Observer Spring 2018 Issue 3

I N C R O S S WO R D I D E

Observer the

March 1, 2018 VOLUME XXXIV, ISSUE 3

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FROM OPINIONS

It’s Never Been About Bathrooms

By FIONA WHALEN Contributing Writer

Until two years ago, transgender and gender non-conforming (trans/gnc) identities were inextricably linked in my mind to bathrooms, locker rooms and other sex-segregated spaces. This is because, like most people, the first interaction I had with a trans person was not in conversation— not in communion—but rather mediated by the news. Make no mistake: this was a distorted mediation, whereby the output on the 5 o’clock news does not begin to reflect the complexity of opinion and experience in the trans/ gnc community. While grossly incomplete, this slim cross-section of representation caught America’s attention.

According to the American media, 2015 was the year of transgender celebrity Caitlyn Jenner.

2016 was the year of House Bill 2 (or “the bathroom bill” as some called it) and of the number of trans/gnc-identifying Americans leaping to 1.4 million, a doubling in just five years. 2017 was the deadliest year on record for trans women and the year when New York City mandated the transformation of all single-stall restrooms into explicitly gender-inclusive restrooms.

Like most institutions of higher education, Fordham Lincoln Center had a parallel spike in dialogue about gender inclusivity on campus, with the creation of the gender advocacy coalition The Positive in 2014. Unlike comparable New York and Jesuit institutions (such as Columbia, NYU and the University of San Francisco), Fordham did not deliver on the demands of trans/gnc activists and the wider student body for inclusive policy change.

What I failed to recognize amid the myriad of headlines is that this fight has never been about bathrooms. It is about recognition, visibility and celebration.

I would be very surprised if any trans/gnc Ram feels fully recognized by the university, wakes up undeniably safe in the expression of their gender and struts down maroon halls knowing their existence is a celebration: a march to which every Vice President on campus beats a drum. My Fordham education should teach me these three truths. As of today, it does not.

I want to focus on the third demand, because it is the required reality most alien to Fordham’s administration and to me. Queer activist Leslie Feinberg wrote in “Trans Liberation: Beyond Pink or Blue” that “Gender is the poetry each of us makes out of the language we are taught.” But what if you are not taught? What if no one taught you that you exist, much less that your life deserves to be put into stanzas? What if no one taught you that the spectrum of gender is an unprecedented opportunity for liberating linguistic creativity? A creativity that just might allow our community to thrive when the ability to survive is often too much to ask. No one

Zapata Tackles Diversity Disparities at Fordham

ANDREW BEECHER/THE OBSERVER

Rafael Zapata, appointed last fall as Fordham’s Chief Diversity Officer, recently made recommendations on how to address student concerns.

By ELIZA PUTNAM Contributing Writer

Since arriving on campus in January, Fordham’s inaugural Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) Rafael Zapata has realized that drawing on “institutional memory” is crucial to progress, including the history of faculty advocacy and student organizing that led to his position’s creation.

In November 2015, the Faculty Senate invited six undergraduate students to speak regarding racism on campus after student organizers condemned a white supremacist message and swastika found in an Lincoln Center bathroom and a racial slur carved onto a Rose Hill freshman’s door, and what they felt was an inadequate university response. With Fordham Pres-

ident Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J. and Provost Stephen Freedman present, Eric Taylor, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ‘18, declared that “Fordham’s treatment of black and brown students can be called nothing other than violence.

The trauma that accompanies living under such a racist institution is damaging to the soul and to the mind.”

After Taylor spoke, Chris Hennessy, FCLC ‘15, described an online survey asking Fordham students about their perceptions and experiences of racial bias at Fordham; five of the first twenty-two responses were racist and some were malicious.

The twentieth respondent listed their name as “Black Guy” and their university affiliation “Professional Complainer,” and wrote “a completely deranged

and incredibly disturbing almost 300-word death threat.”

Only weeks later, the Faculty Senate’s Task Force on Gender and Race Equity and Faculty Diversity and Retention released a report reiterating recommendations from a 2012 Task Force report that “were never pursued

by Fordham.” Both reports advocated the creation of an “Office of Diversity and Equity” in senior administration to prioritize diversity work at Fordham. That same week, McShane announced his own Diversity Task Force to survey Fordham’s climate across its nine schools.

That summer, the President’s Task Force completed its findings, reporting “a significant underrepresentation of racial minorities,” especially in the undergraduate student body, faculty and senior administra-

see COMMITTEE pg. 3

Inside NEWS

RHA Shake-Up

Addressing the recent changes to residential life.

PAGE 2 OPINIONS

Managing Midterms

A surival guide for exam season.

PAGE 6 ARTS & CULTURE

Broadway Ram

A Fordham alum makes their third appearance on the big stage.

PAGE 7 FEATURES

“Men Cry”

Meet the Fordham senior using film to redefine masculinity.

PAGE 14 SPORTS & HEALTH

Feeding Fordham JON BJÖRNSON/THE OBSERVER

see GENDER pg. 5

tive offices. At the time of the report’s release, all 25 members of President McShane’s Advisory Council were white.

The report described a widespread “fear of speaking out” and “feelings of distrust throughout the University” that prevented people from sharing their concerns with the Task Force. It also noted that several “persons with responsible positions at the University consider it and themselves to be color-blind, which is a problematic stance, because it diverts attention from the persistence and dynamics of institutionalized racism.”

Napoleon Canete, FCLC ’17 and a Task Force member, sensed that “Fordham was stagnating” in comparison to other universities, especially in its

Read how Fordham employees like Gestie Richards (right) help to keep the university running on page 8.

A dietician’s mission to promote healthy eating on campus.

PAGE 16

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News

March 1, 2018 THE OBSERVER

www.fordhamobserver.com

Past Spring Clash Prompts Policy Change

By RUBY GARA Asst. News Editor

Fordham University has made alterations to the Student Handbook’s demonstration policies following the controversy surrounding school administration and a student group seeking official club status.

The Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) had completed a yearlong process in order to gain official club status on campus before consequently being barred by the Dean of Students, Keith Eldredge, in Dec. 2016. The policies were changed as a consequence of the several protests led on campus by members of SJP, as well as other Fordham students.

The newest edition of the Student Handbook, written for the academic year of 2017-18, was published shortly after the four students filed suit against the University, as the hearing was held in early January. However, both handbooks share a strikingly similar perspective in regards to student-led demonstrations on campus.

The only significant change that has been made to the Student Handbook concerning the demonstration policy is an extension of the Procedures for Responding to Obstructive or Disruptive Demonstrations clause.

The Student Handbook consists of “standards of conduct” and university regulations that are routinely modified and updated, as they “are integral to the development of each student” in Fordham’s international community.

The handbook essentially outlines the expectations for students’ conduct, whether it is related to academics or non-academic matters.

The handbook listed scenarios that indicate students have failed to fulfill certain responsibilities, namely the one that “create[s] a volume of noise that prevents members of the University from carrying on their normal activities,” as well as “employ force or violence, or constitute an immediate threat of force or violence.”

GEORGE HORIHAN/THE OBSERVER

In April 2017, a Rose Hill protest resulted in a physical altercation between students and members of the Office of Public Safety.

In relation to SJP, one of the claims that reinforces the dismissal of the formation of their group, was that a student organization of such nature would make others on campus feel uncomfortable, and that it could be a fundamental source of distraction.

However, some policies remained unchanged in both handbooks, namely the policy on dissent, which refers to a student’s strong difference in opinion. Both state that “to insure that freedom is maintained [on campus], expressions of assent or dissent cannot be permitted to infringe on the rights of the members of the University community or the community itself.” The policy also states that “each member of the

University has a right to freely express his or her positions and to work for their acceptance whether he/she assents to or dissents from existing situations in the University or society.”

The Student Handbook of 2016-17 had five procedural steps for different instances; the updated version has added 2 points of clarification to the policy as the steps “are generally followed in instances in which a protest that has been coordinated/approved through this Demonstration Policy deviates from the Policy based on the judgment of the Department of Public Safety and/or the Dean of Students.”

The five main points outline how the Dean of Students, as well

as the Dean of the college, partake on handling demonstrations that are deemed to be “disrupting the normal process of the area in question.” Public Safety also plays a key role as they are the ones that should be contacted if “physical violence, unauthorized entry, disruption of normal business and/or academic activities, and/or destruction of property” occurs during a coordinated and approved demonstration.

If the demonstrators on campus ignore the warnings issued by the Dean stating to cease any disruptive activity, the President and/or Senior Vice President for Student Affairs or Associate Vice President of Student Affairs “will recommend that the New York

City Police be summoned and that they be requested to arrest violators and clear the area.”

The last point in the Demonstration policy states that “Demonstrations/protests that have not been coordinated with/approved by the University through the process described in this policy are not permitted and may be ended without following steps 1-5. Organizing individuals and groups as well as participants may be subject to response through the Student Conduct Process.”

Although only minor changes have been made to the handbook, its updated version shows the impact student-led protests can have on a University, and paves the way for change on campus.

A New Constitution, a New President, a New RHA

By COLIN SHEELEY News Editor

“It was a rough transition,” Eunice Jung, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’20, said, reflecting on the past nine months of her involvement with the Residence Hall Association (RHA).

Then an RHA senator, Jung, who is now the president, has seen the club—whose office sits alongside much of McMahon Hall’s first floor residential foot traffic—weather a number of dramatic transformations.

In the spring of 2017, the Office of Residential Life’s RHA Advisor, Frank McAlpin left with little warning to representatives and e-board members. A new adviser, Resident Director Joe Corcoran, assumed power over the summer, and his first assignment: overhauling the constitution which would be instituted unilaterally by the Office of Residential Life.

What followed was an outpour of frustration on the part of residents and former RHA members.

Since then, the organization has taken the issue of Visitation and Guest Policy to the desks of the administration, is in early stages of examining the shape of university mental health services and, as of Feb. 7, has revamped its constitution, hoping to alleviate the harsher tempers of residents.

Discussion began Dec. 4 in the McMahon Hall 5th floor lounge

between representatives and carried on to other lounges in McMahon and McKeon Halls, to e-board members and the general body.

Issues were raised, solutions offered, ideas mixed so that no single edit belonged to one person, but “everyone.”

“RHA is holding its ground with residents,” Jung said, who sat down with me to go over the constitutional changes. “We’re focusing with them, and I feel like we’re getting action done as a government.”

One of the more definite revisions to the document was the redelegation of RHA’s representative body. Rather than dividing the roles two-per-grade (as well as one graduate and one law position), representatives are now separated into one of two posts: “Advocacy” or “Programming.” Whereas the former position retains most of the previous responsibilities of the class representative, programming representatives will focus solely on “brainstorm[ing] ideas on creative events,” and “creat[ing] programs that will foster inclusivity.”

In addition, the new constitution founds a Fordham Dance Marathon representative, a liason to the Rose Hill campus’ RHA tasked with implementing a socalled Hero program: a pediatric cancer support service that Jung hopes will continue for years to come.

The new positions potentially signal a softening of the new association’s attitude against the old organization’s “more programming-based” role, though it is by no means a full lapse according to her.

“I’m glad we focus more on advocacy and change,” Jung said. “It makes us fit more to the title.”

With the new appointment of responsibilities comes a minor curtailment of the RHA adviser’s power. Jung pointed to an example of the press: “So the before statement was, ‘Executive board members are not permitted to speak to the press without the RHA adviser’s prior approval.’

I think that was initially poorly phrased ... because it made it sound like I can’t say anything,” she explained. “Now we have it phrased as ‘Prior to speaking to the press on behalf of RHA, executive board members must get prior approval from the RHA executive board with guidance from the RHA adviser.’”

