SUNY Plattsburgh’s independent student newspaper since 1997
FRIDAY, April 23, 2021
VOLUME 104 - ISSUE 10
CARDINALPOINTSONLINE.COM
202122 SA budget revealed BY ADEEB CHOWDHURY Associate FUSE Editor
The Student Association budget for the 2021-22 academic year was presented during the meeting April 14, reflecting more optimistic albeit cautious expectations of what to expect next year. “Coming up with this budget was actually difficult in some ways,” SA Treasurer Saugat Gautam said. “We’re still not sure what exactly to expect. We’ve been working on this since January.” The budget was finalized following the SA’s decision to set its mandatory fee at $95 for the 2 0 2 1-2 2 academic year. This was a controversial proposal that had initially been rejected, until a special meeting was held to reconsider and ultimately accept it. The current fee is $85, but given expectations of more activity on campus next semester, it will increase accordingly to $95. However, this amount is actually a decrease from the original fee. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was $105. The amount allocated for Fall 2021 is $479,516, which is higher than last year’s budget.
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The City of Plattsburgh works with SUNY Plattsburgh students in City Hall to revitalize a plan for the local waterfronts.
Plattsburgh revamps waterfronts BY MIA MORGILLO Contributor
The City of Plattsburgh is currently in the process of drafting a new Comprehensive Plan, something the city hasn’t done since 1999. In 2016, Lakefront Water Revitalization Plan was drafted to focus on improvements that would come to be included in the Comprehensive Plan as well. To gain further clarity on what a new Comprehensive Plan and the LWRP mean, Center for Earth and Environmental Sciences Associate Professor, and key collabFEES l A2 orator on the plans, Curt Gervich
highlighted the purpose of each. “[The LWRP] is a vision for what the waterfront areas of Plattsburgh could be in the future, so it is all of the parts of the city that sit on Lake Champlain and along the Saranac River,” Gervich said. “The Comprehensive Plan is for the whole city.” Director of Landscape Architecture at Saratoga Associates Emily Gardner is working with the City of Plattsburgh to draft the Comprehensive Plan. Gardner and other individuals developing the Comprehensive Plan are now working to be sure the LWRP and Comprehensive Plan
align before the LWRP is finalized and adopted, and the Comprehensive Plan’s draft complete. Both Gervich and Gardner stressed the difference between these two plans. The LWRP focuses on revitalizing waterfront areas that have deteriorated, enhancing access to the waterfront and recreation opportunities. Meanwhile, the Comprehensive Plan covers the overall vision for the city, setting goals and creating policies that will support the continued growth of the city. It is important that planning efforts for the Comprehensive Plan, which include waterfront areas,
remain consistent with the plans laid out in the LWRP. “The Comprehensive Plan covers topics on a city-wide scale and focuses on land use and zoning-related recommendations, such as housing, economic development and transportation,” Gardner said. SUNY Plattsburgh senior Jillian Kara, an environmental science planning and management major, is working with the city in the creation and evolution of these plans. Kara has been heavily involved with outreach.
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Photos provided by SUNY Plattsburgh
Two students receive Chancellor Award BY JOHANNA WEEKS Staff Writer
Two SUNY Plattsburgh Students, Kassandra Doran and James Faraci, won the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. The award is presented to students who have demonstrated integration of academic excellence with other aspects of their lives, including leadership, campus involvement, athletics, career achievement, community
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service, creative and performing arts. The students were honored by Chancellor Jim Malatras at a virtual ceremony from Albany April 14. Out of 64 SUNY colleges, senior psychology major Doran and biochemistry and biomedical sciences major Faraci were cited for their accomplishments during a most challenging year of pandemic, distance learning, pool testing and quarantine. Doran explained she did not think she received the award be-
cause her fellow community advocate, Faraci, was notified before her. “[James] called me Saturday morning and told me to check my email. There was nothing there and I just assumed I didn’t get it. So then, it wasn’t until Monday afternoon that I got the email and I was just shocked that I got it,” Doran said. Doran and Faraci are both community advocates, or CAs, and have conducted research with the help of groups and mentors. José de Ondarza, an associate
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professor of the department of biological sciences, expressed that Faraci is enthusiastic and deserving of the award. De Ondarza taught a microbiology class that Faraci was in, and he noticed Faraci’s enthusiasm and engagement. There was a lot of potential in Faraci that de Ondarza noticed and he was pleased that Faraci agreed to do research with him in his lab.
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Co-News Editors Olivia Bousquet & Mataeo Smith
FEES Continued from page one
April 9 A student reported missing laundry in Defredenburgh Hall. The report is under investigation.
April 16 A student reported a phishing scam they had received by email. The investigation is closed.
COVID-19 Tracker Total number of positive COVID-19 cases over the past 14 days:
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Number of active COVID-19 cases:
It is markedly higher than the $427,864 allocated for Fall 2020. The total SA budget for 2021-22 is $986,310. It consists of the sum of predicted college enrollment fees, unallocated cash reserves or money remaining from this year, and additional revenue, such as ticket sales. The budget will be funding essential campus services such as the SA Shuttle, ACB activities, club activities and student tutoring. Given that many clubs were not active this year. There is still uncertainty about what can be expected next semester. Therefore, all clubs were allocated a starting amount of $200, and if necessary, they can request more using the Additional Allocations system. “We held a meeting March 26 to present the Fall 2021 budget to club presidents and treasurers,” Gautam said. “I think they were generally happy and satisfied with what we presented. The club leaders understand the position we’re all in due to the pandemic.” Jade Estremera, the president of Fuerza: Black and Latinx Student Association, emphasized the responsibility of clubs to use the available funds wisely. “We appreciate that things are moving in a better direction,” said Estremera. “Even though it’s not a lot of funds it’s still something that we are grateful for
AWARDS Continued from page one “James has been one of the most gregarious student researchers I have ever had. He has been an extreme pleasure to mentor, and I am excited to see where the future will take him,” de Ondarza said. Doran and Faraci overcame challenges during the pandemic, especially in terms of their research. “I’ve never been recognized in this sort of fashion before. I’ve always done research and these were things that I wanted to do and I had fun doing. To win something this big, it’s really cool to see that other people recognize that this is some hard work,” Doran said. “My research was able to go online and I didn’t have to be in person, but I think
