Woroni Edition Six 2018 by Woroni

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

woroni VOL. 68, Issue 06. Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

PAGE 17 Skin deep "I had run out of ways to compare my own expereinces with a mere metaphor"

PAGE 38 Interview with Dr. Alex Martinis Roe "I think teaching aesthetics and Politics together need to start earlier"

PAGE 42 I hate You "It is often hard to see people with power over you as tangible beings"

PAGE 47 AMBER "I always think of you. We haven't Spoken in years"

ANU'S SUMO SALAD HAS BEEN UNDERPAYING ITS WORKERS FOR YEARS Text: Max Koslowski Graphic: Sophie Bear Jessica Rombouts first considered that the Sumo Salad franchise she worked for might not be following the rules when her boss handed her an envelope of cash and told her she was going to be paid a “training wage” of $15 per hour. That was more than eight dollars less than she was owed under her casual award rate, but Rombouts desperately needed the money so she didn’t challenge it. For years, two Sumo Salad storefronts in Canberra – one at the Australian National University and another in Canberra City – have paid their workers as little as half of what they’re owed, and have failed to pay penalty rates, potentially robbing workers of thousands of dollars in unpaid wages. Rombouts had just moved to a new city, started college, and was beginning her

first year of university when she nabbed a job at Sumo Salad. “I was desperate for a job,” Rombouts explained, “and it was only down the road from where I lived.” And when they started paying her $15 per hour in cash, the young uni student didn’t know what to do. “I didn’t really argue with it because I really needed the job.”

part-time employee, meaning she did not get the higher wage she would have received as a casual. Payslips seen by Woroni show that even here, she was paid only $17.70 per hour, when the award rate for the lowest level of part-time adult fast food employee is $20.08 per hour. She still didn’t receive penalty rates.

Even when the store hired a new manager at the end of 2016, Rombouts was still underpaid.

And her fellow employees were even worse off. One current employee told Woroni that for the first five months of her employment, she was told she was in a “training period”, and was paid around $12 or $13 per hour as a result. Another employee told Woroni she was a trainee, on the same pay, for six weeks. Both workers wished to remain anonymous because they were worried about their employment being terminated.

The Sumo Salad franchise got her to sign a contract that said she was a

Other employees often weren’t even given contracts to sign and would

At first, Rombouts says, the franchisee didn’t even give her a contract to sign. And when Rombouts asked to be paid penalty rates on the weekend, as she was legally entitled to, her boss refused.

sometimes be given as little as six hours of work in a fortnight. And even once Rombouts had left her job at Sumo Salad, the troubles continued. She realised that she had not been paid superannuation throughout her employment, and that she hadn’t been paid the annual leave she was owed as a part-time employee. When she asked her boss about overdue payments “he explained that I did not have a super account connected to Sumo Salad”, despite super contributions being included in her payslip. “How did [the manager] not know I was meant to have super, when he owns so many businesses?” Rombouts asked. Rombouts did ultimately receive both her superannuation and annual leave,

Continued on page five...

Vol. 68 , Issue 06 News

Discover

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Meanwhile, in Canberra... Budgeting for Survival Incurs Unjustified Expenses Jasper Lindell 8

Dissappearing Space on Campus Mia Jessurun 9

ANU and Ramsay Centre: Trading Academic Independence for Cash Sam Brennan 10

What’s the Deal with Canberra Nightlife? Romane Fuentes 11

Rendang Retaliation, Minus the Crisp Margarita Gurgutsova 12

Another Side, Another Story Elisa Lu and Ali Bulbul 14

The Unsettling Rise of Xi Jinping Bec Emder ‘Unfurl’ Features 15

#NO FILTER Diya Sharma

Why Some Sports Require More Skill than Others Brody Hannan

Five Easy Sustainable Lifestyle Changes You Can Make Today Gabriela Freeman

Wasting Our World’s Potential: A Call to Arms Lydia J. Kim

To Infinity and Beyond Brandon Tan 38

The Coin Laundry Chronicles Anonymous I Hate You Tabitha Malet 43

NUTS’s The Physicist: An Entertaining Satire with a Pinch of Meaning Sophie Johnson

Multilingual

creative 44

Daydreams Mahalia Crawshaw 45

The Final Play Quinn Alexander

Sans Titre Lekhna Kheerodhur 30

L’inégalité de capital : une situation déchirée? Finola Laughran

A Burbling Stream & Note to Self Geoff Bonning 47

Amber Anonymous

We would also like to acknowledge that this land – which we benefit from occupying – was stolen, and that sovereignty was never ceded. Within this ongoing echo of colonialism we commit, as writers and editors, to amplify the voices and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at our university.

staff and Sub-Editors

Beautiful Canberra Miriam Sadler

We pay respects to Elders past, present and future.

Editor in Chief: James Atkinson Deputy EIC: Nathalie Rosales Cheng Managing Editor: Jonathan Tjandra Content Editor: Mia Jessurun Radio Editor: Zoe Halstead TV Editor: Linda Chen Art Editor: Sophie Bear News Editor: Max Koslowski

Listen to these Albums Instead of Studying Sebastian Lawrence

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Woroni is written, edited and printed.

Board of Editors

Interview with Dr Alex Martinis Roe Miriam Sadler

acknowledgement of country

We will honour the diversity of their stories.

culture

Under the Skin Ethnocultural Pull-out

This is Satire Ciaran Lane

The Ageing Population: Insuring the Solution Felix Ryan

My Not-Even-QuarterLife Crisis Lydia J. Kim

James Hamilton

What Sustainability Means for All of Us Jessica Woolnough

Skin Deep Anonymous On Unwanted Comfort and Leaps of Faith Aryanne Caminschi

Third Wheel Not Doing Himself Any Favours by Tagging Couple Friends in Memes

‘A Quiet Place’ Sees Logistical Issues Holding Back an Otherwise Interesting Premise Sebastian Lawrence

42 16

sATIRE

Woroni apologises for failing to attribute the article “10 Things No-One Tells You About Studying in Australia: South East Asian Version”. The writer of this piece was Siang Jin Law and the illustrations were by Nicole Tan and we apologise to both Siang and Nicole for this error. The online version of this article has been attributed correctly Woroni apologises that the attributions for the article “Centre Stage: Female Playwrights” were not printed accordingly. The section on Sarah Kane was by Kat Carrington, and the section on Amy Herzog was by Amanda Dheersakera. We apologise to both Kat and Amanda for this error. The online version of this article has been attributed correctly Woroni apologises for incorrectly attributing the artwork alongside the article “Torn By War”. The artwork should have been credited to Hannah Charny, as well as Sophie Bear. We apoligise to Hannah for this error.

This paper is recyclable. Protect the environment and recycle me after reading. Want to contribute? Send words to write@woroni.com.au and visuals to art@woroni.com.au.

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Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

STOP LETTING DODGY BUSINESSES OPERATE AT UNIVERSITY, UNIONS TELL ANU Text: Jacob Thornton UnionsACT has called on the ANU administration to take action against campus businesses that commit wage-theft and exploit workers. In a media release, the peak body representing unions in the ACT said the ANU must “audit and report” businesses trading on the university’s campus against which accusations of underpayment and non-payment arise. The organisation referred to an investigation, reported in Woroni and Junkee this week, which found that the franchisee of two Canberra Sumo Salad stores, one of which is located at the Lena Karmel Lodge on Childers St and is a tenant of the ANU, had repeatedly and systematically underpaid their employees. In a statement, Alex White, secretary of Unions ACT, said that “[t]he ANU administration has a moral responsibility to take action against the illegal behaviour of businesses operating on ANU campus, who ANU takes money from, who employ ANU students, are breaking the law.” “It is unacceptable that adult employers take advantage of young workers and international

students,” he said. “It is even more unacceptable that the ANU administration turns a willful blind eye to the illegality and theft taking place on its property.” As Woroni reported recently, a spokesperson from Sumo Salad head office said that the underpayments were due to a misunderstanding by the franchisee of the award rate. The franchisee had also failed to pay workers’ annual leave and superannuation entitlements. Woroni understands that current and former employees have now been back-paid or reimbursed unpaid wages. UnionsACT noted that research conducted by Industry Super Australia shows that each year 45,000 Canberrans have an average of $3,400 of their superannuation stolen by employees through underpayments and non-payment. Their own research suggests that as many as 80 per cent of workers aged under 25 have experienced wage-theft within the last twelve months. A series of Fairfax reports over the last several months have shown how many Australian franchise businesses are under extreme financial stress, often due to intolerable costs and conditions imposed by franchisors such as Retail Food Group, Caltex, Domino’s

Pizza (which also operates a franchise on ANU campus), and 7-Eleven. Out of desperation or unscrupulousness, franchisees have been found to have repeatedly turned to wagetheft and other exploitative labour practices. In February last year Sumo Salad announced that it was partnering with Caltex as part of its ‘The Foodary’ concept, which incorporates food franchises into Caltex locations. Then, in May, Caltex announced that it would establish a $20 million assistance fund to compensate workers who had been victims of wage theft by franchisees. International students are particularly vulnerable to wage-theft and exploitation at work. In a large study conducted by researchers from UNSW Sydney and UTS, and published in November, it was found that “[a] quarter of all international students earn $12 per hour or less and 43 per cent earn $15 or less in their lowest paid job.” In addition, it said that “workers from Asian countries including China, Taiwan and Vietnam receive lower wage rates than those from North America, Ireland and the UK. Chinese workers are also more likely to be paid in cash.” In 2016 over 60 per cent of the ANU’s new enrolled

international undergraduate students were of Chinese background. Woroni contacted ANU Media for comment on this story, but it had not responded by time of publishing. White appealed that “any student who believes that they have been the victim of wage theft should contact UnionsACT immediately.” If you are concerned that you may have been exploited at work on the ANU’s campus, or if you are an ANU student concerned that you may have been exploited at work anywhere, you can contact Woroni’s news editor at max@woroni.com.au. w

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ANU TUTORS PROTEST JOB UNCERTAINTY AND CASUALISATION AT UNION RALLY Text: Zoe Halstead ANU tutors have rallied alongside members of ACT Unions to fight back against the casualisation of the university workface, as part of Australian Unions’ national 12 days of action. The rally was attended by members of the United Firefighters Union and National Tertiary Education Union, as well as nurses, teachers and public servants. Other unions at the rally included Unions ACT, the Australian Education Union, United Voice, the Community and Public Sector Union, the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, the Australian Workers’ Union and Professionals Australia. One of the key issues attendees were protesting was the increased casualisation of jobs limiting workers’ access to employee benefits, such as sick leave and paid parental leave, and their lack of job security. ANU tutor and PHD candidate, Blair Williams, told Woroni “tutors have no guarantee of whether they will have work next semester” and that this semester she found out a week before classes started that she would be tutoring because there was

an unanticipated level of enrolments in her course. Williams says that she has gone four to six weeks without receiving her pay from the ANU. Today’s rally forms part of a nationwide campaign to “Change the Rules” of what the Australian Council of Trade Unions calls “the broken industrial system”. The aims of the campaign are to fight the casualisation of the workforce, allow more workers to take collective action to improve their conditions and address the gender pay gap. While attendees were impressed with the turnout at today’s rally, when asked whether the government is listening a member of the ACTU Executive told Woroni that “they know where we stand on this and they know where they stand on it”. He stated that union membership is in decline because “smear campaigns have made people suspicious of the unions”. According to Williams, uncertain working arrangements make it hard to plan for the future. She is fighting for the university to stop casualising the workforce and “have proper tenured jobs”. Anyone employed by the ANU as a tutor is a casual seasonal academic. w

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

ANU IS LEGALLY REQUIRED TO HAVE RESIDENT ADVISORY COUNCILS, BUT THEY DON’T EXIST...

Text: Dan Les Mesurier

opportunity to raise issues with the head of the division of student life at monthly to fortnightly meetings or by direct email contact.”

ANU and its residential halls may have been operating in violation of federal legislation created by the Council of the Australian National University, from the time the legislation came into force in 2005. The Halls of Residence Rules 2005 makes clear the requirement for all university-administered residential halls to have an advisory committee – yet, not one of ANU’s residential halls has one. The halls that are obliged to have an advisory committee under the statute are Burton & Garran Hall, Fenner Hall, Ursula Hall and Bruce Hall, as well as Graduate House and Toad Hall. The advisory committee acts as a regulatory body and link between hall administration and the university administration. It advises the head of the relevant hall on matters of policy as well as the rights, privileges and obligations the hall has in relation to its residents. It consists of between five and eight members, up to four of whom can be elected residents of the relevant hall. The advisory committee can also ask to be supplied with information it considers relevant so as to properly provide advice, a power that could potentially aid in establishing transparency within the administration. This power may, for instance, be used to demand the university release statistics and other documents relating to college sexual assault and harassment. The rules further provide for the position of a nominated officer, who is an officer of the university appointed by the vice-chancellor and is responsible for matters of accomodation. The nominated officer can advise the vice-chancellor to remove a head of

hall, and can broadly direct the responsibilities of the head of hall. Should there be an issue with the governance of the hall, the advisory committee can approach the nominated officer to discuss these concerns – providing a direct channel of communication between the student body of the relevant hall and the vice-chancellor. The advisory committee can make recommendations to the vice-chancellor regarding who is appointed as head of their hall, in the event that the position becomes vacant. The committee would meet at least four times a year, with at least one meeting per term. Operating as a comprehensive advisory body consisting of student, hall and university representatives, the advisory committee would act to ensure halls are being run to the expected standards of both the students and the university. It appears that the requirement for an advisory committee was known by some members of various hall residents’ committees. Tom Dodds,

the president of Fenner Hall’s residents’ committee, was made aware of the requirement by his predecessor during the handover. Writing to Woroni, Dodds said that he did not believe the status quo should change to reflect the legislation. The purpose and abilities of the advisory committee, as set out in the relevant legislature, are indeed purely advisory – something which Dodds believes means the committee has “no substantial authority or power in regard to student interests”.

Dodds points out that the creation of a hall’s advisory committee isn’t the responsibility of the hall administration or of the hall’s residents committee. Instead, this depends on the nominated officer appointing four non-resident representatives and, on the advice of the nominated officer, the vice-chancellor appointing a chair of the committee. Once this has occurred, elections for student representatives can then begin. As the vice-chancellor has not appointed a nominated officer, these subsequent tasks cannot be fulfilled. Dodds further identifies that the relevant legislation doesn’t necessarily reflect the current structures of the university. In reference to Fenner Hall, the legislation speaks of junior and senior common rooms – a distinction that “was removed at the end of 2005”. Additionally, college policy is now centrally regulated by the university, as opposed to colleges being “able to freely make their own policy on topics and apply it”.

“In my opinion this does not seem like a body which can substantively achieve a significant amount within this role as at most they can ‘advise’ with no requirement to be listened to or action followed through with.”

When contacted for a comment, Woroni was told by an ANU spokesperson that the matter was “vastly complex”, and that they would be unable to comment any further until the issue had been properly understood.

In addition to this, Dodds believes this advisory function is provided for already through his role as president of Fenner’s residents committee.

It is unclear why these advisory committees, and the position of a nominated officer, have not yet been created.

“… within Fenner Hall I have weekly meetings with both the Head and Deputy Head of Hall to discuss issues raised by students. Furthermore all presidents meet with each other to discuss these issues and have the

The presidents of Burton & Garran Hall, Ursula Hall, and Bruce Hall were contacted for comment. w

ANU TO SCRAP RESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE RULE Text: Dan Les Mesurier ANU has revealed that they will repeal the rules that require residential halls to have advisory committees, after Woroni reported that the university was legally required to implement them in ANUowned colleges. Addressing questions as to why these committees had not been created in the first place, a spokesperson for ANU cited “informal changes” that had moved the operation of residential halls closer in line with the policies and regulations of the university. According to the statement, the Halls of Residence Rules 2005 will be repealed at

some point this year, through the ANU Council. The advisory committee would have acted as a regulatory body and link between hall administration and the university administration. It would advise the head of the relevant hall on matters of policy as well as the rights, privileges and obligations the hall has in relation to its residents. Between five and eight members would make up the body, up to four of whom can be elected residents of the relevant hall.

instance, be used to demand the university release statistics and other documents relating to college sexual assault and harassment. ANU’s full statement can be viewed below.

The advisory committee could also ask to be supplied with information it considers relevant so as to properly provide advice, a power that could potentially aid in establishing transparency within the administration. This power may, for

As a result of previous reviews, informal changes were made to the operation of residential halls to better align with University policies and regulations as well as providing the best possible service for our students. Initiatives were developed

“The Halls of Residence at ANU (including Colleges and Lodges) have a firm commitment to the ANU students and the development of communities that support the well-being and academic development of our residents.

that ensured the best possible collaboration with students and academic staff such as the Residents Committee and Hall Fellows. These new initiatives and aligning the hall operation with university policies and regulations, meant that the Hall of Residence Rules were not as relevant as they once were. ANU is currently in the process of repealing the Hall of Residence Rules through Council since more effective systems are in place. This will be occurring this year.” w

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

Continued from Front Page... but only after weeks of pushing her former employer to pay her.

raised in a series of detailed questions earlier put to the company this week.

What Did Sumo Salad Know?

Some former Sumo Salad workers received backpay earlier this week.

Sumo Salad head office has known about payment issues in at least one Sumo Salad store since February, when one employee emailed a threepage complaint to their operations manager, detailing concerns with issues such as the “training wage”. A spokesperson for Sumo Salad said that many of the mistakes came down to a misunderstanding of the award by the franchisee, and that the company began an audit process within seven days of being alerted to the issues by staff members in February. “Sumo Salad takes this matter extremely seriously and is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of all employees,” the spokesperson said in a statement. But the spokesperson also acknowledged that there was a “gap” in the audit process because it did not take historical records into account, meaning some of the issues were not fixed until they were

“Sumo Salad has worked with the franchisee to ensure this matter has been dealt with in accordance with the Fast Food industry award, National Employment Standards & Fairwork act.” The franchisee, Bryan Lai, said that he will “urgently fix any problems that are found”. “We acknowledge that mistakes have been made in the past and we are working hard to fix anything that has not already been corrected.”

Why Does This Keep Happening? Last week, it was reported that Melbourne’s Barry cafe was accused of underpaying staff by at least five dollars per hour. The Fair Work Ombudsman is investigating the claims. “Young workers make up about 16 per cent of the Australian workforce but account for a disproportionately high 25

percent of requests for assistance to the agency. Last year 44 per cent of the litigants we filed in court involved young workers,” Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said earlier this year. “Young workers can be vulnerable in the workplace as they are often not fully aware of their rights or reluctant to complain if they think something is wrong.” For international students attending university in Australia, the problem is even more evident. According to a report from the Migrant Worker Justice Initiative, a quarter of international students earn $12 per hour or less. While Fair Work does have an anonymous tip service, many fear that they would lose their job if the complaint was ever pinned down on them. W If you’ve been underpaid or exploited at work, get in touch with Max at max@woroni.com.au.

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COLLEGE OF LAW TO SCRAP EXAM DATABASE Text: Max Koslowski The ANU College of Law and the ANU Law Students’ Society will take down the LSS Past Exam Database by the end of the year.

regarding the veracity of information, given that the law changes so often. Instead, all law course convenors are required, at the start of semester, to outline the steps they will be taking to prepare students for exams.

