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EDITED BY Noah Bressner editor@bupipedream.com
Kara J. Brown prism@bupipedream.com
Shauna R. Bahssin manager@bupipedream.com
Joshua Gonzalez
vpma@binghamtonsa.org
DESIGNED BY Cory Bremer
design@bupipedream.com
Jonathan D. Flores
jflores3@binghamton.
PHOTOS EDITED BY Kevin Paredes photo@bupipedream.com
Darla Puerto
dpuerto1@binghamton.edu
COPY EDITED BY Bridget McCusker copy@bupipedream.com Sarah Molano
smolano1@binghamton.edu
COVER PHOTO BY Kevin Paredes Taire Herasme, a senior double-majoring in political science and Latin American and Caribbean Area studies, modeling outside of the University Union. PRISM is published monthly during the fall and spring semesters, except during finals weeks and academic breaks. The content of PRISM represents the opinions of its authors, and not necessarily the views of Pipe Dream.
PRISM
January 22, 2018
Welcome to PRISM Kara Jillian Brown There are many who entered 2017 with bleak expectations. The nation’s potential first woman president had not been elected and our first black president was handing over the reins to a new leadership fraught with unknowns. What we needed more than anything was positivity, tolerance and the ability to gain inspiration from what could be perceived as the darkest hour. At this time last year, I sat down and opened the January 2017 issue of Vogue. After leafing through the opening advertisements, skimming the table of contents and admiring the masthead, I reached Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour’s letter from the editor. Wintour began the letter with words of encouragement following a tumultuous year and highlighted the need for activism and positive leadership. She went on to describe the issue’s portfolio, “Home of the Brave.” This piece featured stories of activism, and Wintour ended her letter acknowledging the inspiration she derived from them, with the hope that others will follow suit. From their view of the world to their view of themselves, everyone has at some point been swayed by something they saw in the media, and that’s why we need publications like PRISM. Entering 2018 as PRISM editor, I have a greater understanding of the perspective Wintour held last January. From protests about the University’s response to criticism of a proposal to put blue lights in Downtown Binghamton, to racist drawings appearing in residence halls, our predominantly white university dealt with its fair share of race issues in 2017. Having an outlet where people of color feel comfortable contributing their voices is essential, and as a black woman, I feel honored to play a role in creating that outlet. In this issue, we have an interview with Catherine Castillo, president of the Student Association-chartered club One Special World. She has an beautiful outlook on life, and inspires me to be a better person, and I hope she does the same for all of you. Additionally, our writers have produced thoughtful pieces, ranging from a critique on Post Malone’s on-campus performance, to a call to keep Puerto Rico in our hearts and minds as media coverage continues to dwindle. To the students of color at Binghamton University: PRISM is yours. PRISM is yours to consume, yours to critique, yours to contribute to. However, it can only be as strong as you allow it to be. We will be hosting general interest meetings on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Pipe Dream newsroom in University Union West Room B03. If you have a story you’d like to share, an opinion you’d like to voice, a photo you’d like to showcase or any other creative skill set you’d like to exercise, we’d love to have you.
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Voices of Binghamton Somya Pandey Catherine Castillo is a senior majoring in integrative neuroscience. Castillo is currently the president of Student Association-chartered club One Special World and is a resident assistant (RA) in Newing College. PRISM: What is One Special World, and what impact has it had on your life? Catherine Castillo: One Special World is a nonprofit organization, also known as a 501(c)(3). This organization advocates for those with special needs. What we do is that through volunteerism, fundraising and educational programming, we go about telling Binghamton students, or just the public in general, what special needs [are] and how to advocate for [them], the different types of things that contribute to special needs and how although someone may have special needs, they are not technically different from anyone else. That we are all in some way, shape or form unique and that it makes us beautiful either way. One Special World is about inclusivity — how even though you have a special need you should not be seen as different — and because of that it’s just an accepting environment.
of my good friends, Danielle Preiser [‘17], is the founder of One Special World. Her brother, who is now fond to heart as well, has fragile X syndrome. The whole organization is based upon special needs advocacy, and it was dedicated to her brother. The end goal of One Special World, aside from advocating for special needs, is also to make a group home for individuals who have mental disabilities; one of them in the future will be her brother. We want to make them a place where they feel at home, they feel safe, they feel like they belong, and that’s where we want them to be one day. Danielle was the one who informed me about this organization, and ever since I joined it I realized it is the most beautiful and amazing thing in the world — it just brings light into your life. I would go to events, and come out with the biggest smile on my face. There was not one event that I would go to [that I didn’t] have a smile on my face. I want to continue to be a part of something that brings out so much light into the world.
