November 1, 2019•Volume 105, Issue 13•nique.

net

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News
NEWS EDITOR:
Free Speech Showdown technique
Josh Bowling
YDSA and Hillel come to blows after event
ejection brings sanctions 43 Friday,
2
news@nique.net November 1, 2019

Cabrera officially invested as 12th Tech president

Dean of the College of Comput- alded by the sound of the Reck’s women and people of color, not- The ceremony itself was punc-
MASON FAVRO ing Charles Isbell. iconic horn from off stage. ing that although they were good tuated by student performances,
STAFF WRITER Unruh’s speech revolved Outside of associating Ca- among engineering schools, they with the national anthem sung by
around his long friendship with brera with the visual symbology were, in his estimation, not yet the treble choir, the alma mater
On Monday, Oct. 28, Ángel Cabrera, starting at the IE Busi- of Tech, the automotive entrance good enough, and that he intend- sung by the Glee Club and music
Cabrera, the twelfth president of ness School in Spain, where Ca- also had the effect of mak- ed to raise them during his tenure. provided by the marching band
the Institute and the first Spanish- brera took on his first adminis- ing the entire auditorium smell Cabrera also devoted time to for the procession of the special
born president of an American trative position, and moving on of exhaust. his predecessors, the eleven pre- guests onto the stage, as well as
university, was officially invested to Cabrera’s previous job from Cabrera, wearing a suit instead vious presidents of the Institute. their procession off after the end
in a ceremony at Ferst Theater. 2012 until 2019 as the president of his formal academic attire, de- He calculated the average term of the ceremony. Unexpectedly,
The ceremony, known as an in- of GMU, Virginia’s fastest grow- livered his speech not from behind length to be eleven years and the band played a version of Out-
vestiture, marked the ceremonial ing public university in terms a podium, instead choosing to three months, and referenced the kast’s “Hey Ya!” during the latter
start of Cabrera’s tenure at the in- of enrollment. walk around the stage. The speech longest serving president, Marri- procession.
stitute, although he has been in The investiture itself was con- was intended to be casual and on Brittain, as well as the shortest Cabrera, his wife Elizabeth
the job since Sept. 3, almost two ducted by University System of friendly, highlighting Cabrera’s serving, Arthur Hansen, before Cabrera and his son Alex, are
months ago. It was attended by Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrig- long-term familiarity with Tech. going on to say that he wished for all alumni of the Institute, and
more than 100 specially-invited ley, and went relatively quickly. He thanked his family and a “fruitful term of average length”. Cabrera served on the Georgia
guests, who represented sister After brief remarks, Wrigley in- spoke about research occurring at Following Cabrera’s inaugural Tech Advisory Board, including
educational institutions, such as vested Cabrera and placed the the Institute, before going briefly address, members of the National a term as its chair in 2011. Ca-
Harvard, Duke and Emory, and Institute’s presidential medallion into his story and stating that, Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) brera received an M.S. and Ph.D.
came from as far away as Charles around his neck. “America is prosperous because it performed a step routine. in cognitive psychology, in addi-
III University of Madrid in Spain. After his investiture, Cabrera built great universities.” The dance was one of the most tion to a B.S. and M.S. in com-
Before the actual investiture made his grand entrance onto the He also took the opportunity energetic moments in a serious puter and electrical engineering
took place, various stakeholders in stage, riding the Reck out onto the to address the Institute’s enroll- and lengthy ceremony, providing from the Universidad Politécnica
the campus community had the Ferst stage, a sight which was her- ment statistics, especially among a welcome change of pace. de Madrid.
opportunity to deliver speeches
addressed to both the incom-
ing president and the Institute’s
community in a packed theater
filled with students, alumni and
special guests.
The first speaker was Under-
graduate Student Government
Association President Pooja Ju-
vekar, fourth-year ISyE, followed
by Dean of the Scheller College
of Business Dr. Maryam Alavi
on behalf of the faculty, Chair of
Staff Council David Brown on be-
half of the staff and David Brown
(IM ‘79) on behalf of the alumni.
Following the Institute’s rep-
resentatives were speeches by
the special guests, namely Geor-
gia Lieutenant Governor Geoff
Duncan, Valdosta State Univer-
sity President Margaret Venable
and George Mason University
(GMU) professor Gregory Un-
ruh. Congressman and civil rights
leader John Lewis, who represents
Georgia’s fifth district, was sched-
uled to speak at the ceremony as
well; however, due to a conflict, Photo courtesy of Christopher Moore, Georgia Tech
his remarks were instead read by Newly invested President Cabrera rides the Wreck onto stage. The investiture ceremony mixed somber tradition
the event’s master of ceremonies, and performative levity for an event that honored and celebrated President Cabrera and his new position at Tech.