From this week, the LSS will cease to update the database. The LSS will also be taking steps to provide students with more reBefore the change, the database sources to prepare for exams. provided students with previous students’ answers for past exams. In some ways they have already been preparing for the change: they This decision comes after “consul- have provided problem question tation with the with both the LSS solving workshops held by conCommittee and the wider ANU venors of mandatory law courses law student body.” These were recorded and uploaded to Wattle to maximise accessibility. According to the LSS, the decision was reached due to concerns re- Woroni understands that the ANU garding academic integrity, given College of Law and the LSS are due the compromising opportunities to have a meeting in the coming for plagiarism that the resources weeks to discuss updates on the on the database provided. The law plan. w student body also stated concerns

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

"IT'S NOT LOOKING GREAT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE": ACT MP ANDREW LEIGH TALKS BUDGET Text: James Atkinson Image: Rohan Thomson Woroni spoke to Dr Andrew Leigh MP, the Shadow Assistant Treasurer and one of Canberra’s two lower house representatives, after the budget and asked his thoughts on how it will affect young people. “The budget is great for big business, but it doesn’t do much good for young people or students,” Dr Leigh said about the government’s plan. In fact, the government makes little reference to current tertiary students in the budget. In late 2017, the government announced they would end the demand-driven education system, meaning that universities would no longer be given funding proportionate to the number of students enrolled at their institution – effectively putting caps on tertiary education. “The government seems to think that Australia’s path to prosperity is cutting taxes, but Labor takes a different view,” Dr Leigh told Woroni. “If you are committed to growth, then you’ve got to invest in schools and uncap places at universities.” Treasurer Scott Morrison presented his third budget on Tuesday night, and with it a sweeping tax reform package. Among the changes are an immediate income tax cut for people earning less than $87,000 per year, totalling a maximum of $10.50 each week, and a plan to lower tax rates for all earners over the next ten years. But Dr Leigh believes that the inaccessibility of home ownership and the stretched rental market are causing increasing unease for young people – factors which have not been addressed by the budget. “Home ownership is at a 60-year low, and this is a combination of negative gearing and the capital gains tax… the impact of not tackling those barriers isn’t just about unfairness in the tax system. It’s also about housing affordability and financial stability,” he said. “It’s not looking great for young people.” The median cost of renting a house in Canberra is $540 per week, according to data released by Domain in January, which students are paying due

to the limited places available at on-campus accommodation.

to regional students over the next four to five years.

the country, condemning this decision.

Home ownership is no more achievable for young Canberrans either – not one ACT suburb is considered affordable for firsttime buyers, according to the 2017 First Home Buyers Report.

This support would be encouraging news for prospective university students looking to move interstate, potentially relieving some of the financial burdens associated with relocation, accommodation and the cost of living.

When asked about the decision, Dr Leigh agreed that student media should be represented at the lockup.

Dr. Leigh told Woroni that Labor has plans to alleviate these worries facing young people, stating his case ahead of his party’s budget reply on Thursday. “Labor wants to tackle the root causes, by restoring the housing supply council, restricting negative gearing to newly built homes and cutting the capital gains tax in half,” he said. The budget does give some relief for rural and regional students looking to pursue further education. The government is offering significant financial support to young people in rural, regional and remote areas, such as $96.1 million to support the transition to further work and education, and an extra $53.9 million dollars to improve access to youth allowance. The budget also outlines a plan to increase the number of Commonwealth Supported Places available

Dr Leigh, however, says that, while he welcomes support for rural and regional students, it must be viewed in the context of the government’s cuts to education funding and places at university which, he says, will affect these students the most. Dr Leigh is not the only Canberran criticising the government’s approach to this year’s budget. Earlier in 2018, the Treasury informed student media publications that they would not be allowed into the budget lockup, claiming that there was not enough capacity. It marked the second consecutive year that Woroni and other student publications would not be allowed entry to the lockup – effectively preventing young people from taking part in the immediate post-budget discussions. Woroni published an open letter to the Treasury, which was consigned by publications across

“Student’s publications allow young people to cut their teeth in journalism, but they also play a big role in contributing to the public debate and holding people in power to account,” he said. “I’m a former student editor myself, I was an editor of Honi Soit, so student publications have a place in my heart.” w

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Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

Meanwhile, in Canberra… Budgeting for survival incurs unjustified expenses Graphic: Katie Ward Text: Jasper Lindell Budget Night is one of those weird Canberra spectacles. Journalists emerge from the lock up, where they have been held for six hours, cut off from the internet and holed up with the Budget papers. And then the treasurer appears at the despatch box, tasked with making the government sound wonderful. Last week, there was certainly a need to sound wonderful. An election is due in the next 12 months. As the clearest statement of a government’s intent, the Budget sets up a lot of the premise for the upcoming campaign. Gone are the days of Tony Abbott’s and Joe Hockey’s Budget emergency. The debt and deficit disaster is history now. The only emergency that matters is the one in the opinion polls. And what do you do when you are faced with electoral defeat? Cue up some personal income tax cuts, spread so far out over the forward estimates – the projection for years after the present budget – as to be basically meaningless. Just make sure there is something small to kick in from July. In the lead up, the government was touting their “Boomer friendly” Budget. At least they know their base. What they should have said was bland. But not bland in the “it doesn’t really matter way”. Bland in the sense of being completely devoid of vision or character. If you believe the government, the economy is in great shape, jobs are being created and next year treasurer Scott Morrison will deliver a slender surplus. Why, then, should we accept a cut to the ABC of $83.7 million over four years? The government wants to freeze the national broadcaster’s funding over forward estimates and subject it to another efficiency review. It will be the 10th review in 15 years. Morrison says the ABC has to “live within its means”. (He also revealed himself to be a fan of Shaun Micallef ’s Mad As Hell, hoping that

it would survive Aunty’s funding cut.) Cutting ABC funding is a pretty clear statement that a government has no regard for the intelligence and education of Australians. It sends a loud and clear signal that the government doesn’t see the importance of Australians telling Australian stories, of grappling with our national identity in intelligent, accessible forums. The ABC’s managing director, Michelle Guthrie, told ABC staff after the announcement: “In the coming year Australians will head to the polls for the federal election. More than 80 per cent of Australians value the ABC – a point that shouldn’t be lost on anyone seeking government.” SBS will have funding returned after the government couldn’t legislate to allow it to accept more advertising. It isn’t a real increase. But it’s not just the ABC facing cuts. Since coming to power, the Coalition has cut more than $50 million out of the Screen Australia budget. Now, the government is putting $3 million towards the “development of Australian film and television content.” The government has also announced a $140 million fund to encourage big Hollywood productions to film in Australia. It’s good for local workers and tourism, they say. It smacks of cultural cringe, investing in others to make Hollywood blockbusters rather than investing properly in Australian film. National institutions will also face cuts. While the National Gallery is getting some money to help with refurbishments, the National Archives and the National Library will lose 10 and 12 staff respectively. Making all of this worse is the $48.7 million over a four years earmarked for the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of James Cook’s first voyage to Australia. As the debate whether we should change the date of Australia Day has reached the mainstream, this decision shows a government not interested in any kind of reckoning about our country’s past. Cuts to the arts and libraries and the ABC might seem like prudent budget measures, victimless crimes with

no real effect, but they are not only detrimental to the cultural life of the country, they reveal what kind of vision the government has for us: a vision of a blank face being crushed by the boot of parochialism forever. When I covered the Budget in 2016, I wrote in the Herald that, “For most young Australians, this Budget is not for us. We don’t benefit. We haven’t been offered our election pitch.” I could write the same again, and note once more the lack of action on housing affordability or climate change. It is good that there will be more places at universities for regional students and that access to Youth Allowance will be made easier for them, but it’s hardly a consolation in an environment which has prioritised cynical survival-instinct politics over the kind of long-term thinking students and young people need. It’s a shame for students that the Budget isn’t required to include tables of opportunity costs. It would cast very different shadows over what kind of Budget a government can get away with presenting. Over the next 20 years, the cost to the Budget from lower income tax receipts as a result of fewer students going to university will be between $2.2 billion and $3.9 billion, modelling commissioned by Universities Australia claimed. The Cadence Economics report found that the total economic impact of the higher education sector funding freeze would be between $6.9 billion and $12.3 billion over the next two decades. Belinda Robinson, Universities Australia chief executive, told The Guardian: “It’s a simple equation – less university funding means fewer skilled graduates, a hit to labour market productivity and less tax revenue for government.” But to see that, you’ve got to look beyond the ballot box at the next election and the Budget bottom line next May. And at the moment, the Turnbull government doesn’t have the right vantage point. Jasper Lindell is Woroni’s political columnist and a former news editor.

COMMENT// campus

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

Disappearing Spaces on Campus

Text: Mia Jessurun Graphic: Hannah Charny

Over the last year, countless spaces at ANU have disappeared behind fences, into piles of rubble and under scaffolding. Navigating campus has become akin to the constantly moving maze I have a recurring dream about – every time I spot a gap in the cyclone fencing, I see it move out of the corner of my eye and turn around to find myself enclosed. I can make do with this inconvenience, though – and I’m privileged to experience it as a mere inconvenience, rather than a genuine impediment to me accessing many spaces on campus. Not everyone is this lucky. The campus is undeniably less accessible than it was a year ago, physically closing out disabled students for whom having to walk further, use stairs or navigate busy crowds might just not be an option. It is not good enough. Over time, other detrimental effects on the community are emerging, that weren’t quite so apparent at the outset.

Slowly, alongside the physical changes, something less tangible is changing. As communal spaces disappear and morph, so too, it seems, does the community that inhabits them. Without a central space for events, events become smaller and more isolated. They’re forced to the peripheries of the campus, or cease to be held at all. With such limited parking, accessibility becomes a minefield, and even moving equipment and supplies becomes a logistical nightmare. Events play an important social role; more than that, they’re a way of expressing values. With less visible spaces to protest or to celebrate, there’s less opportunity for groups to express their collective identity. Day-to-day, different parts of the university feel more distant. We carve out our own paths, sometimes physically (see: Chifley Meadow), travelling between the specific buildings we need. But crossing campus is just that much harder, and that much less worthwhile just for a better study spot or a sunnier lunch location. Our routines on campus have become more localised. The divisions between faculties seem to grow in more ways than one. Lacking a central space, the

feeling of social interconnectedness that seeing familiar faces all over campus brings gets weaker.

diminished by increasing land pressure that eats away at public and green spaces in cities.

It feels hyperbolic, to link construction to such substantial shifts in the way we experience campus. But it is no new concept – there is a rich academic tradition of exploring the effects of physical space on the ways in which we inhabit, experience and participate in the world. Sociology and anthropology examine the ways in which spaces include and exclude, and the forms of socialising and community building they facilitate. Human geographer Allan Pred puts it beautifully, arguing that the organisation of physical space is “inseparable from the reproduction and transformation of society in time and space.”

Perhaps online spaces are filling the metaphorical space left behind. Facebook groups become meeting places and forums for discussion, reminding us that we’re part of a collective whole. They bring with them their own parameters which facilitate and limit interaction much like the material confines of a physical space. Specific post formats, community standards defining “appropriate” content and algorithms controlling the dissemination of information bound our experience online, much like the fences on campus do in “real” life.

This period of change is not limited to the ANU, either. Globally, public space is eroding, as parks, town squares and malls become privatised and commercialised. Public space has important and beneficial impacts on health, happiness and community, and so scholars and advocates and politicians worldwide are beginning to ask what this means. They worry that social inclusion is being irreparably

ANU is a different place than it was a year ago, when the grass on Chifley Meadows was still lush and green. In a year, or two, when Kambri opens and the construction eases up, the new spaces will make it different again. It is hard to say what has changed, and even harder to imagine what might – but we have to ask. The materiality of campus is too intertwined with our experience as students to let it go unnoticed and unquestioned.

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

COMMENT// campus

ANU and Ramsay Centre Trading academic independence for cash Text: Sam Brennan Graphic: Maddy McCusker ANU loves to brag about its scholarships. Its brochures are plastered with smiling shiny faces of Tuckwell scholarship students reading books on green grass under blue sky, with dust and heavy industrial equipment from the nearby construction site neatly cropped out. But ANU – the thought leader that it is – is changing away from this, as it quietly releases piecemeal information and timidly defends its negotiations with the Ramsay Centre for Western Civilization (RCWC) over a divisive new scholarship and degree originally slated for 2019.

acknowledged that western civilisation had “its share of moral failures”, he didn’t elaborate. Instead, Howard said people should look to the successes of western civilization, such as the defeat of Nazi Germany. Of course, Howard did not explain why Nazi Germany – a European nation-State influenced by Enlightenment thought, Christianity and Graeco-Roman culture – was not part of the West. Nor have any of the board members mentioned colonisation, fascism, autocracy or imperialism; governmental structures that characterised the West for far longer than modern democracies. RCWC will not address these

would not be wanting to hire somebody who is coming in with a long liturgy of what terrible damage western [civilization] had done to the world.” If academic integrity is respected, then a politically motivated third party should not get to have a say in the hiring and firing of staff. A similar stance has also been taken on the syllabus of the 16 new courses in the degree. RCWC said that they will choose the readings or “great texts” for the degree, while also saying that ANU will treat the courses like any other. These two things can’t be true at the same time. To drive home the strong arm tactics, Haines threatened to pull

Late last year ANU announced it was in negations with the RCWC to create a new Bachelor in Western Civilization for a cohort of 60 students, of which it would provide some 30 students with a $25,000 per annum scholarship. But this group doesn’t exactly have the same appeal as the kind-faced, generous Tuckwells, with their passion for education. No, RCWC is instead staffed by some of the most disliked politicians in Australian history and has repeatedly said it will use the degree to push its ideological beliefs. RCWC launched in November 2017 thanks to a $3 billion donation left by healthcare-magnate and top Liberal party donor Paul Ramsay. The group aims to get universities to teach a positive interpretation of Western civilization. To achieve this RCWC turned to ANU, promising a fortune to the university if they establish a degree that adheres to the group's goals. RCWC chairman and former prime minister John Howard described the degree as “an exercise in the unapologetic exposal of what Western Civilization has brought to mankind over the centuries.” There are three main issues with the degree: firstly, its politically biased approach; secondly, the ambiguity of RCWC’s control over the degree; finally, the involvement of sitting MPs and partisan political figures. Members of RCWC board and its CEO have repeatedly said that the degree will only address the positive aspects of Western civilization. Board member Tony Abbott said that RCWC is “not merely about Western Civilization but in favour of it.” Even when Howard

issues. They are explicitly narrow-minded and have no intention of approaching western civilization with the complexity it requires. Such an approach is not only an insult to students, but also to those affected by the negative aspects of western civilization. ANU and RCWC have both said they will respect the traditional course approval structures, but this hasn’t stopped RCWC officials from also saying the exact opposite. During negotiations, CEO Simon Haines said “we

funding if the courses and teachers did not tow RCWC’s ideological line. There is also the issue of RCWC’s board members also being sitting politicians. On the board, there are both former MPs – Howard and Beazley – and, more worryingly, current MPs. Liberal Party parliamentarians Leeser and Abbott sit on the RCWC board and have a deep involvement with the new degree. A sitting MP – particularly an ideologically divisive one, such as Abbott – having input on the curriculum of a public university

is extremely unsettling and goes beyond a simple philanthropic donation. With all these issues you might have thought that justifications for ANU’s deal would be stronger. The most common argument in favour of the degree is a version of: ‘well people can do Asian, studies major so why not a have a Bachelor in Western Civilization?’ The response to this is twofold. Firstly the Asian studies major is not funded by a group called the Xi Jinping Lord President for Life Appreciation Society. In fact, any whiff of political bias in any course is met with legitimate anger and concern. Courses at ANU are – or if the deal isn’t stopped, were - run by academics that have independent say over course material with the sole goal of educating students. As a result of this, the Asian studies major does not ignore negative aspects of said society or mislead their students to guarantee funding. Secondly, ANU already has a heavily Western-centric model for teaching the humanities – look no further than English, Ancient History and International Relations. And the best thing about these courses is that they don’t sell the education of their students to politicians for some extra cash. This extra cash will also come with its own cost. RCWC is not a charity: they are not donating, they are buying. RCWC is trying to make their own degree and is paying the university to turn a blind eye to academic independence to do so. The world will see this and treat the ANU accordingly. Secondly, there are MPs on the RCWC board. If they really wanted to properly fund universities they could do it the old-fashioned democratic way, not with the vast wealth of a political partisan’s estate. Finally, we as students also pay ANU, under the presumption that we will be given the best education possible. At a Ramsay Centre forum Rae Frances, Dean of CASS, was asked what the threshold donation for someone to create their own degree would be, she tongue in cheek replied “$50 million.” Well, we – the students – provide ANU with hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and we don’t ask for a degree that mimics our personal political bias. We just ask for the university not to sell our education to the highest bidder. Sam Brennan is an admin of the Facebook page 'Keep Ramsay out of ANU’

COMMENT

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

What’s the deal with Canberra nightlife? Text: Romane Fuente Graphic: Maddy McCusker

If someone told me after my first week in Canberra that the local nightlife was not limited to trashy vibes and mainstream clubs, I would not have believed it. Ten months later, and two whole semesters of exploring the corners of the capital, I should retract my statement. Canberra nights have real potential. It would be wrong to describe Canberra as a boring capital or without culture. Admittedly, it is true that Melbourne or Sydney have distanced it in the eyes of the Australian youth. As an outsider used to the Parisian nightlife, I took a critical look at Canberra. I observed my fellow students following the same rhythm all semester. A back and forth from Mr. Wolf to Mooseheads, where the only originality was the booking of an interstate DJ on Fridays. For too long, public authorities have not considered the

role of night culture in the attractiveness of the city. Besides, most students seem to enjoy this routine, limiting even further the possibility for Canberra to proclaim quality and original parties. Today, this is changing. The trigger? A new generation. There is now a momentum and dynamism in Canberra with many events at night, but also during the day, especially around the artistic scene. Since January 2018, the parties on offer have been more intense than ever. Outdoor raves led by local crews, edgy warehouse nights with international DJs, all-out art parties like Renaissance: local actors are shaking up Canberra. They are young and willing to create an alternative night, outside the traditional venues. One of them, Nick Trivett, DJ and co-president of Univibes explains: “There are not enough good nights-out and clubs run by the current institution in Canberra. Univibes, Pickles, Orbit, all that shit was started by local kids who aren’t happy with what’s currently happening – which means the honor falls on us to throw

proper events.” All those names, including CBR House Social and Good Content are the leading party collectives in Canberra you should check for your next weekend. Although the diversity of models multiplies, they all gathered under the same desire: creating a more progressive, aesthetic and inclusive night. Mission accomplished for the Degenerate & Six's team. These students and artists have proven their ability to bring an audacious concept to the capital. On Saturday gigs, a new crowd embraced the pop-up gallery where art pieces blended with dancers. I believe the power of the night shouldn’t be diminished. The party is our way to express and ourselves and blossom. We share political questions, try to call out, to create a timeless place. Giving a quick glance around you during a gig should draw your attention to the representation issue within the club industry. That’s why initiatives such as Woroni DJ training for women and non-binary people or all-female lineup are necessary, and should inspire more

eventplanners to respect gender equality. As revolutionary as it sounds for a place like Canberra, locals promoting queer or women DJ are still ahead of most of the parties in the country. Any party-goer should be aware for example that women represent only 23 per cent of Australian festival lineups! Our current clubbing culture reflects many social issues, as questions of domination, gender, race and sexuality. Today, we must stop minimising the political dimension of the night and start to consider party spaces as a relevant location for empowering minorities. It is not about tokenizing by inserting a few diverse people into the lineup, but rather giving people the opportunity to assert their identity through an event. This is the ambition of Canberra’s new night scene. I believe this change of mentality is essential because it could transform Civic nightclubs from a place where we go to mindlessly dance or drink to a living space of innovation, liberation and culture.

