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The McGill Tribune Presents: THE BEST AND WORST OF 2019

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MOVIE

1. Midsommar 

Ari Aster traded Hereditary’s claustrophobic setting and occult imagery for sunny plains and floral dresses. Spearheaded by Florence Pugh’s devastating portrayal of grief and despair, the result is no less terrifying.

(Vice)

2. Once Upon A Time In Hollywood 

Another Tarantino film, another cinematic success. Once Upon A Time In Hollywood’s all-star cast, witty dialogue, and pleasingly violent scenes make for a delightful ode to ‘60s Hollywood.

(Empire)

3. Parasite

A daring examination of structural inequality from acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho. Clever dialogue and striking images punctuate this twisted family drama.

(GQ)

4. The Lighthouse 

Robert Eggers creates a world of one eyed seagulls, crazed monologues, and drunken dancing. With its exploration on sanity and isolation, The Lighthouse is sometimes funny, but mostly horrifying.

(thestar.com)

5. Us

Jordan Peele returns to make what is normal and innocuous—a red jumpsuit and a pair of scissors—absolutely terrifying. It is a fitting warning to stay away from tunnels near the beach. 

(Film School Rejects)

Worst: Tall Girl 

Dance Moms star Ava Michelle makes an unfortunate return to the silver screen in Tall Girl, a formulaic, bland young-adult rom-com. 

(Book and Film Globe)

TV SHOWS

1. Russian Doll 

Full of dark humour and disturbingly comical ruminations on life and death, Natasha Lyonne gives a dazzling performance in season one of her morbid, Groundhog Day–esque drama.

(imbd.com)

2. Fleabag 

Fleabag’s second season brings back the hilarious, hot mess of a woman that is “Fleabag,” exploring the intricacies of familial troubles, romantic troubles, and, well, life troubles.

(Indiewire)

3. I Think You Should Leave by Tim Robinson 

Oh my god, we admit it: I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’s cast of absurd oddballs made for some hysterical sketches.

(Indiewire)

4. Sex Education 

Sex Education is an unflinching portrayal of teen sexuality: Embracing all the awkwardness and embarrassment that comes with growing up, it’s one of the most genuine coming-of-age stories in recent television.

(Thought Catalog)

5. The Crown (Season Three)

Oscar winner Olivia Coleman plays Queen Elizabeth II opposite Tobias Menzies’ Prince Philip in what continues to be one of the best historical dramas on TV. 

(Town and Country)

Worst: Queer Eye Japan

The only thing worse than neoliberal virtue signaling is neoliberal virtue signaling with an imperialist twang. Queer Eye Japan is inappropriate and tone-deaf, misconstruing cultural differences as negatives that can be improved through Western living. 

(The Wrap)

ALBUMS

1. Norman Fucking Rockwell! by Lana Del Rey 

Lana Del Rey pioneered an entire genre of melancholic and dreamy ballads in the early ‘10s. With NFR!, she rounds out the decade with her magnum opus: A haunting exploration of love and loss that affirms her as a voice for her generation. 

2. Titanic Rising by Weyes Blood

Singer-songwriter Natalie Mering will make you happy to be sad with 42 minutes of dreamy ballads about love, despair, and hope.

3. Igor by Tyler the Creator

Post–Flower Boy Tyler is here for the TikTok e-boys and sad girls on Instagram. This woozy, lovesick album marks a mature step for Tyler without losing his trademark edge. 

4. MAGDALENE by FKA twigs

After four years of silence, FKA twigs has re-emerged with one of the most poignant and visceral works of the year. Inspired by the oft-misunderstood biblical character, MAGDALENE is extraordinary.

5. thank u, next by Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande’s latest pumps out airy pop hits bumping to celebrity drama, breakups, and personal growth.

Worst: Teal Album by Weezer

2019 saw many a musical faux-pas, but none more shameful than when four middle-aged white guys decided to cover TLC’s “No Scrubs.”  

 

SONGS

1. Old Town Road by Lil Nas X 

A poignant exploration into the complexities of cowboyhood, what started as a TikTok meme became the undisputable anthem of 2019, launching Lil Nas X into much-deserved stardom. 

2. Earfquake by Tyler, the Creator

Heartbreak has never sounded better. A Whoa Vicky reference has also never worked better. 

3. So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings by Caroline Polachek 

From vocal-saxophone effects, to lyrics that sing life, to feelings of longing, this single is so hot it’s hurting all of our feelings. 

4. Cellophane by FKA twigs

At once soaring and sparse, the first single off of FKA twigs’ affecting album is a heartrending portrait of the fatigue of unrequited love.

5. Venice Bitch by Lana Del Rey 

Lana’s longest single brilliantly mixes soft rock, breathy vocals, and nostalgia to create a lyrical narrative about summer romance.

Worst: Senorita by Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabello

There has never been a pair of industry plants with less chemistry than these two. Enough said.

Student Life

Illuminating Medical Herstory

by Alaana Kumar on

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Inequality and injustices within the healthcare system are no secret, and high-income countries are no exception. Individuals of colour, those of a lower financial or social status, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are sometimes treated dismissively by healthcare practitioners. Research on the differential treatment by gender in medical settings is also a growing topic of discussion and has revealed that women’s medical concerns are still disregarded, resulting in insufficient care. Medical Herstory aims to fight this issue by offering an online space for women and femme-identifying individuals to share past, present, and ongoing experiences of being dismissed by clinicians while seeking healthcare. 