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// NEWS
Hillel, YDSA, admin. clash over free speech rights
POLLY OUELLETTE
STAFF WRITER
Tech students are often in-
volved in politics through ac-
tive and vocal student groups. In
April, the Young Democratic So-
cialists of America (YDSA) and
Hillel chapters of Tech clashed
in an incident that has put free
speech and discrimination con-
cerns center stage.
On April 1, 2019, YDSA held
a “Teach-in: Palestine 101” event
that hosted speakers from Jew-
ish Voice for Peace and Joining
Hands for Justice in Palestine
and Israel. The event was part of
YDSA’s “Israeli Apartheid Week”,
an international effort “to raise
awareness about Israel’s apartheid
regime over the Palestinian people
and build support for the growing
Boycott, Divestment and Sanc-
tions (BDS) movement,” accord-
ing to apartheidweek.org.
The teach-in aligned with the
Palestinian side of the sensitive
and decades-long Israeli-Pales-
tinian conflict. Hillel at GT, an
organization advocating for and
supporting Jewish Tech students,
falls firmly on the opposite side
of the conflict as an advocate
for Israel.
“While we encourage civil
discourse [and] discourage con-
frontation with these anti-Israel
activists, several student leaders
and staff will attend some of the
week’s programs to offer a coun-
ter-narrative and questions,” said
Lauren Blazofsky, director of Hil-
lel at Tech, in a statement sent to
members of the Hillel community
several days before the teach-in.
“We condemn organizations that
view Israel as a colonialist entity,
seek to question’s Israel’s legitima-
cy, or create a climate on campus
where our Jewish students may
feel threatened, or unable to cel-
ebrate their own Jewish identity.”
Blazofsky’s intention to offer
a counter-narrative was impeded,
however, when she was stopped
at the entrance of the event by a
co-chair of YDSA who recognized
her. She was told by the co-chair
that because she was there to dis-
rupt the event, she would not be
allowed in. Blazofsky argued with
the co-chair, stating that because
she is staff at Tech, Institute policy
YDSA hosted a week of educational events discussing the ramifications of Israel’s settlements
in Palestinian territory. The organization is known for being outspoken on the topic.
states that she must be allowed in.
The co-chair refused to allow
her entrance, and Blazofsky left
the event.
Blazofsky’s claim was likely
referring to Tech Policy 6.1.1 re-
garding free speech, which states
that “assuming responsibility for
the use of Institute facilities in-
cludes ensuring that the Institute
does not restrict the First Amend-
ment rights of the public, stu-
dents, staff, and faculty, including
protecting the rights of speakers
to be heard, the rights of the Insti-
tute community to hear speakers,
and the reputation of the Institute
as a center for free speech and
scholarly inquiry.”
After Blazofsky departed, the
teach-in began. At some point
during the talk, two women “be-
gan shouting questions and inter-
rupting the speakers,” said the co-
chair, whose name has not been
made available to the Technique,
in a statement.
The women were told that the
event was not a debate and that
if they didn’t stop disrupting the
event, they would be asked to
leave. The women were permit-
ted to stay for the duration of
the event.
In the following days, two
complaints were filed with the
Office of Student Integrity (OSI):
one from Blazofsky, and one from
the women who attended the
event. Blazofsky’s report stated
that YDSA had “discriminated
against others with differing opin-
ions” by refusing to allow her en-
try to the teach-in.
YDSA was informed of com-
plaints filed against them and was
informed that they would be re-
solved within 30 business days, as
is policy. However, OSI was un-
able to schedule a hearing between
all active parties until September.
On Sept. 6, YDSA received a
summons to appear at a Student
Conduct Panel hearing on Sept.
17. According to Kat Rolinson,
sixth-year ECON and RUSS stu-
dent and YDSA co-chair present
at the hearing, the organization
was surprised by several changes
that occurred on the day of the
hearing. They were informed
that they were being investigated
for violation of Student Conduct
Code Policy 21a instead of the
original 21b. OSI also informed
Members of Hillel at Georgia Tech pose for a group photograph in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Hillel director Lauren Blazofsky was directly involved in the incident involving YDSA.
them that investigators had falsely
conflated the two complaints and
that the hearing that day would
only cover Blazofsky’s complaint,
not the attendees’.
On Oct. 4, the organization
received notification that the stu-
dent justices of OSI had found
YDSA responsible for violating
the Student Conduct Code Policy
21a, which prohibits “objectively
offensive conduct directed at a
particular person or persons” due
to their status as a protected class
and that results in exclusion from
educational programs.
Associate Dean and Director
for Student Integrity Bonnie Tay-
lor wrote in the letter that she had
reviewed and decided to accept
the panel’s recommendation.
The sanctions imposed on the
group included a nine-month dis-
ciplinary probation, creation of
an action plan to host events with
“other on-campus clubs to discuss
differing viewpoints on subject
matters,” creation of a risk man-
agement policy and a required
meeting with the Office of Stu-
dent Engagement.
YDSA found these sanctions
to “miss the point” according
to Rolinson.
Shortly after the receipt of this
decision, YDSA wrote a lengthy
appeal letter detailing the ways
in which they believed OSI had
Photo courtesy of GT YDSA
technique • November 1, 2019• 3
Photo courtesy of Hillel at Georgia Tech, @hillelatgt Instagram
mishandled the investigation and
incorrectly found YDSA respon-
sible for discrimination. The ap-
peal will be reviewed by Associate
Dean of Students Colleen Riggle.
“This sanction straightfor-
wardly violates the First Amend-
ment by compelling YDSA to
engage in and endorse speech
and political viewpoints with
which we do not agree,” states
the appeal letter. “The sanc-
tions further indicate that the
investigation and sanctions were
aimed at the organization’s po-
litical viewpoints rather than any
alleged misconduct.”
The appeal letter claimed that
the complaint did not suggest that
Blazofsky was targeted at the door
based on a protected characteris-
tic. The letter stated that YDSA
believed that they did not receive
enough time to review the evi-
dence against them, which they
received less than 24 hours before
the start of the hearing.
The letter goes on to detail
further ways YDSA believes the
investigation was mishandled,
such changing the subject of the
hearing at the last minute. In ad-
dition, the appeal letter states
that the sanctions themselves
violate the free speech rights of
YDSA members.
“For the past six months,
YDSA was subject to an open-
ended, opaque, politically-moti-
vated, and ultimately unlawful
investigation of our organization
and our individual members sur-
rounding an April 1, 2019 meet-
ing to discuss and promote our
views on the situation in Pales-
tine,” stated the appeal letter.
“This investigation culminated
in a hearing and decision that
were procedurally rife with bla-
tant errors, and a sanction that is
itself unlawful.”
The appeal letter was support-
ed by a letter from the Foundation
for Individual Rights in Educa-
tion addressed to Vice President
for Student Life John Stein, which
repeated many of YDSA’s claims
and stated that “the sanctions are
unsupported by sufficient evi-
dence and premised on an inter-
pretation of Georgia Tech’s poli-
cies that violates the institution’s
binding legal obligations under
the First Amendment. Accord-
ingly, we call on Georgia Tech
to end any pending investigation
and rescind the sanctions imposed
on YDSA.”
On Thursday, Oct. 24, YDSA
leaders and members set about a
vast publicity campaign intended
to tell their side of the story.
Their petition, which calls for
the decision to be overturned and
a public apology to be issued, lists
42 supporting organizations and
has 829 signatures at the time of
writing this article.
While Rolinson said that re-
sponses to the petition have been
overwhelmingly positive, Blazof-
sky issued a statement to the Hil-
lel community that was not so
supportive and indicates surprise
with regards to the results of the
investigation.
“As the complainant is not
notified of the outcome of their
incident report’s hearing, we only
learned of the disciplinary action
through YDSA’s petition against
the university’s decision, calling
for Georgia Tech to reject censor-
ship, ignoring all of their wrong-
doing and falsely trying to con-
flate issues of political differences
that have nothing to do with the
incident in question and outright
discrimination,” writes Blazof-
sky. “The group that censored
is asking Georgia Tech to reject
censorship.
“Their plan to ban Lauren from
the program was well thought out
and predetermined, and in every
step of that plan they acted anti-
semitically,” continued the state-
ment.
“They singled out Lauren be-
cause of her religious beliefs, be-
cause of her assumed politics,
because of her connection to the
Jewish community, AND because
of her ethnicity.”
Administration has mostly
been quiet on the topic. In re-
sponse to a request for comment
from the Technique, Denise Ward,
media relations lead, stated that
“the appeals process prohibits us
from discussing the details of this
matter.”
“Georgia Tech supports stu-
dent groups in their efforts to hold
open forums. We do not restrict
the First Amendment rights of the
public, students, staff and faculty,
which includes protecting the
rights of speakers to be heard and
the rights of the Institute commu-
nity to hear speakers,” said Ward.
“Our policy for Student Organi-
zations Conduct outlines proce-
dures that student organizations
should follow, as well as their right
to due process.”
4 • November 1, 2019• technique
Cabrera sits down for interview with Technique
ZOIE KONNEKER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
During the first days of his
administration, the Technique sat
down with President Cabrera to
discuss his goals for his term and
the future of Tech. Cabrera de-
scribed his first week as “intense,
emotional and fun,” noting the
“surreal” nature of returning to
the school to which he came for
his graduate studies. Cabrera,
an alumni twice over, was the
11th President of the Thunder-
bird School of Global Manage-
ment at George Mason University
(GMU), and later the 6th Presi-
dent of George Mason from 2012
to 2019. He officially assumed of-
fice at the Institute Sept. 1, 2019.
President Cabrera received
both his MS and Ph.D. in cog-
nitive psychology from Tech and
served as a member of the Advi-
sory Board. Both his wife and son
graduated from Tech.
The Technique began the in-
terview discussing the changes to
the campus since Cabrera had last
been a student. According to the
President, the overall structure is
the same, but the physical archi-
tecture of the campus is much
nicer and more walkable. Cabrera
commented that the expansion
onto Tech Square was “fabulous,”
and that the development of West
Campus has been “unbelievable.”
“It is a much nicer campus than it
was years ago,” Cabrera said with
a smile.
“I think there is a student cul-
ture I totally recognize. The stu-
dent body, though, is more diverse
— which is great!” he said, citing
the increased number of women
and international students on the
campus. “Diversity makes institu-
President Cabrera sat down for an interview with the Technique’s Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor earlier in the semester. Cabrera got to work
immediately after arriving in September, wasting no time to start working with issues at the Institute between his first day and his Investiture in late October.
tions of higher education better
places to learn,” Cabrera added.
As for what was most recogniz-
able to him, Cabrera stated that
the “interest and love for technol-
ogy, even among people who are
not majoring in engineering,” as
well as “the intensity of the aca-
demic experience hasn’t changed,
and yet, I think it’s a more fun
student experience than people
give us credit for.” President Ca-
brera, having spoken to members
of the Georgia Tech Advisory
Board about the current culture
of campus, said that our campus
exudes “excellence without arro-
gance,” complimenting the hard-
working and talented students on
campus.
The Technique asked about his
time at George Mason University
and what he believed his legacy
might be now that he has moved
on from Virginia. The Technique
touched on issues such as enroll-
ment growth and establishing
new schools within GMU. “The
person involved is the least able to
answer that [question],” Cabrera
said when asked to describe his
greatest accomplishments.
According to the numbers, the
university became a Research 1
university and George Mason ac-
counted for over 64% of growth
in Virginia during Cabrera’s ad-
ministration.
“I can give you an official list of
all the cool things that happened
on my watch, and yet, is that the
legacy?” He wanted to emphasize
the shared mission of his admin-
istration and coworkers at George
Mason rather than his own per-
sonal accomplishments, but stated
that he was very proud of the work
he had done there.
In regards to his focus at Tech,
Cabrera stated that every school
is different, despite him being
the same. The context through
which he will make his decisions
will change based on the student
body and the goings on at Tech.
He stated that the outcomes of
his work here would vary from
those at George Mason Univer-
sity. President Cabrera intends
to uphold the “tenets of higher
education,” as he is a product of it.
Additionally, he believes in main-
taining excellence at Tech while
also working to provide access to
higher education for all.
Having been a student at Tech,
Cabrera is “very, very vested” in
the success of the Institute, but he
“has a lot of homework to do” be-
fore the work can truly begin.
Under President Emeritus Pe-
terson, growth, quantity, research
and infrastructure have flour-
ished, but according to President
Cabrera, “there are a few things
that need to be taken care of.”
President Emeritus Peterson de-
veloped and began the implemen-
tation of a 25-year strategic plan,
“Designing the Future.”
President Cabrera intends to
make a similar move, taking his
first year to survey the problems
and the successes at Tech before
crafting his own strategic plan.
The administration needs to de-
cide “the next chapter” of Tech’s
history and the new “wave of as-
pirations.”
At the time of the interview,
President Cabrera had already met
with a group of student leaders in-
cluding members of the Student
Government Association in order
to set up mechanisms to get input
from students. The Strategic Plan
intends to involve open forums to
extract aspirations of all the con-
stituents at Tech. In addition to
what they do on an ongoing ba-
sis, the administration will have a
“good opportunity to increase the
level of dialogue.”
So far, President Cabrera has
made good on his promise, as vi-
sioning sessions are taking place
this and next semester so that
students may voice their opinions
and start to collaboratively form
the strategic plan with the new
President.
But President Cabrera is not
only looking to address the long
term. He mentioned several im-
mediate issues that need to be re-
solved.
“We’re not pausing, we’re not
stopping, we are keeping momen-
tum,” Cabrera said. While work-
ing on these short term issues,
Cabrera hopes to simultaneously
work toward a long term agenda
that continually addresses these
issues for the foreseeable future.
“Clearly it’s been a tough last
two years,” Cabrera said. “The
ethical culture of the Institute has
been questioned and we have to
address that.”
President Cabrera is already
prioritizing transparency, an issue
that is especially important now
after the ethics violations of the
past year by top Tech administra-
tors. Immediately, Cabrera’s focus
has been to restructure. General
Counsel Ling-Ling Nie, hired by
President Emeritus Peterson, is
charged to be the Institute’s at-
torney and to be the champion of
ethical conduct at the Institute.
The General Counsel’s job is “to
be better and to do better.”
Other restructuring initiatives
include the shifting of responsi-
bility of responding to legal re-
quests, in intentional and trans-
parent ways, from the General
Counsel to Institute Communi
cations.
// NEWS
“[We] have to do a much
better job of communicating [our]
story,” said Cabrera, who hopes
that Institute Communications,
“[whose] job is to tell our story,”
will thrive under this new role.
The other major issue Cabrera
hopes to immediately address is
mental health on campus.
“I share the concern … it
comes up in all conversations,”
Cabrera said. “We have seen the
consequences of [Tech’s mental
health crisis] two years ago in a
very painful way on this campus.
We need to address this.”
Since this interview, the CARE
center has opened and currently
has two working case managers
that are seeing patients daily.
President Cabrera intends to
know exactly what’s going on with
mental health initiatives, includ-
ing the Campus Safety Action
Team, and he wants to know what
has been implemented, what’s
been discussed and wants to in-
sert himself in those conversa-
tions. By all accounts, he has done
so, meeting with the members of
SGA about these topics and ongo-
ing issues related to them.
On Oct. 28, Cabrera was for-
mally confirmed as the President
of the Georgia Institute of Tech-
nology at his Investiture, having
announced the start of the “ap-
preciative inquiry” into crafting
his and the constituents of Tech’s
vision just two weeks earlier.
For now, President Cabrera
encourages the student body to
“dream bigger,” and imagine what
would make Tech the best it can
be. More information about the
ongoing visioning sessions and
how students can get involved in
the creation of the Strategic Plan
can be found at strategicplan.
gatech.edu.
Photo by Taylor Gray Student Publications
Opinions
OUR VIEWS | Consensus Opinion
Solidarity for undocumented students
Tech students voice their support for lobbying plans
In response to the Student Govern-
ment Association’s proposal put forth this
month, the Editorial Board wishes to voice
its support for the resolution calling for
Ramblin’ Reps to advocate for rescinding
the Georgia ban that prevents undocu-
mented students, including DACA stu-
dents, from gaining admission to Tech, as
well as qualifying for in-state tuition.
We call on the Board of Regents, which
governs the University System of Georgia,
to reconsider their position and put the
state on the right side of history on an is-
sue as universally important as education.
Two Georgia schools, Augusta University
and Georgia State University, have already
reversed their admissions policy for un-
documented students as of 2017.
Continuing to implement this policy
is not only harmful towards students
who are academically qualified to attend
Georgia’s top universities, it is also to the
detriment of the state.
A fiscal argument should be made to
legislators that not admitting undocu-
mented students and failing to qualify
them for in-state tuition shrinks the talent
pool, and carries an opportunity cost for
students that would otherwise be just as, if
The Consensus Opinion reflects the majority opinion of the Editorial Board of the
Technique, but not necessarily the opinions of individual editors.
technique editorial board
Zoie Konneker EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Will Finch MANAGING EDITOR
Josh Bowling NEWS EDITOR
John Edwards SPORTS EDITOR
Jaimee Francis LIFE EDITOR
Baylee Friedman ONLINE EDITOR
LOSERS CLUB BY WILL FINCH
“Welcome to Georgia professional sports, Atlanta United”
OPINIONS EDITOR: Vivian Wang
“
”
My Best Friend is a person who will
give me a book I have not read.
not more, likely to contribute to the econ-
omy of the state and remain in the state to
which their families or they themselves
have gone to great lengths to reside in.
We should be hammering home the ar-
gument that making undocumented stu-
dents accrue vast sums of debt attending
out of state schools not only creates prob-
lematic barriers to higher education, but
also barriers to overall economic progress.
While the proposal put forth by the Stu-
dent Government Association is only sym-
bolic, as Governor Kemp and the state leg-
islature are unlikely to budge on the issue,
at the very least it begins to put a modicum
of pressure on Georgia’s legislative body.
As a university that prides itself on being
in favor of “progress,” the proposal and
presumably subsequent student lobbying
leads by example and signals to undocu-
mented students that their struggles are
being heard, and that Tech cares.
Tech students who are in support of un-
documented students should exercise their
right to vote in all state and local elections,
and can further contribute by protesting,
calling their senators and representatives
and contributing to the discourse sur-
rounding this issue.
Allie Ghisson PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
Jahziel Villasana-Espinoza WEB DEVELOPER
Josh Trebuchon ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Vivian Wang OPINIONS EDITOR
Beatrice Domingo DESIGN EDITOR
— Abraham Lincoln
Long Live #TheDiscourse
JOHN EDWARDS
SPORTS EDITOR
It seems that nearly every
week, #TheDiscourse is under at-
tack. Last week, it was pushback
on criticism dedicated to Ellen
Degeneres sitting at a football
game next to war-criminal-at-
large George Bush. Degeneres,
herself worth $450 million and a
beneficiary of regressive tax cuts
from Bush’s presidency while in-
sulated from the untold horrors
in the Middle East as a result of
Bush’s foreign policy, used her
ample public platform to defend
her actions, saying, “I’m friends
with George Bush. In fact, I’m
friends with a lot of people who
don’t share the same beliefs that I
have.” Degeneres followed up by
slamming Twitter users criticizing
her enjoyment of the company of
Bush, claiming that we should “be
kind to everyone”.
This week? #TheDiscourse de-
fenders are up in arms over the
president being booed at a baseball
game. Donald Trump was in at-
tendance at Game 5 of the World
Series, and when he was shown
on the big-screen at the park, he
was subjected to boos and chants
of “Lock him up,” a reference to
Trump’s promise to lock up his
political opponents following his
election. Even the harmless act of
making uncomfortable the man
behind the creation of intern-
ment camps on the country’s bor-
ders was too much for MSNBC
commentator Joe Scarborough,
who took to Twitter to compare
the chants from the ballgame to
Trump’s own campaign rhetoric:
“let’s see if I’ve got this straight:
When crowds chant ‘Lock her up’
toward Hillary, it is illiberal and
anti-American (I agree). But when
crowds chant the same toward
Trump, it is suddenly a fulsome
exercise of sacred First Amend-
ment rights. What hypocritical
clowns.”
You would be hard pressed to
determine what other principles
Scarborough and other beltway
slime have genuinely stood for
in their careers as talking heads,
but the one ideal that they have so
consistently upheld and defended
is #TheDiscourse, a notion that
public political discussion requires
some degree of mutual respect
for ideas and parties, and should
avoid devolving into undignified
language. What undignified lan-
guage is that? That is for punditry
to decide.
Write to us:
letters@nique.net
Got something to say? Then let
your voice be heard with the Tech-
nique. Sliver at Nique.net, tweet us
@the_nique or check us out on Face-
book at facebook.com/thenique. We
want to hear your opinion and want
to make it known to all of campus.
We also welcome your letters in
response to Technique content as well
as topics relevant to campus. We will
print letters on a timely and space-
available basis.
Each week we look for letters that
technique
November 1, 2019
5
Friday,
#TheDiscourse defenders have
made a career of pitching them-
selves as practitioners of “elite”
discourse, capable of convers-
ing about politics at an academic
level. The pitch creates an implicit
comparison between their craft
and popular discourse — the rhet-
oric that these same pundits so
widely decried from the populist
campaigns of Trump and Bernie
Sanders. Essentially, those who
argue for the necessity of political
discourse do so because it rein-
forces their position as a member
of the elite class, not consigned to
the “rabble” of popular discourse.
When Scarborough bemoans
booing at a baseball game, he is
casting down the populace and
elevating himself.
Those who strive so ardently to
uphold #TheDiscourse are them-
selves enforcing a class system of
rhetoric that favors the privileged,
one that allows them to rise to
prominence and prosperity. There
is a reason Scarborough serves as
a political commentator and host
on MSNBC — there is some mis-
guided belief that because Scar-
borough gets paid money to wear
a suit and sit in front of a television
camera, his opinion carries more
weight than a working class indi-
vidual. Rejecting “popular” rheto-
ric as a form of political discourse
reinforces the idea that decision
making belongs to the elite class
and is inherently undemocratic.
If anything, popular rhetoric is
all the more relevant today than
it has ever been. There is no po-
lite way to express the appropriate
amount of outrage of the indigni-
ty of human beings being locked
in cages like animals — yet, such
outrage would be quieted by Scar-
borough and his fellow ivory tow-
er residents for failing to observe
some modicum of respect towards
the president, as though he is de-
served the respect he so callously
denies to the migrant families he
detains at our nation’s border.
Popular discourse is not only
valid, it is necessary in a politi-
cal environment where the voices
of the oppressed are silenced and
physically removed from the con-
versation. Those who seek to police
appropriate discourse are cowards
attempting to insulate themselves
from challenges to their power
and argue for their own necessity
in a world that has little need of
them. So if the #TheDiscourse is
to die, then may it die denied the
dignity it so strongly denied to
the voice of the people. Long live
#TheDiscourse!
are responses to or commentaries on
content found within the pages of the
Technique. Along with these letters,
we are open to receiving letters that
focus on relevant issues that currently
affect Georgia Tech as a university, in-
cluding its campus and student body.
When submitting letters we ask
that you include your full name, year
(1st, 2nd, etc.) and major. We ask that
letters be thought provoking, well
written and in good taste. We reserve
the right to both reject or edit letters
for length and style.
For questions, comments or con-
cern, contact the Opinions Editor at
opinions@nique.net.
6 • November 1, 2019• technique // OPINIONS