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

COMMENT// international

RENDANG RETALIATION, Minus the Crisp Text: Margarita Gurgutsova Graphic: Maddy McCusker Netizens of Malaysia received a big shock a little over a month ago, when the top headline was a MasterChef judge mistaking the criteria for a Malaysian participant’s rendang. Malaysian-born contestant Zaleha Kadir presented a traditional local dish, nasi lemak, with a side of spicy chicken rendang. “The chicken skin isn't crispy It can't be eaten, and all the sauce is on the skin, so I can't eat it,” critiqued the MasterChef judge, Gregg Wallace. The judgement made by Mr. Wallace and a second judge, John Torode, resulted in the elimination of the wronged Zaleha Kadir. This mishap brought on a series of fuming responses across the media from Malaysian citizens. Even the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, pitched in with a tweet to support his country and express his bewilderment – “Mana ada orang makan rendang ayam ‘crispy’?” (“Who’s eaten crispy rendang chicken before?”) Most unforgiving comments were angled at the judges’ credibility – how can one be a world-renowned Celebrity Chef lacking knowledge on all types of cuisine? One commentator professed his

irritation on a post, saying: “Such limited knowledge on cuisine from around the world. Gordon Ramsay himself knows what is chicken rendang and even made it himself. I bet Ramsay would love to smash a plate of 'crispy chicken rendang' on the floor or on your heads after watching this episode... the Hell's Kitchen way!” The ridiculous situation brought unity upon two other nations who have similar versions of this dish – Singapore and Indonesia. The three nations, especially Malaysia and Singapore, usually have friendly neighborhood banter on things like who has better food, better tourism and hotter weather. “[Malaysians] view Singapore as our rich cousin who likes to show off, while Singaporeans see Malaysians as people who only know how to have fun,” quoted from Kavin Jayaram, a Malaysian comedian. Followed by Mr. Wallace’s comment, netizens of the three nations got together and set out on a mission to sort out the worldwide confusion, explaining in detail key differences among the variety of cooking styles of the same dish. Whilst beef is usually the most popular choice of meat in rendang curry, Kadir’s choice of chicken applies to the same concept. The chicken cooked in curry resembles more of a stew and comes out soft

and tender and not even remotely crispy. Some claimed the judges assessed the rendang based on the typical side to Malaysia’s national dish nasi lemak – fried chicken – and therefore expected crispiness. It was also pointed out that Torode had prior experience of cooking traditional rendang during an episode of ‘John Torode’s Malaysian Adventure’, proving his evaluation to be even more ludicrous. Kadir held no grudges and simply wrote on her Instagram that she was “gutted to be eliminated but [will stand by the] traditional way of cooking,” and thanked all those who stood by her and supported her all the way.

even more backlash in Torode’s direction claiming his ignorance and ‘whitesplaining’ of cultures. Finally, the sheer sarcasm was not helping his situation. Whilst people all over were expecting an apology on behalf the misdiagnosis and maybe using this opportunity to educate themselves on three cultures at once, all Torode and Wallace accomplished was showcasing their ignorance and reducing the authenticity of the MasterChef show. Nevertheless, the comment failed to rile up tension between countries and only unified them further against a mutual common enemy.

In response to the hoard of angry comments, as if to add fuel to the fire, Torode wrote in a tweet (which has now been deleted, but plenty of screenshots online if you’re interested): “Maybe Rendang is Indonesian!! Love this!! Brilliant how excited you are all getting … Namaste.” There are three things wrong with his tweet. Firstly, despite lengthy debates over the years on the origins of prominent Malaysian and Indonesian traditional dishes, it is hard to trace back and unavoidable since the two share several cultural and culinary traditions after decades of intertwined history. Secondly, the greeting ‘Namaste’ is of the Indian Subcontinent, and has little to do with Malaysia or Indonesia, which fired

Zaleha Kadir said once that she entered MasterChef with the hope that it “will help her boost and promote authentic Malaysian food in the UK”. Needless to say, the outcome of this whole fiasco managed to give Kadir a whole lot more fame, acknowledgement and support which she deserved as well as a golden opportunity to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore to team up against evil forces who materialised in the form of egotistic chefs. I am certain the rendang chicken is grateful and appreciates every second basking in the light of glory. Thank you to all who brought justice to our cuisine!

COMMENT// international

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

another side, another story: uppsala university Text: Elisa Lu Graphic: Valtteri Kuusisto Bottomless filter coffee for $1 AUD, a plentiful of thrift shops, and ABBA songs played as the fourth song on a night out. This is “Bachelor [Degree Student] in [Scandinavian] Paradise”. Sweden is more than just Muppet chefs and sophisticated furniture designs. Thanks to globalisation, Swedish ingenuity permeates our everyday living – Skype, Spotify, H&M, the Celsius temperature scale, zippers, Hövding bicycle airbag and Alicia Vikander. So, why not assemble the pieces yourself and construct your dream exchange experience? Reminiscent of Canberra, Uppsala is a quaint University town only 30 minutes away by train from the metropolitan Stockholm. With historic establishments standing since 1477, Uppsala’s exteriors put Sydney’s Hogwarts to shame (sorry). Facilities are modern and spacious,

and lecture sizes are intimate. Each semester is divided into four study periods, meaning each course runs one after the other as “semi-intensives” lasting around four or five weeks, with a final exam or assessment immediately after. Uppsala values immersive education, where the lecturers really try to engage with students. If you fail or cannot make your final exam, there are no consequences for taking the re-sit. Your re-sit mark will become your final grade, with no “pass with supplementary” unlike ANU. Student life here is bountiful. Thanks to the Erasmus Programme and other extensive exchange initiatives, Uppsala is home to a diverse international student community. If you are given the opportunity, I highly recommend taking the Basic Swedish summer intensive course. No bond is stronger than practicing the nine Swedish vowels tongue twisters and adventures to countryside castles, old Viking towns, and an elk farm. Swedish culture doesn’t stop there. If you’re a culinary thrill seeker,

you can indulge in delicacies like salt cod roe in a tube (Kalles Kaviar), sandwich cakes (smörgåstårta), cinnamon pastries (kanelbullar and sweets in general), crayfish parties (kräftskiva), and salted liquorice (saltlakrits) in every form imaginable…just to name a few. Also prepare yourself for Swedish takes on other cuisines – a heated argument between an Italian student and the Swedish teacher after discovering that Swedes put ketchup on spaghetti Bolognese is testament to this. The centrepiece of Uppsala’s thriving student life is the Student Nations. Each of the thirteen Nations hosts a myriad of social events, and are also responsible for running student cafés, pubs and nightclubs. Simply put, it is ANU rescom on steroids. These are completely student-run institutions that have existed since the 17th century, often within decadent castle-like buildings as old of the Nations’ itself. Events they host regularly include fancy dress dinners, songbook dinners (literally singing, drinking and eating into the night), daily fika (a Swedish social practice), club nights,

and much more. I simply cannot describe it. It is something that you must experience for yourself. One of the first things people often ask me is: how cold is Sweden? There’s no point in sugar-coating this one. It’s cold. However, when a frozen river that runs from Uppsala to Stockholm means an annual ice-skating marathon (see Vikingarännet), there is much fun to be had in this winter wonderland. Think snowball fights, making snow angels, and catapulting a 22-pound snowman off the seventh floor (not saying I tried this or anything…) Another thing people often ask me is whether I’d go back. In a heartbeat, YES. Anything to do the infamous 10 pm Flogsta scream again (I’m not even going to explain this, just Google it).

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

COMMENT// international

another side, another story: Munich Text: Ali Bulbul

Graphic: Valtteri Kuusisto Upon receiving the delightful news of my acceptance to the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany to study abroad in their Winter Semester (October 2017 – March 2018), my focus immediately shifted to preparing and researching my destination. My initial knowledge and awareness of German Universities was sound at best, but the challenge of immersing myself in an educational environment of excellence (and thriving) was a personal goal I wanted to achieve. The primary similarity between ANU and TUM is the research-intensive focus, however the main focus of this article is outlining the stark differences between the two. Currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering (with a backbone focus in Systems Engineering), I was cognisant of the contrasting curriculums between the ANU and TUM. Whilst it was my intention to study as many ‘course credited equivalent’ subjects as possible (all equating to 24 ANU Units or approximately 30 ECTS credits), part of my preparation focused on the ‘course structure’ of each subject (namely assessment deliverables). Furthermore, I wanted to use this opportunity to explore related subject areas which were beyond the scope of my major/ degree. Courses can be taken up across multiple colleges however a firm

rule was that at least 50 per cent of all ECTS credits must be registered within your primary college/ department. More specifically, two courses I took up and thoroughly enjoyed were “Radar Signals and Systems and Satellite Navigation”. The broader scope of subjects and research conducted in Communications Engineering (in this instance) has encouraged me to research a possible career path in this sector. It will amaze you just how diverse TUM’s subject lists are. These are just two subjects of dozens on offer (within the Electrical and Computer Engineering department alone). In terms of course assessment, I was quite surprised to find that across all TUM departments, exams were the primary assessment item (weighted from 75-100 per cent of a course grade) with little emphasis placed on assignments. In all ANU Engineering subjects assessment weightings are evenly distributed for each deliverable. Regarding classroom management, I was surprised to learn that TUM did not utilise a Lecture Recording System (a la Echo360). Common across the majority of Europe, (excepting a service and amenities semester fee, half of which pays for your student train ticket), there are no tuition fees whatsoever. Understandably, a lecture recording system would be deemed too expensive to maintain in this case. ANU is (for the most part) a decentralised tertiary institution (namely in terms of College Administration

and Management – I belong to the College of Engineering and Computer Science: CECS so the majority of my queries would be addressed here). This is the case at TUM, but unlike ANU, TUM’s entire university is divided into three main campuses (all of which are spread throughout the city of Munich). Whilst all my classes were fortunately on the same campus, I wanted to bring to your attention that the possibility of commuting (on Munich’s excellent subway/U-Bahn network) is highly likely if you have courses spanning multiple campuses. The advantage of the campuses being integrated into the city is the close proximity you are to everything (namely shops and public transport services). Despite all my exchange courses being delivered from a primarily theoretical standpoint, I had additional acquired some new technical skills (both Engineering and Business Management related) which I aim to leverage on and apply throughout the rest of my degree. Excursions to companies (with strong ties to TUM) such as BMW, Bosch and smaller-sized start-ups all echoed the importance of the Entrepreneurship mindset. Taking note, guest lecture seminars from representatives of industry (some from these prestigious companies) also sparked a greater self-interest on the importance of cross-disciplinary study (acquiring skills from Field A to complement work in Field B) and being able to effectively collaborate with others to achieve common

goals. What the ANU Systems Engineering program excels in is a strong focus on utilising the above principles, so from a learning perspective, I felt like I could relate a bit. Munich has an eclectic mix of historical and modern architecture which is beautifully integrated all across the city. Whilst numerous travel guides can inform you (better than I) of detailed and interesting descriptions on ‘life outside the University sphere’, I will make a quick remark regarding Munich’s social life from a specific perspective. Länderabend is a social event held on an occasion basis aimed to unite both German and International students. More specifically, it provides a platform for International students (studying at TUM although other Munich-based Universities run similar events) to showcase their home culture, give students the opportunity to eat traditional food, socialise and acquire information of prospective exchange abroad opportunities as well. The exchange journey has impacted me in more ways that I summarise into words. I will conclude by acknowledging that TUM is not only a world-class institution of learning and pioneer but also has allowed me to establish contacts and starting building my networks today. Auf Wiedersehen TUM, Munich and Germany.

COMMENT// international

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

The unsettling rise of

Xi Jinping

Text: Bec Emder Graphic: Clarence Lee In March this year, China’s National People's Congress voted to abolish presidential term limits, paving the way for President Xi Jinping to remain indefinitely in office. The move marked a radical change from China’s norm-bound system of leadership succession, raising questions about the survival of the current regime. Yet far from exposing the regime to the chaotic power struggles of the past, the move marks a logical step in Xi’s consolidation of power and the worrying resurgence of the personalistic dictatorship. In the 1980s, under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, China began to implement a range of reforms aimed at ensuring stability in the post-Mao era. A set of clearly defined rules for leadership succession, including the requirement to retire at 70 and a two-term limit for the presidency paved the way for smooth, non-violent leadership transitions.

With the chaotic power struggles of Mao’s era out of the way, China welcomed a new era of stability – one supposedly resilient to the emergence of yet another personalistic dictatorship. It wouldn’t last. So what went wrong? In 2002, Jiang Zemin peacefully transferred his leadership position to Hu Jintao, with the same stable transition occurring between Hu and Xi Jinping in 2012. Yet the removal of the two-two limit marks a radical, although anticipated, shift in the system. With the two-term limit removed, Xi will not be required to step down as president in 2023 – once his second five-year-term is up. This major change has likely ended any remaining hopes for democratisation in the world’s fastest growing economy. Yet more than that, it has exposed – with clarity – Xi Jinping’s intentions to position himself as China’s next leader for life. It is this cult of personality that draws comparisons to Mao. And the removal

of term limits is not the only change that suggests this. The 19th Party Congress confirmed “Xi Jinping Thought” as the central political doctrine of the Chinese Communist Party (the CCP). This move has propelled China into a new era of politics, one that is shaped by the ideas of one man – Xi. As Chris Buckley of the New York Times argues, the doctrine serves as a blueprint for Xi’s consolidating of power at the national, party, and personal level. It makes sense, in this context, for Xi to remain on as leader indefinitely – after all, the future of the CCP is now completely intertwined with Xi himself. It is changes like these that have commentators worried about the direction China’s future is moving towards. For the last six years, China has been creeping slowly towards a dangerous form of authoritarian nationalism. The move to abolishing presidential term limits fits in with this trend, marking the natural end point of increasing state antagonism

to Western democracy, persistent and invasive censorship, and increased crackdowns on civil society. In politics, nothing is inevitable. Yet Xi’s removal of two-term limits came close to it. But it would be naive to suggest that the country is edging towards a personalistic dictatorship much like Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, or Kim Jong-un’s North Korea. Rather, Xi Jinping has positioned himself as the personal driver of growth and prosperity for China’s future, with citizens reaping the benefits. His consolidation of power is worrying – but with China’s current economic might on the world stage, and high levels of support for the current regime, it doesn’t appear as though the CCP will lose its grip on power anytime soon.

prompted// features

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

#nofilter Text: Diya Sharma Graphic: Valtteri Kuusisto

already feels like yesterday. Who is this? You just followed them, but did you miss their story?

Distinction average. ANU poster child. Article featured online. Another award ceremony. Representing Australia overseas… conference? Volunteers to make the world a better place. Secured another internship. Scholarship… maybe? Starred in a musical. President of that society. Correction, not musical, it was a revue. Of course, selected for every opportunity. Tomorrow seems brighter than today. #honours #thoughtleader #winning 100 likes…200 likes…400 likes. Follow.

Running another half marathon. Candid friends. Did not miss a party last O-Week. Smiles, laughter, fun. Cheers on the beach, cheers at the races, cheers from somewhere cold. Celebrating friendship for more than 5 years with everyone. Another running event. Somehow more birthday parties than friends? Travel is the spice of life. Filtered albums of a ‘wanderer’. Living in the moment. #wanderlust #tbt #legday 100 likes…200 likes…400 likes. Follow.

Self-doubt is a living nightmare. Not enough, because nothing is ever enough. When will it be enough? A phony. Wet eyes every night. And in the day when no one can see. Tired. Anxiety feeds hunger. ‘We regret to inform you’ that you didn’t get that opportunity, again. Be everything to everyone. Just keep going, but when will it stop? ‘Busy’ but there is no one to share it with. Tomorrow

Running but getting nowhere. Lonely in a crowded room. O-Week must be fun for those who remember it. Travelling to escape, but why does it feel airless. So easy to make friends, but much harder to realise friendship. Wander to seek, but there is nothing to find. Isolated. Familiarity with this spiral staircase. Don’t go down because it is impossible to get back up. Or go, and live in the hope of tomorrow. Who is this? You just followed

them, but did you miss their story? Dancing caramel, golden or pitch black hair. Sky blue eyes, or hazel, or maybe emerald, but they refract light in every shot. Dimples. Sculpted bone structure. Exercised muscles. Happy smile. Too pretty. Too handsome. Too perfect. Seasonal wardrobe and skin. Naturally blushed cheeks. Genetic miracle. #outfitoftheday #nofilter #nomakeupmakeuplook 100 likes…200 likes…400 likes. Follow. Imperfect. Too fat or too thin, there is no happy medium. Tired, limp or frizzy hair. Forehead and ears too big. Skin scarred by self-doubt and self-hate. Make-up can only hide so much, but it makes it better. Don’t let anyone see the base. What if they tore through the pigment? What if they wet styled hair? They would be left with a genetic mistake. Who is this? You just followed them, but did you miss their story? Struggle wears different faces. When you follow the face, you may miss the story.

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

prompted// features

five easy sustainable lifestyle choices you can make today Text: Gabriela Freeman Graphic: Valtteri Kuusisto

Living more sustainably doesn’t have to be a drastic, overnight change where you never shop again, move to a solar-powered hut on a farm and wear only hemp for the rest of your life. There are plenty of easy swaps you can make to slowly transition into a more sustainable lifestyle, with the added benefits of better health, convenience and affordability.

Refuse: say no to single-use plastic We all learned about ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ in school, but we were never taught the other ‘R’: Refuse. Learning how to refuse single-use plastic items like straws and cling wrap means you generate less waste without even having to worry about the other ‘R’s. Next time you order a drink, ask for no straw. If you feel like you can’t go without them, you can buy a reusable stainless steel one. Beeswax wrap is a long-lasting, reusable alternative to cling wrap that you can DIY or buy in health food shops, otherwise silicone food savers or glass containers work just as well. For every single-use plastic item that exists, there’s a reusable one that’s been tried and tested for centuries before plastic ever came along!

What’s in my bag: no waste edition There are a few things you can keep in your bag that will help reduce your waste, while also making your life so much easier. Every day, I carry a drink bottle, a fork or set of chopsticks, and a fabric bag. If I’m planning to eat out, I’ll also chuck a container in my bag or car. This way, I avoid having to buy bottled water when I get thirsty, and I’m always ready to eat without needing plastic cutlery. If I need to buy or carry something, I have a bag handy, and if I have leftovers from my meal out, I have a container ready to go. If you’re a coffee

or tea drinker, carry a keep cup or tea infuser – you mightn’t be aware that most teabags are made from plastic, and despite a cardboard façade, coffee cups have a plastic lining.

