The Student Printz November 23, 2015 by The Student Printz

Monday, November 23, 2015

Volume 100 Issue 26

www.studentprintz.com PAGE THREE

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PAGE EIGHT

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NEWS

F E AT U R E

OPINION

S P O RT S

Student awarded a $1,000 study abroad grant.

Former Printz staffer shares thoughts on latest events.

Social media’s obsession with sex appeal has powerful inﬂuence.

USM pulls off commanding second half comeback, 56-31.

Scholarship

Paris

Women

Football

Echosmith headlines Eaglepalooza 2015 Nan Beauti Printz Reporter

The 12th annual Eaglepalooza concert drew hundreds to the corner of Main and Pine Streets in downtown Hattiesburg at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Sponsored by Sim-Tex, 2015’s Eaglepalooza featured three bands: The DLX, Figure 8 and Echosmith. The free, public event provided a variety of vendors, offering businesses and organizations economic support and fellowship as they came together to support the community as a whole. Eaglepalooza headliner Echosmith, a popular indie-pop band composed of four young Californian siblings, performed last and attracted around 1,000 people. The band is best known for its hit song, “Cool Kids.” Eaglepalooza started in 2004, put on by and for students at The University of Southern Mississippi, as well as for the Hattiesburg community. The Student Government Association makes this event possible every year, involving community businesses, bands and organizations. The opening act was determined by an SGA-hosted battle of the bands, in which artists from around Hattiesburg submitted videos of their acts for an opportunity to open at the event. Last year’s Eaglepalooza featured Icona Pop, and past Eaglepalooza

Kate Dearman/Printz Echosmith performs at Eaglepalooza in downtown Hattiesburg following Southern Miss’ last home game for the 2015 season on Nov. 21.

performers include rock band Needtobreathe and “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips. “We started planning for Eaglepalooza back in April and planned it all summer,” said Miranda Mixon, Eaglepalooza director. “There was so much (going) into it, just ﬁnding sponsors so we could fund the event, and getting vendors and booking the bands to

make sure everybody has the best time possible.” Supporting sponsors from around the community include Eve Marie’s, Boardwalk, Plaid Rhino and The Cottages, among others. Organizations on campus like The Department of Residence Life, the Southern Miss Alumni Association and the USM Foundation also contributed to

Eaglepalooza’s making. The DLX, which opened the concert, is a local act and was voted recent winner of SGA’s ﬁrst ever Battle of the Bands contest. “We’re really proud to be able to support Hattiesburg’s music and help get their name out there to other people,” Mixon said. “With battle of the bands, we wanted to incorporate local music and support

local musicians in Hattiesburg.” The DLX formed nearly three years ago. “This is one of the biggest things that Hattiesburg puts on, and I really wanted to be a part of it and did everything I could to be a part,” said Shawn Chambliss, singer of The DLX and USM alumnus. Chambliss and his best friends Mark Wheat (on drums) and Ethan Manning (on guitar) formed the group, which now includes Wheat’s wife, Joy, on background vocals and keyboard. “It’s essentially like building a resume,” Chambliss said. “This is another thing that we could put on that resume. It’s an incredible opportunity because it is probably the biggest thing Hattiesburg puts on, so we’re going to utilize this. This is deﬁnitely going to help in propelling the release of our album.” SGA wanted to bring diversity to Eaglepalooza by bringing three artists of different musical spectrums. Figure 8 is a funk brass band from Mobile and adds a different element to Eaglepalooza. Echosmith is a pop band, and The DLX offers pop and EDM dance music. “Echosmith is the biggest headliner that we’ve ever had, and that is what we’re most excited about, because it’s incredible when you get to bring that to Hattiesburg,” Mixon said. “Icona Pop was a huge headliner but Echosmith is very relevant. You can turn on the radio EAGLEPALOOZA, SEE PG. 3

ON CAMPUS

Four USM students win awards for biomedical research Jessalyn Bisesi Printz Reporter

The 2015 Southeast Regional IDeA Conference, which was hosted in Biloxi in early November, provided individuals opportunities to showcase their work in biomedical research. This particular conference includes six states (Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and West Virginia) and Puerto Rico, and consists of over 250 researchers. The University of Southern Mississippi claimed 27 spots of those 250 researchers, four of whom received awards for their biomedical research. The four students who received the biomedical research awards, and accumulated prize

money reaching $1,700, are Justin Batte, Britton Strickland, Mosharrof Mondal and Partha Sengupta. Professor of biological sciences Mohamed Elasri described the conference as “a great showcase for research and for what we do in Mississippi.” The winning students were judged by a committee comprised of people from multiple states, and yet four USM students managed to take home first, second and third-place prizes. Batte is currently working toward his Ph.D. under Elasri and has been for quite some time now. In fact, Batte previously won this same award two years ago under Elasri. This year, Batte’s research project focused on staph infection.