it was hard trying to grasp the concepts and all the analysis over Zoom.” Doran expressed that she was fortunate her research and class could be moved online, but the platform made learning difficult. “In higher level classes, everything is discussion based. Covid has taken that away. I feel like I could have found a more specific aspect of my career that I would’ve wanted to go into,” Doran said. “It has been an honor, a privilege, and a joy to work alongside Kassandra,” Assistant Pyschology Professor Inmaculada Ibáñez-Casas said. “Her passion is contagious and her thirst for knowledge, inspiring. I couldn’t be prouder and happier for her for this well-deserved award. I foresee the brightest future for her.” Faraci had been focusing on microbiology research when the switch to online learning platform occurred. “There’s not much that you can do online,”
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Number of students and employees in quarantine:
Number of COVID-19 tests by the Student Health Center since
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Aug. 15, 2020:
CP Corrections In Issue 9, The article, “Plattsburgh students lose faith in DEI,” called the employee who posted a racist comment on FaceBook an administrator. However, her position on campus is as an administrative assistant. If you see an error in Cardinal Points, email cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Continued from page one This was a way to involve community members’ opinions on what they would like to see come from the Comprehensive Plan. According to Kara, some questions included recreational opportunities, infrastructure plans and ideas about where and how to rebuild parts of the city. “The whole process has made me feel so much closer to the City of Plattsburgh and more importantly welcomed in the community,” Kara said about inclusion with the city and college students. Through working with the city, Kara has developed some of her own ideas as well, such as bring-
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and continue to work hard for. As a team, we always make sure that the funds are used responsibly and appropriately. We expect to make the best out of it for next semester.” Similarly, Criminal Justice Club president Samantha Alvarez noted the importance of using the Additional Allocations option made available to all clubs. “The budget cut is definitely frustrating as I’m sure other Presidents may agree, but the SA treasurer mentioned that the funding available, a baseline $200, is not the only funding allotted,” said Alvarez. “Clubs and organizations can still request additional funding and allocations. This brings me hope that clubs and orgs will be able to run with the adequate funding they need if they simply request it. Of course, I’m hoping this works out for the best for all of us next semester.” However, the club budget for Spring 2021 has not been finalized yet. “Since we have no idea what next spring is going to be like, we thought it would be unwise to make official decisions about the budget for it right now,” Gautam said. “What matters is that the budget we presented [at the SA meeting] fortunately got approved. I think everyone is excited to see what the next year has in store.” Email ADEEB CHOWDHURY
cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Faraci said. “I was waiting three years for this international conference. Instead of being on the beaches of Florida, I was in my room. So, that was pretty upsetting.” Their leadership roles and research have taken them to different places and helped them improve. “Being a CA has made me a lot of who I am. The shared training, dealing with situations first hand, going into things blind. I think that helps a lot speaking with people because you are never going to know their reactions,” Doran said. Doran said that her time management skills improved and she was able to present in APA and New Hampshire where she learned to communicate. She has learned to not take things for granted, such as the people she meets and places she travels to. Doran accredits these opportunities to SUNY Plattsburgh, which she has not gotten the
ing food trucks to the Plattsburgh Marina. Not only would that create purpose for an otherwise under used resource, but also “create an activity that would bring people from the area together,” she said. The collaboration between the City of Plattsburgh and SUNY Plattsburgh students is not exclusive to just Kara. “We hope SUNY students will continue to contribute their thoughts, concerns, questions or ideas on either or both of these plans,” Gardner said. Gardner mentioned the Late Night for the Planet virtual event that occurred March 9, which was supported by Gervich, along with students Clarice Knelly, Chole Bashy and Hadar Pepperstone. The event involved City Planner Malana Tamer, Emily Gardner and City Mayor Christopher C. Rosenquest,
chance to dive into since the pandemic began. “I think it’s pretty great that the culmination of all our hard work is coming to fruition,” Faraci said. Faraci is the president of pre-med pre-health club on campus, head CA and a honors peer mentor. Like many students, the pandemic has changed Faraci’s outlook on the opportunities before him. Being able to sit with peers in a classroom and being able to have coffee next to them is something he misses. “I’m pretty upset that the ceremony wasn’t in person. I would love to be sitting in the same room as people who have the same morals and goals as I do, but I think it was still a really good online ceremony,” Doran said. “It was really cool that the entire SUNY System saw James and I representing this little school up here.” Email JOHANNA WEEKS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
as well as some others working on the Comprehensive Plan. The goal of the event was to involve more of the student body and community in the discussion of what they would like to see come out of the plan. “We want to make sure that the plans and goals reflect the younger generation as well,” said Gardner. “After all, SUNY students make up a large portion of the City’s residents, whether only for a few years, or as new graduates looking to start their careers and families in the City.” Additionally, students may make comments on what they would like to see from the plan on the city’s website at cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov. Email MIA MORGILLO cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
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Friday, April 23, 2021
This Week in Photos: SPORTS Photos By Dakota Gilbert
Above: Softball player Alexa Murray prepares to step up to the plate. Below: Brain Pohoreckyj, number 50 on the men’s lacrosse team, sweeps by his opponent.
Below to the left: Baseball pitcher Chase Blazak pushes with might to get a strike for the Cardinals. Below to the right: Emily Caoili, a player for the women’s lacrosse team, runs through the snow during a game.
Above: Men’s lacrosse player Zach Gill moves across the field during a game. Below: Softball pitcher Julia Golino releases a striking pitch at the mound.