Noah Bressner/Editor-in-Chief Catherine Castillo is a senior majoring in integrative neuroscience. back at in 30 years from now and be like, P: Any advice to students or faculty mem- ‘Wow, do you remember this night?’ and CC: I decided to become an RA because of bers? you’ll just laugh. So have fun! Danielle. I didn’t see myself being an RA when I first came here, but Danielle was CC: The best advice that I wish I got as a PRISM has edited this interview the one that recommended it to me. I freshman is to not be that hard on yourself. for clarity. looked at what she did, and all the lives she I remember I would be so hard on myself impacted just by being an RA and I wanted freshman year, I would do my best and I “Communities of Binghamton Univerto do the same. I feel like I was placed into felt like it wasn’t enough. So I would like sity” is a column created to give voice to the world to help people, to make a differ- to tell Binghamton students and incoming branches of the campus that may have ence in the world and spread kindness and students in general that it’s OK to not be as previously gone unheard or underreprelove. The reason I became an RA was to hard on yourself. It’s OK to mess up some- sented. It is a space that illuminates the P: What led you to be a part of this orga- do exactly that. I wanted to be that person times, that’s what college is for. Experience stories of our current leaders and those nization? Was it your major or any other somebody needed at 3 p.m. or 3 a.m. and I new things, be outgoing and make friends. who intend to be our future leaders. If you life events? would be there for them. I wanted to be a College isn’t just about classes, it’s about know anyone who should be featured in friend, a helper, just a person that anyone making an atmosphere, making connec- subsequent installments, please submit CC: I joined this organization because one could go to. tions, making memories that you will look names to spandey2@binghamton.edu P: What is your role as an RA at Binghamton University? How has it shaped you?
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PRISM
January 22, 2018
Perspectives Post Malone doesn’t respect hip-hop Time will tell if the SAPB will do better for Spring Fling
Tykeem Banini Hip-hop as an art form is one of black expression and experience, but this hasn’t stopped nonblack artists from participating. Artist such as the Beastie Boys, House of Pain and Eminem have done this in a way that was respectful of the art form and as a result, they are revered by many hip-hop historians. The same can’t be said for nonblack contemporary hip-hop artist Post Malone — an artist who the Student Association Programming Board (SAPB) brought to campus in the fall. This past year, Post Malone was one of the hottest artists, breaking Apple’s single-week streaming record with over 25 million streams for his song “rockstar,” featuring 21 Savage. That same song reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. Contrary to these great achievements, Post Malone has faced criticism for his perspective on the hip-hop genre as a whole. In an interview with Polish outlet Newonce, Malone stated: “If you’re looking for lyrics, if you’re looking to cry, if you’re looking to think about life, don’t listen to hip-hop,” he said to Newonce. “[W]henever I want to sit down and have a nice cry, I’ll listen to some Bob Dylan. But whenever I’m trying to have a good time and stay in a positive
mood, I listen to hip-hop because it’s fun. I think hip-hop is important because it brings people together in a beautiful, happy way. Everybody’s happy.” In one sense, he is praising hiphop by essentially calling it happy music, but in doing so he classifies it as one-dimensional. Additionally, the first half of his statement is very telling. Post Malone’s statement that if a person is looking to actually feel something that they shouldn’t listen to hip-hop takes on a deeper meaning when you understand that he makes hiphop music. While he does perform other genres of music, Malone is widely known for hip-hop songs like “rockstar,” “Congratulations” and “White Iverson.” This statement exhibits a striking contrast of what is considered good and bad artistry. In this statement, he not only said that black artistry