and a warm, friendly attitude. Where: Adelaide Botanic Garden When: Sunday, October 29

~ On Di t ~

Vox Pop AARON

SHANNEN

Mech Eng/Finance

Health Sciences

1) Family & friends, good sleep and relaxation so you

1) Motivation, friendships and many naps

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t burn out 2) A student suburb for the exchange students 2) I would redo Prospect 3) It can be used for the elderly here or something 3) A mix of apartment buildings, instillation art

for public good.

4) If it applies to them then sure.

4) They do have a right to have a stance and the topic should be relevant to the company

~ On Di t ~

1. Three things that are crucial for getting through the final assignments for the term? 2. If you could make a new suburb where would you conquer?

3. What should we do with the ORAH (old royal adelaide hospital) space? 4. Should corporations take on social issues or nah?

SANDUNI

PA D DY

Philosophy, International Studies & Economics

Grad. Diploma in Public Health

1) Friends, sleep, and free time 2) I would make a new suburb and put all the exchange students there, instead of having us spread out all over Adelaide. 3) Maybe a children’s hospital or something with social benefits for the community 4) Yes, if it’s appropriate

1) Mix of comfort food + caffeine, good study playlist and a cat to oversee your progress 2) Adelantis, an underwater city off the coast of Semaphore where the Port River Dolphins can live 3) Claim the the ORAH is haunted by former patients and sell ghost tours to tourists 4) Yes however, people should be wary. Would they still have this stance if it wasn’t profitable?

~ On Di t ~

Left, Right & Centre Where we ask three hacks across the political spectrum what their take is on the hot issues around campus

Left

Centre

Stuart Pattison-White

Olivia Savvas

Socialist Alternative

Adelaide Uni Labor Club

1 There’s plenty a student union should do, but there are a couple of pivotal roles it should take. The most import of these is certainty defending the rights of students against university administration. Fundamentally, students (cash cows) and university administration (cow farmers) have different interests, different ways of viewing the education system. The administration will attack the rights of students at any opportunity for their profits. A student union should be a fighting body against this corporate institution, asserting the rights of students. Rights aren’t given, they’re won. Also equally as important is the politics of solidarity. Society is full of oppressed and marginalized groups. Inherently these groups are also constituents of the students at any university. The student union should fight for the rights of these groups in any way it can, because an injury to one is an injury to all. So the student union actively taking stances supporting the fight against oppression and for rights. For example, the student union should support marriage equality, defend Muslims’ religious freedoms, defend workers’ rights, etc. 2 People are becoming increasingly

disenfranchised with the major parties, and for good reason! The Liberal party is renowned for gutting, cutting and privatising. Their agenda is obvious, a support for the wealthy to maintain their wealth at the cost of workers and their rights. Labor is not much better! They have not fought for the rights of workers in any real sense. They also support the offshore concentration camps as well as an unpopular support for the biggest Australian ecological disaster of our generation, the Adani Coal mine. People should be concerned about the major parties. However, the current minor parties gaining traction are no solution. None of these parties are a progressive force in society, e.g. Nick Xenophon helped usher in the ABCC, the most draconian labours laws in generations, and One Nation are a pack of racists attacking Muslims. One Nation and other far-right parties must be confronted head on to stop their vile ideology. A group such as this should not be allowed to grow to anything more than the fringe group it is. This requires confrontation. Indeed, we need a new party to rise, but a genuinely left-wing one. 3 No.

1 I wholeheartedly believe that the role of any democratically elected student union has an obligation to represent the electors in question. Providing essential services to students is paramount, but no more so than using our resources to push the agenda of students and represent their core beliefs and values. 2 South Australians should be genuinely concerned about the rise of Nick Xenophon, particularly after his announcement last week. There is an overwhelming number of disenfranchised left-wingers who think voting Xenophon is the solution. To them, I say, make no mistake - Nick Xenophon is a former member of the Liberal Party. He is a downright conservative who has sided with the Liberals on cuts to penalty rates, clean energy policy and paid-parental leave at a great cost to working class people.

~ On Di t ~

1 - What is the role of a student union? 2 - Should South Australians be concerned with the rise of fringe and minor parties? 3 - Are political memes actually funny?

Right Will Miller

Adelaide Uni Liberal Club As for Hanson, we are very lucky that Pauline hasn’t spread her pterodactyl wings into SA yet, but that doesn’t mean she won’t, and it certainly doesn’t mean she won’t engage swathes of voters, particularly our least educated. 3 I think my political ambitions really skyrocketed the day I saw a meme that said “do you ever look at stuff and wonder how it got there” with a photo of Sarah Hanson-Young standing in the Chamber* and reached their limit when I saw “when someone asks you to send bobs” with a picture of Bob Hawke underneath. I think I’d be more comfortable with a political Yes/ No page with questions of the “not doorknocking loud enough for the concerned resident to hear your knock - yes or no” variety.

1 The Union’s role is a-political. This is a unique feature of our university, where the SRC is considered the more political body. As such, the AUU’s primary role is good governance. And this means a focus on administrative affairs, not on the politics of the day. However good governance also goes beyond this; when required, good governance means standing proudly on the right side of history. And while I respect the decision of the AUU in regards to the Marriage Survey, it is not the decision I would have personally made. Marriage equality is an unique issue that has transcended the politics of day-to-day social issues. The Union is a non-political body, but so too is Cricket Australia, the NRL, the AFL, and Football Federation Australia. Sporting organisations are the epitome of non-political organisations, yet they have made an exception and made bold supportive statements for marriage equality. Being non-political should not stop an organisation from supporting something it ought to support, and it is my belief it was the wrong decision for perpetuity. Regardless, my personal view should not detract from the fact the AUU should be free to make any decision it chooses to make. I recognise it would set a dangerous precedent, as any statement of support for a cause should be made sparingly and with respect to

the circumstances. It is not the decision I would have made, but I support the Union’s right to make it nonetheless and bear no hostility for the decision. 2 No. A variety of views is important in any healthy democracy. If we are fearful of a rise in minor party politics, we should remember that our democracy is representative. Ask why people are voting for the alternatives. If people feel disenfranchised and turn to political extremism, that is a failure of the major parties for not adequately allaying the fears and consciences of people in our State. In the federal election, One Nation received less than 3% of the South Australian vote. We give this issue too much air time. Xenophon is a different story. His brand of populism appeals to SA, as his party received 21% of the vote in 2016. Xenophon is a threat to the status quo and a threat to governmental stability. But should we be concerned? After 15 years in government, we should be more concerned about another term of Labor in this state. 3 Political memes are terrible. And terrible memes are hilarious.

~ On Di t ~

What you want?