“Guidance from” is the key phrase here. “Determined with” is another. Nevertheless, Jung maintains that deference to the adviser is a ritual born “out of courtesy.”

This is why, she told me, RHA must still seek approval from Corcoran and the Office of Residential Life Director Jenifer Campbell. The organization receives its budget from there. “We need some restrictions,” Jung said.

JON BJÖRNSON/THE OBSERVER

“RHA is holding its ground with residents.” - Eunice Jung, FCLC ’20

Balancing RHA’s obligations to the administration and the student body could likely become a challenge in the future, but Jung was not concerned. “We’re not under Res Life. We’re here for the residents to speak up to Res Life,” she explained. “You know how RAs are paid by Res Life, so

it’s kind of different because they have to represent Res Life.”

“But you get your funding from Res Life?” I asked.

“We do get our funding from Res Life. That’s true,” she laughed, then speaking through the side of her mouth: “But I’m still not getting paid.”

www.fordhamobserver.com

THE OBSERVER March 1, 2018

News

CDO Pushes “Action-Oriented” Committee COMMITTEE FROM PAGE 1

nating” in comparison to other universities, especially in its representation. The Task Force recommended that the University hire people of color to fill senior leadership positions.

Over two years after he spoke to the Faculty Senate, Taylor said “we are in a deepening crisis. I can count in the single digits the Black professors at Lincoln Center this semester.” This, Canete explained, is why the Task Force emphasized “not just inclusion but representation. That’s something we can track, with numbers.” To enact that Task Force recommendation, this spring Zapata is prioritizing “diversifying the administration, diversifying the faculty.” As CDO of Providence College, Zapata felt he was successful in recruiting a more diverse faculty, but faced obstacles in ensuring the university “unambiguously convey[ed]” that it valued its faculty. He recognized faculty retention is also a challenge at Fordham.

By this fall, Zapata, Vice President of Human Resources Kay Turner, and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Juan Carlos-Matos plan to establish a standing committee on diversity and inclusion, another recommendation from both Task Force reports.

Zapata described the committee as “action-oriented,” with student participation, which RHA Advocacy Coordinator Sam Blackwood, FCLC ’19, feels is necessary. Blackwood described being a student of color at Fordham as “isolating,” and

ANDREW BEECHER/THE OBSERVER

Professor Brandy-Monky Payton (left) and Rafael Zapata (right).

wants to actively recruit more students of color, particularly New Yorkers. While Taylor also expressed frustration at “Fordham’s homogenizing nature,” he said, “I would not encourage any students of color to come to Fordham, because they would be a lot more successful going to a school that understands them.”

Fordham must “better understand who our students are… so that our lack of aware-

ness doesn’t become an impediment,” according to Zapata.

Aamnah Khan, FCLC ’18 and a Diversity Peer Leader, was at first “in denial,” but said she has accepted she may be “the first hijabi that people have seen and interacted with” at Fordham, and it’s “frustrating that they don’t try to educate themselves.”

While the President’s Task Force focused on race and racism, the CDO’s mandate is to

address all issues of diversity and inclusion at Fordham, including religion, gender, class, (dis)ability and sexual orientation.

The President’s Task Force recommended the CDO be a senior Vice President, on the President’s Advisory Council at equal footing with other vice presidents. McShane’s office chose to designate Zapata’s position as Associate Vice President. Several professors,

including the Faculty Senate’s Task Force, are concerned that the CDO is “fated to fail in the job as charged” without “the requisite authority, ranks and resources,” as Professor Amir Idris wrote in a letter to President McShane last fall.

Zapata said he understood where faculty concerns were coming from, and that “having [the CDO] position at the highest level is typically viewed as best practice.” That said, he emphasized diversity work as a collaborative effort, and that he needs the President, Provost and faculty’s participation. “All of us, all of us, have to engage in the work,” Zapata explained.

But how can the Fordham community seek accountability from the University in its work to improve access, inclusion and representation for students? Canete wanted to “see if there’s a timeline” to indicate administrative commitment to proposals. Zapata similarly emphasized that “we’ve got to ask: are we doing what we promised we’d do?” Because, he explained, “that accountability on whether or not things happen ultimately falls on the President.”

Taylor said that, for him, “there have been no changes that have been felt on the ground for poor students, for students of color, and queer students on this campus since I spoke to the Faculty Senate, and Father McShane would be wise to not be comfortable in the silence that Fordham is experiencing right now, because you shouldn’t confuse that as an absence of unrest.”

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Opinions

Opinions Editor Jordan Meltzer - jmeltzer3@fordham.edu

PARKLAND STUDENTS: WE HEAR YOU

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ical movement with more conviction and dignity than many elected officials and American citizens far your

“You are actively leading a sociopolitical movement with more conviction and integrity than many elected officials and American citizens far your senior.” senior. Your words and actions not only reflect well on the generation coming of age in America, but also indicate a turning point for youth activism. e call for a shift in opinion concerning the influence of America’s youth, especially when their perspective is among the most

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valuable. There is no shortage of activist groups composed of or led by young people—the Dreamers, Relay for Life and Students Against Drunk Driving to name a few—but our country can only benefit if their voices are heard and received as loudly as we hear those in charge of making decisions for our country’s future. he young people of America are directly affected by our country’s social and political ills as much as any other citizen. In the case of the Parkland students, their experiences matter even more.

Our country has the opportunity to welcome another valuable group of voices to the negotiating table. Today’s outspoken students have the potential to heighten the credibility and importance of youth activism in a country that desperately needs the help of every single one of its citizens. All we have to do is listen.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: We have seen the FCLC student newspaper, The Observer, report on a group of students taking legal action against the University, challenging the Dean of Students’ rejection of USG’s unanimous approval of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP): http://www.fordhamobserver.com/students-of-sjpawait-court-decision/. The civil suit filed in Manhattan Civil Court asks for SJP to be recognized officially as a student club on campus, with all the club privileges.

The administration’s decision to deny the student group a club status in the Spring of 2017 met with strong objection from the Fordham community, which was expressed in a petition signed by more than 75 faculty. Unfortunately, the administration decided to ignore our collective wishes. So, we are writing, again, to register our strong objection to the Dean of Students’ and his superiors’ actions in denying students their academic freedom and obstructing freedom of expression at FCLC. We are very concerned with our University’s pandering to powerful individuals and pressure groups in suppressing any voice raised in support of silenced and stateless Palestinians.

In light of the fact that the Holy See (Vatican), under leadership of a Jesuit pope, officially recognized the state of Palestine in June 2015, this action by Fordham University, which seeks to advance its mission as a Catholic and Jesuit institution, seems incredibly odd.

We call on the University to drop its wrong-headed and costly legal opposition to the right of students to form a Students for Justice in Palestine club at Lincoln Center.

Observer the

STAFF EDITORIAL

n the wake of America’s most recent school shooting, an increasing number of young people, including those directly affected by the tragedy, have taken to mass media and social platforms to voice their frustration with the status quo of American gun violence— and they have been ridiculed for it. They have been singled out and discredited.

They have been accused of being hired by a political party and being roped into a political discourse, and some still choose to dismiss their efforts as meaningless due to their youth and perceived lack of wisdom. The words of young people, the group affected most by this complicated web of politics and national tragedy, have attempted to be silenced. o the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School: we hear you. We see your efforts, and we commend you. You are actively leading a sociopolit-

March 1, 2018 THE OBSERVER

Albin, Andrew Andersen, Robin Burger, Susan Cassuto, Leonard Clark, Andrew Cruz-Malave, Arnaldo Dunning, Ben Fadar, Ayala Foster John Andrew Frost, Elizabeth George, Diane GoGwilt, Christopher Hasting, Maryam M. Hendler, Glenn Hill Fletcher, Jeannine Kasten, Carey Kim, James Kueny, Kathryn Marme, Michael McGee, Micki Mendez-Clark, Ronald Muragan, Meenasarani Mustafa, Fawzia Peppard, Christiana Reklis, Kathryn Rodriguez, Orlando Sawalha, Aseel Seitz, John Sogno, Cristiana Stein, Jordan Alexander Vali, Shapoor Vich, Cynthia Wernick, Laura Zimmerman, Sara

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Editor-in-Chief Morgan Steward Managing Editor Reese Ravner Business Manager Michael Veverka Layout Editor Loïc Khodarkovsky Asst. Layout Editor Esmé Bleecker-Adams News Editors Colin Sheeley Katherine Smith Asst. News Editor Ruby Gara Opinions Editor Jordan Meltzer Asst. Opinions Editor Owen Roche Arts & Culture Editor Sam DeAssis Asst. Arts & Culture Editors Kevin Christopher Robles Marielle Sarmiento Features Editor Jeffrey Umbrell Asst. Features Editors Izzi Duprey Lindsay Jorgensen Sports & Health Editor Artemis Tsagaris Asst. Sports & Health Editor Luke Osborn Photo Editor Jon Björnson Asst. Photo Editors Andrew Beecher Lena Rose Comma Coordinators Elodie Huston Erika Ortiz Copy Editors Erika Ortiz Gianna Smeraglia Social Media Managers Angelika Menendez Andronika Zimmerman

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Opinions

5

The Journey Towards Self-Love is Not Pretty

which is out of your control. If necessary, take individual action.

There are places that are completely anonymous and do not require any form of payment, such as your University’s Health Center. You are paying a large sum of money to go here; you might as well utilize every resource they offer. Do not be ashamed to seek help.

EVILINA KURAYEVA Contributing Writer

I walked into my first ever philosophy class with nothing but one simple aspiration: to ace the required class. My professor had other plans. He started to list the objectives of the course when he stopped and said, “I have made the syllabus with one aim for my students: the practice of selflove.” I was taken aback; I had this immense uneasiness because I did not understand how philosophy and self-care were tied.

The larger issue revolved around this sense of the ignorance I felt throughout the course. I did not know myself at all. I was self-destructive. I would never prioritize myself over anything. I would sacrifice my own well-being for the sake of others. And all these dilemmas were only scratching the surface. The people around me had convinced me that I had reached a point of emotional security and “self-love,” but this was not the case whatsoever. The process of learning to love oneself is different for everyone, as we never have the same experiences or feelings as anyone else.

When picturing self-care and love, we often create this misconception of how we can fully achieve this comfort within ourselves. It is portrayed as an aesthetically pleasing journey that is supposed to make us feel happy. Though it may seem like a viable passage towards self-improvement, it does not take into account myriad other factors: mental illness, self-deprecation, systematic oppressors and many more. A lot of us were never even taught to practice self-love because it was seen as vain and arrogant. But it’s not. You deserve to feel proud of yourself, to love yourself, to be the best version of yourself and to trust in yourself in a way that only you can.

Self-care on the internet is often represented as “pretty.” We are given tips such as “just relax,” or “put on a face mask, and you will feel pretty!” This is acceptable for some, but it is not always this easy or glamorous. However, the unglamorous parts—such as crying and working your way up to just getting out of your bed—

8) Many people will expect you to quickly “fix” yourself, but this is not something that can be timed. You cannot plan out how you feel in advance. Plan out a day every week during which you can unwind. Do not make this a strict rule, but try to find a time when you can sit, read or do anything that makes you feel good about yourself.

JON BJORNSON/THE OBSERVER

Contemplation is a difficult but important part of the journey toward self love.

are acceptable means of coping as well. The journey to loving yourself can involve crying, ranting and harsh reflection. Coping comes in many forms and we must recognize them all in order to allow ourselves the time and space to grow. These are some of the ways I have approached the issue, but steps can vary depending on the individual. Before I begin, I just want to stress that I am not an expert on self-love as a process. I am merely interpreting a misconception to which I have been exposed, and I am trying to further aid in destroying the stigma.

