nt ri eP lu B

AMPUS C
Y 2013 EBRUAR F

or Rights F the Fight na sion, and rth Caroli , Oppres nce in No ie Anti-Sc Privilege der Rights Transgen
ustry e Tech Ind in th Misogyny

CONTENTS FROM THE EDITOR

ANTI-SCIENCE IN NORTH CAROLINA MISOGYNY IN THE TECH INDUSTRY UNDERSTANDING THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY
Understanding the Binary The Anti-Science Disciplines Due Energy Corners the Market Occupy the Energy Meeting the Sustainability Challenge Minorities and the Struggle for Rights Misogyny in Gaming The Transgender Community STAFF
carey hanlin editor-in-chief grace tatter executive editor sarah edwards, troy homesley managing
editors

5 10 24
17 18 20 22 24 27 28 30

Dear Readers, Our society lies to us. It tells us that sexuality is a thing to be ashamed of, that women should be held responsible for preventing their own rape, and that the terms man and woman are fixed titles that predetermine how you should act and who you can love. It tells us that differing ideologies should be assimilated, that certain cultures, religions, and peoples are inherently superior to others, and that the majority is always right. And it tries to tell us that these things cannot, or should not, be changed. But I say we try to change them. The status quo does not exist for the benefit of society, but for the benefit of the privileged. It protects those who follow it while alienating anyone who doesnt. In this issue, we examine a lot of these issues and try to break down some of the barriers that the status quo has built. We hope that the stories featured inside might help to provide mutual understanding between majorities and minorities, the privileged and the disadvantaged. Happy reading! Carey Hanlin Editor-in-Chief

3 Equal Representation in a Diverse World Action Against Domestic Violence 4 Affirmative Action in the Supreme Court 6 The Invisible Epidemic 8 Reflections on Newtown 10 On the Border 11 High Grades, Low Funds 12 Theyre Trying to Take Our Guns 14

anna sturkey creative director kyle ann sebastian blog and multimedia
editor

jenn nowicki, cameron lewis public relations

and social media director

hannah nemer photo editor michael dickson, carey hanlin, troy homesley, wilson hood, molly hrudka, jenn nowicki, wilson parker, kyle ann marie sebastian, grace tatter, ina kosova, lily clarke, gayatri surendranathan, sarah edwards, nathan vail, cole wilhelmi, joe calder, samantha mccormick, christopher phomprasetu staff writers janie sircey, katie coleman, sophie bergmann, christopher phompraseut, natalie curnes designers tyler tran, renee sullender, janie sircey, katie coleman, natalie curnes, connelly crowe photographers wilson parker, wilson hood, anne brenneman, michael dickson, nathan vail copy editors aaron clayton treasurer

On the Cover: Birdcage by Sheena Ozaki

FEBRUARY 2013

The Myth of the Binary

Why sex, gender, and sexuality are not either/or options:
Biological Sex

Gender Expression

Gender Identity

Sexual Orientation

INFOGRAPHIC BY CAREY HANLIN

FEBRUARY 2013

Politics

The Fight Over Truth Comes to NC

THE ANTI-SCIENCE DISCIPLINES

PHOTO FROM HANNAH NEMER

JOE CALDER

t is easy enough to find anti-science politicians in the United States. A cursory glance at the membership rolls of the committees of the 112th Congress reveals that the infamous Todd Akin sat as a member on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. As ironic as it may be that a man who 4 FEBRUARY 2013

honestly (and perhaps even earnestly) believes that a womans body shuts down when sexually assaulted was a sitting member on the United States Governments leading legislative body on science and technology, the church of anti-science goes deeper than the marquee fools. While the honorable Mr. Akin was (mercifully) defeated in his bid for reelection, the voters of North Carolina cannot claim to be so lucky. While the election of Pat McCrory has brought a number of notoriously anti-science goons back to the forefront of North Carolina politics. Take for example Governor McCrorys appointee for Secretary of the Department of Environment

and Natural Resources, Jon Skvarla. Mr. Skvarla seems innocent enough, claiming to come to Raleigh with a mandate from the people to impose a customer service mentality on state government. But lets look at some of the other baggage that Mr. Skvarla brings to Raleigh; a tenacious conservative background, lingering doubts about man made climate change, and the debunked belief in the abiotic theory of oil, which holds that oil, contrary to prevailing scientific consensus, is an infinite resource. Combined with Skvarlas theories on climate change, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources starts to look more and more like a misnomer.

Skvarlas views are troubling, as sion of the Department of Coastal Man- worker, John Droz, has recently sucthey have far reaching consequences agement) found in a 2010 report that ceeded in lobbying for House Bill 819, on national and local levels. Anyone North Carolina tidelines can be expect- An Act to Study and Modify Certain who has stepped outside the last few ed to rise at least 39 inches (1 meter) Coastal Management Policies. H819 days can tell you over the next hun- accomplishes a number of goals, but that North Carolina dred years. Given most importantly tries to regulate the While the honorweather has defied coastal erosion al- facts. One of the most substantive able Mr. Akin was logic. No one under ready underway in parts of the bill is its detailed analysis (mercifully) de37 has experienced many parts of the on how the state can and cannot carry feated in his bid for Carolina coast, it is out analyses of sea level rise. Essena below-average annual temperareelection, the vot- easy to see the di- tially, the bill asks scientists to defer to ture. Freak storms rect and proximate state congressmen before conducting ers of North Caroand natural disascosts associated their analysis. lina cannot claim to with the willful ters have started to Similarly to Secretary Skarvla, NC-20 become an annual ignorance of cli- holds the misguided view that envibe so lucky. expectation. Primarmate change. Yet, ronmentalism and economic developily, Skarvlas views are complicit with certain conservative groups continue ment cannot work in tandem. Like the the assumption that protecting the en- to blackball the science in an attempt national conservative movement, local vironment should be a secondary con- to protect their own interests. Luckily climate change deniers see the sheer cern to establishing business in North for them, they find a willing audience existence of an Environmental ProCarolina. Such views are not only an in the North Carotection Agency as environmentally devastating outlook, lina General Asakin to socialism, Like the national but also short sighted. sembly. One such and bills intended A continuing reliance on oil, for- group is called NCconservative move- to combat coastal eign and otherwise, poses significant 20, a North Caroerosion as attacks ment, climate threats to American hegemony on the lina based nonagainst real estate change deniers see development in international market. Climbing out profit dedicated to the sheer existence Brunswick County. of an economic recession, the United coastal economic States has a mandate to rebuild our development. On of an Environmental In the Church of market share and encourage economic its own, NC-20 is a Anti-Science, it Protection Agency growth. Oil plays no part in this inter- group of malcondoesnt matter if is akin to socialism action. The next international market tent climate change the analogies dont is that of alternative fuels. While I am deniers who have fit, or if the metaand bills intended generally loath to refer to the folksy in- shelved the Sciphors are exaggerto combat coastal carnation that is Thomas Friedman, he ence Reports findations. What materosion represent got it right in Hot, Flat and Crowded: if ings and, according ters is that false attacks against real ideology is used the United States doesnt lead the way to NC Policy Watch, in producing green technology and al- launched a milias a cover for selfestate developternative fuels, someone else will, and tary like lobbying interest. Be it real ment in Brunswick theyll reap the benefits. effort against it, estate interests on County. For North Carolina, the costs of cli- and that the group the coast or ownermate change denial are a bit more prevailed upon ship of a coal mine concrete than long-term trade strategy. the Coastal Resources Commission to in West Virginia, when it comes down Looking to the North Carolina coast- have the reports recommendations ef- to it, the science will never matter for line, a bastion of tourism and income fectively quashed. some people, because their own interfor the state, we can already begin to As if this bullying move wasnt quite ests outweigh the broader wellbeing see the immediate impacts of a deni- enough, NC-20, under the guidance of of our state, our country and our world. alist environmental policy. The Science their science advisor, coastal propPanel on Coastal Hazards (a subdivi- erty owner and ex-aerospace industry FEBRUARY 2013 5

