Volume 100 Issue 34
Thursday, February 11, 2016
www.studentprintz.com
Bryant extends SNAP requirements, thousands at risk Garrett Minta Printz Reporter
Gov. Phil Bryant chose not to renew a waiver that would exempt Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents from the work time limit rule in the SNAP program which has been renewed every year since 2006. This rule change will affect over 82,000 residents, forcing ABAWD to find qualifying work and education programs or risk losing their benefits after a March 30 deadline. The requirement includes community service, education and work training programs and clocking more than 20 hours per week at a place of employment. Mississippi first accepted the exemption waiver in 2006 when the unemployment rate rose due to the state’s recessed economy. As more people found themselves out of work, the federal government offered waivers to the states to allow them to exempt their residents from the time limit imposed in 1996. The requirement would force ABAWD to find work or have their benefits significantly reduced. “The rule limits SNAP to three months in every 36-month period for these young unemployed adults,” said policy analyst Matt Williams in a report for the Mississippi Center for Justice. “The three-year calendar begins the month that an individual applies or recertifies for SNAP.” The report says the state could see financial losses by not extending the waiver, as SNAP generates $9 in revenue for every $5 in benefits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, SNAP is a powerful
Hunt Mercier/Photo Editor Following his 2015 reelection, Phil Bryant speaks to the media about his vision for Mississippi.
economic stimulant in areas of high unemployment. Mississippi is well above the national average unemployment rate at 7.2 percent. According to the report, potential losses could be close to $8.1 million in benefits from the SNAP program. Private groups try to handle the increased case load, but these private groups and other antihunger network supporters are built to fill in gaps in the system, not to replace the system itself. The United States Department of Agriculture, which is legally responsible for retailers too qualified to accept SNAP, said it takes two to game the system: the retailer and the
recipient. Advanced technology and oversight have cut down the fraud or “trafficking” rate to 1.3 percent. Despite the success of the program, many of those who do not participate in the program do not see the benefits. “I have overseen the SNAP, or the food stamp program, for more than thirty years now, most of those years as a state commissioner or state department head in three states,” said USDA undersecretary Kevin Concannon. “[I] think there’s a lot of misunderstanding often around what was known as food stamps and what is now known as the SNAP program.”
Concannon said people tend to generalize and presume to know the people enrolled in SNAP. “Part of it is people have a tendency to make snap judgements about poor people or people whom they may not know,” Concannon said. “They tend to depersonalize them and you hear anecdotes, as though it applies to everyone on the program.” Adults exempt from the time limit requirement are pregnant women, those who work over 30 hours per week and those who are mentally or physically incapable of working. Concannon said the state has not been taking full advantage of
the $1.4 million allocated for the state through SNAP Employment and Training grant funds to help ABAWD beat the deadline on finding work. “That is always frustrating to hear, because that is lost opportunity, and some of the most vulnerable people in the country can be helped,” Concannon said. “[It] takes active engagement on the part of the state leadership to reach out to the communities and not-for-profit organizations.” Exempt ABAWD must recertify every four months to adjust for factors that can change in a relatively short frame of time, such as place of residence, change in job and so on. The March 30 deadline requires all ABAWD who were notified in November to fulfil the work requirement by that date. Potentially, 54,084 individuals could lose a total of $8,112,600 in benefits. In Forrest County, 1,327 ABAWD are subject to the time limit and fewer meet the requirements. The deadline could potentially bring a loss $199,050 in benefits to the county alone. “The 2016 Legislative Session in Mississippi can provide opportunities for lawmakers to consider policy solutions to mitigate the massive impact of food assistance cuts,” said Williams in the MCJ report. Mississippi has 84 WIN job centers and other non-profit organizations that are able to assist ABAWD who must meet the deadline. The USDA is also ready to provide financial help to states but only at the states’ request.
ON CAMPUS
Music fraternity dons tuxedos, serenades in annual fundraiser Hiba Tahir Printz Reporter
Last week, The University of Southern Mississippi’s Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity held its third annual Valentine’s Serenade fundraiser. The event continues a longstanding and popular tradition in educational communities. Serenades were sold for $4 on campus in and around the Liberal Arts Building. Roses were also available for an additional $2. The funds went toward the Sinfonia Educational Foundation, which helps to “enrich the lives of collegiate Sinfonians and to advance music in America by supporting
scholarship, education and the development of leadership and noble ideals among future generations of musicians and supporters of music in America.” “The Valentine’s Serenade fundraiser predates my involvement in the Eta Phi chapter, [but it] is somewhat a tradition to the Eta Phi chapter,” said Asher Katz, a senior political science major who serves as Vice-President of the Eta Phi chapter. Serenades consist of a vocal quartet with the option of instrumental accompaniment and will be delivered to each recipient at the time and place designated by the person who bought the serenade.
