10.30.2017 - Fourth Estate by Student Media George Mason University

F URTH ESTATE Oct. 30, 2017 Volume 5 Issue 8

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

@ivestate | gmufourthestate.com

HOW DO YOU FIND REAL NEWS?

page

Chris Matthews of MSNBC and more communication industry leaders were invited to discuss real news in an era of doubt in the media.

LIFESTYLE

NEWS Meet the emotional support animals and service dogs helping out Mason students

Find out how student and freelance makeup artist, Agnes Raese, mixes it up for Halloween page 6

LIFESTYLE

OPINIONS Make an informed decision with a gubernatorial voter guide and read why we want to see you at the polls page 10

What are the popular costume trends for Halloween this year?

page 12

page 9

10.30.2017

FOURTH ESTATE

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WE ARE HIRING! We are currently looking to fill the following paid editor positions for the Fall 2017 semester:

Fareeha Rehman Sosan Malik

I know how this is going to sound. As a student studying to be a journalist, of course I will defend the press under attack. But studying journalism is exactly why I feel strongly against the term “fake news.” Journalists with integrity do exist. We are driven to do the difficult part so you don’t have to. We work almost 24/7 to cover the latest. We stay connected with reputable sources and ask the pressing questions so you don’t have to. At the end of it all, you get all you need to know about the world you live in at the tap of a button. I will always feel blessed to study journalism in America because it is truly a dangerous practice in some other countries. I am also proud to be your Co-Editor-in-Chief and publish what you need to know as a Mason Patriot. This is not to say we don’t make mistakes, it’s how we take care of our mistakes - see our corrections for updates. If “fake news” scares you- it is up to you to find who you trust. Mason’s Communication Department gave us a chance to hear from professional communicators on the topic, read the wrap-up on page 7.

Co-Editors-in-Chief

Katya Beisel Copy Chief

Michael D. Eberhart News Editor

Alex Shedd News Assistant Editor

Dinanda Pramesti Lifestyle Editor

Basma Humadi Lifestyle Assistant Editor

Fareeha Rehman Co-Editor-in-Chief

Catherine McKay Online Editor

Billy Ferguson Art Director

Michelle Gardner Photo Editor

Emmett Smith Distribution Manager Copy Chief Katya Beisel

Photo Editor News Editor Michelle Gardner Michael D. Eberhart

Lifestyle Editor Dinanda Pramesti

Kathryn Mangus Director

David Carroll

- SPORTS EDITOR - GRAPHICS EDITOR

Associate Director

Jason Hartsel Assistant Director

Lottye Lockhart

We are always recruiting volunteers for:

Co-Editor-in-Chief Sosan Malik

Communicaion Manager

Co-Editor-in-Chief Fareeha Rehman

Jessica Smith Business Office Manager

- NEWS WRITERS - LIFESTYLE WRITERS

COVER PHOTO CREDITS

- SPORTS WRITERS

Evan Cantwell/ Mason Creative Services

- COPY EDITORS - DESIGNERS - PHOTOGRAPHERS For all inquiries, please email and resume and two clips (or samples of work for visuals) to: frehman3@gmu.edu

Lifestyle Asst. Editor Online Editor Basma Humadi Catherine McKay

News Asst. Editor Alex Shedd

Art Director Billy Ferguson

CORRECTIONS FROM LAST ISSUE:

News Cat Fourth Estate/Allie Thompson Lifestyle Makeup courtesy of Agnes Raese

Opinions Voting courtesy of Campus The graphic for the campus election poll (page 3, Oct. 23) incorrectly identified Ralph Election Engagement Project Northam’s results in green rather than blue, showing his support from 34 percent of students Lifestyle Costumes Fourth Estate/Mary instead of the correct figure of 12 percent. Jane Decarlo The timeline of Transparent GMU’s lawsuit (page 6, Oct. 23) incorrectly credited Alex Shedd, News Assistant Editor, instead of the correct credit to Dana Nickel, Staff Writer. Fourth Estate is printed each Monday for George Mason University and its surrounding Fairfax community. The editors of Fourth Estate have exclusive authority over the content that is published.

AND

There are no outside parties that play a role in the newspaper’s content, and should there be a question or complaint regarding this policy, the Editor-in-Chief should be notified at the email provided.

apply online at

Fourth Estate is a free publication, limit one copy per person. Additional copies are 25 cents payable to the Office of Student Media.

http://c2ms.info/osmapply

George Mason University Mail stop 2C5 4400 University Drive Fairfax, Va. 22030 Phone 703-993-2950

NEWS

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

VIRGINIA GUBERNATORIAL RACE APPROACHES FINISH LINE Candidates receive important last-minute endorsements ALEXANDER SHEDD ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Volunteers knock on doors for candidates in governor’s race

OLIVIA BOOTH STAFF WRITER

With its proximity to Washington, D.C., George Mason attracts students with an interest in politics from all across the political spectrum. This election season saw many politically active students become involved in campaigns for Virginia’s next governor.

