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Opinion

On why the cult of productivity is not productive

by Albert Park on

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As a child, being productive simply meant you were hard-working and diligent. Today, however, productivity seems to signify a golden standard of existence everyone should aim for: It is a concept which is heralded by society. There is an endless source of self-help books and blog posts dedicated to teaching readers how to achieve the divine state of being productive. As for me, however, it is difficult to deny that during my time as a McGill student, the idea of productivity has devolved into nothing more than a measurement of how many pages of lecture notes I can get through in a typical night at the library.

Attempting to broaden my outlook on the subject, I took an online survey which was supposed to measure my level of productivity. Only four questions in, I got an idea of where the results were headed: I am not very productive. However, putting aside any judgements of my character, it was abundantly clear that the survey was asking common sense questions to draw an arbitrary verdict about my work habits without taking into account my personal style or thought processes. In a way, this outlines the issues introduced by society’s fixation with productivity: The conversation around it simplifies a complex and subjective concept, often causing an excessive focus on the product of the work rather than the people and processes behind it.

The conversation around it simplifies a complex and subjective concept, often causing an excessive focus on the product of the work rather than the people and processes behind it.

As it stands right now, the limitation behind many of the discussions about productivity is that they try to suggest an ‘ideal way’ to study or to complete tasks. For example, the survey mentioned above seems to highlight organizational habits, such as keeping a clean work space and developing an activity log. While there is no doubt that having a tidy desk or an orderly time schedule may help most people be more efficient, there is also evidence that some people may be able to think more creatively and generate ideas better in a messy environment. Therefore, there are multiple work habits which can function effectively in different situations, based on the task at hand and the worker’s aptitude and personality. This idea is not sufficiently addressed by society’s linear approach towards productivity.

Similarly, another concern is that many of the resources geared towards encouraging productivity seem to be primarily about limiting distractions. This is understandable, as the prominence of online communication and easily-accessible entertainment in today’s world is a large influence that causes people to lose their focus. Yet, simply suggesting tips and devising methods to block out distractions is an overtly simple and short-term solution to the problem, especially in an academic context. In order to cultivate a strong sense of focus, students should try to address the reasons why they are so prone to distractions in the first place. Perhaps they are not enjoying the work, or the method of learning is not right for them. Regardless of the reason, simply trying to block out distractions is unlikely to solve the underlying problems in the long run.

Overall, many of these tips and ideas regarding productivity culminate in an unhealthy focus on the product of the work rather than the working process itself. When students get too caught up on trying to learn efficiently by trying to limit distractions and follow tight schedules, education can become sidelined as students race to memorize as much information in a given time, rather than actively absorb knowledge. Some traditional ways of teaching, such as interactive discussions, are less productive in the sense that they don’t allow students to acquire the maximum amount of raw information in the fastest time; however, they encourage internalization of the information, and therefore should not be abandoned in the pursuit of productivity.

With finals season looming, students should loosen their fixation on productivity, or at least the generic kind of productivity that is encouraged by society. Instead, they should look to cultivate study habits that accentuate their personal strengths and allow them to truly immerse themselves in their studies, ultimately building the path to becoming stronger learners in the long run.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Albert Park is a U2 student in Microbiology and Immunology. He is passionate about world issues and has been a volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross for 5 years.

 

@McGillTribOp | [email protected]

Editorial, Opinion

Editorial: McGill’s sincere concern called into question by reaction to student pressure

by McGill Tribune Editorial Board on

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Most of the time, McGill Principal Suzanne Fortier is absent from the day-to-day activities of students. A year ago, students would have been surprised to receive direct emails from her with anything other than updates on the most recent Board of Governors (BoG) meetings. Yet in the span of a month, Fortier has sent two emails to the McGill community. The content of these emails addressed issues that concern McGill students directly—namely, fossil fuel divestment and the Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Although the administration has not, by any means, sided with the students in these emails, it is apparent that the university is having to respond to issues that it would not have raised of its own volition. Student activism is, it seems, paying off—even if it is not in the most ideal way.

One of the emails was in response to the failure of the online ratification of the motion in support of the BDS movement, while the other was in response to the BoG’s decision regarding the university’s divestment from fossil fuels. One of the unintended consequences of sending out these emails was that it reinvigorated the student groups on either side of the debate.