2020 Presidential Endorsements

from the Opinions Staff
I endorse Senator Elizabeth Warren for President. The ticket
would excite Democratic voters and nonvoters from the Rust Belt to
the Deep South and would reflect America’s values and accomplish
the most for the American people when elected. Senator Warren rep-
resents an aspirational America, an America where the daughter of a
mother working for the minimum wage in Oklahoma can grow up to
lead a nation immediately after the departure of the most openly and
outwardly racist, sexist and xenophobic president of our time.
Senator Warren will give country the intelligent, populist leader-
ship we need. A professor with plans for how she would structurally
reform and fix our broken system, Senator Warren has spent her pro-
fessional career writing about the deep economic issues that hamper
the average American. No other presidential candidate understands
the deep need for structural reform and the underlying systems at
work more than her. Other than structurally altering our current
government and economic system, the right people must be appoint-
ed to oversee this process. Senator Warren advised President Obama
on who to appoint to various positions. Often times her suggestions
were too bold and not chosen. Senator Warren would actually ap-
point regulators to regulatory positions and uncorrupted experts to
head agencies. Senator Warren would come in day one and begin
implementing her agenda and appointing the best officials.
America is at a turning point. The Democratic nominee could be
an uninspiring moderate that loses the general election, or the Demo-
cratic nominee could be the populist needed to defeat Donald Trump.
Elizabeth Warren’s populism comes deep from within, a deep moral
outrage that comes from knowing how rigged the system is against
so many Americans. It comes from a deep moral outrage that comes
from knowing how the system can be fixed and a deep moral outrage
that comes from watching so many politicians either refuse to fix it
or actively make it worse. Senator Warren is the only candidate for
president that I could trust to be a moral leader and an effective one
at that.
- Will Marchant, Opinions Staff Writer
Despite the cloud of uncertainty hanging over her campaign trail,
I am endorsing Kamala Harris for POTUS. I believe that she has the
potential to corral the Democratic party into a united front and de-
liver on her promises of prosecuting the current President.
Given the right messaging, Senator Harris could position herself
as a candidate able to reach across party divides and able to appeal to
a diverse voter base, given her Indian and Jamaican background. She
has the right temperament — both measured and tenacious, coupled
with years of experience as a D.A. under her belt to make informed
policy decisions and communicate them in a convincing way.
While historically shaky on criminal justice reform, she is ca-
pable of adapting her strategy and views to the modern liberal pro-
gressive, and is on the right side of the healthcare and immigration
debate. She is also the ideal age for a presidential candidate - young
enough remain tethered to the wishes of her base but old enough to
have accrued enough experience to stand her ground in the interna-
tional arena. The issue that Harris and many of her other so-called
‘moderate’ counterparts are running into is that they are all fighting
to win a coveted spot alongside Biden as the moderate alternative to
a candidate that is wavering at best. In the sustained effort to differ-
entiate themselves from Biden, this group of candidates also fail to
differentiate themselves from each other, leading to confusion about
messaging and campaign purpose.
Maybe I am still living the era of June Kamala, the Kamala that
asked Joe Biden pointed questions on race and commanded the
room. But I remain persuaded that the charisma and competence is
still there, but that the American people need reassurance of that fact.
Harris may not have a larger-than-life personality that some of the
other candidates possess, but we already have one of those in office
right now. Kamala still has a fighting chance since there is no clear
frontrunner, and I personally would like to see a woman of color un-
seat the incumbent, at a measured and even pace that is antithetical
to Trump’s core.
- Vivian Wang, Opinions Editor

