Skip to main content

Pro Tem - Vol. 57 Issue 3

Page 1

le journal bilingue de Glendon | Glendon’s bilingual newspaper

Issue 3: le 24 octobre, 2018

The Benefits of Cannabis Legalization

In This Issue: Vie étudiante: A research assistant satirizes their struggles, the importance of safety planning et la culture de viol envahissante Health: Thoughts on the Keto diet, les bienfaits de la légalisation du cannabis, and John Kemp’s minestrone soup recipe Metropolis: A student’s tonguein-cheek telling of the consequences of TTC fare-evading, and hypothetical plans for TTC subway expansions Arts et divertissement: Le piège récent de l’artiste de rue Banksy, and a review of Lupe Fiasco’s WAV FILES Issues and Ideas: L’avis d’une étudiante sur la maternelle à quatre ans du CAQ, a environmentally-friendly Google alternative et une explication des types de justice Expressions: A Glendonite’s riddle, a Spanish short story et un poème émouvant Prochaine date limite : le 24 octobre 2018

Kaya Harris-Read Chief of Operations With cannabis legalization upon us, there are, as always, an array of contrasting opinions. Is it helpful? Is it harmful? A simple Google search will show the controversy this topic sparks, with strong arguments on both sides. However, whether you are for or against the use of marijuana, there are undeniable benefits of its legalization. As October 17th has approached, there have been an increasing number of dispensaries operating in the Toronto area. While these shops are not technically operating legally, they give a preview to what can be expected from legal pot shops that are due to open after the legalization date. This manner of purchasing marijuana gives pot users the opportunity to choose between different varieties of indica, sativa, and hybrid strains. While for some people this choice is based on pref-

erence, for others there are important reasons that motivate this decision. Sativa generally results in a “head high,” which can produce creative energy and help with productivity. However, it can also showcase the negative effects of marijuana use, such as increased feelings of paranoia and anxiety, leading certain individuals to avoid this variety. On the other hand, indicas give a “body high,” resulting in a relaxed and comfortable feeling. Because of this, indica strains are usually the variety used for medicinal purposes. Like with anything you purchase, it’s important to know what you’re buying, which is not always the case with “street” marijuana. Buying legal marijuana rather than that of the black market marijuana will result in a product that is known to be safe and regulated. Another benefit of cannabis legalization is the legalization of its possession. A study done by the University of Ottawa estimated that in 2001, there

were 71 600 reported offences involving marijuana, and that 70% of these offences were for possession. Also estimated was the annual cost of enforcing marijuana laws which, including police and court procedures, came to $500 million. Not included in this figure is the cost of marijuana-related incarcerations. The legalization of cannabis will help to unclog the justice system, allowing courts to focus on more serious offenses. Yes, marijuana usage does have its physical and societal risks, but they are rendered negligible by the dangers associated with alcohol consumption, the use of tobacco, and other drugs. Given the cost-benefit analysis of criminalized marijuana, the $500 million would be better spent on rehabilitation for people dealing with substance abuse and addiction, further supplemented by the tax revenue of pot sales. Continued on page 5


Pro Tem Letter from The Editor Notre Équipe

Editor in Chief | Rédactrice en chef Sarah Ariza-Verreault editor@protemglendon.com

Chief of Operations | Chef des opérations Kaya Harris-Read operations@protemglendon.com English Editor | Rédactrice adjointe anglais Amanda Sears assistanteng@protemglendon.com French Editor | Rédactrice adjointe français Gabriella Giordan assistantfran@protemglendon.com Media Officer | Agente des médias Krysta Veneruz media@protemglendon.com Photographer | Photographe Adrienne Arzaga photography@protemglendon.com Layout Editor | Maquetteur Connor Boyd design@protemglendon.com Section Editors | Chroniqueurs Campus Life | Vie étudiante Ayse Koca campuslife@protemglendon.com Issues & Ideas | Actualité et opinions Sabrina Sukhdeo issuesideas@protemglendon.com

Coucou Glendon ! It’s great to finally see you all on the other side of midterm season, c’est certain que nous sommes tous heureux du fait que le mois d’octobre soit presque terminé. The temperature has dropped and some of us have even seen some early snow. Certains d’entre nous attendent impatiemment Noël après la chute de température, I won’t lie and tell you the cold air has got me excited for ice skating and the month-long break between semesters. D’ici là, je célèbrerai l’automne en m’emitoufflant dans des tricots, et en portant de bonnes bottes et une bonne tuque ; prête pour les prochains indices que l’hiver s’en vient. For those of you who aren’t excited for the chilly weather, le fait que nous avons fini plus que la moitié de notre semestre vous réchauffera ! It’s easy sailing from here on in—at least until final exams! You’ve got this, Glendon! - Sarah

Metropolis | Métropole Gulsvert Dela Cruz metropolis@protemglendon.com Arts & Entertainment | Arts et divertissement Bruno Da Costa arts@protemglendon.com Health & Wellness | Santé et bien-être John Kemp health@protemglendon.com Expressions | Expressions Ayla Sljivar expressions@protemglendon.com

Sarah Ariza-Verreault Editor in Chief

About Us 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.

Kaya Harris-Read Chief of Operations

Amanda Sears Assistant English Editor

Gabriella Giordan Assistant French Editor

Krysta Veneruz Media Officer

Adrienne Arzaga Photographer

Connor Boyd Designer

Ayse Koca Campus Life

Sabrina Sukhdeo Issues & Ideas

John Kemp Health & Wellness

Ayla Sljivar Expressions

Opinions published in Pro Tem are those of the individual writers, and do not reflect the views of the publication as a whole. We will not print copy deemed racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise oppressive. 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. Feel free to 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! To see past editions of Pro Tem, please visit our website: www.protemglendon.com.

