le journal bilingue de Glendon | Glendon’s bilingual newspaper
Issue Four - Volume 54 - November 25, 2015
In This Issue: Vie étudiante: a critique of Glendon and Toronto’s multiculturalism (p 3) Arts and Entertainment: all-female film reboots, and a call for a black James Bond (p 4) Metropolis: Glendon takes the CN Tower! (p 5) Issues and Ideas: opinions on the attacks in Paris, Beirut, and Baghdad (p 8) Health and Wellness: the
benefits of working out, and an interview with a Glendon Varsity athlete (p 9-10)
Expressions: three poems, et le troisième chapitre d’une histoire en français (p 12)
Creative Writing Contest deadline: January 4, 2016
The Apathy That Has Taken Hold of Glendon College: On the Failed GCSU Annual General Meeting Inês Van Deuren Campus Life Section Journalist The GCSU’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the one meeting of the year that our student union actively needs us to participate.They need the student body to be present so that changes to the constitution can be passed, we can be informed about what the $120,000 of student money is being spent on, receive information about how, and in what regard, they are representing us as students and give us the opportunity to voice our opinions on what our union should advocate for and the issues that we see within our community. Without at least 3% of our population in attendance, which is only 83 out of the 2700 Glendon students, this meeting can’t happen.This, in turn, means no changes or updates can be made to our gov-
erning documents, there is no feedback from students that the council can use to improve and the transparency between council and our union is not possible. The turnout at our AGM this year was a little more than fifty people. There were fifty students who took two hours out of their week to get involved and support our community. There were fifty students present out of our entire student body. These results suggest not that students lack opinions, but rather that they simply don’t care enough to voice their thoughts in order to see improvements. If you scroll through Glendon-centric social media or even just sit in the cafeteria for an afternoon you will be able to hear people talking about our council. People will speak about a lack of transparency, things they would like to see fixed or initiatives they wish were highlighted more but what really comes out of these conversations within the comfort of our social
circles or amongst colleagues? Unfortunately, nothing. Nothing can possibly come of them because they are not being voiced to the people who can make these changes happen. This widespread apathy toward our union is the very thing that makes any kind of improvement impossible. In the past month, Councillor Chang resigned from council. In doing so, she wrote an open letter to our council and union, exemplifying transparency, which explained her reasoning for her decision while also giving constructive criticism as to how our council can improve. Though it is unfortunate that these issues led to her resignation, it is important that she made these criticisms known to council so that progress can be made. Now, all this being said, the onus does not completely fall on our community but also the GCSU. (Continued on page 3)
Pro Tem Letter from The Editor Editor in Chief | Rédactrice en chef Victoria Ramsay editor@protemglendon.com Assistant English Editor | Rédactrice adjointe (anglais) Effie Barbalias assistanteng@protemglendon.com Assistant French Editor | Rédactrice adjointe (français) Camille Slaght assistantfr@protemglendon.com Section Editors | Les rédactrices de sections Campus Life | Vie étudiante Inês Van Deuren campuslife@protemglendon.com Issues and Ideas | Actualité et opinions Neya Abdi issuesideas@protemglendon.com Health and Wellness | Santé et bien-être Amanda Merry health@protemglendon.com Metropolis | Métropole Samantha Kacaba metropolis@protemglendon.com Arts and Entertainment | Arts et divertissement Ashley Moniz arts@protemglendon.com
Salut Glendon! Written while filling out grad school applications and contemplating the future: Do you believe that we all have an innate creative ability? It wasn’t until a few months ago that I began to resonate with this question on a personal level. Up until this point I had had a very narrow view that focused on that fact that some of us were born into this world as ‘artists’ and some of us…well, just were not. The more I began to compartmentalize creativity in my own life and make assumptions about others’ creativity, the more it seemed out of reach. Because I didn’t label myself as an illustrator, or painter, it somehow felt as though my life up until this point and even as I move into the future would be void of any creative influence. Eventually I realized that this wasn’t true, but rather was a figment of my imagination, a lie that I had told myself over and over again. Creativity shouldn’t be constrained only to the confines of talent or recognition. Creativity is an outlet for vulnerability and emotion but it can also take on many different forms for each individual.
For me, creativity means more doing and less thinking. It’s about taking inventory of where, when, and why I find inspiration. It’s about investing in myself and discovering new things. It’s about being vulnerable even though no one may ever see, read or appreciate it like I do. It’s not that there is a strict line between creative and non-creatives, it’s just that we all exercise that ability in different spaces and mediums. What does creativity look like in your life? Is it writing, painting, doodling or dancing? Are you currently writing a poem, a novel or a cartoon? The number of ways you experience your own personal version of creativity is infinite. Don’t sell yourself short and don’t you dare count yourself out of this big, wide world of creativity just because you don’t feel as though you fit into this made up mold of who and how you can be creative. Let your thoughts run wild, you might just be amazed at what transpires. “There is no single structure that works for everyone. But for everyone there is a structure that works.”-David Usher
Much love, Tori Ramsay Editor in Chief
Expressions Kaitlin Fenton expressions@protemglendon.com Online Content | Contenu en ligne Ela Gach elaonline@gmail.com Communications Officer | Agente de communications Christian Lopez comms@protemglendon.com
Vous avez des opinions? Vous aimez écrire? Vous faites de la photographie? Vous adorez dessiner? Pro Tem vous veut! Envoyez-nous un courriel à editor@protemglendon.com pour apprendre comment vous pouvez vous impliquer!