Canvassing, a campaign strategy of going door-to-door to talk with constituents in their own neighborhoods, is

At the same time, Trump called Democratic candidate Ralph Northam “VERY weak on crime,” and claimed that he “doesn’t even show up to work.” When asked if an endorsement would affect their vote, four out of five Mason students claimed that it would not influence their choice. However, senior Gerald Jackson said he would consider the endorsements because “the influence of endorsements is very important.” Candidates often strive for endorsements because of the influence carried by major politicians. The endorsement from Trump boosted Gillespie in the

not without its trials and tribulations according to Nielsen. Partisanship and other tensions surrounding modern politics can impede citizens’ willingness to discuss their vote with campaign workers, or even just to have conversations with volunteers. “Canvassing and door knocking can be challenging at times, especially in the modern political climate,” he observed. “But as long as you approach every house with a positive attitude and a smile, most people will at least speak with you, providing valuable insight into what matters to people the most.” According to Nielsen, volunteering for a political campaign is not only a great way to get a feel for work in politics, but it is also a way to show support for your candidate. Nielsen says that he volunteered to support Gillespie for

governor because “he supports lower taxes, a transportation plan to improve I-95, and has a positive vision for criminal justice reform.” Getting involved in politics is a way for students to influence the issues that matter most to them. Student volunteers can vote for their chosen candidate in the upcoming election like any other citizen. However, campaign volunteers also have a unique opportunity to persuade potential voters to support their candidate. “I believe that through active participation in campaigning, I can positively impact the most amount of people,” Nielsen concluded. Volunteers from the George Mason Democrats were unavailable for comment.

polls, putting him eight points ahead of Northam in one poll conducted by Hampton University. However, other recent polls conducted during the same period by Christopher Newport University and Fox News show that Northam still has a seven point lead over Gillespie. Gillespie also previously received endorsements from major conservative politicians such as former President George H. W. Bush, Senator Marco Rubio, and Senator Ted Cruz. Ralph Northam has also received a major endorsement recently from President Barack Obama. Obama began campaigning in earnest for Northam earlier this October and followed his campaign around the state, stumping for him at campaign rallies. Northam also received endorsements from a number of major unions and charity campaigns, including the Virginia AFL-CIO, the Virginia Professional Firefighters’ Union, and the Human Rights Campaign. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Photo courtesy of CREATIVE SERVICES

FOURTH ESTATE/MARY JANE DECARLO

“I had a unique opportunity,” Nielsen said, “because I got to experience field work, canvassing the community, and the data work that makes campaigns work efficiently and effectively.”

Republican candidate Ed Gillespie most recently received a series of supportive comments from President Donald Trump, who said on Twitter that Gillespie would be “strong on crime,” and “might even save our great statues/ heritage” as governor, referring to the controversy over the Confederate statues in Charlottesville and Richmond.

STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS

According to Eric Nielsen, the treasurer of the George Mason College Republicans and a volunteer for Ed Gillespie, working for a political campaign is a major time commitment but also immensely rewarding.

As the Virginia gubernatorial race enters its final week, both candidates received important endorsements from some of the country’s biggest political names.

10.30.2017

NEWS

10.30.2017

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

CORNER POCKET PUTS ALCOHOL SALES ON HOLD

No more drinks served in the HUB game room until further notice ISABELLA LAMAGDELEINE STAFF WRITER

FOURTH ESTATE/MICHELLE GARDNER

Corner Pocket, the on-campus game room located in the HUB, has put its sale of alcohol on hold indefinitely. The Corner Pocket only recently started serving beer and wine on a limited basis. One part of that limitation was that alcohol would only be available on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m.

its dining halls around campus.

However, alcohol will not be available for the time being. According to Corner Pocket’s management, the decision to suspend beer and wine sales came due to a lack of funding.

Corner Pocket’s managers would not confirm that alcohol sales will resume after negotiations are complete. The game room will continue to offer pool, ping pong, and other recreational activities.

Sodexo, the food service company that is contracted to sell alcohol at Corner Pocket, is also in contract negotiations with the university. The company provides Mason with food services for

Students looking to get a drink on campus can still go to the Rathskeller in SUB 1. The combination bar and restaurant will continue serving drinks seven days a week.

FOURTH ESTATE/MICHELLE GARDNER

Staff decided to limit sales to a specific day and time to determine if it should be expanded to the rest of the week. If successful, sales of alcohol were

supposed to increase their business and popularity on campus.

SAFE TRICKS AND TREATS

Tips for how to have fun and stay safe this Halloween ISABELLA LAMAGDELEINE STAFF WRITER

• Be sure to walk in groups and stay in well-lit areas if you are out late at night. If you do find yourself alone, be sure to let friends or others know where you are, where you plan to go, and when you expect to arrive at your destination. • Download the Rave Guardian safety app for your phone, and remember to tie the app to your student email to receive updates and Mason Alert messages. The app also lets you

communicate with police and update contacts of your choice with your location. • “Cars may not see you or be able to stop in time if you step into the street while you are dressed in costume,” said Michael Guston, a police officer here at Mason. Use the flashlight app on your phone, blinking lights, or brightly glowing bracelets to light your path and ensure you are seen by vehicles. • Don’t consume alcohol if you are underage, and only drink in moderation if you are 21 or older. • Do NOT try to drive if you are intoxicated. Call a cab, Uber or Lyft, or have a sober friend drive or walk you home to keep you and others safe from accidents.

• Only take food and drinks like candy or other treats from safe places and people that you trust. If a random stranger comes and offers you something, you should politely refuse. • If you party too hard and get sick, overly intoxicated, or have an overdose during Halloween activities, remember that Mason’s one-time medical amnesty program protects the caller and the ill person from criminal prosecution. However, amnesty rules only apply if the caller and patient cooperate with police and medical professionals. • If an emergency does occur, call 911 immediately to contact Mason police or other local emergency services.

Photo courtesy of JIM THOMMA

As the costumes, decorations, and trick or treating of Halloween approach, it is important to know what to do if you find yourself in a real life spooky situation. According to Mason’s Department of Police and Public Safety, here are some tips for having a safe and fun Halloween:

NEWS

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

10.30.2017

TRANSPARENT GMU LAWSUIT CONTINUES

“Historic case” against the university and GMU Foundation may go to trial DANA NICKEL STAFF WRITER

The second oral hearing for the Transparent GMU lawsuit against the George Mason administration and the GMU Foundation took place last Thursday, Oct. 26. “This is a historic case,” commented Justice John M. Tran, the judge presiding over the case. Justice Tran commended both the plaintiff and defense lawyers for their well-written arguments in the briefs presented to him. Evan Johns, Transparent GMU’s lawyer, argued that the documents that his client is petitioning from George Mason and the GMU Foundation are public record, but they are being withheld by a private entity. In this case, that entity is the George Mason University Foundation, a private corporation created by the administration to handle donations to the school. “The real danger is in parking the documents,” Johns said in his oral argument to Justice Tran. Johns and the Transparent GMU team are arguing that these documents should

be released to the public under Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act.

the university is not a party to these donations or the agreements created with donors by the GMU Foundation.