Don’t buy: DIY Turns out, pretty much all you need for household cleaning is vinegar, bicarb soda and lemon juice. A vinegar and water solution is a great all-purpose cleaner for surfaces and floors, while bicarb gets rid of grime, and lemon disinfects. Initially I was suspicious of vinegar having a strong smell, but it fades within minutes and cleans better than any supermarket product I’ve tried. If the smell still bothers you, you can add your favourite essential oil. Have a quick google to find recipes for all your cleaning needs – making them is faster than buying an equivalent at the shop, and even better, no nasty chemicals! DIY toothpaste is another of my favourite uses for bicarb soda. Just mix bicarb with coconut oil (both are natural teeth-whiteners!) and add essential oils like peppermint to adjust the flavour to your liking. Other easy personal hygiene DIYs are moisturisers. Coconut oil, shea butter and almond oil, among others, are all great for your skin and can be used alone or mixed to keep your skin smooth and silky.

Get naked! Buy packagefree or in bulk Zero-waste shopping can still be sexy. Lush is my favourite cosmetics shop, because everything there smells amazing, does good things for your body, is organic and cruelty free, and can be bought PACKAGE FREE! Their shampoo and conditioner bars are great and treat my hair better than anything out of a bottle does. For food shopping, Canberra has plenty of package-free and bulk options, like our own Food Co-op near campus, The Source in Dickson, Naked Foods in Braddon, Let’s Be Natural on the Southside, and plenty more. Buying

local is always more sustainable, because it cuts out many layers of middlemen and packaging, and supports our local economy.

Sustainable menstruation A large proportion of the planet bleeds every month, so it’s time to kill the period taboo and have an open conversation about how menstruating people can have better periods. The average Australian woman uses over 10,000 disposable menstrual products in her lifetime. Not only do these come wrapped in plastic, they take centuries to biodegrade in landfill and are often filled with chemicals that are absorbed into your body. There are many reusable alternatives available that can save you hundreds of dollars per year. I can personally and very highly recommend both a menstrual cup and Modibodi period underwear. You may have heard of Thinx period underwear online, but Modibodi is an Australian company, making it a cheaper and more sustainable option. I make no exaggeration when I say that Modibodi undies were life-changing, for me and several friends who are now total converts themselves. I’ve been using them for over a year now, sometimes together with a menstrual cup, and have not had a single leak incident since. No more sleepless nights lying in awkward positions with an uncomfortable pad! There are plenty of other options on the market too, so do some research and figure out which option is right for you. Individual actions might seem insignificant, but your choices as a consumer are what influence companies to sell certain products. Becoming part of a growing movement that swaps disposable products for reusable ones will slowly compel companies to adjust to meet the demands of the market. Make these small swaps today, and start a transition to a lifestyle that is healthier and happier, for you and the planet.

prompted// features

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

Content warning: Discussions of abuse, body dysmorphia

skin deep Text: Anonymous Graphic: Valtteri Kuusisto

I stared at this blank document for approximately 35 minutes, typing, retyping and backspacing starters to a 300-word poem that I thought could beautifully embody how I experienced trauma unfurling. I thought about how I could use white doves to symbolise how my innocence was taken away from me in a split second or use rotting tulip petals to depict the vehement redness of pain. I pondered ancient myths about wisdom and rejuvenation. I considered comparing my journey to the seasons or the process of snakes shedding their skin, to romanticise the temperamental nature of trauma. However, amid all my thoughts, I could not quite shake the fact that I had run out of ways to compare my own experiences with a mere metaphor, or how I could possibly limit my unravelling to a one-page document. I have written a myriad of poems that I think embody how far I have come and when I thought about writing this piece, I knew another poem would be easy to write (suffice to say that writing poetry about what happened that night has become second nature). I read through my old poetry, seeking to find inspiration and a way to make this one stand out from the rest, maybe even a way to bid this part of my life farewell with some sort of a reflective poem, perhaps. But, this time was different to everything else. It wasn’t going to be confined to the safety of my sevenbrown journal. It was to be published. I thought about how I could make you, the readers, grasp the process of undoing something that tainted every inch of

my body. After pondering ways to write something worthy, nothing came to me – more so because I don’t think there is a metaphor or a short sweet poem that can make the process of renewing yourself sound beautiful. So here I am, unfurling myself to you. I recall it being a normal Monday morning. I lathered myself in my favourite coconut moisturiser, chucked on my black tights and my jumper. But, after stupidly agreeing to meet him, my normal day turned into a nightmare. His fingers gutted me. With every plough, a part of me disappeared until there was nothing left inside me but corroded structures and emotions that I never properly digested. I no longer smelt like coconut, my black tights were not my own, my body was not my own. I remember soaking myself in a boiling bath of hot water in attempt to rid myself of his smell. I soaked myself until my skin was numb. I pinched every inch of my wretched skin, starting from my legs slowly making my way up to my cheeks. I needed to assure myself that my body was my home and that I was okay; that I was whole. But that night, my body was not the humble abode I was comfortable in. Someone invaded it. He took away my solace. His silhouette festered within me, my mind infected by the sound of his voice. I remember writing about it a month after. I tried to retrace the events, see where I went wrong or how I could have stopped it. I remember writing in red because I thought that accurately depicted the fire inside me. I questioned myself and for a very long time blamed myself. I remember tears f looded my journal every time I tried to write about it. But with every word and recount, I suddenly

found that I could not recognise myself. I let this encounter define me. In the months following, I became detached. I could not trust myself and questioned whether it even happened. I thought I knew the extent of confusion until I second guessed my own memory. My mind was incessantly at war with soldiers battling trying to resist the emotions and memories that festered within me. I could no longer carry the heaviness of my own thoughts. My body did not feel like my own. I could not let someone in without my insides churning. I tried to give him up, but I aimlessly tried to find a better version of him in everyone else. In an attempt to ‘heal’, I became both the abused and the user. I became a hospital for somewhat damaged people, attempting to fix their tainted hearts, to convince myself I was whole. But in doing so, I neglected my own sombre skin. After months of carrying the weight of melancholy over my delicate shoulders, I realised that I was not responsible for my own pain or for my own guilt. Self-healing and growth is not something that I achieved in a week, not even six months. I have watched myself grow from a vessel who became more bone than skin, to a strong woman, able to withstand life’s hurdles. Just like the seasons, I found myself as dull and dismal as winter one moment but as radiant and colourful as autumn the next. My emotions once clustered like decaying tulips in the winter, but with every pang of anguish I felt, I removed the rotten petals, until there was nothing left but the mere silhouette of his memory. Every year since, I have shed my tainted and wretched skin. I have grown into a more nurturing and protective home, one with more skin than bone. A home that I can now call my own.

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

prompted// features

on unwanted comfort and leaps of faith Text: Aryanne Caminschi Graphic: Valtteri Kuusisto

I never liked my hometown. To me, Perth was a kind of suffocating mess. Quicksand to escape. After graduating high school, something strange happened; in the summer between Year 12 and moving to Canberra for my first year of uni, I became madly comfortable in the city I once hated. Somewhere between finishing and buying a one-way plane ticket, I began to adore the place. It became not just the place I grew up — it was home. I fell in love with Perth for everything. I loved the people there, and its through that lens I viewed the rosy remainder of the city. I grew almost unnecessarily fond of it all—grotty skate parks, a tiny live music venue one train stop away. The way a “busy beach” was quarter filled by any other world standard. The perfect bagel place and the best hot chocolates... even a restaurant dedicated to hummus! And I began to watch, really watch, the way the sun danced over the ocean as it set. Just as I began loving my city, I had a plane to catch. Canberra. I became terrified—what if I hated it? If everyone hated me? Would it be too cold? Would I hate my degree? I felt myself teetering on the edge between craving departure and cherishing every second I had left

to stay, nauseous with indecision.

pure joy. I felt different, new; happy.

In packing photo albums and tickets into a box before leaving, I was reminded, somewhat uncannily, of a feeling I had had a few months prior. Holding a seashell between my fingers, I looked back to a trip I had taken in July 2017 to New Caledonia.

And so fucking grateful I took the jump.

On the first day of that trip, I expected to snorkel. I walked down a white sand beach and over a reef on the Isle of Pines, excited to jump underwater. The second I neared the edge of the basin, ready to swim, I looked at the drop – several meters and filled with movement – and shuddered. I noticed the sun on my back and turned, facing the shore. I smiled, watching children chase each other with coconuts, building sandcastles. I fell into this kind of paralyzed state between wanting to jump in and to wade to the shore. I remember reading once: “All you need is thirty seconds of courage.” In those thirty seconds, I jumped. The second I opened my eyes, I knew why. Schools upon schools of every colour of fish surrounded me. Forests of coral erupted into view next to me as I laughed inaudibly, surrounded by fluorescent orange fish the size of the palms of my hands. Every way I turned, I’d see new colours and shapes. I felt my energy unfurl, and my heart exploded with

It was remembering this, as I held the seashell between my hands driving to Perth airport, that gave me the strength I never knew I had to leave the place where I had become so comfortable. I knew the Perth sun and how it felt on my back, and the idea of jumping into the big bright pit of Canberra was terrifying. I held onto that feeling and allowed it to fill me with strength as I went through airport security. This was just another jump, I thought. Not to compare my life here to the ocean, but wow! You all are so beautiful and colourful and bright. Every day I am surrounded by splendour and life. My life is so rich here, so filled with goodness, with laughter, with that full, warm feeling in your heart that happens when you are truly content in a very specific moment. Time stood still underwater in New Caledonia, and every second here holds some kind of special permanence in my spirit that is nothing but a treasure. I can’t even imagine what my life would have been like if I didn’t have those thirty seconds of courage. Because now, now I’ve been forever changed.

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

prompted// features

My Not-even-quarter-life Crisis Text: Lydia J. Kim Graphic: Hannah Charny A quick disclaimer to premise this discussion: I personally don’t get offended when anyone asks me the question, “Where are you from?” Nevertheless, when people do ask, I genuinely don’t know how to respond. To most, my pronunciation of words doesn’t exactly adhere to the Australian standard, nor to that of any distinguishable country. “It’s a bit of a mutt-like accent,” I usually respond when people comment. To the highly-trained ear, however, the way I speak is most like that of an international school alum. You could

five

describe it as American… but not quite. In turn, this might also suggest that I’ve lived a more ‘international’ life than the average person. Such an assumption wouldn’t be totally ungrounded, as I have indeed lived in multiple countries and cities over the last 20 odd years. Australia has been my main place of residency for the last eight-ish years now. I moved here at the beginning of year 7 from South Korea. Strangely enough, though, I wouldn’t call the place my home. Don’t get me wrong – there’s definitely a special affinity for the country, and I’d love to eventually lay down my roots here, too. Recently, it’s even gained the grand title of ‘Country I’ve Lived in The Longest’. At the end of the day, the problem seems to lie in the fact that I sound different,

ten

and that I grew up with different cultural references. While my Australian fellows have grown up with fairy-bread, Vegemite and butter on Cruskits, Zooper Doopers, Bunnings sausages and handball, I’m not able to relate. Even if you asked me, I wouldn’t be able to name half as many iconic memories from my own childhood. You’d think that maybe in Korea, I’d do a better job of connecting with my friends over such things, but it’s even less so the case there than it is here in Australia. I don’t really speak with an accent; instead, it’s the way I look, think and behave that makes me stick out like a sore thumb. Individuality isn’t promoted in the same way in Korean society as it is in its Western counterparts: my under-cut hair and tanned skin have no place there.

FIFTEEN

Being considered unconventional in both countries, I’m left without a people or a home to call ‘mine’. The perpetual limbo I find myself in sometimes leaves me feeling insecure, but it’s also incredibly freeing to know that I’m not bound to a single culture’s set of social mores that often end up dividing a nation. Wherever I go, there’ll be those who embrace diversity, and those who fear it. Diversity enriches society, and, in my opinion, rejecting it only generates regressive ideals and misunderstandings. There’s no real point to any of what you’ve read. If anything, this confession was written in the hopes that it might offer some solace to those who might relate. #globalcitizen #blessed #hatersgonnahate

TWENTY

prompted// features

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

THE IMPORtANCE OF BEING EARNEST Graphic: Maddy McCusker Instragram: miss_mccusker

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

ETHNOCULTURAL PULLOUT

by Ishita singh

'UNDER THE SKIN'

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

Keeping Culture: Melanesian Tat too Tradition By Lily Iervasi DISCLAIMER: My family is from Hanuabada, a Motuan village near Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. What I write is based on my own personal history, experience and knowledge. I do not speak for all people from the Pacific, nor all people from Papua New Guinea.

When most people think of the Pacific Islands, the first image that comes to mind is of a stereotypical Polynesian man. You think of footballers, bouncers and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. When you think of these men, it is not far off that you will think of their tattoos. You think of the intricate curves and symbols marking their legs, arms, and chest. You might think of facial tattoos, such as the kind that Maori wear.

*Bubu is the Motuan word for grandmother/grandparent. It is understood across Papua New Guinea.

But tattoo tradition in the Pacific extends beyond this. In many cultures, it is the women that get tattooed. Samoan women wear their malu alongside the men’s pe’a. Maori men and women can receive moko. In Melanesia, men do not often get tattooed. It is women who practice tattooing, and who pass the practice on to other women. Tattooing is an important and sacred tradition in the Pacific. The word ‘tattoo’ even finds its origins in the region – derived from tatau or tatu, attested in the writings of none other than Captain James Cook. In the coastal and central regions of Papua New Guinea, girls were tattooed from childhood as they matured through to adulthood. This was done by traditional hand-tapping and poking techniques. Often a lemon thorn was used, though Papuans will work with what’s around them – a relative recalls seeing someone tattooed with a fish hook. My Bubu received her first tattoo at the age of eight. As the girls got older, more tattoos were added. Generally, they were first done on the hands and forearms, then the upper arm. Next would be the lower body excluding the inner part of the thigh. This would be tattooed closer to puberty, along with the back, back of the thighs and lower leg. In Motu villages, girls’ faces would also be tattooed. The designs and motifs of Melanesian tattoos were kept within the family. You couldn’t demand a particular pattern or placement – instead, it was the tattoo artist who would decide what was most appropriate. Traditionally, the person getting tattooed had no say in the practice. Today, it involves consultation, but the tattoo artist still advises on tattoo placement. Tattooing was a secluded process, with only the tattoo artist and close women relations allowed to be present. Exceptions could be made – my oldest uncle recalls the late 1950s, being six or seven old and holding a half coconut shell filled with the dye substance for his Bubu while she tattooed young girls from the village.

Tattooing has been a long-standing tradition in Papua New Guinea. It started to decline and eventually disappear only in the last century, as a result of colonialism. Pointing at a photograph of her family where she is only a toddler, my Bubu will tell of how she was crying before the photo was taken. It was the first time she had seen a white person, and she was frightened of them. Throughout her upbringing and adolescence tattoo tradition was upheld with various consistency. By the time independence was gained from Australia in 1975, tattooing had dropped off completely. Almost two generations have missed out on this tradition. Women felt ashamed of their marked bodies in the light of white standards. Instead of serving as a type of clothing in their own right, marks became covered. My Bubu has tattoos over her arms and legs. When she came to Australia, she covered her skin. She also stopped speaking her native language, Hiri Motu. My mother and aunts don’t have tattoos. Most of them were born in Australia and it was never something they considered. A few years ago, I began looking into Papua New Guinean tattoo tradition. In early 2016, I saw a screening of a documentary by Julia Mage’au Gray from Sunameke Productions, titled “Tep Tok: Reading Between Our Lines”. It detailed how Julia’s determination to raise awareness of this dying tradition led to her becoming a tattoo artist. She went around the Pacific, learning traditional techniques such as hand-tapping and handpoke, and finding women who were willing to reclaim their history and wear their Bubu’s marks. Since then, I knew that I wanted to be part of this movement. This year, I met with Julia to get tattooed. She worked with pictures of my Bubu to make close copies of her marks. These were drawn onto my skin, and adjusted until it felt right. The tattooing began with an outline hand-poked over the stencil. Then, the hand-tapping began. This required the help of extra hands, someone to stretch the skin taut. My mother and sister both did this for me; and my mother and I did so for my sister. Just as in generations past women helped their family in the process, so too were we recreating this scene. After three and a half hours my tattoos were finished. At least for now – I do feel this is just the start of the process. For me, wearing my Bubu’s marks is a huge honour. I feel this especially when I think of her now. My Bubu has dementia. She no longer speaks English, only her native tongue which none of us understands. She no longer recognises most of the family. But I think of all the words of encouragement and support from my family and I know with no uncertainty that she is proud of me. I am so humbled to have gone through this process of wearing revareva, and especially having my mum and sister with me. I am grateful for the work of Julia in reviving the practice and keeping our tradition alive. I feel strong, empowered. I now truly feel like a custodian of my family’s heritage and culture.

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

The Burden of Opportunity by Anonymous Being the kid of immigrant parents is kind of insane. I mean think about it, My parents uprooted, Away from everything they even knew existed, To a country they had never visited, To give me a chance at a life reputed? See, inheriting the burden of opportunity is a lot of pressure Your existence is a tactical step, a risk measured endeavour The idea of your life as a work of art becomes foreign There is always a bigger picture, family, culture, religion. Yet you're surrounded by a society that tells you otherwise That sells you individualism like a franchise And soon everything white becomes default And if you're not white then it’s your fault? Or atleast its your parents fault for not speaking fluent English When they wrap their tongues around four languages including Sanskrit And even though you too are bilingual Your uncle tells you your accent is sinful That you've become too “gohri” too “white” Well, fuck you if you don't want me to wear my clothes tight

And fuck you mum for not letting me go to sleepovers, There's more to life than studying for my future. I want to go out, make friends, play ball But you think I'm gunna become a drug addict cause I'm friends with a white girl? I'm angry because I want to fit in You’re scared cause you don't want me to fit in To a world that you think is malicious and cruel Yeah to be honest it's not far from the truth See I got called shit face for the way that I look By the same girls I thought were super cool But I still picked their sandwiches over the daal you cooked Cause it's suffocating being sheltered from every alley and nook See, I didn't know it then, but my parents and I have more than a generational gap between us. Its age mixed with culture and different ways of survival Fulfilling their dreams and pursuing my own seem mutually exclusive Trapped by the times that we've lived in, it's difficult to see each other's perspective I still resent some decisions they made But the feelings of anger are now quick to fade As I get older I become more humbled by their struggle And I think they're realising that my future is my own hustle I'm still salty I never get to go out and party But Mum, all those times I was hating on you, I'm sorry I'm understanding that understanding is not a limited resource It's about compromise and respect for what we each live and die for.