1) There is nothing wrong with picking yourself over your friends. If you are having a bad day, you are under no obligation

to accept an invitation to hang out unless you want to.

2) Do not place your happiness in the hands of anyone but yourself.

3) Alone time is important in order to reflect on yourself. You can use this time to think about what makes you happy. Perhaps maintain a journal of these positive influences?

4) Perfection is not something to strive for. Try to be the best person you can be. Do not compare yourself to anyone! You are your own person, and you must allow yourself the opportunity to explore your—yes your—own self.

5) Failure is inevitable, and you must see it as an opportunity for growth. Do not take unnecessary blame; improve upon the aspects that were your fault.

6) Be patient with yourself.

The healing process is a long and ever-changing journey on which you must be willing to embark.

7) If you feel like you cannot reach a point of self-love, reach out to someone as soon as you can. Many destructive forces come as a result of hating yourself. If this is the case, reach out to someone you trust and get help. Mental health should come first. I know it is not the easiest action to take; one of the reasons being that many families do not see self-love as a serious matter,

We have been conditioned to think that loving yourself is either completely narcissistic or a direct product of selfishness. It is neither of those things. It is important to understand that there is a fine line between personal wellbeing and lack of care for others. You should always have a sense of self-care and trust within yourself, and the knowledge that everything will be okay. This type of reassurance is incredibly hard to reach, especially considering the many different circumstances that arise. I often find myself sacrificing my own ambitions and goals for the sake of my friends and family. This should never be the case. You are your own person, not a simple product of your parents or friends. When you realize that, it is a relief. I myself have not come to that conclusion just yet, but I am working on it.

The misconception of self-love that the media has sprung on people is dangerous. It teaches people that finding a confidence within themselves is near impossible without the love of someone else present. The required course allowed for a certain realization to spur within me: I felt liberated. The study of philosophical thinking affirmed my experience as a being through a curriculum which knew no shame, and in its subliminality it presented the essence of self-love. Such an ideal took an entire semester for me to comprehend.

Gender: The Fight for Recognition and Celebration GENDER FROM PAGE 1

taught me.

The use of gender-neutral pronouns such as “they,” “ze” and “em” have become more common in the United States as a mechanism of self-identification outside of the confines of “he” and “she.”

In the article “Stick Figures and Little Bits: Toward a Nonbinary Pedagogy,” A. Finn Enke maintains that spoken and written language are symbols that construct a world order, where the gendering of persons in binary terms only serves to “create, teach and enforce” the existence of only two genders. Thus, when someone claims gender-neutral pronouns, they are linguistically building a world in which they can exist. So, when one assumes another person’s gender or does not care enough to call a person by their preferred pronouns, one effectively excludes them from a reality in which they can exist and robs them of their right to self-identify.

Language therefore acts as a gatekeeper, permitting or denying entry into a conversation, a classroom, a staff meeting, a

TED EYTAN VIA FLICKR

Gender identity doesn’t end at bathroom signage.

dorm room, a healthcare facility or a bathroom. In the case of sex-segregated restrooms, the signage (i.e. the language) is a set of active symbols that work to enforce an exclusionary reality that is a fallacy.

Enke posits that because we as a society “have been socialized in structures of sexist,

racist and classist hierarchies, identity-laden pronouns (‘he,’ ‘she,’ etc.) make it impossible for people to perceive the third person openly and also interferes with people’s ability to represent themselves in their own terms.”

The erasure of adequate and creative language can therefore prohibit the possibility of

self-conception as a trans/gnc individual. Do you see the tragedy in shrinking yourself down to cram into one of two boxes when in actuality you far bigger than you know? Do you see the tragedy in never realizing you could live that fully?

Let’s bring this back to Fordham. The vast majority of Lincoln Center students support the creation of explicitly gender-inclusive restroom signage according to a 2014 survey conducted by Chris Hennessy, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’15. So where are you? Why are the people that slide along the scale always responsible for carving out a way to a victory? Because the trans/ gnc-identifying community has everything to lose.

I call specifically on the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies students, who critique the gender binary on the daily, to extend their analysis to all classrooms—all spaces even.

Theory is worthless if you do not realize the flesh and blood that is at stake. Recognize the power of your education.

Furthermore, how many of you cis readers who watch RuPaul demand that your teachers ask and remember the pronouns of every person in the room? Support and solidarity work both ways—if you are able to consume our culture, you can assuredly show up for it.

This article is a calling in, not a calling out. The goal of this piece is not to humiliate individuals and institutions that need to do better. The goal of this article is for individuals and institutions to see that they absolutely must take concrete steps to do better. Everyone in the Fordham community—student, faculty member, staff member, administrator—is invited to do better.

Recognition, visibility and celebration are what we ask, and we are not the only community on campus to do so. To the trans/gnc-identifying community members reading this, please continue to beautify these halls with your strut and swagger, your walk and talk and the way you continue to breathe.

6

Opinions

March 1, 2018 THE OBSERVER

www.fordhamobserver.com

Rethinking the Gun Debate

OMAR ELKHATIB Staff Writer

As I reflect on the recent tragedy in Parkland, Fla., I can’t help but think of how little progress has been made since the Columbine school shooting in Colorado in 1999. I happened to live in Colorado at the time, just about 15 minutes away from Columbine High School. A classmate of mine was the cousin of one of the victims. In fact, the movie theatre that was the target of a shooting in 2012 was the same theatre my friends and I would frequent when we were young. Years later however, I have seen little to no progress in the gun debate in this country.

Frankly speaking, after the events in Parkland, nothing is going to get done at the pace we’re going. Money talks in this country, and it has the loudest voice by far. Too many politicians accept money from pro-gun lobbyists, and those millions are too sweet to turn down, even if it means saving just one life. Maybe starting over is what we need since clearly nothing has been achieved thus far. Let’s take a look at both sides in hopes of coming to some mutual agreement.

First, I get it. Guns are very important to many people in this country. In fact, the amount of guns outnumbers the amount of citizens. The first problem: too often I see both sides resorting to name-calling and baseless accusations, words that only help to push people away from common ground. No law-abiding citizen enjoys hearing tragic news of chil-

LORIE SHAULL VIA FLICKR

Teens For Gun Reform protests in Washington, D.C., after the February 2018 shooting in Parkland, Florida.

dren dying in school shootings or any shooting for that matter. Telling someone they have blood on their hands because they strongly support the 2nd Amendment is not helpful to the cause. Furthermore, those on the pro-gun side need to remember that those in favor of gun control aren’t advocating for no defense at all. The issue is far more nuanced than that. So can we agree that safety is a top concern for both sides?

Let’s move on.

When one side says “gun

control,” it seems as though the other side hears something completely different. Gun control does not mean seizing and banning weapons. Pro-gun supporters often talk about how law-abiding and cautious they are with guns. This is fantastic. In fact, if that’s the case, there should be no reason to oppose the implementation of background checks for firearms. Wouldn’t you agree that a 19-year-old who is mentally unstable shouldn’t be allowed to easily purchase a deadly weapon?

I think we need to understand that “control” doesn’t mean seizure. We have controls for alcohol, drugs, speeding and much more. Wouldn’t just a few controls that could filter unstable and dangerous individuals from obtaining deadly weapons be worth it? It is necessary to redefine what “gun control” means because it certainly has been distorted in all the commotion of this debate.

Finally, the single most important point seems to be the most obvious but the least realized. As

soon as a tragedy happens, the pro-gun lobbyists are the first to be blamed. But let’s think about what their job is for a moment.

Their purpose is to push their agenda and persuade lawmakers to support their points of view.

They don’t work for the people, and, frankly, they shouldn’t have to consider the opinions of concerned American citizens.

But do you know who does? Our politicians. Forget about tweeting your outrage, or debating until your voice is gone—the single most effective way to make a difference in this debate is to vote.

Don’t blame the people giving the money, blame the politicians accepting it. Year after year, these same people win their elections, and we’re back to square one.

Mobilize, organize and exercise your vote to make sure those who accept millions of dollars in contributions are not re-elected.

If the number of people who are sick and tired of our youth being mowed down by deadly weapons is as large as it seems, there should be no problem forcing politicians to rethink who they allow to sway their opinions.

Without communication and balance, we will never solve the gun debate. I fear the events in Parkland, Fla., will not be the last unless we come closer to the middle on this issue. The solutions are there, but we need to have an educated and non-politicized discussion about this. This means less angry tweeting from behind our keyboards and more constructive dialogue. And remember: do not underestimate the power of your vote. Holding politicians accountable will literally save lives.

How (Best) to Cram for Midterms JORDAN MELTZER Opinions Editor

So your professors are starting to mention midterms at the ends of your classes, and you’re confused because the semester only started a week and a half ago. “Whatever,” you think to yourself. “They’re not for a while anyway.” You go to an NYU party one night, you watch six consec-

utive hours of “Black Mirror” the next, you go home to New Jersey that weekend and before you know it, your midterm is tomorrow. You have that one moment: that one instantly recognizable sensation of pure, unadulterated fear running through your body like water. So what do you do?

Luckily for you, I have the definitive list of steps you can—and should—take when cramming the night before your midterm.

PAULA MADERO/THE OBSERVER

Quinn Library and midterms claim another victim.

1) Freak out. It will take a few minutes (or more), but if you skip this step, you will be filled with anxiety and regret for the rest of the night, which will make it much harder to study. The feeling is similar to how your body might react to spicy food, but the repercussions are worse (if you can believe it). Take as long as you need, but not really. Keep this down to a half hour.

2) Check your social media. Sound ridiculous? It’s not.

Catch up on all your Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit and other social media feeds. That way, you won’t be tempted to see what’s happening in the world while you study. Check the news, too, but just the headlines. Cap the time you spend on this part at 20 minutes: you have no time to waste.

3) Make your own personal cheat sheet. Open Microsoft Word or a Google Doc and change the font size to six. Copy the professor’s study guide—by typing it, not by copying and pasting—into your document and underline the key terms. If your professor didn’t provide a study guide (which is often the case), use your notes, the course outline, the slide decks or something similar. Fill the document out in its entirety. Define key terms, explain complicated concepts and the like. Without checking social media or texting, this could take you a few hours. Optionally, give yourself a personal limit for how many pages this cheat sheet can be. It allows you to hone in on the most important information, and it cuts down the amount of time you spend on this part.

(Note: I deliberately chose the term “cheat sheet” over “study

guide” because we all know the best way to cheat is to memorize the information in your head beforehand—the professors never suspect a thing).

4) Study, study, study.

Increase the font size to 12 and change the font to Garamond, Times New Roman or Arial, the most easily readable fonts.

Print out the sheet, as you will no longer be reading from your screen—this is harder than reading in print and you will be more tempted to check that Instagram feed again (don’t do it!). Close your laptop, take out a pen and uncap your trusty neon yellow highlighter. Read your cheat sheet slowly and highlight the names of key terms and concepts.

In pen, put a big ol’ star next to anything you don’t quite understand just yet, even if that’s just about everything. Read it over a second time, focusing specifically on the concepts you starred.

Read it over a third time, mostly skimming this time since now you mostly get everything.

5) Ask your friends for help.

Okay, so you probably don’t get everything. That is okay. Yes, really: don’t panic (yet). Now is the time to text your friends and classmates you don’t really know all that well or like all that much. Subtly include some sort of equal return to make sure you don’t look lazy or forgetful or moochy (even though you are definitely all of those things).