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Bond balances tennis season, nursing classes BY JONAS WARD Staff Writer
Cydney Bond, a nursing student at SUNY Plattsburgh and player on the women’s tennis team, will be a next generation healthcare worker when she graduates. “I chose to be a nursing major because I have this compassionate drive to help people in any way that I can,” Bond said. “Nurses, no matter where they OLGA MUKA/Cardinal Points work, are an integral part of the healthcare system Sophomore Cydney Bond smiles in front of the tennis courts she competes on. and the lives of patients. I took my interest in medicine and paired it with my humanitarian needs and decided on nursing.” In addition to her nursing studies, Bond proves to be a force on the tennis court. She has learned to balance her techniques for certain circumstances during a match. She has trained herself to be more prepared for whatever she may face. “I would call myself a versatile player,” Bond said. “I really have evolved from playing traditional tennis at the baseline to venturing into playing doubles, changing up my shots and understanding the game. I used to just get the ball back, now I
play with a purpose and really challenge myself to become better.” Bond’s teammates bring out the best in her when it comes to playing. She greatly respects her team and they also look up to each other on and off the court. “One of my strongest qualities is leadership by default, thus I think I am someone my teammates turn to,” Bond said. “Moreover, I also emit confidence in tennis that I feel my teammates appreciate. Though, I look up to everyone on my team. Everyone brings something unique to the table that is really admirable. I strive to be the best I can and my teammates bring that out in me.” The pandemic has affected everybody differently this semester. Bond had to overcome the loss of her fall tennis season. The pandemic led Bond and her team to creativity when it comes to tennis. “The pandemic obviously took away our fall season, but we are extremely fortunate to be playing right now,” Bond said. “The pandemic has taught everyone how to think outside the box. Thankfully in tennis, we are socially distancing while being able to do
something we love.” When Bond is not on a tennis court or attending to her studies, she loves to pass the time with different hobbies. All of them keep her healthy mentally and physically. In her free time, she loves to exercise, spend time with loved ones, and clean. “Exercise feeds my soul from lifting to tennis, to even walks. On top of that, I really strive to eat clean and take care of myself as best as I can. The pandemic really showed us to cherish time with those we love and that gives me happiness.” The semester was exceedingly challenging for Bond as a nursing student. She tried her best to stay on top of her responsibilities. “As a nursing student, each semester gets harder and harder,” Bond said. “This semester, I was challenged with the workload and difficulties of my classes. The learning curve is strong, but it is always worth it in the end.” Chuck Ko, the women’s tennis coach, believes Bond has advanced quickly on SUNY plattsburgh’s women’s tennis team after playing in high school for many years. TENNIS l A5
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TENNIS Continued from page four “Even though she is only a sophomore she is already one of the role models on our team,” Ko said. “Cydney brings a fantastic energy to the team that is contagious to the other players. Whether it be the energizing music on her Bluetooth speaker she brings to practice or the pump up words to her teammates you can tell that she strives for our season to be enjoyable for all.” Ko believes Bond will be successful in her career. He explains she is a valuable player to the team and she will continue to advance her skills in the future. Ko described how Cydney is a dedicated nursing student who takes her academics very seriously and also has
NEWS
a strong passion for tennis in which it is obvious that the team is an important part of her college experience. Cydney is a crucial athlete of the SUNY Plattsburgh Women’s Tennis team in which Ko knows she will continue to add onto her accomplishments as a student athlete during the remainder of this season and her future seasons to come. “I absolutely look up to Cydney as a role model,” Hurwitz said. “She is balancing a rigorous Nursing school course load, tennis, and so much more, all the while making it look easy. And despite all the responsibilities she has, and the stress she must feel from it all, she is still always kind and caring to everyone. I am lucky to have her as a role model.” Email JONAS WARD cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
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FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021
New hope for Broadway stages arise
BY ALEXA DUMAS
Opinions Editor
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, aspects of live entertainment have been reimagined. No other industry has been impacted more than the theater community. Broadway, the leader in professional performing arts, has been heavily suffering from the lack of revenue. Performers, stage managers, costume designers, theater technicians and others who have dedicated their lives to the theater have lost their livelihood. Worst of all, Broadway fans miss seeing their favorite shows. “I feel like now I’m just kind of reliving old memories and having to look through old cast recordings,” Freshman Communication Sciences and Disorders major Nicole Malatino said. “I feel like the Broadway community kind of fell apart.” During March of last year, Broadway stages closed their curtains, hoping to return a month later. Now, more than a year later, stages aim to open in May and aim to implement health and safety precautions in each theater. This shutdown is the longest Broadway has seen. The long break that Broadway has been facing has deeply affected students on campus who enjoy theater. Since the pandemic has affected everything considered “normal,” this also relates to seeing live performances on the professional and personal stages.
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“I think that [COVID-19] has really affected it, just like everything else,” Freshman Expeditionary Studies major Haley Steffy said. “Shows got shut down. My brother hasn’t been able to do performances at his school because of COVID. All musicals are getting shut down and it kind of sucks.” The ability to access live theater has saddened students who enjoy seeing the performers put their heart and soul into each show. As more advances are being made to allow for pa-
trons to access theater virtually, these events can never be the same as going to a Broadway show. “The whole point of theater is that it’s live,” FirstYear English Writing Arts major Isabella Alesandrini said. “Of course, COVID affects that. Even online productions are great, but it’s not the same. It’s just been so disheartening to see what’s happened to the community. Despite how hard it has been, I still have seen so much creativity from the theater community keeping us together during this time.”
The Broadway experience can never be matched. The atmosphere of each show is a unique phenomenon that cannot be described, just felt. “Once I walk in those doors, the outside world just melts away,” Malatino said. “I feel like I don’t have to worry about anything that’s going on in my life. I can kind of just enjoy my two hours in someone else’s world and get to immerse myself in a story that maybe isn’t always realistic. It just always makes me feel some sort of way.
Even if it’s a sad show, I’m still happy to be there.” Malatino, a Long Island resident, stated she was a regular visitor to Broadway and has seen 30 shows in a four-year span. She explained that COVID-19 disrupted her plans to see three shows in 2020. April 3 saw the first theater to open during the pandemic. Broadway legend, Nathan Lane, and Tony-winning choreographer, Savion Glover, performed at the St. James Theatre exclusively for front-line workers at the Actors Fund
and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Both organizations provide funds for performers and other theater employees facing hardships, especially during the AIDS/HIV crisis and COVID-19 pandemic. This 10-week show series hosted by Lane and Glover is being used as a “test run” and model for future socially distant Broadway productions. Even though more Broadway shows are expected to make a return in May, it could be a while before the theater-going experience returns to its original state. While this is immensely disheartening to fans, safety is at the forefront of the Broadway community. “With Broadway, the one thing that I always liked was that they always just want everyone to be safe,” Malatino said. “They definitely find a way to make sure that, whatever they do, they’re not going to do it until they know that it will be 100% safe for everyone.” Fortunately, April 13 saw the opening of the Broadway vaccination site in New York’s Times Square. The clinic was started by ATC Healthcare Services, a company that provides medical professionals with travel assignments, is run by almost 80 off-Broadway employees who were laid off due to the pandemic. The COVID-19 vaccinations are designated for all Broadway workers in hopes of getting the theater business up and running again.