is devoid of emotion, but that it is devoid of emotion in comparison to white artistry. White artists, like Bob Dylan, can evoke feelings but black artists cannot, according to Post Malone. It also shows that he doesn’t relate to hiphop music as much as it may seem he does, that he hasn’t listened to enough hip-hop and is still not listening to enough hip-hop. Songs such as “Dear Mama” by 2Pac or “I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy are examples of classic hiphop songs sure to evoke feelings. Contemporary hip-hop artists also discuss deep subject matter. Songs like “Jocelyn Flores” by XXXTENTACION and “Devastated” by Joey
Badass are examples of songs that cover topics such as losing a loved one and fear of failure, respectively. It is extremely hard to not see his place in hip-hop as anything but cultural appropriation. Post Malone obviously has no knowledge of hip-hop and doesn’t care about the art form as a whole. In a two-minute Twitter video, the rapper has explained his behavior, stating he was drunk during the interview and that he “loves hip-hop.” “What I was saying was that when I wanna sit down and cry, I sit down and I listen to Boy Dylan and his guitar,” he said in the video. “My last hip-hop album was f— hiphop. My next hip-hop album is f— hip-hop. I love hip-hop. I make hip-hop. I wanna take this genre and stretch it so far that people who may not listen to it listen to it, and want to listen to the new artists and whatever’s going on.” This response never addresses his initial claim that you shouldn’t listen to hip-hop to feel something and never asserts that hip-hop is more than happy music. Combining the popularity of hip-hop with his privilege as a white male allows Post Malone to profit off of a genre that he doesn’t truly understand. By inviting artists like Post Malone for concerts, the SAPB shows an insensitivity toward hip-hop culture, a culture synonymous with black people. Post Malone doesn’t contribute to this culture in any way, so why have him here? The SAPB has made the right decision in the past, inviting artists
like Mac Miller (a white rapper who respects hip-hop), Big Sean and J. Cole to perform on campus. Why couldn’t they do the same for the fall concert? For this semes-
ter’s Spring Fling, let’s hope they do better. — Tykeem Banini is an undeclared freshman
Hip-Hop to Make You Feel Something So Post Malone can get a better understanding of hip-hop, we’ve put together a list of hip-hop songs that will help him “feel something.” If you’d also like to listen, follow PRISM on Spotify.
SHUFFLE PLAY “The Blacker The Berry” — Kendrick Lamar “Reagan” — Killer Mike “Bitch Bad” — Lupe Fiasco “Say You Will” — Kanye West “Kingdom” — Common feat. Vince Staples “Suicidal Thoughts” — The Notorious B.I.G. “Call Me” — Nav & Metro Boomin “Lift Me Up” — Vince Staples “A Better Tomorrow” — Wu-Tang Clan “Killing Me Softly” — Fugees “Jocelyn Flores” — XXXTENTACION “Answer” — Tyler, The Creator “IFHY”— Tyler, The Creator “Dear Mama” — 2Pac “Changes” — 2Pac “Coldest Winter” — Kanye West “Get By” — Talib Kweli “Chanel” — Frank Ocean “Apparently” — J. Cole “B” — Jaden Smith
Jonathan Flores/PRISM Design
January 22, 2018
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Kevin Paredes/Photo Editor Post Malone headlined the fall concert on Nov. 30. The concert took place in the the Events Center.
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PRISM
January 22, 2018
Celebrities to leave in 2017 This year, become a more conscious consumer
Gabriella Trinidad Celebrities have become more outspoken than ever in 2017, using their platforms to call out oppression and injustice. In the sports world, Colin Kaepernick protested racism against African Americans by kneeling during the national anthem, and in the acting world, dozens of actresses from Lupita Nyong’o to Angelina Jolie have stepped forward with their stories of sexual assault by film producer Harvey Weinstein. These celebrities have stood out as brave symbols fighting for justice and equity and as a result, discussions of racism and sexual assault have come to the forefront of the public consciousness — but the following celebrities stood out for all the wrong reasons. Although they were popular in 2017, 2018 deserves better.