2

Be sure to follow us on Facebook for reminders about upcoming deadlines and events: @ProtemGL

Gulsvert Dela Cruz Metropolis

Bruno Da Costa Arts & Entertainment


Vie étudiante Hell Doesn’t Cut it: What Treehouse of Horror IV Gets Right and Wrong About My Time at York Anonymous By now we’re probably all familiar with Treehouse of Horror IV; a classic episode that any Simpsons fan would be sore to miss on a rainy October evening. This year however, my fifty-second viewing of this particular Simpsons short drew an interesting parallel never before relevant to my life. For those of you who took up residence under a rock on or before the 28th of ‎October 1993, Treehouse of Horror IV presents the tale of Homer Simpson naively selling his soul for a donut. Desperate for his sugar fix, Homer clasps his hands together, pleading, “Oh I’ll do anything for a donut!” Without missing a beat, a pitchfork-wielding Ned Flanders rises up in smoke and offers a contract: one soul for one donut. Eagerly, Homer signs the contract and upon mindlessly finishing the donut, is damned to hell for all eternity. The fitting punishment is announced by a goblin: “So, you like donuts, eh? Well… Have all the donuts in the world!” Homer thus begins to be force-fed donuts by a machine; a task that proves to be less punishment and more pleasure as Homer finishes eating every last donut in hell. I’ll spare you the happy ending, since happy endings are, so far, not relevant to my experience at York. What

you need to know is simply that donuts are to Homer Simpson what research assistant positions are to me. Only I didn’t sell my soul—just my entire savings account and four years of my life. But who’s counting? Maybe I didn’t shout, “Oh I’ll do anything for a donut!” but maybe I clasped my hands together, pleading with unknown forces of the universe, “Oh I’ll do anything for a research assistant position!” Lo and behold, the invisible contract was signed, pen and paper be damned (pun totally intended). I was offered a position for which I am both grateful and an unlikely candidate—one that I have no regrets accepting without hesitation. Queue eternal damnation. The spirit of York grips me, inquiring, “So, you like research assistant positions, eh? Well… have all the positions you applied for!” Only, York isn’t as generous as the Devil, and I am unfortunately not in hell. Want to know how I can tell? I’m not being forced to accept every research position I applied for—much like Homer Simpson, this would constitute more pleasure than punishment. Instead, I am simply forced to gawk at the emails and opportunities I never expected to receive, as York maintains that no two RAY, YES, CLAY, or Work/Study programs can be held concurrently. In this respect, hell could probably take notes from York. Maybe forcing Homer to just stare at many beautiful, succulent, gleaming, prospective donuts would have been more effective. In my experience, this is certainly the greater punishment. So, if anyone is reading this, send help… and donuts. Why not?

Safety Planning Sam Takrani Contributor Generally, when one hears the word “safety,” it is easy to associate it with words like “danger,” “emergency,” and “risk.” We tend to think of safety as a prevention method, a plan used to prevent danger or an emergency. Although that is not wrong, as planning is used for that, there is more to be said for safety planning. Safety planning means maximizing safety while still having fun in whatever we choose to do. Safety planning means that every person feels emotionally, physically, and mentally secure in every situation. Whether it be at a party, a concert, or just hanging out with friends. Especially with Halloween approaching, your safety is a priority. October is a month full of partying and celebrating Halloween and it’s no doubt a perfect time to have fun with your friends and family. However it is important to make sure you feel safe in anything you choose to do this month. Here are some tips how to maximize safety: First, if you go out with friends, keep in touch with them throughout the night. Have a designated sober friend, and if you are drinking, keep track of your drinks! Try not to leave them unattended. If you want to leave early, contact a friend when you leave and again when you get home safe. If your friend wants to leave with someone, whether they’re friends or not, it doesn’t hurt to double check and ask for an address or

the contact information of the person they’re leaving with. Second, when experimenting with something new, go low and slow. You don’t know how much you will like it, and you don’t know how your body will react. Start slow and see how things go. Sometimes the simplest things can maximize safety and reduce risk in everyday life. For example, if you drive, try leaving for work or school a bit earlier so you don’t take a chance and speed. Or maybe try not to jaywalk on the busy streets of Toronto. These things may seem small and insignificant, however in the end, it’s the simple decisions we make that keep us safe. An important thing to note is that your safety comes first no matter what. So if your gut is telling you something is wrong and your Spidey Senses are tingling, trust them. Trust your gut and your instincts. You are perfectly in your right to leave or not participate in a situation if you do not feel safe. If you feel that you are in danger, do not hesitate to ask for help from someone you trust. You know yourself best. At the end of the day, there’s no better feeling in the world than feeling safe. Safety can never be overrated; not if it means keeping the people we love and ourselves secure. If you need further support, check out the Accessibility, Well-Being and Counseling Centre located at Glendon Hall, 111A, or contact the office by phone at 416-487-6709 or email at counselling@glendon.yorku.ca.

3


Campus Life Open Letter to Adherents of #MeToo Kamillia Grove Contributor Please Note: This article discusses topics of sexual assault and rape culture. The dawn of the #MeToo movement has catapulted the discussion about sexual assault into common discourse. Although social media is far from a perfect platform, sexual assault survivors have demanded the space to articulate their experiences through the movement. These voices have been paramount in breaking down the foundations of rape culture and proving the pervasiveness of sexual assault. Longstanding rape culture encourages victim-blaming and disbelief, therefore the voices and support of allies have also been absolutely necessary to the success of the movement. Allies support survivors through belief and sensitivity to uplift them so that others may hear their stories. They also support the cause by promoting proper knowledge of consent and speaking up to break down rape culture in order to explicitly send the message that sexual assault, rape culture, and predators are no longer secure. Universities and colleges are environments where many people choose to explore their sexuality. It is necessary for this exploring to be under the circumstances of safety and proper knowledge of consent. Students who choose to refrain from this prevailing sphere of university life are still crucial actors in consent because staying silent in the face of assault not only sustains improper beliefs about consent, but also subjects potential victims to assault by inhibiting the education of consent among peers. Students ought to acknowledge the power of their voices. Furthermore, it is necessary to acknowledge and respect that consent can be denied explicitly as well as implicitly (intoxication, lack of enthusiasm, etc.). Lack of attention to implicit denial of consent can lead to unintentional assault. Therefore it is important to ask explicitly for consent when the 4 answer is hazy. Moreover the de-

Santé et bien-être Keto Diet: Full of Potential or Full of It?