Performances began yesterday and will continue through Wednesday, Feb. 17. Sinfonia members wear tuxedos when they perform. So far, the reception has been overwhelmingly good. “I serenaded somebody today,” said Eta Phi secretary Daniel Backe. “She said it was really impressing and really touching and it meant a lot.” The fundraiser drew many people and included a saxophoneplaying member who called attention to the sales tables. Although most of the serenades were sold for significant others, there were also several teachers on the list, as well as one of the Childhood Development
Center’s classrooms. According to its official Colony Program guide, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia has grown into the largest music fraternity in the world since its inception in 1900, with more than 160,000 initiates and chapters on over 250 college and university campuses nationwide. It is a nationally-recognized men’s social fraternity, open to any male college student, faculty or staff member of at least 18 years of age who, “through a love for music, can assist in the fulfillment of the Fraternity’s Object and ideals either by adopting music as a profession, or by working to advance the cause of music in America.”
Joshua D Starr/Printz Asher Katz sells serenades Feb. 3 outside the Liberal Arts Building.
INFORMATION
Page 2 | Thursday, February 11, 2016
MEET THE STAFF SPRING 2016 Ardan Thornhill
Julius Kizzee
ardan.thornhill@eagles.usm.edu
julius.kizzee@eagles.usm.edu
Jack Hammett
Hunt Mercier
jesse.hammett@eagles.usm.edu
patrick.mercier@eagles.usm.edu
Executive Editor
Managing Editor
Joshua D Starr
Sports Editor
Photo Editor
Fadi Shahin
News Editor
Assistant Photo Editor
sprintznews@gmail.com
fadi.shahin@eagles.usm.edu
Nan Beauti
Jules Peralta
afnan.beauti@eagles.usm.edu
jules.peralta@eagles.usm.edu
Jonathan Urbina
Chuck Cook
jonathan.urbina@eagles.usm.edu
chuck.cook@usm.edu
Copy Editor
Entertainment Editor
Aubrey Sanders
Web Editor
Printz Adviser
Katherine Frye
Design Editor
Advertising Designer
aubrey.sanders@eagles.usm.edu
katherine.frye@eagles.usm.edu
Hanna Schloemer
Lesley Sanders-Wood
hanna.schloemer@eagles.usm.edu
lesley.sanders@usm.edu
Jhaimee Bullock
Advertising e-mail
Assistant Design Editor
Designer
Advertising Manager
printzad@usm.edu
jhaimee.bullock@eagles.usm.edu
EDITORIAL POLICY The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not necessarily represent those of the faculty, staff or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligible for publication, all submissions must include name, class distinction, major, phone number and email address. Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@gmail.com by 5 p.m. on the Friday before publication. Please limit them to 500 words or less. The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space or journalistic ethics.
OPINIONS Opinions expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publication manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.
UPCOMING EVENTS Feb. 11, 6 p.m. The Library of Hattiesburg, Petal, and Forrest County will present a tribute to David Bowie with a screening of “The Labyrinth”.
Feb. 11, 7 p.m. The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies is hosting a presentation titled, “Analog and Digital Sound Recording: Technology and Perception." For more information, call 601-266-4317.
Feb. 13, 9 a.m. Rec Sports will host the Burnin Love 5k Color Run on USM’s Hattiesburg campus.
CONTACT US
@studentprintz
The Student Printz
@studentprintz
studentprintz.com
NEWS
ON CAMPUS
Thursday, February 11, 2016 | Page 3
Improv troupe prepares for season opener Lindsay Adkisson Printz Reporter
Courtesy Image
The University of Southern Mississippi comedy improv troupe, Stage Monkeys, will present their first show of the semester, the “Red Carpet Show,” at 7 p.m. Thursday in Wilbur Stout Hall Room A, free of charge. In addition to performing improv comedy, Stage Monkeys will also present “Slashtag,” an original short horror-comedy film. Theresa Geboy, Stage Monkeys president and senior theatre major, said she is excited and has high expectations for the show. “It’s going to be a great night of comedy and entertainment,” Geboy said. Stage Monkeys is USM’s only comedy improv troupe. Since Stage Monkeys was founded in 2000, it has grown a fan base and held a number shows. Its shows consist of live games and skits comparable to the popular television show “Whose
Line is it Anyway?” According to its numerous online event listings, the troupe promises the “Red Carpet Show” will be a “glamorous and starstudded night of award-worthy improvised comedy.” Geboy said Stage Monkeys chose to name the show the “Red Carpet Show” to nod to the premier of the 10-minute short “Slashtag,” which will be screened directly following the night’s performance. “Slashtag” is a slasher film produced by The Crew, a studentrun organization at USM that creates and produces a variety of media. The film stars some of the Stage Monkeys’ members including Theresa Geboy, Logan Haliburton and Samantha Bull. “We are hoping to get a lot of people out to see our show since it’s the first one of the semester, and we have changed rooms on campus,” Geboy said. “We just want people to come and have a good laugh and a great time.”