“I was very honored being a second-time winner of this award at the SE-IDeA meeting,” Batte said. “It really brings things into perspective when considering the hard work that has went into planning and conducting the everyday research. Winning an award in competitions like this against people in similar research areas as yourself is very (rewarding), knowing that all the hard work put in is evident.” Strickland was one of the undergraduate winners. His research was on a specific gene regulator that helps control the amount of certain proteins the human body makes. This was Strickland’s first award concerning his research. “It was unexpected because there was just first, second (and)

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third place for the conference,” Strickland said. “So getting first place was an awesome honor to have people think that the research I’m doing is significant.” The IDeA conference is

sponsored by the University of Mississippi Medical Center and funded by the National Institute of Health, which helps fund biomedical research. This program funds 23 states.

Page 2 | Monday, November 23, 2015

INFORMATION MEET THE STAFF OF SPRING 2015

Dirty Birds • •

• •

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 12:16 p.m., larceny petit was reported at the Thad Cochran Center. The case remains open. On Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 11:59 a.m., commercial burglary was reported at Joseph Green Hall. The case remains open. On Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 4:37 p.m., larceny petit was reported at the Hillcrest bicycle rack. The case remains open. On Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 10:45 p.m., commercial burglary was reported at Joseph Green Hall. The case remains open.

Police Contact Information

When reporting, the following information should be provided: • • • • •

Nature of the crime or emergency Name, address and phone number of the caller Location of incident Description of the scene and suspects Description of any vehicles involved, especially license plate numbers

University Police 911 (emergency) 601.266.4986 (non-emergency) Bond Hall, First Floor West

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. Friday. 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

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.

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NEWS

Monday, November 23, 2015 | Page 3

ON CAMPUS

Southern Miss student receives grant to study in France Nan Beauti Printz Reporter

The honor society Phi Kappa Phi recently awarded 25 students nationally a study abroad grant worth $1,000. Phi Kappa Phi is an honor society for college students around the nation, supplying grants designed to aid undergraduates striving toward academic success. Every year, Phi Kappa Phi inaugurates nearly 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni into its society, which has over 300 chapters throughout the nation. Christiana Whitley, senior international studies major, is a recipient of the award. With her minor in French, Whitley is set to study abroad in Paris and will use the grant to support her traveling opportunity. In the spring, Whitley will study at École Superieure du Commerce Exterieur in Paris. She exceeded the requirements of receiving the grant, as applicants are required to maintain a 3.75 GPA

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to compete. The Phi Kappa Phi chapter at USM allowed Whitley to be fully qualified for the grant. Whitley’s French professors submitted recommendation letters on her behalf, and she then wrote a personal

statement about how she would use the grant in the event she received it. “I am so grateful to receive this grant,” Whitley said. “It means so much to me, and I feel so honored.”

Robyn Curtis, director of national scholarships at USM’s Honors College, mentored Whitley throughout her application process and explained details of the grant. Curtis is not only the national

scholarships officer, but also an awards coordinator for Phi Kappa Phi. “She also reviewed and suggested edits to my personal statement, and I am thankful that she was available to guide me through the application process,” Whitley said. Curtis is enthusiastic about the award and what it means for recipients. “It is very rewarding and exciting to see students receiving an award that I received myself and to be part of that tradition,” Curtis said. Whitley believes studying abroad will help her gain confidence as a world citizen. “I see international travel as a conduit for funneling knowledge of customs and traditions that are unfamiliar to me,” Whitley said. “(I) hope to push past my comfort zone every chance I get.” Whitley hopes to one day pay her reward forward by donating to scholarship organizations so that students like her have the opportunity to cultivate their study abroad experiences.

ON CAMPUS

USM to give radio performance of Poe’s works Lora Lavigne Printz Reporter

The Big Read and The University of Southern Mississippi will present “On the Radio with Edgar Allan Poe: A Live Theatrical Performance” Thursday at 7 p.m. in Martha R. Tatum Theatre. Jennifer Brannock and Sarah Mangrum of University Libraries at The University of Southern Mississippi were recipients of a Big Read grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in May. “Southern Miss has a tradition of receiving this grant to benefit the campus and the local community,” Brannock said. “With assistance from (various USM departments) and the Hattiesburg Public Library, we are able to host the amazing events we have planned.” Brannock and Mangrum received $10,000. University Libraries was one of 75 organizations to receive the grant, which totals more than $1 million, according to

the National Endowment for the Arts. The Big Read at Southern Miss encourages people to read, discuss and celebrate Poe’s writings. “It’s really exciting and a wonderful opportunity to not only bring the campus community, but the Hattiesburg community, together to encourage literacy,” Mangrum said. Managed by Arts Midwest and a program of the NEA, Big Read broadens understanding of the world, communities and people through the joy of sharing a good book. Big Read activities are a result of collaboration between University Libraries, the College of Arts and Letters and the Library of Hattiesburg, Petal and Forrest County, according to the University Libraries web page. Poems and stories by the commended master of mystery will be performed by the Department of Theatre with soundscapes produced live by students from the School of Mass Communications

EAGLEPALOOZA CONTINUED

and you’ll quickly hear an Echosmith song. Everybody knows Echosmith and that is the deﬁning factor between Echosmith and Icona Pop.” From contacting the City of Hattiesburg to get the streets blocked off, to contacting businesses to gain sponsors, branches of SGA worked together to put on the annual event.