Individuals who present as female are often perceived as weak both in society at large and in the healthcare sector. Women are more likely to be told their pain is psychosomatic and are often criticized for being overly dramatic or emotional. Tori Ford (BA, ‘19), founder and editor-in-chief of Medical Herstory, started the website as a way to help women break the stigma surrounding the discussion of their bodies. After attending women’s health circles and sharing her own story of battling medical mistreatment, Ford was pleasantly surprised by the feedback that she received, specifically from those who began to share similar stories. In an email to The McGill Tribune, Ford described how this led her to start Medical Herstory. 

“[I created Medical Herstory as a response to] the feeling that women’s bodies are not allowed to be messy or leaky, and the consequences [that] we feel when our health doesn’t allow us to keep up appearances of being ladylike,” Ford wrote. 

Medical Herstory seeks to destigmatize conversations about female-presenting people’s experiences of seeking medical assistance. Research published in the Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics suggests that women’s pain is often perceived as less severe compared to men’s. Through her time at McGill and her current academic work, Ford found a prominent overlap between structures of social inequality and health. 

“I learned the importance of power structures, positionality, and lived experience,” Ford wrote. “I wanted to create a platform to raise awareness on medical topics [that was] separate from sterile, academic, or scientific discussions that too often leave patient experiences on the margins.”  

Medical Herstory takes readers on a journey through a female patient’s perspective. The website seeks to captivate readers through honest stories accompanied by visuals created based on the author’s direction. 

“When designing this website, I was keenly aware of the fact that we would be sharing stories that were often heavy, raw, and difficult,” Ford wrote. “I wanted the aesthetic of the website to balance these emotions by offering bright, colourful, and welcoming images.”

With personal stories of seeking diagnoses, birth control, abortions, and other medical procedures, Medical Herstory hopes to help feminine-presenting individuals feel less alone when seeking medical assistance. From stories of being prescribed white panties for chronic yeast infections, to being provided with numbing cream after a painful first sexual encounter, and even having ovarian cancer dismissed as being indigestion, the writers for Medical Herstory speak openly and candidly to remind women and femmes that their pain is real and should not be ignored.

“My wish is that Medical Herstory can make illness less invisible and less isolating,” Ford wrote. “I hope our readers take away that many people [around them]  are suffering in silence [and] […] how gender expectations, sexism, and institutional inequality amplify this suffering.” 

Ford credits her time at McGill and working at the Office of Sexual Violence Response, Support, and Eduction (OSVRSE) and as an executive at the Women’s Health Advocacy Club, for teaching her the importance of handling other people’s stories with care. She hopes Medical Herstory inspires a call to action regarding womens’ medical health and wellbeing. 

“I hope our readers will use whatever positions or influence they occupy to push for healthcare that is comprehensive and compassionate for all,” Ford wrote. 

Student Life

Tribune Tastes: Vegan Cheeses

by Margaret Askey on

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The Herbivore Society for Peace and Justice (HSPJ) hosted a Vegan Wine & Cheese event on Nov. 29 for McGill students and the Montreal community. The event, hosted at Café Origine, featured a sampling of vegan cheeses paired with red and white wine. //The McGill Tribune// sampled all the cheeses provided by the Ontario-based company Nuts for Cheese.

Natalie Warren and Abby Couture, head organizers for the HSPJ, explained how events like these help introduce McGill students to vegan and vegetarian food options and provide opportunities for students to socialize outside of the university.

“It’s a fun and social way to eat vegan food and mingle,” Warren said. “It shows people [that] there is a business side [and] a sustainable side to veganism.”

Warren elaborated on the broader goals of the HSPJ, stressing how cultivating an environment for like-minded foodies is a good way to unite vegan and vegetarian students on campus.

“It’s establishing a network, [because] there are a lot of vegan and vegetarian students on campus,” Couture said.

The event featured spreads accompanied by rice crackers alongside Borsao Bodegas wines, including their full bodied Garnacha Cabernet, a bold fruity red, as well as their Chardonnay, which featured a fruity aroma and citric bite.

Vegan cheese might sound perplexing to those unacquainted with it, but Nuts for Cheese’s products are simple, with cashew, coconut and olive oils, and nutritional yeast bases. Different styles feature various added ingredients and seasonings to create the desired flavour profile. They are fermented in a similar way to dairy-based cheese, which provides the sour notes of fermentation and a realistic cheesy flavour.

Chipotle ‘Cheddar’ Flavoured Wedge

This soft wedge-style cheddar has a soft, buttery texture that spreads nicely onto a cracker for easy snacking. The added spices and seasonings built a lovely flavour, and the fermentation process gave the cheese a sour note reminiscent of real cheddar. Comparisons aside, this cheese makes a well-seasoned spread on its own merits.

Un-Brie-lievable

This imitation brie combines the pleasing buttery texture of the Chipotle ‘Cheddar’ with a rich flavour. The cashew base provides a creamy mouthfeel, reminiscent of other nut-butter products. The heavy palette is balanced by its seasoning, which brings a strong salty flavour that cut through the fat.

Super ‘Blue’

For those intimidated by traditional blue cheeses, fear not. The cashew base of Super ‘Blue’ makes for a very gentle palette that can be accentuated by added spices and flavours. Nuts for Cheese uses spirulina to give this cheese the classic blue-green colours of its dairy-based counterpart. With its mild bite, Super ‘Blue’ is definitely a good introduction to blue cheeses.