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Prince Phillip’s death sparks memes BY CARLY NEWTON Staff Writer
As one monarch falls, the royal family mourns. Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, has died at the age of 99. He was married to Queen Elizabeth for 74 years. Including the Queen, he leaves behind many royal family members such as his grandchildren Prince William and Prince Harry. Recently abdicated Prince Harry will be in attendance at the funeral. Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, had previously accused members of the royal family of saying racist remarks during an Oprah Winfrey interview that aired in March. While it was unclear who made the remarks, it’s hard to deny that members of the royal family, such as Prince Phillip, have said some questionable and uncalled for things over their reign. Mirror News listed some of Prince Phillip’s worst, cringe-worthy quotes. Some of his “gaffes” show just how out-of-touch and tone-deaf he could be when he was around different kinds of people. “You look like you’re ready for bed!” Prince Phillip said in 2003 to the President of Nigeria who was in national dress, which consists of colorful, wrapped clothing. If you think this is bad, don’t worry, it gets even worse. “Deaf? If you’re near there, no wonder you are deaf,” Prince Phillip said in 2000 to a group of deaf children standing near a steel drum band. “And what exotic part of the world do you come from?” Prince Phillip said in 1999 to Black politician Lord Taylor of Warwick. Anti-American bias was on display in his next quote. “People think there’s a rigid class system here, but dukes have even been known to marry chorus girls. Some have even married Americans,” Prince Phillip said in 2000. Prince Harry and his American wife Meghan Markle probably didn’t like that one too much. Finally, the worst has been saved for last. “I don’t think a prostitute is more moral than a wife, but they are doing the
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same thing,” Prince Phillip said in 1988. There’s plenty more awful quotes where that came from, 90 to be exact. This is why Prince Harry and Markle’s accusations of racism within the royal family isn’t surprising. Prince Phillip, for many decades, has gotten away with uncultured, sexist and borderline racist comments for years. These are all comments he has made publicly, so imagine what he had said in private.
After the news of Prince Phillip’s passing went viral, social media didn’t hesitate to begin sharing memes about him. Are people just using humor to cope with his death or do they genuinely believe Prince Phillip didn’t deserve respect? It’s hard to say, but some of the memes were clever. One Twitter user @FullofFrap shared a picture of Queen Elizabeth on the dating app Tinder with a bio that reads “Liz 94,
recently widowed, loads of money.” Before Prince Phillip died, one TikTok user @andrewjsacks shared a video compilation of “things I believe would kill Prince Phillip.” In the video, a single mint breath strip and the radar iPhone alarm were among things listed. This is just two examples of the many memes that are currently floating around the internet. MEMES l A8
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Opinions Editor Alexa Dumas
Friday, April 23, 2021
Loss of DMX hits rap community BY NATALIE ST. DENIS Associate Opinions Editor
At the age of 50, rapper Earl Simmons, known as DMX (Dark Man X), died April 9. DMX had been on life support since suffering a heart attack in his New York home April 2. His heart attack was reportedly caused by a drug overdose. Freshman computer science major, Yash Ugavekar has been a fan of DMX since listening to his song “X Gon’ Give It to Ya” from “Deadpool” in 2016. Hearing of his death made a lasting impact on him. “Honestly, I felt the same amount of sadness when I heard that Kobe Bryant died or when Chadwick Boseman died because he was at the same level of influencing people as those two,” Ugavekar said. DMX was popular during the 90s and early 2000s. Some of his many hits were “X Gon’ Give It to Ya,” “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” and “Where The Hood At.” His 1998 debut album, “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot,” was certified four times Multi-Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of American in 2000. DMX even had an acting career. These films included “Romeo Must Die” in 2000 and “Cradle 2 The Grave” in 2003. Now that DMX’s name is in news headlines. People are learning his legacy and discovering his music. Ugavekar mentioned a similar thing happened to him when rapper Juice WRLD died and regretted not knowing his music earlier. This was also common after Mac Miller’s death. A shadow of guilt often drapes those who hadn’t discovered an artist’s work before their death. DMX influenced hip hop with his unique tone and style. He also had dangerous and unpredictable lyrics, as Ugavekar put it. “I always wanted to hear that type of music. It was very dangerous and very
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gritty,” Ugavekar said. “It gave a certain adrenaline rush to it. When you hear the songs, you want to go work out, you want to go run, something like that.” As popular as DMX’s music was, his struggles with addiction and the law were equally, if not more, known. DMX went to jail for various incidents, such as charges of drug possession, robbery, probation violation and driving without a license. Ugavekar explained that the reputation DMX carried may prevent others from being fans. But it must be said that it did not define him.
“I don’t expect everyone to be a fan of DMX because he used to be a gangster back in his young days,” Ugavekar said. “But he has improved from then. People might see him as a dangerous person, but he’s not. He’s one of the people who won’t let fame or money change him, and he’ll still remember his roots.” DMX canceled his tour in 2019 to seek treatment for his addiction. In an interview with GQ Magazine, DMX said, “I just need to have a purpose and I don’t even know that purpose because God has given me that purpose
since before I was in the womb, so I’m going to fulfill that purpose.” This optimism is a big part of DMX’s legacy that Ugavekar among many others hope will live on. “DMX’s legacy is don’t let money or fame change you, don’t let the ego get to you, just stay the person who you are and don’t let the past affect your future,” Ugavekar said. Email NATALIE ST. DENIS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
‘Promising Young Woman’ challenges female role BY CAMERON KAERCHER Contributor
The 2018 Academy Awards were surrounded by apprehension due to the multiple nominations for Alfonso Cuaron’s “Roma,” a film produced by Netflix. Filmmakers like Stephen Spielberg spoke out against the film as it was readily available online concurrently with a theatrical release. The COVID-19 pandemic changed these expectations just a bit. This year’s eight Best Picture nominees debuted everywhere; HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime; everywhere, but the theater. One film premiered without a streaming service, but to video on-demand ZOE NGUYEN /Cardinal Points platforms for a hefty $19.99
rental price. “Promising Young Woman’s” word of mouth was too strong to be deterred by the rental fee and is still within the top five rentals on iTunes. The film stars Carey Mulligan as Cassie, a young woman whose traumatic departure from medical school still haunts her. At night, her sorrow turns to vengeance as she acts drunk at local bars, hoping to be picked up and brought home by a “nice guy.” When the gentleman of the night has Cassie alone, his true nature comes out and as he tries to coerce her into intimacy, she snaps out of her stupor. All of these confrontations are part of a path leading up to the one man who has caused Cassie so much pain. The best thing about this
premise is how it engages in conversation with genres from the past. The ‘70s saw a rise in the sadistic and exploitational “rape-revenge” genre films. Movies like “Death Wish,” “Straw Dogs” and “The Last House on the Left” are all centered around a poor helpless woman being brutally attacked by nameless men in the first half-hour or so. This disgusting act then enrages the man in the woman’s life, as he decides to take violent justice into his own hands. To be frank, these films exist only to have nudity and blood on screens and to get people into seats opening weekend to make a quick buck. The films were quick to shoot, easy to edit and could get everyone buzzing in the media over controversial topics. ROLES l A8
‘The quiet Beatle’ remembered BY HALES PASSINO Staff Writer
George Harrison left the world too soon, and left behind a long lasting legacy. Harrison was often regarded as “the quiet Beatle,” but surely had a lot on his mind and creatively expressed it through his work. Mindfulness and music are synonymous with Harrison. It’s rather difficult to compile a list of his accomplishments and career highlights, however, his time with The Beatles, the Traveling Wilburys and exceptional solo career are of great importance. Harrison first achieved international fame as lead guitarist in the early 1960s with The Beatles, the famous rock band formed out of Liverpool, England. They are easily one of the most influential music groups of all time.