Lena Dunham Dunham, the creator and star of HBO’s “Girls,” has a long history of controversy. The selfproclaimed feminist’s TV show revolves around four white girls’ escapades around New York City with characters of color only making appearances as maids or homeless people. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Dunham said that she’s not racist because she wanted to have sex with rapper Drake. Unbeknownst to her, black people are not points to be used on an I’m-not-racist score card. Not being racist is more than wanting to sleep with black people, it’s using your privilege and power to uplift and amplify marginalized voices. Additionally, in November 2017, when former “Girls” writer Murray Miller was accused of sexual assault, Dunham came to his defense. If Dunham truly understood the feminism she champions, she’d know that feminism means not stereotyping people of color or victim blaming. Feminism exists for all types of women, not only when it’s convenient for rich white women.
Woody Allen (And Those Who Have Worked With Him) Woody Allen is a famous Hollywood director, writer and actor, known for films like “Manhattan,” “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” and, most recently, “Wonder Wheel,” with a career spanning over 50 years. Allen’s skeletons have been chasing him ever since the 1990s when he was accused of sexual assault by his adopted daughter, actress Dylan Farrow. In a 2014 letter published in The New York Times, Farrow alleges that when she was seven years old, Allen, her father, led her into the attic and molested and raped her in August 1992. Her mother, actress Mia Farrow, Allen’s partner since 1979, had split from him eight months prior to the assault after she discovered he’d taken nude photos of her adopted daughter, Soon-Yi Previn, who is now his wife. Anyone who’s anybody has worked with Allen; Miley Cyrus, Scarlett Johansson, Selena Gomez, Justin Timberlake and Kate Winslet are just a short list of Allen’s collaborators. Because of their position in the spotlight, celebrities have a responsibility to be role models. By working with Allen, these celebrities are condoning sexual assault, sweeping aside victims’ suffering and undercutting their voices.
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The Kardashian-Jenner Family Since shaking up reality TV with “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” in 2007, the KardashianJenner clan has proven they’re not ones to shy away from the spotlight. And with over 10 years as public figures, their missteps are well-documented. The Kardashian-Jenners have stepped out wearing cornrows multiple times, as well as niqabs and traditional Native American headdresses. In October 2017, Kim Kardashian West responded to flak she received for dressing up as black R&B singer Aaliyah for Halloween by releasing a statement on her website that stated “We don’t see color in our home,” despite having two biracial children with Kanye West. By not seeing race, it ignores the fact that people of color and white people have vastly different experiences in the United States. White people have the privilege of being independent of their whiteness but people of color are constantly reminded of their race. Whether it be being randomly selected in an airport for a security screening, being targeted by immigration laws or the threat of looking suspicious in a hoodie, people of color can never be independent of their melanin.
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Matt Damon While promoting his film “Downsizing” in an interview with Business Insider, Matt Damon was asked his opinion on the recent wave of actresses coming forward with sexual assault allegations. Damon gave two exceptionally cringeworthy quotes: “You know, there’s a difference between, you know, patting someone on the butt and rape or child molestation, right?” and a classic “not all men” quote: “I think one thing that’s not being talked about is there are a whole s—load of guys … who don’t do this kind of thing.” Not all men are sexual assaulters, but by choosing to focus on those men, it detracts from the very real problem that a lot of men assault people. When victims come forward, the “not all men” response diminishes what happened to them and downplays the courage they displayed in sharing their stories. “Not all men” ignores the role that everyone plays in upholding rape culture, from those who commit the act, to those who sweep it aside and make jokes about it and those who turn the other cheek. On Tuesday Jan. 16, Damon responded to the backlash on the “Today” show. He said that when talking about the #MeToo movement he needs to “get in the back seat and close my mouth for a while.” It’s great Damon acknowledges he should take a back seat, but it will only be meaningful if he listens to survivors’ stories and recognizes dismissive statements like his are a part of the problem. That recognition takes work and time will tell if he follows through.