PHOTO FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

DUKE ENERGY CORNERS THE MARKET

The Threats of an Energy Monopoly
MICHAEL DICKINSON AND GRACE TATTER

uke Energy is the second biggest applied, and thereby ostensibly saves energy producer in the world, and us from the coordinated price gougby far the biggest in the United States., ing of traditional monopolies. Anothbut more importantly for citizens of er idea key in approving the merger North Carolina, its now not only the was that it would save retail custombiggest but the only ers $650 million large-scale energy over 6.5 years. Duke raised its producer with a sizBut some say rate rates 7.2 percent able presence in the hikes are not just last year, which state. likely but inevitable, Following last years then was its larg- and many agree that merger between Dukes new stature est increase in Duke and Progress, might give it unprecmore than 20 small-scale energy inedented influence stallations like standin politics and the years. alone wind turbines development of reand household solar panels are some newable energy in the state. of the only things standing between Environmental advocacy group NC Duke and 100 percent control of energy WARN has released statements sayin the state. ing the merger and the utilitys powDoes this mean anything for consumerful influence on North Carolina poliers? The N.C. Utilities Commission aptics allow Duke to pass off the costs proves electricity rates before theyre of its various projects and risks to the

consumer, resulting in massive rate hikes. And now the time has come for the utilities to propose rates for the next year, and it is not looking good for consumers. So far Duke has asked for a 9.7 percent rate increase, and Progress, its counterpart, has asked for an 11 percent overall rate increase, which is the utilitys first rate increase in 25 years. Duke raised its rates 7.2 percent last year, which then was its largest increase in more than 20 years. Spokespeople for the utilities have attributed the increases mostly to upgrades and renovations for nuclear plants and natural gas plants, as well as a few new facilities. Press releases from NC WARN in the last year have pointed to these plants and many other Duke projects as factors that went unconsidered by the commission in the merger process.

FEBRUARY 2013

But these rate increases are just the said. And if you have no competition, beginning, say Consumers Against Rate all you have to do is have the regulaHikes, a coalition of North Carolina or- tors see your way. ganizations allied to combat Dukes And the regulators are political apprice increases. Rates could be dou- pointees, MacDowell said. And when bled by 2019, with an additional 50 per- you have unlimited funds, [and] as cent increase in the following decade, many lobbyists as you need, you can if Duke proceeds in its business plan to have a lot of influence on the regulabuild several new nuclear reactors over tors. the next decade, said the coalitions Reviews of Dukes political activity spokesperson in a press release. suggest that these fears may be justiThe plan essenfied. According to tially makes North analysis by nonCarolina consumpartisan watchMcCrory, who ers pay for a loan dog group Deworked at Duke to build the plants, mocracy N.C., last for 28 years before said Max Chang, auyears merger in becoming goverthor of a recent ecoall likelihood pronomic study examduced the most nor, has given top ining Dukes plan. politically influenstaff positions in The study was pertial corporation in the state governformed by Synapse North Carolina. Energy Economics, Each has long ment to at least Inc. and funded by sponsored some three former coConsumers Against of the biggest workers at Duke Rate Hikes. PACs in North Caralready, says Julie Dukes long-term olina, and togethplan will come beer they surpass Rose, reporter for fore the CommisBank of America radio station WFAE sion on Feb.11, and to form the largin Charlotte. then the rates for est corporate PAC the year will be apin North Carolina. proved or denied. There is also cause to worry about Pete MacDowell, program director of Gov. Pat McCrorys influence, said MacNC WARN, said a lot depends on the Dowell. McCrory, who worked at Duke Commission and its devotion to the for 28 years before becoming goverpublic interest. Is it going to stand up nor, has given top staff positions in to Duke, or is it going to roll over for the state government to at least three it? he said. It really needs to be much former coworkers at Duke already, acmore aggressive and independent in cording to Julie Rose, reporter for radio regulating the utilities. station WFAE in Charlotte. In the Commissions mission stateIn 2013, McCrory will also have the ment, one of their primary goals is to opportunity to appoint three new comprovide fair regulation of public utili- missioners and name the chair for the ties in the interest of the public. Commission, which has a total of seven But MacDowell and others say they commissioners. have reasons to believe Dukes poIn order to circumvent this perceived litical influence may also play a part. conflict of interest, NC WARN and the Duke has no competition, MacDowell AARP sent McCrory a letter Jan. 4 urging

him to recuse himself from making the appointments for these commissioners. NC WARN and the AARP in the letter appealed to the public interest, and offered their assistance in establishing a more transparent, ethical process to make the choices for Commission. These are crucial positions for North Carolinas energy, economic and environmental future, with billions of dollars at stake as the Commission reviews utility companies requests for rate hikes and, in our view, unnecessary power plants. The sympathies of the Commission are important, NC WARNs representatives say, not just because of the immediate financial burden that could be put on North Carolina consumers, but because Duke, as the dominant energy producer in North Carolina, has full control over what kind of energy technology is developed. If Duke doesnt see alternative energy sources like wind or solar energy as worthy endeavors, then they wont be developed. MacDowell said Duke and Progress have given sustainable energy like solar and wind only marginal importance in their long-term plans, and the merger has only made this worse. The merger was not in the public interest, he said. What were contending with... is that the kind of no energy efficiency, no real wind and solar energy plan that Duke and Progress are putting forward is really totally irresponsible to the economy, the climate [and] peoples health issues, MacDowell said. And there is a clear and cheaper way to do it. North Carolina is at a fork in the road with its energy policy, MacDowell said. And with Dukes costly plans for nuclear plants in 2024 and the apparent sidelining of renewable energy, the future beyond this fork is uncertain. FEBRUARY 2013 7

Local

PHOTO BY HANNAH NEMER

OCCUPY THE ENERGY

The Occupy Movement Hasnt Gone Anywhere
SARAH EDWARDS

ovements, says Michal Osterweil, professor of Anthropology at UNC-Chapel Hill definitely have an ebb and flow. She is referring to all social movements, but specifically, were talking about Occupy Wall Streetwhich, this January, has hit the sixteen month benchmark. What happens to a movement after the momentum goes away or, at least, after it appears to go away? Tracing the genealogy of a social movement is not a precise exercise. Its easy, from the outside, to view a movement like Occupy Wall Street (in more homegrown terms, Occupy Chapel Hill) strictly in terms of physical dualism: once, where there were tents congregated on the Peace & Justice Plaza

outside the post office, there are no lon- side the post office might not last inger tents. Where space was occupied, it definitely, the movement has relocated is no longer ocinto the second cupied. And bephase: Occupy 2.0. The issue of tuition cause the moveEssentially, Ocand debt on UNCs ment set out no cupy 2.0 is activism proletarian, finite that trickles down own campus goes goals, it is harder into more specific hand-in-hand with to measure what working groups. Rolling Jubilees be- On a national level, it did or did not accomplish. lief that debt is a tie groups like Rolling Those limitaJubilee (a self-dethat binds the 99% tions are somefined strike debt together. thing that the collaborative) have activists are well evolved from the aware of. But, as Occupy Chapel Hills original movement. On a local level, website reads, it is a movement too groups like Occupy Health and Wellbig to fail. While camping in tents out- ness and Solidarity Economy have

FEBRUARY 2013

formed in Chapel Hill. And on campus, Occupy Wall Street has inspired the student group Student Power UNC-Chapel Hill, a collaborative group intent on sustaining activism. Matt Hickson is a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, leader in Student Power and one of the original protestors that trekked up to New York during the infant first few weeks of Occupy Wall Street. This is a perspective that gives him the vantage point of being able to both retrospectively critique Occupy Wall Street, and use those critiques to move toward more sustainable organizing. It could be difficult, he remembers of Occupy Wall Street, For people to feel like they were part of something more disciplined than just showing up.

But talking with Matt, it is apparent that the energy is still very fresh. Theres an electricity about him when he talks about Student Power, indicating that he doesnt believe Occupy is a thing that belongs in the recent past. According to him, Occupy brought to the surface issues that unite people on both a national and local level. The issue of tuition and debt on UNCs own campus goes hand-in-hand with Rolling Jubilees belief that debt is a tie that binds the 99% together. [The] high amount of energy and stopping of everyday life activities required in such phases is not physically and psychically sustainable, Michael Osterweil said. But also because it really is just one part of a much bigger

process. If you consider the objectives of anti-systemic movements like Occupyi.e. overhauling an entire economic, political and ideological systemthe protest part, or phase, of the movement is really just one small part Beyond that, but far less visible, are thousands of people who participate in collectives, projects and various efforts to think through and create alternative economic, social and political ways of living. There might not be tents outside the post office anymore, but the space of Occupy Wall Street is still filled in a different way: quiet and behind the scenes, yes, but the energy is still very, very present.

FEBRUARY 2013

GRAPHIC FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Meeting the

Sustainability Challenge
How Carolina Dining Services Met the 20 Percent Sustainable Food Goal
MOLLY HRUDKA

A UNC student weighs his food waste as part of the sustainability program.