Sophomore media production major Gaqueta Alexander said she is looking forward to the show. “I’ve seen the Stage Monkeys perform a few times during events hosted through Luckyday, and I could not stop laughing,” she said. “I love how they really get the crowd involved.” Alexander remembers when she first heard of the troupe. “When I first found out that the Stage Monkeys was composed of USM students, I remember thinking, ‘Wow, these people are amazing!’ so I know that they will keep the laughs going, and I’m ready to laugh until my belly hurts,” she said. She said she also looks forward to the premiere of “Slashtag.” Alexander joined The Crew this semester and participated as an extra in the short film. “I was inspired and gained a deeper level of appreciation for the industry,” she said. “Overall, I know it’s going to be a great night filled with laughter and suspense.”
LOCAL
Wrestling phenomenon visits ‘Burg Lora Lavigne Printz Reporter
The Extreme Midget Wrestling Federation travels nationally with a draw anywhere between 300 to 5,000 people per show at a rate of over 120 shows booked each year. Rated No. 1 by Nightclub & Bar magazine for the best alternative act for three years running, Extreme Midget Wrestling is considered “the most entertaining, outrageous and unique shows out today,” according to the magazine. Hattiesburg citizens seemed to agree on Feb. 4 when the Dollar BOX Showroom was crowded with fans thrilled and anxious to witness the midget wrestlers take the ring. A line snaked outside the building and cars packed in nearby parking lots as people anxiously waited to enter the packed bar. “This is definitely one of the most interesting things I have seen in a long time, and I encourage more and more people to take the time to watch,” said Rachel Segraes, owner of Hattiesburg’s Action Party Rentals. As soon as the event started, people rushed from the bar and back to their seats to watch. There was not a silent moment in the venue as the crowd grew excited and fed off the energy of the wrestlers. “I was just so amazed by their abilities and talent that I couldn’t take my eyes off the show,” Segraes said. Each round was jam-packed with wrestling techniques, props and first-hand interaction between the audience and the wrestlers. The wrestlers entertained the audience with tricks, flips, jabs, kicks and more as each round became more dangerous inside and outside the ring. Roderick Jones, also known
Austin Sylvest/Printz Midgets of the Extreme Midget Wresting Federation Battle performing in the ring.
as Little Rampage, stood as the winner of the night’s first match. “Wrestling takes a lot of hard work and dedication,” Jones said. “Your heart must be in it the whole time.” He won the match with stamina, endurance and surprise attacks against his opponents. “My main objective is to give the people exactly what they want, and that is to entertain them and keep them coming back for more,” Jones said. “What more can you ask for than a bunch of Midgets wrestling?” Despite controversies between the Little People of America organization and the term “midget” being used in the EMW shows, the wrestlers of the EMW are proud of who they are, what they do and
how they portray themselves. “What we do is taken very seriously,” said wrestler Phillip Campbell, better known as Little Nasty Boy. “Show after show and day after day, we strive for excellence in our performance and what we offer to the people.” Campbell said EMW embraces a craft that sometime goes unrecognized in today’s world. “Whenever you listen to the radio, turn on the television or read the newspaper, all you see is negativity and depression,” Campbell said. “We’re here to have a good time and to show people a good time.” From the moment the wrestlers took the ring until the final round, the event was filled with enthusiasts from all over the city.