Red Rind

The Red Rind is encased in a rind of paprika seasoning, which spices up its neutral palette. This spread had a sharper and more sour flavour profile than the other cheeses, lingering in the back of the mouth and tip of the tongue. Red Rind is a great choice for those looking to impress their vegan dinner guests. 

Smoky Artichoke and Herb

The artichoke and lemon pesto in this cheese provide a pleasing vegetable flavour, though it is a little subtle to taste. Similar to Un-Brie-lievable, the greenery helps to cut through an otherwise very smooth and creamy taste. An excellent cheese for crackers, its soft texture lends itself very well to spreading.

McGill, News

McGill suspends all Hong Kong exchange studies

by Helen Wu and Katia Innes on

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McGill has suspended all student activities in Hong Kong for the Winter 2020 semester due to safety concerns caused by anti-government protests. The university’s five partner institutions in Hong Kong—the Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the University of Hong Kong— will no longer be destinations for McGill students going on exchange in January 2020. In the Fall 2019 semester, over half of the McGill exchange students in Hong Kong attended the University of Hong Kong and the rest were at the other 4 institutions. McGill spokesperson Cynthia Lee explained the extent of activities affected.  

“[The suspension] includes but is not limited to student exchanges, teacher training stages, internships and independent research abroad,” Lee wrote in an email to The McGill Tribune.

Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) Fabrice Labeau discussed the difficulties faced by those who wish to apply for another destination.

“[We have] told students who were trying to go to Hong Kong [for exchange] that they can choose a new destination, but the likelihood of that happening is reasonably small,” Labeau said. “It’s December now. If you want to turn around and find a new destination and do the paperwork, the likelihood of it succeeding is very small so I assume that most of the students will actually remain here at McGill next semester.”

Several Hong Kong universities have been caught in the crossfire between protestors and the police, including The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, which was seized on Nov. 11 by hundreds of demonstrators armed with 4000 firebombs. Labeau referenced the Travel Advisories issued by Global Affairs Canada, which help the McGill administration estimate the safety of destinations abroad that staff and students visit. On Nov. 15, 22 McGill students in Hong Kong were alerted of the administration’s decision to end their Fall 2019 exchange programs early.

“The unrest that was occurring [was] getting closer and closer to universities,” Labeau said. “That was troublesome. Coupled with that, the signs we were getting from our exchange partners, the universities themselves in Hong Kong, were [that] they were going to be terminating their semester early or allowing [their] students to do the rest of their semester online […] and take exams online [….] So the signs we were getting from them is that they were on their way to closing.”

Throughout the Fall 2019 semester, McGill routinely checked on its students in Hong Kong. According to Labeau, all 22 students are safe and are abiding by the administration’s request for them to leave the city. While the University of British Columbia has offered each of their 31 exchange students in Hong Kong a $1,000 emergency bursary, McGill will only offer financial assistance upon request.  

“[There are] some students [who] didn’t have any trouble finding a way out,” Labeau said. “Some of them have plans to go and visit another country nearby and [rearranged the] airfare that was booked [….] In cases where we had students mention financial issues, we directed them to our Scholarship and Student Aid Office where we give [financial aid] on a case-by-case basis.”

For students planning on going on exchange to Hong Kong, the abrupt cancellation poses logistical and financial inconveniences. Students were forwarded a list of possible replacement destinations for the exchange, though none of them are in Asia. Helen Du, U2 Arts, was planning to go on exchange at the University of Hong Kong in the Winter 2020 semester. However, given the short notice of procuring a new Visa, housing, and transportation to a new destination, it is unlikely that she will go on exchange. 

“I spent $1,500 on a round-trip ticket [to Hong Kong] and I’m not going to be able to get $350 back,” Du said. “I [also] spent $200 on my Visa, so this is a bunch of money I’m losing.”

It is unclear as to when student activities in Hong Kong will resume. Given the current political situation, and the fact that the process so far has been prolonged, it is unlikely that there will be a resolution soon. 

“At the end of the day we’re not the biggest victims here,” Du said. “This does not not directly affect us as we are in Canada and this is happening on the other side of the world. But it’s really frustrating because of how long the process took and it was really dragged out.” 

Arts & Entertainment, Comedy

Creating laughter, and space, from silence

by Deana Korsunsky on

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Montreal has always been a city that loves to laugh. It is home to the world-famous Just For Laughs comedy festival and has become a hub for open-mics, weekly stand-up series, and even the occasional underground show. It rarely matters what day of the week it is, for somewhere in the city, someone is standing in front of a microphone and joking about their Tinder date or how they slipped and fell on their way to work. Yet, for many of these shows, the setlists are often guilty of what is only glaringly obvious to some: A startlingly significant majority of male performers. 

Elspeth Wright, a comedian and stand-up show producer in Montreal, points out the disparity between the gender expectations of men and women, suggesting a social discouragement for women to be funny.

“Women were taught from the time we were little not to take up space, not to be loud, to be demure,” Wright said. “I think doing comedy isn’t something that’s traditionally feminine, and I think that’s scary. You think, ‘Oh, people will judge me and I can’t get away with that much because I’m a woman.’”

Despite the increased presence of popular female stand-up comics on the mainstream circuit, such as Ali Wong and Iliza Schlesinger, women remain vastly underrepresented in comedy, both at the international level and in many local scenes. Wright recalls that many times she has assumed the position of ‘token woman’ at the show, an often frustrating role.

“There are shows where it’s like, ‘Oh, it’s the girl of the show!’” Wright said. “First of all, I’m not a girl, I’m 32. I’m a woman.”