“Literally everything you see here was done solely by students of USM,” said Demetries Morrow, Eaglepalooza assistant director. “I love music and getting to be a part of putting on something big that supports downtown Hattiesburg and that people can come out and have a good time at is an awesome experience,” said Cameron Cloud,

and Journalism. “It’s a wonderful opportunity that students haven’t had the chance to have yet, which is to make a product out of the things they are actually doing in class,” Mangrum said. “It’s providing great active learning.” Events kicked off in October at the Public Library of Hattiesburg and continued through November with book discussions, scholarly lectures, film showings and an art exhibit created by students in the graphic design program. The exhibit is currently on display in the Cook Library Learning Commons art gallery. The live performance Dec. 3 is the conclusion of events for the Big Read at Southern Miss. This event is free, but due to limited seating, the public is encouraged to obtain tickets in advance. For tickets, call 601-2664999, or visit the box office in the lobby of the Theatre and Dance Building. The production will be broadcasted live on WUSM 88.5 FM.

SGA freshman associate. “I’m not that big of a fan of bands doing covers, but (The DLX) did a great job covering songs,” said Vincent McMurtery, senior entertainment production major. “I enjoyed it, and I’m glad the people over the event took into consideration that people around here like different kinds of music.

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(They) tried to bring it all to the table, and with them bringing in different crowds, this was a better Eaglepalooza than it was last year.” The DLX performed some of its original songs, including “Wake me Up” and “Let Go.” The band also covered “Can’t Feel My Face” by the Weeknd. Figure 8 covered “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge, and

Echosmith performed some of its well-known songs, including “Cool Kids” and “Bright.” The scenery and the camaraderie at this year’s Eaglepalooza drew a large crowd to downtown as the event helped boost the economy of the city and spotlight local bands as well as local efforts of community and university members.

Page 4 | Monday, November 23, 2015

FEATURE

ON CAMPUS

Professor writes about spiritual experiences with nature Camille Myrick Printz Reporter

This spring, professor of religion Daniel Capper will begin a new discussion that has never been initiated. In his new book, “Learning Love from a Tiger: Religious Experiences with Nature,” Capper will examine the interaction between religious persons and the nonhuman world. “Across religions, people have had varied religious experiences with the nonhuman natural world,” Capper said. “In the book, I explore many such experiences, asking the questions, ‘Why are these experiences so varied?’ and ‘What do these experiences mean for humans and for the natural world?’ There is no other book which approaches this material, so already with this description my book is unique.” Capper recognized the absence of this kind of research in the public sphere and decided to take the initiative to start the conversation.

“It is important to understand religious experiences with nature in comparative perspective, so someone had to write a book like this,” Capper said. “As it turns out, that someone was me.” The book will include stories from religious texts and personal experiences. One example of such stories comes from two early Christian texts that describe how Paul, a Christian evangelist, was led to baptize a lion. It was surprising to Paul when he received the request, but he took the lion to a river and baptized him. “Although most Christian traditions today do not allow baptizing animals, what we see in this story is an unusual openness to the natural world in the early Christian tradition,” Capper said. “The book has many, many more stories like this, as I tell stories on almost every page.” The University of California Press is the publisher of Capper’s manuscript and said the book “prompts readers to engage their

own views of humanity’s place in the natural world and in particular question longstanding assumptions of human superiority.” “Learning Love from a Tiger” examines the animated encounters humans have with the natural world. This research introduces important ideas to recent work in environmental ethics, religion and ecology. The eight chapters of Capper’s book cover perspectives in the traditions of many religions, such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. The book also examines folk religious traditions of the Maya, citizens of the Himalayas and people in ancient China. But the richest information will come from Capper’s personal observations. “A lot of the book is based on my own ﬁeld work done at Christian pet blessing rituals, a Hindu ashram, a Buddhist monastery and in various places in Tibet,” Capper said. “Learning Love from a Tiger” is available for pre-order on Amazon.