One, the food [that counts for the Real Food Challenge] is not drastically more expensive than the food theyre already buying and two, CDS made smart purchases and shifted its dollars to get the most bang for its buck. Meyers suggested a similar explanation. As we learn what qualifies [for the Real Food Challenge], whats the more sustainable option, and honestly whats a better deal, were able to take advantage of more opportunities. Now that the goal for 2020 has been achieved, CDS and FLO are working to set a new agenda. The first task will be to measure the dining halls progress during different periods throughout the year. CDS hit the 20% mark duringa five week measurement period in September, which, according to Meyers, is one of the best months for buying fresh produce. We still need to look at where we are in a January or a February, when local produce isnt as easy to get ahold of. 10 FEBRUARY 2013

Fleishman is confident that measuring during different months will still reflect achievement of their goal. When you look at our 20%, most of it was meat and cheese, so were pretty optimistic that the numbers will still be good despite the fact that say, squash, isnt in season. Fleishman is also working on a survey to better measure student demand for sustainable food. She wants to find out exactly how much money students are willing to spend on their meal plans for sustainable food choices. This data is also important for CDS, food distributors, and farmers, all of whom need to know student demand before growing, buying, and selling food. Both Fleishman and Meyers have their sights set on continual improvement. But there is only so much that CDS and FLO can do. Its up to us, the students, to continue prioritizing and demanding food that is healthier for us, the environment, and the community.

PHOTO BY FLO

Feature: Minority Rights

MINORITIES: Rights, Privileges,

Oppression,
& THE TIME TO BREAK FREE
Graphic by Janie Sircey and Carey Hanlin FEBRUARY 2013

11

NO GIRLS ALLOWED
The Misogynist Attitude of Gaming Culture
KYLE ANN SEBASTIAN

ike to play games? Not a n00b? Not a girl? Written on a flyer intended as a private joke for members of E-Sports, an organization for video game enthusiasts at UNC, the message touched a nerve by expressing misogynist attitudes not uncommon in video game culture. Female gamers are often seen as anomalies or treated with hostility. Online female gamers regularly experience harassment from male gamers. Blogs such as Fat, Ugly or Slutty illustrate how pervasive and extreme harassment is, posting photos of harassing messages women have received. Offensive messages run the gamut from death threats and insults to sexual harassment. These experiences cause women to feel alienated and unwelcome in the gaming community; 68 percent of female online gamers report having lied about or hidden their sex to avoid harassment. Jessica Feng, a member of E-Sports, attempts to avoid the gender question when gaming online. I never mention that Im a girl when Im playing with people. It just doesnt come up or I try not to make it obvious that Im a girl either. There is still the whole sense of if youre doing badly in a game you dont want people to say, Oh, its because youre a girl. 12 FEBRUARY 2013

Feng also acknowledges that harassment is an ongoing concern. There have been times when Ive had to unfriend people and block people because once they find out Im a girl there are inappropriate messages they are trying to send, she said. Feng has modified her online behavior to avoid harassment, limiting her online gaming interactions to people she knows and trusts. You have to establish that kind of friend base first. When I first started, it was hard to get into [gaming]. The UNC gaming community is not exempt from the sexism and misogyny that so often characterizes video game culture. One female player ended her relationship with E-Sports due to harassment. Feng says that while she personally has never felt harassed, she understands how someone else could. Its just a lot of testosterone ... there is a smaller subset of females that play, so it is easy to feel harassed, I guess. I just kind of learned to brush it off. One thing Feng says she had to adjust to is the casual use of the word rape. Its really common. Every time you sit down to play. I dont even really notice it anymore. The word rape in video game culture is deployed super liberally in ways that

basically just mean the equivalent of doing really well. Theyll say things like Oh, I learned a really rape new combo, said Stirling Little, president and cofounder of E-Sports. Although many gamers deny any ill-intent, the casual use of language that often invokes violence against women can be isolating for female gamers. Little says he hopes to raise awareness of sexism issues in gamer culture by remaining critical of gaming from within and initiating tough conversations about misogynistic language and behavior by fellow gamers. However, efforts to address and correct sexist behavior are often met with backlash. A lot of gamers feel like they have this possession over [the] culture. Its unfortunate that it started off as such a boys club, such that a lot of anger is directed toward women as some force that is watering down or changing their culture, says Little. There is a degree of irony in a community founded on providing an accepting space for individuals rejecting and marginalizing female members. Attracting female gamers is complicated by concerns over tokenism. A lot of women feel super isolated because of this idea that they are made to feel like they are anomalous in some way and so

they wouldnt come out to a club they would expect to be all men, and as a result, it is all men, Little said. Although she is aware of other women involved in E-Sports, Feng says she has only played with men. Feng has not found video game culture, in general, to be particularly welcoming. Its highly dominated by guys and sometimes theyll get onto the topic of girls and a lot of them will be like, Girls should stay out of games. And I know that some of it is joking, but its a bit inappropriate, she said. Harassment and alienation of female gamers has consequences that extend beyond the virtual world into the real world. While females make up 47 percent of online gamers, according to a study by the Entertainment Software Association, the video game industry is only 11 percent female. A study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found females made up only 20 percent of programmers in 2011. Some industry members such as Gabrielle Toledano, the vice president and chief talent officer of Electronic Arts, claim the underrepresentation of women is due to an absence of female candidates. Wed love to hire more women but we cant find enough of them to hire, especially in engineering. In our industry and the technology world at large, we need to support educational institutions that are working so aggressively to encourage women to pursue STEM careers, said Toledano in an article for Forbes. It is possible there are fewer opportunities for video game and software companies to hire women; the number of female Computer Science graduates has decreased from 37 percent to 18 percent since 1985. However, this argument ignores the role the video game industry has played in creating a culture in which female employees and customers are undervalued. On average, female programmers make $10,000 less than their male colleagues,

A female gamer controls the video game in front of her.

while female animators make $26,000 less than males in their field, according to a survey conducted by Game Developer magazine. The tech industry has also recently seen a rise in what some have termed brogrammer culture, raising concerns over sexism and the alienation of female programmers. The dominating presence of men in the video game industry is visible in game offerings, which largely ignore female players. A study by the Penny Arcade Report found that out of a sample of 669 games, 300 offered the option of a female character and only 24 had exclusively female protagonists. This means 369 games were exclusively male focused. Additionally, games with a female protagonist received less than half the marketing budget of a male-led game. Due to this, women and girls are less likely to have access to or knowledge of video games that feature female protagonists, which may negatively affect their interest in gaming. Video games serve as an important tool in developing computer literacy and getting young people interested in technology. How can we expect young women to pursue computer science if they

dont begin to develop an interest and competency in computers and technology as young girls? I think that one of the good ways to address this is to first address video game culture such that little girls feel okay playing games, such that they may one day become computer science majors and may want to enter the industry, says Little. Feeling okay means feeling accepted by both the industry and community of players. Video games matter. The American video game industry is more profitable than movies and music combined. And women are being pushed out. [Women are] basically second class citizens in what is right now, by all figures, Americas favorite pastime, right next to football and baseball, says Little. Women are interested in gamingthey are approaching half of all online gamers and represent a substantial share of the video game market. Women want to play. They want to buy and create games. The question is whether the gaming community is man enough to let them.