In the absence of welcoming spaces, comedians Katie Leggitt, Lar Simms, Lise Vignault, and Erin Hall created a comedy festival in 2015 centered on femmes and non-binary individuals. Having had its fifth annual run this past September, Ladyfest is an environment that encourages and celebrates underrepresented comedians and performers. 

Sara Meleika, a comedian and two-time Ladyfest producer recalls beginning her comedy career performing there in 2016. 

“It was one of the first spaces where I felt safe to try something new, and where I felt welcome and [that I] deserved room for my voice,” Meleika said.

Dedicated spaces for those other than cisgender men remove the obstacle of having to confront one’s audience with the difference in one’s identity.  Each time that a performer differs in identity from their audience, their entire individuality becomes reduced to just that difference. Rather than starting from a clean slate like many men, minority comedians’ performances immediately have to demonstrate talent in order to prove that they are more than just their appearance. They must put in extra work to relax the audience into abandoning any stereotypes or expectations. In contrast, when there is a diversity of performers, comedians do not feel tokenized and subsequently have the freedom to explore their own creativity while learning from others and feeling accepted.

“There’s nobody in the audience [saying], ‘Oh, the white man’s onstage’ and judging him based on that alone,” Meleika said. “Versus, if you’re a woman you’ll be ‘the one female comic on the show’ or ‘the one brown comic.’”

Often, Meleika notes, speaking up for underrepresented performers can be taxing. It takes a lot of mental and emotional work to explain a different point of view to someone who is more focused on defending their closed-mindedness than genuinely listening. Meleika avoids such conversational dead-ends, choosing instead to  focus on advocating for women, people of colour, and other minorities. 

“It’s more important to empower the people who need empowerment rather than fight the people who are resistant,” Meleika said.

Stand-up comedy is a platform for sharing experiences and bridging gaps. Comedian, singer, and entertainer Tranna Wintour describes her comedy as rooted in the personal, while having the potential to relate to broader audiences. 

“That’s the comedy that has always inspired me. I just think there’s real power in sharing,” Wintour said. “[Performing], to me, is so powerful. Because it’s in those moments of exchange that we learn and our points of view change.” 

Yet, this sharing and personal connection only becomes available once the audience lets their guard down. When presented with difference, people from privileged backgrounds tend to linger on it, becoming unable to relax and truly pay attention to the performance. It is almost as if one’s marginalized identity acts as a muffler for their voice; only when their identity is addressed and moved out of the way can a performer be heard. To marginalized performers, this can often be anxiety-inducing and create added pressure to distance themselves from the stereotypes surrounding their identity.

“When I’m performing in a room that’s largely cisgender and heterosexual, it’s sort of like I have this obligation to identify myself as trans, and to share it right off the bat because if I don’t, the audience is sort of guessing and trying to figure me out,” Wintour said.

Furthermore, many obstacles that marginalized comedians encounter have less to do with their own hesitation and more to do with lack of access. 

“The industry gatekeepers, the people who program networks and festivals and produce shows: All of the industry positions are still largely occupied by [cisgender] straight people, so it’s easier for them” Wintour said. “They’re naturally more inclined to go with what they know, and go with what has always worked for them.”

Wintour pointed out that one of the easiest ways to improve the atmosphere in a city’s stand-up circuit is simply to support minority voices by attending their shows. Supporting local comedy shows, Wintour said, is an opportunity to promote the growth of less visible individuals in an otherwise homogeneous comedy scene. 

“We’re all just so used to being excited and sharing the work of mainstream and already successful artists, but they don’t need our help,” Wintour said. “It’s really the independent people who need your attention and support.” 

To be a comic is to have an ability to create laughter from silence, and to connect with an audience. It is often daunting, however, to position oneself on such a pedestal of vulnerability—particularly if one identifies as femme, non-binary, 2SLGBTQIA+, or a person of colour. In many venues, individuals simply do not feel like the space is safe or meant for them. 

Luckily, shows like LadyFest, Colour Outside The Lines, and many other productions throughout the year are emerging around the city, creating inclusive spaces for up-and-coming comedians. While it still needs improvements, Montreal’s stand-up comedy scene is steadily growing in its inclusivity, offering individuals with less visibility comfortable spaces to share their voice, and start conversations with others. 

 

Elpseth Wright’s next show is on Dec. 4 at 7:30 pm, at The Diving Bell Social Club.

Tranna Wintour’s next show is on Dec. 5 at 8:30 pm, also at The Diving Bell Social Club.

Sara Meleika’s next show is on Dec. 14 at 7 pm, at Le P’tit Impro.

Sports

10 things: Impactful sports moments this decade

by Jack Armstrong, Sarah Farnand, Shaun Lalani, Zoe Babad-Palmer, Adam Burton, Ender McDuff, Kaja Surborg, Miya Keilin on

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As the decade comes to a close, The McGill Tribune looks back in chronological order on 10 of the most impactful moments in sports that helped shape athletics and the world. From incredible upset victories to social movements, the 2010s will go down as a decade to be remembered.

 

LeBron James’s “The Decision” (2010)

With all of LeBron James’s spectacular on-court play over the last 17 years, it’s hard to believe that his most impactful moment happened in an ESPN TV studio. LeBron announced his decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat on live television, a controversial move in the moment, and one that has only increased in significance since. He succeeded in changing the public’s perception of athletes from just players to actual people with their own difficult choices to make. His decision made it acceptable for athletes to change teams and market themselves, and it kindled the flame for what eventually became the player empowerment era. Since then, athletes have seized control and taken their careers and voices into their own hands, making for a more lively and interesting world of sports. 

