Mount Hood

Opinion: Representation in media matters

Caity Healy  | Managing Editor

The other week, I was binge-watching the second season of Netflix’s “You.” Part way into the season, they introduced a d/Deaf/Hard-of-hearing character — it’s not obvious how he identifies, which is why I use both forms of the letter “D” as well as “hard-of-hearing” — as the late husband of a main character. 

I could write a whole other piece about the way that the other characters addressed the d/Deaf character, but that’s not the point I’m making today; rather, I want to focus on how viewers addressed this character, and characters alike.

When I sat down to watch the episode, I had a friend with me. Afterwards, they said something along the lines of, “the problem with having so many d/Deaf characters is that it just isn’t realistic. It throws off the balance.” My reaction? That’s absolutely ridiculous.

To be clear, this isn’t the first time I’ve heard someone say something along these lines. I’ve heard it regarding disabled folks in TV/film, LGBTQ+ in TV/film and I’ve heard it about other minority or other-identifying groups. I’ve heard people say that it bothers them how unrealistic the “overrepresentation” is, and it leaves me with a few questions: is it really overrepresentation or throwing off the balance? Also, in most cases, does it really matter how “realistic” a film or TV show is? Finally, is it really the “accuracy” of the representation that bothers you, or is it internalized bias?

Let’s start with the question of whether it is or is not realistic. According to cdc.gov, 61 million adults in the U.S. have a disability — roughly 1 in 4. So, in order for media to be “accurate,” 1 in 4 characters would need to have a disability. Of course, not all disability is visible. But that’s what’s important — representing folks who identify with all different kinds of disabilities. 

Now let’s answer question two: if realism is really important or not. Unless you’re watching a documentary, or watching a historically-based program, I would argue that it doesn’t matter. We can’t pick and choose when realism is important or not. If it doesn’t bother you that an impossible plot is occurring, it shouldn’t bother you that there is a larger number of minority characters, which brings me to my final point.

Self-reflection is an important practice. If you are bothered by something like this, you might want to ask yourself why. If you can’t whole-heartedly say that it is due to the fact that you find it unrealistic, then it probably has something to do with your internalized bias against folks who identify in ways that you might not. We all have our biases, and if you aren’t reflecting on them, you’ll only perpetuate them.

A change in perspective could do viewers a lot of good if they find themselves upset by this representation in media. The only way to normalize representing the underrepresented, is to simply give them screen time — played by actors who actually identify with their character’s identities. It’s time to become comfortable with the fact that these folks deserve the roles they’re earning. It’s time to realize that these characters are here to stay, and they’re just going to keep coming.

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Opinion: Is Western really going to become Hispanic-serving?

Mia Sierra  | Guest Writer

As a Hispanic student, more specifically a Mexican student, one way I like to be involved on campus is by attending M.E.C.H.A. meetings. M.E.C.H.A. — which stands for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán — is a club that seeks to promote Chicano unity and empowerment at Western. In one meeting, the topic of Western becoming a Hispanic Serving Institute came up. This means that 25% or more of students attending Western identify as Hispanic, which will lead to the university getting more money. 

I was surprised when I heard that Western was planning to become Hispanic-serving. First, because I didn’t even think that there were any Hispanic Serving Institutes in the United States, and second, because seemingly no one has talked about it. 

I checked Western’s student racial demographics online. It shows that 60% are white, while Hispanic/Latino students make up about 15%. For a school to be eligible to become a Hispanic Serving Institute, the college or university must have 25% or more Hispanic students enrolled, said Gina Ann Garcia in her book  “Becoming Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Opportunities for Colleges and Universities.”

For Western to become Hispanic-serving, administration must find a way to increase Hispanic enrollment from 15% to 25%. In a speech I found online from Sep. 17, 2018 titled “President’s State of the University Address Rice Auditorium,” President Rex Fuller addresses Western’s goal to become a Hispanic Serving Institution. 

“As one of our objectives in this plan, WOU should embrace the goal of becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution. Once achieved, WOU would be the only four-year institution in Oregon with such a designation. To achieve this, we need to see Hispanic enrollment grow from 16% to 25% of total enrollment. Or, we need to grow from just under 800 to 1,200 Hispanic students,” Fuller said.