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It’s time we start questioning and critiquing those who are part of our favorite movies and TV shows. The media shapes our perceptions of ourselves and those around us and what media we choose to engage with speaks volumes about ourselves. The Kardashians, Matt Damons and Lena Dunhams of the world only have careers because we gave them careers. May 2018 be the year the public becomes more mindful when choosing which celebrities to support. — Gabriella Trinidad is a sophomore majoring in English.
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Kevin Paredes/Photo Editor The MALIK fraternity held a probate ceremony on Nov. 4, outside of the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development. At a probate, the fraternity’s newest members are presented to the public.
January 22, 2018
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January 22, 2018
Inclusive beauty products for 2018 The best new cosmetics to suit your complexion
Kara Jillian Brown
to this formula, as the brand’s other foundations only come in 19 shades. The deeper shades are made with varying undertones, including yellow, caramel and red, meaning it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a flawless match for your complexion. The brand’s website promises a breathable, medium-to-full, buildable coverage that will last for 16 hours. They also boast that this product works for all skin types, is transfer-resistant, sweat-resistant, oil-free, fragrance-free and nondrying.
Now more than ever, beauty brands are catering to their darker-complexioned consumers. Unfortunately, there are still many brands that don’t. So you don’t have to sift through fifty shades of beige, PRISM rounded up some of the best people of color-friendly makeup releases and announcements of 2018 2) Smashbox Always On Matte so far. Liquid Lipstick ($24) Although this product has been 1) NARS Natural Radiant Lon- around for a while, Smashbox gwear Foundation ($49) announced on Instagram on This natural-finish radiant foun- Jan. 11 that they were expanddation, which came out in stores ing the line, adding six new nude on Jan. 5, comes in 33 gorgeous mattes. Originally, the line carand inclusive shades. Many of ried three matte nudes, “In Dethe shades are new and exclusive mand,” a neutral pink; “Stepping
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Out,” a deep mauve; and “True Grit,” a warm, chocolate brown. With the introduction of six additional nude shades, everyone will be able to find one that’s best for them. According to Smashbox, this liquid-matte formula is made to last 8 hours, and is “formulated to be comfortable and not dry out your lips.” 3) Bobbi Brown Skin LongWear Weightless Foundation ($46) For those with normal, combination or oily skin, Bobbi Brown’s newest matte foundation may be what you’ve been waiting for. Released on Jan. 11, the medium- to full-coverage foundation contains SPF 15 and is available in 30 shades. The brand’s website also says the formula also contains oil-controlling ingredients and comes in a lightweight, breathable formula meant to feel like a “second
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skin.” They also say the founda- rich color payoff, according to tion is free of parabens, sulfates the brand’s website. and phthalates. 5) Anastasia Beverly Hills 4) BH Cosmetics and Itsmy- Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette RayeRaye — 21 Color Eye- (price unknown) shadow, Highlighter & Con- This palette won’t be available tour Palette ($22) in stores until March, but we Although this palette has been couldn’t wait to share it. Accordavailable for purchase online ing to a post on the Anastasia from BH Cosmetics since Nov. Beverly Hills Instagram page, the 17, it wasn’t available for pur- palette was leaked on Instagram, chase from Ulta until Jan. 2. so on Jan. 15, they decided to Made in collaboration with post their own image. The photo beauty influencer Raye Boyce, shows a 14-shade eye shadow palknown widely by her social me- ette, with six metallic shades and dia handle, ItsMyRayeRaye, this eight matte shades. The mattes versatile palette is complete with are soft tan, pink and brown 10 matte eye shadow shades, five shades, making it reminiscent metallic eye shadow shades, of the Urban Decay Naked 1, 2 three highlighting shades and and 3 palettes. However, unlike three powder contour shades. the Urban Decay palettes, this The eye shadows range from palette contains a range of nude tan, brown shades to deep jewel shades, meaning there’s one for tones that’ll really pop on darker everyone. If it’s priced similarly skin. The powders have a silky, to the brand’s other eye shadow blendable formula and provide palettes, it should sell for $42.