Waka Waka by Shakira (2010)

When South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2010, it was not only the first one in Africa, but also the event that resulted in the release of one the most iconic songs and dances ever recorded: “Waka Waka.” Performed by Shakira and South African band Freshlyground, “Waka Waka” got children and adults alike doing the fabulous dance, which almost anyone who watched the 2010 World Cup will know. The single has nine-time platinum status in Sweden and has reached well beyond the host nation, tournament winners Spain, and Shakira’s home country of Colombia. While soccer was hardly niche before the 2010 World Cup, “Waka Waka” helped propel the sport firmly into popular culture. 

 

National Women’s Soccer League is established (2012)

The founding of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) was a truly monumental occasion in US soccer history. The league, now heading into its ninth year, has already outlasted its predecessors by several seasons and has become an established heavyweight in the world of professional women’s soccer. The success of the NWSL has coincided with that of the US women’s national team, who won the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cups. 

The NWSL has helped women’s soccer viewership continue to rise across the US. 2019 saw the league register a total attendance of 792,409—a 111 per cent increase from its inaugural 2013 season. The rise in popularity has also helped expansion efforts: In 2021, the league will welcome its 10th franchise. 

 

Lance Armstrong is stripped of his titles (2012)

From 1999 to 2005, the world of cycling was dominated by Lance Armstrong, an American who won an unprecedented seven Tours de France in a row. It seemed too good to be true, and it was: In 2012, Armstrong was stripped of all seven Tour de France victories in what was perhaps the largest performance enhancing drugs (PED) scandal of all time. As early as 1998, Armstrong had been using PEDs, and in 1999, his entire team reportedly also practiced blood doping. In the following years, Armstrong used increasingly deceitful practices to avoid tests and win at all costs, including bribery and extreme evasive measures. In the years since this discovery, the Cycling Union has disavowed Armstrong and made efforts to distance themselves from further scandals by cracking down on PEDs.

 

Germany defeats Brazil 7–1 in the World Cup Semifinal (2014)

At the 2014 World Cup, Germany shocked the world by defeating host nation Brazil 7–1. Germany went on to win the tournament, while Brazilian soccer was defined by the loss for the rest of the decade. An Olympic gold medal for Brazil two years later barely softened the blow. Germany played well in the semifinal, but Brazil was disgraceful the entire game, and they found themselves down by five goals in the first 30 minutes. Brazil came into the tournament as both the favourites and the host nation, and their collapse cemented this match as one of soccer’s greatest upsets ever. 

 

Leicester City wins the Premier League (2016)

In one of the most unlikely triumphs in the history of team sports, Leicester City Football Club won the Premier League title for the first time ever. Leceister came into the season more concerned with avoiding relegation to the second-tier league than their 5,000-to-one odds of winning the league; they left having defeated some of the biggest names in European football. Since its formation in 1992, only six other teams had won the English Premier League, all with enough money to blow smaller club teams like Leicester out of the water. Leicester accomplished this incredible feat with exceptional scouting, an emphasis on a team-first mentality, and a counter-attacking style of play with an exceptional defence. This victory against all odds will go down as perhaps the most surprising moment in English football. 

 

Kaepernick kneels to protest the oppression of people of colour (2016-17)

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick protested police brutality and racial inequality by taking a knee during the US national anthem in the 2016-17 NFL season. By the 49ers’ final preseason game, Kapernick’s teammate Eric Reid was kneeling alongside him. Every week, more and more players joined the protest. The backlash from football fans, professional athletes, politicians, and the general public was vicious, including calls for dismissal and even death threats. Kaepernick continued to kneel and speak out, however, and donated more than one million dollars to causes such as Mothers Against Police Brutality, Meals on Wheels, and many other community-supporting organizations. Kaepernick became a free agent after the 2016-17 season and has been unemployed since. 

 

The Nigerian women’s bobsled team competes in the Winter Olympics (2018)

In 2017, the Nigerian women’s bobsled team, comprised of Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere, and Akuoma Omeoga, qualified for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, racing on their sled Maeflower. In addition to being the first African bobsled to compete at the Olympics, the team was the first ever Nigerian delegation to attend the Winter Olympics. The team was founded after raising $75,000 through a crowdfunding campaign, which they used to convince the Nigerian government to create the Bobsled & Skeleton Federation of Nigeria, later attracting Visa as a sponsor. Onwumere, one of the two brakewomen, carried the flag for her country at the opening ceremony. Although the team finished last in their event, they were proud to bring Nigeria to the Winter Olympics and bobsledding to Nigeria.

 

Tessa and Scott become the most decorated Olympic figure skaters of all time (2018)

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir stole Canada’s collective heart when they won ice dance gold at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. At the time, Virtue and Moir were just 20 and 22 years old, respectively. Over the course of the decade, the duo has continued to wow audiences and judges across the world. Their successful competitive career culminated in winning ice dance gold again in the team and individual events at the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang. This win made them the most decorated Olympic figure skaters in history, with three gold and two silver medals across three Olympic Games. Canadians will forever remember their final free dance to a medley of the Moulin Rouge soundtrack that melted everyone’s hearts all over again. 