FEBRUARY 2013

PHOTO BY HANNAH NEMER 13

STEPPING OUTSIDE THE GENDER BINARY

Understanding the Transgender Community
CAREY HANLIN

14

FEBRUARY 2013

eginning the Conversation: When an individuals gender idenMany people avoid talking tity matches his or her biological sex, about what it means to be trans- we call them cisgender. When an indigender. The idea that someone might viduals gender identity doesnt match not feel comfortable with their as- his her biological sex, we call them signed sex that someone might transgender. Its important to note want to challenge biology, (or worse, that a person undergoing hormone God), is an alien concept to many. It treatment or reconstructive genital makes them uncomfortable, which surgery to change their sex is transmakes conversation difficult. itioning. The term transgender Our society doesnt understand alone does not necessarily imply that sex or sexuality, so it perpetuates a an individual is actively transitioning. myth. This myth tells us that sex and Our society is unnerved by the gender are two thought that interchangeable gender identerms; it tells us tity, gender exOur society is that every person pression, and unnerved by the in the world idensex might have thought that tifies as either a fluidity between man or woman, them. So we find gender identity, as defined by their ourselves with gender expression, sex chromosomes; a gender binary and sex might have it tells us that wherein women fluidity between h o m o s e x u a l i t y, are expected to whether abnortypify certain bethem. mal or not, is the haviors and inonly alternative to terests, and men heterosexuality; and it tells us that are expected to typify other behavithere are certain rules by which all ors and interests. The binary makes men and women are expected to be- anything out of the cisgender, heterohave. This myth needs to be dispelled. sexual norm to be abnormal. To begin a conversation on what it means to be transgender what it From Biology to Sociology: means to exist outside of the mythical Gender identity and expression system we have perpetuated it is im- are not reducible to the difference portant to understand the differences between an X and Y chromosome. That between gender and sex. Biological is to say, while gender identity is afsex is what a person is assigned at fected by sex chromosomes, it is not birth, and is based on genitalia and rigidly dictated by them. sex chromosomes. Gender can acEverybody man, woman, or tually be split into two parts: gender genderqueer produces both identity refers to which gender an testosterone and estrogen. Our sex individual personally identifies with, chromosomes dictate how much of and includes male, female, or gender- each of these hormones our bodies queer (a catchall term for people who produce. But not all men produce the dont identify with either male or fe- same amounts of each hormone as male); gender expression refers to every other man, and not every wothe gender type that the individuals man produces the same amounts as behavior and mannerisms most typify. every other woman. Individual differ-

ences can be attributed to differences in our genes and in our environments, just like any other highly varying trait. Hormone levels in turn play a major role in determining individual differences in how our brains develop, leading to differences in gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation between each person. But as humans, we are naturally driven to categorize everything. Instead of focusing on the possibility of individualistic differences, we have created a gender binary as well as a sexuality binary. We tend to want to classify everyone as either heterosexual or homosexual, often dismissing bisexuality as a phase or transition period, and often disregarding the fact that someone could lie anywhere in between these categories, or could identify as asexual or pansexual. This system also disregards the fact that sexual orientation itself includes not just sexual attraction, but also romantic love, emotional attraction, and companionship; and not all of these have to align either. The Transgender Community: Terri Phoenix, head of UNCs LGBTQ Center, is a transidentified individual who identifies as genderqueer over male or female. When I asked what gender pronoun Terri prefers, the response was that while neither he nor she works, Terri doesnt prefer the generally accepted gender-neutral pronoun ze because of the alien-ness of using a pronoun that involves the rarely used letter Z. So Terri developed a new, more personal pronoun T. Terris assigned sex at birth was female, and though transitioning, T doesnt identify specifically as male. T has a female partner and thanks to artificial insemination a daughter. But as one could imagine, the FEBRUARY 2013 15

journey has not been the easiest one. Under North Carolina law, thats just a kid that lives in my house, Terri said. I have no legal connection to her. If it were a biological, cisgender male and female that used artificial insemination, the male has no biological connection to that kid, yet he has all of the legal rights, simply because the government recognizes that relationship. So that means I cant add her to my health insurance because shes not my kid. In fact, as a transgender citizen, Terri struggles for a number of different rights. To get an official social security gender change, a transitioning person must provide a certified document declaring the originally assigned sex, and a letter from a surgeon as proof that reconstructive genital surgery had been performed. That means, for a transitioning person to be legally recognized as a different sex, T cannot solely opt for human hormone therapy or a double mastectomy, but for surgery as well. Such surgeries can be incredibly expensive, and are rarely covered by health insurance. On top of that, there is no guarantee that all genital sensation or function will be maintained, so many opt not to do it. Terri was quick to point out how essential it is for transitioning transgender folk to have the option of gender-neutral housing and bathrooms that when one doesnt fit into the gender binary, having to force a self-categorization could lead not just to personal conflicts, but interpersonal conflicts as well. I asked Terri what T would like to see for the future, and how we can bring about that vision. I have hope that it will change, T said. Thats why I do the work I do, where I do it. I believe that if we can educate people and get them to think and get them to see beyond whatever theyve been raised 16 FEBRUARY 2013

A pin distributed around UNC to spread awareness about cisgender privilege.

with, we are going to move forward as a society in so many ways. The assimilationist idea is a way of asking people to cover who they truly are to match the norm of the people with the power. Im not for a melting pot Im for a salad bowl. If Im a fruit, I get to stay a fruit; youre a vegetable, you get to stay a vegetable. We all get to stay who we are. The melting pot idea is so problematic because you dont get to be who you are, but what the majority wants you to be. Terri closed the interview with pleas both to allies and to oppon-

ents. Talk to some people. Get to understand how cisgender privilege negatively impacts us all. What would be possible if you just got to be who you were, and people got to know you for who you are? It would be an amazing place to live. And even if you dont understand why someone would [be transgender], and you yourself dont agree with that lifestyle choice, [we live] in a society that prides itself on freedom and individual liberty our country was founded so it could exist.

PHOTO FROM UNC LGBTQ CENTER

EQUAL REPRESENTATION
IN A DIVERSE WORLD
GAYATRI SURENDRANATHAN

s President Obama prepares for his second term, he must make some difficult decisions about whom to appoint to several vacant Cabinet positions decisions that have been receiving scrutiny from various minority groups. Two groups in particular, the NAACP and the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, have given the president exact quotas on how many blacks and Latinos they want him to appoint in the wake of the departure of two key Hispanics, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. This conversation raises some interesting questions: what exactly do we mean by diversity, and how do we acknowledge it when it comes to selecting leaders? And how do we answer these questions within the context of the UNC community? Traditionally, diversity is defined as the inclusion of different types of people in a group or organization. Often when we think of diversity, we think of it in terms of race, culture, ethnicity, gender, age, etc. When we look at a group of leaders this is what we scan for: a good mix of men and women, young and old, white and black. But are we missing the point? Chris Scanzoni, chief of staff of the executive branch of student government at UNC-Chapel Hill, is tasked with staffing the administrations cabinet. He said his priority when reading applications and doing interviews is diversity of thought. This year we really strove to make sure we had people that represented the entire political, religious and socioeconomic spectrum, Scanzoni said. Our goal is to reflect the diversity you see on campus.

I got some flak because people who system with some of the most diverse felt entitled to a position didnt get one, student bodies in the nation at UNCsometimes in favor of someone with Chapel Hill, 34 percent of students are more diverse viewpoints, he said. not white. He said the process for choosing cabiCameron Carswell, a member of the net members is blind until the very last Board of Governors, said she is particustage, to ensure that all candidates are larly concerned about the underrepreextremely qualified. sentation of women in most governing Justin Huang, Multicultural Affairs Com- bodies. mittee co-chair, agreed that once qualifiRight now theres a large proportion cations have been established, diversity of older white males, so at the end their in thought and experience in very impor- voice is loudest, Carswell said. I think tant in a group of leaders. we could more actively pursue women As long as the candidates being con- who are strong within their own field. sidered are qualified for the position, diBut Board Member Irvin Roseman said versity allows for more open discussion, he believed the board represents the Huang said. Diversity in leadership can North Carolina public very well. sometimes lead to conflict, but I think a The board is a good cross-section of healthy amount of conflict breeds posi- the people of North Carolina, Roseman tive change. said. At any rate, if Im selecting a leader And CJ Jackson, community director Im hoping to select the best-qualified of Carmichael Residence Hall, said he individual regardless of race, creed, et thought student cetera. leaders of all backRecruiting leadDiversity in leadgrounds should imers that are both merse themselves well-qualified and ership can somein situations that bring something times lead to conwere sometimes new to the table is flict, but I think a uncomfortable in a difficult task, eshealthy amount order to develop pecially considering an understanding the blurry definition of conflict breeds of differences that of diversity itself. positive change. would then reflect While few would arin their leadership gue that varied govstyle. erning bodies are -Justin Huang The emphasis on unimportant, turndiversity that one finds in student lead- ing diversity from a pipe dream into a ership isnt reflected in the UNC System reality continues to challenge everyone Board of Governors of 30 board mem- from UNC student leaders to the presibers, only six are women and only five dent himself. are not white. These proportions obviously do not reflect a public university FEBRUARY 2013

17

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
A UNC Students Campaign for Change
LILY CLARKE