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ON CAMPUS

Students honor victims of terrorism Alexis Ware Printz Reporter

Students gathered in the center of The University of Southern Mississippi’s Hattiesburg campus Friday night to memorialize the victims of terrorism around the world. Southern Miss’ Amnesty International organized the candlelight vigil to bring students together in light of recent tragedies across the globe. Jonathan Bridenbaker, sophomore communication studies and history double major, is the organization’s president and came up with the idea for the event. Bridenbaker wanted to bring awareness to the attacks. “Oftentimes, western countries don’t have to worry about this kind of death and destruction on a daily basis, but those that do get left out of our dialogues about terrorism,” Bridenbaker said. “We have to mourn for all victims of terrorisms, whether they be American, European, Syrian or Nigerian.” Approximately 10 students attended the vigil and stood in solidarity for the victims around the world. After hearing the death toll from the attacks, students had the opportunity to give their personal opinions about the events. Mass communication Ph.D. candidate Zainul Abedin attended the event and gave his perspective on the issue. As a person from Bangladesh now living in America, he was grateful Amnesty International

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hosted the event. He described Western retaliations as fighting a snake with multiple heads. “World leaders of these countries need to stop themselves and think about why these things are happening,” Abedin said. “Hundreds of

thousands of bombs have dropped. We are killing one snake, and they are growing more snakes. (These) are the original sins we are doing.” Many students have not seen such large-scale terrorist attacks since 9/11.

For some, attacks in a city like Paris brought the current terrorism issue to the fronts of their minds. Senior communication studies major Austin Allen attended the event as a way to give his condolences. “I felt like after the attacks

last week, it was hard for me to even comprehend what had happened,” Allen said. “So by coming to this, I was able to show some respect and actually have a moment to where I able think about the travesty that happened last week.” Becca Pittman, senior English major, expressed similar feelings toward the vigil. Though she is a member of Amnesty International, the vigil was a time for her to show that she stands on the side of humanity. The vigil provided a moment to stand together in support of the victims but she felt there could have been more students in attendance. “I definitely think there are a lot of us millennials who are involved with human rights organizations, but there needs to be more of a push for more unifying clubs,” Pittman said. “We had a pretty good showing considering it’s a Friday night, and it was kind of put together last minute, but realistically there should have been more people here to show their support.” Amnesty International’s primary mission is to aid during times of conflict and to advocate for human rights. The candlelight vigil was one of the many events the organization puts on to highlight issues within the international community. “Any amount of people that is able to come together to talk about these issues is pretty significant,” Bridenbaker said. “It very heartwarming to see that there are people out there that legitimately care about issues like this.”

FEATURE

Monday, November 23, 2015 | Page 5

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INTERNATIONAL

‘May peace be with all the victims and families’ Parisian shares thoughts on recent events Noé Cugny

Contributing Author On the night of Nov. 13, Paris and its nearby suburb were the targets of one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in recent years. Nearly 130 people were found dead, and more than 350 were injured. Words do not come easily when facing a tragedy of this magnitude, and they should be chosen very meticulously in days like these. This is not an easy task in a time and place where every passing idea or newborn opinion can be formed, packaged and expedited in a matter of seconds, delivered to the entire world with no necessity of stepping back and taking the time to give it another thought. These words have consequences. Last Friday’s atrocities are still fresh, and yet we already have seen a circus of reactions in every form imaginable, with the most sensational and eye-catching often outshining the thought-out and rational takes on this immensely complex issue we have to face. But that issue is nothing new. We have seen over and over again the degree of inhumanity that still persists in this 21st century. In fact, we see it so much that we are desensitized to it. It becomes routine to see headlines

announce hundreds of cruel deaths occasioned in far-away countries. They become images of a vague and abstract world outside our cultural bubble, to which we are detached and whose pains we cannot relate to despite the ever-so “effective” means of communication.

and everyone tries to seek different ways to find comfort. For some, comfort can be found in spending time with their loved ones, continuing to live life and enjoying our liberties and lifestyles that are so clearly under attack. Some find comfort in any form of nationalism and unity. Some find

Last Friday’s atrocities are still fresh, and yet we already have seen a circus of reactions in every form imaginable, with the most sensational and eyecatching often outshining the thought-out and rational takes on this immensely complex issue we have to face. But when the horrors of the outside world break into our backyard, it starts hurting. Suddenly, we catch a glimpse of the everyday reality of so many other parts of the world. That is when fear strikes,

comfort in consolidating their anguish toward simpliﬁed targets, referring to Islam when speaking of radicalized fanatics and closing their doors to the ones in need of relief from that same violence.

Waves of newfound patriotism surface, and everyone wants to exalt and spread the pride of belonging to a nation and its colors— a nation of educated people with high standards of living, that no atrocity will keep from enjoying the liberties that previous generations fought and died to establish. Speaking of liberties, the Americans for Prosperity published the results of a poll that suggested that 84 percent of French people are willing to reduce those very liberties for a greater sense of security. The French ﬂag is erected everywhere, and under it remains the 4th largest arms exporter (the U.S. is by far number one), who for economic reasons sends businessmen to shake hands with the big shots of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, whose deep pockets overshadow their poor human rights records and support for forms radical Islam. France reached record numbers in weapon sales this year. Rise in nationalism, securitarianism, militarism and then here we are, forced into another war in the Middle East, ﬁghting a lethal enemy born out of the violence and despair of the previous war, and which will eventually be succeeded by a meaner one. There is no right answer, nor magic solution. We are left with the

option of watching men of power in shiny suits debate their interests, ordained to pick up the tab and pay in common human lives for whatever comes of it. May peace be with all the victims and families of the Nov. 13 attacks in Paris. May peace be with all others affected by the absurdities of this world.