Eli Moore, a SUNY Plattsburgh graduate and local musician, was introduced to Harrison’s music at an early age and respects his character as a person as well as his style of playing. “I think he had his ups and downs, as did all The Beatles and as did a lot of people in the ‘60s and ‘70s rock scene,” Moore said. “[But] George wasn’t the worst of those people.” Harrison was tame in comparison to other, more problematic members like John Lennon. Overall, Moore feels Harrison tried his best to devote himself to his spiritual life as much as his physical life, and that he and Ringo Starr were the least egotistical of the “fab four.” Beatlemania hit America in 1964 and drastically changed the music scene. This inspired a generation
of songwriters in the 1960s who were interested in pursuing a new style. Harrison delved into the music of India and took great interest in transcendental meditation and Hinduism. “This led to him opportunistically experimenting with cultural flavor in their music,” Music major, Nelson Moore said. Harrison was responsible for broadening the horizons of the band’s sound with Indian string instruments such as the sitar. This can be heard on tracks like “Norweigan Wood (This Bird Has Flown).” Harrison’s interest in Bob Dylan and The Byrds also inspired him to include folk influence into The Beatles work. Though most Beatles tunes were written by Paul McCartnery and John Lennon, some of Harrison’s most
popular songs with The Beatles include “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Here Comes The Sun” and “Something.” After The Beatles parted ways in 1970, Harrison went on to release the solo album “All Things Must Pass.” Some well known songs from that album include “My Sweet Lord” and “What Is Life.” They truly enchant Harrison’s spiritual side and explore the depths of religion and reality. The Traveling Wilburys was another popular phase of Harrison’s career. The musically genius fivesome collided, which consisted of Harrison alongside Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison.
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Opinions Editor Alexa Dumas
Friday, April 23, 2021
Editorial
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Black Lives Still Matter Cardinal Points would like to start the editorial by celebrating the guilty verdict in the three-week Derek Chauvin trial. While this outcome is but a fragment of true justice, it instills a sense of hope that equity will prevail in the long run. It should be said that George Floyd should still be alive today, but it is a small victory that Chauvin was convicted of his murder. Following the verdict of the Floyd trial, solidarity caucuses such as the H.U.B/C.S.I. for Black students, the Kyla Relaford room for non-Black POC students, the Cardinal Lounge for white students and a generalized space in the Admissions lobby have been established. These spaces have been offered to the SUNY Plattsburgh community to process their emotions and express their feelings. The solidarity spaces will be open for the community until April 27. There will be a protest and vigil, starting outside the Amite Plaza to Hawkins Pond, on April 23. This will allow for the campus community to honor Floyd’s memory and speak out against police brutality. The SUNY Plattsburgh campus, as well
as the nation, has been impacted by the death of Floyd. Police brutality still remains an issue in the United States. Sadly, not too long after the verdict, 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant was killed by police in Columbus, Ohio. This is the most recent attack of police against the Black community. Bryant, who called 911 for protection against a group of teenage girls who threatened violence, was shot by officer Nicholas Reardon following the call. While the death of Bryant is a tragedy, there is an investigation now pending within the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to see that justice is served. Phone records and police videos were found, which will aid the investigation for Bryant’s family. Throughout the Floyd trial, there are instances of police brutality that have come to light. Adam Toledo, a 13-year-old Mexican American boy from Chicago, was killed by police on March 29. Toledo, just in the 7th grade, was shot after “not following police orders” after possessing a handgun. Roger Allen, a 44-year-old Black man
BROADWAY Continued from page six Not only are vaccinations a new hope for Broadway, but the warm weather is too. This summer could see the rise of outdoor performances as 10 spots in New York City have been designated for such. Broadway won’t be the only aspect of the arts returning, but so will the New York City Ballet and members of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. “It’s going to take a lot of time,” Alesandrini said. “I don’t even know if it’s go-
ing to return to the way it was before. I think, as devastating as COVID has been to the theater industry, it has opened up a lot of different ways of enjoying the medium.” While the new outlets for theater have been implemented, performers and theater employees have still been heavily impacted by the pandemic. Without Broadway being open, these professionals are facing economic hardships. “It’s their job. It’s their career.
from San Francisco, was killed by police on April 7. Allen was shot in the passenger’s seat of a friend’s truck. Police suspected Allen of possessing a firearm. This was found to be a BB gun. Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man from Minneapolis, was killed by police on April 11. Wright, who was targeted by police after having an outstanding warrant, was shot by police. The death of Wright was considered “an accidental discharge” as the officer who killed him meant to reach for her taser, instead of a handgun. The question is apparent— how do you confuse a bright yellow taser with a silver handgun? One thing is clear. Will the United States see justice for Breonna Taylor, who was murdered in her own home by police? Taylor’s memory will live on as the fight against police brutality continues. She will never be forgotten. Black lives still matter. Victims of police brutality matter. They mattered then, they will matter in the future and they absolutely matter now.
With them not being able to perform, they’re probably not getting paid as much as they should be and not being able to do what they love,” Steffy said. The Actors Fund has been a key role in providing financial assistance to theater professionals during this time. The COVID-19 Emergency Relief has distributed more than $20 million to people in the industry struggling during the pandemic. Fans of theater should consider donating to help keep the entertainment industry alive. “I feel like a lot of us realize what we lost,” Malatino said. “I feel like we all definitely still appreciated Broadway whenev-
er we had it. But I feel like now that it’s gone, it’s like we never realized how much it actually affected our lives, and how much it did help people get through troubling times. The Actors Fund is a big thing that’s providing a lot of relief for anyone affected in the industry.” Broadway has been a source of entertainment during the hardest times in recent history. Without the shining lights of the “Great White Way,” fans are still as appreciative of Broadway as ever before. Email ALEXA DUMAS cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
MEMES
treated as a joke is a sign of that. It seems the younger generations are beginning to have less respect for the royal family and are done tolerating their long history of hypocrisy. Continued from page six It is unsure what the future holds for the royals, but their influence over the public and the public’s respect for them will The Prince Phillip memes began back in December when a continue to trend downward, if change does not happen soon at picture of him looking ghostly and skeleton-like in a car went Buckingham Palace. viral. It’s not shocking to see that his death had the same effect on the internet months later. Email CARLY NEWTON Regardless of the memes trending online, the royal family’s cp@cardinalpointsonline.com reign may be coming to an end. Prince Phillip’s death being
ROLES Continued from page seven With “Promising Young Woman,” writer-director Emerald Fennell dodges these genre conventions for something that feels fresh. While the core concept of revenge remains, the emotional release is swapped out for discussing society’s problems with victim-blaming and protecting assailants. The film’s title is meant to evoke the phrase “promising young man” that was attached to convicted sexual assaulter Brock Turner.