FEATURE
Page 4 | Thursday, February 11, 2016
V-DAY
Valentine’s sales, celebrations decline in recent years Nan Beauti Copy Editor
As lovers prepare for festivities with pink and red gifts and heart-shaped chocolates, others are sulking in their single lives. Each year on Feb. 14, people around the world exchange cards, candy, gifts, flowers and have special plans with their significant others. Some may not even notice or even care that Valentine’s Day is this weekend. Sales of cards, flowers and gifts lovers shower each other with are declining, and so are the people who celebrate Valentine’s Day. Fewer Americans are celebrating Valentine’s Day. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, only 54 percent of adults planned to
celebrate the occasion in 2014. This is significantly lower than the average of 60 percent over the past seven years. However, the economy is not wholly to blame for the slowed merriment of the day of love. In fact, despite the economic crisis in 2009, 63 percent of Americans were enthusiastic about celebrating the holiday. Some other reasons have been conjured for the lacking of participants on Feb. 14. “I got hurt a long time ago, and I don’t believe in love,” said junior commercial studies major Charles Rogers. “They market it just to make money, but if you love someone, you should love them each and every day and not just on Valentine’s Day.” While some people who choose not to celebrate Valentine’s Day
due to religious, personal or professional reasons, some take the time to at least acknowledge the day. “I get me a nice tub of ice cream, Blue Bell, preferably, and I cut on Netflix, and I meditate on how good life is being single,” Rogers said. Seeing the couples that surround him on and around Valentine’s Day, Rogers holds hope for a future where his time may come to have a special someone. The economy takes part of the responsibility, although not all. Consumer spending the past few years has been poor; therefore, people are not shopping as much. Valentine’s Day is one of retail’s biggest days of the year, but lately, Americans are holding onto their wallets and searching for sales. According to Pam Goodfellow, consumer insights director at Prosper Insights & Analytics, this behavior is a hangover from the holiday season when retailers offered shoppers aggressive discounts. On average, shoppers who celebrate the special day in February will spend about $134, careful not to splurge. Another reason for the drop in the number of celebrators is a rise of single people in 2014, 2015 and this year. American relationships have evolved over the last decade to fast dating and relationships
that have been overtaken by social media. The marriage rate has declined as millennials postpone long-term commitment to focus on school or work. Valentine’s Day is no priority for freshman music major Kyle Williams. “The only time I wouldn’t celebrate Valentine’s Day is if I did not have a girl that knew how I felt about her,” Williams said. “Valentine’s Day is exclusive to couples and different for friends. A different type of love is promoted for Valentine’s Day that’s not acceptable for families.” Williams said that when he is single on Valentine’s Day, he finds another single person and they express how single they are to each other. Senior English major Brad Ramsey has rarely had a chance to celebrate Valentine’s Day with his significant other until this year. “I was in the military, so I was deployed every Valentine’s Day,” Ramsey said. Ramsey is engaged to a woman whom he will marry this month. “Men tend to lose sight of continually showing appreciation for their significant others so having an actual day just for showing affection helps, but it is hyped up because of business industry,” Ramsey said. Although fewer people now celebrate Valentine’s Day, a many Americans continue to show their
affection on the exclusive day of love. The majority of those who plan to celebrate fall into the 2534 age group, according to the NRF survey. The second-highest is the 18-24 age group. There is a practical reason for people to choose not to spend on Valentine’s Day, regardless of whether they are single or taken: People do not care about Valentine’s Day. The most common argument given by those who do not celebrate Valentine’s Day is “every day should be about celebrating your love for your significant other.” That is not, of course, what the retail industry would say. “[Commercials,] advertisements and the people who have internalized their messages make it sound like if you don’t shower your lover with gifts on Feb. 14, then you’re not expressing your love on this, the most important of all dates for couples, aside from an anniversary, which we don’t really celebrate either,” said Brian Gresko, Babble.com editor and blogger. “Because, hey, isn’t that how we show our affections? Gresko said he wishes Valentine’s Day was not celebrated on Feb. 14 “I wish we let our kids and ourselves experience a direct, outpouring of love and affection every day,” he said. “One that is less attached to stuff and more about looks, words and actions.”
V-DAY
Science sheds light on Valentine’s trends Darrin Williams Printz Reporter Hunt Mercier/Photo Editor A photo illustration of a single student for Valentine’s Day.
It’s time to dust off those romantic-ish movies. Get out your Marvin Gaye records. Valentine’s Day is upon us again. Some people think Valentine’s Day is just a commercial holiday based on materialistic ties such as Allison Gregory of Rolla, Missouri. “Valentine’s Day is too materialistic,” Gregory said. Senior business administration major Amanda Cato said she thinks Valentine’s Day is one of the most materialistic holidays. “I don’t have a Valentine’s Day story from when I was married,” Ciato said. “Not one I can remember anyway.” Cato remembers one sweet Valentine’s Day story from her high school days. “A boy and I were dating [and] I was sick at the time,” she said. “He rode my bus to visit me and delivered me a Kiss Kiss Bear.” Meghan Mitchell-Perronne, a recently married English literature major has fond thoughts of Valentine’s Day. “I might get flowers from my husband or some candy or something small, but it’s not necessary,” Perronne said. “I might get him some candy he
likes or something too, but nothing crazy. We don’t really need a special day or things to show we love each other.” The fact is the materialistic side of it actually plays a role in the psychology of why people fall in love on affectionate holidays. According to a University of Michigan research paper, “Be Mine: Attachment avoidance predicts perceptions of relationship functioning on Valentine’s Day,” that is not always the case. According to paper, “The current study found that Valentine’s Day increased perceptions of relationship satisfaction and investment, but only when relationships were accessible and only among individuals low in attachment avoidance. “ Dylon Taylor from Long Beach proposed to his girlfriend Olivia in the most peculiar way. “One day Dylon and I were driving down 90 and he looked at me and said he was bored,” Olivia said. “Next thing he said was let’s go to Walmart and get married.” April will be Olivia and Dylon’s 2-year anniversary. “Stranger Danger? Women’s Self-protection intent and the Continuing Stigma of Online
Dating,” a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information assessed the stigma of online dating. The study found people who date online are more likely to put up a wall of defense at first rather than if the people who dated online had met face to face for a brief encounter first. Carol Switzer from Ringgold, Gerogia said she first started speaking to her husband in online chat rooms on AOL, the antiquated equivalent of Facebook or Twitter. The Switzers have been married for 14 years. Maybe a little wall of defense goes a long way. No matter where you come from, your lifestyle, what have you, just know that whether or not you like Valentine’s Day is irrelevant to the fact that there is statistically somebody out there for you. Google reports the world’s population is 7 billion. That means there are 6.99 billion people out there for any one of us. All the haters of Valentine’s Day can have a wonderful time sending regrets to all the party invites while the lovers of the world will spend their Feb. 14 however they so choose.