A little

RESPECT? Nick Falcinella discusses why the expectation of a ‘respectful debate’ in the SSM survey is laughable

ere we are, just over halfway through Australia’s first ever noncompulsory postal survey regarding the rights of a minority group and it seems a good time to take stock. Much of the debate so far has centred around the actions of Yes campaigners and, predictably, the hurt feelings of those in the No camp who claim to be victimised for merely expressing their views. Firstly, let’s be clear. It hurts to have someone express a view, a view to which they are obviously allowed, (notwithstanding the dubious grounds of whether we have free speech under our constitution), but have to accept their view when it sounds a lot to you like they think you are lesser. I had this discussion with a friend recently, regarding the morality of those who either

have, or plan to vote no in the marriage equality plebiscite. Otherwise kind, caring, empathetic people who do not see themselves and their views as being bigoted, hurtful or altogether un-kind. Many of these people might know gay people, claim to support gay couples and understand that the love they share is in fact no different to that which joins a heterosexual couple. Many of these people present their views relatively dispassionately, politely, respectfully. But when someone is expressing an opinion about you, it doesn’t much matter how nicely they say it. Yes, it’s good that people don’t go on TV (very much) anymore and call people faggots and poofters and paedophiles and freaks. It is a good thing that gay teens are not subjected to that kind of humiliating, targeting assault in the mainstream culture. But that’s not to say terrible things aren’t still

~ On Di t ~

said and too often accepted. It might sound nicer to ‘articulate a traditional view regarding marriage’ rather than declare a person and their love sinful, but I’m not convinced it hurts much less. If this postal plebiscite shit storm has given us one thing, it’s an example of how to well craft a political argument. The Yes side has spent decades savvily refining their position. Religious objections? Terrific, we’re only talking about civil marriage. Worried about slippery slope arguments? We propose a minor legislative change to the existing law from ‘man and woman’ to ‘any two persons.’

“It might sound nicer to ‘articulate a traditional view regarding marriage’ rather than declare a person and their love sinful, but I’m not convinced it hurts much less.” Of course, that doesn’t guarantee a victory. It is clear from the tactics of the No campaign that they know they don’t have public support against same-sex marriage. That’s why in two of their major commercials, airing nightly during prime time in Australian living rooms, the concept of marriage between two people of the same sex is not raised a single time. Are we supposed to not be offended by this diversion? Just accept their duplicity? Consider, for a moment, if the situation was reversed. Imagine if, by some miracle, queers were installed as a minority group in power (most likely by a colonial government, as they tend to do), and marriage was decreed to only

be legal between people of the same sex. How might a heterosexual person feel? I imagine they would feel less than. They might even feel humiliated. In fact, I strongly doubt whether they would feel as though they should ask very nicely and without causing too much bother or offence, whether they too could enjoy that basic right. Now this is not high level political theory, but rather an example which highlights very clearly just how insulting and ultimately hollow calls for a civilised debate from the No camp are. Do those, like former Prime Ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard, who lament the negative, accusatory tone of some Yes campaigners, not have the will or the way to comprehend the decades of actual violence, abuse, neglect, shunning, torment and vitriol hurled at queers in this country? It is an insult to be lectured by these people - these so called defenders of individual liberty and conservative conscience - when they seek to stand in the way of the most conservative of social changes. So should we respect their views? Morally, of course not. They are repugnant. ‘An issue upon which good people can disagree’ is a lovely phrase, likely dreamt up by some focus-group obsessed political consultant. But it does not apply to an issue in which one case calls for all to be treated equally, and the other favours discrimination based on an immutable trait. Yes, we should treat all people with respect and meet the standards ourselves which we demand from others. But let’s not get wrapped up in their self-concocted faux outrage. Let’s not pretend it makes very much difference. If you don’t like gays you’ll vote no. If you don’t like gays asking you to do something that does not really affect you, in order to render their lives and the lives of people like them to come, just that little bit happier, more hopeful and filled with joy, I tend to believe you were unlikely to vote Yes anyway.

~ On Di t ~

Stress Less (For Real) By Ellie Stamelos

I’m going to start this piece with a massive disclaimer: I’m without a doubt the biggest stress head I know. I’m a chronic worrier and over-thinker; it’s honestly a pretty inherent part of who I am. Like many uni students, my stress levels slowly but steadily build throughout the semester, peaking at this end-of-semester, allassignments-due-in-the-same-week point in the academic year. Hell, I’m even stressed about writing this article and getting it in on time. Luckily, the flipside of my overly analytical mind is that I’m constantly reflecting on how better to manage my mental health and stress levels to find that ever-elusive mental tranquility. Now, I’m well aware that most of the suggestions in this list are stuff you’ve probably heard before (and rolled your eyes at). Yet, in my experience, this stuff genuinely helps me feel a little calmer, and a little more in control. These strategies are also backed up by research carried out by people much smarter than I am. Without further ado, here’s my stress-less list: 1. Mindfulness / Meditation In recent years, the dialogue surrounding mindfulness and meditation has somewhat shifted. While I know some of you will still

scoff, overall the benefits of mindfulness are becoming more known and accepted (instead of being dismissed as New-Age nonsense). Seriously guys, this stuff has palpable psychological benefits. Mentally, mindfulness has been proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It grounds you in the present moment, meaning you’re focused on what is happening now rather than fixating on the past or obsessing over the future. It also improves focus and critical thinking skills. Meditation doesn’t have to be something you do while sitting cross-legged on a yoga mat, chanting ‘om’ while incense is burning; just sit in a comfortable position and do your best to tune into your body and mind. Check in with yourself – how are you feeling, physically? Are you holding tension anywhere? (For me it’s usually in my jaw and shoulders – once I’m aware I’m doing it, I can relax those areas and release some of that physical stress). Try to lengthen and deepen your breaths. Get in touch with your senses – what can you feel? See? Hear? Try to notice these things without judging them as ‘good’, ‘bad’ or anything else; let them just ‘be’. I also think there’s a general misconception that meditation is about ridding

~ On Di t ~

yourself of thoughts; this isn’t how minds work, and it’s never gonna happen. Rather, notice what thoughts you’re thinking. What stories are coming up? Are there any patterns? Try to simply acknowledge whatever your mind is telling you, and then return to your breath and your senses. You’ll probably have to do this every five seconds - that’s okay. Taking five minutes out of your day to just be still and check in with yourself mentally and physically will leave you feeling more aware of yourself, your surroundings, and hopefully, less stressed about those looming exams. 2. Talk it out (preferably, with a professional) Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all for venting sessions with your pals. Supporting each other when the going gets tough is a part of every friendship. However, remember that your friends are not counselors. By all means, I encourage you all to reach out to your friends if you’re struggling – they’ll happily listen to you and support you. But also remember that there needs to be space for them to do the same thing. When you’re struggling mentally (as we all do sometimes), it can be difficult to see just how taxing that can be on the people around you. No one wants to become that toxic person that’s always offloading their woes on their pals and never asking them how they’re doing. Not only will you mar the friendship, it probably won’t massively help you deal with stress in the long term. When you talk to a professional, you get the benefit of speaking with an impartial person, but more than that, they’re trained to help you. You’ll get techniques and strategies for dealing with your stress that your friends simply can’t give you. This doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor, either. Visit the university counselor or get in touch with someone over the phone or online via organisations like headspace.

3. Get enough sleep I’m talking to you ‘pull-an-all-nighter-beforean-assignment-is-due’ folks. Your body NEEDS sleep. It seriously can’t function without it. Research shows us the way sleep deprivation affects your memory, makes you clumsier, unable to focus, and more irritable; all of this sounds pretty stress inducing, right? I know we can’t all get a perfect 8 hours every night (especially around this time of semester), but trying to get into a fairly regular routine will have a discernable impact on your stress levels. Try to go to sleep around the same time each day, in a dark room (without scrolling through Instagram and Facebook in bed!) Get yourself into a decent sleep routine and you’ll feel better in a plethora of ways, I promise. 4. Get some sun This is my last point, and it’s a fairly important one. Winter is a massive downer for a lot of people - there’s a reason Seasonal Affective Disorder is waaay more common in the colder months than the reverse. Don’t spend hours of your day in scorching heat, obviously, but try to get around 20 minutes of direct sunlight each day (if our erratic Adelaide weather allows). A little bit of sunshine goes a long way – it boosts your serotonin production, which relieves anxiety and depression, boosts your focus, and helps you to feel calm. I know this was a fairly basic-bitch guide to stressing less, but give these techniques a go and see how they work for you. With exam season fast approaching, self-care is v.important – this is just a little reminder that it doesn’t have to be super time-consuming or expensive to care for yourself and your mental health.