HARRISON Continued from page seven After coming together to record in Dylan’s studio in his Malibu home, a song, originally meant to be a B side for “This Is Love” on Harrison’s album,
If people are so quick to worry over the future implications of bringing an assaulter to justice because of their promise, why can’t we act the same towards those who were hurt in the first place? Some have taken issue with the theme of justice in the film and have rightfully criticized its wrap-up as being insincere. For more writing on that, it would be beneficial to search for Ayesha A. Siddiqi’s essay on the film, published on her personal blog through Substack. The film is enjoyable in its own right; however this cultural commentary is important to consider. While the film could be talked about
“Cloud Nine” happened. The song “Handle With Care” became a driving force for an album of its own and was the start of a successful supergroup. The Traveling Wilburys played from 1988 to 1991. Some of their best known songs include “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” and “Not Alone
for days based on its morals, themes and motivations, it just works on a pure entertainment level. Mulligan’s performance is strong as the revenge story could make her unlikeable, but she knows when to play up the absurdities of the plot. “Promising Young Woman” is nominated for six Oscars, and would be more than deserving of a win for asking something that society has been scared to ask, what happens to the promising young woman?
Anymore.” The members each had their own name within the band. Harrison was Nelson Wilbury on the first album and Spike Wilbury on the second album, as mentioned by Moore. “He didn’t dig what didn’t sound authentic and physical,” Moore said. Harrison was all about writing
Taken from 100 participants
Editorial Board Editor in Chief Jess Johnson
Managing Editor Alana Penny
Co-News Editor Olivia Bousquet
Co-News Editor Mataeo Smith
Opinions Editor Alexa Dumas
FUSE Editor Alana Penny
Graphics Editor Nghi To
Photo Editor Audrey Lapinski
Multimedia Editor Sareem Jabbar
Associate Opinions Editor Natalie St. Denis
Associate Graphics Editor Sareem Jabbar
Associate FUSE Editor Adeeb Chowdhury
Public Relations Chair Heaven Longo
Web Editor Jason Smith
Faculty Adviser Shawn Murphy Advertising: Maureen Provost
Contact CP: Editorial Board: 518.564.2174 Advertising: 518.564.3173 Fax: 518.564.6397 118 Ward Hall SUNY Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NY 12901 cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Award Winning
Email CAMERON KAERCHER cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
soulful songs with emphasis on perspective and bringing people together. His material with The Beatles and the Traveling Wilburys stood out to Moore as having some of the most deepest and heartfelt meanings. Email HALES PASSINO cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
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Cardinal Points has received the following awards from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP): ACP Hall of Fame Inducted in Fall 2010 All American Spring 2018, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2016, five Marks of Distinction Spring 2014, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2012, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2011, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2010, five Marks of Distinction Fall 2009, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2009, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2008, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2005, four Marks of Distinction Spring 2004, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2003, four Marks of Distinction Fall 2002, four Marks of Distinction Pacemaker Recognition Fall 2010, Honorable Mention 2006-2007, Newspaper Finalist
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Weekly Tarot Reading BY RIVER ASHE Staff Writer
This week’s reading comes from the Linestrider Tarot Mini deck by Siolo Thompson. Using the traditional names and suits of the tarot, this deck uses watercolor art that is unique to each individual card. All exact card meanings have been recorded from “The Simple Tarot Cheat Sheet” by Angie Green, but are interpreted from experience. Both have been provided for your own interpretation as desired. Aquarius (Jan. 20—Feb. 18) pulled Death. This week will be a time of turmoil and big decisions. Changes will be made, both big and small, and yet you will survive and make it to the other side. This card represents, “big changes, endings, time to move on, rebirth [and] transformation,” according to the cheat sheet. Pisces (Feb. 19—March 20) drew the Queen of Swords. Be true to yourself this week and don’t let anyone’s opinions of you change your mind. Expect and give the truth in all situations and you will be rewarded. This card represents, “a self-sufficient person, [and] total honesty” the cheat sheet said. Aries (March 21—April 19) pulled the Three of Wands. You will be asked to go out of your comfort zone this week and work with people you may not get along with or know very well. Be sure to communicate effectively. This card represents “team-
work, commerce, expansion, [and] travel” according to the cheat sheet. Taurus (April 20—May 20) drew the Ace of Cups. A new chapter of your life is beginning. Perhaps your romantic relationship will go to the next level, or you will get fantastic news about something you have been waiting for. Congratulations. This card represents “new baby or relationship, proposal, [and] marriage,” according to the cheat sheet. Gemini (May 21—June 20) pulled the Two of Swords. You are a very strong individual with very strong beliefs, but sometimes you need to ease up on concrete demands to meet the needs of others and maintain the peace. You are no less powerful for doing so. This card represents a “time to compromise or make a decision,” the cheat sheet said. Cancer (June 21—July 22) drew the King of Pentacles. You will have to take the lead in a situation or group of people this week. Be strong and make sure that your voice is heard, but don’t trample everyone in your quest to lead effectively. This card represents, “a solid and practical leader [and] wise investor,” according to the cheat sheet. Leo (July 23—Aug. 22) pulled the Fool. Take a deep breath and reach for that opportunity that’s been staring you in the face. You are due a new chance at happiness and success, but remember to look before you leap. Make sure the ground is still
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there when you come back down. This card represents, “fresh hope, take chances, new paths and adventures, [and] beginnings,” the cheat sheet stated. Virgo (Aug. 23—Sept. 22) drew the Devil. You are falling too deeply into your vices and need an intervention. Be careful with your mind and body, they are the only ones you get and are not on this earth for long. The people you love are concerned about you. This card represents “addiction, greed, envy, materialism, obsession [and] sexual lust,” according to the cheat sheet. Libra (Sept. 23—Oct. 22) pulled the Five of Cups. You will experience a tragedy this week, the scope of which is impossible to say. This card covers anything from the death of a loved one to the breaking
of a treasured mug. Be prepared for grief, but do not hold an expectation of sympathy in some situations. This card represents “loss, regret, grief [and] feeling abandoned or unloved,” according to the cheat sheet. Scorpio (Oct. 23—Nov. 21) drew Temperance. This week is a resting point for you. You have worked hard on yourself and your surroundings, so take a moment to reflect on how much you have grown. Be reminded that you still have a long way to go, but you are well on your way. This card represents, “balance, harmony, patience, self control [and] moderation,” the cheat sheet said. Sagittarius (Nov. 22— Dec. 21) pulled the Ten of Pentacles. Focus on the long term, the big picture. Where are you go-
ing? Where will you end up if you continue on this path? Be sure that you are happy where you are before making the decision to continue. This card represents, “leaving a legacy, retirement, [and] inheritance,” according to the cheat sheet. Capricorn (Dec. 22— Jan. 19) drew the Magician. If you feel a creative urge this week, seize it and let it carry you. You will be inspired to take up a new hobby, finish an old project or simply wander around your environment looking for things to admire. This card represents, “focused creativity, turning visions into reality [and] inspired action,” the cheat sheet said.