With these two emails, it is apparent that students have a great deal of power to draw attention to an issue. By placing fires beneath the administration, whether in the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) or elsewhere, students can force the university to respond to new issues. While this is not, by any means, a drastic change, it is indicative of the way that students may take advantage of the tensions that arise in the corporatization of the university.

 

 

Although emails are unable to provide insight as to the exact decision-making process of the upper administration, their frequency this semester is suggestive of a shift in how the university seeks to address concerns raised by students.

These emails have also raised the question of the role that Fortier has made for herself on campus. In a period marked by debate regarding the corporatization of the university campus, the role of the principal is harder for students to grasp. The principal is the figurehead of the university, but within an academic setting it is unclear as to whether this role entails working like a chief executive officer as well. The principal is responsible for, and to, the university as a whole. Yet in taking a side on these issues, the university comes down against a certain portion of the student body who are actively fighting for BDS and divestment. In so doing, the university shows itself to be out of touch with what affects students.

The university is well within its rights to decide whether or not to divest; however, in Fortier’s most recent email, and particularly following the email on BDS, the university comes across as attempting to avoid the subject entirely. The irony of this contradiction cannot be understated. In the email, Fortier explains the university’s overall commitment to sustainability. Although this is certainly evident in the steps the university has taken to improve the sustainability of food and dining services, among other things, a response to not divesting by proclaiming commitment to sustainability comes across as contradictory. Fortier should have specified what efforts the university is and will be taking to help the environment, if divestment is not its preferred course of action.

It is apparent that these emails are not only addressed to the student community, but also to alumni and potential donors. In allaying the concerns of potential financial backers, however, the university has placed itself in an untenable position. On one hand, they had to take the time to respond to a report that was written and delivered by Divest McGill. On the other, the university has to respond to something brought forward by students as though students are not part of the picture. This sets the university on a collision course between its various stakeholders, with a clear imbalance towards those with deeper pockets.

Although emails are unable to provide insight as to the exact decision-making process of the upper administration, their frequency this semester is suggestive of a shift of some sort. While this may remain unclear, this semester may yet be looked back upon as a turning point in the mentality of students towards not only the administration, but their own position as activists on campus. For better or for worse, students use forums such as the General Assembly (GA) and the BoG to voice concerns and attempt to enact change. If the McGill administration shifts its communication to be more direct without also becoming more explanatory, the administration comes across as insensitive to the concerns of its students.

 

 

sports franchise
Basketball, Behind the Bench, Sports

Behind the Bench: More than the franchise: The soft power of the sports business

by Genevieve Citron on

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The political agency of sports is often downplayed in popular conversation, if not totally ruled out. While scoring a goal from centre ice doesn’t exactly warrant a parliamentary medal, sport culture is fostering a growing liberalism. Furthermore, a desire from sporting entities to maintain a wide audience has the potential to affect social conditions, and perhaps even public policy. Championing the team aspect of sports culture, athletic organizations have historically found a political voice against discrimination. Most recently, North Carolina’s sports teams have directed their energy against the state’s recent homophobic legislation.

On March 23, the governor of North Carolina signed House Bill 2, The Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, which dismantled a former ordinance that allowed trans individuals to use bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity. House Bill 2 also bans the existence of non-discrimination laws against LGBTQ individuals, blatantly violating the safety and health rights of LGBTQ people.

North Carolina’s sports franchises have started to speak out against the homophobic policy. On Friday March 25, the Carolina Hurricanes responded to the controversial bill, stating: “The Carolina Hurricanes and PNC Arena are devoted to providing a welcoming and respectful environment for all fans. We stand against all forms of discrimination.”

Besides having been publicly shamed for what many consider to be legalizing hate, the state legislatures’ actions may have brought on some injurious consequences for North Carolina. While the city of Charlotte had been previously selected as the 2017 host of the NBA All-Star Game, the NBA has expressed their “deep concern” over the consequences of the legislation. While not outright threatening to remove the All-Star competition from Charlotte, the organization stated that the bill “runs counter to our guiding principles of equality and mutual respect.” The NBA used a similar tactic last year when LGBTQ rights were threatened in Indiana.

This recent defense of minority rights is not unprecedented. In 1964, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) famously banned South Africa from the Tokyo Olympics because of the country’s failure to offer basic standards of human rights, demonstrated by the nation’s apartheid regime. The South African Amateur Athletic Union, unwilling to condemn apartheid, opted out of the event. The incident not only forced sports fans to confront the injustice of apartheid, but it also forced politics into a historically apolitical sphere.