FEATURE
Thursday, February 11, 2016 | Page 5
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT with Haley
Line
What are you studying at Southern Miss? A: I am a senior Biological Sciences major.
What do you do in your free time? A: I’m mostly studying now for entrance exams, but when
I’m not doing that, I’m with my friends or playing music.
Are you in any clubs? A: I’m a member of Chi Omega sorority on campus, a few
different honor societies and chartered Volunteer USM – a club dedicated to helping students at Southern Miss get involved in the community.
What kind of music do you play? Are you in a band? A: I play a little bit of everything. When I play in town, I usually play alternative music. Copious amounts of Kings of Leon typically, but I’ll incorporate some country songs as well. I mainly play acoustic shows with Chase Floyd, a Sigma Chi from Mississippi State. He’s a talented writer, and we have recently been working on original music, so that’s exciting. Hunt Mercier/Photo Editor
HEALTH
Young women face obstacles in search of elective sterilization Cam Bonelli Printz Reporter
An increasing amount of young U.S. women choose to participate in a historically-unusual trend — remaining child free. According to a study published in 2015 by Urban Institute, between 2007 and 2012, the U.S. birth rate dropped by 15 percent. The study suggested that in 2012, in part due to the Great Recession, women in their 20s gave birth at the slowest rate than any previous generation of U.S. women. Yet many of these women had reasons beyond economic stagnation for not wanting children. Some women completely lack this desire. Many of these women seek a permanent solution through sterilization, but they are often denied due to their age, lack of children or the willingness of a doctor to perform the procedure. Hattiesburg resident Ashley Green said she has tried seven different doctors over the years. “Legally, you can get [the procedure] at 25,” Green said. “I’ve been trying to find a doctor that will sterilize me since the age of 21. I’ve never wanted kids and was hard pressed to find a doctor who would accommodate me. I am 30 years old
now. I still can’t get sterilized.” Sterilization comes in more than one form. One of the most common procedures, tubal ligation, colloquially known as having one’s tubes tied, requires doctors to clip, band or burn the tubes shut. Women can also choose to get tubal implants as an alternative to the surgical procedure. According to WebMD, a gynecologist, family practice physician or general surgeon can perform this procedure. Although many doctors are able to administer the procedure, most women, especially those without children, have difficulties finding a willing doctor. A woman who wished to remain anonymous said her gynecologist was the only one she spoke to about the procedure. “After a horrible experience, I never wanted [to have] kids,” the woman said. “[Doctors] don’t just let you get your tubes tied without having at least one child in your 20s, but in your 30s they say you can get it done.” When women do get consultations for the procedures, the doctors often initially try to dissuade them. Green said that the doctors would always say “You’re so young,” or “You’ll change your mind.”
Wikipedia Commons/Courtesy Photo Show above are the surgical instruments used for tubal ligations.
Another doctor told her that if she got on Skyla, an intrauterine contraceptive device, he would consider sterilizing her after the device’s three-year expiration. Women face another obstacle in obtaining the procedure: religious views. According to the Associated Press, on Jan. 15, a judge ruled in favor of California-based Catholic hospital’s decision to deny a sterilization procedure to a woman. The judge said it infringed on the hospital’s right to religious freedom. “To be a child-free person, or any woman who doesn’t want kids in today’s society means that you will get ostracized,” Green said. “Another factor is religion — it doesn’t help that I live in the Bible Belt. The whole ‘be fruitful and multiply’ thing doesn’t sit well with me.”