Transparent GMU argued that Dr. Janet Bingham, the Vice President of the University and the President of the GMU Foundation, has access to these documents but will not release them to the public.

The next hearing for the case has not yet been scheduled, but Sean Murphy, a representative from the GMU Foundation, requested a schedule form

to be prepared for the case to go to trial.

However, the defense countered that Dr. Bingham can separate herself from her position as President of the GMU Foundation to do her job as as the university’s Vice President without a conflict of interest. Mr. Drummey, one of the lawyers representing George Mason and the GMU Foundation, advised that Justice Tran should be wary about parts of the Freedom of Information Act being liberally construed due to the broad nature of the law. Mr. Hodges, another defense attorney in the case, argued that although the university is a public institution, the GMU Foundation is a separate, private entity that accepts contributions on the school’s behalf. He argued that

FOURTH ESTATE/MICHAEL EBERHART

UNDERSTANDING DONOR INFLUENCE AT GMU Student-supported organization holds meeting on campus ASHLEY STEWART STAFF WRITER

UnKoch My Campus, a national organization with the stated goal to “expose and expel undue donor influence in academia,” organized an event Oct. 24 in Research Hall. Transparent GMU, a campus student advocacy group currently involved in a lawsuit against the school to reveal documents related to donations from the Charles Koch Foundation and other related donors, hosted the meeting. The event focused on explaining donor influence on college campuses nationwide, and their specific activities at Mason. Their presentation gave an overview of the history of the billionaire Koch brothers, their involvement in higher education, and their history of donations to George Mason.

FOURTH ESTATE/ASHLEY STEWART

Ralph Wilson, a researcher with UnKoch My Campus, detailed the

size of the Koch family network, and spoke about their ties to the John Birch Society (JBS), a conservative advocacy group. The JBS site states that Fred Koch was an “early member” of the JBS National Council. The JBS site also states its mission “To bring about less government, more responsibility, and — with God’s help — a better world.” According to Wilson, the JBS has been famous for “pushing anti-communist and white supremacist ideals” since its formation in 1958. Wilson is an alumnus of Florida State University, another school that has received significant donations from the Koch brothers. As a result of the influence of the Koch donations, Wilson said Florida State gave the Koch brothers veto power over the university’s hiring process for some of their faculty. After Wilson finished speaking, Mason

alumna Samantha Parsons, who founded Transparent GMU, spoke about the Kochs’ involvement on campus. Parsons began researching donor influence at Mason in 2012, and said that she “wanted to know who was funding [her] education.” Lindsey Burger, the executive director of UnKoch My Campus, explained that she believes these large donations are “a way for businessmen to hide from the public eye, while donating to universities for their own personal gain.” UnKoch My Campus representatives said they hope to continue doing events at George Mason, citing Transparent GMU’s concern that large donations to the school could have serious repercussions for academic freedom.

NEWS

10.30.2017

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

FOURTH ESTATE/ALLIE THOMPSON

Photo courtesy of DYLAN ARTHUR

LENDING A PAW TO PATRIOTS

Support animals help out students on campus GEMMA CARRETTA STAFF WRITER

Talia Martinez is a sophomore at Mason majoring in integrated studies with a legal studies concentration. She is also one of the few students on campus who is allowed to keep an emotional support animal in the dorms. Her calico cat, Pi, is only five months old, but she does a lot more than attempt to chase squirrels up trees and receive attention from Mason students who miss their own pets back home. As an emotional support animal, Pi’s role is to help Martinez “find a purpose” in her daily life outside of classes. The kitten “gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning,” according to Martinez. While both emotional support animals and service dogs provide their owners with much-needed assistance, the qualifications for each animal and the reasons behind needing them are different. “An emotional support animal is an accommodation request that is processed by our office and reviewed by a committee,” explained Jason Northrup, Mason’s associate director

of disability services. “Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” Dylan Arthur, a senior majoring in business management, wants to teach students and faculty at Mason about service dogs and disability rights. He was inspired by incidents at other Virginia colleges where students like him were told their service dogs were not allowed in the classroom. Arthur has partnered with the Mason’s Office of Disability Services and the Student Health Advisory Board to create educational programs about service animal awareness that will “integrate into school orientation, and have a spring campaign each year,” he said. His own service dog, Bella, “is with me all the time” according to Arthur. Bella is trained to notice symptoms of Arthur’s PTSD even before he does - the dog is “able to pick up on the

triggers for me,” said Arthur.

and encouraged that behavior.”

Arthur has been training Bella since she was just six weeks old. Now, at four and a half, she goes everywhere with him.

He started practicing with Bella by positively reinforcing her protective behaviors whenever he was triggered. Now, when Bella notices an increase in his breathing or heart rate, she will perform her own protective acts such as licking his face to “reel Arthur out” of situations that could aggravate his PTSD.