Photography Editor | Rédactrice de photographie Madeline Della Mora photography@protemglendon.com Design and Layout | Maquettiste Sienna Warecki
pro~tem
est le journal étudiant du collège Glendon. Publié pour la première fois en 1962, c’est la plus ancienne publication de l’Université York. We strive to act as an agent of social change, and will not print copy deemed racist, sexist, homophobic or otherwise oppressive. Please respond to what you read in the pages of Pro Tem/ n’hésitez pas à réagir à ce que vouz avez lu dans Pro Tem. Contact us/ Contactez-nous: protem@glendon.yorku.ca The Pro Tem Office D114 Hilliard Residence, Glendon College 2275 Bayview Avenue North York, ON M4N 3M6 The office is open by appointment only. Le bureau est ouvert sur rendez-vous seulement. Les lettres adressées au journal peuvent être éditées au niveau de la clarté ou de contenu. All copy appearing in Pro Tem is at the discretion of the editorial team. Opinions published in Pro Tem are the thoughts of individual writers, and not the publication as a whole.
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Kelly Lui
Vie étudiante Multiculturalism and its Lack of Culture: An Opinion Piece Octavio Vallejo Meyer Contributor It’s weird to think that in such a multicultural city as Toronto, something Torontonians brag about, there is a lack of knowledge of cultures besides their own. But let’s not go that far, let’s think just about Glendon. Many Glendon students are second or third generation immigrants and the few of them that are first generation, have generally been living in Canada for several years now and have naturally adopted the Canadian culture. But have you ever thought from the perspective of an international student? Imagine that since the moment you wake up you have to start thinking and doing everything in a language that is not your mother tongue. Many of us came here not knowing much English and every single day became a new test or challenge. Direct translations, pronunciations and accents are just some of the barriers that we have to live with on a daily base. Then if you add being away from your family and friends for months (even years) at atime, eating food that you are not used to, experiencing the frigid Canadian winter and not being able to be part of any of the societies you are involved in and therefore not being able to be understood as you would like to, it’s a lot to deal with. I’ll give a small example of this. A couple of weeks ago, I was listening to some songs with my friends and wanted to share some music in my native language with everyone. As I was going to say that someone asked me, “Do you really think this goes with the group?”. Not only did this punch me right in the face but also made me think and reflect a lot about things that I had felt before but did not know how to say or express. I realized that when we grow up in the same place, that place becomes the only thing we know and I think the best way to represent that is like being in a bubble. The only thing that we know about other cultures is what we see, hear, or read about through the many different and diverse communication systems that exist today; and to be honest, many times that information does not represent reality. When you change bubbles, or better said, when you break out of your bubble, a whole new universe expands in your mind and it is something that many, of immigrant countries such as Canada and the United States, need to understand. When we come looking for a better opportunity it does not mean that we look up to you and we want to be like you, it means that we want to learn from you as much as we want you to learn from us. Do not be afraid to break out of your bubble to learn, explore, travel, and open your hearts and minds to all the sources of knowledge you can find. After all, what’s a better source of information and culture than an international student?
The Apathy That Has Taken Hold of Glendon College
(Continued from cover) Our union should ensure that they have strong advertising for such an important event like the AGM and there should be more avenues in which students can voice their opinions and concerns. We, as students, must be willing to speak up about the changes we would like to see happen. We cannot be apathetic toward the our council or our community.This apathy will result in the loss of the unique community on campus that we have all come to know and love.This should be a collective effort made by both our council and our student body. How can our council be expected to advocate for us, organize events and function to the best of its ability without the support and honest feedback of the students that they are expected to serve?