Design by David Le Student Publications

Breaking bubbles, shattering echo chambers
“There are ways to break the
echo chambers we so often
find ourselves in, and Tech is
the perfect place to do so.”
POLLY OUELLETTE
STAFF WRITER
In about a year, American citi- Like many other college campuses
zens will again decide who holds and metropolitan areas, Atlanta is
the privilege of leading our coun- strongly democratic, and we had
try for the next four years. been firmly reminded of what it is
I was a freshman when we like to live in a bubble.
elected Donald Trump president. 2016 was also the year that so-
I remember how it felt to walk up cial media became more influen-
freshman hill, passing chalked tial than ever in determining the
campaign messages since rendered results and knowledge about the
irrelevant. I remember the utter election. Echo chambers aren’t
feeling of disbelief on campus. something new; we largely sur-
round ourselves with people we
agree with, who share similar val-
ues and who are passionate about
the same things.
But social media certainly ex-
acerbated this. Algorithms on so-
cial media platforms are designed
to show you what you want to see,
because this will keep you online
for longer and drive up advertiz-
ing revenue. I remember the con-
fusion of that freshman year, as
we realized that our social media
feeds were not reflective of the en-
tire country. It is something that
we should have realized earlier.
According to a survey conduct-
ed by the Pew Research Center
this July, 54% of Americans get
their news from social media sites
“sometimes” or “often.” This is de-
spite contradictory data that ques-
tions on the same survey indicate
62% of people think that social
media companies have too much
control over the news that they see
and around half view one-sided
news and incorrect news on social
media as a “very big problem.”
I will be the first to admit
that news sources, in their cur-
rent print and broadcast televi-
sion forms, will not survive the
next decade or two (forgive me,
Technique staff).
However, I do think that the
new medium has not yet settled
into its final form. For now, all we
have is a bizarre juxtaposition of
opinion-driven snippets of news
on social media against news
platforms that are largely stuck in
the past.
That said, there are ways to
break the echo chambers we so
often find ourselves in, and Tech
is the perfect place to do so. There
are plenty of political organiza-
tions on campus that are intended
to expose students to new ideas.
These students have a lot in com-
mon with you: they are young,
intelligent and level-headed. Sit
quietly and listen to what they
have to say.
There are some things you can
do online to broaden the view-
points you are exposed to. Follow
one or two people whose opinions
you can understand and respect,
if not fully get on board with.
Subscribe to a newsletter like the
Skimm or Morning Brew, which
assemble important national and
international news from a diver-
sity of sources.
In the next year, there is plen-
ty of time to read, to like and
retweet, to share articles and have
respectful debates. There is plenty
of time to break the bubble and
shatter the echo chamber.
// OPINIONS
Racism is not permanent
JOSH TREBUCHON
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
In the past few years —
spurred on, perhaps, by the elec-
tion of Donald Trump — some
progressives have initiated a con-
versation about how to most effec-
tively advance their agenda with-
out alienating moderates. At the
very least, it has become popular
to talk about softening progressive
language to avoid shutting down
political discussions. More and
more liberals advocate for avoid-
ing labels and attempting to sym-
pathize with moderate and even
conservative voters.
Debates over who is the most
electable Democratic primary
candidate have often centered on
which presidential hopeful can
most effectively appeal to the
moderate, working class white
voters that carried Donald Trump
to victory in 2016. It is certainly
difficult to imagine any of the
Democratic candidates for the
2020 election labelling Trump’s
base a “basket of deplorables.”
Still, the measures which liber-
als are discussing are largely aimed
at political ends, rather than at
achieving practical progress. The
narrative around avoiding labels
and sympathizing with moder-
ates is that it will help progres-
sives with the immediate political
goal of defeating Donald Trump
in 2020, and, to a lesser extent,
wresting control of the Senate
from the Republican party.
Framing the discussion around
political name-calling and sham-
ing distracts from the actual ef-
fects that changing our discourse
might have. Avoiding name-
calling and alienating those that
disagree with us has the power to
encourage change in a variety of
areas, but perhaps the most obvi-
ous example is the issue of race.
There are few words more pow-
erful in American politics than
“racist.” It is a label that can tor-
pedo entire careers, political or
otherwise, exile individuals from
the mainstream both online and
in real life, and end any debate or
discussion instantly.
In addition to ending politi-
cal conversations, calling an in-
dividual a “racist” can change the
way that we view the person. After
all, that racism is evil is a nearly
universal principle in progressive
politics, so those who perpetuate
racism must themselves be evil,
right? Thus, using the word “rac-
ist” makes others less likely to
want to work with us, and us less
likely to want to work with others.
Because of the term’s unique
power to end conversations, many
progressives have advocated for
avoiding the term “racist” or “rac-
ism” when having discussions
about race. While this approach
is better than throwing the term
around anytime you find some-
one’s opinions on race problematic
or uninformed, it fails to alleviate
the effect that applying the label
to an individual has on our per-
ception of that individual. Even if
I do not call my political opponent
a racist out loud, when I think it
to myself I change my opinion
of that person, thus making me
less likely to sympathize with and
work with that individual.
Clearly, then, simply treating
the word “racist” as a political
obscenity, to be avoided in polite
company, is not enough. Rather,
we need a full redefinition of what
the term means and how it can
be used.
Ibram X. Kendi, a prominent
author on the history of race in
America, argues that we attach
too much emotion to the word
“racist.” Kendi believes that ev-
ery action, policy and institution
is either racist or antiracist, and
that in every moment a person
is either a racist or antiracist. He
argues that over time — or even
moment to moment — people can
change between being racist and
antiracist.
In his view, it is perfectly nor-
mal and okay to have moments of
racism, and we should continue to
label people as racist in the mo-
technique • November 1, 2019• 7
ments in which they are, but that
we should attach less sentimental-
ity to the term. The term “racist”
should not be an inescapable defi-
nition of a person’s character, as it
is generally used today.
I would go further than this. If
a person can be racist in one mo-
ment and not in the next, then
why apply the term to the person
in the first place? Perhaps only
actions, ideas and — possibly —
institutions, not individuals, can
be racist.
We use “racist” as a term of
ideology. Someone is racist in the
same way that he is Christian or Class on Happiness “GT University”
Jewish, progressive or conserva-
This spring, a 3-credit Jesse McCartney, a relic
tive, intelligent or unintelligent.
The way that we use the label, course on happiness will be of- of early 2000’s teen pop, to
the state of being racist is, if not fered once again, taught by a the dismay and excitement to
permanent, long-term. If we Tech alumnus, under BMED many, was chosen to head-
could deliberately both use and 2803 Special Topics — Hap- line the SCPC-hosted home-
interpret the label in the way that piness, in Kendeda 210. The coming concert last Friday.
Kendi suggests it would be great, class is open to all majors and McCartney amused many
but the reality is that society does covers both practical aspects of students to no end when he
not see it that way. If “racist” is increasing happiness and theo- proclaimed to be excited to be
taken to be a permanent state of ry grounded in sociology and at “Georgia Tech University.”
being, then it is inaccurate to ap- economics. Related courses are This was rather unfortunate as
ply it to individuals. People are also being offered under the he was instantly catapulted to
not anything permanently. I am “mini-mester” selection. meme stardom.
not arguing that we should excuse
racist ideas or actions. Rather, we
must acknowledge that humans
are inconsistent, irrational and
temperamental. Simply having
a racist idea once does not make
someone a racist. Believing racist
ideas for one’s entire life does not
make him a racist. People change,
and we should use language that
acknowledges this, especially if Elton John Farewell Registration Hurdles
that language can also bolster po- This Friday, British musi- This Monday marked
litical discourse and facilitate pro- cian Elton John will be per- the start of the semesterly
gressive change. forming at State Farm Arena registration period, and like
The word “racist” is a powerful for his “Farewell Yellow Brick every other semester, was
weapon, and its use has profound Road,” intended to be his fi- not without its own hurdles.
consequences for the way that we nal worldwide tour. The five- Many freshmen were simply
think about whatever we apply it time Grammy and Academy not assigned time tickets for
to, and the way others think about Award-winning singer, com- the spring, leaving advisers
us. While dropping the word from poser, and pianist has been an and other faculty scrambling
the political lexicon entirely just Atlanta resident for over 25 to rectify the situation.
ignores the issue, redefining the years. The worldwide tour will Additionally, a new hold was
way in which it can accurately be feature more than 300 con- placed on every student’s
used can bring us and those we certs in total, and has already account for a Financial
disagree with closer together. Ul- grossed $125 million. Responsbility Agreement.
timately, it may even make a dif-
ference.
Life
Students discuss work in the political realm
ABIGAIL GUTIERREZ-RAY
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
For many students, this No-
vember will serve as the first
chance to participate in politics.
For others, this election cycle
serves as a continuation of their
active work in politics.
In order to better understand
how students can contribute to
the political realm, the Technique
chatted with students with experi-
ence working in the political field.
Rupkatha Banerjee, a second-
year MATH and ECON stu-
dent, currently works as an in-
tern with the Georgia chapter
of the American Civil Liberties
Union (ACLU).
“I wanted political experience
and I wanted to be with a promi-
nent legal and political organiza-
tion that was protecting people’s
constitutional rights,” Banerjee
said about her choice of work.
Banerjee also discussed her
how her experience has helped
Behind the scenes with student government
Student Government Association members discuss their experiences as student representa-
tives. They also share the changes they hope to bring to campus during their time at Tech.
LIFE EDITOR:
Jaimee Francis
ASSISTANT LIFE EDITOR:
Lane Elder
life@nique.net
further her future dream of con-
ducting research that can affect
policy.
“I knew I would be able to
make a lot of good connections
and meet people [at the ACLU]
who would help me figure out
a path if I did choose to go that
way,” Banerjee explained.
“My primary role is demo-
graphic and policy research so I’m
getting a scope for where I fit into
the political scene.”
A fourth-year MGT student
also spoke with the Technique
about her experience in politics,
which involved interning for S.C.
Senator Lindsey Graham in the
summer of 2017.
“At the time I was interest-
ed in politics and didn’t know
what I wanted to do. I still
don’t, but I had heard of people
working there.
“I thought it would look good
on my resumé and I think it has
because people always ask about
it,” the student explained.
The aforementioned student
explained how much of the po-
litical process still remains un-
clear to her, as she mostly worked
in the constituent services office
answering phones.
In contrast, Banerjee spoke
about the insight she has gained
from her experience — insight
which taught her that about the
amount of work that precedes the
ballots voters see.
“There’s a lot of small things
that go into building a campaign
that I never realized,” Banerjee
said. “When we look at politics,
we think of the bigger picture but
Tech alumna runs for office
2008 graduate Cindy Thomas shares insight into her
campaign, as she prepares for the mayoral election of
Lithonia, Georgia. 49
there’s a lot of small elements that
go into politics.”
“We had to research core dis-
tricts that the ACLU wants to tar-
get, make profiles of candidates,
and stuff like that.
“All those small nitty gritty de-
tails help them decide which can-
didate they want to endorse and
where they want to target in terms
of demographics of who will ac-
cept their policies.”
The fourth year business stu-
dent elaborated on her experi-
ence at Senator Graham’s office,
explaining her surprise to find
out that the calls from constitu-
ents with an opinion rather than
a specific need oftentimes lead to
no resolution.
“Whenever people say, ‘Here’s
your senator’s phone number,
you can call’ — do not,” said
the student.
“You can call if you want but I
was the one answering those calls
and they don’t go anywhere ... It
just made me realize how impor-
tant voting is.”
Banerjee expressed a simi-
lar view on the importance of
voting, especially stressing the
significance of doing so in the
more local levels of city and
state elections.
“I wasn’t politically involved
on a state level until I started
interning — I didn’t think it
was that big of a deal, but it
definitely is.
“Federal politics is more like
political theater. You kind of
watch it happen from afar and
obviously your vote matters, but I
feel like it’s a lot more important
Photo by Maria Furukawa Student Publications
to be educated in what’s going on
at the local level because it has a
more immediate effect on your
life,” Banerjee explained.
As many students struggle
to manage their already hectic
schedules, interning for political
campaigns may not be feasible.
Nevertheless, staying informed
Photo by Abigail Gutierez-Ray Student Publications
With the election cycle heating up across the US, Tech stu-
dents are getting involved in political and legal policy making.
JANNAT BATRA
STAFF WRITER
With election season heating
up all across the world, it seems
impossible to avoid hearing about
politics or the government.
However, for a select group
of students at Tech, these gov-
ernmental activities and cycles
are always at the forefront of
their minds.
For members of Tech’s Student
Government Association (SGA),
the activities that come with elec-
tions play an especially important
role in their work as they run their
own government on the daily, al-
beit at a collegiate level.
In order to learn more about
the work that comes with serving
in a legislative body, the Technique
met with different representatives
from SGA.
Many spoke about the chal-
lenging work that comes with
holding their title, and most also
confessed they had never imag-
ined they would be in the position
to hold their title of representative.
It was not until last year that
fourth-year NRE Kyle Holstein
got introduced to SGA while he
was trying to get a bill for Dra-
maTech passed.
Holstein now serves as a Parlia-
mentarian of the House as well as
technique
8
Friday,
November 1, 2019
on government policies, both on
the national stage and local level,
can help students take a more ac-
tive role in the political realm and
important issues.
Such action enables the in-
formed citizen to then help shape
the future of policy in the places
they call home.
a representative for the School of
Mechanical Engineering.
“I definitely enjoy [SGA] be-
cause it’s like we’re designed to
argue with each other,” said Hol-
stein, now that he has been an ac-
tive representative for a while.
“You do get frustrated with
other representatives when you
think ‘Why can’t you just see this
point like how I see it?’ But that’s
just part of the process.”
As a representative, Holstein
has the pleasure of advocating
for the ME department, but as a
parliamentarian, he gets to learn
about the small nitty gritty details
that allow a large body of govern-
ment to operate.
“It’s just something I’ve always
been fascinated by — I love know-
ing the process of how things hap-
pen,” said Holstein.
“I love knowing this is our
process and this is how I can help