ACTION AGAINST

or most of us, domestic violence elle, who is recovering from the abuse, ship requires the each fellow research sits somewhere in the back of the provides a connection between all stu- a topic relating to violence against mind, fitting snuggly between writing dents at UNC and domestic violence. women in NC as well as present a soour aunt a thankOn the other end lution, or a method of best practice. you letter and fully of the spectrum, Fellows are encouraged to use a loBut according to understanding the is UNC student, cal to global scale tying together how the World Health Israeli-Palestine Molly Williams. local problems are presented and adOrganiztion, anyconflict. Its someIn less than two dressed nationally and internationally. where from 15 thing we should months Molly Molly chose to focus on domesspend more time will present her tic violence because it spans all napercent of women thinking about but research on do- tions, states, races, religions and genin a country like dont. Its easy to mestic violence ders. She found the Raleigh based Japan to 75 perdistance oneself against women MOVE program, Mothers Overcoming from a disturbing at a United Na- Violence through Education Empowercent of women in a reality when we tions conference ment. Molly likes the way MOVE reachcountry like Ethiodont deal with it in Washington es out to both women and children pia reported physior its effects perDC. who can simultaneously suffer from cal and/or sexual sonally. We dont Last year Molly domestic violence. MOVE emphases see it on a day-totook Professor education, counseling, medical treatviolence by an day basis because Bob Pleasants ment, afterschool programs, intervenintimate partner. people dont walk Women 290 Lead- tion and prevention. Move is funded around wearing ership and Vio- by the Duke endowment and free to signs claiming, I was abused. But lence Prevention for Peer Educators, all participants. according to the World Health Orga- sparking her interest in domestic vioThrough her class and UNC and her nization, anywhere from 15 percent lence. She pursued a competitive op- research, Mollys understanding of of women in a country like Japan to portunity to serve real prevention 75 percent of women in a country like as one of five stuchanged. She now You need to deal Ethiopia reported physical and/or sex- dents to conduct with mental health, sees that violence ual violence by an intimate partner. and present reoccurs on college substance abuse, If you dont know someone off the search for Women campuses, TV, and education and em- advertising. Its evtop of your head who has experienced NC at the UN consome sort of abuse, just think about ference this spring. erywhere, on a sopowerment. the fact that there are students at UNC This year the Comcietal, community who have been sexually or physically missions theme and interpersonal -Molly Williams abused, this year. And its not always is the Elimination level. She hopes men perpetrating women. 18- year-old and Prevention of the Move program UNC student Danielle Jamesion was all Violence Against Women. The Com- she introduces in Washington will shot by her mother in January. Dani- mission on Status Womens Fellow- serve as a model for other cities and
18

FEBRUARY 2013

UNC student Molly Williams discusses her research with WomenNC founder Beth Dehghan.

PHOTO FROM ANITA SIVAKUMAR

TYPES OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Dating violence Domestic and intimate partner violence Emotional abuse Human trafficking Same-sex relationship violence Sexual assault and abuse Stalking Violence against immigrant and refugee women Violence against women at work Violence against women with disabilities
INFORMATION FROM WOMENSHEALTH.GOV

nations because its holistic. You need to deal with mental health, substance abuse, education and empowerment. Brian Min, a senior and UNC will also present at the conference. His projects focus is the involvement of men in violence against women. The other three students will present on sex trafficking in NC, rape culture in the media, and violence against immigrant women. In 1994 Bill Clinton passed the Violence Against Women Act, bringing federal attention to an issue that affects all people on a very intimate

level. In the past thirty years, domestic violence has decreased 30 percent. Congress recently failed to reauthorize the act, and Molly worries many agencies that fight domestic violence will lose their funding if the VAWA is not reauthorized soon. The UN Womens Committee is also advocating for the ratification of CEDAW, a global treaty affirming womens rights. Bills in congress may have a large impact on reducing domestic violence, but if they do not make their way through a bipartisan and bureaucratic government, it is students like Molly

and Brian who will facilitate the momentum and information needed to deal with domestic violence effectively. UNC student, Molly Williams says, domestic violence knows no boundaries. Everyone knows someone who has experienced it or has experienced it personally. Violence comes in cycles and it is self-perpetuating. What she has found after researching domestic violence in North Carolina is that it comes down to the need and desire for power and control, usually by the male in the relationship.

FEBRUARY 2013

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AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN THE SUPREME COURT

Precedents, Challenges and the Uncertain Future
The issue of affirmative action and educational benefits that flow from a the Bakke case would raise questions diverse student body. again in 2003 in the Grutter case. In this This marked a shift in the justification case, the court ruled against the plain- previously held by justices on the court tiff, a student by the name of Barbara who argued that affirmative action was Grutter, who argued that her denial of an important way of correcting for past admission to the University of Michigan injustices and practices of discriminaMedical School was predicated upon tion levied against minority population unconstitutional practices of affirma- in the United States. tive action. These cases have culminated in yet Grutter argued that the Medical another affirmative action debate withSchools admissions practices violated in the Supreme Court with Fisher vs. her 14th Amendment right to equality Texas. The University of Texas at Austin by using race as a predominant factor relies on a 10 percent policy in which in their admissions decisions. those students who fall within the top Sandra Day ten percent of their OConnor wrote the high school class OConnors opinion are awarded automajority opinion, which ruled the admatic acceptance held that the most missions practices compelling interest to the university. constitutional withThis policy allows for allowing racial in their narrowly for more students considerations to be from less affluent defined limitations. The constitutionala part of the admis- high schools to be ity of the Medical accepted while dissions process was School procedures advantaging some obtaining the edudid not use a quota students from system and rather cation benefits that more affluent high relied on race as a schools who may flow from a diverse plus in admissions be more qualified student body. policies. or prepared for sucImportantly, the cess at UT Austin. opinions written by the court in this At this point, the court has withheld case embody a shift in the polemic a ruling and the case is still under conused to justify partial affirmative action. sideration, but the debate surrounding OConnors opinion held that the most affirmative action rages onwards. The compelling interest for allowing racial most difficult question surrounding afconsiderations to be a part of the ad- firmative action is its definition. In prior missions process was obtaining the court cases, and in the most recent TROY C. HOMESLEY

n October 2012, the Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments in a landmark case on affirmative action. Fisher vs. Texas is a highly lauded case that has made its way from the United States District Court in 2008 all the way to the United States Supreme Court. For many, the term Affirmative Action conjures up a diverse range of viewpoints. The sentiment is much the same in the Supreme Court, where the battle over affirmative action has stretched over three decades. The Supreme Court first dealt with the issue of affirmative action in Regents of the University of California vs. Bakke (1978). The debate over affirmative action has resurfaced since then in Grutter vs. Bollinger (2003), and the argument continues with the most recent case, Texas vs. Fischer. In Bakke, the court struck down the use of strict quota systems in regard to racial minorities. Importantly, this decision did not preclude in full the use of racial background as a component of admissions decisions. Instead, it merely set forth the notion that using specific quotas for the number of racial minorities to be admitted to a program is unconstitutional. In this case, the University of California at Davis Medical School set aside 16 of 100 spots for racial minorities of various backgrounds. 20

FEBRUARY 2013

Fisher case, justices have attempted ogy or purpose of instituting such meato uncover whether or not admissions sures is a key factor. Rawls also argues processes are truly holistic or merely for a system of justice in which posithinly veiled quota systems. tions of authority (and presumably colAs the debate moves forward, another lege admissions) are legitimized as just important issue only insofar as there surrounds the is an equal opportureasons for which Rawls also argues for nity to achieve those affirmative action positions. a system of justice might be justified. Taking a step back in which positions In previous argufrom the philosophiof authority (and ments, affirmative cal viewpoint, it is action was a way presumably college important to considof correcting the er how a ten percent admissions) are lehistorical prejudicrule of the type ingitimized as just only stituted at UT Austin es and lack of opportunities providinsofar as there is an would affect other ed to oppressed equal opportunity to public universities minorities. More in the US if the Suachieve those recently, howpreme Court upholds positions. ever, justices like such processes. OConnor have beAt UNC, such a gun to link affirmative action to ensur- system would have important conseing a meaningful education. quences. Students from large public In his great work, Justice as Fairness, schools in traditionally minority and the modern philosopher John Rawls lower socioeconomic areas in North argues that when considering issues Carolina would have a much greater such as affirmative action, the teleol- opportunity to attend the states flag-

ship institution, while more qualified students would face greater challenges if they attend an especially successful high school. Implications such as these usually result in heavy backlash from the white and upper-income communities who view such measures as unfair to successful students and high schools. The argument comes down to a challenging and precise question: Is the value and meaning of an education found within the absolute capabilities, achievements and intellect of the students participating in the system? Or is an education further enhanced by the introduction of adversity through varying socioeconomic, racial, ethnic and experiential backgrounds? This is a question the Supreme Court will grapple with as they consider the implications of their ruling in the Fisher case. However, the debate over affirmative action is sure to transform as the United States becomes a majority-minority nation and the goals associated with education begin to change in a globalized economy.