~ On Di t ~

State Government halves undergraduate representation on University Council words by Tom Haskell & Jenny Nguyen

n Tuesday, the State Government passed a series of amendments to the University of Adelaide Act 1971 which will see undergraduate representation on University Council reduced from two students to one. Academic staff and general staff of the university will also have their representation cut from two positions respectively to just one each. The biggest reduction in representation will be for university graduates who, having held three positions in the past, will be reduced to just one position. There were no changes to postgraduate representation, however, who will still remain with the one member on Council. This reduction will see student, staff, and graduate representation cut from 10 to 5 on the University of Adelaide Council — an organisation which oversees, among other things, the management of the University and the approval of large commercial projects. Speaking to On Dit, SRC President Mark Pace expressed his profound disappointment towards the changes. “South Australian and Federal Labor both have policy platforms which support the principles that students and staff should

be involved at the heart of university decision-making processes. “The decision to reduce the number of elected staff and students on University Council is extremely disappointing to the university community, and a betrayal of core Labor values.” The decision followed a series of discussions and consultation with students, staff and stakeholder groups. There was public outcry over the controversial proposal and the University Council’s processes when the university convened its annual meeting in April. As first reported in On Dit 85.2: Chancellor of a Lifetime, the members of the National Tertiary Education Union cited the reduction in elected representatives amongst its primary concerns and criticised the university for its lack of consultation. Additionally, Associate Adjunct Professor Dr John Keeler pointed out that the Council currently operates in “a way that cannot be regarded as transparent” and questioned whether the council can operate with the confidence of staff and students to whom it ultimately represents. Earlier this year, On Dit reached out to the Minister for Higher Education

~ On Di t ~

The University of Adelaide — Mitchell Building. source: National Trust of South Australia

and Skills, Susan Close, asking about the government’s consultation processes for the proposed changes. The Minister’s Office replied: “The Government has developed the Bill in close consultation with Flinders University and the University of Adelaide. I am advised that the University of Adelaide has provided formal advice of the proposed amendments to the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and that staff have had access to minutes of Council discussions on the issue. In addition, Minster Close has met with

staff and student representatives from both universities to discuss the proposed amendments” The Minister’s office reiterated that thorough consultations with groups occurred, which appears to be contrary to what the University had presented. Other changes to the Act include having the university present the Education Minister a report on the operation of the University during the calendar year, a report which was previously submitted to the Governor.

~ On Di t ~

A conversation with

Angela Short interview by Austin Frape

ery recently, I was given an opportunity to do an interview with Angela Short, the director of the newest Adelaide University Theatre Guild production, Lettice and Lovage. We discussed her inspirations for wanting to do the play, her background in directing and the process of making such a production and what makes theatre a unique experience. Angela gave very detailed and insightful answers and it was a pleasure having her as my first interviewee. To start off the interview, let’s begin with what it was that inspired you to do Lettice and Lovage? AS: I lived in the UK in the late 80’s and I had an opportunity to go see Maggie Smith in Lettice and Lovage. I didn’t know anything about the play before I went, but I knew she was in it and thought it would be good to see. I really loved the play and I loved the flamboyance of her and the flawed character that she played. I directed Two Gentleman of Verona with Gary George at the Little Theatre

and I really wanted to direct there again. I put forward a number of plays and Lettice and Lovage was the one the Theatre Guild picked. I think this play particularly works in the Little Theatre because it’s intimate and homely and cosy; performing in a bigger theatre would have gotten the story lost. I have become fascinated in the process of directing a theatre production as obviously a lot work and effort comes from the actors, the production designers, lighting etc. Could you please describe the process of making a production such as Lettice and Lovage? AS: You do a lot of preparation before hand; you read and become familiar with the play and you have pictures come into your head of how you want to do it. Then you start with the audition process. Fortunately, Adelaide has a huge talent pot, but a lot of them are in demand because there are a lot of community theatre companies and since a lot of people are involved in a number of different productions, we had to work around

~ On Di t ~

their availability. I had in mind a number of actresses because it’s important to make the two leading ladies a good combination. Watching Sharon and Tracey—who never worked together beforehand—grow and become familiar with each other and grow to be friends through this process is, I think, a gift from the play. Also, rehearsing during winter was not ideal as the nasty bugs come around and the actors got quite ill and we had to work through that as well. This is only the second time I’ve directed at the Little Theatre and Melanie, the administrator, has been great support and a great frame of reference if I was ever like “Oh, what can we do about this?” or “I can’t have music, how does that work?” because there are laws where you can’t play music without paying royalties. Through the process, Three Tall Women was playing (review is available online through On Dit!), so with our production being on straight after, we mapped out a rehearsal room to be the same size as the Little Theatre so everyone could get a good idea of how to move and the space they would have available. When we moved into the theatre, we had the wonderful, wonderful, wonderful Richard Parkhill, who does the lighting design, who brings with him so much knowledge of experience of not just lighting, but theatre in general. He helped discuss ideas I had about the set and he asked questions like “Really, why do you want that?” and I would respond, but in the end, I shouldn’t have done that (laughs). Through the journey, we would sit down and discuss the characters and what we imagine them to be from reading. Even as a director, as much as I would read the play over and over, seeing the characters come to life, you realise that what you thought of in the beginning doesn’t always follow on to the end process. Coming from an acting background, I very much like to hear what the actors have to say, I always like to hear

their opinion as mine isn’t always set in stone and we come to an agreement of making changes to the play, so it’s important be vocal about making suggestions. Thankfully, all of the actors are talkers and would let me know if they feel that “She wouldn’t do that” or “Why I am moving here?” and we’d find a reason. Lastly, what do you feel makes theatre a unique experience, both on and off stage, as opposed to film or television? AS: When I was about five or six, my family and I very rarely went to the theatre, but around Christmas it would be a tradition to go to the pantomime and having gone to them for a couple of years, my mum said one year “Come on, let’s go and see The Sound of Music” and I responded “Is that the one with the real people?” I’ve come to realise that even from childhood, I liked when I saw real people performing on a real stage rather than the virtual world of film or television. In theatre, there is nowhere to hide, if something falls off a set or an actor trips over the end of a carpet, you can’t retake it, that’s real. One of the things we were working on most recently is that if something like that happens on the night, the actors need to deal with that in character. I find that most actors find that a little bit scary, but also a little bit exciting because it can go wrong and as much as you rehearse, rehearse, rehearse, there will always be a distraction that could throw you off and that makes it quite exciting. However, when you see something in a film or on the television, you know that they’ve done thirty three takes to get the scene polished, whereas in the theatre, the experience isn’t necessarily raw, but it’s very honest and as real as it can get.