The keto diet focuses on innial of consent does not open the door creasing fat intake and decreasing carb to convincing. Post-secondary students intake. While carbohydrates normally contribute to the practice of proper make up about 80% of a person’s calorconsent by reserving their own right to ic intake, it should only make up about consent, always asking for consent and Amanda Sears 5% for anyone on the keto diet, while being aware of it, as well as using their Assistant English Editor fats should account for about 65% pervoices to speak up against those who cent of caloric intake, leaving the rest disrespect the parameters of consent This article comes from a place deep for protein. Oh, and no sugar. It takes or, do not understand them. Rape culture plays a colossal in my heart: my arteries. Arteries which under a week of eating this way for the role in how assault is viewed, and is are, at this time, hurting for anyone on body to enter “ketosis”, at which point preserved through lack of attention, mi- the keto diet. It took me six months to your body will begin producing ketones sogynistic language, and stereotypes. put my money where my mouth is and and burning fat as a form of energy. The Discussions about sexual assault and try the diet for myself—so here’s the diet is praised for its fast results and even has celebrity endorsement (I’m rape culture must be treated with re- scoop. I was first introduced to the ke- looking at you, Megan Fox). spect and the desire to educate. Sex- In my experience, it is certainly ism is especially threatening because togenic diet on a foggy spring morning it plays a role in the everyday lives of at work. I poured a piping hot cup of effective in the short term. I lost about women. Sexist or misogynistic be- coffee for a customer, handed it to her seven pounds right off the bat in the haviour includes (but is not limited to) with a complimentary chocolate, said first week after entering ketosis, most of catcalls, sexist “jokes,” comments that “enjoy,” and turned around to brew an- which I suspect was water weight, as carbohydrates store water. I continued implicitly attack women, stereotypes other pot. “Excuse me,” a startlingly con- for another couple weeks, losing about of women, and undermining women’s abilities. It is crucial these comments fident voice spoke behind me, “do you another three pounds weekly, before I be rejected by the public because they have any butter?” All she ordered was stopped. Sure, I missed the spontaneity massively contribute to rape culture. a coffee, so what did this woman need of eating a larger variety of foods, and Additionally, it is important to recognize butter for? To moisturize? As lip balm? the rumored keto flu is no joke, but it that sexual assault is not limited to gen- To finally remove that tight wedding ring was effective enough. So why did I der. Although women are statistically and tell Chad that he never deserved stop? Well, truth be told, I didn’t think it would actually work, and I wasn’t particmuch more vulnerable, all genders are her? I was almost eager to find out. affected by rape culture and are vulner- I nonchalantly passed her a small plas- ularly interested in losing weight at the able to sexual assault. Inclusivity and tic pot of butter. “Sure, here you go.” I time. But there are more reasons to be wary of the keto diet. watched and waited. respect are critical. The keto diet, due to its re“Um,” she started, “do you Honouring victims is one of strictive nature, is not only difficult to the central components of the move- have any more?” maintain long-term, but can also result “How many do you need?” ment and can be done in a multitude “Like…” she thought, “five?” in numerous vitamin and mineral defiof ways. First, believe victims. Be sen- sitive to their trauma and the courage Obediently, like the minimum-wage cof- ciencies. Kidney stones and decreased it takes to share their stories. Respect fee slave that I am, I passed her five bone mineral density are also notable those who choose not to speak out, for pots of butter and watched, one by one, concerns. But above all, there exists a their reasons are just as valid. Respect as she plopped them into her coffee. debate surrounding heart health and their right to consent to the discussion They landed with a small splash and the dramatic increase in fat intake that and never mention a survivor’s experi- melted instantly. She stirred the hellish the keto diet demands. The risks posed ence without their permission; let them concoction until a shiny film of fat lined by trans fats and saturated fats can be speak of it themselves. The #MeToo the surface of her drink. She picked up curbed by the diligent dieter, but the movement propelled the discussion the cup, tilted it back, sipped, and my exact numbers can be difficult to track, about sexual assault into daily affairs eyes went wide. “Thanks!” is all she left leading many people to fall by the wayand it is our duty to carry it through. We me with—no explanation, let alone clo- side. So what does this mean for your must keep the conversation open to let sure, for the horror I had just observed. arteries? With the rising popularity of It would be another three the keto diet, more and more studies predators know that they are no longer safe in our society. Our voices, victims months of cracking jokes with cowork- are being published examining the risks or not, matter. We will accomplish the ers about drinking butter before I had a of increased saturated fat intake, with movement’s objective by voting, keep- second run-in with the keto diet and its some suggesting that the diet is safe, ing the conversation going about proper loyal followers. More people, more but- and others warning that it is only safe consent, believing and supporting sur- ter—but still no explanation. Fast-for- short-term. Perhaps only time and science vivors, as well as speaking up against ward another month and some guy is filling half his cup with 35% whipping will tell whether the keto diet is the bigrape culture. cream. I had to get to the bottom of this. gest thing since sliced bread (pun totalAs it turns out, searching “drink whip- ly intended) or just another health-food ping cream” is surprisingly effective in fad, but one thing is for sure: I will eat narrowing down one’s motivation to the my cinnamon buns if it kills me. keto diet.


John Kemp’s Kitchen: Minute Meals John Kemp Health & Wellness Editor As the semester progresses, I’m sure you’ve all been feeling the same pressure I have to keep up with classes, turn in assignments, and prepare for those nasty midterms. If our lives as students revolved solely around school, I’m sure that nobody would ever have any issue maintaining a perfect academic record. The trouble is, they don’t. We have relationships to maintain, families to be a part of, laundry to do, rent to pay, shoes to shine, goldfish to feed, and so many other things to do that take up our time outside of school. One of the most common extra-curricular responsibilities that we have as developing adults is that of feeding oneself. This responsibility, for most people, has by far the highest PITA factor (Pain-in-the-Ass factor) of all: “adulting” chores. It requires managing the complicated logistics of expiry dates, grocery shopping and, above all, simply thinking of what to make. Even though I do enjoy putting myself to work in the kitchen, trying to find time to organize and cook my meals can be a daunting task. For this reason, I’ve taken full advantage of the preserving qualities of the freezer over the past few years. I’ll make a bulk portion of something, whether it be a stew or even pasta sauce, and simply freeze it so that I can pull it out any time and have a ready meal. This saves incredible amounts of time and stress and lets me cook when I want to cook—not when I have to. Recently, I made a great big pot of this hearty minestrone soup which I’ve certainly appreciated having ready when I get home from school after 9 hours of class. It’s chock-full of vegetables (and is in fact vegetarian with the parmesan; vegan without), making it a great one-bowl meal that’s still full of vitamins and nutrients. Have it with a couple slices of toasted rye and you’ve got yourself a solid weeknight meal. Minestrone Soup Yield: About 10-12 portions