Most frequently, offering them a peek at your cheat sheet works swimmingly. A draft is as follows: “Hey [Gullible]! I made a study guide for stats and there are just a couple of things that need improvement. Can I share

this Google Doc with you and let you know what I need help on? I would really appreciate it!”

Even if it is midnight by the time you get here, if you have enough phone numbers, Instagrams or Snapchats, you will absolutely get through to somebody at some point. Five out of five college students sleeping before 1 a.m. is unheard of.

6) Add finishing touches.

Once you make your final edits to your cheat sheet, read over the hardest concepts one last time.

This should only take a few minutes, because now you REALLY get everything.

7) Celebrate. But not too much—it’s probably 2 a.m. at this point. You have now just dedicated an entire night to studying. Hell, you just packed half a course into one four- or five-hour study session—a feat attempted by many and accomplished by few. You deserve a reward. My suggestion? A nice, home-cooked meal consisting of cereal and crackers. I mean, what else can you make in the wee hours of the morning without waking up your suitemates?

8) Ace the exam. All the information is fresh in your body; now you just have to vomit it all out into a blue book. Make sure you eat breakfast when you wake up and lunch if applicable. Have a snack in the moments before the exam, like a granola bar.

Drink plenty of water. Now go in there, ace that multiple choice, nail those calculations and rock that essay like the well-prepared, responsible student you appear to be. Your secret’s safe with us.

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor Samantha DeAssis - sdeassis@fordham.edu

March 1, 2018 THE OBSERVER

Fordham/Ailey Alum says “Hello, Dolly!”

By CAITLIN REYNOLDS Contributing Writer

The joyful, iconic number “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” ignites a tangible energy that hums across the audience of the 2017 Tony Award winning revival of “Hello, Dolly!” The song is a marker of excitement for both the characters and the audience, an emotion that only heightens as a full sized, cherry red train trolley rolls on stage with a cast of grinning, waving passengers. On board, marking her third Broadway show, is ensemble member Taeler Cyrus, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’08.

Since her graduation, Cyrus

“ Even if it meant

getting up an hour earlier to have a cup of coffee and sit down, just breathe and take in my day.”

TAELER CYRUS, FCLC ‘08

has developed a résumé most dancers could only dream of, working internationally with stars like Kanye West, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé while also performing Tony Award winning choreography on Broadway in “After Midnight,” “An American in Paris” and now “Hello, Dolly!”

“Hello, Dolly!” opened last year after immense anticipation of Bette Midler’s return to Broadway in the titular role. After taking home the Tony Award for Best Actress at 72 years old, there

COURTESY OF TAELER CYRUS

Taeler Cyrus, FCLC ’08, performs on Broadway in “Hello, Dolly!”

was no question: she’s still got it.

According to Cyrus, Midler was just as exciting to work with as she was to watch, claiming that Midler is the epitome of a professional.

Cyrus also danced with Beyonce during her 2016 MTV Video Music Awards performance of her knockout visual album, “Lemonade.” “The two people I’m admiring right now because I saw their work ethic are Beyoncé and Bette Midler. It’s incredible the amount of work that they put into their craft because they know that they have to, and it’s incredible to see them reap the rewards right after,” said Cyrus.

On Jan. 14, Bette Midler said

“So Long Dearie” to Dolly before the petite powerhouse Bernadette Peters stepped into the role on Jan. 20. The transition took place after one week of rehearsals during which Cyrus was rarely called. “I don’t even know what just happened!” Cyrus joked about the smooth transition between Broadway divas.

“She came out on stage that first show and killed it and has been doing remarkably well ever since,” she said. “It’s also really cool whenever anybody new comes in to see them get their rhythm. She turned on as soon as the audience was there.”

Cyrus also said that the show will see other changes aside from

its leading lady; the cast is currently rehearsing new choreography. “It’s a treat to have something switch up a year in,” said Cyrus. While what the actual changes will be are still up in the air, Cyrus promises the audience will love them.

Before Cyrus was dancing on Broadway or backing up Beyoncé, she was running between pointe and history classes as a Fordham/Ailey B.F.A. student. Looking back on her time at Fordham/ Ailey, Cyrus appreciates that the academic and physical rigor of the multifaceted program kept her sharp and taught her the importance of finding a sustainable balance between life and work.

“It made me feel invigorated,” she said, “It’s a program that sets you up for success.”

However, she still wishes she would have made more time for herself when in college. Today Cyrus laughs that she has absolutely no problem finding ‘pamper-me’ time, a habit she recommends to current students getting into sooner. “Even if it meant getting up an hour earlier to have a cup of coffee and sit down, just breathe and take in my day and know what’s coming—I should have done that. Instead, my alarm went off at the very last second and it was go time from the second I woke up. That’s how you burn out,” said Cyrus.

“I like to take classes that are hard for me, that I know I won’t be good at,” she said about taking care of herself these days. It’s a new practice for her that helps her combat the dancer’s innate struggle for perfection. Taking difficult classes is “humbling” and reminds Cyrus that dancing is about learning and exploring not perfection.

While she is working on her triple threat by taking regular acting and vocal lessons, she admits she’s not looking to leave dancing behind anytime soon. “I love moving so much that whatever comes next still would need to include movement. I want to use my body as long as my body allows me to use it.”

To current Fordham/Ailey B.F.A. program students, Cyrus shares her universal philosophy: “Know what you have to offer, and know that someone is going to see it. You just have to bring forth all that you can and then let it go.” Above all, she said to remind yourself why you’re doing it all, whatever your “all” is. For Cyrus, her all is dancing, and her why is simple: “It feeds my soul.”

Oscars Obsession: A Movie Marathon

By PERI ROHL Contributing Writer

As the 90th Academy Awards quickly approaches, movie buffs are flocking to theaters to see all the nominated flicks. This year’s Oscars will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, making him the second person to host the show consecutively since Billy Crystal in 1997 and 1998. The awards show will air on March 4.

The nominated movies this season create one of the most diverse watching experiences in recent years, attracting many Fordham students to walk over to the AMC located minutes from campus on Broadway and 68th Street.

This popular movie theater even houses some of the costumes from recent releases, with one of the skating competition costumes from “I, Tonya” currently on display. Though the movies can be pricey, the Office of Student Involvement offers $9 movie tickets on Thursdays 2 to 4 p.m. They can also be purchased from the

Residence Hall Association for $9 on Thursdays 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in McMahon 102A and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in McMahon 108. Another affordable option for frequent movie goers is MoviePass, a subscription service that allows its members to see an unlimited number of movies for only $9.95 a month.

Many students are taking advantage of these features to see every single movie nominated for an Oscar this season. Simone Schade, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’20, is a Film and Television major who has taken the initiative to see as many nominated movies as possible. So

Many students are taking advantage of these features to see every single movie nominated for an Oscar this season.

f a r, she

“ Lady Bird has been my favorite film to see

so far because it was very relatable and written very well ” – SIMONE SCHADE, FCLC ‘20 VIA FLICKR

far, she has seen 24 films. “‘Lady Bird has been my favorite film to see so far because it was very relatable and written very well,” Schade said. Saoirse Ronan, the three time Academy Award nominated Irish actress who plays the titular character, has given Schade’s favorite performance of the season.

Meg Johnson, FCLC ’20, is another Oscars aficionado. When it comes to Best Picture, Johnson thinks “‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri’ will win—it speaks of a very relevant issue and is a well told story, but I would really like to see ‘The Shape of Water’ take home Best Picture. It is so fresh and new and thought provoking—it took a classic story and made it unique.” After the 2016 #OscarsSoWhite controversy in which people of color were

noticeably left out of the nominations, and last year’s Best Picture mishap when “La La Land” was mistakenly named as Best Picture instead of “Moonlight”, both Schade and Johnson spoke about the flaws in the The Academy’s decision-making process.

“The old men of the Oscars would not choose ‘The Shape of Water’ to win. I feel like ‘Moonlight’ was their token out-of-thebox movie, and I don’t think they would do that two years in a row,” said Johnson. Schade added, “The Academy also loves Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, so I think ‘The Post’ will win.”

The fun of awards season is watching the live broadcast.

Watching the Oscars is something fun, entertaining and can be done from the comfort of a nice, cozy couch. For those who may want to celebrate the artistry of the movies in a crowd, many events will be hosted throughout New York City. On awards night the restaurant Ocean Prime on West 52nd Street is hosting a free Oscars viewing party: there will even be complementary truffle popcorn!

So hurry up and buy your movie tickets! Take the time to join in on all the Oscars buzz!

Meet The Work Force of Fordham

The People who Keep the Wheels Turning

JON BJORNSON/THE OBSERVER

While she enjoys working at Fordham, Richards passions go beyond the dining hall. “I love to dance!” she said, responding before the question was finished. When she was younger, Richards danced regularly throughout high school. Holding back a laugh, she noted that dancing took a “backstage roll” after the birth of her first child.

Gestie Richards JON BJORNSON/THE OBSERVER

Every morning, 25-year-old Gestie Richards takes the short walk to 161st St.—Yankee Stadium subway station. For nearly two years, Richards has boarded the D train to McKeon Hall, where she works as an Aramark dining facility employee.

JON BJORNSON/THE OBSERVER

The happy, smiling mother of two stands firmly at the helm of a tightly knit family, with two young children and extended relatives that live right above their Bronx apartment. The Richards family has Puerto Rican roots in New York spanning back many generations.

Reporting done by Jon Bjornson and Katherine Smith

JON BJORNSON/THE OBSERVER

As Richards leaves for work, her mother watches a telenovela in the room next door, always available to watch her grandkids while her daughter works to support them.

This same work ethic is evident in Richards; in less than two years time, she has gone from cashier to the food line to running the line herself, a position called “the lead.” Unsatisfied with “settling,” Richards has her heart set on the next promotion: working as a cook. “I’m ready for it, and I’m coming for supervisor next,” she said with a smile and a light laugh. In Fordham’s work environment, Richards says she feels “comfortable,” something that helps her to strengthen her relationship with Fordham students every day. “I try and learn everyone’s name or nickname,” Richards said.

John Borelli

JON BJORNSON/THE OBSERVER

JON BJORNSON/THE OBSERVER

While most Fordham students know the brisk, smiling mailman that asks you to sign for your package, many do not know him as John Borelli, the employee that has worked at the university for almost two decades. Often sporting a Mets vest, John declares his love for “all New York teams. Mets, Yankees, Rangers, I just like New York.” Although the New York native has delivered mail to Fordham students since 1999, he didn’t arrive at the Lincoln Center campus until 7 years ago, a move that he says he’s glad to have made. “I can’t believe how fast it goes by,” Borelli said. “Every day I’m coming to a world I love coming to. It’s routine, and there is never a dull moment.”

The package room opens at 10 a.m., which means Borelli has to arrive at least an hour earlier to receive the new mail that has to be processed. He begins his daily commute in the Bronx, taking the bus down to Lincoln Center before 9 a.m. “I don’t do subways,” he stated, smiling. When he arrives, he spends every moment before ten o’clock sorting mail, scanning packages and preparing for the crowd of students and university staff that will come to visit him throughout the day. While every day is busy, Borrelli has gotten used to the bustle of the mail office, explaining, “Nothing phases me at this point, it’s just a lot of sweating!”

On the days that it’s not too hectic, Borrelli spends the time between 2 to 4 p.m. in Hell’s Kitchen, eating his lunch at Justino’s Pizzeria or Fresco 57. When he resumes work, he doesn’t stop until he leaves punctually at 6:30 p.m., “like clockwork.”

Even with organized mail, a steady routine and several coworkers to assist with the job, the mailroom can still run into problems, especially when the scanning system fails to work.