Flick to the next page for Austin’s review of ‘Lettice and Lovage’

~ On Di t ~

LETTICE AND LOVAGE

words by Austin Frape directed by Angela Short

ased on the Tony award winning 1987 play by Peter Shaffer, Lettice and Lovage is the newest production from the University of Adelaide Theatre Guild and director Angela Short. Starring Maggie Smith and Margaret Tyzack, Lettice and Lovage takes place in England, centering on an eccentric and theatrical tour guide, Lettice Douffet (Tracey Walker), who decides to make a dull and uninteresting tour of Fustian House more engaging for her audience by improvising false, but amusing, information about the Grand Hall. Despite consistently bringing in a crowd, she is eventually found out by her superior, Charlotte Schoen (Sharon Malujlo). Lettice and Lovage does a great job establishing Lettice and Charlotte and how their opposing outlooks on life are tested once the conflict arises, setting up the comedic scenarios. During my interview with Angela Short, she mentioned that it was a high priority to find the right actresses for the leading ladies and making sure that their chemistry on stage would work and I believe that the combination was most definitely found between Walker and Malujlo. Together, they made an absolutely wonderful comedic duo, bringing to life many hilarious moments that Shaffer wrote as Walker’s approach to Lettice’s over the top fancies in creating performances and Charlotte’s deadpan delivery and groaning

reactions to Lettice’s antics was simply a delight to watch on stage. You can definitely tell that they have had a joyous time working together and hopefully they get the chance to share the stage again. While also being hilarious, the play allows for some intriguing character study as the two ladies reflect on their pasts and open up some rather touching stories that have moulded them into the life that they eventually led and the people they became. It was also mentioned in the interview that what makes the Little Theatre work for a play such as Lettice and Lovage. Utilising a small stage allows for more emphasis on the story and the characters. That was most definitely apparent as the play also provides an interesting stage production from Bonnie McAllister. The last two acts take place in a basement apartment and the production utilised two different levels, the front gate and the basement itself, rather than leaving it to the audiences’ imagination. It was rather impressive and made the story feel more realistic as two characters would interact with each other on either level. Overall, Lettice and Lovage was a very joyous and pleasant experience, offering both hilarious and tragic performances from Walker and Malujlo. The AUTG did not disappoint in bringing to the community another stellar production.

~ On Di t ~

OPEN 7 DAYS During Semester

Hot Food Cold Drinks Stationery Salads

Located in Hub Central

10% off

with your Union membership card *not available on already discounted or sale lines

~ On Di t ~

PENALTY RATES: Hip Pocket Economics words by Ryan Aitken

or now, the unions have lost their

create a more “flexible economy” (whatever

appeal

Work

this means is up to you to guess). However,

cut

it’s worth taking a step back and looking

penalty rates. This means several

at this from the perspective of the whole

things for university students. Some of

economy in general, with a brief detour

you, already on minimum wage, will lose a

through some economics jargon.

against

Commission’s

the

Fair

decision

quarter of what you would normally earn in a day. The worst-faring people in the

For each dollar you earn, you spend a

country will lose $6000 a year, a significant

proportion of it and save the rest (if you can

amount for those already struggling to

save at all). The respective proportions are

make ends meet. The cuts to public holiday

called the marginal propensity to consume

pay came into effect July 1 this year, with

(MPC) and the marginal propensity to save

weekend rate cuts to be rolled out over the

(MPS). Let’s say I give you a dollar. You spend

next few years.

80 cents on a soft serve ice cream and pocket the remaining 20 cents. Therefore

Those who pay wages will, by their own

your MPC is 0.8, and the MPS is 0.2. Too

admission, be able to achieve higher levels

easy.

of profits. We can see that this is a direct transfer from your wallet to theirs, creating

From this concept comes the multiplier

a change in the distribution of income

effect:

in favour of business owners. It has been

percentage of this dollar will generate

suggested that a cut to penalty rates will

continuing economic activity? In other

you

spend

one

dollar,

what

~ On Di t ~

“Creating a higher income for those who already earn the most, whilst at the same time stripping young people and families of their already meagre pay is not only a bad decision socially. It’s also utterly economically irresponsible.”

words, if we have an MPC of 0.5 (50%)

MPC would be far greater. This can be seen

across the flow of exchange, the amount

by considering an increase of $50 for both

given

exchange.

Nick and Jay. Assuming their MPC remains

Starting with $10, this would look like $10,

decreases

with

each

the same, Nick’s spending increases by

$5, $2.50, $1.25 and so on. The sum of these

$47.50, while Jay’s spending only increases

gives the total amount of economic activity

by $10.

generated, 10 + 5 + 2.5 + 1.25 If we take in to account this relatively ...

simple economic concept, it can be easily understood that redistributing income in

An increase in income to someone with

favour of business owners and employers

a greater MPC, over someone with a

will create a poor outcome for the economy

lower MPC, will have a higher multiplier

in general. Creating a higher income for

(percentage of money spent). For example,

those who already earn the most, whilst

Nick earning $200 a week could have an

at the same time stripping young people

MPC of 0.95 (95% spent, or $190), Daisy

and families of their already meagre pay

earning $800/week an MPC of 0.70 (70%,

is not only a bad decision socially. It’s also

$560) and Jay earning $3000/week an MPC

utterly economically irresponsible. In a time

of 0.2 (20%, $600).

where the economy is slowly but surely stagnating, one would think that obvious

Adding $50 to Jay’s wallet means little

ways to increase economic activity would

increase in their livelihood and only a

be applied. Yet unfortunately, we do not

marginal benefit to the economy, whereas

live in such a world. Instead, the political

increasing person Nick’s income by $50 will

realities indicate that the distribution of

provide a much greater outcome in their

economic power is more important than

own livelihood, and in general as their total

the economic welfare of us all.

~ On Di t ~

Cultural Cringe in Australian Entertainment words by Gina Cameron

ultural cringe, in an Australian

It’s a big tradition to tear down our tall

context,

connotes

the

poppies. In particular, this seems to show

internalised

notion

our

in the local box office.

that

cultural content simply does

not hold up to the standards of the

So why don’t we consume as much

UK or America. Your Aussie mate, who

Australian content as we do American

drinks a ton and hates the government,

or British? The straightforward answer is

has decided that his home is a desolate

money, obviously. Blockbuster Australian

wasteland of absent culture, of empty

films just don’t exist without considerable

tinnies amongst the tumbleweeds.

help from foreign studios. A smaller budget means that it’s hard enough to get

‘Oh yeah nah Australian art and stuff is so

films off the ground, let alone distribute

shit compared to the rest of the world ay.’

them across the country. Screen Australia

The cringe can be found in the subtext of

can only fund so much, and often will

your annoyingly wistful friend from high

back stories that can appeal to the widest

school, reposting a picture of herself in the

possible audience.

Louvre - ‘Australia, like, doesn’t have any history or culture compared to Europe,

A few months ago, I attended a Screen

you know?’

Makers conference at the Mercury Cinema. Two days saw the discussion of the writing,

So, are we still just a young postcolonial

funding,

nation, looking up to the Mother Country

of Australian films. The attendees were

production

and

distribution

as the embodiment of sophistication?

made up of industry legends, promising

~ On Di t ~

“Increasingly often do big Australian films smack more of money than they do of story.” graduates and random Arts majors who

We Need a New Map, and Jeffrey Walker’s

got a free pass because they agreed to

Ali’s Wedding just won’t be seen, cringe or

tend the bar (find me in the bunch).

not. They will be shown at exclusive Film

At one point, I learned that the target

Festivals and seen by a handful of middle

demographic for high budget Australian

aged Arts women with spikey grey hair

films is women over 50. Mostly those who

and statement wooden jewellery. They

want to take their grandchildren to things

will go on hit about fifty select cinemas,

in the school holidays, or just don’t like

playing every four hours over three days.

loud noises.

After that, maybe they can be caught on iView. Funding issues stem from the

This accounts for films such as Red dog,

cringe, we seem to just assume our own

Paper Planes, Jasper Jones and Red Dog:

content is not as good or established. A

True Blue. The same goes for films with an

cycle of distaste and empty coffers.