Many women who do choose to not have children have been labeled selfish by people such as Pope Francis. “The choice not to have children is selfish,” Francis said. “Life rejuvenates and acquires energy when it multiplies: It is enriched, not impoverished.” Yet some women have reasons for not having children other than financial implications. Many are afraid their children would inherit mental disorders. “There are many reasons,” Green said. “Mental illness, diseases that run in the family, etcetera, and I know I wouldn’t be a good mother. My reason is that I can’t afford one. I like to do things for myself instead of other people. It makes me happy to get up and go when I feel like it instead of having to drag a kid along.”
Unobtainable sterilization in the U.S. implies that women diminished freedom over their own bodies. Green said it upset her that she cannot have control over what she does with her body when it comes to her reproductive system. “Everyone looks at me as a woman and expects me to have kids,” Green said. “I should be able to get sterilized, because it’s my body. This is why it’s so important that women have access to reproductive care and, yes, even abortion.” Whether or not someone chooses to have children, it is important to understand the implications behind their reasoning. Some people instinctively have never felt the hand of their biological clock tick. These people want access to procedures that allow them to live child-free without having to see seven different doctors.
OPINION
Page 6 | Thursday, February 11, 2016
ENTERTAINMENT
Bey’s political performance symbol of pride, not anti-police Jonathan Urbina Entertainment Editor
During Sunday’s Super Bowl festivities, the world prepared for what was sure to be an epic halftime show. Picture this: not one, but three powerhouse acts performing on the same stage, two of whom having already performed in years prior. In weeks leading up to the game, news began to leak of a possible Beyoncé and Bruno Mars collaboration with Coldplay headlining. When Beyoncé dropped a new single and music video the day before the show, the public took that as a clear confirmation of her return to the halftime stage. The show started with a psychedelic performance of Coldplay’s most notable songs. It was great, it was colorful but it was unimportant. Cue the main event: Beyoncé. Her and her girl army appeared on the side of the field to perform her latest hit, “Formation.” Here is where things get sticky. Beyoncé’s music video for the song is in some ways an anthem of black empowerment — there is no denying it. Her video depicts a wall with “stop shooting us”
POLITICS
written on it, a young AfricanAmerican boy wearing a black hoodie dancing in front of a line of police officers and, most notably, Beyoncé drowning in Hurricane Katrina flood waters on top of a New Orleans Police Department cruiser. There is a lot said without being said in her video, and the same thing goes for her halftime performance. Let’s break it down. The dancers wore black leather costumes with black barrettes — a clear nod to the Black Panther civil rights movement (scandalous). Beyoncé donned two metal straps across her costume as an ode to the late Michael Jackson, who wore straps during his halftime performance. During Jackson’s performance, he too made a political statement by displaying flags on the field with a white and black hands holding each other. So far, not enough about this performance seems like enough to anger people. Let’s continue with the song. “Formation” is basically a rally anthem with lyrics like “OK, ladies, now let’s get in formation / Prove to me you got some coordination.” Right? Well, not quite. The
song also includes lyrics about keeping hot sauce in your bag and wearing Givenchy dresses. I’d say the lyrics and the song should both be taken with a grain of salt. That doesn’t leave much for fans to be angry about, which probably only angered fans even more. The truth is people on the Internet get angry over almost everything. When Beyoncé released a video celebrating her black culture with two seconds of footage expressing to the police to stop killing people, the Internet lost its mind. No, I cannot say Beyoncé is anti-police. She has an entire team of police officers who protect her all the time, so the idea that she hates them seems almost ludicrous. However, I can say Beyoncé is echoing a dialogue that has been going on for a long time in this country. Choosing to bring that discussion to the most watched show on television is a big deal. You can choose to call Beyoncé petty or progressive for what she did, but the truth is people are talking. Regardless of her intentions, a conversation about the racial divide and police brutality is being held. I call that a success in itself.