With the need of increasing Hispanic enrollment, I don’t think that Western will be able to achieve a 25% Hispanic student population. The reason I believe this is because during M.E.C.H.A. meetings, many of the students expressed how they don’t feel represented here at Western. They feel that Western lacks the resources for representation and aid for Hispanic/Latino students. This may cause Hispanic students to transfer to a different university and deter future students from attending Western.   

Although Fuller talks about the goal for Western to become a Hispanic Serving Institute, I noticed that he doesn’t talk about how Western plans to increase Hispanic enrollment, he just talks about what needs to happen. With no plan of action, is Western Oregon University really going to be a Hispanic Serving Institute?

 

Contact the author at mcelest01@gmail.com

Try these date ideas for quickly approaching Valentine’s Day

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

Valentine’s Day is a time where many people decide to go out on dates — whether it’s a first date with a stranger, or an outing with a long-term partner. In a small community like the Monmouth-Independence area, it can be difficult to find a place to go to. Here are a few suggestions for those thinking of going out on Valentine’s Day.

A simple date can involve going to the movies, and the Independence Cinema isn’t far for those looking to watch one on Valentine’s Day. Located at 450 S. 2nd Street in Independence, it can provide the perfect low-key and relaxing date for a couple of lovebirds. Currently, there are options for those wanting to see a drama, horror or animated film, but the showings for Valentine’s Day are not confirmed. Potentially, couples can choose to watch the upcoming horror “Fantasy Island,” the fun fantasy “Sonic the Hedgehog” or the romantic drama “The Photograph.” For those that want to inquire at showtimes, they can go to the website independencecinema8.com, or call (503) 606-3000. Closed-captioning devices are available at the front desk at each showing.

Jubilee Champagne and Dessert Bar is nearby for those wanting to eat something sweet with their sweetheart. In addition to desserts and champagne, the establishment also has various things to choose from for a lunch date. Jubilee Champagne and Dessert is located at 296 S Main St. in Independence, and is open Tues.–Fri. 3–9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. If a more sophisticated and romantic dinner is the goal, try Roberts Crossing in Salem, which has an extensive dinner and drink menu. Roberts Crossing is in Salem at 3635 River Road South and is open Tue.–Thu. 4–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 4–9:30 p.m. and Sunday 4–8:30 p.m. More information can be found on Jubilee’s Instagram (@jubilee.champagne.dessert) and Facebook, and Roberts Crossing’s website robertscrossing.com.

While these places can be great for going out, a nice night in at home can be a perfect alternative for those that would rather stay in or save money. A romantic night at home can involve cooking a meal together, snuggling up under a blanket to watch a movie, baking something sweet, painting together or anything else that comes to mind.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Planning the perfect Super Bowl party

Rylie Horrall  | Lifestyle Editor

Snacks: For most parties, snacks are some of the most important must-haves. People will graze on chips while watching TV, or start a conversation over the appetizers. An easy set up is an assortment of chips in large bowls sporadically placed around, or, if chips aren’t preferred, use pretzels and popcorn, or a combination of all of these to provide variety. Other finger foods that can be prepared with minimal effort are mozzarella cheese sticks, mini corn dogs or hot dogs, pizza rolls or various fruit and vegetable platters. Alternatively, simply ordering a pizza is a quick way to provide food for a larger group of people. 

For those that decide on chips, try making one of these dips to pair with it.

ONION DIP

Start to finish: ~1 hour

1 packet of onion dip seasoning

16 ounces of sour cream

Add sour cream to a bowl with the onion dip seasoning. Mix together thoroughly and let it sit for at least an hour before serving. Alternatively, seasoning can be poured straight into the sour cream container.

BACON CHEESEBURGER DIP

Start to finish: 40 minutes

½ pound ground beef

6 strips bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces

1 small onion, diced

1 clove garlic, chopped

4 ounces of cream cheese, room temperature

½ cup sour cream

¼ cup mayonnaise

¾ cup mozzarella, shredded

¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 teaspoon mustard

Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once finished, drain the grease from the pan and set it aside. Cook the bacon in the same pan until crispy for about 6–10 minutes. Set aside and save a tablespoon of the grease.