Kelly Lui
GME Presents Their Annual Christmas Concert Glendon Musical Ensemble Aimeriez-vous assister à une nuit de musique de Noël avant les vacances? L’Ensemble Musical de Glendon vous invite à notre spectacle de Noël annuel jeudi le 10 décembre 2015. Le spectacle commencera à 19h à Lunik. Both our choir and instrumentalists have been rehearsing for the past two months, working hard on some great, holiday numbers. We are so excited to share them with you next month!. Some of these holiday classics include Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and Baby, It’s Cold Outside. Le frais d’admission pour cet événement est “pay-what-you-can”. Vos billets vous procurent aussi des rafraîchissements fournis par Peace by PEACE. The concert promises to be a fun and festive night, a perfect break from the stresses of exam season or a great start to the holidays. Be sure to invite your friends to check out the show as well. After all, that’s what this holiday season is all about. We will also be selling raffle tickets at the concert, so be sure to come out to try and win some cool prizes! For more details and news regarding the Glendon Musical Ensemble, be sure to check out our Facebook event page, Instagram (@gme.glendon), Twitter (@GMEglendon), and Website (gme.info.yorku.ca) for further updates! Have any further questions? N’hesitez pas à nous contacter à : gme.glendon@gmail.com
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Arts and Entertainment All-Female Reboots: The Success or Failure of Liberal Feminism? Ashley Moniz Arts & Entertainment Section Journalist It was recently announced that Sandra Bullock would be leading the cast of an all-female reboot of Ocean’s Eleven. This will be the third time that this concept has hit the big screen; the most successful having starred George Clooney in 2001. This announcement comes only fourteen years after Clooney’s version, while his followed its predecessor over forty years later. More importantly, this announcement also comes amidst the news that Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig and Kate McKinnon will star in a female version of Ghostbusters. It seems like there is a new trend in Hollywood of creating the illusion of female representation by remaking well-known films with predominantly male casts and filling those predominantly male roles with female cast members. Franchises like Ghostbusters and Ocean’s Eleven are memorable because the writers’ and directors’ visions that came to life connected audiences with the characters and the actors who played them. It is why audiences returned time and again to watch the sequels. Each gave its audience what they wanted to see: a supernatural action comedy with a catchy theme song, and a witty heist film featuring cool gadgets and modern action sequences. Bill Murray and George Clooney defined their careers with films like these. Today, there is a growing demand to see women taking stronger roles in blockbusters, as opposed to playing the usual weak and feminine arm candy. It could be argued that these remakes would reveal new sides to familiar concepts and redefine how audiences see gender. Furthermore, studios can put faith in the names of major franchises drawing audiences to the theatres out of loyalty to a world that they love. However, writing female characters in traditionally male roles is different from writing previously male characters as women. Replacing men with women for the sake of a flashy headline does nothing to represent women succeeding in male-dominant territories. In making these remakes, studios are pushing the message that women can do action just as well as men. This only reaffirms that men set the standard that women must live up to, which is not what gender equality is about. Recent films like Zero Dark Thirty and Gravity have achieved commercial and critical success. Both are centred around women, but their gender is irrelevant to how their characters are perceived. Even films like Pitch Perfect or Thelma and Louise, where the central characters’ genders are relevant, actresses are portraying characters of substance that are entertaining and unique, but also represent everyday people. This is how to successfully approach equality: saying that anyone with enough drive can succeed, regardless of their gender. Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bull4 ock are talented and decorated actress-
es, capable of taking on these roles and playing them well. There is no reason why either of them could not. However, it does not mean that they should. It is a bit like the famous joke from Modern Family: Meryl Streep could play Batman. But would people watch a Batman film starring Meryl Streep, marketed as featuring “a female Batman”? At best, these remakes will be “good, but nowhere near the original”. Actresses play these parts to make money - it is their job. The lacklustre roles often written for women are only part of the problem facing the film industry today. These talented actresses deserve the chance to take on fresh material that pushes boundaries and inspires new generations in the same way that the films which they are rebooting did in their time.
Are We Ready for a Black Bond? Nobody Does It Better Amy Schweiger Contributor In the glow of Daniel Craig’s last bond film, the question remains: are we ready for a black Bond? In my opinion, the answer is “yes”. It’s about time; there is no reason why people of any ethnicity should be excluded from an acting gig. When I found out that the rumors after Skyfall that Idris Elba was approached to be the
next Bond turned out to be false, it was like taking a punch to the gut. I found it ridiculous that a highly skilled actor was out of the running solely due to the colour of his skin. The fact of the matter is that people of colour are often overlooked in casting because most film corporations have a hard time finding funding for films starring people of colour. I just came out of a high school where I specialized in acting for four years. I learned that, regardless of gender or appearance, acting is about portraying a role through representing a character, not through imitating their appearance. I realized that at least 80% of all films and television shows do not star a person of colour, despite the fact that the majority of the world’s population is coloured. This is just colossally unjust. The reasons for Mr. Elba’s exclusion were mostly that he was “too street” or too much of a thug to play Bond. By this, I suppose, they are referring to his working class upbringing in hackney London. Does that not define the purpose of acting; imitating something you are not? If one is only type-casting to fit the James Bond mold, how can an actor earn true merit without being given the opportunity to earn it? What happened to the days when English men played all female roles? At that time, it was all about performance. Mr. Elba clearly has talent. He has acquired, in various roles the “military background” needed for a convincing Bond. If you need proof of his ability to play a mysterious and secretive character, just watch the first season of Luther. Then come and talk to me about his “inability” to portray a spy.
Now one could bring up the fact that Bond is supposed to be white, according to the novels. Thus, choosing a person of colour would go directly against the original description. Therefore I took the time to read some of the early books, Casino Royale and From Russia with Love. Neither one gives Bond a concrete description, except for being a welldressed Englishman. I dare you to google Mr. Elba and tell me that he does not look good in a suit and tie. In addition, he is really rather tall (6’2”), taller than Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. As a stickler for casting people as they are written, I can understand the reluctance one might have to change the race of a character. But as there are no grounds in the novels for such hesitancy, I see no reason why it would be a problem. On the issue of the white population refusing to watch a film with a black Bond due to their lack of commonalities; this should be obsolete because the writing of the script should not differ because of colour. Bond is Bond. Besides, 12 Years a Slave grossed 1.8 million with a mostly African American cast. The argument that the white community would not watch a movie with a black Bond is void. Lastly, it’s about time for a black Bond for diversity sake and for the sake of fairness. There are a number of qualified black actors who could take on the role. Thus, this choice would not just give the black population another shallow, relatable character. It would be a step towards equality. My argument is not to give the role away, but to let all actors stand against the only thing that matters, talent.