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

By Prisca Ochan

Jungle fever: Whiteboyswhoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;venever fuckedablackgirlbefore

Exhibit B

Exhibit A

Exhibit C

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

n i k s y m f o #proud

Name: Annabelle Nshuti

Once I learned what colourism was, I realised that it added to my experience of racism. Growing up, boys crushed on my lighter skinned friends, commenting on their skin colour, hair and “white” facial features as to why they preferred them over me. Obviously, this played into my ideal standards of beauty, and although I didn’t hate how I looked, I often thought that if my hair was as long as theirs or I had green eyes, I’d be loved. I thought that an ideal version of me would be less dark skinned and more “white” featured. I didn’t appreciate or respect who I was, and my idea of an evolved me was a lighter skinned me. Having to deconstruct and alter my perception of beauty has been painful, ugly and terrifying, but it’s a necessary journey of self-love and worth. Beauty standards are messed up, but I know that by expanding the definition of a “black girl / woman” it will become more inclusive and welcoming.

'Beyond Skin Deep'... My father is Taiwanese and my mother is Cantonese – both of which share a distinct “Chinese” culture. Traditionally fair skin in China was associated with the aristocracy because they spent most of the time living a pampered lifestyle indoors. People with darker, more tanned skin generally were derived from the peasantry class as they spent long hours in the sun doing hard labour. Many people of Chinese descent go to extreme lengths to whiten their skin. China is notorious for having a large market for skin whitening products – some of which contain extremely dangerous ingredients. Personally, my aunts would have an aversion to sunlight: when going outside they would dress in long sleeved clothes, wear visors and sunglasses and to top it all off have an umbrella open – especially in sunny conditions! Even my generation is not immune to this preference to lighter skin. One of my friends, of Cantonese descent, was reprimanded by her mother for having a tan at the beach and was told she would “never get a boyfriend.” I think it is unfortunate colourism is still rampant in my cultural heritage. However I am hopeful one day mainstream Chinese culture will appreciate that beauty is not defined by the fairness of an individual’s skin but the fairness of their personality.

Name: Samuel Lee

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

The first time I overheard my mum talking about our Indigenous heritage, it was in tentative and hushed tones and I was about eight or nine years old. My initial reaction was blindsided shock. No one had ever spoken about this before! Almost instantaneously I was hit with a second thought – there is no way I could be Aboriginal, I’m not black.

Name: Gabi Meek

As I got older, I began to explore the Indigenous aspect of my identity more deeply. I soon realised that blackness did not equate to Aboriginality, but nonetheless the anxiety surrounding my skin colour in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous circles was crippling. It took me roughly two years to begin to openly identify as an Aboriginal person. The thought of possible backlash or dismissal terrified me, and I found that I was constantly second guessing myself - asking, am I even a ‘real’ Aboriginal? To this day, I force myself to consider what a ‘real’ Aboriginal person is. It sounds cliché, but the answer is that there is no right answer. Experiences of Aboriginality across Australia vary so vastly and each one is as valid as the next. In particular, it is worth noting that the experiences of many Aboriginal people were largely informed by colonial policies and attitudes that perceived them as too black. As a result, previous Australian governments enabled traumatic and structural practices that systematically bred this out of them. Why is it any great wonder there are fair skinned Indigenous people? And why are they now criticised for being too white? From time to time I still get told “you’re not black” or “you’re not really an Aboriginal”, but at the end of the day, if I let these opinions silence me, I shrink, I disappear and I have allowed these policies to fulfil what they originally set out to achieve. I come from a line of proud Dhunghutti women, and I will not shrink, I will not disappear and I will not let them win.

photos from the Colourism campaign As a South Indian, I was born with dark skin and I struggled to accept that for a great part of my childhood. I remember festive occasions where my grandmother used to comment on how the henna never stained my hands as red as my fairer cousins; it was implied that this made theirs more beautiful, more desirable. I don’t think she realised that this caused a massive complex within me and I don’t think I fully realised it then either but I now know that this was colourism. There wasn’t a beauty product or herbal scrub promising miraculous results that I didn’t try. As I grew older, I saw for myself that there was no connection between beauty and skin tone. I love myself and my culture for all that it has given me, and will continue to give me as I grow. To those who struggle with identity issues, believe in yourself and who you really are at your core. That person within you is beautiful and when you come to terms with that, you’ll find a new kind of happiness.

#proudo fm

y s kin

Name: Aghallya Janarth

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

A One-way Ticket by Janine Wan

moving countries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; never part of the plan I will be good I will study hard I will come back here, promises that this is

it seemed right to me, the narrative here was just to move. to myself, away from family, in a foreign place, with a love forbidden â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a better tomorrow, my new home.

by Nicole Yu

acknowledgements special thank you to: Jharna Chamlagai, Anamika Chowdhury and Tanika Sibal for all their hardwork creating this pullout! backgrounds: Millie Wang Layout: Nathalie Rosales-Cheng

prompted// multilingual

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

Sans Titre Untitled Text: Lekhna Kheerodhur Graphic: Sophie Bear

J'ai finalement compris. I finally understood.

Vous savez, toutes ces questions, elles n'ont pas de réponses. D'après moi, c'est la gourmandise humaine qui ne peux être satisfaite avec ce qu'elle a déjà. You know, all these questions, they do not have answers. In my opinion, it is human greed that cannot be satisfied with what it already has. Elle essayera toujours de comprendre plus and donc, d'avoir plus. La divinité, la perfection, l'euphorie. C'est une illusion. Il n'y a rien de plus et rien de moins. She will always try to understand more and therefore, to have more. Divinity, perfection, euphoria. It's an illusion. There is nothing more and nothing less. Le passé ne compte pas, et le future non plus. Le présent, il n'est pas réel. Rien n'est. Le but est de vivre. De vivre comme nous le voulons et de faire ce qui nous donne de la joie. The past does not count, and the future does not count. The present, it is not real. Nothing is. The goal is to live. To live as we want and to do what gives us joy. Mais la joie aussi, c'est irréel. La joie elle même, n'a pas de sens, vue qu'elle n'existe pas. Je parle pour ne rien dire. Mes mots n'ont pas d'importance. But joy, too, is unreal. Joy itself, has no meaning, as it does not exist. I speak to say nothing. Mes mots n'ont pas d'importance. My words do not matter.

prompted// multilingual

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

L’inégalité de capital: une situation déchirée?

Text: Finola Laughren Graphic: Sophie Bear Le « World Wealth and Income Database » montre qu’en 2014, aux États-Unis, les 50 % les plus aisés possédaient 100 % du capital net, ce qui fait en sorte que les 50 % les plus pauvres ne possédaient aucun capital. Étant la superpuissance du monde, les activités économiques des États-Unis affectent immanquablement celles des autres pays. L’inégalité de capital est l’un des phénomènes les plus primordiaux de notre époque. Pour cette raison, il faut que nous considérions ses dimensions éthiques. La question que nous poserons est la suivante : la distribution contemporaine du capital est-elle juste, ou soulignet-elle une situation économique et sociale déchirée ?

L’inégalité de capital: ami ou ennemi ? Tout d’abord, il faut présenter la situation réelle d’inégalité de capital. Je vais me concentrer en particulière à la fois sur la situation contemporaine aux États-Unis et sur les implications d’une telle distribution pour notre communauté globale. Il y a deux raisons majeures qui expliquent cette concentration : la disponibilité des renseignements, comportant statistiques et analyses, mais aussi un impératif politique d'analyser de façon critique la superpuissance du monde (au cas aux ÉtatsUnis). Selon le « World Wealth and Income Database » en 2014, les 1 % les plus aisés aux États-Unis possédaient 38.6 % du capital national. Ce degré de concentration de capital n’avait pas été observé depuis les années de la Grande Crise. Le rapport d’Oxfam intitulé « Une économie au service des 99 % » montre que les huit personnes les plus riches du monde (dont tous sont hommes, y compris six américains) disposent d'une combinaison de revenu et de capital supérieure à celui des 3,5 milliards de personnes les plus pauvres. Ces statistiques montrent que notre époque se caractérise par une inégalité déchirée dont les États-Unis jouent un rôle central.

Le juste selon l’utilitarisme public Maintenant que nous avons une vision plus claire d’inégalité de capital il faut

considérer ses dimensions éthiques. Pour ce faire, je définis le juste en utilisant l’utilitarisme public tel qu’il est énoncé par Goodin dans son œuvre « Utilitarianism as a Public Philosophy ». Goodin est d’accord avec le principe fondamental d’utilitarisme, souvent articulé comme « le calcul du plus grand bien pour le plus grand nombre » dans la mesure où il implique que ce sont les conséquences d’une décision qui comptent le plus en considérant le juste. Cela dit, il est critique de la façon dont l’utilitarisme traditionnel a une tendance à centrer son analyse sur les choix moraux des individus. À son avis, il se peut que la plus grande quantité du bien de chaque individu combiné crée les conséquences qui ne sont pas favorables dans la perspective de la société dans son ensemble à cause d’une concentration dans quelques mains..

L’inégalité de capital: une soutenance néolibérale Je considère que la distribution contemporaine de capital soit le résultat d’un système économique néolibérale qui assume qu’un « marché libre », caractérisé par de faibles impôts et réglementation minimale, crée une compétition juste entre les entreprises, qui à son tour entraîne une distribution des richesses de façon plus juste, donnant les meilleurs résultats pour tous, les riches et les pauvres. Le base de données « Our World in Data » montre que, depuis les années quatre-vingt, la décennie souvent citée comme le début du programme néolibéral, il y a eu une réduction du nombre de personnes qui vivent dans une pauvreté extrême. En 1981, par exemple, il y a eu 1.99 milliards de personnes vivant dans une pauvreté extrême sur la population mondiale de 4.52 milliard. En 2015, en revanche, il n’y a eu que 705.55 million de personnes vivant dans une extrême pauvreté sur la population mondiale de 7.35 milliard. D’un seul coup d'œil, il semble que le programme néolibéral ait réussi à réduire la pauvreté. Je concède que ces données empiriques montrent qu’une réduction de la pauvreté peut être attribuée à un haut niveau de croissance créé par le marché libre. Cependant, il faut tenir compte de l’influence d’une idéologie néolibérale sur les politiques économiques des pays. À mon

avis, le marché libre était la cause pour la réduction de pauvreté aux pays développés depuis les années quatre-vingt parce qu’il était (et il est encore) le système économique global. Il est logiquement faux de justifier moralement un système économique seulement parce qu’il est le système actuel. De plus, il faut prendre soin de faire une distinction entre corrélation et causalité parce qu’il se peut que quelque chose soit produite sous un système sans signifier que ce système est nécessaire pour sa production. De plus, en assumant que le marché libre est nécessaire pour la réduction de la pauvreté, la question demeure : cette réduction justifie-t-elle le système qui crée aussi l’inégalité de capital contemporaine ? Je réponds que non, l’inégalité de capital extrême d’aujourd’hui met en lumière les limites d’un système économique néolibéral. À mon avis, ce système mine les mécanismes et les institutions distributives qui permettent l’égalité. Donc, la distribution contemporaine du capital ancre le fossé entre les riches et les pauvres qui à son tour crée une situation bien endeçà du niveau possible de bien-collectif.

Des solutions pour l’avenir ? Bien que je ne tente pas d’établir une nouvelle théorie alternative, je voudrais souligner quelques solutions établies qui pourraient aider notre problème global d’inégalité de capital. Premièrement, je propose qu’une juste distribution de capital peut être trouvée à travers l’analyse du rapport entre les richesses, y compris revenu et capital, et le bien-collectif. À partir de cela, je tiens qu’il faut changer la pensée économique dominante de la notion que la croissance économique est une fin en soi, à l’idée qu’elle peut nous aider à augmenter le niveau de vie dans la société. Je considère ensuite qu’il serait plus facile de gagner l’appui des citoyens à la dépense publique pour les services comme la santé, l’éducation, l’infrastructure, et la sécurité sociale. De plus, j’entends que ce soutien public créerait une culture où les réglementations ne seraient pas considérées comme violations des libertés mais comme moyens d’assurer les libertés. Ce faisant, nous pourrions changer la distribution contemporaine du capital qui est actuellement déchirée et injuste.

prompted// multilingual

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

Capital Inequality: a torn situation?

Text: Finola Laughren Graphic: Sophie Bear

The 2014 statistics of the “World Wealth and Income Database” show that in the United States (US) the richest 50 per cent of citizens possessed 100 per cent of capital, meaning that the poorest 50 per cent possessed none. Being the economic and cultural global superpower, economic activity that occurs in the US inevitably impacts other countries. Thus, it becomes important to consider the ethical dimensions of capital inequality. I therefore ask – is the current distribution of capital fair, or does it highlight a torn economic and social situation?

Capital inequality: friend or foe? First, it is necessary to present the current situation of capital inequality. According to “World Wealth and Income Database”, in the 90’s, the richest 1 per cent in the US possessed 27.4 per cent of national capital. Only 14 years later however, this group came to possess 38.6 per cent of capital, meaning an increase of over 10 per cent. This concentration of capital has not been seen since the years of the Great Depression. It is within this context that economist Deborah Hardoon exposed in her report entitled, “An Economy at the Service of the 99 per cent”, that the eight richest people (all of which were men, six of which were American) in the world possessed a combined total income and capital equal to that of the poorest 3.5 billion people. Looking at these statistics, it becomes clear that our era is characterised by an extreme tear between the haves and the have-nots.

Fairness according to public utilitarianism I define fairness according to the theory of public utilitarianism described by Robert Goodin in his work, “Utilitarianism as Public Philosophy”. Goodin agrees with the fundamental principle of utilitarianism, often articulated as “the greatest good for the greatest number”,

to the extent that he believes it is the consequences of decisions that count the most in terms of morality. However, he is critical of the way in which traditional utilitarian theories tend to centre their analyses on the moral choices of individual agents. It is problematic, on his view, that traditional utilitarianism justifies a situation which creates the greatest sum of good of each individual combined, but also results in undesirable consequences for the society as a whole, because of a concentration of good in the hands of a few. Because of this, Goodin proposes that the good can be better understood at an institutional rather than an individual level.

Capital inequality: the neoliberal defence I consider that capital inequality is a product of a neoliberal economic system, which assumes that a “free market”, characterised by low taxes and minimal government regulation, creates fair competition between corporations, which in turn results in the fairest distribution of resources. Because of this, proponents of neoliberalism argue that capital inequality is not a moral problem. Whilst the free market creates inequality, it is argued, it also produces record high levels of economic growth, which allows thousands of people to escape poverty. The database, “Our World in Data”, shows that, since the 1980s (the decade often cited as the beginning of the neoliberal program), there has been a reduction in the number of people who live in extreme poverty. In 1981, for example, out of a total global population of 4.52 billion people. there were 1.99 billion people living in conditions of extreme poverty. In 2015, on the other hand, out of a total global population of 7.35 billion people, there were 705.55 million people living in conditions of extreme poverty. At a glance, it seems that the neoliberal program has been successful in achieving its aims of reducing rates of poverty. I concede that these statistics demonstrate that a reduction of poverty can be attributed to the high level of economic growth that the free market creates.

However, it is important to take into account the influence of a neoliberal ideology on the economic policies of governments. In my opinion, the free market caused the reduction of poverty because it was (and continues to be) the global economic system of governance. It is logically false, from this, to morally justify an economic system merely because it is the current and dominant economic system. Furthermore, it is necessary to make a clear distinction between correlation and causality. It is entirely possible that something is produced under a particular system, without this particular system being necessary for its production. Even assuming that the free market is necessary for a reduction of poverty, the question remains: does this reduction in poverty justify the system that creates, at the same time, the extreme capital inequality of today? I respond in the negative, suggesting that contemporary capital inequality exposes the limitations of a neoliberal economic system. Ultimately, the contemporary distribution of capital has cemented a tear between the rich and everyone else, resulting in far from the highest level of collective-wellbeing.

Solutions for the future? Although I do not attempt to establish a completely new theory, I would like to highlight some established solutions that could help us improve our contemporary problem of capital inequality. First, I suggest that a fair distribution of capital can be found through analysing the relationship between the resources of a society (including income and capital) and collective-wellbeing. Following from this, I propose that we must change the dominant economic thought that says that growth is an end in itself, to the idea that growth, when coupled with strong social values, can help us improve the standard of living in society. Moreover, I consider that this public support would in turn create a culture that views government regulation, not as a violation of liberty, but an assurance of liberty. If we do this, we can change the contemporary distribution of capital, which at the moment is torn and, thus, unfair.

discover// science

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

Why Some Sports Require More Skill Than Others Text: Brody Hannan Graphic: Hannah Charny We all know that some games come down to “luck” more than others. The lottery would be considered to rely on “pure luck”, while chess would be almost entirely decided by skill. The same can be done for sports, too. But what sport is the best at ensuring that the most skilful team wins? It’s important to note that placing sports on such a continuum doesn’t measure how skilled the players are – of course, eve r y o n e who plays a sport professionally is incredibly ‘ s k i l f u l ’. R at her, measuring sports in this way is telling how well a sport measures athletes’ skill. Sample size is an impor ta nt consideration, for example. The larger the sample size, the more chance players have to use their skill to influence a game, and the power of “luck” diluted. It’d be like flipping a coin two or three times. It wouldn’t be that uncommon – or even surprising – if we ended up with all heads or all tails. But throw a coin 100 times, then that’d be a bit unusual. In fact, we’d expect the results to get closer and closer to 50-50, the more coin tosses that we made. We can increase sample size in sports by either taking more shots per game, or by playing more games. Thanks to basketball’s 24 second shot clock, most NBA teams score in excess of 100 points per game. Each team also plays 82 games in a season. Major league baseball teams play 162 games a season. That’s a lot of points and a lot of opportunity for skill to overpower luck and randomness. Compare this to NFL, where teams play only 16 games in a season. Or Ice Hockey, where most teams score below five5 goals per game. The small sample size pushes these sports towards the luck side of the spectrum since it’s harder for skill to

emerge from the noise with so few trials. The number of players matters, too. Tennis is a sport where skill plays a much bigger role, in large part because there simply aren’t many people involved. When skill dominates, outcomes are more predictable. In a sport like swimming or sprinting, the activities are even more individual – essentially racing a clock. There’s nothing standing between the athlete’s skill and their ranking. But in team sports, you have more players and lots of interactions. The different combinations of players within a team and how they handle pos-

session c a n d r a matically affect the outcomes of a game. In cricket and baseball for example, everyone on the team takes turns at batting. It’d be ideal if teams could keep their best batsman out on the pitch to face the ball every time, meaning that weaker players would never get to hit the ball. In other team sports, such as basketball, however, it is possible to keep your best player out on the field for the full length of the game, allowing their skill to influence the results more greatly. You only have to look at how a Quarterback like Tom Brady is there for every single play, or how the North Queensland Cowboys begin to lose as soon as Johnathan Thurston is injured. Both players have a

huge impact on the outcome of a game. These are all great ideas, but how do we measure this? Introducing the Pythagorean Theorem – not of triangles – but of statistics. It says that if you have two random, independent variables, then you can add their variances. Variance is a measure of how spread out a dataset is. For our purposes, the equation looks like this: The variance of the observed, real life results equals the variance of skill plus the variance of luck. We can measure the variance of the observed because we know the actual win-loss records of all the professional sports teams. Some teams win about half their games, others do a lot better, some do a lot worse. The other part of the equation comes from estimating what the result would be in an allluck world. Imagine if instead of playing a game, teams just f lipped a coin to decide the outcome of a game. As we mentioned earlier in the article – more games mean less variance, as the scores get closer to 50-50. With these two pieces of information, we can compare the variance of each sport, with what is actually observed in the real world. It reveals that sports like swimming and tennis are at the skilful side of the continuum, followed by basketball, with ice hockey, NFL and baseball towards the luck end of the continuum. The value of statistics in sports is in uncovering patterns and relationships that we wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. With statistics, we can turn that feeling of “luck” in sports into a tangible measurement.