people navigate it to make things
happen because a lot of people
feel that these kinds of roles are
there to prevent people from do-
ing things.”
While the political process is
new to many representatives, for
others it is a continuation of past
work. Third-year LMC Grace
Wyner knew she wanted to con-
tinue the work she began at her
high school’s student government.
See SGA PAGE 12
// LIFE
Lithonia mayoral election features Tech alumnus
LANE ELDER
ASSISTANT LIFE EDITOR
Lithonia, Ga. — a small town
with a population of just 2300
that is due east of Atlanta — will
host a mayoral election that could
elect Tech alumna Cindy Thom-
as, who graduated in 2008 with
a MGT degree that focused on
marketing and entrepreneurship.
Thomas’ dream for Lithonia?
To not only decrease the poverty
rate that currently affects over a
third of the population there, but
to also make this small town the
“jewel of Georgia.”
In order to find out more about
her vision, the Technique dis-
cussed politics — as well as life —
with Thomas.
“My main goal and purpose
is to increase the quality of life
of all residents of Lithonia,”
said Thomas.
“What that means is to grow
and develop not just our land and
businesses, but also our schools.”
Sometimes it takes a step back
to your roots in order to make the
next step forward in your career.
Thomas found this to be true
while winding along the path
from an undergraduate Scheller
student to local politics.
“I didn’t plan on being a poli-
tician,” she said with a laugh.
In fact, she prefers the term
“public servant.”
Thomas grew up in Lithonia
and went to Lithonia schools.
She participated in Lithonia’s
local girl scout troop, volun-
teered and shopped in local
Lithonian businesses.
At Tech, Thomas continued to
show leadership in a plethora of
student organizations.
“What I found is that there
were certain years when I was very
involved with different activities,
and there were some that were
less. When I have more going on,
I’m better at time management. I
get more done, and I get it done at
a high level,” said Thomas.
The first club she was drawn
into by an older friend while she
was still a freshman was Gifted
Gospel choir. Thomas also par-
ticipated in the African American
Student Union, OMED educa-
tional services, and The Society
for Black Engineers. She used her
graphic design skills to design fly-
ers and posters for many of the Af-
rican American clubs on campus.
Former Tech grad Cindy Thomas discusses her political campaign as she seeks to serve as
mayor of Lithonia, Georgia. Thomas aspires to transform the town into the “jewel of Georgia.”
Thomas also continued to vol-
unteer with younger students. In
Jumpstart, she tutored elementary
school students, and in CIESMC,
she mentored high schoolers. As
if that was not enough, she also
founded the first ever fashion club
on campus, Avant Garde.
“When at Tech, you are in a
bubble,” laughed Thomas. “It is
all about classes, school, tests and
clubs as well as personal stuff go-
ing on because you are an adult.”
Although the bubble comes
with its unique set of pros and
cons, Thomas credits Tech for
shaping her career and work ethic.
“Tech is a great school because
it teaches you how to think quick-
ly, how to analyze … it really just
builds you into a hard worker.”
One thing that she wished she
had done more of as a student
was taking time for herself to re-
flect or journal, a practice that
“keeps you going forward, keeps
you centered.”
After receiving her diploma,
Thomas was still searching for
something to center her, despite
Photo courtesy of Cindy Thomas
technique • November 1, 2019• 9
her multiple offers, from travel-
ling internationally to working
for Google.
“There was a moment where
I said, ‘Okay God, I’ve had this
great life. I’ve had some great jobs,
great opportunities, but I felt like
there’s more.’ I asked what my
purpose was. I wanted to walk
in my purpose, so I started to
volunteer downtown in the heart
of Lithonia.”
Thomas’s work in Lithonia
included helping a friend start
up a local art center, which then
opened the door to local civic
engagement. Since then, she
has completed over 2000 volun-
teer hours in the city all while
working as a consultant for
Willpower South.
She works on many boards
across the city and took it upon
herself to learn as much as pos-
sible about Lithonia — from his-
tory to plans and more.
“What does it take to grow
a small city like ours?” Thomas
asked. “We are a place that is low
income. So how do you grow a
city without replacing people who
are already here?”
Thomas’s struggle to answer
this question is what inspired her
to run for public office on the cur-
rent mayor’s recommendation.
“A lot of times people will go
overseas to give and to volunteer,”
she said. “However, we have peo-
ple in our own neighborhood that
are in need.
“And what I found in the heart
of Lithonia is that we are the last
place in the entire DeKalb Coun-
ty that we still have projects. And
they haven’t been upgraded in de-
cades. I spend time with people
here, and there is a big need.”
Thomas has chosen to focus on
the basics: education, job oppor-
tunities and mental health. The
campaign has combined every
See THOMAS PAGE 12
10 • November 1, 2019• technique
Considering the reliability of sources
MARIANNE AL HAJ
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
As elections approach, voters
are focused on the issues that will
impact their decision at the bal-
lots. Major news outlets all weigh
in on these issues — on immigra-
tion, health care, education and
more — and shape the opinions
of the public.
The choice of what media to
receive information from there-
fore plays a pivotal role in shaping
opinions. The Technique checked
in with students around campus
to find out more about outlets stu-
dents prefer and how the reliabil-
ity of these sources is considered.
Apple News serves as the pre-
ferred platform for international
student Xinjing Xu, a fourth-year
CHBE from China.
“You get a variety of sources
and it’s generally comprehensive,”
Xu said, while explaining his use
of Reuters for controversial topics
Decisive issues of this election cycle
TAMIR GONEN COHEN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
With the 2020 presidential
election steadily approaching,
voters are reflecting on the im-
portant issues that determine
the choices they will make at the
polls. Being a student is a unique
stage of life, and as such, there
are certain issues that are of es-
pecially high importance to this
population as they exercise their
voting right. For many, this up-
coming election cycle will even
serve as the first chance to mark
a ballot.
During this significant time
of change, the Technique checked
in with students around campus
to find out more about their con-
cerns this political season.
Immigration policy serves as
a crucial concern for fourth-year
BA Lila Best. As someone who
grew up in a city as international
as Atlanta, Lila ephasized the
importance of diversity, as be-
friending international students
has been one of her favorite expe-
riences at Tech.
“I would like all my interna-
tional friends to be able to stay
as he believes them to be “more
fact-based.”
Xu was not the only student
who shared his distrust of ma-
jor news sources like Fox News
and CNN. Ph.D. student Conan
Zhao shared that he most of-
ten learns about political news
from passively browsing on so-
cial media like Reddit or from
listening to NPR. Zhao weighed
in on the difficulty of trusting
the reliability of these sources,
particularly Facebook.
“I have lots of friends who love
to post incendiary and clearly
false articles … it just gets tiring,”
Xu reflected.
Richard Chahine, a second-
year French and Lebanese ISyE
major also turns to his cell-
phone to stay connected to not
just friends, but the larger world
around him.
“As a college student, I find it
hard to stay updated with what is
happening,” Chahine explained.
“Social medias such as Facebook
and work in the United States,
if they wish to do so. Not only
for me, but because they are in-
telligent and kind people, and I
know that the U.S. would ben-
efit from having them here,” said
Best.
Although the challenges faced
by international students are
unique, fourth-year BA Emily
Ilgenfritz noted that the cost of
education creates additional di-
lemmas to the student body. As
an out of state student, Ilgenfritz
noted the difficulty of the high
price tag that comes with earn-
ing a degree.
“The difference in tuition be-
tween in and out of state at Tech
is huge, and I believe there is a
way to make it more compara-
ble,” said Ilgenfritz. “The situa-
tion with national student debt
is serious and something has to
be done about it.”
Abigail Gianis, fourth-year
ME, also discussed the cost of
education as one of the most
pressing issues for her this elec-
tion cycle.
“Education is hugely impor-
tant and sets you up for life, and
money gets in the way of that. Ed-
ucations should not be as expen-
or Twitter are often helpful; I also
downloaded several French and
international newspapers’ appli-
cations such as The Times or Le
Monde, and finally receive daily
email through Morning Brew to
stay up to date with business re-
lated news.”
Chahine discussed his decision
to pull from a variety of sources as
he attempts to broaden his views,
noting the risk of falling into the
trap of bias when just using one
media source. With regards to so-
cial media in particular, Chahine
discussed the tendency of exag-
geration and toxicity, which can
contribute to a larger wave of dis-
information.
As evidenced by the many
differing views of students with
regards to the many different
choices of media outlets, choos-
ing which platform to use can
pose as a challenge to many. For
second-year ME Paulina Schuler
this challenge is so great that she
shared her lack of confidence in
sive as it is, and students should
not have to work their whole life
to overcome debt,” Gianis said.
The rising price of education
is not the only cost of concern to
students, as many worry about
the ongoing toll that humans
have placed on the environment.
For third-year CHEM Grace
Mauldin the issue of climate
change is of upmost importance.
“It is the most urgent threat
that we face today, and not nearly
enough is being done to combat
it,” Mauldin said. “The human
race will be in great danger if we
don’t take action, and our leader-
ship needs to lead change.”
Noting how many issues are
especially divided across party
lines during this time of politi-
cal polarization, third-year BIOL
Julia Shuford discussed the strug-
gles of voting.
“I find myself torn between
the parties as the issues and val-
ues that matter most to me are
split,” Shuford explained. “It is a
divisive situation, and that
makes it difficult to make a final
decision.”
While many students focused
on the issues that impact voting
decisions, third-year ME Kristen
// LIFE
staying informed, explaining
how she instead turns to friends
for advice.
“I don’t usually follow the
news, but whenever I do, I go to
my friends and ask them for in-
formation and for an explanation
about what happens,” said Schul-
er. “I know I shouldn’t, and that I
should look it up myself, but I just
don’t want to have a great risk to
get something way too biased to
build my opinions on.”
In conclusion, the choice of
news can shape the political views
of the listener. With increased
polarity in politics, the standards
like reliability and credibility are
increasingly falling. To address
this major concern, increasing the
scope of media sources can give a
more accurate portrayal of current
events. As students around cam-
pus reflected, considering many
different perspectives can al-
low us to understand how others
think and how to find a common
ground in the issues we face.
Helper remembered that voting is
itself an important issue, as evi-
denced by low turnout rates at the
polls.
“My biggest concern is getting
people registered to vote and then
actually going to polls,” Helper
said, discussing how the opinions
of the public will not be heard
without the crucial action of ex-
pressing them at the ballots.
In a similar thread, second-
year CS Curtis Brooks discussed
the struggles of low voter turnout,
especially from the more neglect-
ed neighborhoods in the country.
“I think it is important to fig-
ure out a plan to get people from
impoverished areas to the polls. It
can be difficult for people to get
to the voting locations, and this
eventually leads to whole groups
not having their voices heard,”
Brooks explained.
Before casting a ballot, there
are many decisions the informed
voter must consider — many of
which are personal. Regardless of
what someone else might think of
the opinion, it is important that
this concern is expressed at the
polls in order to ensure the ac-
countability of the representatives
in office.
Design by David Le/Student Publications
// LIFE technique • November 1, 2019• 11
12 • November 1, 2019• technique
SGA FROM PAGE 8
“I’m a public policy minor, so
it’s a pretty natural way to ap-
ply some of those strengths and
interests in government through
SGA,” said Wyner.
Wyner has been a member of
Ramblin’ Reps for a year now,
but ever since she was appointed
as the undergraduate representa-
tive of the LMC department over
summer, she has taken on a more
active role in the House.
“I feel like LMC is such a fan-
tastic program, and I would love
for it to be recognized more,”
said Wyner in regards to why
she decided to apply for the
representative role.
SGA members urge students to meet with their representa-
tives to voice their concerns and have their opinions heard.
“The student body sees it as an
overly simplified major, and I see
that as a misconception … I want
to let the rest of the student body
see how unique the program is.”
While advocacy for their rela-
tive major’s school is one of the
priorities for all undergraduate
representatives, establishing and
maintaining relationships with
university administration is an-
other goal of SGA members.
“The administration is tasked
with running the campus and
making the decisions. If we don’t
have those relationships, then we
won’t be in the room when they
make those decisions or have
those important conversations,”
Holstein explained.
Photo by Maria Furukawa Student Publications
// LIFE
Holstein strives to resolve is- on what actually matters to our
sues concerning the impact of THOMAS FROM PAGE 9 people.
mental health concerns on cam- part of Lithonia’s small-town “You have to stay focused and
pus. However, even as a member culture, as Thomas has talked to you have to run the race and com-
of student government, there are everyone from youth to seniors, pete against yourself. That’s how
still obstacles representatives faces and from educators to those in the you make it to the finish line.”
to taking any action. business sector. As Thomas reflected on her
“It’s unfortunate that we have “It’s tough,” admitted Thomas, unexpected path to politics, she
to deal with administration in “but I love it. It’s the first thing offered encouragement to the stu-
regards to stuff like that because that I’ve done in my life where I dents of her alma mater.
they have their own tangled web use all of my talents and skills.” “The highlights [of my career]
of networks, approvals and fund- Surprisingly, Thomas refused are moments like this, where I’m
ing issues we need to get through,” to acknowledge her competitors able to connect with someone like
Holstein said. for the mayoral race. you,” Thomas told the Technique.
While some students may be “I’ve seen people be cut-throat. “Someone who is at a school that I
discouraged by the administra- I’ve seen people being negative,” went to and is able to share my ex-
tive process, SGA members urge Thomas explained. periences. I was you, and I’m here
students to reach out to their re- “We focus more and more now. This is a place I didn’t plan
spective representatives so that and more on positive. We focus to be. It’s a blessing.”
changes can be made.
“There’s a lot of change coming
really soon,” said Wyner. “Keep
your eyes out and keep your ears
open, but the first thing you can
always do is ask a question to your
representative.”
“If the people who can solve
the problem don’t know that
there are people are experiencing a
problem, then it won’t get solved,”
Holstein explained, further stress-
ing the importance of transpar-
ency and open communication in
government.
For students looking to resolve
their questions, the Undergradu-
ate House of Representatives holds
meetings and provides an oppor-
tunity for students to address the
legislative body in an open forum
discussion every Tuesday at 7:30
p.m. in the Smithgall Student
Services building.
Students can find the contact
information of their representa-
tives on the SGA website or can
attend their respective office hours Photo courtesy of Cindy Thomas
for the opportunity to talk to Cindy Thomas discusses her plan for improving education,
them in person. employment and more in the small Ga. town of Lithonia.