Technical problems sometimes result in longer lines and even more work for the man who seemingly never stops moving.

“Sometimes I scan on my lunch breaks, sometimes I don’t eat. I’d rather stay focused then have to stuff my face and go right back to work.”

JON BJORNSON/THE OBSERVER

How can Fordham help? “I just need a little patience,” Borrelli said. “September to May, it’s nonstop, especially in September, October and holiday times.”

Despite the chaos that comes with distributing mail, Borrelli loves what he does. “I love interacting with students, and when I get a card or a gift from staff, saying thank you for all that you do, it means a lot to me,” Borrelli said. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

JON BJORNSON/THE OBSERVER

8-year-old Jailynn, the oldest of Gestie’s two children, transferred last fall to P.S. 162 right up the street, and although he “didn’t like it in the beginning”, he now does. At his home, Jailynn plays legos with Bella, his 7-year-old cousin and Gestie’s niece. In the background, the two were watching a Disney movie. Both had seen the movie many times before, but Jailynn quickly notes “We haven’t seen it together yet... so that’s why we’re watching it again”, and with a light shrug suggests there is no need for further explanation.

JON BJORNSON/THE OBSERVER

“He is a good cousin and older brother- but there is only so much an 8-year-old can do as his 1 ½ sister scurries and dashes about,” Gestie says. Young Jayden, or “Boops,” has her mother’s spark, never sitting still with all of New York to explore, though starting with the apartment suffices for now.

10

Arts

March 1, 2018 THE OBSERVER

www.fordhamobserver.com

Students #GetReel About Living for Others

By jULIANNE HOLMQUIST Contributing Writer

Ignatian Week at Fordham University creatively celebrated the Jesuit tradition of selflessness and concern for the world outside oneself through a week of events run by Campus Ministry. Among the many events, there was a carnival, an escape the room activity, trivia about the Jesuits, and a student film festival. At the #GetReel film festival, students embraced their love of art and social justice in order to showcase their unique takes on what it means to live for others.

Students from both Lincoln Center and Rose Hill submitted seven films, each under five minutes. The festival was a beautiful and humbling event where artists were free to talk about the people they care for and how they used art to capture it. Antonio de Loera-Brust of America Magazine came to help judge the event. In his introduction he claimed that “stories create the best weapon against injustice, and that tool is empathy.” At this event, the students learned to empathize with one another and their greater community through student films.

Carmen Barca-Carrillo, FCLC ’20, attended the festival and commented, “I think that bringing art and social justice together makes both more palatable.

Art is often incomprehensible to most people, and social justice can be too harsh to be accepted in its unfiltered form. Art based on social justice creates a more accessible version of art that also strikes a compelling chord in

COURTESY OF ERIN HOFFMAN

The aspiring filmmakers of the Ignatian Week #GetReel film festival.

terms of social justice.”

The festival was successful in showing issues of social justice through the eyes of the students and gave the audience a perspective which they would never have gained in another way.

Ironically, first place was awarded to “Fifth”, a short film by FCLC Freshman Kieran Press-Reynolds. The film followed a cross country runner who trains vigorously not to make it on the podium, but to better contribute to his team’s score. “When I first saw the prompt, I immediately thought of running. I’ve been doing cross country for six years; it’s a sport that demands the most dedicated and caring athletes,” explained Press-Reynolds. “Fifth” affected the audience so strongly because it ties so closely to how it feels to work for justice. Making change starts with oneself, and people often don’t reap the benefits of their actions. That is the price of living for others.

There were three judges for

the film festival. Antonio de Loera-Brust, Emma Quinn, FCLC ’20, and Father Vin, SJ. “It was interesting to look at the films through a critical lens. They were all unique takes on the prompt, and it was really inspiring to see all the different directions people ran,” claimed Quinn, FCLC ’20. She felt that “Fifth” particularly took a unique spin, and that it was very beautifully shot.

The student artists explored various themes through many mediums of art. The second-place winner, “Moving Bodies”, was a dance film in which Ailey students freed themselves of their labels and explored the question, “what would it be like if we were free to move just as bodies?” The students improvised their dance and the audience watched the freeing quality to simply being.

“We Regret to Inform You”, the third-place winner, explored the idea that one must learn how to live for themselves before they can live for others by following

a young man grieving his friend.

The film was beautifully shot and explored the complexities of living internally versus taking an active role in the external world.

From the submission “Day One”, the audience learned that living for others is a simple choice which starts by doing little things to brighten others’ days. Another pair of students took inspiration from their floormates, and submitted how the small acts of love they see on their floor embodies the Jesuit ideal of caring for the other.

The Commuting Student Association (CSA), inspired by the television show, “The Office”, created an introductory video about how the CSA reaches out to commuting students who are often excluded from the college environment. In the humorous short, they showed how they created a loving and understanding

environment for commuting students.

Finally, in a spoken word piece, a student stood in a church and explored what living for others meant by starting with herself. Living for others means loving others, and she showed that love ought to show itself in deeds more than words. Her ideas were reminiscent of the quote attributed to St. Francis, “Preach the Gospel at all times and, when necessary, use words.”

Each of these films gave a different but insightful take on living for others. It is self-sacrifice, acceptance, the little things that brighten people’s days, inclusion and the cornerstone of this Jesuit university. Ignatian Week helped students learn more about the values of Fordham University and share about the impact the Ignatian ideals have had on their lives.

COURTESY OF ERIN HOFFMAN

Fordham students gather in the lounge to watch their peers’ films.

No Met? No Problem! seum features an extensive and realistic renderings of hundreds variety of art and technologies to closed until the summer, but the diverse collection of folk arts and of animals and their habitats on look at, but delves into the pro- museum is still displaying exhibcrafts—from portraits to pottery, land, in the air and under the cess and inspiration behind creat- its in other parts of the museum, Located just across Central fashion to fables and eving such pieces. Every vis- as well as lectures and cultural Park, the Metropolitan Museum erything in between. The itor also gets a “pen” that events that are free of charge to of Art has long been an ideal art spans centuries, from allows them to scan and attend. place to spend an afternoon, for the 1700s to present-day. save pieces that fascinate art enthusiasts and students look- But here’s the best part of them, and after their visit is The Frick Collection ing to recreate the “Gossip Girl” the museum: exploring this over, one can go online and 10 E. 71st St. experience. Beginning on March rich history of art is comexperience the personal The Frick Collection houses 1, however, the museum will be- pletely free of charge for gallery of items they have the massive and elegant art colcome a little less college-student all. In addition to the regcollected all over again. lection of the late industrialist friendly: the Met will end their ular exhibits, the museum The museum even features Henry Clay Frick. The building “pay-what-you-wish” policy for holds periodic special exinteractive exhibits that al- itself is a sight worth beholdall visitors except permanent res- hibitions and discussions low visitors to tackle their ing, and the exhibits are worthy idents of New York State. Luckily, that are not free, but for own design projects. This of any art connoisseur. Student the city is large and full of mu- students, many only cost all-enveloping experience tickets cost $12, but admission seums, many of which still have $5–10. The museum also is only $9 for students, and is free the first Friday of each pay-what-you-wish policies and has weekly Wednesday jazz month, and every Wednesday is COURTESY OF US DEPT OF STATE $7 if you buy your ticket oneven days that offer free admis- performances and Free MuDinosaur fossils on display at American Museum line in advance. Saturdays pay-what-you-wish, 2–6 p.m. The sion. Listed here are but a few sic Fridays that are free of 6–9 p.m. are pay-what-you- Frick is not unique in this way, of Natural History of them, so you can continue en- charge. And it’s all located wish.

And joying the city’s art and culture a few blocks from campus! anyone 18 while practicing the delightful sea. The Natural History Museum and under can get “art” of saving money!

American Museum of Natuis not an art museum per se, but in for free on any ral History its intricately constructed exhib- day—so freshmen Central Park its are definitely artistic in their on the younger side, West at 79th Street own right. don’t miss your Fans of “Night chance!

At the Museum”, Cooper Hewitt this one’s for you.

2 E. 91st St. (between 5th and El Museo del This massive fiveMadison Avenues) Barrio floor museum is The Cooper Hewitt Smithso1230 Fifth Ave. the famous home nian Design Museum focuses on (between East 104th to this saga, and developments in design through and 105th Streets) COURTESY OF RYAN KALDARI VIA WIKIPEDIA COMMONS it’s jam-packed the years. It not only displays a Venture a little Outside of El Museo del Barrio. with exhibitions, ways upso seeing them town to all will require discover this museum though. Other famous art mumultiple visits. packed with art and seums offer similar promotions: Fortunately, the artifacts that reflect the Solomon R. Guggenheim museum’s genera deeply rich Lat- Museum is pay-what-you-wish, COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN FOLK ART MUSEUM VIA WIKIPEDIA COMMONSal admission is payin-American cultural 5:45–7:45 p.m. on Saturdays, and what-you-wish, so history. The museum the Whitney Museum of AmerThe American Folk Art Museum. this endeavor won’t has a pay-what-you- ican Art has the same policy on break the bank. wish policy, and the Fridays, 7–9:30 p.m. (and offers Check out art, artifacts, and insuggested price for free admission to anyone 18 and American Folk Art Museum formation from the indigenous students is only $5. under on all days). With a little 2 Lincoln Sq. (Columbus Avepeople of all continents. Learn Admission is free the planning and a desire to explore, nue between West 65th and 66th about 13 billion years’ worth of third Saturday of each a cost-effective day at the museStreets) the history of the universe. Marum is easy to enjoy!

COURTESY OF JOY OF MUSEUMS VIA WIKIPEDIA COMMONS month. The main galThe American Folk Art Mu- vel at the life-size, incredibly The Frick Collection ‘s fountain and scenery. leries are currently

By GILLIAN RUSSO Contributing Writer

www.fordhamobserver.com

THE OBSERVER March 1, 2018

Streaming Live: What’s New on Netflix Over the last several months, there has been quite a stir in the streaming-sphere about the changes in show availability on certain platforms (i.e. “One Tree Hill” switching from Netflix to Hulu, which left many fans without a subscription scrambling to grab a student Spotify account for the Hulu perks). But, fear not—as the weather starts to heat up, so does the content on our screen!

“March of the Penguins 2: The Next Steps” (Hulu) Morgan Freeman returns to narrate the migratory tale of the emperor penguins, this time with a focus on both the established father figures and their young offspring on their annual seabound trek. The cinematography promises to be just as exquisite as its predecessor, and the trailer hints that highlight the struggle of these migratory patterns might possibly also stimulate dis-

11

both Amazon and Hulu will guarantee the availability of the show on this service as well for those without the CBS app. Now, both providers will live-stream the CBS content as it airs, and hold a limited selection of recent episodes for others to catch up.

By COURTNEY BROGLE Staff Writer

“On My Block” (Netflix) Set to premiere on March 16, Lauren Iungerich of “Awkward”, Eddie Gonzalez and Jeremy Haft of “All Eyes on Me” created this show with a heavy focus on the Hispanic and African-American communities in south central Los Angeles. This coming-of-age comedy features four diverse and street-savvy friends navigating their way through the emotional minefield of high school. With a leading ensemble of talented and diverse young adults, this show is not to be missed.

Arts

“Roseanne” (ABC/Hulu) Following the trend of a few other reboots, “Roseanne” is set to return to ABC on March 27 after its controversial finale in 1997. The show even touts that the entirety of its original cast will return for at least one of its whole eight-episode run. This glimpse into the struggles and familial bonds of an average American family will also be streamed on Hulu as each episode will air on live TV. EMILY TIBIERO/THE OBSERVER

Popular streaming services have refreshed their selection of shows.

cussion on global climate change.