Courtesy Photo
‘Populist’ candidates shine in New Hampshire primary Despite spending relatively little money and hardly campaigning in the state at all, Donald Trump coasted to a win, crushing the rest of the field with a rare 20-point margin of victory in the New Hampshire primary. On the other side of the aisle, Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders crushed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with a similar margin. What does this tell voters? Aside from the fact that the majority of the good people of New Hampshire, a state which, according to Gallop, is the least religious and most alcoholic in America, appear to be in favor of populist candidates with no clear plan and no articulated policy beyond “Things are bad, it’s not your fault and we’re going to
punish others.” For Trump, the others are immigrants. For Sanders, the others are big bankers. The rheotoric is basically the same. For the Democrats, this means that their primary fight will now drag on significantly longer than anticipated. Bernie Sanders, initially viewed as the perfect foil for Hillary to crush on her way to a quick and painless nomination victory, has emerged as the voice of a new generation of young, super-liberal and very angry Democratic voters to whom Bill and Hillary’s trademark centrism and pragmatism is seen not as a detriment rather than a benefit. While Hillary struggles to generate excitement about her pragmatic approach to politics, Bernie promises to get voters incredibility excited with incredible promises, regardless of whether or
Courtesy Photo
Gage Skidmore/Courtesy Photo
JD Rimann Printz Reporter
not those promises are feasible. The problem of excitement with Hillary is compounded by her perceived dishonesty and disingenuous approach to politics. Indeed, one of the most shocking statistics from the New Hampshire exit polls was that over 90 percent of Democratic voters who said that honesty in politicians was important to them voted for Bernie. Of course, Hillary and her campaign insist the Bernie victory will be his high-water mark. However, famed black activist and acclaimed writer Ta-Nehisi Coates recent endorsement of Bernie — as well as speculation that the Reverend Al Sharpton may endorse Sanders — may complicate the Clinton campaign’s hopes. Meanwhile, for the Republicans, New Hampshire continued to winnow the field. Fiorina and Christie withdrew yesterday and,
barring a shocking comeback in South Carolina, Ben Carson is likely on his way out as well. Marco Rubio was dealt a stunning blow, falling from a projected secondplace finish to fifth, largely due to a disastrous debate moment just days before the primary opened, while his primary rival Jeb Bush came in fourth, Ted Cruz came in third and John Kasich notched second place. Aside from Trump, the other likely beneficiary of this result in New Hampshire is Ted Cruz. The man Cruz’s campaign perceived as the greatest threat, Rubio, was wounded — perhaps mortally — by this result. And if the Floridian cannot win South Carolina, he may be forced to drop from the race. As the race heads south, Cruz should continue to win states such as Mississippi, Kentucky and his native Texas where evangelical voters are clustered and
unenthused about The Donald. Over in the so-called establishment, our moderatelane Republican continues to be split between Kasich, Bush and maybe Rubio. Regardless, none of them pose an immediate threat to Cruz now, and their continued infighting will give the Texan time to continue to consolidate the evangelical and libertarian lanes of the party. Some may say Kasich scored a victory by finishing second, but that is a hollow victory, as his campaign is the most lacking of those that remain in both money and organization outside of New Hampshire. This is the bottom line out of New Hampshire: For the Republicans, Trump and Cruz appear to be in a dominant positions, while Clinton and Sanders are bracing for what looks to be a brutal and grueling primary battle.
SPORTS
OPINION
Thursday, February 11, 2016 | Page 7
Newton’s actions fall short of brash brovado Kyle Williams Printz Reporter
Accepting defeat is the ultimate test of a leader. Being able to give credit when it’s due and acknowledging that you were defeated is a trait that one will need in order to be respected as a leader. These aspects are something that league MVP Cam Newton failed to do following the Panthers loss to the Broncos in Super Bowl 50, 24-10. I found Newton’s actions after losing Super Bowl 50 as a learning opportunity. Newton showed numerous times his frustration with the media and with the play of the team on the field. Newton and the Panthers had a tremendous season full of energetic and astonishing moments. None of his contributions this season should be overlooked, from his
traditional touchdown dance – the “dab” – to his high-flying “Superman” touchdowns. While these are memorable moments, his actions off the field Sunday against the media might have outshined all of his good play on the field. Forty-nine other quarterbacks sat in the same shoes as Newton did this Sunday. Hall of famers and soon-to-be-hall of famers like Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, John Elway, Jim Kelly and more have all faced the heartbreak. Every last one of those quarterbacks had to face the fact that after the great run their team had in the regular season in the playoffs, they still fell short of the ultimate prize. Whether all of the losing quarterbacks liked it or not, they had to give credit that the other team outplayed them or ultimately took them out of their
gameplans. This is something the young quarterback Cam Newton did not do. Instead of giving credit to the spectacular play of Denver’s defense that night, Newton said that “there wasn’t nothing special they did.” The Broncos’ defense was in the face of Newton all night and only allowed him to pass for 142 yards compared to Manning’s 315 passing yards. Denver’s defense also sacked Newton seven times in the game. Still, Newton gave no credit to the defensive shutdown that the Bronco defense put on the rising star. “They did nothing spectacular,” Newton said. “For the record I’ve always been a sore loser.” Comments like this can come across as very childish. Newton is a franchise quarterback. With a franchise placed firm upon your broad shoulders
and six feet five inch frame, professionalism is needed out of you. Losing is part of the game, everyone will have to face it at one point in their career. But making the loss worse by not acknowledging the great effort and execution of Denver’s defense is not something that people would like to hear from someone who just lost the biggest game of their career. I was not completely mad at Newton for his comments about Denver’s play. What really rubbed me the wrong way was Newton’s actions at the press conference after the game. I am not calling him a coward for walking out on the media, but not being able to face them after you drew so much attention to yourself during the year made him look like a coward. Newton was faced with adversity and he decided to
avoid it in the most immature way by running away. If Newton matured like he tried to convince everyone this season, he would have faced those questions and let everyone know that Carolina was simply outplayed and that next year or the years to come, he would be back. Newton in my eyes is still one of the best players in the NFL. But I cannot respect his actions during the press conference this Sunday. Many people will argue that a Denver player was yelling about how they contained Newton right next to where Newton was holding his own presser, but that still is no excuse to leave. If you cannot handle losing, then you have to humble yourself when you win. Having a brash attitude when you lose and a bossy attitude when you are winning is just unacceptable at that level of competition.