Santé et bien-être

Ingredients: • 5 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced • 2 stalks celery, chopped • 2 carrots, diced • 1 small can tomato paste • 1 cup frozen peas • 2 medium white potatoes, scrubbed and diced • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced • ½ tsp. dried thyme • ½ tsp. dried oregano • 1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes • 2 vegetable stock cubes • 5-6 cups water • 2 bay leaves • Freshly ground black pepper to taste (add about 1 tablespoon if you really want some kick) • Salt to taste • 1 15-oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained • 1-2 cups pasta (orecchiette is the traditional choice but any small noodles will work just fine) • 2 cups spinach, chopped (I would do a wide chiffonade with these) • Parmesan to garnish

John Kemp

Directions: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion, carrot, celery, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring continuously until the onions sweat. If you find the mixture is too dry and is beginning to brown, add more oil and lower the heat slightly. Once the onions are cooked, add the peas, potatoes, thyme, garlic, and oregano. Cook for about 2 minutes before adding the tomatoes with their juices, stock cubes, water, and bay leaves. Allow to simmer on medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and tasting and adjusting as you go. Add the spinach, pasta, and beans and allow to cook until the pasta is just under al dente stage—it will sit in the liquid while it cools and continue to cook and absorb liquid. Serve sprinkled generously with parmesan. Note that if the soup is left to sit in its liquid state overnight, it will become more like a stew because of the tendency of the ingredients to absorb the liquid. This is perfectly okay and simply makes it more filling. If you’d like to maintain the liquid quality of the soup, freeze it immediately after allowing it to cool down. Enjoy!

The Benefits of Cannabis Legalization (cont.)

deterred by its illegality may try it now that it is legal, it is also clear that most people who want to use marijuana were doing so prior to its legalization, and it is unlikely that their use will be drastically affected by this change of law. The common arguments against legal- Whether you are for or against ization have primarily stemmed from legalization, the truth of the matter is health concerns about its use. They that, while it will impact things like lebring up potential health and safety gal procedures and government revrisks such as addiction and respiratory enue, there is not likely going to be a health. In contrast, the common argu- significant difference in day-to-day life. ments for legalizing cannabis include If places like Amsterdam, where pot is points such as an increase of tax reve- sold publicly, can be any indication, the nue, decreasing gang-related violence, streets are not going to be suddenly and making medical marijuana more flooded by marijuana users, and there accessible. This implies that those is not going to be a dramatic spike in who are against legalization assume the number of those users. It is likely that it will increase the consumption that marijuana use in Canada will be of marijuana. While it is possible that the same, but legal. 5 people who are mildly curious but were


GMUN’s Welcome Back Extravaganza

6

All Photo Credits to Adrienne Arzaga


Le campus en automne

All Photo Credits to Adrienne Arzaga

7


Metropolis Reasons for the TTC’s Ever-Rising Fare: The Repercussions of Telling the Hike to “Take a Hike” Ameer Shash Contributor Here’s a riddle for you: name something that goes up but never comes down. If you’re a commuter living in Toronto, the answer is, invariably, our transit fares. Residents have been baffled by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) seemingly squeezing every dollar they can from riders. No matter what social media platform or news outlet you tune into, it is certain that you’ve seen headlines that criticize the TTC for their unreliable transit service. A brightly-lit ‘Out of Service’ display board shines unforgivingly at you atop those steel-bodied trains as they slowly make their way out of the station past you. A group of young men, among whom was Canadian-born Eritrean rap artist “6ixReacts,” published a two-minute video on YouTube and other sites on May 7, 2018 which sparked an internal investigation by the TTC. The video, featuring a diss track titled ‘NYEAH EH’, was aimed at TTC workers in complete distaste for the commission’s policies. The lyrics insinuated that the artists would commit offences in response to their disapproval to the TTC. A fragment of the diss track has 6ixReacts say, “Two bones? ‘Imma walk in for free.” The fare hike has caused near-irreparable damage to the commission’s public image, as if it wasn’t already ruined since the beginning. This line from the diss track has made it evident that a fare hike, while the TTC has not made any attempt to improve service, is absurd Transit users, who have become frustrated handing over their fare in exchange for a sardine-packed bus ride, have found other ways of getting on public transit. Their bus ride may go great lengths, but so will riders in their attempts to evade the $3.25 bus fare, required for those ages 20 to 65. 8 An incident on April 12 was cap-

tured on video depicting a man grabbing hold of the exterior of the bus to ride in for free in the middle of the evening. The representative of the TTC, Brad Ross, commented on the foolishness, remarking the ordeal as being “a reckless, dangerous and stupid stunt.” In the long run, it means millions of dollars in revenue being lost annually due to fare evaders not pitching in their share to fund a shared transit network. A portion of that revenue lost, if it weren’t for evaders, could have been allocated towards oh, I don’t know, much-needed repairs! So, while it is unclear exactly where our transit fare money is going, if the TTC wants to improve their service without having to continually put a burden on riders’ wallets, I propose the following idea: I envision training drivers to manage their time better. This can be done by the commission facilitating specialized simulations and studies to evaluate the speed, evaluate the distance between each bus, and analyze traffic data for certain times of the day. The TTC would then deploy practices according to those peak times and observations that would alleviate, what appears to riders as, inconsistent scheduling. Traffic, for instance, is a variable that drivers cannot control, so you cannot degrade your bus driver for arriving seven minutes late. I found an article during the development of this editorial piece, in which it was discovered that the TTC sought another approach to ease their tardiness. It involves using an autopilot-like system to operate subway trains by controlling variables such as speed and stopping time. The catch: a $563-million cost to implement this system-wide. I recall glimpsing the phrase, ‘Free TTC’ in the header of a Toronto Star release, but with everything else in life, we must let our fare-evading friends know that you have to pitch in your share so that things remain fair.