This sequel to the award-winning documentary of the same name streams on Hulu on March 23.

“The Dangerous Book for Boys” (Amazon Prime) Amazon’s push for family entertainment on its Prime streaming service introduces “The Dangerous Book for Boys,” inspired by the book of the same name by Con and Hal Iggulden. Created by “Breaking Bad” star Bryan Cranston and “Superbad” director Greg Mottola, Wyatt and his brothers learn to come to terms with the death of their father through a copy of the eponymous

instructional book filled with life skills to navigate the real world.

Cranston’s passion project is expected to release its six episodes in March.

“Love”, Season 3 (Netflix) Judd Apatow’s exploration of the ups and downs of one couple’s relationship draws to a close. Gus (Paul Rust) and Mickey (Gillian Jacobs), following a turbulent journey through the first two seasons, now enter into a committed adult relationship—unfamiliar territory for both characters in question. The show is heartwarming and quirky, giving a refreshing look at modern romance

and the peaks and pitfalls that come with it. The final season arrives on March 9, but the first two seasons can be streamed now.

“The Good Fight”, Season 2 (CBS All Access/Amazon/Hulu) This American legal/political drama follows in the wake of the conclusion of CBS’s “The Good Wife”. Starring Christine Baranski, a year after its predecessor’s finale, a broken Diane Lockhart is forced to join a new wave firm with a high commitment to taking on police brutality cases.

While this show will premiere on CBS All Access on March 4, a recent streaming bundle deal with

“A Series of Unfortunate Events,” Season 2 (Netflix) The adaptation of this beloved middle grade fiction will return to Netflix on March 30.

Neil Patrick Harris’s appearance in the official trailer ensures audiences that there is more “treacherous villainy” in its upcoming sophomore season. The second season will follow a similar pattern to the first, encapsulating the next four books in the series (five through nine) with similar fourth-wall breaks and frequent interjectory narrations from Patrick Warburton.

This, of course, is only a taste of what streaming services have to offer for this upcoming month.

Make sure to be on alert for more exciting digital gems!

What’s Marvel’s Real Secret for Success?

By MARYANNA ANTOLDI Arts Editor Emerita

For nearly 10 years, Marvel Studios has handed fans some of the most successful superhero movies to date. Each film in the famed Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has garnered massive box office success, producing a total of 18 feature films based on their classic heroes which have all maintained a #1 spot in the box office on opening week and raked in billions of dollars. But what about Marvel movies keeps fans hooked for more content?

The characters, yes. The action scenes, yes. But the real secret is in the tone. The franchise that originally produced more serious pieces of cinema has now devised the perfect balance between comedy and seriousness for each film, even as the subject matter grows darker. The MCU knows how to retain a fanbase, and it all seems to be in the tone.

It began in 2008 with the release of Jon Favreau’s “Iron Man,” starring Robert Downey Jr. as the infamous genius, playboy billionaire philanthropist Tony Stark.

The film is dark for an origin story—Tony, the CEO of his weapons company Stark Industries, gets captured while testing bombs in Afghanistan. His several months in captivity make him realize that his weapons are helping the enemy more than U.S. troops, urging him to become Iron Man to set things right again. Tony has a dry, sarcastic humor to him that can make anyone chuckle, and that sense of humor combined with the epic battle sequences in his Iron Man suit easily made the movie a hit. But overall, it was a story of war—realizing the consequences of violence not only on the battlefield but also off of it.

The success of “Iron Man” led Marvel to then release both Thor and Captain America origin stories, each following the trend of a serious tone with wry humor in spots. While fictional, “Captain America: The First Avenger” tackles the all-too-real concept of Nazism. The plot of “Thor,” on the other hand, had more room for humor. Thor is forced to adjust to mortal life after being banished from his realm, Asgard. However, a movie that could have been more lighthearted instead relies on dramatic scenes to propel its story. With each movie proving to be a hit, Marvel found the secret to their success—or so they thought.

And the culmination of the first phase of films? “The Avengers” (2012), a gargantuan project uniting Marvel’s best heroes. The plot is nothing to laugh at—Thor’s brother, Loki, creates an army to take over the world—but arguably, some of the greatest scenes in the movie are the comedic ones. No fan will ever forget the Hulk’s witty “puny god” after pounding Loki to a pulp, or the infamous Schwarma scene after the credits. “The Avengers” provides the perfect balance of seriousness and comedy. However, Marvel chose to go in a different direction with its content, making their next phase of films a step darker and changing their tone along with it.

The sequel series including “Captain America: Winter Soldier,” “Thor: the Dark World,” “Iron Man 3”, and “Avengers: Age of Ultron” all lessen their comedic

charm and focus more on stark, dramatic subject matter. The serious attack in “The Avengers” causes each hero to question his role in the world, and we see some major character development occur as a result. In each film, new evils arise that test the heroes to their very limits. Relationships are strained between both friends and foes, and we see more darkness afflicting the characters physically and emotionally. Suddenly, the heroes are not perfect. They are shown as flawed figures, and this realization

opens the door for more serious subject matter to enter the Marvel Universe. While reducing comedy, perhaps this transition into darkness is what the franchise needed to propel itself further.

But everything changed when “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014) released—Marvel’s not so secret weapon. After plunging itself so far into darkness, the comedic action film starring Chris Pratt revived the cinematic universe completely. “Guardians” is a breath of fresh air, with a hodgepodge of oddball characters like Chris Pratt’s “Star-Lord” and a talking racoon named Rocket (Bradley Cooper) who are forced to work together as a team to save the galaxy. What seemed like a wouldbe failure instead became a film that excellently combines comedy with an action-packed plotline.

And with a 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, viewers agreed.

It was a hit.

And from “Guardians” on, Marvel found its balance. Each new release following the 2014 film, while still plunging into darker subject matter, seamlessly incorporates just the right amount of comedy to keep audiences entertained.

“Ant Man” capitalizes on the humor of shrinking to the size of an insect. “Captain America: Civil War,” while focusing on a severe rift between heroes, still utilizes witty humor in places to keep the film from getting too heavy.

And the recent release of “Thor: VIA FLICKR

Chris Hemsworth as Thor, one of Marvel’s most popular heroes.

Ragnarok” revitalizes the hero’s franchise with gut-busting humor—the kind that never gets old.

But, it is MCU’s latest release “Black Panther” that builds the tone for the next movies to come. The film combines incredible action sequences with a deep plotline as T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) fights to protect both his country of Wakanda and his reign as king from falling into the wrong hands. In addition, the serious plotline is heightened by addressing the subject of racial injustices facing black people today.

The movie primarily highlights the ingenuity of T’Challa and his Wakandian people, and the more playful bits of the film were times when you get to see the true friendship between characters and understand the culture of the African nation as a whole. “Black Panther’s” excellent balance between seriousness and lightheartedness displays just how far the MCU has come in crafting tones that truly compliment the plot of a movie and keep audiences enthralled.

By inserting just the right amount of humor into the most serious and action-packed plots, Marvel Studios has discovered the secret to successfully keeping an audience hooked. Superhero films are all about saving the world, but such dark, deep subject matter always needs a little playfulness to make it enjoyable. And, with this pattern proven successful, Marvel can continue testing its limits. Its next release, “Avengers: Infinity War”, already implies that every character will face his or her greatest physical and mental challenge. It will be truly interesting to see how this culmination will shape the franchise next. But one thing is for sure: it will be a hit.

Fun & Games

March 1, 2018 THE OBSERVER

CROSSWORD: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH

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Created by Meg Crane, Colin Sheeley, Jordan Meltzer and Loïc Khodarkovsky

Across 1. What you’re reading right now 5. Since 9. Okey-dokey, say 13. Alternative to Gouda 14. When you wish upon _____ 15. Jack’s nautical partner 16. “We Can Do It” sayer 19. ___ mode, for ice cream 20. Filled to the ______

21. Made askew 22. ___ de vivre 23. After the D.S., in music 24. “Stronger together” sayer 30. A hot drink on a snowy day 31. Broadway legend, Miss Hagen 32. Cool, in slang 33. Website addr.

34. English student’s bane 36. Ink, slangily

37. Leading Hollywood figure 39. Rugrats dad 40. Baby horses 42. Sugar, spice and everything nice plus Chemical X 46. Noble gas or highlight shade 47. Hydrox ripoff 48. Free 51. Repeated alternative-providing conjunction 52. Maddie Ziegler’s employer 55. Girl boss club at Graduate School of Business 58. Happily ___ after 59. Requests at a barber shop 60. Escape route 61. Monster inhabited lake 62. Snack for 40 across 63. Place to get a pap smear Down 1. Queen of the gods 2. Reality show, American ___ 3. Apollo org.

4. “Don’t go there” 5. Dryer, as skin 6. Field of study and thing one may find in field 7. Canoe propeller 8. Chip conglomerate 9. Where the streets have no name 10. To whom the applesauce belongs

11. “Gotcha” 12. Techie or bookworm, maybe 14. Skylit lobbies 17. 2014 outbreak that sparked CDC concern 18. I saw, to Caesar 22. Jenny from the Block, abbr.

23. When you copy your Professor’s helper on an email, abbr.

24. Garden in Rio De Janeiro 25. Apple product for crabs?

26. Cat Stevens’ adopted name 27. Sum of 28. October birthstones 29. Jason Kidd and Vince Carter, in 2004-05 30. Edge 34. LGBT comedienne, Carmen 35. Taser 38. Not buyers, but ___ 40. Restaurant Guy? 41. Spanish gold 43. Restraint for 40-across 44. Online comment sections 45. “Eww!” 48. Stefani of No Doubt 49. Wander, as on Mars 50. Iowan city 51. Posth. profile 52. Attribute of Right Said Fred 53. Catholic confession 54. Regarding 56. Bullet bros org.

57. Bully, misogynistically

Answers to these games can be found online begining March 8 under the Fun & Games heading.

WORD SCRAMBLE: FORDHAM MEMES ILLBGEA: ____________

KRLED THIDEEGE: __________

DRELO: ______________

SMESAR: ____________

GAM YIY NOUS: ____________

SNALA: ______________

EASHCMN: __________

MET HALFE:_________________

GOOOGLEN THIMAN:______

BVRREEOS: __________

ZEMHSCERTL: ______________

YUM HINT: __________

MER FACA: __________

PHOZBUK STEAN: __________

SMOLYOL: ___________

TRAG EAO: __________

CAKES ADDDDIY: ___________

AAV MNR: ___________

KOALML HENC: ______

IEIMCASE LTFNNAIL: ________

SLUPYEGS: __________

TRISMEDOE: ________

PAR YITSUNE: ______________

ARKRAMA: ___________

SELAVEROT: _________

MORSMEA DEFHM: _________

YORYOTH ADD:_______

HERVAN FIT: _________

ROX IPSODE: ___________

FOSECITIAU: _________

Features

Features Editor Jeffrey Umbrell - jumbrell@fordham.edu

March 1, 2018 THE OBSERVER

Faculty Faces: Cheikhna Mahawa Diagana From Africa to Academia

By ALEXA SPECIALE Contributing Writer

Malcolm X once said, “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”

For Fordham professor Cheikhna Mahawa Diagana, education has been the driving force of his life. From enduring torture in his home country of Mauritania to teaching mathematics at universities all over New York City, his driving force has always been education.

Diagana’s fight for education began when he was about 16 years old in Mauritania, located above Mali and Senegal in western Africa. Diagana took it upon himself to teach Arabic to the Mauritanian people, who had been deprived of the education they wanted. However, the Mauritanian government believed learning Arabic was a sign of defiance. They believed Diagana’s reason for educating was to turn the people against the government. Because of this, Diagana was tortured and beaten.