“I developed a close bond,” Arthur explained. “I am ‘mom’ to her.” According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, “the tasks performed by the [service] dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.” This means that there is no instruction manual for training your own dog, according to Arthur. “Training is a continuous process,” said Arthur. “I started noticing her behavior when I would get triggered

FOURTH ESTATE/ALLIE THOMPSON

Arthur’s service dog, Bella, also had to pass the public access test by Assistance Dogs International. The test is a requirement for any service dog that determines whether or not they can behave safely professionally in public. In order for Pi to live with her on campus, Martinez and her counselor had to go through Mason’s office of disability services. She explained that they spent a couple months filling out paperwork and going through interviews before Martinez’s case was approved. Although Pi cannot go with her into most campus buildings except for the MIX and residence halls, her cat

still provides Martinez with valuable psychological support. While her cat helps Martinez work through her depression, she clarified that there is no uniform reason as to why people have emotional support animals. “It depends on each individual on why they have the animal,” said Martinez, because each student needs different types of service. During the summer between her freshman and sophomore years at Mason, Martinez decided that she needed an emotional support animal like Pi to help her. Since Pi was only ten weeks old, Martinez has been training Pi to fit her needs. Martinez explained that because there is no formal training, each person must train their own animal to fit their specific needs for emotional support. Most of what she has worked on with Pi is harness training for walks around campus and having Pi stay with her in the dorms while she sleeps. “[And] obviously, litterbox training,” Martinez added with a laugh.

NEWS

THE SOLUTION TO FINDING REAL NEWS Mason’s communication forum discussed the fake news dilemma CLAIRE UNDERWOOD STAFF WRITER

just means something that President Trump disagrees with.”

FOURTH ESTATE/NICOLAS MACOTTO

He used this example to teach a lesson about how important it is to look at various news sources. Every panelist following the keynote agreed that media consumers should not look at only a single source that fits their own personal opinions. “There are so many places to find news these days, you can’t focus on just one,” said Richard Levick, the event’s moderator.

George Mason University recently hosted #RealNews2017, its annual communication forum focused on finding the truth in modern media, on Tuesday, Oct. 24. Located in the HUB Ballroom, the event featured panelists and professional communicators working in the corporate world. They shared their skills and gave advice about getting jobs, as well as offered criticisms on the way media is handled today.

After Matthew’s keynote speech and the panel discussion, the audience split into small groups to have discussions with mentors who work in the communication field. Students asked questions and had conversations about their academic life and goals with media and communication professionals.

Chris Matthews, the host of MSNBC’s Hardball evening news program, delivered the keynote address. In his speech, Matthews focused on how to find reliable media sources. His most notable message was about fake news, and how this is not a term that should be used carelessly.

These mentors included people from a variety of work backgrounds including reporters, communication advisors and company managers. This wide variety helped inform students about ways to immediately connect and network with future employers.

“Fake news means that what was said was deliberately a lie,” Matthews said. “A mistake is not fake news. Fake news

FOURTH ESTATE/NICOLAS MACOTTO

Although there were some disagreements among panelists about when and where to find reliable news sources — social media vs. traditional outlets — all agreed that people should look at multiple sources to find all sides of a story to form a well-informed opinion.

“Find a mentor as soon as you can and work with them to meet people and get job advice,” said Levick. Other

mentors advised student to include the use of social networks to locate professional contacts.

10.30.2017

MASON CELEBRATES NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH NAIA and ODIME honor indigenous culture in November TISHA HERRERA STAFF WRITER

The panelists this year were Jack Speer of NPR, Roy Abdo of Gallup Inc., Peter Carson of Weber Shandwick, and Kevin Hall, communications director for U.S. Senator Mark Warner.

National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated every November to honor indigenous people and their contributions, culture, legacy and success.

The annual fall event is organized by the Insight Committee, within Mason’s communication department. The event is primarily intended for students and faculty in the communication department, but anyone interested in media and the news are welcome to attend. Lake Braddock Secondary School students were in attendance, for example.

Mason students from the Native American and Indigenous Alliance (NAIA) organize annual events to commemorate Native American Heritage Month on campus, including traditional dances for the Veteran’s Powwow in previous years’ celebrations.

Student involvement in planning the forum has increased since previous years. Students had a hand in social media campaigns, promotional materials, and other public relations tactics. “I’m very pleased that the Society of Professional Journalists had a greater role in planning the event, and that journalism will continue to be emphasized at the forum,” said Lauryn Cantrell, President of Mason’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. The communication forum theme changes each year to reflect a relevant subject in the communication field. It is an opportunity for students to learn from and market themselves to their future employers.

NAIA’s first event this year will take place Monday, Oct. 30 with a discussion of how Native Americans and indigenous communities are portrayed in media and popular culture. This event will take place in HUB room 2400 from 12-1 p.m. NAIA and the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Multicultural Education (ODIME) will jointly host this year’s official opening ceremony. Titled Roots of Resistance, the event will go over the background of the month’s celebration with Joe “Anaya” Barrera, a Mescalera Apache elder who has worked with indigenous people throughout the Americas. Anaya “has worked to bring the natural order back to people and

communities displaced from the balance of nature,” according to Kylie Stamm, ODIME’s Assistant Director of Asian-Pacific Americans and Native Americans. Roots of Resistance will be held Wednesday, Nov. 1 in the Patriots Lounge of SUB 1 from 4-7 p.m. NAIA will also host a Dia de los Muertos commemoration in North Plaza on Wednesday from 3-4 p.m. There will be a sage bundling ceremony in SUB 1, suite 2400 on Nov. 6 from 6-9 p.m. Other events held during Native American Heritage Month will include a faculty lecture from Dr. C. Joseph Genetin-Pilawa of Mason’s history department about reclaiming narratives of Pocahontas, Columbus and other historical figures and events like the first Thanksgiving. This lecture will take place Tuesday, Nov. 14 in HUB meeting rooms three and four from 7-8 p.m. The month’s celebrations will end with a closing ceremony called “Celebrating Resistance: The Power of Our Roots” from 7 p.m. to midnight in Dewberry Hall. The event will feature food, conversation, dance and music performed by indigenous DJs.