Entertainment
‘Little Miss Sumo’ challenges gender inequality
FILM
Little Miss Sumo
GENRE: Documentary
STARRING: Hiyori Kon
DIRECTOR: Matthew Kay
RATING: NR
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28
OUR TAKE: «««««
JOSH TREBUCHON
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
On Oct. 28, Netflix released
“Little Miss Sumo,” a documen-
tary short from British filmmaker
Matthew Kay. The 20 minute
film, which was first released in
Britain last year, follows Hiyori
Kon, a female Japanese sumo
wrestler as she strives to become
the world’s top female competitor
in the traditional Japanese sport.
While following Hiyori in this
pursuit, the film highlights the
obstacles that female sumo wres-
tlers face in pursuing their dreams
in Japan. Female wrestlers are
banned from the sport at the pro-
fessional level there, so the prime
age for female sumo wrestlers is
considered 20 years old — the
oldest at which wrestlers can com-
pete as amateurs domestically.
Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Parasite’: movie of the year
FILM
Parasite
GENRE: Thriller
STARRING: Kang-ho Song
DIRECTOR: Bong Joon-ho
RATING: R
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 11
OUR TAKE: «««««
JACK CRONIN
ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
This last weekend saw the re-
lease of one of the best movies
of 2019, if not the singular best.
Pick any appealing movie qual-
ity — humor, entertainment,
thrills, frights, emotions or mean-
ing — and it is probably present
in “Parasite.” Americans might
scoff at this suggestion, as many
of them may not even be aware
of the film’s existence, let alone its
subject.
“Parasite” is a genre-bending
movie about class dynamics,
told through the entanglement
of families of opposite social sta-
tuses. Equally funny, insightful
and thrilling, the script cleverly
surprises at every turn. Actors
charm and humor, but never once
drift beyond reality. Most vitally,
though, the deft filmmaking on
display is a masterclass work from
the auteur Bong Joon-ho.
Yes, “Parasite” like its film-
maker comes from South Korea.
Still, American viewers should not
allow the foreign language and
subtitles dissuade attendance to
technique
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR:
Josh Trebuchon
ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR:
Jack Cronin Friday,
13
entertainment@nique.net November 1, 2019
The film introduces this is- to stay in the sport past their ado- himself. Kay thus reveals his the- sive and outdated. Ultimately,
sue with simple exposition. Kon lescent years. sis while at the same time support- though, this serves as a reminder
speaks about how society’s per- The strength of this narra- ing it with actual evidence. Most of just how far behind the U.S.
ception of her as a female sumo tive technique is in its subtlety. importantly of all, this makes for many countries are on the issue of
wrestler has changed as she ma- Rather than telling the viewer a much more interesting film than gender inclusivity in sports.
tured from primary school, to a that women from Ukraine, Russia the simple exposition which dom- Matthew Kay does not rede-
young adult and beyond. Hiyori and the U.S. dominate the female inates at the beginning of “Little fine the documentary art form in
explains that Japanese society ex- sumo wrestling world on the in- Miss Sumo.” the 20 minute runtime of “Little
pects women to be quiet, domestic ternational level because they see American audiences may find Miss Sumo.” Still, the film is un-
and submissive — in Hiyori’s own drastically better investment and the film a bit unsophisticated, as deniably interesting in substance
words, the ideal Japanese woman interest in the women’s sport, Kay the way women’s sports are dis- and style, and at only 20 minutes
is “invisible.” leads the viewer to discover this for cussed in the film can feel regres- long, it is certainly worth a watch.
This expository phase is the
weakest part of the film. While it
serves as a decent introduction to
the topic, it does not show any cre-
ativity or craft on the part of the
filmmaker.
Where the film gets interesting
is when Hiyori travels to compete
in the international sumo wresting
championship. Kay uses the com-
petition as an extended metaphor
for the struggle of female wrestlers
attempting to break into the world
of professional sumo wrestling.
While the competition does
not directly pit female wrestlers
against males, Kay calls the view-
er’s attention to the dearth of Japa-
nese women in the field of globally
prominent sumo wrestlers. This
under-representation of Japanese
wrestlers in the highest women’s
tournament in a sport invented in
and culturally universal in Japan Photo courtesy of Netflix
emphasizes the magnitude of the Female sumo wrestler Hiyori Kon defeats a male wrestler in a scene in the documentary short
barriers women face when trying ‘Little Miss Sumo’ from British filmmaker Matthew Kay. The film is now available on Netflix.
Photo courtesy of CJ Entertainment
In ‘Parasite,’ filmmaker Bong Joon-ho explores class dynamics in South Korea as the affluent Park family (Jo Yeong-jo, middle)
unwittingly becomes increasingly entangled with the Kims after the employment of Kim Ki-woo (Choi Woo-sik, left) as a tutor.
one of 2019’s few must-see feature “The Host,” both of which were themes, eliciting almost universal to express just how powerful this
films. produced in his country of origin. acclaim from critics. With “Para- movie can be for viewers who go
For Americans unfamiliar with More recently, Bong stepped site,” Bong returns to his home to in blind. The film defies genre and
his work, Bong is a 50-year-old into the more robustly budget- explore some of the same concepts narrative conventions so much
South Korean writer-director. He ed American industry, making that have always fascinated him: and so well that the experience
first made his name with the 2003 “Snowpiercer” and “Okja.” His social status and family. is best had on the edge of one’s
crime story “Memories of Mur- works often use fantasy or sci-fi Before delving any further into seat without any prior knowledge
der” and the 2006 monster movie elements to tackle very human his newest release, it is pertinent See PARASITE, page 15
14 • November 1, 2019• technique
Come ‘Cry’ with Cigarettes After Sex’s new album
MUSIC
Cry
Cigarettes After Sex
LABEL: Partisan Records
GENRE: Pop
TRACK PICKS: “Don’t Let Me
Go,” “Kiss It Off Me”
OUR TAKE: «««««
JOURNEY SHERMAN
STAFF WRITER
Cigarettes After Sex does not
disappoint with the release of
their second studio album, “Cry.”
Despite having a limited discog-
raphy released over a decade, the
band has amassed a cult follow-
ing. Cigarettes After Sex proves to
be a real artist’s artist, as they put
quality over quantity.
Long-anticipated album “Cry”
proves to be worth the wait and
makes even the most cynical of
listeners yearn to fall in love.
“Cry” does not romanticize love,
but its sound translates to the
rawness and vulnerability that is
involved with relationships new
and old. The band stays true to
its slowcore, dream-pop sound
throughout the album while also
putting lead vocalist Greg Gon-
zalez’s androgynous and siren-like
voice front and center.
Kucoshka gets political on sophomore album
MUSIC
Women and Police
Everywhere
Kucoshka
GENRE: Mathcore
TRACK PICKS: “Abortion
Man” and “Ben Shapiro”
OUR TAKE: «««««
JOURNEY SHERMAN
STAFF WRITER
Kucoshka, an Atlanta-bred
mathcore ensemble, takes listeners
on a ride to the eye of the storm
with their new release, “Women
and Police Everywhere.” After
nearly a decade together, Ku-
coshka has fine-tuned their sound
and found the sweet spot between
insanity and ingenuity. Their sec-
ond full-length album not only
pushes the envelope, but it rips
the envelope up and urinates on it.
“Women and Police Everywhere”
tackles hot-button issues that have
left Americans divided, but also
leaves room for the listener’s own
interpretation.
Standout track “Abortion
Man” was one of the first singles
released off the album last spring
and garnered attention due to its
bold title and sublime timing of
its release. Georgia’s controversial
heartbeat bill was on the brink of
being signed at the time of its re-
lease. Lyrics like “abort the Geor-
gia governor” tackle a taboo topic
while also remaining true to the
band’s comedic nature. The vo-
cals mimic a revving motorcycle,
amplifying the high energy in the
song.
“Undocumented Worker,” like
any other Kucoshka song, never
// ENTERTAINMENT
“Cry” begins with tune “Don’t
Let Me Go” an ode to a lost first
love and the aches of the despera-
tion and longing for someone that
can still be felt years after the re-
lationship is over. It is a song with
which every listener can relate,
whether it is a friend or lover that
has become estranged.
The next song, “Kiss It Off
Me,” has a more sensual sound
that sings of the balance between
love and lust. This song is a prime
example of how Cigarettes After
Sex can make heartbreak sound
so sweet. This song like many of
their others speak about the beau-
ty of not just the beginnings and
endings of relationships, but also
the middle and mundane.
Another standout track,
“You’re the Only Good Thing in
My Life,” focuses on the passion
felt for someone you are in a rela-
tionship with or would like to be
in a relationship with. This song
folds in intimacy with romance in
an effortless way. Track “Hentai”
unsurprisingly begins with vulgar
lyrics, but takes a dark turn after
the first verse with, “Told you I Photo courtesy of Partisan Records
wanted to die in an airplane crash Members of the ambient-pop group Cigarettes After Sex in the studio. The group, which
/ Over the ocean, thought it was has a cult following despite a limited discography, recently released its second album ‘Cry.’
romantic.” This song’s bleak lyrics
are juxtaposed with the vocalist’s self-titled album. The vocals are This album paints a strikingly that he or she has been saving,
enchanting and gentle voice. disciplined and airy, mimicking accurate representation of love and open a cheap bottle of wine.
Top standout track “Falling the feeling of flying or being high with broad strokes that anyone The album’s sound drags on in the
in Love” was the second single off love. Gonzalez uses an androg- can relate to. “Cry” will make the best way. It slows down time and
released off the album and is ex- ynous tone to amplify the ambi- listener want to light his or her fa- makes listeners hang on to every
tremely reminiscent of their first ent, but mellow backing band. vorite candle, use that bath bomb word.
goes from zero to one-hundred,
but starts at one-hundred and
goes up from there. This song fea-
tures a tight rhythm section that
dissolves in and out of chaos. “Un-
documented Worker” lyrics chal-
lenge the hypocrisy of exploiting
undocumented immigrants and
fetishizing immigrant women in
America, only to show them no
empathy when they are seeking
citizenship.
“Ben Shapiro” — yes, they
actually named a song that —
is chock-full of many opposing
components that should not work
together, but somehow coalesce
perfectly. The song begins with a
calypso-like intro and advances
into disjointed vocals. The words
“Ben Shapiro” are the most coher-
ent lyrics and are repeated offering
more grit with each recurrence.
Another standout track, “The
Border,” relies heavily on repeti-
tion while still managing to exude
musical prowess. “The Border” is
simple, but says a great deal about
the state of the country. It mocks
the idea that having a huge, ma-
jestic border will somehow solve
all of America’s problems.
In Kucoshka’s “Women and
Police Everywhere,” disorder
reigns supreme and normalcy is
disparaged. The rhythmic com-
plexity and comedic undertones
are this band’s bread and but-
ter. This album isn’t for the eas-
ily offended or for those that get
hung-up on political correctness,
but for those that can appreciate
when absurdity is intertwined
with raw talent. The only thing
better than listening to “Women
and Police Everywhere” is going
to see it performed live. Kucosh-
ka’s album release show will be on Photo courtesy of Kucoshka
Nov. 21, at Smith’s Olde Bar in A member of the local mathcore group Kucoshka poses for the album art for their latest release,
Morningside. ‘Women and Police Everywhere.’ The album, the group’s second, was released on Oct. 28.
// ENTERTAINMENT
PARASITE FROM PAGE 13
of what may transpire. In fact,
the only audiences who may not
respond well are those who are
squeamish or uncomfortable with
violence.
Co-written by Bong and Han
Jin-won, “Parasite” details the
employment of the impoverished
Kim family by their affluent coun-
terparts — the Parks. After com-
In stark contrast with the excessive fortunes of the Parks, the unemployed and impoverished Kim family (Song Kang-ho, left;
Jang Hye-jin, right) live in a basement as a result of their unemployment and poverty, forcing them to fold pizza boxes for a living.
ing into a position as a tutor, Kim
Ki-woo(Choi Woo-sik of “Okja”)
begins deceiving and tricking the
Parks into hiring the rest of his
family — played by Park So-dam,
Jang Hye-jin and Song Kang-ho
— a popular Bong mainstay from
“The Host,” among others.
From even the earliest mo-
ments, viewers can sense that
they are in the hands of greatness.
The cinematography dazzles —
thanks to the efforts of director
of photography Hong Kyung-pyo
(“Snowpiercer,” “Burning”) —
the dialogue quips and the edits
generate rhythm and charm. At
its best moments, Bong’s presen-
tation of the Kim’s con-job feels
akin to an “Ocean’s Eleven” heist.
While the Parks receive less at-
tention and development than the
protagonistic family, “Parasite”
proves smart enough not to frame
technique • November 1, 2019• 15
them as villains. Actors Jo Yeo-
jeong and Lee Sun-kyun respec-
tively present Mrs. and Mr. Park
as naive figures, each projecting
the aura and attitudes that accom-
pany their elevated social status.
Up through the film’s initial
setup, the “Parasite” experience is
immersive and enthralling. Even
as Bong puts on a showcase of
craft, no techniques or maneuvers
jolt audiences out of the movie’s
Photo courtesy of CJ Entertainment
impeccable rhythm and flow; in
other words, no element reminds
viewers that they are indeed
watching a movie. The quality of
production is high, but not egre-
giously flashy.
From this total absorption into
the lives and world of the movie,
the ensuing sequence of twists and
reveals transfix eyes on the screen,
dragging audiences along on a
thread of Bong’s making. As the
narrative quickly descends into
chaos and elevates tension, watch-
ers will slouch forward with bated
breath as their understanding of
the movie drastically changes.
While the filmmaking is un-
paralleled, the most remarkable
feat of “Parasite” is that it some-
how sticks the landing. Explana-
tions prove plausible, and conclu-
sions draw throughlines across the
two-hour runtime with subtlety.
Moreover, meanings and allego-
ries prove effective and powerful,
as the specificities of the resolu-
tion are simultaneously real and
resonant.
Through a stroke of brilliance,
no element or quality holds “Para-
site” back. Actors put forward real
and nuanced performances, with-
out even a scent of the overdra-
matic. Cinematography, editing
and production designs shine and
delight with elegance and fluid-
ity. The script is sharp, but subtle.
Although thousands of cast and
crew deserve credit for the work,
Bong’s uniform, impeccable vi-
sion draws the collaborative effort
into a perfect unison.
Like few others, the genre-de-
fying feature proves the rare film
that propels the art form forward,
dazzling audiences and critics
alike with humor, emotional reso-
nance, visceral thrills and power-
ful meanings. Audiences should
put aside their foreign-language
apprehensions and dive into the
sensational work of “Parasite,”
delivered from one of the world’s
best working filmmakers — Bong
Joon-ho.
16 • November 1, 2019• technique // COMICS