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PRISM
January 22, 2018
Black Americans in the U.S. Military Fighting for a country that isn’t always fighting for them
Wembo Tiapo African Americans have served in every single war fought by the United States, although they were fighting for American freedoms that they would often be unable to enjoy. During the time of the Revolutionary War, many African Americans were still slaves and were not permitted to serve in the Continental Army due to fears of an uprising. This ban was eventually lifted by former President George Washington — who initially enforced the ban — after he realized that he needed as many troops as possible. To entice the slaves to enlist, Washington and other slave masters often gave false prom-
ises to grant freedom to all the slaves who served. These slaves, along with free black men, were segregated into all-black units and many were relegated to laborintensive service positions, rather than fighting in combat. However, the black soldiers’ overall contributions to U.S. forces proved to be crucial, as the United States was able to defeat the British and gain its independence. This outcome likely would not have occurred had those thousands of black men not volunteered. As time went on, black Americans continued to be segregated in the U.S. armed forces and were still disenfranchised from involvement in some branches, like the U. S. Air Force. Circumstances changed during World War II, as the Tuskegee Airmen became the first African American military aviators in the U.S. armed forces. However, they were still a segregated unit from the rest of the U.S. Air Force. In 1948, after the
Betw ee Afric n 1939-1 an 94 — Ac America 5 ns: coun ted fo abou t of th 10 perce r eU nt — M .S. militar ad y perce e up 11 nt popu of the lation
end of World War II, former President Harry Truman issued Executive Order 9981, which ended segregation in the U.S. armed forces. But this did not mean the end of segregation and mistreatment of blacks — and other people of color — in the U.S. military. The Vietnam War, fought between the 1950s and the 1970s, brought about more issues for black Americans in the military. According to “The Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War: A Political, Social, and Military History,” in 1968, African American soldiers made up roughly 12 percent of the U.S. Army and Marine forces, yet they accounted for nearly half of the front-line combat unit and made up 25 percent of all Army soldiers killed in action in 1965. These disproportionate statistics show that black lives were deemed invaluable by the Pentagon. They were seen as expendable and were thrown into the front line in droves.
In 1968, Afric America an ns: — Made up roug hly 12 perce nt of U.S . Army an d Marin e forces — Made up 13 percent of the populat ion
Why, then, do African Americans choose to serve in the U.S. military? The percentage of African Americans serving in the activeduty Army — about 21 percent — is higher than the percentage of African Americans in the entire U.S. population, at about 13 percent, according to 2009 studies from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel of the U.S. Army. Despite the constant discrimination in and out of the military, many African Americans have been eager to serve a country that has not always served them. Many black soldiers today come from impoverished communities, with inadequate education and employment opportunities inflicted largely because of the long-standing history of withholding African Americans from the basic rights and opportunities that their white counterparts have had. This economic dispar-
ity works in favor of military recruitment. Perhaps many young black individuals have been told to believe that the best way for them to overcome their circumstances is to join the military, which could potentially provide them with many benefits like full tuition coverage for college, lowcost mortgages for purchasing a home and, of course, a job while they are in service. Perhaps many black Americans are drawn to the military by the promise of career security and a stable paycheck. But is that even guaranteed? Black soldiers were and still are not exempt from the mistreatment that comes with institutional racism and discrimination. How can it be that black soldiers can be expected to fight in the military only to come home and live as second-class citizens? — Wembo Tiapo is a senior majoring in buisness administration.