English or American cast member to boost potential international sales. Better yet if

they can pull off the accent (think Kate

disenchantment

could

boiled

Winslet in The Dressmaker). Increasingly

content. A constantly recurring theme

often do big Australian films smack more

is the examination of our values, what is

of money than they do of story.

Australian and what is un-Australian.

This is made especially clear in the

Quite honestly, I’m sick of being beaten

underperformance of Australian films that

over the head with what it means to be

are just too niche internationally, too ‘out

Australian.

down our

simple

mainstream

there’ to even risk a marketing campaign. Films like the Adelaide-made Girl Asleep,

“the ‘typical Australian’ is a practical man,

the documentary from Warwick Thornton,

rough and ready in his manners … swears

~ On Di t ~

“I cringe at the squawking, tropical birds filling our satires – look at moiye, Kimmy, you’re terrible Muriel. As a woman, I cringe when the most internationally recognisable Australian female characters are played by two blokes named Barry Humphreys and Chris Lilley.” hard [and] drinks deeply on occasion” (2).

ignores

This is according to Russell Ward, author

intelligent with its satire. Maybe the

regressive

stereotypes

of The Australian Legend which was first

cringe is creeping up every day as we

published in 1957. The same seems to

realise just how male-dominated, white

apply 60 years on. To be a real true blue, it

and

turns out, I need to be a male. To join that

mainstream cinema truly is, preventing us

boy’s club of blokes and battlers, diggers

from taking ourselves completely seriously.

heteronormative

that

and

Australian

and drovers. I need to get some mates to drink with, and compare the size of my

Cargo is a film premiering at the Adelaide

knife.

Film Festival (October 5 – 15). Starring Martin Freeman (the money) the post-

Maybe I cringe because Australian content

apocalyptic zombie thriller will then be

reminds me of John Howard’s typical

released on Netflix. This will be Australia’s

Sunday matinee flick. I cringe when

first Netflix feature film. I’m excited where

any majorly funded and studio-backed

this could lead, international distribution

Australian film must also be approved by

from just uploading a file from a company

the tourism board. I cringe when I see the

shown to give creatives free reign. An easy

same white Aussie bloke in a Ute with a

and accessible way to champion Aussie

dog and a nice hat. I wake in fright when

content and possibly pick ourselves out of

women are relegated to fetching a beer,

this sloping low-esteem.

or being murdered in the red dirt. I cringe at the squawking, tropical birds filling

If we could move on from Crocodile

our satires – look at moiye, Kimmy, you’re

Dundee,

terrible Muriel. As a woman, I cringe when

exclusive ideas about what it means to

the

most

internationally

from

these

regressive

and

recognisable

be Australian, maybe we could stand a bit

Australian female characters are played by

taller. Our cinema is weird and good, full

two blokes named Barry Humphreys and

of freaky, funny and fascinating stories that

Chris Lilley.

represent our diverse and difficult political landscape. These narratives should simply

Of course, I’m not ashamed of our original works. I love Australian content. When it comments on our strange and different reality, when it tells important stories,

be embraced, not cringed at.

~ On Di t ~

Spring Specials at The Howling Owl for Adelaide Uni Students · Mon – Thurs $5 Coopers

· $3.00 coffee (show your student card)

e Ro

From

· Free WiFi Adelaide The University of

North Terrace

The Elephant

THE HOWLING O Exeter Hotel

Rundle Street

~ On Di t ~

Big Data Knows You Best

words and art by Kiri Marker

Big data knows you better than anyone. Think about it. Your closest friends know only the versions of yourself you feel comfortable showing them. They may know you well, but the ‘you’ that they know is subject to all kinds of censorship. You have as many faces as you have people in your life. But when we are online, we are alone. Big Data knows the ‘you’ beneath the mask. He knows everything you’ve ever searched and every place you’ve ever been. He knows all about the items you’ve purchased, the videos you’ve watched and the songs you’ve played. There’s no keeping secrets from Big Data. But instead of feeling anxious or violated, shouldn’t we be flattered that someone out there cares enough to keep tabs? Cheers, Zuckerberg. I often wonder about what targeted online content can tell you about a person. Take the Instagram explore feed, for example. This collection of photos and videos is tailored only to you, reflecting the posts you’ve interacted with in the past. Together, they form a vision board of who Big Data thinks you are. When I look at my friends’ explore feeds, I’m charmed by how different they all are. Exhibit A: fashion, fine art, and weddings. Exhibit B: football, and women in bikinis. Exhibit C (and we all have that friend): doggos, puppers and big ol woofers. Over the years I’ve watched my own explore feed evolve along with my changing interests. Straight after high school, it was pornstars, marijuana and Miley Cyrus. One year later, it dialled down a notch with some watercolour illustrations and acro-yoga. This year it’s been mainly gym videos, vegan recipes and Adelaide-based female entrepreneurs that are having some kind of candle sale. But I’ve recently noticed an insidious theme creeping into this previously wholesome space: mental illness memes.

INSTAGRAM KNOWS YOU’RE DEPRESSED 30

~ On Di t ~

I’ve recently noticed an insidious theme creeping into this previously wholesome space: mental illness. You’re probably familiar with memes about depression and wanting to die. They’ve been around ever since tumblr made it trendy to have a mental illness back in 2010; but their popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. Depression is mainstream, and wanting to die is just ‘on brand’. Often, these memes aren’t meant to be taken literally. The classic ‘I wanna die’ trope has a tongue-in-cheek vibe about it – sometimes enhanced with a Shutterstock photo and some Comic Sans font. But as I look through my Instagram explore feed today, I’m noticing that the mental illness memes are getting more and more sincere. There are memes about your anxiety keeping you up at night. Memes about drug and alcohol usage to numb emotional pain. Memes about social isolation and losing the will to participate with life. Why am I seeing this, Zuckerberg? It started innocently enough. I started liking a few memes about wanting to die, you know, because they’re funny. A few memes here and there about social anxiety and fears of abandonment. The Instagram algorithm churned away. It gave me memes about using escapist behaviours to cope with rejection. Memes that referenced my lack of self-respect in interpersonal relationships. This content was not only relatable, but also funny, in a dark, self-deprecating kind of way. It made light of the gloomiest parts of my experience. The more posts I liked, the more specific they became. And the more specific they became, the more posts I liked. Thus began the negative cycle – the echo chamber of self-sabotage. While some people are scared of living in a surveillance society, I find that living in an echo chamber is much scarier. The more we engage with relatable, but negative, content, the more we perpetuate those negative beliefs and behaviours.

On the one hand, mental illness memes can help people to feel validated. ‘’, they think. But on the other hand, being spoon-fed the same negative messages over and over again doesn’t help you when you’re trying to improve your headspace. But I also think that targeted content has the potential to have a more positive impact. I see it all the time on Facebook. I get targeted ads from websites offering online counselling, with messages like ‘Break the Negative Cycle’ and ‘No Therapist? No Problem’. These ads are broadly targeted at anyone aged 18 to 24, but what if they were targeted more specifically at people with depression? Big Data knows you better than anyone. And sure, that can seem scary. Most people don’t want some anonymous figure knowing every little detail about them. But maybe that’s exactly what people with mental illness need. These are the people who may feel isolated and unable to communicate their issues with anyone in the real world. If Instagram can know when these people are depressed, why not give them content that breaks the cycle? Like tips on emotional regulation, or on how to handle distress. We could undo the damage of 2010, and make mental health trendy again. Though my brief stint with mental illness memes was fun for a little while, I’m beginning to crave more wholesome content. The road to mental health is paved with small decisions. I’ve started clicking ‘see fewer posts like this’ whenever I see memes about depression. I’m spending less time on my phone, and more time with my friends. When I do go online, I try to only interact with content that makes me feel happy or inspired. My explore feed is morphing once again. And if I can convince Big Data that I’m okay, then maybe one day I will be.