According to CNN, Diagana was beaten by police who “shoved a

“ I see students as

projections of myself ...

What I could not receive, I give to them.”

CHEIKHNA MAHAWA DIAGANA ,

Professor of Mathematics

rifle butt into his mouth, forced him to stare at the sun and beat him when he was unable to keep a cockroach within a small circle, using a stick.” Diagana said he “never gave up,” but ultimately had to leave the country to protect his family. He admitted he could have withstood the torture in order to continue teach-

COURTESY OF ALEXA SPECIALE/THE OBSERVER

Diagana has had a lifelong passion for education, regardless of circumstance.

ing, but he would not allow his family to suffer for his actions.

After fleeing Mauritania, Diagana chose to seek refuge in America. For six months, he learned English and tried to adopt American culture. It was not an easy feat. During this time of transition, Diagana was fortunate enough to take part in New York University’s Program for Survivors of Torture at the Bellevue Hospital Center.

There he met people from Africa, Asia and Europe. They were provided with a safe space where they were able to talk about the atrocities they had faced. It was a lifesaving tool to meet others who “shared the same ideology and shared the same experience” as him.

“The individuals who come to us are among the most traumatized and brutalized individuals there are,” said Dr. Allen Keller, who founded the program in

1995. “But they also come to us with incredible resilience, and we have the opportunity to help them heal.”

After these six months, Diagana returned to his pursuit of education. He wanted to give knowledge to the American youth, like he gave to the Mauritanian people.

Why education? Learning and teaching are two things that Diagana admitted to being extremely passionate about. He feels that education is people’s “only way to fight for their own justice.” Although he loves many different subjects and would also like to teach philosophy, Diagana chose math for specific reasons. “Lots of kids struggle with math,” he said. This gives him the ability to help as many people as possible.

With the subject’s concrete ideas and Diagana’s passion, he has the ability to help students overcome challenges and aid in their

success.

Today, Diagana is a mathematics professor at New York University and part-time professor at both Fordham University and City University of New York.

His students at each university mean a great deal to him. “I see students as projections of myself,” he said. In this way, Diagana strives to provide his students with what he could not provide himself. “What I could not receive, I give to them.”

Diagana has advice for those pursuing their education: “One: don’t give up. Two: be patient …

Be honest of learning, be passionate, be open-minded,” Diagana said. “Work harder, don’t make excuses and be honest of yourself.” His main point was to accept criticism. “Just because you receive criticism,” he said, “doesn’t mean it’s offensive. It tells you exactly who you are. It defines your character. The more

criticism, the more you take in, the more you define yourself.”

Despite the horrors that Diagana has faced, he does not have any regrets. “Other people have regrets because they say it’s in the past.” He chooses to address his past by living in the present rather than dwelling on previous circumstances. “There’s no place for regret,” Diagana said.

Looking back on his journey as an educator, Diagana had some thoughts about success. “Success is defined individually,” he said.

He considers success as whatever one achieves, whether it is big or small. “Don’t compare yourself to others because you think they are ‘successful.’ Success is not measurable, it’s a feeling,” said Diagana. Diagana considers himself successful because he is “internally happy,” and happiness is a success. He believes if you have everything, but life still leaves you unsatisfied then you’re not successful, you just accumulate natural items.

Diagana’s experiences forced him to grow up and mature faster than the average 16 to 18 year old. Nonetheless, they have allowed him to gain strength, move forward and educate others going through similar circumstances. To others experiencing oppression he said, “Do not revendicate against your oppressor. Don’t go back to the past, but instead use your knowledge, wisdom and education to solve it. Don’t let them come to power again.”

Cheikhna Mahawa Diagana is an amazing example of learning from the past and taking steps to build a brighter and stronger future. Despite the horrors he faced, he never lost sight of his goal to educate others. He recognizes that teaching is more than the topics out of a textbook; it is about the lessons to remember for life. Through knowledge comes power and justice. Diagana will do whatever he can to allow others this capacity for influence in the world.

Five Female Filmmakers to Follow

By NEVIN KELLY-FAIR Contributing Writer

Do you really know any female directors? Sure, you’ve heard of Greta Gerwig (thanks to a successful Oscar press campaign), and you might have some vague memories of a woman winning Best Director at the Oscars a few years ago (you’ll Google who she is and pretend you knew all along). Oh, and Ava Duvernay— she directed that one documentary about prison inequality someone recommended to you a year ago, that you’ve had in your Netflix queue ever since (you’re just waiting for the “right time”).

Let’s be honest: most female directors do not have the following they deserve. This year alone, Steven Spielberg received a nomination for Best Picture just by reputation and Martin Scorsese scored a deal to make the highest-budgeted film ever produced

by Netflix. Chances are you can name five male directors off the top of your head and their movies you’ve watched and enjoyed—so why can’t you do the same with female directors? In an effort to

help level the playing field, I’m here to recommend five female directors to you—female directors you will be proud to support not just for the cause, but because of the great movies they have made.

If you haven’t already, go research that female best director winner. Her name is Kathryn Bigelow and she’s a pretty big deal.

Bigelow has been mixing visceral violence with political commentary since her late ’70s Columbia thesis film “The Set-Up” (1978) and beat out her ex-husband James Cameron (the presupposed winner for his film “Avatar”) to become the first and only woman to win Best Director in 2010 for “The Hurt Locker,” a film that also won Best Picture. So how is she doing now? Her 2017 film “Detroit”—a visceral look at race relations during the Detroit riots of 1967—was a total flop, despite being one of the most powerful films of the past year.

Sofia Coppola is the arguably more-talented daughter of movie legend Francis Ford Coppola, who is known for films like “The Godfather” (1972) and “Apocalypse

Now” (1979). Coppola has continued to bring to life her dreamy vision of young, wealthy women since her acclaimed 1999 debut film “The Virgin Suicides.” Her 2017 release, “The Beguiled,” is a Civil War-based period piece that explores the complicated female dynamics and sexual tension that arise in an all-girls boarding school when an injured soldier finds himself at their door. It’s an intriguing film that is equally intense and ridiculous—too bad “The Emoji Movie” (2017) made eight times more at the box office.

Want a female director that’s less mainstream? Try Ana Lily Amirpour, the Iranian-American director of the black and white, hijab-wearing vampire western “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” (2014). Amirpour subverts genre clichés with her vividly off-beat worldbuilding and isn’t afraid to write female protagonists that are both flawed and relatable.

Her second film, “The Bad Batch,” (2017) is simultaneously about a cannibal wasteland and the current state of youth spirituality.

Despite its star power of Jim Car-

rey and Keanu Reeves, the film flopped hard at the box office and was slammed by critics. “The Bad Batch” might not be for everyone, but if you have a free night, give it a chance: it’s got an incredibly fresh vision and powerful message. Plus, it’s on Netflix, so you’ve got no reason not to.

If you want a director who’s not American, check out Lynne Ramsay. The Scottish director’s films can be described as nothing less than visual poetry; she has garnered critical acclaim internationally since she first started making short films in the late ’90s. Ramsay is best known in the states for her psychological drama “We Need to Talk About Kevin” (2011) and her new film “You Were Never Really Here” (2018), starring Joaquin Phoenix, comes out in April. It tells the story of an ex-marine who tries to save a kidnapped teen from prostitution.

Check it out in theaters to support a great female auteur and see an amazing movie!

If you are more of a TV person, check out Jane Campion. A New Zealand filmmaker, Campion is the only woman to have

won the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival for her film “The Piano” (1993). Campion has recently moved from the big screen to the small screen with her female-centric crime drama series “Top of the Lake.” The show focuses on masculinity and femininity, blurring moral lines and limits. The whole series, all two seasons, are available on Hulu and worth a watch.

Want more female filmmakers in Hollywood? Start by supporting the women who have already made it. Moviemaking is a business—stand in solidarity all you want, but buying a ticket with your hard-earned cash is the only way you can truly show you want to see more female visions put on screen.

Beyond helping those who’ve made it, help support those who are just starting out! “Feminist Film Night” hosted by the Filmmaking Club and “The Vagina Monologues” are happening this spring on campus and are great opportunities to support the amazing female filmmakers we have right here at Fordham.

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Features

March 1, 2018 THE OBSERVER

www.fordhamobserver.com

“Men Cry”: Breaking Down Toxic Masculinity

JON BJÖRNSON/THE OBSERVER

YouTube project “Men Cry” aims to deconstruct traditional notions of masculinity.

By REESE RAVNER Managing Editor

For a long time, Martin Nuñez-Bonilla, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’18, felt stuck. His time at Fordham has increased his passion for supporting women’s rights, but as a man, he struggled with how to best fit himself into the movement without overthrowing women’s voices.

His solution to this predicament was to turn to an often-overlooked aspect of the feminist conversation: toxic masculinity.

To work at combatting this issue, he created “Men Cry,” a YouTube series in which he interviews men about their experiences with masculinity and emotional suppression in a society that frowns on male emotional vulnerability.

The idea for the project spurred from watching “The Mask You Live In” (2015), a doc-

umentary by the Representation Project that highlights the roots and unhealthy manifestations of toxic masculinity.

Given his self-education about toxic masculinity, Nuñez-Bonilla began watching the film under the assumption that he would not learn anything new. “I grew up around a lot of women … I never felt like I was a very masculine dude, at least in the traditional sense,” he explained. While watching the film, he was surprised by how uncomfortable he felt.

“I felt weird in my own skin for a little bit and I felt weird being a part of that masculine culture. I had this moment where I was like ‘wow, I’m really not as emotionally evolved as I think I am.’”

Nuñez-Bonilla leaned into that discomfort. As a Communication and Media Studies and Visual Art (concentration in Film/ Video) double-major, he decided

to use his video and photography skills to “produce something positive” that would contribute to and guide the conversation.

“One of the things that I’m guilty of, that a lot of guys are guilty of, is saying ‘I support women’s rights’ but don’t really do anything about it,” Nuñez-Bonilla said. “They don’t call out other men, they don’t contribute. And I’m guilty of it as well, so that’s one of the things I was beating myself up over. Rightfully so, right? Because I feel like you have to figure out how you fit into making the world a better place.”

According to Nuñez-Bonilla, the process has been relatively fluid. He began with social media, posting a few statuses inquiring if any men would be interested in letting him film them talking about their emotions.

Originally, he asked if anyone would be willing to come in and

The project serves as a space for men to express their emotions. (PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARTIN NUNEZ-BONILLA)

cry, but “then realized that that’s really unrealistic because men can’t even come talk about their childhood,” especially in front of a camera. The response he received surprised him—a lot of men were interested, “which was kind of a beautiful thing.”

Throughout 15 days of filming, which he began over winter break, he had to overcome the empathy he felt for his subjects’ stories. By conducting four or five interviews per day, with the men discussing intense and intimate topics such as losing parents or friends, it was a challenge to carry those out and avoid getting depressed. In terms of editing and uploading the series, the process has been “fairly painless.”

So far, the response has been largely positive and supportive.

Friends, family and strangers alike have shared the videos, and Nuñez-Bonilla is pleased with the amount of people reaching out to

him and saying “Hey, I needed this.”

Nuñez-Bonilla hopes that the series will serve as “a space for guys to express themselves,” as well as encourage men and young boys to embrace emotional expression and honesty. He revealed, “I don’t want my 10-yearold brother to feel like he can’t cry, to feel like he can’t be emotional because that’s the culture.”