PHOTOS FROM RENEE SULLENDER Jackson Hall - University of North Carolina Office of Undergraduate Admissions; Prospective Student Tour

FEBRUARY 2013

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The Invisible Epidemic

Shedding Light on the Physical Oppression of Women Worldwide
COLE WILHELMI

International

he recent gang rape and murder of a young woman in India has sparked an unprecedented firestorm of international media coverage and public outrage. Protesters in New Delhi have flooded the streets demanding justice for the victim, while the American Embassy, United Nations and other international agencies have issued formal condemnations of the attack. The incident has brought renewed attention to the global epidemic of institutionalized violence against women and sex trafficking. Despite its pervasive presence in high-income and developing countries alike, sex trafficking remains one of the most unaddressed and underreported problems in the world today. After examining the available statistics, its hard to believe that sex trafficking has been so overlooked. Its estimated that more than 700,000 new victims are trafficked across international borders each year, with nearly 2.5 million people in the oppressive system at any given moment. Data is limited, however, and these numbers could actually be much higher. But policymakers should not make the mistake of isolating this problem in 22

poor regions of the world. Although the majority of sex trafficking cases originate in developing nations, 11 percent of victims are from industrialized countries. Sex trafficking is a serious issue with significant footholds almost everywhere. Even the United States is not immune to the sex trafficking epidemic. Annually, upwards of 17,500 victims are trafficked within U.S. borders. The wellpublicized rape of a 16-year-old girl in Steubenville, Ohio offers the harsh reminder that violence against women remains dangerously common, despite a well-developed criminal justice system. In 2012, the U.S. Congress failed to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, which would have extended key measures protecting women against domestic violence and sexual abuse. Similarly, studies in Great Britain indicate that national sex trafficking restrictions there are flawed and put more emphasis on the immigration status of the presumed trafficked persons, rather than the alleged crime against them. These cases demonstrate that, even in developed countries, governments may be too unconcerned or unwilling

to implement national laws that effectively combat sex trafficking. But the majority of cases of sex trafficking occur within or across the borders of developing nations. Many lawmakers in these countries have introduced legislation to curb the problem, but in most cases, the rate of trafficking has remained stable or even increased. Why is this so? Certainly, socioeconomic issues have a lot to do with it. In most of these developing countries, a majority of people lack financial security, are led by oppressive regimes and have little opportunity to improve their standard of living. Literacy rates, especially among women, remain extremely low. As a result, those involved in human trafficking often target these populations because, as a result of their weak social standing, they are vulnerable and ignored by the government. Many would argue that if developing nations were to implement progressive socioeconomic policies and provide more accessible education for women, sex traffickers would have much greater difficulty finding easily-exploitable populations.

FEBRUARY 2013

PHOTOS FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS A candelight rally is held for the gang rape that occurred in New Delhi in December.

And addressing general socioeconomic imbalances is fine as a long-term solution, but its not the whole story. Its easy to discuss broad institutional reforms and point to them as the intuitive solution to a poor nations problems. But one does not simply pass sweeping reform bills and expect results overnight. Such legislation often requires huge amounts of money and pre-existing governmental stabilityneither of which many developing countries have. Such major reforms also take time and lots of it. It could be months, years or even decades before viable educational or economic reforms bear fruit. In the meantime, there are other significant barriers that prevent many countries from carrying out any meaningful response to sex trafficking. First, there is disagreement among governments regarding the exact definition of sex trafficking. Political science researchers from Emory University have found significant discrepancies persist between trafficking definitions in international law and definitions adopted in the domestic

criminal codes of many state. It seems trivial, but the failure to adopt a consistent legal definition of sex trafficking has caused a host of problems. In many instances, countries with weaker definitions of sex trafficking or ones that lack any sex trafficking lawwill fail to prosecute violators of the statute. Worldwide, there were only 5,808 prosecutions and 3,160 convictions under sex trafficking law in 2006. Put another way, there is an average of 1 conviction for every 800 persons trafficked. Sex trafficking is forced to the backburner, and the epidemic continues to ravage communities. Moving forward, solutions need to be implemented at multiple levels to ensure a balanced attack against global sex trafficking. The first step is to establish a sturdy legal definition of sex trafficking, preferably one that is consistent with international protocol. A consistent definition will ensure that governments can more readily identify sex trafficking crimes and understand how prevalent it is in their nations relative to the international average.

Concurrently, international pressure should be applied to countries with weak sex trafficking laws or to governments apathetic to the problem. In many cases, strong public awareness of the issue, combined with official condemnations from the international community, will prompt a government to adopt measures against sex trafficking. This strategy was used successfully in India, when public protests in the aftermath of the New Delhi attack forced the Indian government to acknowledge the problem and establish social institutions targeting sex trafficking. 2013 will undoubtedly be a key year in the fight against sex trafficking. The Violence Against Women Act is up for reconsideration in Congress, and international awareness on the issue has never been higher. The world can either continue making strides in revealing this invisible epidemic, or it can fall back into apathy and inaction. Only time will tell, but let us hope that society makes the right choice. FEBRUARY 2013

23

National

Twenty Paper Doves

Christmas in Newtown
INA KOSOVA

wenty wreaths of Japanese paper doves, ghostly white and swinging in the wind, hung from a Christmas tree in the center of Newtown, Conn. Wild, confusing shadows danced on the paper, illuminated by the dim, unsteady glow of candles. Hundreds of stuffed animals lay at the feet of the tree, their button eyes audience to a tragedy. Everything, in fact, had a play-like quality, so cruelly farcical. Yards of Christmas lights lit up every window, huge red bows hung on every storefront. It was Christmas and joy and peace and cheer, and it was mocking. The lights looked cold and ugly, the bows cheap and vulgar. Looking around me, staring at the reporters that lined the streets, at the microphones shoved into every willing face, I felt I was trapped in a suffocating, all-encompassing cloud of misery. I could see the phantasmagorical arms of a cruel and hideous evil wrapping themselves around the tiny, unFEBRUARY 2013

suspecting town. Perhaps it was this Adam Lanza. The one who provided same feeling, the one that threatened him with the gun was the U.S. govto crush my chest every time I looked ernment. Perhaps Congress and the at a flag at half-staff, that finally, in president could be forgiven the roles the dying hours, they played if this jolted the nation had been the first I was ashamed, awake. timemaybe even It was the mornthe second time not of myself, but ing of Dec. 15, but there have of the country I 2012, a day after been deadly epilived in. 20 children and six sodes of gun vioadults were shot lence in the United and killed at Sandy States for decades Hook Elementary School in Newtown, now. Four mass shootings have taken Conn. As my family and I visited the place during President Obamas first memorial sites set up around town, term alone. lighting candles and laying down rosOn Jan. 18, 2011, 19 people were shot, es, I couldnt help but feel ashamed. six fatally, in Tucson, Ariz. On July 20, I was ashamed, not of myself, but of 2012, 58 people were injured, twelve the country I lived in. I was ashamed fatally, in a movie theater in Aurora, that the United States, perched on a Colo. Just one month later, on Aug. 5, pedestal of morality and righteous- 2012, six were killed at a Sikh temple ness, would allow 20 of its children in Oak Creek, Wis. to be murdered, brutally and senseIts easy, looking at this series of lessly. numbers and dates, to remain obliviThe name of the shooter, the one ous to the pain, to the suffering, that who actually pulled the trigger, was comes with the shockingly visceral re-