Friday, April 23, 2021
MEN Continued from page twelve
It was addressed that masculinity does consist of having emotions, being vulnerable and not just limiting the term to one definition, which are things the socially constructed definition of masculinity tends to leave out. The panel continued to move further by discussing misconceptions on being a man and being masculine and asking deeper questions about the societal viewpoint on these two things. Throughout the meeting, all the panelists gave input through their own personal experiences and through relating to what one another had to say. It was also addressed that intersectionality plays a role in not only how you grew up to experience the idea of being a man, but also how you’re perceived as one to society. “Being a man is always shaped by my whiteness or shaped by being bisexual or shaped by my priveledged class structure,” said McMahon “ I’m not subject to being murdered for having an air freshener hanging in my car and that shapes who I am as a man and shapes what my experiences as being a man is.” As the meeting came to an end, attendees could ask any questions they had for the panelists or give their own input. Title IX posted a recording of the panel on their YouTube channel.
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Email CHRISTYN PETTWAY
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Friday, April 23, 2021
Student Art Spotlight
Audrey Lapinski
Senior art student concentrating in graphic design Hi! I’m Audrey and I’m a senior B.A. student concentrating in graphic design. A lot of my work focuses on the more mundane moments in life. I try to find strangeness and beauty everywhere around me.
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FUSE Editor Alana Penny
Friday, April 23, 2021
Kelly constantly learns, grows, explores BY ADEEB CHOWDHURY Associate FUSE Editor
Jeraya Kelly is, above all else, an explorer. Since a young age, her life and work has been defined by a restlessness of the best kind — an adventurous spirit yearning to try new things, never intimidated by the unfamiliar. Kelly’s childhood in Brooklyn thrust her into a busy, diverse world bustling with people, communities and ideas of all kinds. This lively environment brought out the natural extrovert within her, allowing her to be as “colorful and inquisitive” as she pleased—which, according to Kelly, is a nice way of saying she talked too much. Throughout high school, she dabbled in a variety of activities and clubs, from drama to art to running track. Kelly also describes herself as having been a “huge nerd,” dedicating much of her time to reading books and watching movies and TV. Some of the creative works that have shaped her the most include “Percy Jackson,” “Chronicles of Narnia,” and “Harry Potter,” as well as “Mulan,” which she appreciated the cultural representation and significance of. However, there is one TV series that stands out above all else. “I absolutely loved ‘Glee.’ I actually thought I would be on it someday,” Kelly said. “But sadly it ended when I was a junior. Looking back on it, it taught me so much about life and what to prioritize. It inspired me to open myself up to new experiences and find things that make me happy.” When it was time to choose the college where she would start the next chapter of her life, Kelly wanted a change of scenery, even briefly considering attending film school in Mexico. In the end, she decided SUNY Plattsburgh presented the perfect environment — a different environment than Brooklyn, but close enough to be able to visit home every now and then. Kelly began as a double major
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Jeraya Kelly is passionate about many social justice issues including climate change, environmental degradation, food security, animal well-being and discrimination and predjudice of all kinds. in Spanish and English language arts. She later switched to education with a concentration in English, as well as a minor in Spanish and theater. She currently describes herself as a junior-senior hybrid, having earned senior year credit early, and is expecting to graduate in May 2022. “One aspect I really value in education is having teachers that have hands-on experience with what they’re teaching, and that’s exactly what I got at Plattsburgh,” Kelly said. “I had teachers in English and cultural classes that have published their own works or are editors of magazines. That kind of experience is really important to me.” Fall 2020 saw Kelly successfully run for the Student Association, where she is currently serving as the senator of academics. Though her SA experi-
ence has been unconventional, taking place entirely during the pandemic, she reflects on it as having been a fresh, enlightening activity that has opened her eyes to how important decisions are made behind the scenes. “I’ve learned so much about the way the college operates as a whole,” Kelly said. “Being a senator has really given me a brand new perspective. I have a much deeper understanding of student leadership and what it can accomplish.” Kelly’s engagement outside the classroom is certainly not limited to the SA. True to her habit of constantly exploring new things, she has also been a part of the Council for Exceptional Children, community government, the Anthropology Club, the college theatre department, the staff of a local book-
store, among others. Theatre especially has been among her favorite activities to take part in from a young age. “New York City is known for being loud and dramatic, and theatre is a big part of who we are. I’ve always been very outspoken, and I love to talk with my hands,” Kelly said, demonstrating. “I’ve never thought of myself as an actress or a set designer specifically, but I love helping out with various aspects of plays. There are so many different facets of theatre — choreography, costume design, lighting, sound, acting, writing, — so much.” Kelly describes a number of social justice issues that are especially meaningful to her and have prompted her to take action about. Among these issues are fighting climate change and environmental degradation. In
addition, Kelly prioritizes food security and animal well-being; she has been a vegetarian for the last two years and takes steps to ensure she gets her products from cruelty-free businesses. She is also acutely aware that it is a privilege to be able to adjust her diet, and that this kind of personal activism is often a luxury for many people depending on their socio-economic background. Discrimination and prejudice of all kinds is also a major issue for Kelly. “I think it’s a responsibility to fight against discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or any other feature,” Kelly said. “Whether it be BLM, or the movement to support the LGBTQ+ community, or any other movement to resist discrimination, I think efforts like that are incredibly important.” Kelly also noted that the prejudice she actively fights against isn’t limited to prejudice against people in particular—it can also be prejudice against new ideas, activities and lifestyles. She pointed out that such prejudice can truly limit one’s experience with the world around them, shutting them away from new things that may change their lives for the better. As for the future, Kelly has a wide variety of plans. “I’d love to do voluntary work, especially in teaching language,” Kelly said. “Maybe I’ll spend time learning and teaching drama, sewing, guitar or the clarinet. I’d also like to live abroad, maybe in South America. I might do medical school. Or law school.” Kelly has no intentions of stepping away from the mission that has defined her — constantly learning, growing and exploring. There is no telling what her future has in store, and that’s exactly how she likes it.