While dysfunctional race relations continue to be a major issue in the US and Canada—athletes such as LeBron James and Derrick Rose have supported the Black Lives Matter movement—athletic commissions have started grappling with the rights of the LGBTQ community. This was manifested at the Sochi Olympics, where nations protested Russian laws against homosexuality by refusing not to allow their LGBTQ athletes from competing, and encouraging communities to stand in solidarity against the policy.

The NBA’s recent statements resurrect the question of whether a sports association can act as a para-national institution. A team’s sentimental and historic status in a city positions them as a media lightning rod whose statements are always well-documented. Moreover, their general alienation from politics laces these rare assertions with a provocative charge; their political hat is only put on in the face of what they recognize as a grave social injustice.

While it is not yet clear whether the NBA will relocate the All-Star game, a decision to do so would be particularly embarrassing for the city of Charlotte and the state of North Carolina. Through their statement, as well as their previous attention to human rights violations, it is undeniable that the NBA is wielding a soft political power. While sports associations will never explicitly coerce governments into making nice with minorities—after all, sports leagues are businesses—the activities these associations represent are still the epicentre of popular culture. Thus, regardless of its distance from political processes, the sports world has a loud voice and the masses are listening to it.

Martlets
Hockey, Know Your Athlete, Martlets, Sports

Know Your Athlete: Olivia Sutter

by Nicole Spadotto on

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Olivia Sutter stands only 5’2” tall, yet she approaches life with the same large breadth of ambition that characterizes her style of play on the ice with the Martlets hockey team. Winter 2016 marks the end of her third year at McGill and her 20-year hockey career. Sutter graduates in December, a mere semester away, after which she hopes to attend law school. The culmination of Sutter’s undergraduate studies and varsity athletics has left her in a reflective and humbled mood.

“It would be easy to say that my highlight [at McGill] would be winning Nationals [in 2014],” Sutter reflected. “Playing on that team is something I’ll never forget […] but overall, I think the best memory is any moment off the ice that I can spend with my teammates. To be able to get to know each one individually has brought so much joy and happiness to my life.”

Sutter’s drive for excellence and her constant humility has placed her on a unique hockey career trajectory. At age 18, with her “eye set on staying in Canada,” Sutter was recruited to Carleton University in Ottawa on a scholarship, where she played for a year before determining the school wasn’t the right fit for her. Ultimately, she elected to return home to Alberta for a period of personal growth and a stint with the Calgary Inferno in the CWHL, Canada’s professional women’s league.

“I really liked my overall experience [at Carleton],” Sutter said. “First year university was a learning curve, and Carleton was a good stepping stone during that time period. But my decision to return home and play CWHL also [helped me grow] as a person.”

This growth prompted Sutter to return to school when she was 21, choosing to pursue a double major in World Religion and Political Science at McGill. On top of her demanding coursework, Sutter learned to balance playing on the hockey team, being president of varsity council, partaking in various volunteer activities including Right to Play, the Alouettes Foundation for Leucan, and Best Buddies, and spearheading a sexual assault awareness campaign on campus.

“[My years in Alberta after Carleton] really helped my experience here at McGill,” Sutter said. “[The maturity I gained] allowed me to pursue a lot of stuff that I probably wouldn’t have if I came here when I was 18 [….] My goal [at McGill] was more on behalf of getting Athletics more involved in the Montreal community. Being a student-athlete, you are a leader and an advocate in your community.”

Sutter’s commitment to community outreach and her pride in being a Martlet has resulted in a slew of awards over the past year. Sutter won RSEQ honours for the Leadership and Citizenship Award, was nominated for the prestigious CIS Marion Hilliard Award for excellence in hockey, academics, and community service, and is nominated for the McGill Athletics Muriel Roscoe Trophy for leadership and excellence. She is also a fixture on the Student-Athlete honour roll and has merited Academic All-Canadian honours. It’s clear, however, that the awards are merely an ancillary benefit to the satisfaction linked to making a difference, which Sutter hopes she has done at McGill and in the larger Montreal area.

“It’s obviously an honour to be recognized for anything you do,” Sutter said. “Pursuing both sport and education is huge and should […] be an example to the younger generation.”

Ultimately, Sutter’s greatest pride is not in her many accolades, but in acting as a leader in her community, and helping other student-athletes follow their dreams.

“The biggest award is when I see athletes from all different sports and backgrounds get together and have a common goal to give back to the community for allowing us to be able to pursue our goals.”