“So, you know, it’s kind of for that, it’s kind of for the kids, it’s for the men to have this space, and it’s for, I don’t know, just the general betterment of society hopefully. That’s the goal.”

As of now, Nuñez-Bonilla has released four videos, each one alternating between interviews with three or four different men.

The videos can be found on the Men Cry YouTube channel and are released every Monday at 8 p.m.

Sports & Health

Sports & Health Editor Artemis Tsagaris - atsagaris@fordham.edu

March 1, 2018 THE OBSERVER

Debunking Body Mass Index

By LUKE OSBORN Asst. Sports & Health Editor

You may have heard of body mass index (BMI) in “Get fit quick” advertisements, obesity public service announcements or from your physician. BMI seems like a foolproof and scientific approach to measuring one’s body makeup and overall health. The measurements BMI assigns are clean and simple, ranging from 12 (severely underweight) to 42 (severely obese). BMI also provides you with succinct categories: “underweight, healthy, overweight, and obese.”

Organized on a graph of weight versus height, BMI lends itself as an answer to a nuanced health phenomenon.

However, BMI aims to oversimplify this label; health is a complex label that comes with many varying indicators and assertions.

BMI has an odd origin. In 1835, Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet, a Flemish astronomer and statistician, created BMI. Quetelet created BMI in order to place citizens into specific categories according to their physical features. In theory, BMI was designed to streamline the pathway to bring about health policy. Quetelet intended to quantify various other physical attributes about the “average man” in order to

achieve similar goals. He named this statistical approach “social physics.”

Later in the 1970s, statisticians adopted BMI as the standard measure of obesity in population-based studies. At the time, BMI provided researchers with a quick and moderately accurate way of assessing obesity rates in a population. By the 1990s, the World Health Organization (WHO) had adopted BMI as the standard for obesity analysis.

ries. Mislabeling individuals as “overweight” or “obese” comes with serious statistical, political and psychological ramifications.

To make matters worse, BMI is commonly used to assess the mortality risk for large populations.

BMI is merely based upon height and weight; it does not account for very important cofactors like family history of diabetes, heart problems, or cancer. There is evidence to suggest that genetics accounts for 50 percent of one’s susceptibility for coronary heart disease.

In addition, a high percentage of muscle mass is inversely proportional to diabetes. BMI, which labels individuals with high muscle mass as “overweight,” is an inaccurate metric for mortality risk for large groups of people; new sources of data are very much needed.

On the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website, BMI conspicuously stands out on the “Healthy Weight” information page. By clicking on “Assessing Your Weight,” the CDC provides one with relevant information about the measurement, a BMI calculator and guidelines to interpret the BMI score. Regrettably, the CDC misleads individuals by attesting, “BMI appears to be as strongly correlated with various metabolic and disease outcome[s] as more direct measures of body fatness.”

At best, BMI can only give an estimation of body composition. Luckily, the medical community is increasingly skeptical of BMI’s ability to diagnose overall health.

High profile agencies, like the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), gave BMI the legitimacy it boasts to this day.

Mathematically, BMI is an individual’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters. The key issue with BMI is that it does not account for lean body mass, which includes muscle, organs and bones. Therefore, an individual can have a high BMI with very little fat at all. This person would also fall outside of the “healthy” threshold and in the “overweight” or “obese” catego-

DESTINEE SWEENEY VIA AIR COMBAT COMMAND

BMI is a person’s weight divided by the square of their height.

Though the CDC is using careful language to describe BMI’s effectiveness, it still lists BMI as one of the major metrics one can use to measure his or her body composition.

Nonetheless, the CDC mentions alternative methods for assessing body fat mass. These alternatives include skinfold thickness measurements, underwater weighing and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The Canadian Medical Association attests that DXA provides more precise data on body composition: it measures bone mineral content, bone mineral density, lean tissue mass and fat tissue mass. Increasingly, medical professionals favor DXA over BMI for assessing body composition, for DXA is more ac-

curate and gives more information about the individual than BMI. With access to newer, more precise measurements of body composition obesity, researchers have no reason to use BMI as the standard. At best, BMI can only give an estimation of body composition. Luckily, the medical community is increasingly skeptical of BMI’s ability to diagnose overall health. New technologies like DXA will provide physicians and researchers with more accurate estimates. As medicine moves forward and new, more accurate metrics develop, BMI becomes increasingly outdated and inaccurate. Medicine operates upon accuracy, so BMI should be left in the past.

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Sports & Health

March 1, 2018 THE OBSERVER

Grace Howie Sails To Victory

By ANGELIKA MENENDEZ Social Media Editor

Time began to pass away, the winds began to pick up and the temperature began to drop at Eastchester Bay as Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) sophomore Grace Howie began to wrestle against the rough waters to drive her sailing boat back to shore. Howie is a part of the school’s club sailing team that has been around for 16 years now, after coming back from a 27-year hiatus. Despite its lack of varsity status, the team continues to thrive and recruit amazing talent from across the country.

One of these members, hailing from over 1,000 miles away, is Grace Howie.

Howie was born in New York, but moved to Miami, Fla. in the second grade, where she grew up and discovered her love of sailing. Her mother signed her up for lessons when they moved, and since then her passion has flourished. Soon after, at the age of eight, Howie began to race and sail competitively in competitions all across Miami. She said she “loves being out in the ocean” and that it became her “outlet to get away from everything.”

While sailing, Howie attended Coral Gables Senior High School where she was in the International Baccalaureate program, co-captain of the varsity basketball team and became the school’s student council president her senior year. All the while, she helped establish the Coral Gables sailing team and hoped to continue sailing in college. When she was looking for colleges with sailing teams, she

www.fordhamobserver.com

Grace Howie sails alongside the best view: the New York City skyline. discovered Fordham University and came in contact with the coach, Johnny Norfleet. Norfleet invites prospective students to visit during one of their sailing sessions if students, like Howie, are interested in the team. This is exactly what Howie did. “I got to go to practice and meet the team.

It sold me, and I knew I wanted

to come here,” Howie said.

After coming to Fordham, Howie said she “couldn’t imagine [herself] at any other school.”

She said her favorite part about the campus is that she is “in a bubble in the Bronx and is still able to sail in the most amazing city.” Despite the misconception that there is nowhere to sail in

COURTESY OF GRACE HOWIE

New York, the Fordham team gets to go to the water every day to sail and also gets to enjoy the skyline and city lights from their boats. “It’s so different from what I’m used to when sailing,” Howie said. “No one realizes there’s water around the city. It’s very unique and crazy.”

Howie also explained that the

team is extremely close. They see each other every day for practice and work together to make the team the best that it can be.

“It’s a great team and amazing community. We all connect with this amazing sport, go to school in NYC and can still go to the ocean every day.” But, not only does Howie get to sail in the city, she also gets to travel with the team. One of her favorite experiences travelling with the team was when they went to Charleston, SC for a spring break training camp. Howie and the team practiced for nationals there, and she thought it was great being in warm weather again.

Besides this experience, one of her favorite memories is when the team had a fundraising gala at the New York Yacht Club in downtown Manhattan. She got to dress up and socialize with donors to raise a ton of money for the team, since they don’t receive a lot of funding from Fordham. In fact, despite the team garnering national attention and building a strong reputation as a competitor, Fordham does not recognize them as a varsity sport, and Howie believes it would be “cooler if [the sailing team] were recognized for all [our] hard work.”

Expecting to graduate with her bachelor’s in economics and a minor in German in 2020, Howie hopes to continue sailing and living by the water after graduation. She said she may even want to coach sailing, which is something she did back home in Miami over the summer. One thing is for sure: sailing is a part of Howie that she will continue to carry with her all through her life.

A Day in the Life of Fordham’s Resident Dietician

By LUKE OSBORN Asst. Sports & Health Editor

If you happened to pass through the Ram Cafe, Community Dining Hall or Argo Tea during the first week of February, you might have met Melanie Simeone, Fordham’s resident dietician and self-proclaimed foodie, conducting the Vegan and Vegetarian Passport Game. This activity enabled Fordham students to catch a glimpse of the healthy vegan and vegetarian options Campus Dining has to offer. Simeone also takes advantage of these activities to educate students on healthy food choices, for she hopes “that these little snippets of nutritional education are the building blocks to a healthy lifestyle in the long run.” Alongside these informational nutrition activities, Simeone assists the Culinary Team in designing menus, guides students with food allergies or dietary restrictions and provides nutritional counseling for any students who seek it.

As the resident dietician for both campuses, Simeone is constantly on her feet, supervising the dining halls at their peak hours. A significant portion of Simeone’s work involves advising and training kitchen staff. Simeone explained, “I’m often walking through the different locations, training employees on what the difference is between vegan and vegetarian, or how to properly prepare a gluten-free sandwich or doing food allergy training for how to identify peanuts in a recipe.” Thus, Simeone provides each dining hall with a broader understanding of people’s food needs.

Simeone finds that students come to her with a myriad of nutritional questions. “For example,

someone’s switching to vegetarianism, and they want to make sure that they’re getting enough protein.” Other students might be interested in the best diet plan for marathon or strength training. At any rate, Simeone conducts both short-term and long-term counseling. Additionally, Simeone provides support for students struggling with binge eating disorders or anorexia.

During Simeone’s childhood, cultivating a healthy diet was a daily activity. Chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer were no stranger to Simeone’s immediate family. After Simeone’s brother became diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Simeone’s “household was very conscious of what we ate.”

Simeone’s infatuation with nutrition, however, came about while she was a competitive swimmer in high school. While practicing after school, Simeone noticed that having a pre-workout snack “quite dramatically” boosted her performance in the water.

Later on, Simeone discovered that it was possible for her interest to become her profession.

Thusly, Simeone majored in nutrition at SUNY Oneonta, and after finishing her bachelors, she completed a year long dietetics internship in order to become a registered dietician. “You get to experience different aspects of nutrition. Whether it be clinical, serving under a dietician in the hospital or nursing home setting, and then you also have to do community, which is serving individuals that are using government programs or community assistance programs,” Simeone said.

The internship also allows prospective nutritionists to explore specialities such as eating disorders or sports nutrition. Following

JOSE EMILIO VALCARCEL/THE OBSERVER

Melanie Simeone at the Vegetarian and Vegan Passport stand in the Ram Cafe.

the internship, Simeone was able to take a board exam and become a registered dietician.

Students often come to Simeone for not only nutritional advice, but also career advice. Though Fordham does not have a dietetics program, Simeone assures that the prerequisites for graduate school can be completed at Fordham. Simeone recommends that students interested in becoming dieticians “are always welcome to come ask me questions and get a feel for what the career is like, and also they should reach out to some of the dieticians at their local hospitals or nursing homes to be able to have an opportuni-

ty to shadow.” Simeone stresses that getting a picture of what the day-to-day activities of a dietician would look like is the optimal way to determine if nutrition is the best field for you.

In terms of degree paths, Simeone finds that majors in biology, psychology or natural science would be best for fulfilling the required coursework for graduate school. Specifically, courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry and biochemistry are essential to undertaking a career in dietetics.

Thus, becoming a dietitian requires the perseverance to follow through with the steps to achieve

a goal. Simeone continues to strive towards goals in her everyday work: “In a perfect world, I would love to be able to walk into the dining hall and have there be an option for everyone.” Working with the kitchen staff, Simeone assembles menus that aim to introduce students to delicious healthy options, alongside conventional dining hall fare. Simeone hopes that if the dining hall exposes more students to well-prepared, healthy foods, then students will incorporate these foods into their regular diet. Cultivating a healthier Fordham allows Simeone to reconcile her love for food and her commitment to health.