SARAH’S SCRIBBLES BY SARAH ANDERSEN

LIO BY MARK TATULLI

IN THE BLEACHERS BY STEVE MOORE

SMBC BY ZACH WEINERSMITH

// COMICS technique • November 1, 2019• 17

ORIGINAL STUDENT COMICS

PENNEY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS BY LOGAN PENNEY

LUNARBABOON BY CHRISTOPHER GRADY PEARLS BEFORE SWINE BY STEPHEN PASTIS

SUDOKU PUZZLE

XKCD BY RANDALL MUNROE

18 • November 1, 2019• technique // SPORTS

Barstool’s content popularizes sexism, misogyny

ers is alarming in itself. By click- Tube shows. Just last year, the site days are for the boys and Sundays tinues to thrive as a politically in-
ing on the chicks tab you would hired Michael McCarthy, former are for sitting in the Lay-Z-Boy correct publication during the rise
be confronted with their slogan: of TakeAReport.com and writer while their wives hand-deliver ice of more politically correct media.
“One of the boys, all for the girls.” of such drivel as, “Although I’m cold Natty Lights to them as they The downside of this is that Bar-
Without completely deciphering pretty sure you don’t condone the can not bare to look away from stool Sports massively adds to the
what this cryptic message means, drugging and subsequent raping the television screen in case they already dangerously misogynistic
it seems as though that Barstool’s of female bar inhabitants, haven’t miss a chance to insult a team world of sports. They add onto a
culture of extreme masculinity you at one time or another con- member for missing a catch. This narrative that makes it nearly im-
permeates through even the fe- sidered what would happen with is Barstool Sports’ main demo- possible for female sports reporters
male staff member’s content. the right girl and the right mix of graphic, along with the thousands to do their jobs without receiving
If Barstool’s own employ- vodka and chloroform?” Only the of college students that follow harassment and degrading com-
ees and hierarchy weren’t sexist best and brightest for the site. their school’s respective accounts ments. Furthermore, the women
enough, Barstool also associates There is no denying that there’s for personalized sports commen- who contribute to this publication
themselves with equally problem- a subsection of sports fans that en- tary and embarrassing videos of perpetuate the same rhetoric that
atic content creators. “To Sophia. joy partaking in what can be con- classmates. puts women down. The second
TAYLOR GRAY You’re like a girl, but kind of slut- sidered “locker-room talk.” These Our first mistake is assuming that Barstool is accused of being
ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR ty. It’s okay though.” That is an fans are the ones that can usually that Barstool Sports is posing as a misogynistic they immediately
excerpt from a “poem” that Logan be found shouting expletives at the professional sports outlet. Much point to their female staff mem-
“Unprofessional.” “Misogy- Paul, the YouTuber who filmed players on the sidelines. These are like Buzzfeed, Barstool Sports bers, yet they barely allow their
nistic.” “Sexist.” “Disrespectful.” dead bodies and posted it for all the guys that can be found bang- does not follow the traditional stories to hit the front page. So
These are all words that have been his young, impressionable viewers ing on the walls of the ice hockey rules of journalism, and tends to if they were not sexist, Saturdays
used to describe Barstool Sports. to see, wrote and performed on a rink trying to egg on fights. These write toward more clickbait titles would be for the boys and every-
A quick look of their website will segment of Stool Scenes, one of are the fathers, uncles and sons and subjects that will attract their day would be for respecting wom-
explain why Barstool Sports has Barstool Sports’ vlog styled You- that fully, truly believe that Satur- readers. This is how Barstool con- en through their coverage.
been charged with promoting a
toxic culture by numerous profes-
sional news organizations.
Explicative article titles such as
“Ohio Colleges Are Trying to Ban
Gambling on Ohio Sports Be-
cause They Are All Dumb as Shit”
and “Kentucky’s Punter Called
His Own Fake Punt Against Mis-
souri — Got The First Down
And All He Wanted Was A God-
damn Beer” exhibit the publica-
tion’s fearlessness when it comes
to being highly critical of various
topics. Many of their writers fre-
quently throw in cuss words to get
their point across in their articles.
Whether this literary tactic shows
off their passion for what they’re
writing about is undetermined,
but it does come off as distaste-
ful and sometimes discredits the
good points the authors actually
make.
If you were to further look
around their website you may
stumble onto one of their
“Smokeshow of the Day” articles
where they provide multiple pho-
tographs of whatever Instagram
baddie they find attractive that
day. If you don’t think that’s bad,
they also have an entire separate
tab dedicated to the content their
female writers that’s simply la-
beled “Chicks.” The fact that they
even segregate the content provid- Photo by Samuel Stewart Student Publications
ed by their female staff from the Barstool Sports has made a name for themselves as a source of politically incorrect sports coverage, but their content
front page work of the male writ- has consistently pushed the boundaries of good taste and often engages in spreading sexist stereotypes and messages.
// SPORTS technique • November 1, 2019• 19