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

discover// environment

Wasting our world’s potential: a call to arms

Text: Lydia J. Kim Graphic: Hannah Charny and Sophie Bear

‘We found that large amounts of dirty wastes or even hazardous wastes are mixed in the solid waste that can be used as raw materials,’ it reads.

Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Australia reminds us of the accountability every country holds for the degradation of our planet. In a statement made at Sydney Opera House on 1 May, the French President called for Prime Minister Turnbull to strengthen his commitment to greener policies in Australia, and that he not succumb to political and economic pushback.

Environmental reform has been garnering more and more public support in the economic superpower, with documentaries like Plastic China highlighting the serious repercussions of 10 million tonnes of foreign waste.

There is a serious underrepresentation of pro-environment ideals in Australian politics at the moment – grave enough to garner even the attention of foreign leaders. Most ‘new’ environmental policies have failed to manifest the change we need: rather they have been allowing for business to go about as usual. But if politicians were looking for a chance to salvage their sad reputation, the time is now. China’s ban on ‘foreign waste’, effective from 1 January this year, has been raising serious concerns across the globe – even in our own country. For several years, many countries across the world, including those in the EU and Asia, have been exporting their recyclable waste to China. The note posted by China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection to the WTO newly rejects 24 types of recyclables that had been being sent to their shores, arguing that this was posing serious threats to their environment and public health.

In 2017 alone, Australia had exported more than 600,000 tonnes of plastic and cardboard to China, which is more than half of what was being collected through curb-side recycling programs. The United States, with a population about thirteen-and-a-half times larger than us, had been sending over 13 million tonnes of paper and 1.4 million tonnes of plastic. In response to the ban, the EU has mentioned a possible plastic usage tax, while the UK has proposed redistributing its trash to Southeast Asian countries instead. The US, on the other hand, has been urging the Chinese government to ‘immediately halt implementation and revise these measures in a manner consistent with international standards’. The PRC has since defended itself on grounds of the Basel Convention – an international agreement prohibiting the transferral of hazardous waste from one country to another. With China’s fervent push towards renewables, this ban does not come as a surprise. Worries over the environment and public health seem to be at the top of current priorities.

But the question still begs: if our recyclables are no longer ending up in China, then where is it going?

Investing in waste-to-energy also means diverting efforts and funding from renewable energy projects.

In Ipswich, Queensland, residents have already been notified that their recyclables are now heading straight to landfill. Local councils have been struggling to process the unprecedented surge in recyclables due to a lack of funds and infrastructure, and have been forced to store their waste in warehouses across the nation.

New technologies redirecting recyclables away from landfill are emerging, with national companies like Replas collecting soft plastics from supermarket-goers and turning them into outdoor benches and decking. Researchers at the University of New South Wales have also been developing ways to instantly reprocess plastics and metal alloys into feedstock for 3D-printers. This would allow us to recycle and repurpose more of our waste, and could potentially reduce our ecological footprints made by shipping and packaging as well. The initiative is, however, still in its infancy, and should not excuse our excessive use of valuable materials.

To discuss potential plans-of-action, Australia’s environment ministers convened at the end of last month, with talks focusing on innovation around waste reduction and production, as well as increased investment in waste-to-energy technologies. ‘We've already got more than 30 [waste-to-energy] projects underway in Australia...and we look forward to expanding these over time,’ stated the Minister of Energy and Environment, Josh Frydenberg. Scandinavian countries are especially famous for their use of such technologies, with Sweden sending around 50 per cent of its landfill to incinerators to produce energy. The country boasts a 98 per cent recycle-rate. Though the debate continues, many experts deem waste-to-energy combustion plants as the last resort. Burning recyclables like plastic would mean foregoing precious resources that could otherwise be pumped back into the economy. This in turn means taking a step backwards from achieving a circular economy, which aims to minimise negative outputs from production processes.

Who holds the most influence over our waste’s future remains unclear, but what is definite is that all parts of society have their own roles to play – now more than ever. Governments, the most able procurers of waste, must look into efficient collection and redistribution mechanisms within the private sector (where there is more funding available and less political obstacles to overcome). Firms must develop innovative ways to process their waste in the most economic manner possible, while individuals reduce the amount of waste they produce and make greater efforts to decontaminate recyclables before disposal. The time has come to seriously question our use of Earth’s resources. With China refusing to be the world’s dumping ground, the rest of us must conquer our destructive addiction.

discover// environment

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

What sustainability means for all of us Text: Jessica Woolnough Graphic: James Atkinson

are, or who they identify as. We’ve also developed effective means to combatting abuse in all its forms.

Sustainability means… Living in a Sustainability is often defined being able to maintain ‘ecological balance’ whilst avoiding the depletion of natural resources. It can be defined as our human society developing in a manner that supports our social and economic development whilst ensuring the environment is protected and maintained. But how boring are these definitions? Not only are they boring, but they don’t adequately reflect what sustainability can mean for our world. They don’t adequately reflect just how valuable sustainability can be for all life on Earth. As such, I’d like to paint a picture for you all, to show you what a sustainable world can look like, and what it can mean. So, what does sustainability mean?

Sustainability means… A society

that allows everyone to thrive, whilst ensuring no one is left out. We’ve managed to resolve all conflicts and finally live in peace as a species – respecting how unique we all are, and how our differences act to make us better as a people. Everyone in society feels fairly represented, and their values are reflected in public policy and decisions. We’ve also squashed inequality in our laws, our institutes, and our society. Everyone experiences equal rights: all genders, people with disability, all ethnicities, all sociocultural groups. No one feels unsafe walking the streets at night simply because of who they

society that thrives without damaging the environment. We have a beautiful coexistence with all other organisms, where our lives do not detriment their existence. Our society no longer outputs a large amount of toxic, indecomposable waste into our lands or oceans. In fact, we’ve found ways to ensure the quality of life of all humans without destroying the quality of life of other species. For instance, we have taken steps to reduce our carbon footprints, to reuse all the materials that can be reused, and to make our consumption (energy, food, all other materials) effectively efficient. As such, there is no longer a need to search for Planet B because we’ve committed to making our life on Earth work.

Sustainability means… Economic vi-

ability and stability. We no longer experience poverty anywhere, in any form. Everyone has adequate access to water, food, shelter and security. This means we’ve achieved a world where no parent can’t afford to put food on the table. Where no one fears eviction because they are living paycheck to paycheck. Our economic stability gives everyone some breathing space, facilitating the greatest period of innovation and creativity our society has ever seen.

Sustainability means… A healthy

and happy society. We have a world where infant mortality is low and maternal health is thriving. Average life expectancies are no longer determined

by factors such as your postcode, your sociocultural status, or your wealth. Everyone has adequate access to health services, which have been supported to keep up with all aspects of health – including both physical and mental health. No one experiences stigma or discrimination. In fact, we’ve taken steps to ensure our society, our cities, our health systems and all of our infrastructure supports people of all abilities. As you can see, sustainability means achieving quite a lot of things. Perhaps those of us aiming for sustainability are being overly optimistic. Perhaps sustainability can never completely be achieved. But, given the above picture I’ve painted, a sustainable world is definitely worth aiming for. Even if we can’t achieve a completely sustainable world, we can still achieve a lot of the above. And even a slightly more sustainable world can mean so much for so many people. It can mean so much to us as a species, and as a society. It can also mean so much for our planet, and for all the other species that depend on our planet just as much as we do. As such, aiming to live more sustainably, on the individual level right up to the international level, is one of the most important things we could do. And whilst changing our unsustainable habits can be difficult, it can be helpful to keep this picture of sustainability in your mind as a motivator. To continually remind us all of how important it is to keep taking actions to address the social and environmental issues in our lifestyles, our society and our built environment.

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

discover// business & economics

ThE AGEING POPULATIOn: insuring the solution Text: Felix Ryan Graphic: Valtterri Kuusisto The ageing population has spurred recent and ongoing political debate, with a large influx of retirees into state-owned and private care facilities expected within the next few decades. Currently, governments are largely responsible for assisting the ageing population in retirement. Across the developed world, the government provides for over half of aged care services and expenses. This partly stems from the attitudes of individuals, particularly those not preparing for retirement adequately. Unlike other insured events such as insurance against natural disaster or life insurance, aged care is often a long term and far off event that that is not at the forefront of the working individuals mind. Consequently, the state is often implicated in covering the majority of costs for individuals, many of whom would be unable to afford such services otherwise. However, as boomers and subsequent generations retire, the main concern has been that current providers will unable to meet the growing worldwide demand. $1.3 trillion is spent each year in the US on aged care services, a number that will likely increase in coming years. Further, there is increasing demand by the elderly

to remain in the home and amongst family upon retirement. For government social services this can mean more costs. The policy in this area is currently general, and will fall short in tackling the enamelled issues that face individuals and groups that retire. From an actuarial standpoint, this poses a significant financial risk. Increased spending will cause huge deficits to be run, meaning less will be available overall to spend on the rest of the population. As aged care from state services continues to be reduced across the globe, a real and uninsured disaster brews that threatens to be highly destructive to the social and economic fabric of society. The solution to this issue lies with insurers and reinsurers, whose role will become increasingly important in the aged care sector. Insurance covers only 11 per cent of expenses on aged care in the US and similar statistics can be seen across the developed world. The prime cause of this mass disparity between public and private coverage is that insurance has generally focused on major disaster insurance or support for the working individual, choosing not to compete in an aged care market dominated by government services. Recently however there has been change; Swiss Re has begun testing and developing ‘Product and Service’ approaches to aged care that can allow the unique and tailored application of preferences. The main advantage

is their flexibility; they can range from the covering of purchases for devices to financing short term needs, as well as acting as an active component of funding or a passive “safety net” for those already covered. But the most important innovation these new products possess is their ability to work seamlessly alongside state services. Trials in markets in the developed world have yielded positive results, with this new customer orientated and flexible approach satisfying customers and on average much more able to fund home care. Together, the differentiated and flexible products from the insurance industry combined with the established facilities of the public sector are able to evenly spread the financial risk of the elderly population amongst society. A holistic approach must be taken by all interest groups. Public policy developers must note that the strain of growing demand cannot be met by government alone, while insurers should continue to differentiate their products to tailor policies to the individual’s need on aged care insurance packages. If insurers do not step up to the challenge, governments in the future will fail to take on the financial and social stress of the ageing population, resulting in an overworked and inadequate resources for not only the elderly but for society as a whole.

culture// art

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

Listen to These Albums Instead of Studying Text: Sebastian Lawrence Graphic: Millie Wang

Exam season and hunting season. One is about stalking your prey, waiting for the opportune moment, and taking down your target in one swift blow… and the other is hunting season. What do these things have in common? They test your patience. But whereas hunting season is all about it, exam season is how willing you are to test yours. The patience you have for putting off that one assignment that isn't due for maybe two weeks. Or maybe you've become the hunted deer due to your exam timetable. You think you hear something. It’s your friend telling you to get some study done. But you go back to eating grass, oblivious to the hunter (your exam) aiming down the sights, ready to take that perfect shot. If you’re like me, the deer in the scope, putting everything off until the shot is already on its way towards me, then why not live alongside some cool music? Here are my picks for the best albums to procrastinate to (or just whatever I’ve been listening to recently because I am wholeheartedly that deer).

Hop Along – Bark Your Head Off, Dog I've been dying to talk about this album to anyone who is willing to listen to me. Hop Along have perfected their beautiful take on indie rock, mixing enticing guitars with a female vocalist whose voice contrasts melody with pain in a way that's as endearing as it is plain fun. Full of danceable drum lines,

sing-a-long choruses, and enough depth to rival the deep end of the pool you could never quite keep your head above water in, it begs your attention, and is perfect for those long nights of doing anything but studying. Best track: How Simple – "Don't worry, we will both find out/Just not together."

Pianos Become the Teeth – Wait For Love As well as having a really cool name, Pianos Become the Teeth have been putting out some of the most emotional and interesting music of the past few years. Wait For Love is the realisation of a sound the band has been pushing since their previous effort Keep You (also fantastic). The ebb and flow of the instrumentals contrast the haunting vocal lines, matching the engrossing tone of the lyrics. At times it almost feels triumphant; when everything comes together, it results in a satisfying crescendo, and deserves to be smiled at. And although it can leave you feeling down, it also beckons you to welcome the future, something that exams do the opposite of. Excellent. Best track: Love on Repeat – "My prime was a still frame/In your movie days, so late."

Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago It's three am It's raining outside, and it's icy. Snuggle up into your sheets, turn the lights off and take in an indie-folk classic. What hasn’t been said about this

album? Confronting, emotional, uplifting, For Emma, Forever Ago is perfect for those quiet nights in, contemplating if that lecture tomorrow is really worth going to. Or maybe something bigger. I like to imagine Justin Vernon spent those cold nights in a cabin in the winter so that I could associate his magnum opus with the plight of students. Best track: Lump Sum – "Balance we will not know/We will see when it gets warm."

Open Mike Eagle – Brick Body Kids Still Daydream Hip-hop is an incredibly diverse genre, and it makes for some of the most interesting music around. Brick Body Kids Still Daydream is no different. Written about the housing projects Open Mike Eagle grew up in, now demolished, it contains an incredible amount of wit and character, telling incredible stories without seeming over-the-top. His soothing, monotone delivery matches the pacing of the beats, never looking to overtake his songwriting prowess. It matches the want to procrastinate; wordy enough to draw your attention away but soothing enough to be played in the background. Best track: (How Could Anybody) Feel At Home – "I write in all my fantasies and die in all my dreams."

La Dispute – Wildlife I couldn’t not mention this album that I hold so dearly in my heart. Wildlife is a rock/screamo/spoken word album that

characterises that hopelessness one feels inside. The record drifts between deep, melodic storytelling (‘The Most Beautiful Bitter Fruit’), dark, almost terrifying moments (‘King Park’), and questioning, upfront lyricism (‘All Our Bruised Bodies And The Whole Heart Shrinks’). It begs for your attention, before snatching it away and never relenting until the last track hits. It matches that hopelessness exams bring, almost begging you to give in, if just for a moment. It’s intense. Exams are intense. Best track – All Our Bruised Bodies And The Whole Heart Shrinks - “Do you think if the heart keeps on shrinking/ One day there will be no heart at all?”

Nujabes – Modal Soul I end my recommendations with a contradiction: something that I actually do listen to when studying. Or at least try to. I love this album too much at this point to focus enough on work. Nujabes was an incredibly underappreciated Japanese producer whose mark on instrumental hip-hop is still seen today. Though he is sadly no longer with us, he left behind two albums (Metaphorical Music being the other) that personify what music should be: environments that leave you breathless. His music makes me happy. Optimistic. Completely contrasting the feeling of exams. But who cares. I'm smiling right now. Best track – Feather – "I'm keeping it vertical forever elevator/Riding the escalator to the something that is greater." palatable.

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

To infinity and beyond Text: Brandon Tan Graphic: David Liu

“Infinity War is the most ambitious crossover to date." This meme arrived last year, shortly after the release of the Avengers: Infinity War trailer on YouTube, now the most watched trailer on the platform. It reflected the hype surrounding the movie itself; an accumulation of ten years of effort by Marvel Studios, which has built a cinematic universe of critical acclaim. Can the superhero trend continue well into the future? Steven Spielberg has recently criticised the increasing dominance of superhero Hollywood movies as leading to superhero fatigue. Notably, superhero movies used to only appear once every three years during the 2000s. However, seven superhero movies appeared in 2017 alone. This previously happened with Western movies, where their dominance within cinemas slowly led to their disappearance due to being grossly oversaturated. Meanwhile, Marvel shows no signs of stopping its movie empire, as it has movies planned right up to 2028. With the advent of digital media and streaming services like Netflix and increasing ticket prices, cinemas have significantly decreased in power and thus need new blockbusters to reel their audience in and survive. Superhero movies generate a lot of money-making potential, as seen in shattered box records. For example, when Deadpool became the highest-grossing R-rated movie in the US just behind The Passion of the Christ. Avengers: Infinity War is currently breaking numerous box office records. The trend is thus obvious. As long as the movies rake in billions of dollars from screenings and merchandising, studios will be keen to invest in making superhero movies. That said, I think that there’s only so much you can do before these you end up repeating yourself and audiences eventually tire from these.