McGill Tribune (MT):  Popcorn or chips?

Olivia Sutter (OS): What kind of chips? And what kind of popcorn? Is it Chicago Mix?

MT: It can be Chicago Mix.

OS: Okay, then it’s popcorn, Chicago Mix [laughs].

MT: Running or yoga?

OS: Probably running.

MT: Plateau or McGill Ghetto?

OS: I’ve lived in both. I’m torn. I actually can’t…50-50.

MT: Are you a Lorelei or a Rory from Gilmore Girls?

OS: Probably a Rory.

MT: Toronto Maple Leafs or Montreal Canadiens?

OS: Oh my…Montreal Canadiens. Is that even a real question? [laughs]

Joke

Students discovered in suspended animation under melting snowbanks

by Daniel Galef on

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When April arrives with its sweet showers to herald spring and the end of the term, and the giant snowbanks that have dwarfed all other campus structures for the past six months finally begin to melt, what was once hidden shall be revealed. We meet again our old friends the benches and abandoned bicycles of yesteryear, and, like always, the students that were buried by snow and have been trapped in suspended animation since the Fall.

One such student, part of the growing epidemic which Service Point has dubbed “a nightmare in terms of paperwork, and also pretty existentially horrifying, too,” was discovered in the Caryatid Fountain when the protective covering was removed in preparation for Spring OAP, perfectly preserved under a sheet of ice, flat beer, and unidentifiable bodily fluids.

“I can’t even begin to imagine how this happened,” laments the student, who has redacted his name for reasons of anonymity, but is reportedly the identical twin brother of a high-ranking Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) executive. “I swear I was just at Gert’s, imbibing my body weight in vodka, tequila, and actual automotive antifreeze, when I decided to run outside and fall asleep in a pool full of water while I waited for night to fall so it would be cold enough for skating.” This mystery is not likely to be solved anytime soon.

This being Montreal, however, there are some snowbanks which have remained unmelted through the last summer and then some. In many places around town and around campus, the mounds are of such massive size that they survive every year to be replenished again with the new snow. For them, it is only this March that, due to construction plans and an advanced new form of synthetic rock salt brewed up in the laboratories of McConnell Engineering, they have finally been shifted.

And it is under these ancient hills that the truly shocking discoveries have been made. Hapless students are being uncovered in the icemelt that have been trapped beneath for 10, 20, even 50 years. Professor Anthony Rogers with the McGill Department of History and Climate Studies explains the crisis: “We do our best to help these students adjust to life in the 21st century, but there’s only so much we can do to ease the transition of a lost soul from the 1980s into the bizarre modern landscape of social struggle, economic fluctuation, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau,” Rogers explained.

One of the issues presented by the newcomers is how to deal with their academic standing. “I see no worldly reason why I should not be perfectly able to continue my studies and graduate this Michaelmas term with my degree in Telegraphy,” asserts Jameson Ötzi (1867–1888 & 2016–present).

Upon examination of Mr. Ötzi’s student records (unearthed from the dusty archives beneath the James Administration Building, where the file has been serving as a doorstop for the past 75 years), it was discovered that he has indeed completed his major requirements, but the university no longer offers his degree.

“The program was never discontinued,” Rogers explained. “Its description and requirements have changed over time. In 1927, it was changed to the electronics and broadcasting technical studies program, then later on to electrical systems and circuitry for telecommunications, and, over the years, became what is now a degree in electrical engineering. That said, the administration feels that it might be imprudent to award Mr. Ötzi a 2016 electrical engineering degree based solely on his admittedly proficient knowledge of Morse code.”

Other students in similar situations are currently in the ICU of the Montreal General Hospital (MGH) being attended to by hot tea, thermal blankets, and several dozen personal electric hairdriers. They have pending applications for degrees in Natural Philosophy, Alchemy, and Fire-Making (frankly, considering that the school was only founded in 1821, some of these are a bit surprising regardless). Furthermore, at least two dozen students displaced from the mid-19th century are petitioning the administration for completion of the popular “Imperialism” minor.

Students continuing from courses in the Faculty of Arts are expected to graduate without issue.

*This article is a work of satire and a part of our joke issue*

Science & Technology

Say hello to the chickensaurus

by Charlotte Hings on

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Instead of building a time machine to travel back to prehistoric times, scientists might be able to engineer dinosaurs out of chickens to live in our own backyards. In a study published this past January in the Journal of Organic Evolution, researchers were able to genetically modify chicken embryo legs to resemble that of tetrapod dinosaurs—specifically the Archaeopteryx and the Pygostylia—the ancestors of modern birds. 