Fall Events in Toronto: What Not to Miss If you’re around Toronto and hear of an event that might be of interest to our community, write to us at: metropolis@protemglendon.com. Arts and Culture Art Toronto Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Oct 26 – 29 Japan Now: Female Masters Gardiner Museum, Sep 7 – Nov 25 Transforming Traditions: The Arts of 19th Century Iran Aga Khan Museum, Sep 22 – Dec 9 Cinesphere Fall Film Series Cinesphere @ Ontario Place, Oct 5 – Dec 23

Community and Environment 2-Hour Challenge on King St. All of King st, Oct 1 – Oct 31 Long Branch Neighborhood Association - Tree for Me Marie Curtis Park, Oct 27 Enchanted Evening Trinity St. Paul’s Church, Every Sunday Food and Drink Best of Scarborough Food Tour Begins at Kennedy Station, Aug 9 – Oct 27 Queen West Pastry Crawl Nugateau, Sept 25-Dec 28 Music and Entertainment

Toronto After Dark Film Festival Scotiabank Theatre, Oct 11 – 19

Fairland Funhouse Augusta Avenue, Aug 15 – Nov 2

The International Festival of Authors Harbourfront Centre, October 18 – 28

Boombox TIFF Bell Lightbox, Oct 25

Art of the Piano: Marc Pierre Toth Gallery 345, Oct 27

Halloween

Careers TorontoJobs.ca Career Fair Roy Thomson Hall, Oct 24 Scarborough Job Fair by Napp Global Kingdom, Nov 1 Pathways to Success: Youth Career & Education Fair WE Global Learning Centre, Nov 15

Halloween Haunt Canada’s Wonderland, specific nights until Oct 31 Legends of Horror feat. The Vampire Circus Casa Loma, Sep 28 – Oct 31 Retro Halloween at Todmorden Mills Todmorden Mills Heritage Site, Oct 27 – Oct 28


Metropolis Criss-crossed TTC Future: Upcoming Projects Gulsvert Dela Cruz Metropolis Editor December 2017 was an exciting time for many York students. Other than the fact that another (subjectively) long break from school and work was about to begin, it also harkened the opening of the long-awaited TTC subway expansion to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. This historic move saw the first subway expansion opened in more than a decade, as well as the first project connecting Toronto to a neighboring region via subway line, making it easier for commuters from both downtown and Vaughan to reach York University. However, those travelling along east-west routes may find it a slight nuisance— even more so for those in other neighboring municipalities. There are many dream-like projects that are currently being assessed, or at least being designed on the city’s drawing board, but it might be best to discuss those with clearer timetables.

Arts et divertissements

west side of the Yonge-University line). Finch West LRT In conjunction with the Eglinton move into rapid transit-starved Etobicoke, this 18-stop western stretch from Finch West station to Humber College’s North Campus is to begin construction in fall 2018 and expected to open by 2023. Sheppard East LRT Building from the 2002 Sheppard subway line, this extension is set to begin construction following the completion of Finch West. However, the relocation of $300 million originally earmarked for this project to the Finch expansion sometime around June last year, in addition to weak support from both the provincial and municipal governments may signal its impending cancellation. If continued, it would see 25 surface-level stops from Don Mills Station to Morningside Avenue.

Scarborough Subway As the Scarborough RT reaches the end of their 30 years of service and their natural lifespan, the replacement rapid transit plan is nearing the final stages of assessment. City Council had decided a one-stop subway extension connecting Kennedy Station to Scarborough Town Centre would be the best alterEglinton LRT Anyone driving along Eglinton East is native to a rapidly aging artery, with its probably intimately aware of the work construction set to begin in 2019. being done on the next major TTC project: the Eglinton Crosstown. Slated to We all hope to see—and I certainly wish open in 2021, this line will run 25 stations in our lifetime—a Toronto as well-intefrom Kennedy Station to Weston Road, grated and serviced by intracity rapid and will connect 54 TTC bus routes and transit as London or Seoul, but until 3 TTC stations (Kennedy, Eglinton, and then let’s look forward to what is being Cedarvale—this last connecting to the done.

L’art autodestructeur de Banksy, artiste de rue controversé Sarah Ariza-Verreault Editor-in-Chief Lors de la vente aux enchères à Sotheby’s à Londres il y a deux semaines, l’œuvre connue de Banksy, Fille avec ballon, est passée à travers un broyeur caché dans le cadre et elle s’est complètement détruite devant un auditoire stupéfait. Même si l’oeuvre s’est déchiqueté au moment où il a été gagné aux enchères à 1,4 million USD, un nouveau record de prix de vente pour l’artiste, la gagnante a tout de même fièrement brandi son prix inédit. L’Instagram de Banksy, blagueur, a affiché une photo de l’événement avec comme légende « Going, going, gone... », un jeu sur la phrase énoncée par les commissaires-priseurs anglophones. Banksy a avoué qu’il avait installé le broyeur dans le cadre au cas où le portrait serait vendu aux enchères. Ce faisant, Banksy a créé, et non pas détruit, une œuvre d’art. Après la vente, on a exposé l’œuvre déchirée pendant quelques jours avant de la remettre aux acheteuses. En dépit de la perception populaire de cet acte contestataire de

la part de Banksy, il faut noter que le numéro qu’il a monté a fait augmenter le prix de l’œuvre. Cette augmentation de prix illustre la nature matérialiste de la société et la monétisation de l’art de rue. En effet, l’œuvre vaut 20 % de plus qu’avant de sa destruction. Peut-être Banksy est-il en train de rire du fait que le public est, encore une fois, tombé dans son piège ? Ce n’est pas la première fois que l’artiste tend des pièges au public. Effectivement, au cours de sa carrière artistique, Banksy a fait plusieurs cascades. Par exemple, en 2004, il a pénétré dans le musée du Louvre avec un simple billet de visiteur et y a déposé à côté de la Joconde son œuvre Le sourire de la Joconde, un portrait satirique de cette dernière avec un visage de bonhomme sourire. L’artiste de rue anglais, dont les créations ont récemment été exposées pendant près de deux mois à Toronto, n’a jamais dévoilé son identité au public. Il est de plus en plus élusif et mystérieux. Ses portraits sont souvent satiriques, mélangeant graffiti et humour noir. D’ailleurs, quoiqu’il ait produit en 2010 un film documentaire traitant de l’art de rue intitulé Exit Through the Gift Shop, les critiques d’art et les amateurs d’art se demandent toujours ce que signifient vraiment ses œuvres à la fois polémiques et fascinantes. Ces derniers ont sûrement hâte de voir quel sera le prochain piège que Banksy leur tendra. 9