What social and political obligations do

professional athletes have as public figures?

HARSHA SRIDHAR
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

It is one of the small tragedies

of our time that so many people
have blindly adopted professional
athletes as universal role models.
The key word here is ‘univer-
sal.’ I do not doubt that the vast
majority of professional athletes
can teach the average person a lot
about work ethic and overcoming
odds, and it is perfectly reasonable
to admire them for that. Howev-
er, when we suddenly expect ath-
letes to offer thoughtful, nuanced
opinions on every social and po-
litical hot topic, our adulation has
gone much too far.
LeBron James has recently Photo courtesy Erik Drost Flickr
caught flak for criticizing Hous- LeBron James made headlines earlier this month when he controversially claimed that Houston Rockets GM Daryl
ton Rockets general manager Morey was “misinformed or not really educated on the situation” when he tweeted support for Hong Kong protestors.
Daryl Morey’s tweet which spoke
in support of Hong Kong protes- This, to me, is the most irk- raised awareness of issues of social preserve profit from off-the-field
tors. The tweet led to significant some argument. By addressing so- JOHN EDWARDS justice, even at great professional deals are doing little out of interest
backlash on the Chinese main- cial problems in his own country SPORTS EDITOR expense to themselves — are com- for their own financial wellbeing,
land, with China’s broadcast net- — some of which he has person- mendable for using their platform especially when their own wellbe-
work pulling NBA games from its ally experienced — how and why It is important to understand for good and are examples of ing is all but assured — they do so
broadcasts. James critiqued not should LeBron James now carry that any figure in a public posi- those who professional athletic or- out of greed.
the substance of the protests, but the burden to research, digest and tion is responsible for behaving in ganizations should elevate. It is, therefore, reprehensible
Morey’s decision to make a state- then answer every controversial a manner becoming of their stat- It is of note that many promi- that athletes should seek to pro-
ment that could create real finan- question of our time? ure in culture. It is tempting to nent athletes are themselves in- tect the elite class by refusing to
cial ramifications for the league. I support the Hong Kong pro- selectively focus on how an athlete credibly wealthy, some earning speak out on behalf of the poor,
The reactions were predictable. testors, and I wish LeBron did, as behaves in front of the camera, in a year that which many will on behalf of the oppressed. Class
Hong Kong protestors burned well. But if anything good comes but altogether disingenuous — as struggle to earn in a lifetime. solidarity among the wealthy is
LeBron James jerseys. Many of this controversy, let it be that public figures, athletes drive our These contracts are largely handed disgusting on all levels and should
American commentators eviscer- we re-examine the focus we place perceptions of culture, and they out with regard to on-field per- be denounced at every opportuni-
ated James for protecting his own on athletes as a means for social should take responsibility for their formance and with little consid- ty — having the opportunity pro-
financial interests and not taking change. No athlete should be own social leadership. eration to other parts of athletes’ mote social change but using it to
the side of the protestors, particu- made to ‘shut up and dribble,’ but In that sense, athletes who lives. So in that respect, athletes reinforce the status and privilege
larly given how outspoken he is on it is unfair to judge those who do have embraced their role as so- who renege on their obligation of the elites instead of dismantling
racial issues in the United States. make that choice. cial leaders — athletes who have as public leaders in an effort to it is the highest form of cowardice.
Sports
SPORTS EDITOR: Timeout Week technique
John Edwards
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR:
Emily Dykstra
We don’t stick to sports — our takes
on the intersection of sports and
20
Friday,
politics inside. 418
sports@nique.net November 1, 2019

Panthers in town for Jackets’ homecoming

JOHN EDWARDS
SPORTS EDITOR
After a well-deserved rest fol-
lowing an overtime road victory
against Miami in their most re-
cent game, Tech football will suit
up for their homecoming game
against the Pittsburgh Panthers
this Saturday. The Jackets look
fired up coming off their first
ACC win of the season, while the
Panthers are reeling after a 16-12
loss to the Hurricanes in which
they failed to score a touchdown.
Here are the story lines to keep an
eye on entering Saturday.
ricanes, the sky is the limit for the
Jacket’s best running back.
FAMILIAR FOES
Both Tech and Pitt are coming
off of games against Miami —
whereas the Jackets stunned the
Hurricanes in overtime, it was Pitt
who was shocked, losing 16-12 to
Miami at home. Despite out-gain-
ing Miami 309-208, the Panthers
were held to just four field goals,
never once finding the end-zone,
and Pittsburgh’s three turnovers
helped the Panthers little. Pitt was
5-2 and 2-1 in ACC play entering
the game, but Miami found their
footing defensively after an im-
pressively awful showing against
the Jackets the week prior.
PLAYOFFS?
Although both teams are cur-
rently stuck in the bottom half
of the ACC Coastal, the crowded
field for the divisional title means
that an ACC Championship
berth is in play for both Pitt and
the Jackets. For Tech to capture
the spot, the Jackets must win
out, Duke must lose an addition-
al ACC game, and UNC must
lose two additional ACC games
in order for the Jackets to clinch
the Coastal — an unlikely path,
but still technically feasible. Pitt’s
path to Charlotte has the Panthers
winning out with UVA picking up
an additional loss along the way
— should UVA win out, they will
have the same number of wins as
a Pitt team that wins out, but will
hold the head-to-head tiebreaker
by virtue of their season-opening
30-14 Panthers victory. A loss for
either team will effectively end the
already slim ACC Championship
hopes for either team, as all of the
teams ahead of them have just
two losses.
HALLOWEEN HIJINKS
While Tech will mostly be
celebrating homecoming for Sat-
urday’s game, they will also be
getting in the Halloween spirit.
Collins handed out candy to re-
porters before his weekly press-
conference and James Graham
is even getting in the spirit on
the stat sheet — the QB had re-
corded exactly 666 passing yards
on the season entering Saturday’s
game. Spooky!

MASON GETS TOP MARKS

It is time to show appreciation
for Jordan Mason. The sopho-
more running back received only
a small portion of Tech’s ample
carries last season under the triple
option, but now that Mason is not
competing with his quarterback
for the bulk of Tech’s run yard-
age, he has emerged as the Jack-
ets’ prime offensive weapon. Fol-
lowing his 141-yard performance
against Miami, including the
game winning touchdown run
in overtime, Mason was named
the top-graded college RB in the
nation by Pro Football Focus, an
analytics site that grades college
and professional football players.
Mason is averaging an impressive
6.0 yards per carry across 95 at-
tempts and has 609 yards from
scrimmage on the season, nearly
double that of the next-best Tech
player (Tobias Oliver, 309 yards).
Mason scorched an impressively
stout Miami run defense during
Tech’s last game, and he will be
challenged again by a Pittsburgh
unit averaging just 2.6 yards
per carry allowed. If Mason can Photo by Allie Ghisson Student Publications
keep busting open rush defenses Coming off a bye week, Tech hosts the Pittsburgh Panthers for the Jackets’ homecoming game. Tech is just 2-5 on
the way he did against the Hur- the season and 1-3 in ACC play, but after beating Miami in overtime the week prior, things are looking up for the Jackets.

NCAA approves athletes profiting off likeness

GRAHAM LEWIS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
This Tuesday, the NCAA made
the surprise announcement that it
would allow college athletes to be
paid for the use of their name and
likeness. This new step came in a
series of events that started with a
bill allowing for this in Califor-
nia. This decision marked an ap-
parent flip in the NCAA’s view of
collegiate payment — when Cali-
fornia announced a bill that also
allowed players to be paid for the
use of their name and likeness, the
NCAA immediately took a harsh
stand against it. It was made ob-
vious that the NCAA would fight
the bill in court and college athlet-
ics highest governing body even
went as far as to threaten Califor-
nia with a ban from NCAA post-
season activities. Now, a month
later, the NCAA has completely
reversed its position.
The NCAA’s decision comes
at a time when multiple states
have bills similar to the one from
California in the works. In fact,
Florida currently has a bill that
would allow for the start of earned
payments to begin before the next
college football season, far before
that of the January 2021 deadline
set by the NCAA. The bill also
comes during a time of mounting
pressure from not only legislative,
but judicial bodies — in recent
years, multiple court cases chal-
lenging the NCAA’s restrictions
have popped up. The NCAA’s an-
nouncement let the world know it
had heard the criticism.
The organization made no
specifics about how the payment
system would work, instead only
mentioning that it was changing
its stance. By the time the system
comes to fruition, whether or not Photo by Tom Hightower Student Publications
it will resemble the imaginings After years of criticism and public pressure, in the light of new legislation the NCAA announced
of its supporters is still a mystery. that they would create new legislation allowing athletes to be compensated for their likeness.
While the statement made sure
to note that the fairness of the the recruitment process be shown implementation by the NCAA in a video game or the use of their
collegiate system would still be the endorsement deals they would will be something unprecedented face in a car wash commercial.
preserved, the NCAA has many receive from attending a specific in the history of collegiate sports. Time will tell what the NCAA’s
big decisions to make as to how a university? Would there be a limit For the first time since its begin- new model looks like, but this is
system like this would function. as to how many sponsors an ath- nings, a college athlete can earn a promising development for fair
For example, could athletes in lete could have? The real-world money from the use of their name compensation for college athletes.