Photo courtesy of ALEXIS GLENN/MASON CREATIVE SERVICES

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

LIFESTYLE

10.30.2017

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

MASON’S ASU HOSTS ALBUM HALLOWEEN: TOO GORY OR ALL IN GOOD FUN? MICHAEL ABLER STAFF WRITER RELEASE PARTY FOR other elements, i.e. eerie atmosphere, jump scares, and chase scenes out can SILO MENTALITY make a horror movie work too, more DMV-raised artists perform their self-made songs

so than just using gory effects, which will always shock those that get easily disturbed,” he added.

BASMA HUMADI ASSISTANT LIFESTYLE EDITOR

His stage name is a reference to a business term that describes several departments or groups within an organization conducting business without aid or sharing information from other individuals in the organization. (source: h t t p : / / w w w. i nve s t o p e d i a . c o m / terms/s/silo-mentality.asp). Silo began creating his own music in high school and has released two albums: the self-entitled, ‘Silo Mentality’, and the newly debuted ‘Isolated from Chatter Above’. Both are available on SoundCloud, YouTube, and Apple Music. His music has garnered over 250,000 views on YouTube. The song, ‘New Day’ was composed by Silo and its music video, filmed in Northern Virginia by DMV-raised Ali Baluch, is an optimistic, upbeat tribute to new beginnings.

Photo courtesy of IBRAHIM AHMED

Both Gulban and Silo’s music dive into themes of social activism and awareness, representing their Afghan identity, and trying to make it in the industry. The prevailing themes in their music recently led them to perform at Howard Theater as a part of a refugee benefit show, Bars and Borders. The event also featured other big-name rappers such as Immortal Technique and Talib Kweli.

Someome viewers are neutral and feel the amount of gore varies. Junior Jackie Reed feels that, “some horror movies have more gore than others, but I can’t vouch for this since I don’t watch horror movies.” However, Jackie doesn’t feel that gore is necessarily an exploitive measure.

Gulban performed four songs at the release party. He told the audience inspirations for his songs spanned from a recent hate crime, to a friend Gulban knew personally, to the ongoing genocide against Rohingya Muslims in Burma. “Rival, rival, rival/ Don’t die my friend/ Survival/ We’ll fight once more, we’ll fight again,” Gulban sang in his song, ‘Rivals’. Raffles were held throughout the event and attendees got the chance to win free Silo merchandise, such as CDs and t-shirts. Silo came on shortly afterwards and performed songs where he collaborated with rapper Big Benz and singer Paula DeFrancis. With slick-backed hair and slick lyrics, the audience welcomed Silo’s onstage charisma. “If I told you I got hate up in my heart would you believe me?/ I got the fire in my heart can you believe me, would you believe me/ But gratefulness is all up in my heart, can you believe me,” Silo sang in his song ‘Mad Clean’. Silo’s songs off his new album tend to explore more existential themes and funky synth-beats and synth-waves while still maintaining the distinctive sound and voice he brings to his music. The audience and performers shared a mutual understanding between each other as many of them come from a tight-knit group of people who’ve seen these local artists grow and flourish. One of the beauties of growing up and trying to accomplish your goals is seeing others do the same thing. Needless to say, ASU’s album release is an event that stayed with its audience.

FOURTH ESTATE/ALLY MCALPINE

As Halloween approaches, it’s time to celebrate this occasion with candy, costumes, and of course, by watching a few scary movies throughout October. However, ever since the George Romero films of the 60s, there’s been an element of the holiday that seems to be growing, not just in movies, but in the Halloween spirit all around. It seems that Halloween as well as certain horror movies emphasize scares produced by gore, which leads to the question: is gore needed for scares, or is it just a tool for shock value?

focus on the candy aspect, while others like to focus on the gore of Halloween.” NOVA Student Mike Faunda believes that, “halloween hasn’t gotten too gory for kids, to them, it’s all about the candy. We just grow up and gain a different set of preferences.” “This really all started with George Romero’s horror movies, and gore is 100% used for shock value, but creating a creepy world and balancing

“I believe that all movies, including horror, try to appeal to their audience in an engaging way. If the moviegoers are expecting more blood and gore, then the filmmakers will make sure they add more of that in, the most recent movie that has gotten buzz with its gore and was successful was ‘IT’, but I have no intention of seeing it.” There’s no definitive answer to the question of Halloween - whether both the movies and the holiday have gotten too gory or not. But if that’s your thing for celebrating, enjoy the candy, the costumes, and the gore for this unique time of the year.

There are some more recent films that have become iconic for their gory scenes, like the “Saw” movies, and even some of the greatest horror movie series have made this a part of their identity, like the “Nightmare on Elm Street” and the “Friday the 13th” movies. But, the question remains, are there reasons for the gore to be there in these kinds of movies? Most of these movies have earned R ratings, and some have even warranted stronger ratings like NC-17, as was the case with the first “Evil Dead” movie from 1981, but the movies that usually go this route are those in the slasher film subgenre. Those movies almost always rely on some form of graphic violence to enhance the threat that the main characters are up against. However, throwing in graphic violence because it’s expected to be there for a film in a certain genre doesn’t necessarily answer the question at hand. Senior Kristen Hotek believes that this is simply a matter of preference. “It depends on the person, some people

FOURTH ESTATE/BLLY FERGUSON

George Mason’s Afghan Student Union (ASU) hosted a release party on Oct. 22 for Afghan-American rapper and Mason student Ahmad Mustafa Alnoor, otherwise known by stage name Silo Mentality. A sizeable group gathered in an intimate setting in the JC Bistro to listen to featured songs off his new album. Other performers also included self-made rappers and artists such as Malwand Gulban, Big Benz and Paula DeFrancis.

LIFESTYLE

ROOM ESCAPE FAIRFAX

Intellectual challenge for the thrill seekers JAMES STEMPLE STAFF WRITER

10.30.2017

Have you ever wanted to willingly lock yourself in a room for fun with the only way out being solving puzzles? This Halloween, spook yourself with a thrilling experience at Room Escape Fairfax, a warehouse full of rooms specifically designed to test your mental merit.