~ On Di t ~

Catalonia: The first jenga block of Spain

words by Felix Eldridge

atalonia is one of many regions within Spain. It’s well-known for its beaches, football, and its contribution of roughly twenty percent of Spain’s taxes. Slight problem though, it wants to leave. There are various reasons why Catalonia wishes to gain independence from Spain. Some reflect Catalonia’s unfair share of tax redistribution, others focus on Catalonia’s unique culture, while even more concentrate on Spain’s increasingly strong central government. In some ways, Catalonia may seem justified in leaving Spain, but it isn’t and it shouldn’t. The secession of Catalonia will sound the death knell of Spain. Catalonia is not the only region in Spain which has wanted independence. Spain is comprised of several distinct cultural identities which have functioned as independent countries in the past. Over time, these countries were unified by conquest, however the cultural distinctions remain. If Catalonia leaves Spain, it will trigger newfound independence movements in the other regions, which will lead to the dissolution of Spain and the formation of various weak states from its carcass. If Catalonia selfishly abandons Spain,

this will cause tremendous financial damage as well as furthering instability in the region. Incidentally, the last independence attempt within Spain was the Basque movement, a struggle that quickly descended into terrorism and brutal government reprisals. Nations created out of unification are not likely to survive secessions. The federation of Yugoslavia is a key example. Yugoslavia, situated in the western Balkan region of Europe was a collection of six countries including Serbia, Montenegro, BosniaHerzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia and Macedonia. None of these countries had existed independently for hundreds of years. Each country had substantially different culture, language and ethnicities. When given the opportunity, four out of the six nations within Yugoslavia left the country within two years. That country no longer exists. The dissolution of the Soviet Union is another example. When the Soviet Union dissolved, the outlying states in the USSR all decided to leave. Defence, economics and political stability failed to keep them united. The USSR broke up in less than one year. Some countries like the Baltic States prospered, while others withered

~ On Di t ~

“If Catalonia leaves Spain, it will trigger newfound independence movements in the other regions, which will lead to the dissolution of Spain and the formation of various weak states from its carcass.” away into insignificance like Tajikistan or civil turmoil like the Ukraine. Is this the best future for Catalonia or Spain? Independence is a bad idea, because while Catalonia is a wealthy region within Spain, it’s wealth is tied to multiregional and multi-national businesses. An independent Catalonia would not be allowed into the EU because Spain would veto its membership. If it couldn’t join, it would face huge tariffs and investment barriers, locking it out of the European Common Market and other EU perks. Other European nations such as France, Germany and Italy would also like to see an independent Catalonia suffer, to discourage independence movements within their own borders. Furthermore, the referendum which gave ‘legitimacy’ to the Catalan government’s actions was illegal and unconstitutional. The Catalan constitution forbids any change to the status of the region unless a two thirds majority of the local parliament approves it, however this was not achieved. When taken to the national level, Spain’s Constitutional Court also deemed the vote illegitimate. Thus, not only should Catalonia not secede, but it legally cannot. Pushing ahead with actual independence at this point would mean that if it physically split from Spain, it would not be recognised as an independent country and will face economic and political sanctions from other EU countries, not to mention the probable retaliation from the Spanish military.

Many independence supporters draw attention to the national government’s brutal crackdown on voters. That is an important issue, but it is a domestic issue and a common one at that. This sort of thing goes on almost everywhere, including within stable democracies like the UK and Australia. Margaret Thatcher cracked down on British unions in the mid-1980’s and Joh Bjekle-Peterson ran a police state in Queensland with numerous instances of police brutality. These were occasions where riot police were clearly being used to defend government policy against dissidents. Terrible occurrences, but ones which have not led to talk of secession. Reform should always precede revolution. Finally, the world needs stability more than ever. Mutual defence, political cooperation and economic integration are key in maintaining that stability. The desire for an independent Catalonia is also a desire, however unintentionally, for a fragmented Spain and a fractured Europe. Supporters of independence often point out that this is about Catalonia’s right to exist as a recognised country. If this is the case, does Catalonia have any more right to exist than Spain? The birth of a free Catalonia will be the death of Spain. Is that a price worth paying?

~ On Di t ~

Freedom for all means freedom for Catalonia words by Tom Auld

in response to Catalonia: the first jenga block of Spain

The fight for Catalonian independence

which

gave

‘legitimacy’

Catalan

Spanish state. Throughout the last week, we

unconstitutional”. This is true but what does

have seen the Spanish government send in

that say about the constitution and the law

the riot police on Catalans trying to vote on

itself? One thing that it shows is that it’s

their future, while the nation’s far right have

undemocratic and counterpoised to any

mobilised to oppose independence whilst

autonomy for the oppressed groups of Spain.

sieg heiling around the streets of Barcelona.

The defence of the Spanish Constitution

This struggle for basic democratic rights has

is particularly troublesome given that it is

proved the need to take a side when it comes

a result of a compromise with the fascist

to the rights of oppressed people. The choice

Franco regime that has left the police and

is pretty clear, do you support the thousands

military relatively unchanged to this day. To

of workers and students demanding their

follow on from the point about picking sides,

right to vote, or the state cracking down on

it really says something when you side with

them, destroying ballot boxes and beating up

the Spanish constitution, over the much truer

civilians? The recent article published against

examples of democracy exercised by the

the Independence movement miserably fails

Catalan people in recent weeks.

The article argues that “the referendum

was

the

government’s

on this question.

actions

has brought forth brutal repression from the

illegal

and

When addressing the police brutality exercised by the Spanish state recently, the

~ On Di t ~

2012 Catalan independence protest on September 11th

article asserts that “This sort of thing goes on

what is being argued here is that we need

almost everywhere, including within stable

to maintain the status quo. In reality, for

democracies like the UK and Australia”, using

anyone who believes in the civil liberties of

the examples of Thatcher’s Britain and Bjelke-

ordinary people, opposes neoliberalism and

Peterson’s Queensland. The comparison is

authoritarian states, this is exactly what we

apt but for all the wrong reasons. If anything

don’t need. In the Spanish case, “stability”

this just goes to show the lengths that these

means acceptance of the harsh austerity

so called democracies will go to, to stop

imposed on working class people to pay for

workers from asserting themselves in times

an economic crisis they didn’t create, the

of struggle. So instead emphasising the

right wing government that most Catalans

necessity for states to enforce order perhaps

don’t support, and most recently, the police

we should question what they mean by order.

brutality that that enforces laws that deny

When the rule of law can only be enforced

them basic rights.

by a police baton, perhaps it’s the law itself which is at fault. “Finally,

the

world

needs

stability

When the article claims that Catalan independence

will

for

instability

be Europe

the and

catalyst further

more than ever. Mutual defence, political

independence struggles, those of us who

cooperation and economic integration are

support the oppressed should welcome that

key in maintaining that stability.“ Effectively,

with open arms!