Arts and Entertainment

Actualité et opinions

Lupe Fiasco “WAV Files” Track Review

Commencer la maternelle à quatre ans: un projet d’éducation à revoir

David Rosen Contributor When it comes to the format in which I listen to music, I generally prefer the album experience. I guess this is due to my tendency to look for patterns in the world around me. I like to see things in context, not as isolated events. For this reason, I don’t really like to listen to songs outside of their albums. Nearly every time I listen to a promotional single or a deep cut, I struggle to really understand it. I often find the song somewhat inaccessible. For me, to connect to a song of its own accord, it often has to have the internal structure and focus one associates with an album. This isn’t always true—I love the new Anderson Paak singles “Bubblin” and “Tints.” They’re just awesome! This sort of song needs to have, more than anything, a very clear sense of what it is—in other words, self-confidence. Lupe Fiasco’s WAV Files is, I think, exactly that kind of song. Lupe’s latest album, Drogas Wave, was released on September 21, and it has created a bit of a stir in the hip-hop community. It’s a longer album, clocking in at 1 hour and 38 minutes. Many fans are even saying it’s his best album in years. I had not yet listened to it; the length made the album seem daunting. However, I had read about WAV Files somewhere online, and I decided to give it a go. First thing to mention about this song is the beat. Oh man, it’s gorgeous! It’s essentially a mournful piano piece over a trap beat, coupled with synth vocals fading in and out in the background. It has a sort of flat yet bouncy rhythm, something like a determined march. And it works perfectly with the lyrical content.

10

The theme revolves around the transatlantic slave trade that started in the 17th century. The lyrics take the narrative in a sort of tragedy-fantasy direction, featuring the souls of the kidnapped Africans who had jumped off the slave ships making their way back to Africa, or fighting back against the colonial powers by sinking the slave ships. The latter tale plays out in the deeply affecting third verse, where Lupe lists eighty slave ships by name in a half-sung, half-rapped style that works extremely well with the piano-inflected beat. The moment when he mentions The Surf and the way the word echoes in time with the beat is particularly effective. Lupe connects this unspeakable event to the present with cryptic references that draw parallels between the slave trade and his relationship with his former record label, Atlantic Records: “wade with us/Baptize and convert to the waves with us/I tuned in to what the future holds/I could never be a slave, n****s/They gon’ have to pay me, Navy /Downloaded by the tidals like Jay-Z.” Also note the song’s title, connecting the waves of the Atlantic Ocean with the music files under the control of powerful record companies. I really appreciated this aspect of the song, because it takes it from being just an abstract, historical musing to being a powerful expression of the artist himself. There are other amazing details to be found in WAV Files, but the treasures the song holds are best discovered by spending time with it firsthand. It has the ability to draw listeners in seamlessly, and even if there’s a lot to take in, listening to it is certainly no chore. WAV Files succeeds because it shows such a clear sense of itself through an absolutely defined and immaculate execution. I have been absolutely hooked from my first listen, and it’s been on repeat for the last week or so. Check it out!

Krysta Veneruz Agente des médias La nouvelle tendance de #bleedblue au Canada, entraînée par la victoire des conservateurs en Ontario et, plus récemment, par celle de la Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) au Québec, démontre que les Québécois et les Canadiens sont tous les deux en train de douter de leur décision de vote. La plupart des citoyens qui votent pour le Parti conservateur sont pour une « meilleure économie », mais en réalité cette économie idéale constitue simplement un système qui permettra aux contribuables de s’enrichir. En tant qu’étudiante qui possède trois emplois à temps partiel, je suis contre l’idée qu’une « économie » stable soit toujours plus importante que le bien-être des citoyens canadiens. La CAQ souhaitait apparemment rendre la maternelle obligatoire à l’âge de quatre ans. Cependant, dans leur projet d’éducation, la maternelle à quatre ans ne sera pas obligatoire, mais plutôt encouragée et investie, ce qui aidera certaines personnes. Selon CBC Toronto, il y a des élèves dont la famille n’a pas les moyens pour payer environ 1500 $ de garderie par mois pour chaque enfant. De plus, dans le cas des enfants qui habitent dans des milieux désavantagés, il serait préférable de les éloigner de dangers potentiels et de les envoyer à l’école, où ils auront l’occasion d’apprendre les compétences de base de la vie. Selon la CAQ, ce projet devrait être bénéfique pour tous, mais on estime que ledit plan coûterait 400 millions de dollars pendant les cinq premières

années du projet. Il faut se demander si le projet se réalisera simplement parce qu’il est plus facile d’investir dans les écoles que d’investir dans les garderies et les programmes sociaux. De plus, une grande partie des Québécois sont de l’avis que commencer la maternelle à quatre ans créerait d’importants désavantages scolaires. Selon eux, plusieurs enfants ne sont guère prêts à commencer si tôt. Actuellement, les enfants nés au Québec après le 30 septembre doivent attendre un an avant de commencer l’école. En revanche, en Ontario, les enfants commencent l’école en fonction de leur année et non pas de leur mois de naissance. Souvent, des enfants qui ont trois ans en prématernelle ne se sentent pas prêts à entamer la maternelle, ce qui peut nuire aux enfants qui ont hâte de commencer l’école. Ces derniers devraient commencer la maternelle à quatre ans. Or, il y a toujours des enfants qui se développent plus lentement ou qui ont des troubles d’apprentissage et qui posent ainsi difficulté aux autres enfants et aux enseignants. Le fait que les enfants commencent la maternelle plus tôt constitue également un enjeu pour les parents. Si l’enfant fréquente l’école à un âge plus jeune, les parents auront plus de travail à faire à la maison afin d’aider leurs enfants, alors que ces derniers possèdent une capacité de concentration limitée. La CAQ ne devrait donc pas rendre la maternelle obligatoire à quatre ans au Québec. C’est aux parents de décider ce qui convient le mieux aux besoins de leurs enfants, étant donné que les enfants ne sont pas tous les mêmes. La promesse de la CAQ ne s’est pas encore concrétisée, et comme les Ontariens ont vu avec Ford, les valeurs éducationnelles ne sont pas très importantes pour les partis conservateurs. C’est à nous, citoyens canadiens, soit de soutenir le parti ou d’exprimer notre mécontentement collectif.