FOURTH ESTATE/MICHELLE GARDNER

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

Escape rooms are physical adventure rooms that involve complex puzzles that require teamwork and communication to solve. The concept has evolved from point and click games on computers dating back to the early 2000’s. Room Escape Fairfax seeks to capture this sense of adventure and wonder through it’s many available rooms— there’s even a mobile escape bus to really challenge large groups. FOURTH ESTATE/MICHELLE GARDNER

Participants are given an hour after entering the rooms to solve the puzzles, which involve any number of different kinds of puzzles—every room is different. For example, in one room, titled “Joker’s Trap,” you start tied to a chair in the dark and must find your escape using flashlights after freeing yourself. But don’t worry, you’re free to leave

the room at any time if you feel a bit trapped or claustrophobic. Staff are always just outside and communicate with the participants and sometimes help them finish the puzzle if you’re a few minutes from the hour-long deadline. Each room has a different theme that makes it unique—you won’t find the same puzzle in a different room. We at the Fourth Estate experienced “The Cure,” a room designed to be an escape from a disease that will kill you in an hour. The experience was a lot of fun—our

group ran all over the room at the start trying to find all the clues. At one point, we found ourselves stuck and all laughed after realizing one of us was carrying the answer to a puzzle the whole time. Our triumphant cry when the final door opened at the end was worth it all—we barely made it under the hour time limit. Room Escape Fairfax was a great team-building exercise. Just up the road from Mason on University Drive, it’s a great escape from the mundane day, and a great activity to do this Halloween.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME TRENDS OF 2017 What will be the popular costume trends of this year? MIA WISE STAFF WRITER

A good indicator of what everyone will be wearing are the movies and television shows that have garnered the most attention in the past year. Superheroes are popular costumes almost every year because DC and Marvel continue to make movie after movie about their characters. “Wonder Woman” will be very popular this year along with “Spiderman”. Both movies, along with “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” dominated the box office this summer. Superhero costumes are also popular because they can be versatile, as there are so many different versions of the characters and their outfits. There’s the comic book Wonder Woman, the

1975 television show Wonder Woman, and the 2017 Wonder Woman. Almost every Halloween store carries the costumes and accessories, so it’s easy to put these looks together. “I think a lot of popular costumes could be scary, since there have been so many scary movies out this year. Maybe a doll or anything with masks,” junior Cat Ross said. “It”, the movie adaption of Stephen King’s 1986 novel, opened in September, making clowns a very popular costume. This season of “American Horror Story” also featured clowns, which makes this a highly anticipated look for Halloween. The characters from the Netflix original show “Stranger Things” were very popular costumes last year, especially Eleven. The highly anticipated second season premieres on Oct. 27,which will spark interest in the characters again. These characters’ outfits are easier than other costumes because they wear regular clothing. Another television show that has sparked interest is “Riverdale,” an

updated version of the Archie comics. There are hundreds of tutorials on YouTube on how to get the different character’s looks, which is an indicator that the characters are going to be popular costumes this year. Each character has their own distinct style, so the costumes are easy to put together. “Cartoon characters are going to be popular this year because people seem very nostalgic about their favorite childhood cartoon and are prepping to dress up as those characters,” freshman Meyer Moll said.

FOURTH ESTATE/MARY JANE DECARLO

When I watched Suicide Squad for the first time two summers ago, I knew Harley Quinn and the Joker would be popular costumes the following Halloween because of their distinct looks and the attention their characters received from movie-goers. When it comes to Halloween costumes, it’s fairly easy to tell what costumes you might see in the poorly lit, dirty basement of a fraternity house during Halloweekend.

Nickelodeon partnered with the Halloween chain store Spirit Halloween to release a line of costumes inspired by 90s cartoons. Some shows included in the line are “Rugrats” and “Hey Arnold”. “I have no idea what I’m going to dress as for Halloween. My friend and I are going to two parties, so I think we’re going to try to go as vampires for one of them and bunnies for the other, so we don’t have to buy anything,” freshman Courtney Beyer said. There are many Halloween costumes

that are easy, cheap, and timeless, which is perfect for college students. Costumes like cats, vampires, bunnies, football players, witches, angels, devils, etc. will always be staple looks for Halloween parties. Halloween costumes can be a source of stress if you wait until the last minute,

but if you plan ahead they can be a good way to express yourself or an outlet for creativity.

LIFESTYLE

10.30.2017

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

MASON MAKEUP ARTIST INSPIRES SPOOKY LOOKS Find out how student & freelance makeup artist, Agnes Raese, mixes it up for Halloween ANGELIQUE ARINTOK STAFF WRITER

Raese says that she uses “social media platforms [like Instagram] more as a portfolio for when [she] goes to beauty school.” She also considers her makeup account as a reference for potential employers. In addition to her Instagram, Raese also documents an online portfolio on her YouTube channel, where she showcases her skills by uploading makeup and hair tutorials.

Photo courtesy of AGNES RAESE

Recently, Raese posted some skeleton makeup looks on Instagram that are suitable for upcoming Halloween festivities. She emphasizes that “everyone’s face is different,” so catering the makeup application to your own face is critical when crafting a skeleton look. She thinks it is also important to keep

The products that Raese used to create As a freelance artist, Raese sparks the spooky looks integrate both high-end creativity by providing makeup ideas and drugstore makeup. that emulate distinct characters like a • Maybelline Fit Me Foundation—a zombie, Pennywise from “IT”, a cat, light shade base depending on your or a mermaid. skin tone (Walmart, ~$6-7)

To follow more of Agnes Raese’s • Revlon Translucent Powder—for work online, follow her Instagram (@ setting the makeup and creating a aggieandkisses) and subscribe to her white cast on the face (Walmart, YouTube channel (Agnes Raese). ~$8-9)

Photo courtesy of AGNES RAESE

“One specific [makeup] artist became very close to me because I would always sit next to her silently, and watch her do work,” Raese adds.

in mind that “nothing is perfect the first Halloween looks like the iconic skeleton time, so do not get discouraged.” from the inside out.