 

US Gymnasts speak out, team physician Larry Nassar convicted of sexual assault (2018)

One of the most well known cases in the #MeToo movement was the testimony of 156 women, many of whom were current or former members of the United States Women’s Gymnastics team, against sports physician Larry Nassar. Nassar was sentenced to 175 years in prison for sexual assault of minors as a result. Olympic gold medallists Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, and Simon Biles were among those who testified against Nassar, sharing their stories of how his abuse affected their lives and athletic careers. The bravery of these women will hopefully shed light on the prevalence of the issue and show that abusers must be held accountable for their actions. As Raisman said in her testimony, “We are a force, and you Larry, are nothing.”

(Kathryn Leci / The McGill Tribune)
Commentary, Opinion

Mind your headspace

by Favour Daka on

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As the approaching finals mark the end of another semester, the spike of stress, anxiety, and mismanaged student mental health crises warrant a conversation about headspace. It is by no means news that mental health services at McGill do not effectively accommodate students’ needs: There are many instances of students waiting for months to receive a consultation. This is due to various reasons, such as a lack of clinical professionals and limited funding. The end of the semester represents a generally tense time for students. The lack of days off and time for self-care exacerbates feelings of stress.

From the start of the semester until now, students have had a total of one day off, for Thanksgiving. The fall semester is a particularly challenging three months for many reasons. For one, the semester encompasses the transition from summer to winter. The days gradually become shorter, which unfortunately correlates with the semester becoming increasingly intense, with exams, ‘paper season,’ and assignments all due within a short period of time. With only a one day break, students become overworked and exhausted as the semester progresses, which ultimately hinders their academic performance nearing finals season. Yet, students’ calls for instituting a Fall Reading Week have been met with delays and filibustering from the university.

For first-year students, especially, the fall semester is quite the whirlwind. Acclimatizing to the intensity of university while establishing a network of support away from home is a strenuous process. Without breaks from school, first-year students do not have any opportunity to stop and reflect on the rush that is the first semester. The pace of first-year can lead to a disregard for mental health for the sake of keeping up academically, a trade-off that is quite damaging. The very structure of university imposes constant stresses and triggers to engage students through regularly scheduled quizzes, assignments, and exams. Though this works to ensure that students stay on-track, it also is overwhelming. The demand for time is also heightened by further peer pressure to be involved socially and to be involved with extracurricular activities.

With all of this constant pressure, making time and space for oneself to relax is crucial. ‘Taking time for yourself’ looks different for everyone. For some, the marathon of a non-stop semester is not as much of a challenge. For others, the semester represents a lack of motivation and burnout. While exercising or exploring Montreal are some great ways to take time for one’s self, the reality is that non-stop work for three straight months takes a heavy toll on students. The provision of stress-balls and opportunities pet golden retrievers offers only short-term relief in comparison to the accumulated stress and emotional fluctuations that students experience throughout the semester. Therefore, a greater consideration from McGill by offering more breaks would add a great deal to the process of taking time for ourselves.

The prioritization of mental health in the university space is a task for both students and the university. The university holds a great responsibility in ensuring that mental health services are accessible. McGill recently collaborated with the Rossy Foundation to create the Wellness Hub, with the aim of integrating medical care with counselling and psychiatric services. This is very much a step in the right direction. However, structural elements, such as the limited days off, present a large burden on students’ mental health, and further reforms in addition to this Wellness Hub should consider this factor. The end of the semester invites for these necessary conversations on how the university can implement reforms that will allow students to gain some much-needed headspace.

Whether a first-year new to university or an upperclassman, the time spent in university is pivotal in the transition to adulthood. This process weighs heavily on students’ mental health, as it involves establishing one’s personal politics, deciding what professional paths to take, and possibly setting emotional boundaries. An essential way that McGill can alleviate the stressful burden of a packed fall semester is creating a full break for students to regenerate.

 

Campus Spotlight, Private, Student Life

Clubs still struggling to find spaces

by Miguel Principe on

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In March 2018, the University Centre, commonly known among students as the “SSMU Building,” closed for much-needed renovations. While the building was scheduled to open by the end of that year, this date has been pushed back to April 2020, 16 months past the initial deadline. During this two-year period, the loss of this crucial space has forced multiple student-run collectives, clubs, and services to relocate. 

The issue of communicating disruptions to student events started to surface weeks before the building was set to close. On Feb. 12, 2018, a preparatory inspection showing a high level of asbestos in the Players’ Theatre’s office caused an unexpected closure of the space. along with major disruptions to the McGill Drama Festival, which was being held at the time. Cheyenne Cranston, Players’ Theatre event coordinator, expressed her disapproval of the lack of forewarning surrounding this problem in an interview with the The McGill Tribune. 

“Our biggest concern is [why] this wasn’t made an issue before we had 50 students working months to put on this show,” Cranston said.

The need for student-run collectives to adapt with insufficient resources continues to be a problem, as highlighted by the problems Midnight Kitchen, McGill’s own food collective, has faced. With a goal of providing affordable food as well as a space to congregate and work against food insecurity, the club has unique needs which, according to Midnight Kitchen coordinator Leah Freedman, remain unmet. 

“We needed an industrial kitchen on campus, and we never found that,” Freedman said. “We only have an industrial kitchen in Saint-Henri [….] We’re doing a good job keeping up, but [our service] is really limited.”

Other clubs have had to contend with  limitations, such as the lack of wheelchair accessibility in 3471 Peel, which houses many organizations such as the Peer Support Centre and Walksafe. Other issues, such as the lack of on-campus spaces for large events, storage space for equipment, gender-neutral washrooms, and the lack of communication with clubs regarding delays, suggest a greater problem of the administration’s handling of the University Centre closure.