24

ality of loss. And, apparently, its just not doing enough. background check and reforms for the as easy for lawmakers. This time, reflection was not enough. mental health care system. For years now, politicians have come Something, was not enough. InCongress seems to have responded, together to mourn, to shake their stead, the president looked into the slowly, to the presidents call for acheads at the tragedy; they just as audience, at the tear-stained eyes of tion. In the Senate, Democrat Dianne easily walk away, hiding themselves the victims families, and promised Feinstein sponsored a bill that would behind the unhearaction. ban assault rifles and semi-automatic ing, unseeing walls And so far, he weapons, along with ammunition of Capitol Hill. This has delivered. On magazines with a capacity over 10 Four mass shoottrend was made Jan.16, 2013, he rounds. And yet, it is difficult to talk ings have taken painfully apparent signed a total of 23 about any of these measures sucplace during Presi- executive orders, ceeding without acknowledging the in Obamas speech at a Colorado hospident Obamas first putting into action role of the National Rifle Association. tal after the Aurora the exhaustive The NRA stands firmly opposed to term alone. shooting. recommendations Obamas plans for gun law reform. In the last line of of a task force led Wayne LaPierre, executive vice presia short speech, after having described by Vice President Joe Biden. The ex- dent of the NRA, gave a speech imhis experiences with the families in ecutive orders are comprehensive in mediately following the presidents mourning, the president said: the issues they address, not only call- news conference, saying: I warned And I hope that over the next sever- ing for a renewal of the 1994 assault you this day was coming, and now al days, next several weeks and next weapon and high-capacity magazine its here. Its not about protecting several months, we all reflect on how ban, but also proposing a universal your children. Its not about stopping we can do something about some of the senseless violence that ends up A photo from the Sandy Hook memorial service in Newtown, Connecticut. marring this country. Perhaps to the untrained eye, to the ordinary observer, this sentence could have sounded promising. To the rest of the nation, it was just another politician, just more empty talk, just more vague and useless rhetoric. The next several months, is not a timeline. Something, is a pathetic excuse for visionary leadership. And yet, the utter sterility that characterized the president and Congress reaction to Aurora, to Tucson, to Oak Creek, seems to have dissolved with Newtown. There was no clearer sign of this change than Obamas speech at a multi-faith prayer service for the Newtown victims. In an angry, mournful tone, the president pointed a finger, accusingly, at himself and the nation. Can we honestly say that were doing enough to keep our children, all of them, safe from harm? he said. If were honest with ourselves, the answers no. Were FEBRUARY 2013 25

PHOTO BY INA KOSOVA

A photo from the Sandy Hook memorial service in Newtown, Connecticut.

crime. Its about banning your guns period. The NRA rejects a renewal of the assault weapons ban, believing the Second Amendment protects the peoples right to assault rifles and semiautomatic weapons. They also firmly oppose universal background checks, saying it is a slippery slope to an allout confiscation of guns by the government. These opinions, coming from one of the largest, wealthiest lobbies on 26 FEBRUARY 2013

Capitol Hill, are nothing new. The difference this time is the sense of ridiculousness, of irrationality and dogmatism, that hovers over their public declarations. How can it be rational to leave a huge, gaping hole in the gun laws that already exist? How can we demand background checks by licensed gun dealers while requiring absolutely no check by sellers at gun shows? It is difficult to believe criminals, the mentally ill and illegal arms dealers

will not manipulate this loophole. What deer could you possibly need to hunt with a semi-automatic weapon that spits out 30 rounds in 30 seconds? What gives us the right to introduce into our homes, onto our streets, weapons of war, of mass destruction, of mass murder? For the first time in over a decade, the American people are starting to see past the NRAs fear-mongering and uncompromising positions. When asked whether they support criminal background checks for all gun sales, 91 percent of people polled in a January 2013 Gallup poll voted yes. 60 percent voted yes when asked whether they supported reinstating the ban on assault weapons that was in place from 1994 to 2004. When a Gallup poll asked the same question in December, only 44 percent of those polled said they were in favor of the ban. I wish I could say for certain what makes Newtown different, what has grasped and held fast the nations often short attention span. For me, personally, it was the tragedy that hung in the air all around. For those three weeks I was home in Middlebury, Conn., 20 minutes from Sandy Hook, I felt I was perpetually breathing in sorrow. Everything I did, everything I looked at, reminded me of what had happened. This seemed to me the death of the innocent, and I could not accept it. I could not mourn and cry and then tuck it back inside of me. Perhaps the nation, watching those 20 wreaths swing in the wind, in person or on television, felt the same way I did: in need of change. To go on unchanged would be to give up the 20 lost lives to depravity, to evil and inhumanity, without fighting back.

PHOTO BY INA KOSOVA

ON THE BORDER
Perspectives on Gun Control From Texas and Mexico
NATHAN VAIL Mass shootings, like those most recent ones in Newtown, Conn., and Aurora, Colo., wreak havoc on the national psyche and challenge lawmakers to do something anything to prevent it in the future. These political reactions, however, often have unexpected consequences, far outside of the immediate socio-political context. In January, President Obama issued 23 executive orders on gun control, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced legislation in the Senate that would ban 150 firearms. The bill calls to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and it met with stiff opposition by House Republicans and the so-called gun lobby. Even if the bill passes in the senate, a House veto is expected. The legislation is based on the Federal Assault Weapons Ban originally approved by Congress and signed by President Clinton in 1994, but expired in 2004. The effects of the original ban have been recorded by Luke Chicoine at the University of Notre Dame, who wrote that, In the four years following the expiration of the U.S. Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB), the homicide rate in Mexico increased 45 percent. Chicoine also reported that, after the same period, 60,000 weapons recovered in Mexico were traced back to the U.S. The reinstatement of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban just makes sense to me, said Sam Groom, a junior communications major at the University of North Texas. I grew up around hunters and have even been hunting a few times myself. Never in my experience has it been necessary to use assault rifles for hunting; hunters generally prefer to kill the animal in one attempt. Texas has some of the most lax gun laws in the U.S., and many are concerned that American weapons smuggled across that border aid the criminal groups in spreading devastation in Mexico. Personally, it both confuses and unnerves me when I think about the fact that we could be reducing the number of deaths on both sides of the border, Groom said. Many Mexicans feel that no matter how tight Mexican gun laws are, theres no point when weapons are being smuggled in from the U.S. But the view in Mexico is pessimistic. According to a July 2012 New York Times article, Juan Garca, a gun club member in Mexico, said, If the criminals didnt get their guns from the U.S., they would just get them from somewhere else. Although Texas is widely perceived as the front line of cartel operations, there has been cartel activity farther from the border. Last June in Wilmington, N.C., agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration seized 2,400 marijuana plants. North Carolina in 2011 had a murder rate of 5.3 per 100,000 people. The overall U.S. murder rate is 4.8 per 100,000, but Texas is well below the national average at 4.4, according to the 2011 Crimes in the United States report released by the FBI in October 2012. Given the shootings within the past year, I would feel more secure in a society wherein we didnt sell weapons that have the potential to shoot ten plus rounds without reloading, Groom said.

PHOTO FROM WIKIMEDIA

FEBRUARY 2013

27

PHOTO BY HANNAH NEMER

High Grades, Low Funds

The Paradox of the Independent Student
GRACE TATTER or the past three decades, the federal More is less? government has shifted the burden A recent study from a sociology proof paying for higher education onto fessor at the University of California families. Students now receive more Merced found that the greater a parfederal aid in loans than in grants, and ents contribution to his students colthey need their parents to help pay lege education, the lower the students them off. GPA. The study found this was constant Simultaneacross selective ously, local and and nonselective A recent study found institutions. state funding of higher education The study jarred that the greater a has decreased. with results of parents contribution And tuition at past research, to his students colfour-year colleges which concludlege education, the has increased in ed that more price more than is more the lower the students almost anything more allocations GPA. other good or sera student receives vice. Even public from their parschools like UNC, are beginning to oper- ents, the more academic progress they ate more like private schools, relying on achieve. tuition dollars more heavily than govSenior Christian Honeycutt, who has ernmental funds. Parents are shoulder- been footing his own tuition bill, is not ing greater sacrifices than ever for their surprised by Hamiltons findings. Honchildren to go to college. eycutt is a religious studies major, workBut are these sacrifices paying off? ing on a year-and-a-half research project. 28 FEBRUARY 2013 But he also spends about 30 to 35 hours a week working at Alpine Bagel. He worked his first shift before his first class freshman year. Honeycutt pays for all of his own expenses. He said that required proving to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid that his parents werent contributing at all to his education a feat in itself. They made me go through hoops to get it, he said. In order to register as independent a student not receiving any funds from family one must be an orphan, over the age of 24, a veteran, or married. Honeycutt did not fall into any of these categories. And the struggle wasnt over once he gained independent status. At points in his college career, hes worked up to 80 hours a week, at Alpine and other jobs. Honeycutt said working requires time management skills other students lives might not require. He said he also is incentivized by the fact he is the sole cost-bearer for his

education or lack thereof. Hamiltons study suggests moral hazard theory might also explain the relationship between GPA and parental contribution. The theory says that if a person is not bearing the cost of his actions, they are less likely to act with the cost of their actions in mind. That also explains why students whose education is funded through merit-based scholarships, work-study, and veterans benefits also have, on average, higher GPAs. Such funds either come with high performance standards, or require a sense of personal accountability, according to the study. And students who make it to college without a family-financed safety net might be made of stronger stuff than others. Students who make it to college with little to no parental help may not only be exceptionally talented but also uniquely motivated, Hamilton said in the report.