• Kat Von D Ink Liner, Trooper—a black liner works well for adding details and darkness to the look (Sephora, $20) • Anastasia Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette and MAC Warm Eyeshadow Palette, warmer and deeper toned eyeshadows—the key to adding realistic dimensions on the face (Sephora, $42/MAC, $65) Even if you do not own the products listed, more affordable and accessible products will also suffice. Strategic application techniques are key when creating the sinister skeleton look. “Shading and blending are the only two things that make the skeleton face [appear] realistic,” she notes. Practice and patience are crucial to creating

Photo courtesy of AGNES RAESE

Florida native and Mason student Agnes Raese aspires to delve into the world of beauty. Growing up in Palm Beach, she says that she was “surrounded by people whose lives revolve around looking young and beautiful.” She instantly developed a passion for the beauty industry, specifically with makeup.

LIFESTYLE

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

10.30.2017

FACES OF MASON delves into the lives of Mason students, faculty or alumni, and organizations every week. This week we take a close look at Mason student Lyra McCarmey, Mason alum Anthony McLean, and the Muslim Writers Collective. If you know of a Mason student, faculty member, alumnus or alumna, or organization that would like to be featured on FACES OF MASON please submit your request via: https://goo.gl/HZ4SMd INTERVIEWS BY HAILEY BULLIS AND RACHEL EMMONS

STUDENT Lyra McCarmey, junior Majoring in Music Technology What are your hobbies and interests? McCarmey: I do a lot of Quantum Physics, I’m a musician I play a bunch of different instruments, produce a lot of music, do live-audio engineering, I unicycle a lot, I do archery, fencing, martial arts, I like painting . All sorts of different things. Can you tell me about your music? McCarmey: I’ve been producing music

since early high school/late junior high so I started out just producing, making beats and everything and getting into that and now i’m a mix engineer at a recording studio back home in California. So I work there over the summers and do remote mixing here. I’m also on the university music production record label here called Mason Noise so I’m an engineer and producer for them. We work on different projects, one project every semester, so that’s really fun and I’m also the live audio engineer for Green Machine.

How did you get into unicycling?

after our first tournament, and I was like, ‘I’m done,’ I don’t want to play this. It’s not that fun. But I still went back, surprisingly. So I’d definitely say everything is going to work out, everything is going to be okay. Q: If you got a tattoo, what would you get, why, and where? A: So I had started to say that if I ever got a chance to play on one of the Team USA Ultimate teams, I would get the USA logo that USA Ultimate has. I think I would get it just to show that significance. To say that this is what I worked for and worked up to and was finally able to achieve. Where? Probably on my forearm. Probably on my throwing arm.

I also always said if Ultimate ends up being an Olympic sport, and if I ever get to play, I would get the Olympic circle logo, with the five of them, and I would put them right here [gesturing to forearm]. Q: If your home was burning down and all living things were safe, what would you save? A: So this is going to make me sound really, really materialistic to say, but I would save my shoe collection. Because I guess it’s one of those where I used to be a really hardcore sneakerhead, I was buying pairs of shoes like it was nobody’s business. I was on Footlocker and Nike.com, easily every other day just looking at different pairs, different deals on eBay, looking at what people were selling. And I’ve stopped, I’m not as into that as I was, but right now I

have like 20, 25 pairs of shoes, and I had upwords of 40, and I’ve definitely sold some, and gave some of them away, and I think that’s what I would save, because I spent so much time buying them, and putting money and effort into them, so that’s what I would save. Q: Who is your biggest role model in life? A: In life in general, I would say there are two. I would say, very classic, my mom and my grandmom are my biggest role models that I have, just because they are very genuine people and are very willing to help others and are always there for me when I need it and they are just both wonderful, fantastic people, and I love them unconditionally.

said narrative. So the goal of the MWC is to provide a space.

It’s also important to show the multifaceted nature of the Muslim community, because it gets boxed in.

it’s limited to any artist that feels like they’ve been marginalized or who feel they haven’t had a space to share their voices. It’s a welcoming community and it’s a lot of fun and I feel like it does help to create a community of writers and artists of color. I think that would be the proudest accomplishment, that sense of community.

McCarmey: My friend Grace - she’s been unicycling for six years - she got my dad back into it. He used to unicycle when he was little so now he mountain unicycles and then he got me into it. What would you say is your favorite thing to do out of all your interests and hobbies? McCarmey: Anything creative I think. Anything artistic and creative probably. Like painting or even just exploring. I love exploring D.C. and finding the different parts.

How did you become the sound engineer for the Green Machine? McCarmey: I’m majoring in Music Technology. I originally intended to do vocals for Green Machine and then the vocal coach was like, “Hey this is Sully he’s the audio engineer. I heard you do audio too.” and I was like “Yes!” so I started doing it and never stopped and I love it so much.

FA C U LT Y / A L U M Anthony McLean, alum Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Student Involvement Q: If you could go back in time to the ﬁrst day of college and tell yourself one thing, what would it be? A: You’re going to like frisbee more than you think you will… or more than you think you do. Because I guess my first few weeks of going to ultimate practice, I continually told myself, like I would question with my roommate and be like, ‘Why am I doing this?’, like this is not that fun, learning a new sport is not the easiest. You’re balancing the fact that you’re now living on campus and that you’re in a new environment, and also trying to learn a new sport on top of that, I remember, it was right

O R G A N I Z AT I O N MWC President Fizza Fatima What is the Muslim Writers Collective? Fizza Fatima: The Muslim Writers Collective(MWC) is a platform designed to shed a light on minority voices and writers of color, Muslim writers in particular, and the goal is to reclaim the American Muslim narrative because it’s been taken and turned into something that it’s not and there hasn’t really been a space for this

Why is MWC important? Fatima: It’s important because given current social dynamics regarding views of Muslims in America it’s important that we have a platform in order to have a voice in the dialogue, because right now there seems to be a lot of talking at Muslims and talking about Muslims and few Muslims are getting the chance to be able to talk.