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This is an article of opinion by a former Student Printz reporter who was born and raised in Paris.

Page 6 | Monday, November 23, 2015

OPINION

ENTERTAINMENT

NATIONAL

Adele triumphs with ‘25’ Media wrongly focus on female sexuality Hiba Tahir

Printz Reporter

On Nov. 20, Adele released “25,” her first studio album in four years. The album followed the musician’s throat surgery resulting from a vocal hemorrhage in 2011, but the album was no worse off because of the surgery. Adele stunned yet again, proving that she very aptly deserves the numerous comparisons she’s been granted to the likes of Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston. Although I’ve never been a die-hard Adele fan, I can definitely appreciate her obvious talent while listening to this album. Undoubtedly, the most popular track on the album is “Hello,” which was released as a single weeks prior to the album’s release and has quickly become ubiquitous. The track’s understated and repetitive melody, commanding vocals, relatable lyrics and predictably powerful chorus ensure that it will continue to be popular for several months to come. The second track, “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” was shockingly divergent from Adele’s past songs. Catchy and upbeat, it confronts her age with lines like, “We gotta let

go of all of our ghosts; we both know we ain’t kids no more.” The overly simple lyrics make it a no-commitment dance track, and it lacks the typical depth of an Adele song. But maybe this lack of depth is what gives it meaning—the more I listened to each track, the more convinced I was that Adele, in holding back, had unleashed a new phenomenon on the music world in which the listener is urged to expound upon simplified lyrics with his or her own personal interpretations. Age is confronted yet again in the fourth track, “When We Were Young.” “We were sad of getting old,” Adele sings, speaking perhaps to the lost love she addresses in “Hello.” “And a part of me keeps holding on just in case it hasn’t gone. I guess I still care. Do you still care?” Soaring vocals and palpable nostalgia grant this song the emotional depth hinted by its title, and it’s obvious to me after listening to this track that Adele means to spend the greater part of this album reflecting on the past. The sixth track, “Water Under the Bridge,” is the flip side of “Send my Love.” The speaker is the lovesick fraternal twin who is not okay with losing her lov-

er. Again, the soaring, searing vocals that have come to epitomize Adele’s songs are what give this song its power. In the seventh track, “River Lea,” Adele revisits her childhood in an ode to the river Lea, whom she all but blames for her troubles. This track was undoubtedly my favorite from the entire album. I loved the dark gospel quality, the riveting chorus and the metaphorical meaning littered throughout. “Consider this my apology,” she sings, expounding on the apologetic calls she makes in “Hello.” Finally, the listener learns in track nine, “Million Years Ago,” that Adele misses more than just her lover. To me, this track was extremely reminiscent of “Chasing Pavements” on the 2008 “19” album. I loved the eerie humming in the background and the delicate melody that allowed for striking vocals. The pain, again, was palpable: “I wish I could live a little more— look up to the sky, not just the floor. I feel like my life is flashing by, and all I can do is watch and cry.” Although Adele has opted not to release “25” on any streaming services, it is available for purchase on iTunes and anywhere music is sold.

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Briar Blakley Printz Reporter

If ever you have questioned your beauty or worth, ask yourself why. Women have a history of facing various forms of discrimination.Oftentimes, misrepresentation plays a role in the ways they might be discriminated against or held to a certain standard. The advertising industry has time and again used women as mere sex objects in order to sell a product. Whether it’s selling beer or a magic elixir to restore your youth, women are often portrayed on a one-dimensional plane that disregards their personhood and sets up an unachievable standard of beauty in order to make a sale. With social media’s influence growing, pictures of sexualized women are continuing to surface as a desperate cry for attention and profit. So how are these marketers, maybe now more than ever, getting the idea that women are perfect subjects for sexualization in all forms of media? Perhaps these messages come from the images of women who transform their bodies to reach what they presume to be a model shape. These social media babes receive glorification from the majority of their followers, which tells impressionable girls that as long as they post photos of themselves with as little clothing as possible, they will be loved. This is not to say that women intentionally post provocative pictures just to be targeted by sexual ads. Maybe advertisers and other media outlets are assuming this position based on what they see. So the question remains: does social media play a negative role in how women are viewed? While there are many benefits that come along with posing with as much clothing as a newborn baby