Upcoming Events, on Campus and Beyond Nov 15-29, Prosserman Jewish Cultural Center, 4588 Bathurst Street: Jewish Book Festival Nov 20-27, 1-10pm, 876 Bloor W (Super Wonder Gallery): Rorschach - An Abstract Exhibition Nov 20-Dec 20, Distillary District: Toronto Christmas Market Nov 26, 10am-4pm, York University Student Center: Queer Craft Sale (Hosted by TBLGAY) Nov 26-28, Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street: Friends 2015 Used Book Christmas Sale Nov 26-Dec 6, 10am-9pm, Exhibition Place: One of a Kind Art Show Nov 27, 9:30pm, The Village: Pub Crawl (Hosted by GLGBT* & LMG) Nov 30, 5pm, Accolade West 109: Annual General Meeting (Hosted by York Federation of Students) Dec 5, 11am-3pm, 55 John Street: Canada Job Expo Dec 5, 10am-4pm, Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, 16 Spadina Rd: Christmas Craft Sale Ongoing, 4pm-8pm, Aga Khan Musem, 77 Wynford Drive: Free Admission Wednesdays Dec 5, 8pm-11pm, Aga Khan Musem: Featured Singer: Ustad Eltaf Hussain Sarahang
Métropole Paris and Beyond: Moving Forward After the Attacks Samantha Kacaba Metropolis Section Journalist For the second time within the span of a year, terror has descended upon the French capital. On November 13th, in a series of coordinated attacks across Paris, killing at least 129 people and injuring hundreds more. Media outlets have been lit up with tales of explosions, confusion, and horror as events that have been claimed by the Islamic State unfolded. It is no doubt a tragedy, but the sensationalism of it all really does make one shake their head. Aftershocks are being felt all over the world raising many questions about our collective future. Where
does this leave us as a country? Where does this leave us, as a society that wants to celebrate multiculturalism so badly, and yet takes this the first opportunity we can get to throw an entire religious group under the bus for what is a consequence of poor foreign policy? It is too easy to give in to xenophobia and bigotry. We have seen many do so in almost a reflexive manner in the wake of the attacks. As I write this article, it is 3 days since news of gunfire reached our television screens so many miles away. In that time, we have seen a Peterborough mosque set ablaze, windows smashed at a Hindu temple in Kitchener during a vigil at the city center, and a Canadian Sikh man, Veerender Jubbal, photoshopped to look like one of the assailants from Paris. Said photo has circulated worldwide, and was published in a major Spanish newspaper, who claimed he was one of the people behind the attacks. The inclusion of other groups seemingly unrelated to the situation adds another grim layer to their
actions. In their minds, anyone who to them looks the part will do. It is us versus them, guilt determined by skin tone. This being said, islamophobic violence no doubt predates In London, 3 days before the Paris attacks, a Muslim woman was pushed in front of an oncoming subway train. Miraculously, she survived, having rebounded off the side of the car back onto the platform, but this is just one example of the violence many fear will rise since November 13th. Across the Western world we have seen a swell of Islamophobia, manifesting itself in many ways, including recanted promises by several US states to take in Syrian refugees. Keeping this in mind, I would like to commend Prime Minister Trudeau for not wavering on his commitment to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees through the country by the years end. It’s in acts like these that will allow us to come closer to healing. That future is a long way away, but that was a good first step for Canada.
This presents another question? How do we take our next steps? What can we do? As individuals, there’s not much we can do in terms of changing foreign policies. Maybe save for a petition or something of the like, it is out of our hands completely. On an individual level however, there are many things, we can and must do. Call out xenophobia and islamophobia when you see it. Educate yourself. Seek to counter your own internal biases. We all have them, especially those of us born and raised in Western countries. Eurocentrism in the media and the educational system does a lot to inform opinions. Lastly, be kind. Of course, it is easy for me to say this, as I am neither a victim of these attacks nor someone who will be victimized because of preconceived notions about my religion or race. But hate cannot thrive where there is understanding, and that is exactly what we need as we move forward towards a better future.
Glendon Conquers the CN Tower! Shabbir Auhammud Glendon Extended Learning On Saturday November 7, 2015, a group led by Shabbirr Auhammad showed some altitude by participating in the Enbridge CN Tower stair climb in support of the United Way Toronto. The group of participants, all sporting Glendon swag to show our school spirit, included the current students, members of the staff, alumni and, friends and the principal Donald Ipperciel! Le 7 novembre 2015, un groupe de Glendonites a fait preuve de courage lors en grimpant la tour CN! Even before climbing the tower, the Glendon team raised a total of $1,065 for the United Way campaign through registration fees and pledges. Collectively, with thousands upon thousands of other participants, we took a giant step toward changing lives. On s’est tous rencontré devant l’édifice du CBC à 7h30 et quelques minutes plus tard, on était devant les escaliers. Notre grimpeur le plus rapide a monté jusqu’au au sommet de la tour CN en 20 minutes alors que le principal a mit 24 minutes à grimper les “stairs of death”. Once upstairs, after rising to this challenge and catching our breath, we had the chance to walk around the tower and look upon Canada’s most beautiful city and the magnificent views! Avant de rentrer, on a même eu le temps de prendre un petit selfie avec le groupe de York! Nous voulons remercier tous les membres de l’équipe Glendon pour votre participation et nous vous invitons tous à participer à ce défi l’année prochaine!