Archaeopteryx and Pygostylia—and many other dinosaurs—were already thought to have strongly resembled birds, and even had feathers. Modern bird legs are composed of two bones, side-by-side, the tibia and the fibula. The fibula of a modern bird is about two-thirds the length of the tibia, whereas in tetrapod legs, both bones are the same length. This discrepancy in bone length, the researchers believed, was primarily due to a negative feedback loop caused by interactions between proteins from Indian hedgehog (IHH) and Parathyroid hormone-related (PTHrP) families. This would ultimately lead to a shortened fibula.

“The secreted protein Indian hedgehog (IHH), [plays] an important role in [bone formation],” the paper explains. “IHH also stimulates the production of Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) [which hinders] the production of IHH. This function controls the differentiation of cartilage producing cells in the growth plate of the bone, and eventually stops the growth of the fibula when it is very short.”

However, reduced growth of the fibula is only part of the reason for the discrepancy. The researchers also suggest that the detached epiphysis (growth plate) contributes to a shorter fibula. 

“The earliest birds to show fibular reduction have a splinter-like distal end […] suggesting disruption of the growth plate,” the paper reads.

In order to create this larger fibula in the chicken embryos, the IHH protein was inhibited by injecting a solution containing Cyclopamine—an inhibitor of the IHH signaling pathway—into the amniotic cavity of the embryos. This would then stop the negative feedback cycle.

The paper explains that in tetrapod dinosaur embryos, ossification (cartilage hardening into bone) occurred much later than it does in modern bird embryos. Cyclopamine also delays the solidification of cartilage cells and keeps the growth plate attached to the fibula, meaning that the bones are growing for a greater period of time, allowing them to be longer.

While just a small change, the inhibition of one protein can reverse millions of years worth of evolutionary changes. In a previous study, published last April in the Journal of Organic Evolution, researchers reverted the beaks of modern day bird embryos to their ancestral palate. Although none of the birds in either of these studies reached the hatching phase, the studies demonstrate the increasing capacity of scientists to reverse the complicated processes of evolution, which—who knows—may eventually result in a real-life Jurassic Park.

Student Life

Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Week discusses sexual violence through intersectional lens

by Alanna Sokic on

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Bringing awareness to sexual violence has traditionally proven to be a difficult task, but it is one that the Sexual Assault Centre of the McGill Students’ Society (SACOMSS) is once again ready to undertake.

For many years, the volunteer-run organization has been committed to supporting survivors of sexual assault through many initiatives, including the ongoing Sexual Assault Awareness Week. From March 29 to April 1, SACOMSS is hosting speakers, workshops, and information sessions aimed at raising awareness about issues revolving around sexual assault in the McGill context, as well as in surrounding communities.

Talia Gruber and Jean Murray, SACOMSS special projects coordinators, noted that the nature of sexual assault and gender-based violence can make it so that students feel uncomfortable expressing interest in learning more. Though SACOMSS has made a big push to table various events on campus and engage individuals through open libraries, essentially an informal question and answer period, Murray still claims visibility proves to be one of SACOMSS’ biggest challenges.

“It’s hard getting people to come to things, even if they are basic, intro-level, ‘let’s just talk about this, maybe you have some questions’ sort of things,” Murray explained.

Throughout the week, the organization hopes to offer support and visibility for those who may not be given space within mainstream sexual assault awareness organizations.

“Considering that the movement to end sexual violence—the mainstream movement—has been largely white, cis-gendered women, which is not at all the priority or should not be the priority of a mainstream sexual violence movement, I think that SACOMSS is trying at least to do a really good job of reflecting the real impact of sexual violence and who it affects,” Gruber said.

Included in this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Week is a mix of casual events such as the aforementioned open library, as well as closed events aimed at specific populations who are disproportionately affected by sexual violence.

Widening the scope and trying to focus on the populations who are most directly affected by sexual violence, such as women of colour, is an important tenet of SACOMSS’ mission and part of the organization's aim to expand their events beyond ‘Sexual Assault 101’.

 

“I think people get tired of the cycle of something happens, there’s outrage, people forget about it, people move on, then there’s another event, more outrage. I think people forget that this is something that is constantly affecting people and it’s […] insidious.”