What is MWC’s accomplishment?

proudest

Fatima: So far, it’s been our Open Mic nights. The highest turn-out we’ve had probably is up to 60 people. It’s great because it fosters a sense of community, it brings together all types of different writers and all types of different artists and it’s not just limited to Muslim artists,

10.30.2017

WHY SHOULD YOU VOTE? FOURTH ESTATE EDITORIAL

In one week, Virginia will decide its new Governor. In the last ten years, Virginia has had three Governors from the Democrat party and one from the Republican party - recently, Bob McDonnell (R) holding the 2010-2014 term to our current Governor, Terry McAuliffe (D). The Virginia Department of Elections reported a 41.6 percent voter turnout in the 2014 general elections, about 100,000 less voters than the 2010 general elections. Why is the voter turnout so low when Virginia is one of the more politically charged states due to its proximity to D.C.? The Fourth Estate advocates for using your vote. We do not endorse any one candidate, but we endorse the importance of your input. Here’s why: “If you’re a citizen and of age, I think it’s important to vote because it is your civic duty to contribute well to society. Voting is a time where citizens can express who they want to represent them, their city, their state, and/or this nation.” - Dinanda Pramesti, Lifestyle Editor. “At the local community and state level, your vote really does hold weight because voter turnout isn’t as high and you’re voting for a candidate that is trying to find ways to improve your state and community- a place you directly reside in. Showing up to vote in person really doesn’t take me more than 5 minutes.” - Basma Humadi, Lifestyle Assistant Editor. Your input doesn’t end on election day, elected officials will always consider your vote as they carry out their term. “It is important to contact your elected officials when you feel strongly about an issue coming up for their vote – most of them will actually listen to their constituents! You can also attend local meetings, such as city council, and speak up when issues directly affect your life.” - Michael Eberhart, News Editor. We’ve reprinted a voter guide for you to make an informed decision on your ballot. Whether you check off Ed Gillespie (R) or Ralph Northam (D), this guide will help you be confident in your vote. We hope to see you at the polls!

OPINIONS

Opinions do not reﬂect the views of Fourth Estate. Submit opinions to frehman3@gmu.edu

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

ETC.

10.30.2017

Recipe of the Week

Obtained from Thekitchn.com

Apple, Cheddar and Cheese Melts Ingredients: 8 (1/2-inch-thick) slices sourdough bread (from a 9-inch round boule) 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 4 teaspoons honey mustard 2 1/2 cups shredded, cooked chicken 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese 1 small Gala apple, cored and cut into matchsticks 4 ounces Brussels sprouts (about 5),

finely shredded with a knife or food processor attachment 1 tablespoon lemon juice Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven, place a baking sheet on the rack, and heat the oven to 450°F. 2. Spread the butter evenly on one side of each of the 8 slices of bread. Spread the honey mustard on the opposite side of 4 slices of the bread. 3. Using oven mitts, carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Place all the bread slices, butter-side down, on the baking sheet. Evenly distribute the shredded chicken among the mustard-spread bread slices, then distribute the cheese on the remaining 4 bread slices.

4. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, make the slaw. 5. Combine the apple, Brussels sprouts, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. 6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the bread slices with the chicken to a cutting board. Evenly distribute the apple and Brussel sprouts slaw over the chicken. Place the remaining bread slices cheeseside down on top of the slaw to close each sandwich. Cut each sandwich in half and serve.

LAST WEEK’S GO FIGURE!

25% Off Tickets

SPECIAL OFFER FOR George Mason University Students

“Shrieks of Laughter Night After Night!” – The Washington Post “Wacky and Fun Filled!” – Washington Magazine

“Downright Hilarious!” – The Huffington Post

THREE EASY WAYS TO PURCHASE YOUR DISCOUNT TICKETS ONLINE Visit tkc.co/SMBV to order tickets or visit www.shearmadness.com, click Buy Tickets, Find Tickets and enter code 270942 in the Promo Code box. The discount price will be automatically applied at check out. PHONE Call (202) 467-4600 mention code: 270942

IN PERSON At The Kennedy Center box office mention code: 270942

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: Tuesday thru Friday at 8 P.M. • Saturday 6 P.M. & 9 P.M. • Sunday 3 P.M. & 7 P.M.

www.ShearMadness.com

RESTRICTIONS: Tickets regularly $54.00. Blackout dates may apply. All sales are final - no refund or exchanges. Offer subject to availability and prior sale. Not valid in combination with any other offers. Normal service charges apply to phone and internet orders. Performance schedule subject to change. Offer may be revoked or modified at any time without notice.

GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

ETC.

LAST WEEK’S MAGIC MAZE

LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU

10.30.2017

COMICS FOURTH ESTATE/BILLY FERGUSON

YOUR SPACE Faculty and Staff 10:00am – 12:00pm Students 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Every Friday SUB 1, Room 2400 ODIME is an office of University Life

@ODIME_GMU ODIME.GMU.EDU

It is important, now more than ever, to have an ongoing space for discussion, reflection, and healing. While prompted by recent tragic events that occurred over summer, ODIME remains dedicated to supporting faculty, staff, and students who are impacted by local, national, and global events. Please join us…let’s continue this conversation, together. For more information, please visit: odime.gmu.edu/your-space/ODIME_GMU