~ On Di t ~

Not the Fringe of Society Any Longer words by Phoebe Christofi

ell folks, the Fringe is done and dusted after another successful year. Now, before you think that I’m months behind the times and that surely I must have been living under a rock since March, I am not talking about the Adelaide Fringe. As gloriously flamboyant as our Fringe Festival is and

Lawrie—not to mention an abundance of Australians. Fortunately for me I was in Europe during the period that the Edinburgh Fringe was on this year – an event that I couldn’t miss, I arranged all my plans around the festival. I was fully aware that to enjoy the Fringe I would have to pay a lot of money, so in terms of preparation I

as many tourists from around Australia and the world flock to our quaint little town, there is one Festival that makes their concrete streets glitter that little bit brighter. The Edinburgh Fringe is the largest performing arts festival of comedy, cabaret, theatre and art in the entire world. With over 54 thousand performances and 2.7 million tickets sold this year, it comes as no surprise that hundreds of thousands of tourists visit its shows. Notable British actors and actresses who have appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe over the years either before or during their careers took off; include several members from the cast of Monty Python, Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson, and Hugh

booked a cheap hostel for the cheapest room (a thirty-bed dormitory – not as awful as it may sound), and decided that would be living off £1 Tesco sandwiches and a pack of almonds. As you can imagine I was pleasantly surprised to find that there hundreds of FREE Fringe shows at numerous venues; and conveniently for me, only a few doors away from my hostel. Furthermore, countless acts and performances were all created and performed by members of the LGBTQI+ community. After critically analysing the programme and researching the different reviews and ratings of many of the shows, I decided to go with my gut and walk into whatever was starting next. This brought me to see

~ On Di t ~

—“I would suggest that the Australian

Government should take a trip to the Edinburgh Fringe and witness the talent, stories of heartache and love, oppression and empowerment and ultimately passion, which our LGBTQI+ community possesses.” British comedian Stephen Bailey. Stated by The Review Hub, Bailey is “An arch-bitch with a winning smile, everyone’s favourite gay best friend. Bailey’s confident, funny and suitably rude.” As you can imagine, he was immaculately dressed, his banter would put your sassiest best friend to shame. He spoke about the raunchiest and rudest of topics and included his audience as he did so. It was hilarious. Most of the crowd was heterosexual – as he made a point of finding out at the beginning of the show – and the enthusiasm that received him was overwhelming; in the best possible way. To

glossed kiss on my cheek and then I was on my way. In Adelaide, we are extremely proud of our LGBTQI+ community. In the 21st century, there is more acceptance and integration than we’ve ever seen before, and nothing makes me prouder than knowing that our society is being educated in LGBTQI+ rights. In my own family, I have two homosexual male cousins and a transgender cousin – all of whom I’ve loved since we were kids where we knew no different. The LGBTQI+ performers in Edinburgh this year were loud and proud and unapologetic of who they were, and this made me resent the

see this inclusivity and unity from both the performer and his audience was a sight I know every person wanting equality for the LGBTQI+ community craves. While I was in Edinburgh, it was the deadline to enrol for the Australian Marriage Equality Postal Vote. Naturally, I am already enrolled and naturally, while being in Edinburgh, I ran into fellow Australians. A lovely Drag Queen (who was absolutely slaying her feather boa and mini skirt) from Adelaide that I met by chance on the street, proceeded to have a conversation with me about the postal survey and the complete and utter waste of time and money it is. Complimenting her fleek eye shadow, I

Australian Government’s decision to create a plebiscite rather than just pass a law which the Australian society so clearly wants. I would suggest that the Australian Government should take a trip to the Edinburgh Fringe and witness the talent, stories of heartache and love, oppression and empowerment and ultimately passion, which our LGBTQI+ community possesses. But why travel so far when they can see that same passion on the steps of every parliament building in Australia? For those of you with an itch to travel, a passion for the arts, a longing for an equal society and a budget you don’t want to blow, you can’t go past Edinburgh in August. Do

agreed whole-heartedly, we insulted the Australian government, she planted a glitter

yourself a favour and catch the next flight, train, bus, boat, Uber, or donkey.

~ On Di t ~

Reviews I Done Gone and Did of Some Funky Old Shit funky old words by James Beshara a.k.a. Flongus Pongus Note: listening to these on Youtube will lead to many hours wasted digging for obscure pop/funk/boogie songs. Despite the negative connotation that the word “wasted” has, I feel as though it’s better to waste your time enjoying yourself than to accidentally do something productive and end up in a 9-5 you don’t like.

Deodato – Skating Initially it feels as though it was made yesterday, what with the cyclic nature of art and cues always getting taken from a prior time or whatever—but this is funky, YMOesque synth, bass guitar phased to all hell and the horns perfect. It’s like something you’d pull off the shelf in the reissue section at a Disk Union in Shinjuku. It sounds obscure but it was actually nominated for a Grammy in 1980. 8/10.

Little Beaver - Funkadelic Sound I got put onto this by some cool dudes— they couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard it…a fair reaction! I’m putting my hand up and saying it’s some of the most underrated funk ever made. There’s only like 5 or 6 elements to the track, and there’s some off-beat wood block clicking in some uncomfortable parts but it makes it all the better. The guitar is flying over the track, it’s Jaco Pastorius’ first ever session as a bassist (he was only like 17 years old), it’s Gucci. 9/10

Kevin Kendrick - Crush There’s only half of it available on Youtube, because it’s one of those old obscure boogie-funk records made in the early 80s that people online are keen to exchange on a quest for motherfunkedness. Despite that, it’s a good half…This track is filthy! The mix is saturated, there’s ray-gun sound effects, the drum machine is obnoxiously cool but there’s some really good playing on here. If someone can confirm it, that’d be fantastic, but I’m wondering whether it’s the same Kevin Kendrick that played all of the piano parts on early 2000’s Outkast songs? Overall, I give it a zebra carpet/10.

Junko Ohashi - I Love You So If you’re up at 2am, you’ve snagged a vanilla slice from the O’Connell street bakery and you’re doing something weird for the time like cleaning your room or just looking out of your window wishing you were someplace else… this is some appropriate stuff. Ignoring the cover of the album containing this song (some pre-9/11 shot of manhattan featuring the WTC towers) it’s just got some great, slick elements all coming together on the instrumental. The layered vocals sound tight when the song reaches its climax. Bubble economy/10.

~ On Di t ~

What the @#$% are Abstract Comics? words by Tim Gaze

Some of us prefer trippy comics to

challenging work is often published here,

ordinary comics. When comics are taken

not by Penguin or Wakefield Press.)

to the extreme, losing characters, scenery, and possibly all sense of narrative, we are

A noise musician from London who goes

then introduced to abstract comics.

by the name of Cementimental published an abstract graphic novel through Lulu in

2016,

Kym

Tabulo

awarded

2010, which he describes as an ‘untitled

a Doctorate of Creative Arts by the

harsh noise novel’ or ‘harsh noise album

University of the Sunshine Coast, in part

in paperback form’. It consists of 300

for composing an abstract graphic novel.

pages of primitive software-generated

She

under

patterns. One review described it as

the title The Drift of Impure Thoughts

‘headache-inducing’, but I find the pages

through blurb.com. According to Kym,

a joy to look at in a casual and ambient

composing the series of drawings was

way. I often flick through several pages

an organic process, and unfolded gently

in a few seconds, yet still get a different

over time. Reading her book, I get a sense

feeling from each page. ‘Reading’ this

of growth and change.

book is a completely different experience

self-published

was

this

novel

to (As an aside, I presume you know about

reading

something

that

requires

deeper concentration.

on-line print-on-demand services like Lulu,

CreateSpace,

LightningSource

Other

artists

this

really

include

Rosaire

Appel

abstract

approaches

and Andrei Molotiu. Rosaire describes

publishing.