It is also important to remember that films also grow with their audience. Most of the adults today were once kids who enjoyed reading Spider-Man stories and would certainly pay to see a ticket to see their favourite hero's adventures unfold on screen. The genre of a film itself can evolve, as the early Batman movies were appreciated for their incredibly slapstick tone before evolving with grit and realism to suit the new audience’s post 9/11 worldview. Superhero movies also aren’t necessarily guaranteed blockbusters. Failings such as Fox's Fantastic Four reboot were due to a lack of respect for the source material and a variety of production issues. The DC Extended Universe themselves have been accused of being too dark and hard to follow, leading to the anticipated Justice League movie falling short on expectations. While superheroes are thriving on the big screen, the comics market has been experiencing the inverse. Due to the soaring price of comic books (a 1960s price of $0.10 to today’s four dollars!) and a lack of content diversity, comics have been selling less. Thus, comic publishers have been attempting to have comics match film adaptations in an attempt to have successful corporate synergy. To be fair, I don’t mind a great movie. Each superhero film tackles a different genre; Guardians of the Galaxy was a space comedy whereas the Captain America films questions the government’s place. These movies still show the hero's journey and the adversities they face but include different stylistic choices to show this. Furthermore, there are films adapted from the comic medium which aren’t necessarily from the superhero genre. For instance, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and Kingsman: The Secret Service have both received critical acclaim. Overall, if your end product is an enjoyable movie, does it really matter?

culture// art

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

Interview with Dr Alex Martinis Roe Text: Miriam Sadler Images: Supplied Dr Alex Martinis Roe is the newly appointed Senior Lecturer and Head of Sculpture at The School of Art and Design. Her research interests include the political role of knowledge practices in Art. Her current project To Become Two focuses on genealogy amongst feminist practices. Miriam Sadler sat down with her on a wintry Tuesday morning to discuss everything from moving to Canberra, art and social activism, to entertainment on a desert island. How are you finding Canberra? I’ve been here four months now. I just came back from a visit to Europe so I’m still trying to keep my life there going to some extent. I have to say I feel like I’m on a retreat, it’s just beautiful here. There are kangaroos everywhere. I think probably the most interesting thing about ANU is the fact that it’s quite a tight-knit small community – well it feels like that anyway, I have no idea how many people are actually here. I keep having these really amazing encounters with people from other disciplines, which was one real attraction for me in coming here and then it has actually been happening. People have contacted me from other disciplines. “Oh we’ve heard about your appointment would you like to meet’ and then we’ve had these amazing discussions.” I’ve met people from the law faculty, from some of the natural sciences and then the humanities. It’s been very diverse and I’m really excited about that. What are you most excited about in your new role and working in this Art school? Bringing about more relationships between the Art school and other parts of the university. I’m really interested in, for example, how the School of Art can participate in the research schools that we’re already connected with in the same faculty. Where does the school of art fit? I’m quite interested in how we might enter those more transdisciplinary spaces and what kind of research conversations can we be a part of. I’m also really keen to rework curriculum. That’s a huge adventure and opportunity, and a very creative project: to take a program and look at how I think it should be in the years coming and designing that. It is quite rare to hear people talking about PhDs in Art. What was your inspiration behind studying art, and even doing higher degree research in Art? Was it a lightbulb moment or was it that you were always a creative person? I think I was always very committed to politics, but because my parents were activists, and involved in day to day politics, I just didn’t want to have to live with that level of compromise. Art seemed to

Alex Martinis Roe, top right, for the joy of being together, they didn't have to agree, video still including material courtesy of Ca la Dona archive Barcelona, 2015-2016. me to be a very urgent place to become an activist and a place where I could do whatever I wanted. And that could become public, and so I felt like that was a very free place to engage in shaping our society. I’ve always sort of approached artistic practice in a way that was quite related to humanities methods. It was a place where I could undertake that same research but without the given formats. So for me, doing a PhD made a lot of sense. For some artists it’s not the most conducive framework but for me, it was necessary. I think it takes far longer to become an artist than four years, I needed another four years – I think most people need another four years. And that was a very good framework for me to do it in. I was always quite ambitious about answering complex questions with my work and doing a PhD was a good way to develop that. Talking with a lot of students here at the ANU, they said ‘Oh I did art in high school but I didn’t think it would translate into something I could do in adult life’. What is the value, for you, in taking an Art Degree? People in Europe don’t have the same problem. They look at art as a viable profession. In Germany, where I’ve spent the last nine years, six-year-old children are completely aware of contemporary art. They see a lot of it and they think that this is an actual career with a lot of respect attached to it. At openings of my work in Europe, quite often you’ll have a really intellectual conversation with a very involved person who you’ve never met before and you’ll find out they’re an engineer or something. That’s just normal. And people treat you with a huge amount of respect. Whereas in

Australia, I remember as a young person I started to say very tentatively “I am an artist”, and quite often be met with the question “but what’s your real job?” A lot of disrespect really, and I think that’s probably why it might not occur to you that it was a career. I don’t think it has to stay that way. I think it’s very much about what value we all place on art.

questions that art addresses are often the very deepest things, the long-term structures. It’s quite similar to the humanities in that way, but then the humanities stay so much within their own realm. Art is a public forum. It’s very much about communicating with a broad range of people.

I think the art school here also has a history of producing graduates who go on to do a range of things. It’s quite similar to a Bachelor of Arts in that it teaches you to think. You can take that and use that ability in a range of ways. I think becoming an artist is a very complex undertaking, a very difficult thing to do. It also can be very rewarding. The art world is like a little microcosm of our society: it has a huge amount of problems in it – all of the hegemonies of our society are in it. But then, on the other hand, there are many art worlds. I’m very committed to an international community of people who see art as a way to really change cultural values and see museums as being these spaces that present what our societies value. Up until recently, you’d enter an art museum and what you’d see there presented to you are old white men with a whole lot of authority staring out at you. No surprise what kind of societies those pictures both formed and came from. And yet now, there are more and more examples of feminist and de-colonial art practices which have a real platform and which do change the way people think about embodiment, politics, all sorts of questions that are very fundamental to the way that we see ourselves. If you’re involved in activism in politics or in NGOs, quite often the questions that you’re asking are much more about an urgent thing that has to be dealt with right now. Whereas, the

I am very interested in your work that is with regard to feminist practices. How does art enhance the recounting of women’s stories? Especially in the forms you’ve used in your To Become Two project? First of all, the profession of being an artist is a very modern thing. It didn’t exist in the same way in the Middle Ages. The whole concentration in modernity on the formation of the singular subject is very connected to feminism. Of course, on the negative side it has led to rampant individualism which drives capitalism. But, on the other hand, it has led to a real belief in the value and importance of singularity and not focusing on pre-given structures – we have a whole lot more social mobility out of that. I think art is the field where the subject is displayed, but also formed. The artist is almost like a picture of who we understand this modern subject to be, because of the figure of the artist and the fact that art comes from this solo position. With feminism – it’s very complex and there’s lot of different feminisms – but one of the most dominant projects has been to produce a female subjectivity. I think women participating in writing, in art production, in forming themselves publicly, are crucial to that project. It begins with letter-writing in the early modern period, self-portraiture and things like that, and modern and

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

culture// art think teaching aesthetics and politics together needs to start earlier. We lose time at university on groundwork which could and should happen in other contexts, because it’s not only art students who should understand the value and social impact of art practice. Can I ask you a fun question now? You’re on a desert island and you can take one film and one novel. What are they? It’s a difficult scenario because on a desert island I would be alone. And so it would be purely about entertainment and I don’t really see my artistic practices relating to myself in that way. I almost think that nothing I would take would be worth talking about, in terms of my own approach to art. I think it’s private. But I should be able to answer this. If you asked me three things I’d promote, if this is the function of the question, then I can answer that.

Alex Martinis Roe, For the joy of being together, they didn't have to agree, video still including material courtesy of Ca la Dona archive Barcelona, 2015-2016. contemporary art are really a continuation of that same project of self-formation. With regard to art and the project of forming a subjectivity, the main focus of my project To Become Two, is on spaces between subjects: it’s not about the individual but really about the formation of singularity in relation to others. Part of the imagined audience for To Become Two are feminist academics. I think it’s really accessible to a lot of people but I wanted to make a reply, or a reminder, to the feminist theorists who had formed me through reading. I thought about a lot of the ideas contained in their works thought that there is still so much to be done in terms of situating their ideas. The format of the monograph was really what I wanted to trouble - it’s insufficient. I wanted this project to explore a social history of ideas. The way that relationships form concepts and practices. The project is an exploration of how certain key concepts and practices have been formed through their migration, elaboration and transfer across different communities and also within them.

being flexibility to be an artist in Europe and people actually engaging from a whole host of backgrounds. Do you think that’s something that you will attempt to translate to Australian students? Absolutely, although I think my capacity to do that as one person is seriously limited! One of my main approaches to teaching is to be open-minded and to respond differently to different students and their different interests and desires. But I do really believe in artists’ responsibility. I see us as social actors: people who participate in society and who are not separate from it. I think that’s a position I teach with too. Certainly a lot of art is taught as a kind of exception to the world, something that comments on it but is not part of it. And I really don’t agree with that at all. Because I see its politics and I see how performative it is. You see a landscape painting, which

seems apolitical, in a museum and it changes the way people understand the world around them, it really does. I can’t give that up, that perspective, and I think that is something that I had even before I went to Europe, but being in Berlin, which is a very politicised art scene, really confirmed to me that I should propagate that. I ask students to think about the relevance of what they do and the impact of what they do, rather than seeing what they do as some isolated criticism. I think having that attitude to your work gives you an authority. What you do matters, so then if you believe that I think other people will recognise that, too. That understanding of art’s social role has to come from elsewhere too. I would absolutely love to get involved in what is taught in high schools, for example – I don’t know how or when – but I

There’s a film called Scuola senza fine by Adriana Monti, documenting a group of women telling their stories as a form of listening. It was made in the early 80’s, in Milan, about the 150 hours school, which was set up by the Italian Left for factory workers and domestic labourers, i.e. housewives. They would meet in each other’s houses in the evenings, or whenever they had time, and they would study things that had no vocational use in their current occupation. You could learn physics if you felt like it, or you could study literature. This group of women undertook (auto)biographical narration as their field of study. That is just such a fantastic film. Okay a novel, I really love Octavia Butler’s Lilith’s Brood, it’s a really great trilogy. I can’t answer for the music. It’s the sort of question you get asked in fashion art magazines and its always about the production of your hip-cool factor. I’m not anti-fashion, I love aspects of fashion – I like the endeavour of creating bodily adornments as a cultural language, for example, but I’m just so uninterested in the production of that kind of hype around who I might be.

This focus on relational selfhood in feminism bas come out of a longer endeavour on my part to produce an artistic subjectivity that is not one. I keep my name. A lot of artists might choose to form a collective in order to make a statement about solo artist authorship. But I felt like that didn’t really deconstruct this whole emphasis on the solo artist genius. It presents an alternative which, in reality, often gets treated pretty much the same. And also, because of the kinds of political organising that I’m interested in, which is not a kind of blanket horizontalism, I look at the importance of different voices, and what I call “solidarity-in-difference,” or “collective difference.” I’ve kept the artist’s name for my productions, but all my work is really about showing the many voices that are within my own – the many collaborations that are implicit in producing any creative work. I think that is, on a content level and also on a structural level, how I’ve tried to engage in feminist politics through this project. I know that you lived in Berlin for nine years, and you spoke before about there

Alex Martinis Roe, To Become Two Salon on Practices of Alliance, part of the Mai 68 Assembleěe Geěneěrale, Centre George Pompidou, Paris, May 2018

culture// life & Style

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

Beautiful Canberra Text: Miriam Sadler Graphic: Millie Wang It’s Week 11. Hopefully you’re more on top of things than me and didn’t just have to ask someone what week it was. Chances are you’re not. Exams are an impending haze on the horizon. You’re in a cycle of chugging coffee, re-reading the same sentence ten times and then treating yourself to an episode of The Office. You haven’t left the house in days and your diet now consists solely of Twisties and Coke Zero. You desperately need to have a peek at the sun and get a bit of Vitamin D. And I have the solution! Six perfect places to enjoy all the natural beauty Canberra has to offer.

The National Arboretum I only discovered the Arboretum this year and I’m honestly astonished that I had been missing out on its beauty. This place has awe-inspiring views of Canberra. You can see for miles (and will possibly realise you never knew where Tuggeranong was). With 94 forests of rare and endangered trees, the Arboretum is one of the most peaceful places in close proximity to the city. It has both guided and self-guided walks that let you explore the different forests and see the city from all angles. Come here for an afternoon walk after a morning of readings. I like to think all the trees will feed your mind with fresh oxygen (that’s how science works, right?)

Mount Ainslie My first adventure here was marked by extreme sunburn – so this is the perfect time of year to soak in the amazing panorama without fear of the sun’s glare. You can drive up to the top, but the walk is really worth

it if only to feel triumphant that you made it. This feeling of triumph may be somewhat dimmed when you see people running past you with huge backpacks on their backs – evidently Mount Ainslie is also a good place to train. It has an Instagram-worthy view looking straight down Anzac Parade and over to Parliament House. If nothing else, Mount Ainslie is the place to remind yourself how well laid out Canberra is. Grab some hummus and do the walk with your friend whilst you debrief about that STAT exam. For a more memorable experience, drive up to the top at night and plan your whole life under a blanket of stars.

Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve I discovered the Wetlands when I took a wrong turn after a particularly grandiose breakfast on the Kingston Foreshore. The nature reserve is surprisingly close to civilisation, yet as soon as you take that first step, you’ll feel tranquillity wash over you. Visitors are encouraged to keep quiet for the best chance of spotting some of the incredible wildlife that calls the Wetlands home. Stay silent and you’ll see some beautiful birds. Sit in the same spot for 12 hours and you might catch sight of a platypus. You get a spectacular view of rolling fields reminiscent of the English countryside. This is a wonderful place to bring your bike and have an explore. Get the blood flowing and release the stress!

Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary Although a way out of the city, Mulligans Flat is worth the drive to see a unique woodland untouched by the human hand. Mulligans Flat is dedicated to protecting endangered

species – if you’re lucky you might see an echidna bumble past! There’s also the chance to see an eastern bettong, which has been considered extinct on the mainland for around 100 years. The level of life around you when you visit Mulligans Flat is amazing and will definitely re-energise you to complete that assignment. Book a twilight tour the night after an exam to hear the dusk calls of the various species.

Tidbinbilla Nature Park You’ll need to persuade that one friend with a car to take you here but the promise of seeing koalas and kangaroos will surely entice them. Like Mulligans Flat, wildlife is all around you at Tidbinbilla. The nature reserve also has a significant history and you can take a specially tailored guided tour to discover the Aboriginal culture embedded within this beautiful place. There is a walking trail to suit everyone at Tidbinbilla, so grab your active wear and head this way for a day of clearing your mind.

Weston Park Sometimes natural beauty is only a few steps away from the path welltrodden. Weston Park boasts a host of activities, including a cycle track, ‘beaches’, mini-golf and even a minitrain. It’s also a beautiful location with views of Lake Burley Griffin you’re not likely to see cooped up in Hancock Library. My favourite activity is to simply walk the loop around the park and people-watch. You’ll see dog walkers, exercise fanatics, maybe even a politician! And afterwards you can treat yourself to a coffee or a kebab at the Yarralumla shops. If you’re an IR or Political Science student, turn this into a study date by exploring the different embassies around Yarralumla.

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

culture// life & Style

The Coin Laundry Chronicles Text: Anonymous Graphic: Hannah Charny The documenter of the below is, by no means, an accomplished laundry-doer. Rather, he/she/they remains unlearned in the art of on-campus laundry, and wishes to stress their position as such.

No Change? Forget It. I’m a full-time undergraduate at Lodge, and have been doing my laundry on campus for over two years now. I would say I do a load every one-anda-half to two weeks, depending on the activities I engage in and the amount of garlic I cook. I’ve had the liberty of testing out all three of the UniLodge laundry rooms. If you do the math (which I won’t/ can’t), I’ve done a fair few rounds of washing. Just like any other middle-class millennial, I struggle to keep up with the demands of the economy. Simultaneously, just like any other UniLodge resident, I find myself passive-aggressively complying with the overpriced laundry rates. Here’s how it is: $3 a load – either wash (23 minutes) or dry (60 minutes). If you’re after both, it’s $6 and a minimum one-and-a-half hours of your day for a somewhat damp, but clean (???) pile of freshly tumbled garments. Annoyingly, the machines accept COINS ONLY. So, it’s $1 + $2, OR $1 + $1 + $1, OR “see ya, wouldn’t wanna be ya!”

I’ve tried the coin machines countless times and have been successful once, and only after I went to the Lodge’s reception to complain. I’ve tried feeding the washers $2 + $2 in the hope that they’ll give me $1 ‘change’, but to no avail… The machines are merciless! They’ll eat up your money and dash your hopes and dreams (of ever having clean clothes). I find myself, very occasionally, having to stoop to the lowest of lows: asking my on-campus friends for spare change. To which I say, “who even has spare change on them these days? You need cash first to get change, which nobody has to begin with. It’s the era of the card, for Pete’s sake. This is ridiculous. It’s ridonkulous. I just want to get my laundry done. Where’s my mum when I need her?” *sits down and revels in own filth* Anyway, I somehow – and nearly always – manage to get my laundry done. I’m proud to say that I can count on one hand the times that I’ve borrowed “spare change” and I have never been so desperate so as to purchase new underwear. If you have, though, I’m not judging. Gold coins are hard to come by.

Know Your Stuff Getting your laundry done at Lodge requires a checklist of sorts:

1. Your laundry hamper (filled prefer-

ably to the brim with laundry, but can be three-quarters full given special circumstances, i.e. a priority stain or a trip out of town)

2. Laundry powder (FRONT loader, not top)

3. $3 in COINS *** (see section No Change? Forget It.)

4. Your room key card (cheers to everyone who’s ever forgotten this one) If you’re down just one of these musthaves, it’s goodbye to fresh underwear days and hello to outfit-repeat mania.

‘Sunday Rest Day’ My Ass. One of the most antagonising things I have ever experienced while living on campus is, without a doubt, washing machine hogs. That’s right, you bishes, I’m looking at you! As mentioned in No Change? Forget It., the time frames for washing and drying are 23 minutes and 60 minutes, respectively. If someone doesn’t collect their laundry within a five to ten-minute window of their loads ending, they better watch their hiney because pretty much the whole building will be on their tail, watching and waiting for them to get their shit together. Because of these *cough* super considerate people *cough*, my time spent doing laundry on campus now revolves around the timetable below. The gist of this table is to stress: NO LAUNDRY ON SUNDAYS!! There have been countless instances where I, a young hopeful wanting only to get a load into a single washer, have been cruelly turned away by the sight of lines of FULL machines that have STOPPED whirring. What?!

Seriously, everyone. Does nobody else set timers on their phones? (Okay, I don’t either. But I take care to follow up with my loads out of simple courtesy for other young hopefuls, because I know what it is to be left hanging in the Lodge laundry rooms, and I would not wish the same fate on my worst enemies).

If You Ain’t In Thongs, You’re Doin’ It Wrong In this day and age (2018, ANU-under-construction, flu season, Week 11), nobody on campus gives a single fudge about anyone or anything. Ref lective of this, townies will have taken note of the rapidly diminishing rates of well-dressed, presentable, self-respecting Lodge residents. The decrease of such figures can be drawn back to a single factor: there is laundry that needs to be done. One thing I cannot ever fathom is why (and how) anyone would turn up to the laundry rooms in anything but gross slacks and thongs/those Adidas sliders. I mean, why would you even be doing your laundry if you had nice clothes left? Simply put, if you don’t look like a loser doing your laundry, you are a loser. Get those trackie-dacks on you, you pompous peacock! Doing your laundry is not a fashion show (though I guess it could be the precursor to one). Laundry is real life. See the timetable below to further understand the coin laundry chronicles.

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

I HATE You Text: Tabitha Malet Art: Sophie Bear Growing up, there were a few words and phrases that I wasn’t allowed to say. “Oh my god ” was among them. As you would expect, my very religious primary school had a rule against blasphemy. It was almost never enforced, and some of the girls I met there are among the most frequent swearers I’ve ever known. My largely non-practising (and surprisingly religiously sceptical) parents shared this rule but did enforce it. The penalty for non-compliance was normally ten minutes on “the mat”: a threadbare striped rug in muted brown and grey that sat on the cold wooden floor of our hallway. At the end of your time on “the mat” you had to say you were sorry. My younger sisters never had trouble with this – whether or not they were actually sorry for what they had done, they’d say the word and would leave the mat for the comparative luxury of their bedrooms. However, I was a principled child. I really struggled with the idea of saying sorry when I didn’t mean it. On this, the most recent occasion when I’d said “oh my God” out of turn, I found myself once again curled up on my back on the mat, staring at the blinking green light of the fire alarm that acted as the only furnishing in an otherwise blank hall. My mum was at the end of her tether. She’d come back twice already to end the prescribed ten-minute period for my “sorry”, and twice I had refused. I didn’t understand the rule – we weren’t even religious anyway so why did it matter? Also, I wasn’t sorry for breaking it. So, she sat me down for another ten minutes

of what ten-year-old me saw as the slow road to madness, and figured that at the end I would have, at the very least, loosened my death-grip on principle. Suffice to say, I had not. I doubt I had anything better to do that day than to test my mum, and despite her being my endless confidante, we both had strong tempers and butted heads fairly often. So, when she came again to hear “sorry”, I had nothing to give. As she set off to put another ten minutes on the oven timer, I heard myself shout through self-induced tears à la Anne of Green Gables, “I hate you!” I watched my mum flinch, and for a moment I was glad. Maybe now she’d understand what her stupid rules were putting me through. I waited for the inevitable bobbing down in front of me, the discussion of how hate was a strong word – but it didn’t come. Instead, she paced the kitchen, and leant heavily on the edge of the countertop. If I had been looking closely, I might have noticed that her face was pale and the edges of her eyes slightly puffy. I remember catching a glimpse of redness and dismissing it almost furiously as the play of light from the window, refusing to let myself wonder why she hadn’t come to lecture me about what I’d said. Something inside me didn’t sit well with it, and it wasn’t like my mum to let something like that slide. She’d been the one who forbade the word ‘hate,’ in our house, after all. It was my dad who came to let me off the mat, treating my stubbornness as childish but understandable. Something else was concerning him, but he had to fight to make me listen. I was rolling around on my back, demanding that he let me off or go away so I could sit with my thoughts, when he pulled me up uncharacteristically violently.