“It feels like [the clubs] are taken out of the conversation, and we are being deprioritized,” Freedman said. “In my opinion, McGill doesn’t want [community] spaces to exist, because it’s not in their best interest, which is profit.” 

Freedman further explains that the deprioritization of these community spaces by the administration impacts the organizing culture of the university. These locations, which are coined as “third places” by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, are breeding grounds for social connections, inclusion, and democracy. While students are also able to go to other hangout spots such as cafes or bars outside campus, spaces that are driven by the community rather than profit are the most inclusive and beneficial for promoting a culture of exchanging and sharing ideas.

The University Centre was one venue where  student-run organizations could share this goal of cooperation and solidarity. For McGill to better support inclusive student-run organizations, Freedman believes they must communicate and plan better.

“It would be better if they came up with a proper solution,” Freedman said. “If they would overshoot the deadline but commit to a viable solution in the meantime, that would be way [better], rather than […] push[ing] the dates.”

Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) President Bryan Buraga believes the solutions that McGill have provided are sufficient given the circumstances, but remains equally dismayed by the University Centre’s postponed re-opening. On SSMU’s part, they have stated that they are doing their best to accommodate student groups but there remains more requests for spaces than they have available.

Despite the ongoing dilemmas associated with the University Centre’s closure, Midnight Kitchen remain both adaptive and optimistic.

“We’re as bummed about the closure as anyone,” Midnight Kitchen wrote on the Facebook post regarding the ongoing construction. “But the forced flexibility has kept us on our toes and will likely lead to a new, revitalized perspective once we are back.”

Commentary, Opinion

SSMU Executive Midterm Reviews Fall 2019

by The McGill Tribune Editorial Board on

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Bryan Buraga, President  

In light of the SSMU General Manager’s recent resignation and delays in the University Centre reopening, Buraga has done an admirable job ensuring that there has not been a negative impact on the resources and services that SSMU provides to students. His advocacy for a Fall Reading Week is much needed. However, he has remained preoccupied with a desire to fulfill a number of his ambitious campaign goals, which is rather ill-suited to the primary duties of the presidential position. Hopefully, Buraga will be able to narrow his focus towards a few key aims next semester so he can see the end of projects that he starts.

Billy Kawasaki, VP Student Life  

Kawasaki has improved club executives’ access to the information and resources in various ways, including making it easier to book rooms and request services such as MSERT for club events. Additionally, he is collaborating with the mental health commissioners, the VP University Affairs, and the Student Wellness Hub on several projects and policies to improve mental health resources at McGill. Kawasaki has fallen short, however, with the Club Fund. A proposed $5 increase to the clubs fund fee was included in the Fall 2019 referendum and would have gone toward services like his proposed club portal. Unfortunately, Kawasaki neglected to present a campaign that justified the fee increase to students and the vote failed. 

Sam Haward, VP Finance

Haward has had an excellent first term as SSMU’s VP Finance. Haward’s management of the club banking reset is laudable, as a process that led to a month-long blackout period for club funds last year was completed in just eight days. While the new bank has proven slow at times, Haward has handled this challenge by implementing a system that ensures clubs can still operate during waiting periods. Haward has also proven adaptable in his position by reworking campaign promises when necessary, like with his work on procuring better prices for the McGill International Student Health Insurance Plan. Other initiatives that Haward has taken on include providing certain clubs, such as the Midnight Kitchen, with their own credit cards to ensure unnecessarily slow bureaucratic processes are bypassed, all while holding double office hours to ensure that he is accessible to clubs that need in-person assistance. 

Adam Gwiazda-Amsel, VP External 

During a semester in which protest movements such as Divest McGill and advocacy against Bill 21 have largely characterized student politics, Adam Gwiazda-Amsel has succeeded in supporting student groups aiming to make a difference. While he has encountered challenges in receiving support from the McGill administration, particularly in his attempts to bridge the gap between McGill and Montreal, progress toward his larger goals of integrating students into the Milton-Parc community is underway. Additionally, the creation of the Affordable Student Housing Committee on SSMU Legislative Council has laid the groundwork for further progress next semester.

Madeline Wilson, VP University Affairs  

Wilson has collaborated with and directed various campaigns on campus this semester, including ‘Know Your Rights’, as well as advocating for improved accessibility at the Student Wellness Hub and supporting initiatives pressuring the McGill administration to divest from fossil fuel companies. In the Winter 2020 semester, she plans to create a database of searchable university-related documents, support the Arts Senators including Chloe Kemeni in creating a Black Students Bill of Rights, and research McGill’s assessment policies regarding how students are graded. Although her idea of including an updates corner on the SSMU listserv was not realized, Wilson has used her personal Facebook account to actively support individual students and student groups. 

Sanchi Bhalla, VP Internal 

Bhalla has had a rocky semester, receiving criticism from the student body for poorly-worded French translations in listserv emails, neglecting to formally acknowledge Remembrance Day in a Nov. 11 newsletter, and most significantly, failing to send an important announcement in a timely manner on behalf of the SSMU Indigenous Affairs Committee. While the Tribune recognizes the efforts that Bhalla has made to ameliorate student concerns on these issues, her inability to regain the trust of the Indigenous Affairs Committee and Indigenous student leaders has prevented her from adequately fulfilling her role as VP Internal. Although the time may have passed, the absence of a public statement or apology from Bhalla regarding the concerns expressed by the Indigenous Affairs Commissioner is disappointing. 