coming out of a nursery room. Many Instagram popularity winners have landed reality shows, sponsorships and have even went into business just for making appearances. Needless to say, popularity on social media sites can be a rather lucrative business. But this idea that seems to be taking over social media is definitely sending the wrong messages. People without better judgment believe that all women want to be seen as sex objects. Not that women can’t be sexy and confident, but when that is the only angle that’s portrayed through such a narrow medium, things can go wrong. Women’s rights activists fought to turn over misrepresentation of women in the media. Women and Gender Studies students from the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies gathered for a rather mind-jogging experience, viewing activist Jennifer Siebel-Newsom’s documentary “Miss Representation.” The documentary targeted the very idea that media hurts how women are viewed and how serious they are taken. Leaving nothing to the imagination reverses the progress women’s rights activists have made in terms of relaying the message that women are more than their beauty. They deserve a balanced portrayal that doesn’t lean on sexuality alone or on sexuality at all. However, there are ways in which social media has aided the process, bringing light to the issue. “Social media is adding a lot of different voices that weren’t present before the rise of social media,” said Katie James, assistant professor of sociology. “Social media can also be a helpful tool in critiquing images that sexualize women.” We can join the fight and keep and be aware of social media and how far we should go as far as allowing it to play a role in our judgment towards all women.

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SPORTS

Monday, November 23, 2015 | Page 7

FOOTBALL

USM battles La. Tech for Western Division crown Jacob Kemp Sports Reporter

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles have had a historic season so far. Three Golden Eagles broke records on Saturday against Old Dominion. Nick Mullens broke the single-season record for touchdowns and yardage while Casey Martin broke the single-season receptions record. With the 56-31 win over the Monarchs, USM also improved to 8-3 on the year, the most wins since 2011. But the Golden Eagles are not done yet. Southern Miss and Louisiana Tech have been on a collision course all season for the Western Division crown, and on Saturday, they will decide who goes to the Conference USA Championship Game. While USM and Louisiana Tech will battle it out for the Western Division title, there will be a clash for the Eastern Division title as well with the winner of Western Kentucky and Marshall advancing to play either USM or La. Tech. Most experts expected the Bulldogs to run away with the West and for good reason. Returning running back Kenneth Dixon has torn through competition with 972 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. However, there is a chink in the armor for Dixon, as he was shaken up against UTEP and struggled throughout. However, Dixon is only part of the deadly offense the Bulldogs run. Former Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel has exceled after his transfer from Gainesville

and has helped to lead the 20th ranked passing offense in the nation, eight spots behind USM. Both USM and Louisiana Tech are ranked in the top 25 in the country on offense as well, with USM at eighth and La. Tech at 25. Want even further proof the two teams are offensive juggernauts? Louisiana Tech averages 38 points a game while USM averages 40. Both teams are facing a near mirror image of each other. Identical stats, identical records (both are 8-3, 6-1) and both had scares on Saturday, Nov. 21. Down 17-14 at halftime, USM clawed back and beat Old Dominion, while over in El Paso, Texas, UTEP gave the Bulldogs a near heart attack, but luckily the Bulldogs pulled it out, 17-15. With nearly identical offensive stats and records and outcomes, what will be the difference between the two teams? Defense. Southern Miss’ defense is ranked 28th in the country while Louisiana Tech’s is ranked 44th. USM has had the biggest turnaround, with a shift from being in the 110s in 2014 to the top half of defenses in 2015. Southern Miss’ defense started off shaky, giving up 50 points to Texas State and 31 to Marshall, but since then, the defense has found its footing. Since the Marshall loss, USM has averaged allowing just 15 points per game, inﬂated by Old Dominion’s 31-point performance, which included a fumble returned for a touchdown. With everyone healthy, including Devonta Foster, who has been injured most of the 2015

season, the Golden Eagles have turned in their best defensive performance since 2011. On the ﬂip side, La. Tech’s defense has been inconsistent so far this season, giving up 41 points to WKU, 45 to Mississippi State and 31 to UTSA. But there is some bad news. The Bulldogs are in the top 10 in the nation in stopping the run, and if USM cannot run the ball effectively with Ito Smith and Jalen Richard, the USM offense has been shown to sputter at times. Here’s the good news: Louisiana Tech is 98th in the country in stopping the pass, and with gunslinger Mullens back in the

pocket for USM, the Golden Eagles will have no problems pitching and catching to one of the deadliest receiving corps in the conference. Head coach Todd Monken and the offense will likely have to implement the same style of attack they used against Old Dominion—pass the ball to set up the run. Against Old Dominion, USM tried running the ball on ﬁrst and second downs to try and set up the passing game. The result was nearly a catastrophe, as Mullens and the offense struggled mightily and trailed at the half, 17-14. With only 26 rushing yards in

the first half, Monken allowed the offense to throw the ball on earlier downs and much more often in the second half. With Mullens hitting several tough throws, the Monarch defense had to back its coverage up. The result was Ito Smith and Jalen Richard finishing with over 100 yards each and nearly 300 combined. If USM is to beat La. Tech and take the Western Division title, the Golden Eagles must pass first to set up the run. If Southern Miss cannot run the ball effectively, the team will likely return to Hattiesburg empty handed. Kickoff is at 11 a.m. on Nov. 28 in Ruston, Louisiana.