Issues and Ideas Les types de justice

Spread the Word, Help the World! Marion Perrot Contributor On September 27, 2018, Google celebrated its 20-year anniversary. This huge, widely-used technological tool, which is part of the company Alphabet, was created in 1998, by two American men, Larry Page and Sergey Brin. According to BBC, “Google makes most of its money from selling advertising opportunities on the search pages so many of us use.” That means that Google makes profit from each search you do when using its engine, thanks to its auction-based program, AdWord. And considering that over 70 percent of worldwide online search requests go through Google, it is understandable that Google’s revenues reach 109.65 billion U.S dollars! Indeed, every one of us has noticed these simple text-based ads which are included on the top of each search page. Google’s AdWords are, after all, the primary source of Google’s revenue. In fact, Le Monde explains in an interesting article that this AdWords program sells keywords. For example: “restaurants” or “accommodations in Toronto” are keywords that are sold to corporations through an auction sale. Corporations, by buying these keywords, then appear on the top of the search page when a user employs one of the words in their search. Do you think that Google only makes money when you use its search page? Of course not. Even when you are not on one of its sites, according to BBC website, Google’s AdSense network, another advertisement program of Google, puts adverts on partner sites, With Google taking a share of the revenue. But, imagine for just one second that all your searches in one day,

and all money that follows from those searches, is invested not to line Alphabet’s pockets but to finance social and environmental projects? Yes, it is possible, and the answer Lilo.org! I discovered this French search engine recently and wanted to spread the word: it is possible, as a student, to be involved in social or environmental causes (or both!) without moving from our desks. Without any costs, including that to our privacy, Lilo.org retrieves money from your search. This money then finances projects and that follows from the commercial links displayed after each Lilo search in “drops of water.” In fact, with each search on Lilo.org, you gain a “drop of water.” And as you know, drops of water add up to fill an ocean. This visual is used to demonstrate that by small contributions to a project, you can help great and noble causes. According to Lilo.org, they have already collected $210,926 for many different missions to change the world. What it is the best part of Lilo. org? The wide choice of projects that are proposed! It is possible to give our “drops of water” to famous NGOs like Oxfam as well as more localized NGO from different countries. Extremely convenient, Lilo.org files projects according their action fields: environment, social, health, and education. Furthermore, if you didn’t find what you were looking for, you can suggest an NGO project, or indeed add your own. It is really easy to switch search engines from Google to Lilo.org. You can do both on your computer and on your phone to collect the maximum of drops of water and be involved in various social projects. As Lilo.org is a new creation, it is currently only available in some languages, such as French, English, Spanish, and Italian. Nonetheless, in only two weeks, I have already collected 670 drops of water. Now, you have no excuses to help change the world!

type de justice est surtout appliqué au système carcéral de plusieurs pays. La justice pénale traditionnelle sanctionne Helen Lam la transgression d’une règle juridique, Contributrice mettant l’accent sur la responsabilité abstraite de l’infracteur. Le crime est Il est important de connaître les dif- un acte qui porte atteinte à l’État. On férentes théories sur lesquelles se considère donc l’État comme la victime base le système judiciaire. Voici donc principale. Cela peut être perçu sous un angle déontologique (comme une fin les types de justice. intrinsèque, une réponse appropriée à la conduite moralement répréhensible), 1) La justice corrective Selon la théorie de la justice ou sous un angle qui se concentre sur corrective, une personne possède une la fonction utilitaire (un moyen d’atteinresponsabilité morale pour avoir fait du dre des objectifs sociaux utiles, tels que mal à quelqu’un d’autre et la blessure la sécurité publique et l’apaisement). de l’autre doit être rectifiée. C’est-àdire, la moralité rend la compensation 3) La justice distributive La théorie de la justice disnécessaire. La responsabilité dans ce type de cas est définie par la relation tributive se rapporte à la distribution entre les deux individuels, sans égard correcte des ressources, du revenu, pour les conséquences au-delà de la des actifs, des chances, etc. La justice rectification qui elle-même représente distributive vise à distribuer de façon la justice. Pour cette raison, il existe au- proportionnelle le bien commun aux jourd’hui la catégorie de droit qui s’oc- individus. La citation suivante de Karl cupe des actes délictuels. Un ancien Marx illustre cette perspective : « De exposé de la justice corrective est paru chacun selon ses capacités, à chacun dans le livre L’Éthique Nichomachi- selon ses besoins. » Pour redistribuer enne d’Aristote, dans lequel ce dernier les richesses, le gouvernement peut discute de l’injustice transactionnelle augmenter les impôts. De nos jours, commise par un des deux partis en- les visions de la justice distributive ne gagés dans une transaction volontaire se produisent guère en réalité, puisque ou involontaire. Sa théorie adressait le les mesures essentielles pour réduire déséquilibre causé par la blessure. La la pauvreté dans le monde ne sont pas justice corrective restaure le statu quo. favorables à la concurrence capitaliste dans le marché global. Quelques débats portant sur la justice distributive 2) La justice punitive Reflétée par l’expression pop- surgissent au sujet de l’assurance autoulaire « œil pour œil », la théorie de la mobile et de la rémunération ouvrière. justice punitive est basée sur le principe Il y a un désaccord quant à la façon de de « lex talonis » ou la loi de contre-at- distribuer le coût des blessures. Tous taque, laquelle constitue la punition les membres du groupe devraient-ils proportionnelle en réponse au mal in- payer les primes ou les frais pour ceux fligé aux autres. Cela concerne surtout d’entre eux qui souffrent des blessures? le droit pénal et le besoin de punir. La Si tous les membres contribuent aux justice punitive consiste en l’attribution fonds, le peu de gens malchanceux qui d’un blâme et d’une sanction punitive seront blessés n’aura pas à supporter correspondante à ceux qui ont violé le poids entier des coûts médicaux. la norme morale dans la société. Ce