The Week closes with the annual Fire With Water show—an art exhibit and performance evening with the goal of allowing for artistic responses to sexual violence, gender-based violence, survivorship, and their intersecting themes.

In an interview with CTV Montreal, Karine Raynor, curator of the RBC Art and Heritage Centre at the McGill University Health Centre, noted that art can have a remedial function.

“Art has the potential to bring us into the present moment which we don't do a lot when we're ill or when we're with people that are very ill, because we're thinking about the future and we kind of get wrapped up in our thoughts,” Raynor stated.

The healing power of art for survivors of sexual assault is not lost on Gruber and Murray, who both acknowledged the importance of art as a curative outlet. As such, there is a workshop included in the schedule for the week titled “In Rhyme, In Time” that is geared towards writing poetry and spoken word as remedial tools.

Another idea Gruber and Murray, both involved with SACOMSS for four and five years respectively, acknowledged is the evolving nature of SACOMSS’ initiatives alongside the changing world of feminism.

“SACOMSS is a feminist organization, so what we’re prioritizing and valuing and putting into our events is changing as feminism is changing,” Murray explained. “Obviously intersectionality has always been important, but I think we’re certainly seeing it become more and more important in the feminist movement and in response to sexual violence. I would say as feminism grows and changes, so, too, do we.”

While the recent Jian Ghomeshi ruling is sure to provide a catalyst for the week’s events, Gruber and Murray both hope that the week gives survivors and allies the space and opportunity to do what they feel is important; to reflect the real impact of sexual violence and who it affects.

“I would like to demonstrate that this is still a relevant and ongoing conversation,” Murray said. “I think people get tired of the cycle of something happens, there’s outrage, people forget about it, people move on, then there’s another event, more outrage. I think people forget that this is something that is constantly affecting people and it’s […] insidious.”

Though both McGill as an institution and the wider societal contexts could do much more sexual assault advocacy, SACOMSS’ annual Sexual Assault Awareness Week is doing well to give communities disproportionately affected by sexual violence the funding and space to make a space for themselves—a mission certainly worth supporting.

Duo Nouveau MUPPS
Art, Arts & Entertainment

The McGill University Photography Students’ Society’s Retrospective in retrospect

by Tamara Yang on

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The McGill University Photography Students’ Society (MUPSS) celebrated their first annual exhibit last Wednesday entitled Retrospective. Featuring the work of McGill students in both film and digital prints, Retrospective was well-attended and met with high praise from both the McGill community and the general public.

The exhibit itself was low-key—the majority of photos did not exceed 8” by 10” dimensions. Held at Shape Gallery on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, visitors removed their coats and shoes after escaping the snowy street outside. The small size of the prints, paired with chipped floors and tattered walls, created a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Soft melodies from the Montreal band Duo Nouveau played in the background, and the entire collection was held in a single room.

Focusing on the simplicities of life, the subjects of the photos were mostly everyday objects, ordinary people, and nature. Retrospective was the perfect name for the exhibit, and it set the mood for the entire collection. Perhaps the best representation of this would be Roald Teffries’ twin pieces, “Mirror” and “Miroir,” depicting two convex mirrors from different perspectives. At first glance, they appear to be plain and could easily be passed over without further inspection; however, Retrospective is about pausing to reflect on the little things in life and considering how we perceive things—even two plain mirrors.

Joseph Dahdah’s “Untitled” focuses on an elderly man on the metro, squatting and looking at his phone. In the foreground is the fuzzy outline of another person, hands clasped around a duffel bag. Dahdah’s second print, also “Untitled,” is in black and white, of a man in sneakers and dark jeans reading a newspaper while crouching on a box. To the side are stacks of more newspapers, presumably from where the subject acquired the one in his hands. Dahdah’s work encapsulates the idea of finding wonder in everyday moments, and in the scenes we pass by every day and would appreciate, if only we had stopped to look in the first place.

Retrospective, at times, felt like a jump to the past. “Armored” by Scott Cope depicts a march of uniformed police, but a shutter malfunction caused the top half of the photo to be blurred black. The dystopian scene is suddenly transformed by the blur, mimicking the haze of tear gas that protesters may face. Jules Tomi’s “Noam Chomsky was traumatized by the Soviet Union” shows a man looking on into the crowd while holding up part of a large sign on a stick. The picture feels dated, leaving the viewer questioning when the photo was taken. “Armored” and “Chomsky” work well together, capturing a protest from two opposing perspectives.  Another piece, “A Father’s Work” by Sally Han, simply portrays hands pouring sauce into a jug, but the achromatic colouring gives the impression that the photo was taken decades ago. Perhaps the “retro” portion of Retrospective is ambiguity in time.