Extended Learning Extended Learning
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Pro Tem Paint Party
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All photos on this page by Inês Van Deuren
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Issues and Ideas Social Media Cries Foul Over Lack of Attention for ISIL Attacks in Beirut and Baghdad Neya Abdi Issues and Ideas Section Journalist Within hours of the terrorist attacks in Paris, people around the world flocked to social media to express their horror and share their sympathies. World leaders swiftly moved to condemn the attacks, calling them an assault on freedom and shared values. Companies posted images of the French flag with captions declaring that they stand with Paris. That same day, suicide bombers targeted multiple sites in Baghdad leading to numerous casualties and injuries. The previous day, a suicide bomber detonated his vest in a busy Beirut street, killing over 40 people and wounding hundreds more. Compared to the coverage of the carnage in Paris, the attention given to Lebanon and Iraq was minimal. It’s a common criticism that tragedies in non-Western parts of the world are often given slight notice, particularly when they are human-made events in the form of war or terrorism. In this case, the gap in concern was put in stark relief due to how close in time the attacks occurred. Social media users were quick to try and remedy the situation by adding the hashtags #PrayforBeirut and #PrayforBaghdad to the list of trending topics that included #Paris and #PrayforParis near the top. News outlets were not the only bodies called out by the public. In the aftermath of the Paris attack, Facebook enabled its Safety Check allowing those in the affected areas to check in to alert their family and friends of their status. In the past the feature was only used for natural disasters so its mobilization on Friday for Paris, but not for Beirut or Baghdad, carrying the suggestion that some lives were more important than others. In a post on Facebook, Vice-President of Growth at Facebook Alex Schultz addressed the criticism writing, “During an ongoing crisis, like war or epidemic, Safety Check in its current form is not that useful for people: because there isn’t a clear start or end point and, unfortunately, it’s impossible to know when someone is truly “safe.” Be that as it may, many were quick to point out that users had the option of filtering their profile picture with a flag of France and not Lebanon or Iraq. It’s apparent that an attack in Paris, not a bombing in the Middle East, leaves those of us living in North America and Europe more worried about an attack at home. “In the American mind, Paris is where we send newlyweds, and Beirut and Baghdad is where we send troops,” wrote anonymous blogger The Coquette. “[There is] shock and horror for the people of Paris and a mere shrug of acknowledgement for the people of Beirut and Baghdad.” Naturally, many on Facebook and Twitter, far from not caring about the 8 happenings in the rest of the world,
simply did not know about them (which is more support for the argument that coverage is lacking). Once made aware, users expressed sadness and also indignation that world news networks had not made these stories more visible. Sadly, it seems the largest amount of backlash will be directed towards refugees seeking safety in Europe. Those fleeing the Middle East and Africa are running from the same group responsible for the tragic events in Paris, and a closing of borders will force them to return to that danger. Politicians in the US, have leveraged the event to their advantage in order to gain support for their views that fewer refugees should be admitted out of fear that terrorists will be hidden among genuine asylum seekers. In addition, the quota system meant to share the number of refugees among EU nations will also face increased resistance from member states in the coming months.
Growing up Second Generation in the Americas: The Battle with Identity and Self-worth Christian Lopez Communications Officer I grew up in Los Angeles, California. It is a city that celebrates diversity, performance, culture, and the best Mexican food north of the border. Growing up in a huge Mexican-American family, I remember being proud of my heritage but also feeling a bit of shame. The shame came from my own twisted aspirations. I have always wanted to be on top. Growing up in California in the 90s and early 2000s was interesting. All of the media pouring out into the world seemed to be coming from right in my backyard. All of the super rich and super white success stories were what really pulled me in. I saw the people I wanted to be, and they were all handsome, white men. Growing up, I did all that I could not to be like the other Mexican-American kids in my school. I never spoke Spanish, I dressed differently, I talked differently, and I wanted to do different things. I was seemingly trying to be everything I was not. I was fueling the fire of an already negative stereotype. One that doesn’t see the Mexican-American man or woman as equal. I wanted so desperately to break that mold that in the process, I lost who I was. I was trying so hard to be something I am not as if being a chicano kid wasn’t enough for me. When I moved to Canada, a new environment arose. It was a place where communities, cultures, religions, sexuality, and where you are from didn’t matter. I began to examine who I was more closely, I began to take an interest in where I came from. I can honestly say I didn’t know anything about my heritage or lineage other than the fact that my parents were born in Mexico. After learning about our diverse past with roots in Spain, Germany, and Native cultures I became intrigued about what it meant to be Mexican.