11


Issues and Ideas Exprssions Contrast Anike Morrison Contributor Fresh, bouncy baby cheeks Like just-ripe peaches. On the other hand, Skeletal, withered hands and A dewlap like a turtle’s neck. Fragile, mottled skin like aged paper has Veins popping out—a blue-green spider’s web. Back to the newborn: Hands gripping whatever touches the tiny palm, A flash of gums As gregarious peals of laughter Chime like a trumpet’s sound. Wiggledy-piggledy, minute limbs and feet move, Alternating their reach in all directions. Eyes, wet with recently shed tears Are bright and new like sea glass. Faded denim eyes peer from deep sockets Suggesting that weariness comes with experience. Ginger, trembling movements signal to the observer A peculiar hardiness, like tulip bulbs or potatoes in Winter. Senescence at its finest: Shuffling steps, A comically oversized nose and ears Give an elf—or gremlin—like a p pearance. Pearl white hairs grow Above a lined brow, Giving the elderly’s face The look of folded taffy With a translucent epidermis. A baby is an India rubber ball— An elder is a wire doll. Heavy-lidded eyes and deliberate movement Like the careful movements of a heron on rocks Contrast with the impulsive, elastic lookabout Body of the toddler. The patter of little feet on solid ground, Running devolving into a playful crawl— Baby all aquiver with excitement. Grandfather picks up baby. Resplendent collagen-filled face Against hollow, pouchy, saggy cheeks, Knobby knuckles and wiry hair. The end and the beginning,

Encore C’était le milieu de l’été. Nous marchions ensemble, nos bras se touchaient. Était-ce un accident ou était-ce fait par exprès ? De toute façon, ça ne me dérangeait pas. C’est à ce moment-là que j’ai vu tes yeux. Ils étaient différents, Pas pour leur couleur ou pour leur forme. Mais l’un était brillant et l’autre était triste. J’ai couvert l’œil triste avec ma main. Tu as ri en retirant ma main et en disant que tu pouvais toujours percevoir la beauté à travers cet œil. Cette nuit-là, j’ai rêvé à toi. La dernière fois Nous nous sommes assis en silence sur mon canapé. Tu m’as offert un bonbon, mais il avait un goût aigre. Tu devais partir le lendemain. Tu m’as assuré que nous parlerions chaque jour pendant ton absence. Comme j’étais bête. C’était le début de la fin. Pourtant, je me suis penchée vers toi. Tes bras m’ont entourée. Nous ne nous sommes pas embrassés cette nuit-là. Je ne sais pas si c’était une décision sage de ma part. Tu devais partir, mais tu ne t’es pas retourné vers moi en partant. Alors, en m’appuyant sur le cadre de la porte, je me suis rendu compte que tu étais beau. Tes veines dessinées semblaient avoir été peintes soigneusement par un artiste. J’ai pensé à tes joues creuses, blotties dans la courbe de ma main. À tes lèvres, toujours courbées vers le bas, émettant un rire musical. Et à tes yeux. Mes propres yeux sont devenus tristes. J’ai pleuré cette nuit en pensant à toi. La douleur Ma poitrine n’a jamais été aussi lourde. Le silence entre nous n’a jamais été aussi fort. Mais, s’il te plaît, dis-moi, vois-tu encore de la beauté à travers ton œil triste ? Against hollow, pouchy, saggy cheeks Knobby knuckles and wiry hair The end and the beginning Together as one

Mes frères, où êtesvous allés ? Ayla Sljivar Expressions Editor I. Au début Je vous admire depuis mon plus jeune âge. Avant même de pouvoir former des phrases cohérentes, Je connaissais grâce à vous le sens du mot « frère ». Notre amitié m’est spéciale. Vous étiez mes chevaliers. Chaque fois qu’un monstre se présentait, Vous étiez toujours devant moi, L’épée à la main. Vous m’avez protégée contre les monstres les plus odieux, Des monstres avec des crocs et des yeux globuleux, Avec des cornes et une langue de serpent. Ces monstres étaient infernaux. Même si les combats n’étaient pas faciles, Et même si vous aviez vos propres démons à affronter, Vous ne m’avez jamais laissée seule, Vous m’avez aidée à mener mes combats et à grandir. Je vous en remercie.

Je sais que tu es fatigué. Et frustré. Mais tu vas y arriver, Même si tu dois partir pour le faire.

III. L’âge adulte Vous souvenez-vous des monstres de notre enfance ? Ils sont de retour. Les monstres sont plus effrayants que jamais, Puisqu’ils ont pris une forme humaine. Qui aurait cru que nous deviendrions des monstres aussi ? Nous ne pouvions tout simplement pas nous l’avouer. À l’âge adulte vient la douleur, Le chagrin, II. L’adolescence La solitude. Nous sommes plus âgés maintenant. Malgré tout cela, Maintenant, l’un de nous est à l’univer- Vous êtes à mes côtés. sité et les deux autres sont restés. Ou du moins, c’est ce que je pensais. Mon plus jeune frère, tu étais en pleine adolescence alors que j’achevais la mi- IV. Et maintenant ? enne. Nous ne nous sommes pas parlé Je sais que ce n’a pas été facile pour depuis un an. toi. Pourquoi ? Tu devais être quelqu’un que tu n’es Qu’ai-je fait de mal ? pas. J’ai essayé de dire que je suis désolée. On t’a obligé à jouer un rôle qui ne te J’ai fait tout ce que j’ai pu pour me faire convenait pas. écouter. Dis-moi, as-tu trouvé ta voix ? Mais vous m’avez tourné le dos. Je n’ai jamais eu honte de toi, M’avez-vous entendu pleurer ? J’espère que tu le sais. Jamais je n’aurais pensé que nos inJ’espère que tu deviendras la personne teractions se réduiraient aux regards que tu es destiné à devenir. vides, sans paroles. J’espère que je pourrai être là pour te Mes frères, où êtes-vous allés ? voir changer. Où vous êtes-vous cachés ? Mon grand frère, es-tu stressé ? Nous ne sommes plus des enfants. Es-tu préoccupé ? Ne sommes-nous pas trop vieux pour Je sais. jouer à cache-cache ? Je comprends que tu n’as pas beau- Où que vous soyez, j’espère que vous coup de temps pour ta sœur et ton frère êtes heureux et en bonne santé. cadets. Même sans moi.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Pro Tem - Vol. 57 Issue 3 by Pro Tem - Issuu