The modesty and humility of the collection convey a sense of honesty that connects with the viewer through relatable depictions of the simplest of acts: Pouring something into a jar, or looking at one’s cellphone on the metro. The way Retrospective was structured conveys a sense of familiarity even with the pictures of “grander” subjects, like protestors or mountain climbers. This was aided by the soft lines and colouring that together achieve an intimate effect. Retrospective tells viewers to stop, reflect and focus on the small details of life that give unexpected joy. Retrospective was enjoyable, but not incredibly memorable. The humble gallery and small prints could have used larger, attention-grabbing ones as an anchor, for larger impact. But for MUPSS’ first exhibit ever, it was a job well done.

McGill University Arts Building
Joke

McGill to divest from the colour red

by Oy G. Biv on

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In the latest divisive Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) motion debated at yesterday’s Mid-Term-Crisis General Assembly (GA), 87 per cent of students decided to part ways with the iconic McGill red. SSMU is now mandated to lobby the McGill Board of Governors to divest from and boycott all things red, which will necessitate a comprehensive rebranding strategy to remove all traces of the colour from McGill buildings, websites, and logos. 

“This call for BDR (Boycott and Divest from Red) states that such campaigns are to remain in place until McGill meets its obligation to create a stress-free, environment for students, and to recognize the colour wheel’s inalienable right to self-determination,” the motion read. 

SSMU will effective immediately be removing all traces of the colour from its property, with minor renovations and repainting at Gerts Bar to force the cancellation of Sangria Wednesday this week.

“It’s a small price to pay for the huge step forward we’re making with this decision,” explained SSMU President Karl Abraham to disheartened students.

Gerts’ red sangria will likely not survive the cut. 

The “Yes” group consistently expressed concern regarding the stressful nature of the colour: It reminds students too closely of the red X’s written on their fifth grade long division tests, and the red F’s on midterms handed back during McGill’s neverending midterm period. It brings to mind only the judgemental negativity of the red squiggly lines in Microsoft Word, which incidentally still fail to grasp the correct spelling of “colour.” The colour has now become inseparable from the red notification bubble that pops up on myCourses, which continues to shatter dreams of attending Harvard Law and working alongside Harvey Specter. 

The “Yes” group advocates renaming the “McGill Redmen” the “McGill Men,” to help the process along. It argues that “Redmen” was “a stupid name anyways.” The martlet on McGill’s logos will also have to go, with various suggestions for its replacement including Rainbow Fish, a tropical parrot, or alternatively, just a blank white space. Consequently, the “McGill Martlets” will no longer be a suitable name choice, with rumours circulating that the Martlets will soon be unveiled as the “McGill Floodgirls,” to remind student athletes of the fearlessness and bravery demonstrated by McGill’s most courageous student.

In a surprising turn of events, McGill Principal Jo-Anne Fournier expressed her relief at the passage of the motion, and praised students for the courage and solidarity they have shown throughout this hard time. 

“This really speaks to the kind of innovative problem-solving unique to McGill students,” Fournier explained in a congratulatory email to the McGill community. “Things have been really tough lately, with austerity cuts and all, but I’m so excited to be involved in this ground-breaking journey towards a stress-free school.” 

It is estimated that boycotting red will reduce campus mental health services expenses by at least 50 per cent.

In an exclusive interview with the Tribune, a weary Fournier also admitted that she didn’t even like McGill red that much. 

“Quite frankly, it will be nice to be able to shake things up a bit,” Fournier said. “I’m more of a lavender person anyways.” 

The Colour-Blind Students’ Network expressed its support for the movement, stating that McGill’s overuse of red in its branding is oppressive and discriminatory towards the full colour spectrum. Red comes in many shades, and promoting fire-engine-red as the only socially accepted norm is unacceptable. 

“Just because society has institutionalized red as a primary colour, doesn’t mean McGill can overlook the struggles of under-appreciated colours, like mauve.” Vice-President (VP) Paintbrushes, Mandy Warhol, explained.

The McGill Teetotalers Club also officially endorsed the movement, as red is too closely associated with the ubiquitous red solo cup. 