Being a Mexican-American isn’t about where we were born but about where we come from. We are Americans, we are proud of the country we live in, and the opportunities that we are given. I am proud to be an American. However, there are times that being a Mexican-American is seemingly unjust. Our major communities are usually in high-violence, high-crime, and low income areas. Being in a high-risk community in the United States is seemingly impossible to prosper in. To this day, the percentage of Latinos in California with a post-secondary degree is only 15 percent as opposed to the statewide average of 35 percent. Moreover, 50 percent of white America has a degree. I never want to end up being one of those statistics. I was associating a lack of success, with being chicano. “Where are you from?” “California.” “But where are you originally from?” “Well I was born in California.” I know what people want to know. (Spoken in a Mean Girls voice) So, if you’re from California, why are you not white? In politer terms, people are genuinely interested in what your origins are. Especially living in Europe, saying I am from California is definitely not enough. I feel ashamed to admit that I would have done anything to avoid being labeled as “The Mexican”. I am sure any of my Mexican friends know what it’s like to be “The Mexican Friend”. I can’t tell you how many taco, border, sombrero, and maraca jokes I have heard in my life. Sadly, to this day, I avoid mentioning my background because I feel the same fear that I did as a kid. As I’ve gotten older, wiser, and more aware of the world, I learned to love myself for the person I am. I come from a long line of hard working Mexican people, and I am proud of it. I encourage you all to examine where you come from, why you are different, and most importantly, what makes us all the same. At the end of it all, we will not be remembered for the color of our skin or the person we chose to love but for the things we did in this world to make it a better place. I hope that one day I can be someone that my little cousins, siblings, and friends look up to. I want to be seen as a proud Mexican-American man trying to make the world a better place.
Mass Casualties in Series of ISIL attacks in Paris, Beirut, and Baghdad Neya Abdi Issues and Ideas Section Journalist This article was written in the days following the attacks in Europe and Asia. Details may have changed by the time of print. This November, there have been a series of attacks in Paris, Beirut, and Baghdad, carried out by ISIL, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Beirut was rocked by a suicide bombing on November 12 that killed 43 people and left more than 200 with injuries. One of the
bombers who had yet to detonate his device, and who was subsequently captured by Lebanese authorities, stated that ISIL was responsible for the attacks. Less than a day later, on November 13, ISIL suicide bombers targeted a number of sites in Baghdad, including a memorial service and a Shiite shrine, collectively killing over dozens of people. ISIL’s advancements in Iraq have left the country vulnerable and terrorized by near daily attacks carried out by the group. That same Friday, Paris was devastated by a series of co-ordinated attacks on a number of public venues including Le Petit Cambodge restaurant and the Bataclan theatre where an American band was playing. The death toll stands at 129 people with hundreds more injured. That weekend, the extremist group claimed responsibility referencing France’s involvement in military action against ISIL in stating, “Let all France and all nations following its path know that they will continue to be at the top of the target list for the Islamic State and that the scent of death will not leave their nostrils.” By Saturday morning, most of the individuals involved in the attacks were dead either by their own hands or by gunfire from French police. At the time of print, French authorities in tandem with other European security officials were in the midst of pursuing the gunmen who fled from the series of spots they had assaulted with automatic gunfire. World leaders were quick to denounce the attacks. U.S. President Barack Obama stated, “This is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values we share.” That same Friday morning, President Obama had declared that the ISIL threat had been contained leaving him open to criticism from a number of US politicians and presidential candidates. Many have been quick to point out the disproportionate amount of attention the deadly attacks in Paris have received in comparison to those in Beirut , not to mention the daily terror experienced by civilians in Syria and other parts of the world. It will come as no surprise that the events in Paris will result in a much stronger global response to ISIL. French president Françoise Hollande told the world, “what happened…was an act of war…and faced with war the country must take appropriate decisions.” Allies have already been quick to pledge their support for France with President Obama calling it the United States’ “oldest ally” and stating that they “stand prepared and ready to provide whatever assistance that the government and people of France need to respond.” Here in Canada, the events in France also present new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau his first real test when it comes to foreign affairs. A conflict that was popularly considered by the West as a regional conflict now has those living in North America and in Europe concerned about the possibility of lone wolf terrorists hitting targets closer to home. One of Prime Minister Trudeau’s campaign promises was bringing home the CF-18s currently engaged in counter-offensive airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq. He reassured Canadians by saying, “The safety and security of Canadians is a priority for me and my government. I’ve been speaking with our minister of public safety, been speaking with the various police and security agencies to ensure that Canadians are kept safe.”