n , Africa In 2009 ans: Americ for 21 unted — Acco of the U.S. t percen my Ar e up 17 — Mad f the to percen ion t popula
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January 22, 2018
Don’t forget about Puerto Rico Following Hurricane Maria, the island still needs help
Gabriella Trinidad Since Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, 2017, the island has been making headlines for the devastation it suffered. Although it has been nearly four moths since the storm, full recovery remains a distant dream rather than a reality. According to U.S Army officials, as of Jan. 11, 60 percent of the population has access to power and 95 percent of power restoration isn’t expected until March of this year. Also on Jan. 11, Puerto Rico’s Department of Justice was asked to investigate whether the island’s own government-run power company has been hoarding in warehouses materials that were intended to be used to restore electricity. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Jan. 5 update on the island’s water conditions says that 76,000 Puerto Ricans are relying on possibly contaminated drinking water. Many on the island are living by candlelight and struggling to rebuild after the hurricane wiped out so many of their homes, schools and businesses. The rebuilding process has also been slowed down by pre-existing economic conditions, spurred by an ongoing recession that began in 2006. Over the last decade, more job opportunities increasingly located on the U.S. mainland have ushered in a mass exodus of Puerto Ricans, depleting the island’s workforce. Additionally, Section 936 of the tax code, which gave U.S. corporations
an incentive to build subsidiaries on the island, was fully repealed in 2006. This meant a sharp decline in economic growth and the number of available jobs. Also, a crumbling health care system weakened by decreased federal Medicaid funding forced the island’s government to look elsewhere to pay for medical care. Seizing on this crisis, creditors began selling bonds to the island, which only provided temporary relief. Twelve years later, the island can’t pay back its bond debt and now owes over $74 billion, with no foreseeable solution. Schools and hospitals are among many government agencies forced to close as a result of these economic hardships. Along with Puerto Rico’s internal turmoil, President Donald Trump was hesitant to acknowledge the dire situation at hand, initially attacking San Juan’s mayor and complaining on Twitter about how much the island’s debt is a nuisance for the United States. In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) resources have been put to the test in trying to balance emergency response and prolonged recovery. FEMA has been in the process of distributing tarps, food and water while hundreds are still living in shelters. It is helping rebuild homes, roads and infrastructure that have resulted in the agency allocating over $450 million to the local governments of the island’s 78 municipalities. That’s not to mention that FEMA also has to juggle the needs of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Texas, California and Florida as they try to rebuild from their own natural disasters. Having FEMA spread too thin, coupled with an ailing economic infrastructure, has caused the island to fight
for whatever scraps of assistance it can get. Ultimately, how Puerto Rico recovers is a result of how much Americans care to help. To care, Americans need first to be informed. Since Puerto Rico has been stuck in a stagnant situation for a few months, it no longer makes headlines like it once did. It’s unacceptable that these living conditions have been a reality for these Americans — yes, Puerto Ricans are Americans, something that 47.2 percent of Americans don’t know, according to a March 2017 poll conducted by Suffolk University and USA Today — for so long. The plight of these people still matters even though there aren’t as many camera crews present.
It’s time Puerto Rico receives the aid it needs, and there is an abundance of ways to help. Multiple fundraisers have been set up to collect monetary donations, such as the Hispanic Federation’s UNIDOS Disaster Relief and Recovery Program, the Unidos Por Puerto Rico (United for Puerto Rico) fund and the Alguien Ayúdenos (Somebody Help Us) fund. The Unidos Por Puerto Rico fund also accepts material donations and the most basic items — batteries, diapers, first-aid supplies, etc. — are most needed. Perishable foods and secondhand items generally will not be accepted. If money is tight and donating isn’t possible, keep talking about what the island is going through, stay educated and educate others.
Social media is one of the best ways to spread information and to learn from those directly on the ground. Following news organizations like Univision Puerto Rico and Telenoticias Puerto Rico on Twitter is a great way to stay in the know. If anything, this devastating hurricane demonstrates how greatly Puerto Rico has been failed by the U.S. government and by our fellow Americans. Every day is a day that Puerto Rico is rebuilding and with a little support from us all, the island can hopefully move on from this tragedy sooner rather than later. — Gabriella Trinidad is a sophomore majoring in english.
Illustration by Annabeth Sloan
Kojo Senoo On Dec. 6, a trap karaoke event took place in the University Union Undergrounds. The NAACP Binghamton University chapter, Multicultural Resource Center, National Society of Black Engineers, Men of Color Scholastic Society and Juvenile Urban Multicultural Program co-hosted the event.