Add onion to the pan with the bacon grease and saute until tender, about 5–7 minutes.

Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about a minute, being careful not to let it burn.

Mix the ground beef, bacon, onions and garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese, ½ of the cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and ketchup together in a large bowl. Pour into a baking dish.

Bake in a preheated oven (350 °F) until the top starts to turn a light golden brown and bubbling, taking about 20–25 minutes. A few minutes before it is done, add ¼ cup of cheddar cheese and a ¼ cup of mozzarella cheese to the top and stick it back in the oven until the cheese is melted. Serve with warm tortilla chips.

Recipe from wishesndishes.com

 

Decorations: No party is complete without decorations, but they don’t have to be extravagant. Red, white and yellow or gold — depending on the preference of team — can serve as the palette for decorations. Something simple like streamers can liven up a room in no time. They can be hung up where the wall meets the ceiling or arranged in the doorway in an alternating pattern. Draping all three colors on a bare wall will make for a fun, themed photo opportunity to prove just how lively the day was. 

Another decoration choice is a banner; many stores offer blank ones that can be customized specifically, or a cheaper route is to buy one and write on it. Pennant banners can come in a variety of colors to match the theme of the party, and can be relatively low cost. Take a black, gold or silver sharpie and go crazy with writing witty slogans.

Finally, either buying or making football shaped wall adornments can bring it all together. Some stores that have decorations for sale will likely have something like this, or drawing a football on printer or construction paper and cutting them out will also work just fine. Creating the decoration could also be a fun activity for those that are setting up the party.

 

Dressing up: Repping one of the teams is a must for those attending or hosting a Super Bowl party. The easy way to do this is by wearing a jersey of the preferred team, but, for those that don’t own a Kansas City Chiefs or San Francisco 49ers jersey, opt to wear a shirt with the team logo or that matches the respective team’s colors. For die-hard fans of either team, try decking out fully in the team’s colors — match pants with a top to create an all red outfit, or try pairing fun socks or a beanie with the rest of the ensemble.

For those who want to take their team spirit to the next step, try using face paint. It’ll stand out in photos and can be an entertaining activity for anyone that attends. Get prepped beforehand, or plan something for the guests to do before the game begins. Set up a painting station with face paint and brushes — or markers that are safe to use on the face — and have the guests line up and start. If everyone has the same thing drawn on their faces, take a group selfie to show off some team spirit.

 

Contact the author at rhorrall17@wou.edu

Photo by Caity Healy (jersey)

Photos by Rylie Horrall (decorations and chips)

Monday meditation methods to ease the soul

Sean Martinez  | Copy Editor

With midterms looming on the horizon, getting into a relaxed state of mind can be challenging for students. One of the more helpful ways of achieving that is through meditation. There are many different practices, ranging from sitting in one place to simply walking around the block. 

Dr. Lars Söderlund, the Chair of the English Department, leads a Meditation Club in the hopes of providing students with an outlet to reduce stress. 

For the past five years, Söderlund has utilized all kinds of meditations. The first method Söderlund explained was ‘concentration meditation.’ It’s one of the most commonly practiced meditations, which involves sitting in a comfortable place, with eyes closed and directing one’s attention to a single thing at a time. This can be breathing, posture, physical pain, anything. The aim is to be aware of the things the mind is focusing on. If the mind starts to sway off topic, try to shift the focus back to the initial focus.

“You can be more or less specific, you just want to make sure that you’re acknowledging what’s happening and moving back to the breath,” Söderlund said. 

Another form of meditation that Söderlund recommended is ‘loving-kindness.’ The ‘loving-kindness’ meditation, or Maitrī, is a Buddhist meditation method that wishes goodwill to oneself and others. Phrases can begin with ‘May I be happy’ or ‘May I be healthy and safe,’ but the phrases can be whatever is desired. These phrases can also be wished upon other people — loved ones, acquaintances, disagreeable people or even the whole world.

“And when I do that everyday I feel like a million bucks,” Söderlund added. 