Santé et bien-être Why I Like to Lift Heavy Things: Working Out and Being My Best Self David Biazik Contributor Everyone has different ways of working out and sticking to a routine, here’s a little bit of my story…I started working out with friends, we would use each other as motivation, push each other to go a little bit further, learn from one another and joke around a lot. This was last year when I wasn’t as serious about my gym routine. I would go when I could but I wouldn’t put in 100% effort, when I was there I would rush it and I wouldn’t schedule or prioritize the time to go. I realized throughout that year I wasn’t seeing the results that I wanted; so I decided to make a change. I’ve committed to myself that I would go every day and give it my all to see what the results will be. Something important I’ve learned is that it’s not all about the physical benefits. In giving 100% I’ve come to realize three great things about going to the gym. Stress reliever When I’m feeling stressed or I’m angry I can just take it out on the weights, leave it there and then continue on being my calm and happy self. Working out helps my mental health just as much as my physical health. Time alone and to myself It’s important for me to have time alone and to myself because it gives me time to think about
my life away from all the noise of everyone else; away from distractions of social media, school and my friends. The gym is the one place where I am there for myself and thinking to myself. It might sound a little bit selfish but I think it’s important that everyone takes their ‘me’ time. There’s always something to improve I like seeing results and I like knowing that I will only see results based on the work that I put in. Once you put in the work and it becomes a routine everyday you’ll look forward to the next day and improving the day after that. It’s like a game with myself. Everybody’s 100% looks different, for me it may be going every day but for you it might be once or twice a week. That’s the great thing about the gym, you’re not competing with anyone but yourself and no one’s judging you for what you’re doing. Shout out to the GAC, here more so than any other gym that I’ve ever been to, I never feel judged by anyone. Because of that I would never judge anyone else – feeling comfortable where you’re working out is definitely important. So, how do I make sure I’m giving my 100%? I know that I have 7 muscle groups that I have to target and if I don’t get them all done in one week then I don’t feel like I’m completing my goal. I take the time to make a schedule for myself to ensure I can spend the time I want to at the gym. This isn’t always easy. Managing school and the gym is pretty easy, but then you throw in a social life with work and it can be a struggle. At the end of the day it comes down to what will make you most happy. I like to make the time to go to the gym because it keeps me at my happiest and for everyone that happiness will look a little different.
Amanda Merry
Juggling School and Varsity Football: An Interview with Milan Klipina Pro Tem Team
Amanda Merry
Milan Klipina is a 4th year Glendon student enrolled in an honours BA of Psychology. He took some time out of his schedule to sit down with Pro Tem and talk about his experience of being a varsity athlete while pursuing his education at York. Milan has played football since grade 9 and has continued to play for the York Lions where he holds a position as a defensive back. For those of us who don’t know, what does the football season look like? The season goes from August until early November. In that time the team practices every day from 4-8, is expected to work out 2-3 times a week, and be present for all games. On top of this we still have to pass 18 credits – which you have to study for, and most of us have jobs and a social life which we need to fit in somehow. With all that on your plate how do you prioritize? During the season I make my schedule easier by taking 3-4 classes in the fall and then 4-5 in the winter. I have to be aware of how much time I have; for example instead of eating and hanging out with my friends after my workoutI’ll go to the library and work beforehand and then practice instead of sitting in the student center hanging out for the hour. I try to be as productive as I can during my time at school so that I can have time for other things too. Throughout your four years at York have you found that your priorities change? It’s definitely been an experience and a lot has changed from my first year to now, I’ve learned
a lot. First year was hard for a bunch of different reasons; high school didn’t prepare me, I was taking 33 credits and my whole life revolved around football. To say the least in first year school wasn’t my first priority and adjusting to everything that was brand new was hard. Second year to know I realized things needed to change so I figured out the routine and it all started to fall into place and get easier. I knew what to expect in terms of my commitments and time management coming into it in my future years. You’ve had the chance to be a varsity athlete as a member of both the Glendon and Keele communities, did you experience any changes or benefits of being at one or the other? I was a Keele student in my first year then switched to Glendon. For me personally, the commute to Keele was two hours where as Glendon is only half an hour to 45 minutes, that helped me out a lot in my transition from first to second year on top of working 2 jobs, football and course load. Other than the change in commute it’s a little different at Glendon because you’re away from your team a bit more, but that doesn’t make a huge difference because we all still go to the same practices and games. In your opinion what are the advantages of being on a varsity team? I get to play the sport that I love, it keeps me active, and it gives me a group of friends that are going through all the same pressures and changes that I am…oh and freshman 15 never happened, that was a good thing. Would you recommend being on a varsity team to other people? If you really enjoy the sport then 100% yes, but if it’s not your passion then no. I’m not sure how the other varsity team’s work, but at least for football, it’s something that you need to love and be committed to otherwise the stress and pressure won’t be worth it. 9