New

and

area

working

and Blurb. These allow indie or punk

~ On Di t ~

Above: Kym Tabulo (page from The Drift of Impure Thoughts) Printed with kind permission from the artist

~ On Di t ~

Above: Cementimental (page from untitled harsh noise novel) Printed with kind permission from the artist

~ On Di t ~

herself as an ‘ex-writer, graphic artist

at University of Indiana, and is the

exploring

author of the abstract comics collection

the

betweens

looking/listening’.

She

reading/

makes

limited

Nautilus

(Fahrenheit,

2008)

and

the

edition artist’s books by hand, and uses

remix comics Alcoholalia (self-published,

CreateSpace and Lulu for making other

2004).

books available under her imprint Press

abstract comics blog <abstractcomics.

Rappel. Among her works which could

blogspot.com>, and is fluent in French,

be described as abstract comics are An

which has resulted in both inclusiveness

Unauthorized Account (Lulu, 2012), As It

towards francophones, and disputes. A

Were ( CreateSpace, 2010), Intersections -

reviewer at the French site Du9 received

a travelogue (Lulu, 2009) and Morpheme

the anthology negatively, in large part

Pages (Lulu, 2008). She often snips

because the famous artist Mœbius (aka

small portions of images, such as high

Jean Giraud) was not included. Andrei

contrast photos of streetscapes or of

countered that he had approached the

her own artwork, or parts of instruction

estate of Jean Giraud for permission to

manuals for assembling furniture, and

include at least one work, but they asked

digitally collages them into intriguing

for so much money that he could include

new compositions, arranged in comics

20 new artists instead, which is what he

frames.

chose to do.

Andrei

Molotiu

moderator

the

Abstract

A few years earlier, Billy Mavreas of

Comics: The Anthology, published by

Montréal began drawing interdimensional

Fantagraphics in 2009. This book was

scenarios, which include some pretty

widely

specialist

abstract parts. His books include Inside

comics publications and in art journals,

Outside Overlap (timeless books, 2008)

and sparked a flare-up in the old debate

and The Overlords of Glee ( Crunchy

about just how, exactly, do you define

Comics/conundrum

‘comics’? He teaches a course on comics

well as making comics and glitched up

reviewed

edited

Andrei

both

press,

2001).

“One review described [Cementimental’s work] as ‘headache-inducing’, but I find the pages a joy to look at in a casual and ambient way. I often flick through several pages in a few seconds, yet still get a different feeling from each page. ‘Reading’ this book is a completely different experience to reading something that requires deeper concentration.”

~ On Di t ~

Above: Billy Mavreas (page from The Overlords of Glee) Printed with kind permission from the artist

~ On Di t ~

photocopier art, Billy runs Monastiraki,

For some people, ‘comics’ means a

which is a combination of second hand

lineage of superhero comics from giant

shop, art gallery and teaching space.

US publishing conglomerates. I don’t identify with the Atomic age mutation

If we include examples which abstract

myths which are central to the formation

some of the typical features of comics,

of many superheroes. Abstract comics

we could talk about: Yuichi Yokoyama’s

are newly emerging, and pan-human,

strange manga Travel, Garden and World

not tied to linguistic ideologies.

Map Room, which were published in “English” editions by the now-defunct PictureBox; the bande dessinée (or bd) in the form of a concertina-book Toutes les Mers - Par Temps Calme by Alex Chauvel (Éditions Polystyrène, 2016), which seems to tell of a quest by means of handdrawn maps covered in pictographic symbols; and Ingo Giezendanner’s travel drawing books Zzz Züri, Baku & Back and Iskandariyah Skan (Nieves), which are full of marker pen sketches of sights seen either from trains or walking around his home city, many of them altered by deliberate scanner glitching or rubbing with

water

drawing.

damage

the

original

Disclosure: my work is included in the Fantagraphics anthology mentioned

above, and I used to post at the abstractcomics blog. Tim

Gaze’s

own

abstract

comics

include 100 Scenes (Asemic Editions, 2011) and the 12-handed collaboration A Kick in the Eye (CreateSpace, 2013). He is currently studying Anthropology,

Linguistics and Sonic Arts, recording

sound poetry and plotting to manifest AfroPortuguese campus.

dance

music

“For some people, ‘comics’ means a lineage of superhero comics from giant US publishing conglomerates. I don’t identify with the Atomic age mutation myths which are central to the formation of many superheroes.”

~ On Di t ~

Rantspace It’s Time to Move On words by Mark Dinggle

he Exeter toilets. They’re not the most luxurious experience, so definitely don’t expect a five-star experience. Not even Kleenex toilet paper. I’m not here to throw my love of the Ex on to you, or rate the loo’s, but talking from experience the ladies is not the most inviting part of the joint. Regardless of how shitty they are on a particular night, you can always rely on two things: Finding some good sharpie art on the door to spark the next conversation on your table, and that fucking terrible chunk of metal and plastic on the wall, the hand dryer. Even during the middle of Winter, when the weather is super shitty and it’d be much nicer to be rugged up in bed, we all still make the effort to go out for a beer. As it happens, in the middle of winter the hand dryer went missing. I thought it was very unlike the Ex to have it serviced or upgraded, but with hope in my heart I made my way back to my table where I was told the rather unpleasant news. My mate who works the front bar angrily exclaimed it had been stolen . It was an old, clunky piece of shit that made weird noises and could only dry one hand at a time. Who would go to the effort to steal that? Anger came over me and the others on the table. We were disgusted.

How could someone take away a part of our pub? The Ex is open to all - and this woman has taken complete advantage of this, running off with a piece of my favourite place! How dare she! All winter we went suffering. Wet hands straight in to the cool breeze of the beer garden. Every time someone made their way back to the table we would shake our heads in sadness, acknowledging the dark patches the jeans wore from drying wet hands. Conversations about how she even got that thing off the wall were common amongst my mates. The most common story goes that she unscrewed the back, unplugged it, and ran straight for Rundle Mall (witnesses were unavailable for comment). Great conversations and laughter would happen around that old piece of shit. Now mentioning the incident brought a shocked and saddened expression to those you shared the story with. A few months have passed and with no sign of the original returning a new one has been fitted. A brand spanking new one! So it’s time to move on from the sadness that vile woman brought to our wonderful pub and look onto more happy days and nights drinking at our favourite place, the Ex.

~ On Di t ~

Part of a leading crew University of Adelaide merchandise available in-store and online now. Level 4, Union House + The General 47

theadelaidestore.com.au

~ On Di t ~

Cracked Little Crazy Lying on Broken Glass words by Mickaila Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Orsi

Can you see the crack in the mirror? Or is it too well hidden from you lens? Can you see the crack in the mirror? That black colour never bends, Can you see the crack in the mirror? The feathers flawed as they float down, Can you see the crack in the mirror? Red lips hide secrets, in blood theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re bound, Can you see the crack in the mirror? Maybe you should put the hammer down.

~ On Di t ~

Prickly words by Jordan Coombes

My rage is not a bubble Is does not ebb away It threatens to devour me Each and every day â&#x20AC;&#x2039; My rage it is an ocean From it I cannot hide It rises and consumes me Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m lost in the tide.

~ On Di t ~

artwork kindly provided by Buffo Marinus

27 Oct - 3 Nov

Level 4 Hub Central

ber

Procrastination

to b e r

TO TAKE A BREAK FROM STUDY BRAIN

Nove m 3 -