Fadi Shahin/Printz Old Dominion Monarchs’ Brandon Simmons tackles Southern Miss Golden Eagle Jalen Richard during the last home game of the 2015 season for USM on Nov. 21. The Golden Eagles came back to win 56-31.

FOOTBALL

Things to watch in battle for West Joshua Campbell Sports Editor

The stage is set for Southern Miss. Win, and USM moves on. But lose, and the team waits until next year. While the Golden Eagles have already secured a berth in bowl game with an 8-3 record, their goal from the onset was to win the conference title. But they have to beat Louisiana Tech on Saturday in order to play in the Conference USA Championship game. While USM leads the conference in both total yards offensively and total yards allowed defensively, beating La. Tech is far from a certainty. This game will come down to who can win the key matchups. Kenneth Dixon vs. Golden Eagle front seven Dixon is one of the most tal-

ented running backs in the country. With over 4,000 yards in his career, he is a proven stud. With 972 yards and 17 touchdowns this season, he is once again dominating. But he can be stopped. There have only been two games this season when he was held in check, against LouisianaLafayette and on Saturday against Texas-El Paso. What makes Dixon special is he really does not have a weakness and his biggest asset is his vision. He has a great sense for where the hole is and will take advantage of cutback lanes if a defender leaves his assigned gap. What the Ragin’ Cajuns and Miners were able to do was play fundamentally sound, assignment football. The Golden Eagles will have to do the same in order to slow down Dixon. It will be up to guys like Brian

Anderson, Anthony Swain and D’Nerius Antoine to remain disciplined and stick to their assignments in ﬁlling the correct gap. It sounds simple, but football is all about doing your job and not blowing assignments. Michael Thomas vs. Bryson Abraham Senior cornerback Bryson Abraham has been the best and most consistent player in the Bulldog secondary this season, leading the team in interceptions with three and passes defended with 16. What has made USM a C-USA title contender is their explosive nature offensively, led by Nick Mullens and Michael Thomas. Thomas has been downright dominant at times, hauling in 10 touchdowns and 949 yards on the season. While both Thomas and Abraham are both explosive athletes,

Thomas holds one distinct advantage: size. Thomas is a 6-feet, 1-inch, 200-pound specimen, who plays much bigger than his size suggests. Thomas is a legitimate, grown man. Abraham, on the other hand, stands just 5 feet, 9 inches, and weighs only 182 pounds. USM would be smart to take advantage of this size differential, especially with Thomas’ knack for going up and catching the ball in trafﬁc. Jeff Driskel vs. his demons Driskel is not your ordinary CUSA quarterback. Driskel was once one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation and signed on to play for the Florida Gators. Many expected him to become the next great quarterback at Florida, following in the footsteps of Tim Tebow and Chris Leake. However, Driskel struggled during his four-year tenure at Florida

and had his worst moments when the pressure was at its highest. Since arriving at La. Tech, he has been everything the Bulldogs could have hoped for. He has led them all season long, throwing 21 touchdowns with just ﬁve interceptions. But the pressure is on in the game. The winner of this game moves on to the conference championship game, and Driskel is facing the best defense in CUSA, statistically. And the Golden Eagles have harassed opposing quarterbacks all season long, forcing quarterbacks to make bad decisions or take too many sacks. Driskel may rise to the occasion for La. Tech and take them to the promised land. But maybe he doesn’t. Maybe his demons come back and he reverts back to the guy Gator fans loved to hate for his poor play in big moments.