students whose parents pay for col- Faddis said. lege who perform poorly, and students Its one thing to be able to not worry whose parents dont pay for college about paying for books and paying for a and perform poorly. place to live, he said. [Students whose One of those parents are paygroups is more ing for college] likely to stop atalso...are getting The theory says that if tending college. all these opportua person is not bearing nities to fill their Theyre not dothe cost of his actions, time with things ing well, theyre not getting reinthat are more imthey are less likely to forcement from portant on the fuact with the cost of the school, and ture job market. their actions in mind. theyre also not Faddis said that getting any monas schools like ey, he said. UNC increasingly shift financial aid to So if you lose a big part of that group, work-study programs, students opporit makes that comparison across the tunities will become more stratified four difficult. according to whether or not they need And students whose parents are financial aid. paying for their years at college arent Working is fine, but theyre having to necessarily performing worse because take these jobs where theyre not gettheyre lazy. Theyre more likely to partic- ting social capital in particular, which ipate in extracurricular activities and the other students with internships are spend more hours on those than their getting, he said. coursework. Plus, Honeycutt said, extracurriculars The report said todays college stu- are fun. Not being able to participate High GPA doesnt mean a degree dents spend an average of 28 hours a in extracurricular activities was one of But although students who contribute week on classes and homework com- the hardest parts of working almost full more funds to their own education tend bined, compared to 42 hours on social time, he said. to have higher and recreational Im not involved in freaking any exGPAs, they gradupurposes. tracurriculars because I dont have But although stuate at much lowRather than time, and thats the worst, he said. I dents who contriber rates. strategically us- wouldve done anything. Everything. ute more funds to Michael Fading resources dis, a PhD stuin accordance For the next generation their own education dent in UNCs with parental Honeycutt recognizes benefits of havtend to have higher department of goals, or maxi- ing to be independent and manage his GPAs, they graduate sociology, spemizing on their time, and said the past four years have at much lower rates. cializes in educaability to avoid been worth the education. He was tion. He said a academic work, selected by Teach for America to teach potential weakness of the study is the students are satisficing: they meet the middle school English in Las Vegas, NV. fact that far fewer students paying their criteria for adequacy on multiple fronts, But just because it worked out for him own ways make it to graduation. rather than optimizing their chances for doesnt mean he would make his own He said the study was comparing four a particular outcome, Hamilton said in children pay for college. groups: students whose parents who her study. I would do everything in my power pay for college who succeed academiAnd a lot of those extracurriculars are to make sure they didnt have to do this, cally, students whose parents dont pay valuable for securing a career after grad- he said. Because sometimes, its pretty for college who succeed academically, uation, especially unpaid internships, awful. FEBRUARY 2013 29

GRAPHIC FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

THEYRE TRYING TO TAKE ALL OUR GUNS

The Academic Value of Conspiracy Theory

SAMANTHA MCCORMICK

hen tragedy strikes, there is of- the government as a pro-gun control ten a lingering need to explain ploy. The video made rounds quickly, why bad things happen. While the attracting over twelve million views. memorials still rolled on the nightly What does the creation and popularity news shortly after Adam Lanza gunned of a conspiracy theory say about our down twenty-six society? at Sandy Hook ElUNC AnthropolIts a lot simpler to ementary school in ogy professor Robunderstand whats Newton, Connectiert Daniels, who cut, a conspiracy routinely teaches wrong with the theory about the courses about poworld if you can shooting began litical conspiracy blame it on some circulating on the theory in the last specific group. internet. A Youtube forty years of Amervideo uploaded ican history, says by a channel called ThinkOutside- its about trying to explain the seemtheTV, now with nearly forty thou- ingly inexplicable: Its a lot simpler sand subscribers, purported that the to understand whats wrong with the Sandy Hook shooting was staged by world if you can blame it on some
30

specific group. Its a lot easier to understand the mess that is history if you can make it all follow one storyline. In the case of Sandy Hook theories, this storyline is one rooted in fear of the government and their power to manipulate the masses in order to get what they want. According to Daniels and other conspiracy theorist scholars, this fear might not be entirely unfounded. There are surface politics, Daniels explains, like the election we just had. But there are also parts you dont see, backing and manipulation. The government goes on down into covert power centers, internal struggles youre not aware of, and at times, those covert power centers have actually led or precipitated foreign policy.

FEBRUARY 2013

It makes sense that theres more to source thats been pushed from the University, as a credible voice for conthe government than meets the eye, mainstream, or just a wacko, says spiracy thinking in academia. Scott especially when there are proven con- Daniels. The internet is not only an proposes that there are real conspiraspiracies to point toward, like Water- open environment, connecting peo- cies within politics, and its a demogate or the Lincoln assassination. Its ple and information, but also a breed- cratic citizens job to act as a check on difficult to determine what goes on ing ground for unsubstantiated and those conspiracies. His many books behind the scenes and harder still to dangerous claims. Daniels puts it explore the idea of deep politics, the know when those struggles affect the bluntly: anybody, for about the price under-the-radar workings of the govlives of Americans. of two goats, can ernment, as they relate to events like The average citibuy a computer, go 9/11 and the John F. Kennedy assassizen must separate online, and pub- nation. The fruits of his labor suggest The inconsistent fact from fiction lish anything. He that suspicious Americans might not reporting of the somehow. But its explains that the be far off when they suggest foul play Sandy Hook shoot- anonymity of the is at hand. not easy to decide what information internet negatively Daniels calls the current mood of ing is the impetus is valid and what is impacts the qual- Americans anxious. The threat of clifor much of the just noise. ity of information: mate change, ever-looming economic conspiracy In years past, With self-publish- depression, and the uncertainty of theory. people pointed to ing books, there is safety as technology exceeds underthe television news no longer academ- standing of morality all breed suspifor information. But with the 24-hour ic peer review of books about history. cion and fear. These feelings, coupled news cycle and its infotainment Libel laws are virtually unenforce- with muddled systems of communicaphilosophy, the news isnt always re- able. The Sandy Hook video is com- tion, create the perfect environment liable. Networks are competing to posed of pieced together news foot- for conspiracy thinking, as evidenced break a story first to pull in ratings, age, screen shots by the prevalence regardless of accuracy. They also fill of Facebook pages, of the Sandy Hook Daniels calls the content for twenty-four hours instead and out-of-context conspiracy theory. current mood of of the shorter shows of years past, so photographs. It Though the theory they amplify and repeat information even accuses the itself is implausible, Americans to fill up the time. The inconsistent medical examiner its mere existence anxious. reporting of the Sandy Hook shoot- of lying to the meis cause enough to ing is the impetuous for much of the dia in his interviews examine societys conspiracy theory. The video mostly based entirely on news footage and methods of communication. It is exhibits a simplistic understanding soundbites, but it is the makers of the damaging for conspiracy theory to be of news coverage and takes clips out video who are actually misinformed. discredited entirely due to the fringe of context, demonstrating how our The internet makes it easy to pass off wackos, because it discourages common news delivery methods can this evidence as incontrovertible and people from living the examined life easily spawn gross misinterpreta- an uneducated viewer could easily be Daniels and Scott endorse for fear of tions at best and be manipulated with swayed by the convincingly presented being grouped with crazy conspiracy malicious intent at worst. But there evidence. theorists. Daniels emphasizes that is potential for videos independently However, there are people who do the solutions to Americas problems produced on the internet to serve as delve into the glut of information in arent easy, but maybe a little attena valuable check on television net- order to excavate the truth. Separate tion to conspiratorial thinking and a works. After all, the internet is not so from a myriad of what Daniels calls demand for governmental transparenhighly staked on ratings, like televi- yeah man, its all true! theorists cy could go a long way to reassuring sion. are serious academics who pose real the huddled masses that the world But turning to the internet has its questions about the validity of con- doesnt have to be run undercover. own drawbacks. Its hard to tell if spiracy theories. Daniels cites Peter something is a good independent Dale Scott, a professor at Florida State
FEBRUARY 2013

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dialogue on progressive ideals at UNC-Chapel Hill and in the greater community. 32

FEBRUARY 2013