 

McGill, News

Meet the members of the Men’s Varsity Naming Process Committee

by Deisha Paliwal on

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Years of activism by Indigenous students and staff of McGill culminated in the decision to rename the men’s varsity sports teams. When Principal and Vice-Chancellor Suzanne Fortier issued a statement of her decision, she announced the creation of a steering committee to pursue a consultative process. 

The committee is composed of 10 members including students, alumni, and coaches who are committed to finding a new name that better encompasses the school’s values. 

The university will publicize the official new name in time for the 2020-21 school year, The McGill Tribune sat down with the six members of the committee who are currently at McGill to learn more about them and their visions for the new name. 

Tia Lore

Tia Lore is in her fifth year at McGill. Hailing from Richmond, British Columbia, Lore is pursuing a major in sociology and a minor in communications. She is the co-captain of the McGill women’s soccer team, playing in the winger position. Lore has sat on the Athletics Varsity Council for three years and now serves as its co-chair. 

“The people [who] make up the committee are people [who] know athletics and the values of McGill well. Having the perspective of athletes and coaches is crucial. As well, having alumni on the committee is important, since their voices have not exactly been heard in the past [and] McGill’s name does represent them. By opening our doors for people to come meet with us and give us their suggestions, the committee tries to listen to as many people as possible. I think having a name that [encompasses] inclusivity, togetherness, and unity is huge. Whether that means that we have one name for the whole school or one name that represents the men’s side is up for debate.”

—Lore, on why the committee is well-equipped to choose a name. 

Lindsay Harttrup

Lindsay Harttrup is a third-year nursing student on the women’s track and field team. Originally from Kitchener, Ontario, Harttup has competed in high jump, shot put, and long jump. She maintains a strong involvement with the varsity community by attending the various events that the council runs and encouraging discussions between teams. 

“I think the purpose of the committee goes beyond choosing a new name for the men’s team. The committee is trying to highlight diverse voices so that when the votes on the name are held, as many components of the [McGill] community as possible are represented. I will be considering a name that is respectful and representative of everyone, especially in the context of the old name. It is important that we encompass McGill spirit and considering how we’d like the school to appear is important. Since there are a lot of potential names, making sure that the chosen name fits well with most people is important.” 

—Harttrup, on the purpose of the committee and the process of landing on a name. 

Sam Tremblay 

Sam Tremblay studies kinesiology and is the captain of the men’s hockey team. He is from Saint-Basile-le-Grand, Quebec and is currently in his fourth year of studies at McGill. After graduation, he plans to pursue his master’s in a biomechanics lab. 

 “We are not too sure of the direction we are going in for the name. Although I don’t have any real direction yet personally, I hope it will relate to Montreal, McGill, and the values [that] the two encompass. We have people from a variety of backgrounds on the committee, and it is important to have every side of the story involved. While I have my own views, it will be interesting to see the opinions of others as the naming process progresses. I wasn’t expecting to be [appointed], but I feel honoured to be chosen to be involved.” 

—Tremblay, on what direction he and the committee are headed toward for the name. 

Rikki Bowles 

Rikki Bowles is the full-time associate coach of the McGill women’s basketball team. Prior to her appointment to the position in 2018, she acted as the team’s assistant coach from 2011 to 2017. During her time with the Martlets, the team has earned six conference crowns and one Bronze Baby national championship. With support from the Women in Sports initiative, Bowles became the sixth full-time women’s varsity sports coach at McGill. 

“I take being part of the naming process very seriously. It is an opportunity to be part of a process that means so much to so many. I’m committed to working towards a name that will unite the McGill community. After being part of McGill athletics in some capacity for 15 years now, I would say that this may be one of the most interesting and important processes that I will be a part of.” 

—Bowles, on what being on the committee means to her. 

Alexander Pantis

Alexander Pantis graduated in 2019 with a double major in economics and political science. An accomplished athlete, Pantis has been named to the all-star rugby team three times and was on the McGill Principal Student Athlete Honour Roll. He was the recipient of the 2018 Quebec Student Sport Federation (RSEQ) Men’s Rugby Leadership & Citizenship Award and was named the RSEQ 2016 Rookie of the Year. Pantis has been co-captain of the McGill men’s rugby team for two years. He will be pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship.  

“I wanted to be a part of the committee to be a part of the history of the school. I love McGill athletics, and to say I had an input in it is truly an honour. I want to honour McGill tradition while finding a name that is appropriate for the caliber of the school, a name that is indicative of what it means to go here. As a committee, we are looking to give everyone a voice and an outlet for input. As far as I can tell, each aspect of athletics at McGill is touched by one part on the committee.” 

—Pantis, on what he feels his voice can contribute to the committee. 

Ron Hilaire 

Ron Hilaire has served as the head coach of the football team since 2015, prior to which he acted as the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. He has been immersed in the football world for 20 years as both a player and a coach. He has also served as the recruiting coordinator of the Montréal Carabins and the defensive line coach at Collège du Vieux Montréal. In 2008, Hilaire was drafted by the Calgary Stampeders to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL). 

“Fundamentally, as a university, we have always cherished excellence. We have been considered leaders in so many fields, academic and athletic, and I believe that with this new name, we will be able to embody the true values of the university. Being on the committee gives me the opportunity to be part of giving a new identity to an already great institution, which has decided to pursue an inclusiveness of all by continuing the traditions of the past while going ahead with the future.” 

—Hilaire, on the importance of the decision to rename. 

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