“Frankly, the red solo cup promotes wastefulness,” Jane Simpleton, U0, complained. “Beer pong is a waste of plastic, a waste of time, and a waste of an education.” 

The club’s office has since reportedly been the victim of several acts of vandalism and harassment, including drunk streakers; graffiti reading, “red solo cup, I fill you up;” and receiving excessive free promotional gear from Molson Canadian.

The “No” group remains disappointed with the decision, reiterating that divestment will only serve to “marginalize Canadians on campus, and make them feel ashamed of their nationality and their maple leaves.” Many of its supporters reportedly swore to move to Laval after yesterday’s decision.

*This article is a work of satire and a part of our joke issue*

News, SSMU

SSMU Council releases statement in favour of divestment

by April Barrett on

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At its March 24 meeting, Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) Council discussed the McGill Board of Governors’ (BoG) recent decision not to divest from the fossil fuel industry, and passed two motions: For SSMU to officially stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter Toronto and an official policy on indigenous solidarity. 

 

Response to BoG’s decision not to divest

SSMU Council released a statement in favour of divestment, countering the decision of McGill’s BoG not to divest from  the university’s holdings in fossil fuel industries.  The BoG based its decision upon the report written by the Committee to Advise on Matters of Social Responsibility (CAMSR), releasing their decision in a special meeting on March 23. The report stated that CAMSR does not believe significant social injury had occurred by investment in fossil fuels, which Vice-President (VP) External Emily Boytinck singled out as a particular flaw. 

“I think that this is shameful,” said Boytinck. “How dare they say the impact is not grave? They should speak with the 150,000 people who die every year due to climate change.  They should speak with the indigenous communities who are the first people affected by this issue.” 

Boytinck also addressed concerns over security at the BoG meeting directed at students attending as representatives from Divest McGill.

“Divest McGill has been present at every single board meeting this year,” Boytinck said. “It was the first time we were escorted up in James administration by security. It was a huge slap in the face for a committee who has repeatedly called us a partner. I was disappointed and shocked by the way the [BoG] treated students at that meeting.” 

Boytinck highlighted the lack of transparency in the decision-making process, as none of the CAMSR meetings on the matter were open to the public, and no information is available on the experts with whom CAMSR consulted.

“SSMU will continue to work with Divest McGill to find a way for this question to be brought back to the Board of Governors in an open and consultative manner,” Boytinck said.

 

Solidarity with Black Lives Matter Toronto

Council passed a motion brought forward by the Black Students’ Network (BSN) for SSMU to officially support the Black Lives Matter Toronto organization, following their recently-released statement of solidarity calling on community organizations, labour representatives, individuals and the broader global community to protest against police brutality. The statement demands the release of the names of the officers who shot and killed Andre Loku, a 45-year-old father of five last July.  Protestors are also for charges to be laid against the officers since they have been cleared of any liability. 

VP Internal Omar El-Sharaway brought forward the concern that the motion might be viewed as divisive, quoting the results of a student experience survey which revealed that students would prefer SSMU to be “less political and more fun.”

Boytinck cited the importance of SSMU taking a stance on this issue, given its connection to McGill students. 

“This directly affects students at McGill,” Boytinck said.  “What we consider to be a student issue and not to be a student issue, is in and of itself a political choice.”

VP University Affairs Chloe Rourke added her agreement to Boytinck’s response. 

“I take issue with some of the claims that SSMU should be less political,” Rourke said. “It’s important to quantify and qualify what you mean by that.  Student unions have historically played a role in human rights movements across the world. Remaining neutral is also very much a political choice.” 

 

Policy on Indigenous Solidarity 

Council approved a motion to adopt a policy on Indigenous Solidarity, drafted by Indigenous Affairs Coordinator, Leslie Anne St. Amour, following consultation with various indigenous student groups, staff, and faculty members. 

“The policy covers many areas, particularly focusing on how SSMU can better support McGill’s Indigenous students, as well as lobbying the university to hire more indigenous staff and faculty, and increase indigenous course content,”  St. Amour explained.

St. Amour addressed the lack of physical spaces on campus for indigenous student groups as one area SSMU can work to improve upon through this policy. 

“There is only one space on campus which allows for [the cleansing ceremony of] smudging, First Peoples House, and it is not a great space  for holding large events,” St. Amour said.

The policy also obliges the office of the VP External to reach out to indigenous communities at the beginning of the academic year, and continuously throughout the year as relevant issues arise. 

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