Email ADEEB CHOWDHURY cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
Fratino makes most of extra free time BY EDDIE ROCK Contributor
International law is preventing Micheal Fratino from teaching SUNY Plattsburgh students. Michael Fratino is an adjunct lecturer in the music department. Normally, he teaches guitar class, guitar lessons as well as the guitar ensemble. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, he cannot carry out his normal teaching duties. This is because he lives in Montreal, Canada and the international travel restrictions have made it so that he cannot cross the border. “There are some classes that I wasn’t able to do online, so I lost my guitar ensemble. It’s hard to do that with a live interface, it’s impossible,” Fratino said, lamenting that technology isn’t advanced enough yet to allow things of that nature to be done. “I have my guitar class,” Fratino said. “Where I video tape everything and then I Zoom one on one if people need the help, which works. And I have my private studio which is one on one, Zoomed.” This has not been an uncommon occurrence during these pandemic times, as many who teach private lessons are having to resort to things like Zoom to continue their trade. Some teachers are finding it difficult to teach under
these circumstances. “My thing is, I feed off my students. As a teacher, I’m losing out too by not having the student in front of me. So my motivation starts to die off as well by not having the student there with me,” Fratino said. “The one thing about the online lessons that I don’t like is we can’t jam in person. I can only show, then the person shows me back what they’re learning. But we can never have that interaction where we’re playing at the same time. That’s the one takeaway from online lessons.” But at the same time, instructors and students are making the best of their situations. “But that’s ok, everybody’s ok with that,” Fratino said. “We’re learning things, and I also make personalized videos after the lessons. I help the person out as much as I can.” Like many others, musicians have found themselves with extra time on their hands that they normally wouldn’t have. Because of this, they have been able to practice a lot more. “I’ve been practicing like crazy. The people I used to jam with, are very terrified of what’s going on and they don’t want to come near me,” Fratino said. “It sucks, but I understand. My whole musical world stopped, in terms of performance and even interacting with other people.” Fratino mentioned that
for the past couple years before the pandemic, he had been focusing on playing the flamenco guitar. A flamenco guitar is similar to a classical guitar, but with a thinner top and less internal bracing. “I’ve been immersed in that. I’ve been accompanying flamenco dance classes here in Montreal, Fratino said. “That’s before the pandemic hit and everything went to Hell. I mean, I’ve done everything in music. I’ve done rock, metal, jazz, whatever. You know, you go through phases. But I haven’t touched an electric in a long time.” Fratino continued, “I felt I accomplished that part of my life and I moved onto this. And now that this happened, I was like ‘You know what? I haven’t touched my electric.’ So I picked it up again and I started relearning music I had forgotten. Now I’m starting to relearn virtuosic pieces that I never thought of doing again because I really felt I didn’t need to. But now it’s like the bug hit me again.” In addition to practicing, musicians have been able to try new things during the free time they might have. “I got back into my acoustic guitar as well. Bass music that I always wanted to learn, I just never did, Fratino said. “So I picked up a bass and now I’m doing it because I nev-
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er had the time to do it.” Musicians who perform live concerts seem to be the most negatively affected by the lockdowns. Montreal, like many other large urban areas, normally has a very active music scene. But the virus has shut all of that down. “It’s dead. For lack of a better word — we’re screwed. Everything is shut down. Most stores
are open, for clothes and things like that, but the theater and music industry is abolished right now.” But it seems that there is going to be a rainbow at the end of the storm. “As of March 25, they’re finally allowing music halls and theaters to open up with a capacity of a hundred and fifty people allowed,” Fratino said. “So everyone’s happy again
because the music halls are beginning to open up again where people can actually go and watch shows.” So it looks like there is starting to be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for all of us. A beacon of hope that we are going to get through all of this and get on with our lives. Email EDDIE ROCK cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
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Panel focuses on masculinity’s impact on men, society BY CHRISTYN PETTWAY Staff Writer
The Title IX Office held their Men and Masculinity Panel over Zoom Tuesday. Moderated by Title IX’s Violence Prevention Education and Outreach Coordinator, Zyaijah Nadler, with the help of LGBTQ+ Resource Committee intern Ciarah Richmond, the panel served to raise awareness about the role of masculinity within society. Although important to recognize that masculinity isn’t limited to men only. The meeting focused on mens’ roles when it comes to masculinity, sexual violence and ways to change the world by socializing boys and men differntly. The idea for the Men & Masculinity Panel was decided as part of Title IV’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign, “The Time is Now: To Talk. To Act. To End Sexual Violence.” “We wanted to shine a light on how masculinity plays a role in mens’ lives in both positive and negative ways,” Nadler said. “To showcase that vulnerability for men is healthy. As well as shift the societal perspective of men being the problem to men being a part of the solution.” The panel consisted of six panelists. Each panelist was intentionally picked on the basis of race, class, gender identity, and other characteristics that allowed diversity. However, not everyone reached out to was able to attend which made the panel less diverse than expected. Students on the panel were Charles Spence, President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Tyquan Fuller, President of Jedi Productions. Faculty and staff panelists were Sean Rice, the Coordinator of Multicultural Affairs, Political Science and Law and Justice professor John McMahon, who’s research is rooted in feminist and critical race theory, Deputy Title IX Coordinator of Ithaca College Omar Stoute and Allsun Ozyesil, who’s worked with the National Mental Health Alliance (NAMI-CV). While COVID has negatively impacted most events on campus, Title IX’s events have had the opposite effect. Within the past few months, Title IX has had more attendees at their events than pre-COVID-19. Through event promoting on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the #Plattslife calendar on the SUNY Plattsburgh website, the Title IX Webpage, posters on campus and word-of-mouth, Men & Masculinity Panel had a turnout of 21 attendees, not including the panelists. After everyone introduced themselves, the meeting officially began with the trailer for “The Mask You Live In,” a documentary surrounding boys and young men trying to find themselves while under the influence of society’s ideal definition of masculinity. The trailer shed light on how boys from a young age hear the term “act like a man” and are seen as weak for having emotions and/or expressing them unless the emotion is violence. It is mentioned in the trailer how some boys grow to see respect as equal to violence and how built up emotions lead to violence against themselves or others. With that, the first question asked by Zyaijah Nadler was, “what do you recall as being your first experience or understanding of manhood?” The next question asked by Ciarah Richmond was, “what does masculinity mean to you?” These two questions really kicked off the meeting because it first allowed the panelists to share their personal experiences in terms of manhood, good or bad, compared to how they actually see manhood and masculinity for themselves. MEN l A9
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