“Mummy’s really upset, Taggie,” he said, and for some reason my world went into slow motion at that moment. I looked for the tell-tale flicker of humour in his face and found nothing. The seriousness sank into my soul. We often talk about the moment when people realise their parents are flawed, or unable to fully protect them from the world. That moment is always an unpleasant one, but I honestly hated this more. I knew I was tiny, silly, and only ten. I struggled to take myself seriously some of the time, and I had never expected my actions to hurt my parents. This was a visceral realisation that they could. As my dad went on to say that my mum had been crying – I noticed her puffy eyes, the tear-tracks down her face and the way she trod around me for the rest of the day,I realised that, no matter the position of authority people have over you, they are still humans who are affected by what you do. You have to be careful of the way you act not only in relation to people you consider your equals, but people you consider untouchable. You don’t exist in isolation from them. Sometimes it’s lonely up there on their pedestal, and often they have further to fall. To this day, I remain conscious of that. It is often hard to see people with power over you as tangible beings. They exist in an ether, separated by money or class or rigid hierarchy. Nonetheless, you must remember that even when you act in disregard, someone else has to regard it. It might just hurt them more than you know. If I ever forget that’s true, I think back to the threadbare mat in the hallway and the only time I ever told my mum I hated her. She was right – it was a stronger word than I thought.

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

Culture // Reviews

‘A Quiet Place’ sees logistical issues holding back an otherwise interesting premise. Text: Sebastian Lawrence Art: Maddy McCusker ‘A Quiet Place’, led by director and star John Krasinski of ‘The Office’ fame, raises an interesting question: what would life be like without sound? Starring alongside Emily Blunt, Krasinski presents a world completely devoid of noise, lest you be hunted by the creatures attracted to it. The premise is a staple of the horror genre, but never has it been explored in such a way. It creates an uneasy excitement for the viewer, particularly when reaching for the popcorn. It’s thoroughly engaging, with foreshadowing of potential sound-filled moments leaving you silently screaming in your seat. The film does struggle a little in the

cinematography department; lighting doesn’t always match up well and various shots are awkward to look at, but these moments are usually overpowered by the sheer worry one feels as the characters must contain themselves long enough to escape. However, despite all the tension, the movie’s consistent breaking of its own universal ‘rules’ results in the viewer being taken out of the tension and questioning the characters more than sympathising with them. Throughout the film, it is established that the creatures are attracted to the loudest form of sound or, in the case of a river stream, not attracted to consistently loud sounds. So, this beckons the question: why do the characters risk death everyday by living in a

farm house when they could simply live near a loud source of sound? This point is even brought up further along in the movie, when fireworks are used to distract the monsters from a character being hunted. The characters are aware of the potential of noise as a deterrent rather than simply avoiding noise, so why not find ways to make everyday life possible with the incorporation of noise? Move to a river, establish a system around the inclusion of noise. Even the idea of sound-proofing against the creatures is addressed; the two main characters have a child and must keep both him and the mother in a room in a basement that is purely to contain noise within it. Why not do that all over the house? Why contain it to one room? It may seem nit-picky, but it completely ruins

any perception of this universe as lifelike and drags an otherwise fantastic premise through the unrealistic mud. It isn’t all bad with ‘A Quiet Place’ – it does work fantastically as a horror movie. However, many of these logistical issues plague the viewer after a couple of watches, or even during the tense scenes. It is understandable that horror movie characters aren’t always the smartest bunch, but when it isn’t addressed that their post-apocalyptic lives could be so much easier if they would just consider their options regarding working with noise, rather than against it, it results in a movie that could have been so much more, but ultimately becomes an interesting premise squandered.

NUTS' 'the physicists' AN Entertaining Satire with a pinch of meaning Text: Sophie Johnson The National University Theatre Society’s (NUTS) production of The Physicists makes for an incredibly enjoyable night, with phenomenal acting, great staging and incredible quartet accompaniment engaging the audience throughout. A German Satire from the 60s is an interesting choice in production for NUTS: but it’s one they pull off with aplomb. The play follows the story of Johann Wilhelm Mobius, a successful physicist gone insane and battling with visions of King Solomon. He is accompanied by fellow Sanitarium inmates Ernst Heinrich Ernesti (who believes himself to be Albert Einstein), and Herbert Georg Beutler (believing he’s Sir

Isaac Newton). The play opens on the scene of a murder – one of the nurses has been strangled by Beutler, and by the end of the first act history repeats itself, with another nurse meeting a similar fate. Without giving away too much of the action (no spoilers here), the play has several more twists and turns that pull the audience along for the ride, finishing with a delightful twist that leaves us wanting more. The acting in the production was almost flawless. The dynamics between cast members were natural and full of chemistry, the movements well staged and interesting, and the cast held our attention and kept it, even during longer monologue pieces that managed to be dramatic without becoming obnoxious. Acting from Spencer Cliff

and Jack Shanahan was particularly notable, as they managed to portray two madmen seemingly effortlessly, jumping between periods of sanity and insanity with ease. Claudia Harris also gave a stellar performance, comedic in parts without trying too hard, and owning the stage from all angles. The staging was simplistic but effective; the white walls and doors perfectly portraying the clinical nature of an insane asylum, and created a setting that fit all purposes within the play. Directing from Holly Johnson was spectacular, and she deserves her own round of applause for staging an excellent production. The use of a live quartet adds a great element to the atmosphere, helping to build tension in opportune moments without being overwhelming, and

bringing well-known classics to the stage that complement the action perfectly. NUTS’ production of The Physicists perfectly balances humour with intensity, comes with masterful acting from the cast and directing from Holly Johnson, and did not disappoint in the slightest. In this play, the audience gets their laughs, while the play also leaves a resounding message about freedom of thought, scientific ethics, and the ability of humans to handle the responsibility that comes with great knowledge. Overall, a night well spent, and a worthwhile investment for a great night of theatre. NUTS’ The Physicists plays at the Gorman Arts Centre from the 1113 May. Details can be found on the production’s Facebook event.

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

Daydreams Text: Mahalia Crawshaw Graphic: Maddy McCusker Sometimes I wonder If Like us Mice look up to the sky Wishing they could fly Maybe there is a little mouse With eyes scrunched tight Praying to whatever it prays to For it to swim amongst the clouds And breathe Maybe He thinks that if he flies into that big bright splash of yellow Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never have to come back down

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

Content warnings: Discussion of suicide, murder and drug use

The Final PLAY Text: Quinn Alexander Art: Sophie Bear ¯ Ladies and Gentlemen of the court I bring your attention to our miscellaneous thoughts Of murder, that we’ve so tirelessly fought To find a verdict for Singh and Rao. Now let us get these precious facts straight Which have been carefully crafted for the magistrate Supreme. Let me use you as bait To hook whatever sanity you have left. The innocent Joe was a young engineer Been together with Singh for a couple of years Such a shame that he couldn’t hear The cries of a nearby mountaineer Screaming AVALANCHE! in his ear Soon Joe would disappear Why, exactly, remains a mere Mystery. It’s still unclear One can’t help but shed a tear For the story that unfolds. Studying law at the ANU Singh and Rao were well to do Standing strong like green bamboo But you don’t know what’s going on inside. Singh started ingesting ipecac Binging, purging like a maniac Frantically worried about her backSide being way too fat A perfect solution for a hypochondriac Surprised she didn’t go into cardiac Arrest. Welcome to the black Market. How may I help you? Researching methods of suicide Jumping, hanging, cyanide Making no attempt to slide Away the knife and hide The plans to snuff herself out. Singh got everyone to believe That she was dying from Hades’ Plague; an arcane disease Which gave her the wicked chance to conceive The idea to take Joe, too.

The crime committed in the ACT Began with a couple of dinner parties Enticed by suicide and mystery Come along! You know it’s free Bring a friend or two or three To Singh and Joe’s on Antill Street And help them celebrate their ‘not to be’ Make it a fun and lovely Swan song. Then watch them slowly Walk out into that deadly sea Don’t you tell Joe! Singh spiked his tea All we want is to have a good time. In the desolate morning after the second Party, our innocent Joe casts his final expression The shock and horror of unlawful oppression Delivered from Singh in her trance of depression Through a lethal dose of tainted heroin Later identified as the primary weapon That opened the gates of the stairway to heaven In a crime so vile it would shake a nation To its bones. Are there any questions About this twisted moral lesson? Or have you been given the wrong impression That this was an act of narcissistic aggression How does your mind work? You say Singh purposely withheld the address From the operator in the emergency service Perhaps in an effort to digress And prevent that life-saving ambulance From reaching that bloodied, queen-size mattress Where Joe finally died. Unless We ignore the ignorance of the press Who make it their work to suppress The infectious truth of real justice Wouldn’t you find a little distress Being thrown into an irreversible process And seeing one die in such a mess No other choice than to acquiesce To another’s murder. Please, God bless She will find the courage to plead duress To that hidden monster living like Ness In the holes of her soul.

Creative

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

A burbling stream in a dark and quiet forest Texts: Geoffry Bonning Art: Sophie Bear

Universe And life began soon after its formation I am a minuscule eddy in a vast and coursing river of living water Congealed, salty water, an intricate arrangement of pond scum A swamp thing shaking out its limbs, breaking the long and sacred tradition of unliving matter of rolling downhill Instead we gaze upwards towards our source My current assemblage is fresh, a flower in bloom But my roots are deep In each of my cells is the long story of interaction with the surface of

this planet Unbroken, whispered from one generation to the next Advising me Telling me their stories of survival through impulses and desires Each of my siblings hears a slightly different version An eddy is not separate from its stream I have fears older than stars And urges that have seen our galaxy ripen from its primordial matter, seen stars forge new elements from which more of us might come into being Out of which more worlds might come alive And whisper stories to themselves in the darkness and the silence

Texts: Geoffry Bonning Art: Sophie Bear

NOTE TO SELF Stop trying to be somewhere else This is where and when you are Experiences from the past blend into an unknown and new place Reality is remade at every moment Nothing can be said for the future But the expectations of it (that you cannot help but create) reach back into this present A way for our finite minds to make sense of an infinitely detailed and unknowable slice in time I mix experience with prediction and tell myself that I know where I am An insect on a leaf in a surging river, seeing the familiar folds and surfaces, and hoping that where it ends there is another leaf, like there always was on the forest floor

it knew The past and future aren't here and I cannot even know this moment in full Every detail l choose to focus on expands into new worlds My leaf will be pulled under very soon How lucky to have had a leaf

Week 11, Semester 1, 2018

Creative

AMBER Text: Anonymous Graphic: Hannah Charny

I always think of you. We haven’t spoken for two years. Still I think of you, and I find myself sitting at the back of a classroom, suffocating by the gas heater as it clicks and blasts out stale, oily air. For a moment I wonder if the fumes are toxic. Then the thought fades. It’s winter, and school is icy as hell. Our egg-headed teacher Mr Can is writing some facts about the Vikings onto the blackboard. No, they did not have pointy hats. He’s wearing that ugly suede jacket he wears every single day. I want to burn it. Erin whispers to me that Sophie heard he’s “a pervert”. Your Internet privileges were revoked for writing ‘fuck’ in a school email, so you’re using my laptop to shop for the kind of bikinis my mum says only skanks wear. Erin and I are sharing earphones, miming to Cher Lloyd off her iPhone 4 while Mr Can makes a mental note to express contempt in our reports. What do we care? We are thirteen. Mr Can notices you aren’t copying down notes like the rest of us are studiously pretending to. He’s so appalled that he tries to grab my laptop off of you. Very unprofessional. After an intense

and uncomfortably long battle you storm out of the classroom, and everyone whispers with glee at the sudden tension. Who can blame us, with Mr Can filling our bored young brains with tales of hatless Vikings? This fight is the most interesting thing we’ll see all week. By the time you get back, Erin and I have lodged a wad of hair beneath the laptop screen. You stride into the classroom, flick your dark ponytail, give Mr Can the evil eye, open up my laptop and scream because it looks like a spider. We laugh, and forget. Oh, but I didn’t forget. It lies there untouched, the chapters of my adulthood so laughably thin. A little dusty, but you can see how the translucent volumes cover the end of my infant mind. We couldn’t have had less in common. Me, still an unsung child, and you, just yesterday a mother at twenty. Why do I still think of you? In high school life was easy for me. I lived from one day to the next, blind to the outside world, to the future and to pain. Blind to your pain. Once you were away for a week, and then you were back. Same old you. Quiet, morose, cool. Except that your dad had died. I tried to spout some weak words of consolation, but you said you were fine. So I forgot. It was winter; I didn’t see the cuts on your arms. I wouldn’t have known what to say if I’d seen them. I was 13. So off I went to gossip on the chilly

corridor tiles with my best friends – the kinds which didn’t let off bouts of silence, nor cries for help. My friends had seen something in you that they didn’t like, so you were the one that they all agreed to hate. ‘Put your hand up if you hate Amber.’ In Geography I would sometimes sit next to you while you showed me pictures of your future tattoos. I listened patiently, though surely none of it would ever happen. Your mum was too strict. Mum? No – aunt. Your mum was in jail. And though I forgot, you didn’t. When the social came around you asked “a boy who worked at Macca’s” to go with you. I asked why you wanted him to come – you barely knew him. “But Amber, what is he like?” “His name is Jack.” I, being so innocent, was confused. A few weeks after the social your 18-year-old sister gave birth to a baby girl. The baby was underweight, you told me with awe, smaller than size zero. I remember your shining face, full of pride and excitement. How amazing it must be to become a mother! I gritted my teeth and smiled. Next thing the boyfriend left her, and so did the baby. That is, until she stole it back from a foster home and went on the run. You disappeared from school for a few days.

Interrogated by police, perhaps, while I had sat in French class watching the spring rain stream down foggy windows, listening to an old song about French frogs in love. La ee tou la la, La ee tou la la, it went. But I didn’t forget her story, abstract and wild. Had you learnt from her? It wasn’t long ago. I hope you know him better than Jack. Today I threw out my old stuffed animals. I found them at the back of my cupboard and their names came back to me. Daisy Mouse, Humphrey Bear, Archie. My childhood lies barely beneath the surface, and all the while you are a child no longer. Your number is still in my phone, and I thought maybe I’d ask if you want the toy animals for your own baby girl. Something stopped me. I’m too cowardly to follow you into the real world. But I’ll pass you in the shopping centre one day, your four kids screaming around the trolley and begging for dinosaur-shaped pasta. Tattoos, painted nails, shining eyes, long faded scars. Maybe you’ll even remember me. Most likely you won’t. And I’ll wander away into my safe elsewhere, forever the innocent, humming French nursery rhymes. We’ll never meet again. But I’ll always think of you.

Vol. 68 , Issue 06

this is satire Text: Ciaran Lane This is satire. Well, it’s meant to be. I’m pretty sure satire is meant to be funny and have some meaning, but I have nothing important to say, so this doesn’t really work. I just want to see if this will end up being printed. So, welcome to my genius piece of satirical satire. It’s satire about satire because it isn’t really anything. It’s just words to take up space on the back of a newspaper. I’m not actually sure how much space it should take up. One sec. Okay, so I did a quick check of the last three Woroni Satire articles and they are 309, 479, and 362 words long. As of the end of this sentence I’m at 122. This seems to be going well. I’ve been writing and not really said anything. I’m trying not to say anything though, so I guess I’m going well? Anyway, I guess I should make jokes. However, since I don’t want to say anything, I have to say jokes about nothing. Well, jokes that don’t mean anything. Surprisingly difficult! I guess most of the humour I can think of is making fun of things, and making fun of things would make me have a point. After all, the point of this is to not have a point.

Crap, is that a point? Screw it, I’m at 225 words. It doesn’t matter if I have a point, I’m almost done. I am going to be very proud if this gets published. I haven’t written lots of words in a while and it’d be nice if this is apparently okay. That, or there just isn’t much else to publish . Either way I’m going to be happy. 283 words. If I had a point I think I’d start wrapping it up now. Instead I’m just circling and saying nothing and really stretching this to the point where any entertainment you could get out of this disappears. Why are you still reading this? This is not good writing! 333 words. Okay, here I’m actually going to wrap it up. Turns out I still feel the need to write an ending to this pointless thing. Thank you for reading, I don’t know why you did, but thanks. Maybe you’re really bored? I dunno. Anyway, apparently this goes beside the Sudoku, a very impressive position which I do not deserve. Good luck with the Sudoku though. I actually haven’t been able to finish a Woroni one yet. Don’t tell anyone.

Sudoku by Mia Jessurun

Third Wheel Not Doing Himself Any Favours by Tagging Couple Friends in Memes Text: James Hamilton Graphic: Clarence Lee A recent article published in J. Appl. Psychol. has found that single friends who tag couple friends in memes do not have a higher chance of attracting a mate than those who do not. This finding came to light as Bachelor Johnno tagged his couple friends, Alice and Derek, in the fourth Spongebob meme of the week. “We love Johnno, don’t get us wrong, but meme- tagging is a sacred act amongst young couples,” tells Alice, who met Derek at a Burgmann/B&G mixer two years ago. The pair are reported to have hit it off almost immediately and basically became official when Derek tagged Alice in a Jerry of the Day video. Johnno was one of the first to pick up on Alice and Derek’s mutual interest in each other after he noticed that the two were both of affluent, Northern Sydney heritage and were avid members of the ANU Snow Sports Club.

“I’ve known Alice since first year. We met in PPE society, and I used to pester Derek for 1013 web assignment answers” recalls Johnno, a 25- year old undergrad currently on his second degree switch. “They’re my best friends and I like to share in their happiness by including them in various Facebook shitposts,” he added. Alice and Derek see things differently, however. “I missed out on tagging Alice in a spicy meme last month because Johnno got to it first. I appreciate the effort, but I think he needs to start focusing on himself. Last I checked, his Tinder age setting was 18-30 with a range of 35km,” comments Derek. “We just want him to be happy, but also not mooch off our gross, borderlinetoxic mutual dependency,” Alice added. “Maybe he should try Bumble? That’s what single peasants use now when they want to ascend, right? They use Bumble?”