Health and Wellness Karate is Who I Be Kaitlin Trafford Contributor People are products of their environment. Everything from where they live, their daily routines, to their group of friends, affect a person’s actions and reactions, or “who they be”. Twelve years ago I began karate classes unknowing that it would mould me into who I am today. The martial arts have influenced the way I move, the way I think, and the way I act in. Physically speaking, karate has been fabulous for maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle. Training multiple times a week allows me to stay fit in both an educational and fun environment. The physical benefits of this art have also instilled safety and awareness behaviours in my body. Through practice, repetition and continuous learning, various fast reactions have become second nature. Being a martial artist has not only helped me to maintain a healthy lifestyle physically, but mentally as well. As a child, I quickly began to grasp effective communication skills, collaboration with others and respect in the initial stages of my training. I was taught that perseverance, determination and hard work can help me attain my goals; these lessons have created the solid foundation to my motivated work ethic. As I got older, going to the dojo became a place of stress release. The positive social environment along with the ability to be physical allowed me to be rid of any daily stresses or frustration. As a young adult, karate has also given me opportunities that will benefit my future career path. I am a fourth year student here at Glendon in the French Concurrent Education Program. At the dojo, I have been given the opportunity to organize and instruct the kid’s
camps as well as teach weekly classes. Having the ability to work with kids and teach every day is amazing classroom experience that I am able to attain in an environment that I grew up in; karate has supported my growth as a child, adolescent and young adult. This year I am taking part in a York International exchange to France for a semester. Even though I’m very excited for this learning opportunity, I have been faced with stress and anxiety due to the upcoming change; tapping into my karate mindset has led to much emotional clarity and focus. When thinking about various practice self defense situations I face weekly during karate class, I know that I have the skills, resourcefulness and knowledge to effectively react to any “attack” that comes my way. Although the grab and number of attackers is unknown to me, what I do know is that I am as prepared as I can be. France is a huge unknown for me and taking the time to think about “what would karate Kaitlin do?” has made the unmanageable overwhelming feelings of a ‘fear of the unknown’ become manageable. Karate has been the environment that has allowed the nine-year old girl to grow into a self-reliant, aware, confident and prepared individual. Challenges that come my way are surmountable as the mental foundation has been established through my training. Both my physical and mental training have given me the capabilities to take my own personal safety into my own hands as well as feel emotionally supported during times of stress that are common during school. Being my place of reflection, my place of learning, my place of stability and my place of focus, the karate dojo has become a place inside of my soul. Kaitlin Trafford
Kaitlin Trafford
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Kaitlin Trafford
Expressions Le stylo volé: Chapitre 3, le mystère Stéphanie Mak Contributrice Une fois dans la chambre d Étienne, les filles sentent un parfum de lavande. Toutes les choses sont bien arrangées dans leurs places : les vêtements, le lit, les romans, les textes scolaires et les cahiers. — Wow, dit Michelle, sa chambre est nettement différente que celle des hommes que je connais. — Je doute que ce soit une coïncidence que tout soit si bien rangé. Commençons à chercher! dit Sophie. Michelle fouille dans le placard pendant que Sophie cherche parmi les feuilles de papier sur son bureau. — Regarde! Michelle! exclame Sophie. Michelle se tourne vers son amie et s’écrie : — C’est le stylo de Mme Wood! Sophie dit heureusement : — Ça, c’est la preuve qu’Étienne l’a volé. Je savais tout le longs qu’il était le coupable. Il faut qu’on rende immédiatement le stylo à Mme Wood. — Pas encore, Sophie, interrompt Michelle en examinant les tiroirs. J’ai trouvé un autre stylo qui ressemble à celui de Mme Wood. — Pourquoi Étienne possède-t-il deux stylos identiques? Comment sommes-nous censées savoir lequel appartient à Mme Wood? Qu’est-ce qu’on va faire? demande Sophie anxieusement. —Sophie, il ne reste qu’une solution. Parlons avec Étienne pour résoudre ce mystère. —D’accord, répond Sophie. Allez, on devrait s’en aller. La bibliothèque ferme bientôt et je ne veux pas qu’Étienne nous trouve dans sa chambre. —Et les stylos? demande Michelle. —Prenons-les avec nous, dit Sophie. Un détective ne parle jamais avec le coupable sans preuve.
Symptomatic Sam Kacaba Metropolis Section Journalist “I think I might be exhausted.” Said in passing, without much thought. A familiar truth I swallow whole. When I close my eyes I can see my tendons snapping. How is it that I can fall apart so quietly? “What time is it now?” The words are mine, But I have been disembodied I fade out naturally As if it was meant to be Without a second thought Did anyone notice I was gone? “What are you thinking of?” I mimic the question. What if I cut off my hair? What if I peel off my skin? I’m not really feeling up to it right now Physicality, I’ve never really been fond of it. You really chose the wrong question to ask. The answer is always the same.
La nuit, Paris se tenait debout Kaitlin Fenton Expressions Section Journalist C’était un soir de silence pour le monde, mais un soir de sports, de gourmandises et de musique pour eux. Sensé être un sommeil de beauté, mais un cauchemar s’est éclaté. Nous promettons de ne jamais vous oublier. Nous souhaitons tous la paix pour vous et pour le monde entier. Qui seront les aidants de nos cousins? Au Japon, à Beirut, à Baghdad? Avec Paris, milles sympathies, mais n’oublions pas les pays avec qui nous ne partageons pas de langue. Nous partageons votre peine.
The Human Fault Joseph Ronelle Contributor Humans have many faults: If not the competition Of anger or jealousy, Then it is the extreme pride Or the need for pride, Hatred for reasons unknown Or just hatred because they want to. A major fault of human nature is greed The more they see “power”, The more they want it. If anyone gets in their way, they die! Or are pushed to the side Human greed would be their downfall!
C’était la nuit et Paris se tenait debout. Le reste du monde en a seulement entendu. C’est le matin maintenant et on a répondu.
Not gangrenous or gory, Just gone I’d like to leave this body behind. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Or maybe something more ugly than that. I am not scared.
Passionate about a topic disc ussed in this issue? Is there another point of view that should be presented? Tell us what you think in a letter to the editor. We’d love to hear your thoughts! editor@protemglendon.com
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