Page 8 | Monday, November 23, 2015

SPORTS

FOOTBALL

USM rallies for comeback win Joshua Campbell Sports Editor

Southern Miss (8-3, 6-1 Conference USA) improved its winning streak to five games, beating Old Dominion Saturday 56-31. The score may suggest this was a lopsided affair, but the Monarchs gave the Golden Eagles quite a scare. Old Dominion had a 10-point 31-21 lead with less than six minutes to play in the third quarter before USM came to life. USM fell behind due to costly turnovers and blown assignments defensively. With a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter, ODU’s Terrell Reid got around the edge and stripped quarterback Nick Mullens before Martez Simpson scooped up the fumble and scored from 33 yards out to tie up the score. But USM responded well on the very next drive. On a 1stand-10 from the ODU 34-yard line, Mullens sold the play action just long enough for the safety to bite as Casey Martin got behind the secondary on a seam route, catching the touchdown to give USM the lead, 14-7. After an apparent knee injury knocked the Monarchs’ starting quarterback, David Washington, out of the game, Shuler Bentley took over and gave the stagnant ODU offense life. Bentley marched the Monarchs down the field methodically before connecting with Zach Pascal for a 16-yard touchdown, tying the game at 14 apiece. But the turnover bug bit the Golden Eagles once again. Facing a 2nd-and-3 from the ODU 10-yard line, Mullens tried to hit D.J. Thompson on a quick slant in the end zone, but Fellonte Misher dropped back into the throwing lane and picked off Mullens’ pass. Although the interception did not lead to points (USM forced a three-and-out), it was a big missed opportunity to take the lead. After Stephen Brauchle missed a 35-yard field goal for the Golden Eagles—another missed opportunity—Bentley led the Monarchs on a 17-play, 77-yard drive that resulted in a field goal right before halftime. On the first possession of the second half, the Golden Eagles ended a 5-play, 67-yard drive with Mullens connecting with Michael Thomas for a 24-yard touchdown to take back the lead. Thomas ran a simple 9-route, but it was Mullens’ ball placement on the throw that made the play. Monarch cornerback Aaron Young had solid, inside position on Thomas, but Mullens threw the ball to Thomas’ outside shoulder, making Young unable to make a play on the

ball. Mullens placed the ball perfectly to where only his guy could catch it. But the Monarchs responded once again. Bentley was a perfect 5-for-5 on the ensuing drive, hitting Jonathan Duhart for an 11yard touchdown to put the Monarchs back on top, 24-21. On the Golden Eagles’ ensuing possession, they found themselves in no man’s land at the ODU 36-yard line, too far for a field goal and too close to punt. Head coach Todd Monken rolled the dice on 4th-and-6, but his gutsy decision backfired, big time. Mullens’ pass to Taylor Marini was incomplete, turning the ball over on downs. Then the Monarchs struck. ODU dialed up a fake receiver screen with Duhart acting as blocker before running a wheel route down the sideline. USM bit on the screen, leaving Duhart wide open. Bentley hit him in stride for a 64-yard touchdown to put ODU up, 31-21. Down 10 midway through the third quarter with their conference championship hopes dwindling, the Golden Eagles answered in a big way. With Jalen Richard sidelined temporarily with a minor injury, Ito Smith’s quickness and decisiveness as a runner sparked the USM offense. On his second carry of the drive, Smith exploded through a small hole and into the secondary, weaving his way to a 30-yard gain. One play later, Smith took the handoff, cut back to the inside then back outside and only had one man standing between him and paydirt, Brandon Addison. Running toward the outside, Smith stuck his foot in the ground, cutting back inside and had Addison lunging at air as Smith raced for a 19-yard touchdown. On ODU’s first play on the ensuing drive, Devonta Foster forced Pascal to fumble and Anthony Swain picked up the loose ball. Down three points, Monken gambled big twice and was rewarded by senior workhorse running back Richard. Facing a 4th-and-1 from the ODU 20-yard line, Richard muscled his way for the first down. Three plays later, USM faced another 4th-and-1. Monken trusted his offensive line and Richard to pick up the one yard. The Golden Eagles lined up in their goal-line package. Mullens handed it to Richard, who ran through a gaping hole off left tackle and scampered into the end zone for the 10-yard score, giving USM the 35-31 lead. The USM defense then came up with another huge play. On the Monarchs’ first play of the ensuing drive, Swain was engaged with the right tackle, but managed to get his hands up

Fadi Shahin/Printz Devonta Foster and Korey Robinson tackle an Old Dominion player during the fourth quarter of the last USM home game of the season.

to bat the ball into the backﬁeld where Naim Mustafaa was waiting with open arms for the interception. “I did like the way our guys fought back, and those momentum plays kind of got us going and we found a way,” Monken said. On the next play, Richard got to the edge and walked into the end zone from four yards out. It took just 18 seconds for USM to turn a 3-point deﬁcit into an 11-point lead. USM would add two more touchdowns before it was over. A 9-yard scramble by Mullens and a 54-yard run by Richard sealed the deal for the Golden Eagles. “We have not been in that

situation this year since early on in the season,” Richard said. “The guys were able to dial in at half time and come out and (handled) what we needed to handle.” Mullens was his typical self, throwing for over 300 yards once again and two touchdowns. But it was the running game that made the difference. As a team, the Golden Eagles had 310 yards on the ground and six touchdowns. Richard totaled 161 yards and four touchdowns on 22 carries while Smith tallied 125 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. There were plenty of records broken by Golden Eagles in this

game. Mullens broke two singleseason records, passing touchdowns (32) and passing yards (3,578), surpassing Austin Davis for both records. Martin broke the single-season catch record, hauling in his 68th catch of the season in the third quarter, breaking DeAndre Brown’s mark of 67 set in 2008. “Going into today’s game, I deﬁnitely knew about the record, but it feels good from all the hard work I have put in this season,” Martin said. “To see it pay off tonight makes me very happy.” The Golden Eagles are now just one win away from playing for the C-USA title.