WE HEARD
YOU!
STUDENTS WANTED MORE EVENTS IN THE FRESH FOOD COMPANY... LOOK FOR INFORMATION REGARDING EAGLE DINING EVENTS ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK AND TWITTER “VALENTINE’S DAY” SWEET TREATS EVENT 2.11.16 FRESH FOOD COMPANY 11:30AM WHILE SUPPLIES LAST GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK AT: YOURDININGVOICE.COM
Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts during the national anthem prior to the game against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium.
SPORTS
Page 8 | Thursday, February 11, 2016
GOLF
Golden Eagles place 15th at Oak Hills invite Julius Kizzee Sports Editor
Southern Miss traveled to the Oak Hills Invitational in San Antonio, Texas to participate in a two-day golf tournament against various teams from around the southern collegiate area. After the first day of play, USM held steady in 15th place led by freshman Willie Hammond who scored an eight-over 150 and placed 34th on the day. USM as a hole did not start strongly, but had the next day to rebound for a better placing against such teams as UTSA, Louisiana Tech, North Texas and Baylor. The Golden Eagles shot their lowest round of competition on Tuesday with a 298 over the final 18 holes. Junior Ryan Argotsinger Courtesy Photo
SOFTBALL
Lady Eagles seek redemption season Julius Kizzee Sports Editor
The Golden Eagles are scheduled to play a 55-game schedule that includes 26 games at the Southern Miss Softball Complex. The Golden Eagles will play 19 games against 11 different teams that played in NCAA Regionals last season. Southern Miss begins the 2016 campaign at the Sand Dollar Classic in Gulf Shores, Ala. on Feb. 12. The Golden Eagles host Alabama State in a doubleheader to open up the 2016 home campaign on Wednesday, Feb. 17.
paced the Golden Eagles with a one-under par 70 in his 54hole performance. He had a total of 224 strokes and placed 32nd overall. Freshman Willie Hammond finished next in line for the Golden Eagles with a 228 stroke total and placing 49th in a tie. Senior Hayes Weathersby placed 66th with a 233 stroke total for the Golden Eagles. Rounding out the team was freshman Nick Cortez who placed 74th with a 238 stroke total. No. 44 Baylor took the crown in the event with a team stroke finish of 863. No. 11 Oklahoma trailed their score by five strokes and La. Tech rounded out the competitive finishes in third place. The Golden Eagles will return to play Feb. 22 and 23 at the Mobile Intercollegiate in Mobile, Ala.
The Golden Eagles went 1834 last season, but this season coach Wendy Hogue and the Golden Eagles look to finish well above .500. Last year’s youth and inexperience is this season’s strength along with added key players. The addition of two former National Junior College Athletic Association Player of the Year award winners in Lauren Holifield and Tori Dew. Holifield and Dew led Jones County Junior College to a 41-6 record and a ranking no lower than No. 3 in the NJCAA poll. Holifield as a sophomore at
JCJC, had 78 hits and led the nation with 28 home runs, which led her to being selected as player of the year. Dew, as a sophomore at JCJC, boasted a .474 batting average and 15 home runs. Holifield and Dew were just two of just 16 NJCAA players named to the NJCAA All-Star team. The two former junior college teammates will be joining another former teammate in catcher Bailey Stokes. Stokes returns as the team leader in homers and sacrifice flies.
FEATURES
YOU WON’T FIND A N YW H E R E E L S E
UPDATED MAC LAB
POOL & HOT TUB
TANNING BED
MOVIE THEATER
FITNESS CENTER
UPDATED OFFICE
SAUNA ROOM
We know how busy you are- so we made leasing with us easier than ever! Save time and hassle, and get exactly what you want, whenever and wherever is most convenient for you.
VISIT
BOARDWALKUSM.NET TO LEASE ONLINE!
BOARDWALKUSM.NET | 888.310.7591 22 CAMPBELL SCENIC DR. | HATTIESBURG, MS 39401
Courtesy Photo