Söderlund’s overall favorite meditation is called “do nothing.” The instructions are straight-forward — sit in one place and allow the mind to go wherever it wants to go. This strategy in particular can be helpful to students as it’s normal to have random, recurring thoughts happen in the middle of class. Dedicating some time to let these thoughts loose can be a huge relief. 

“I’ve had the greatest revelations while doing it,” Söderlund said. “You realize your brain kinda runs on autopilot.” 

These are just a few of several meditation methods. Söderlund also says that meditations can be done with apps — there are several — or they can be self-guided. Meditation Club takes place in Bellamy Hall room 122 every Monday from 5-6 p.m. 

 

Contact the author at howlcopyeditor@wou.edu

Photo by Kay Bruley

Get to know local college band Laundry in this Q&A

Never Retallack  | Entertainment Editor

Read on to learn more about the local college band, Laundry, in this Q&A style interview.

 

Can you tell me a bit about how this band got started?

We met in the UO dorms as freshman and all started going to house shows together. We started playing in the basement of our building near the laundry rooms — hence the name. 

 

Who is all in the band? What role does each musician play?

Cal plays bass and sings. Riley plays guitar and sings. Kiki plays guitar and sings. Nik plays drums. 

 

How would you describe your style of music?

We usually say we play dream rock, but we have a hard time answering that question — we have a lot of different influences. Please let us know if you have any idea what genre we are. 

 

What would be the perfect album for your band and what does that mean?

A perfect album has to be creative and consistent, while still being accessible enough to connect with listeners. There can’t be any filler tracks!

 

What is the process for producing music?

All four of us are songwriters, so Laundry songs wind up reflecting a ton of different influences. We take our songs to the band and all try to capture the original intent of the piece the best we can. Most of our songs wind up being played live for months before they make it into an album — we’re always trying out new material so we never get bored. 

 

What is the best part about playing your music live?

We’re just extremely grateful to have an audience who is familiar with our music and is willing to trek out to shows every weekend. The Eugene arts scene is crazy active and we probably wouldn’t be a band if it weren’t for all the local support. 

 

What is your goal when it comes to producing music?

We really love playing shows and making albums that people listen to. Our goal is to sustain that cycle as long as we can! 

 

Who are your role models or inspirations for creating music?

We have extremely diverse music preferences among our members — our songwriting heroes include Big Thief, Billy Joel, King Giz and everything in between. 

 

If your music was a color, what color would it be?

The Color Blue (Affirmation, 2019). 

 

Where can your music be found?

You can find our music on Spotify, Apple Music and all the major streaming services. We also have CDs and tapes available at our shows or via Instagram direct message @laundrytheband.   

   

Are you working on any projects currently?

We are in the late production stages of a new album that we all are crazy excited about. It’ll be out on Apr. 25!

 

Where will you be performing next?

We’re playing at Interzone in Corvallis on Feb. 8, WOW Hall in Eugene on Feb. 27, Cruz Room in Portland on March 31, and house parties in Eugene almost every weekend. 

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Roensch

Not quite an album, but enough to excite fans: Kaleo releases new songs

Emily Hedges  | Freelancer

Kaleo, an Icelandic band, released two new songs on Jan. 15, which shocked many fans considering the last album they released was in 2016. While fans may not have had new music for four years, Kaleo has still been performing around the world. The two songs “Break My Baby” and “I Want More” fit perfectly with their 2016 album “A/B.” A blues-rock feel with hints of folk/singer-songwriter, fans have been more than pleased with the new songs and hope for more soon.

The first song “I Want More” is filled with acoustic guitar and a soft melody of poetic lines. This song has a light-hearted feeling of wanting more in a relationship. Lead singer and guitarist JJ Julius Son, leads us through a relationship when the past was better and how he wants that back again; how he is willing to follow her wherever she goes. I would compare this song to “Automobile” which is on “A/B”; “Automobile” is a song about someone wanting to get away and go wherever the car takes them. Both of these songs bring a light-hearted and optimistic feel of wanting to get away or be with someone you love deeply.  

“Break My Baby” has a contrasting sound to “I Want More” with heavy drums and an electric guitar. JJ Julius Son’s voice, now deeper and soulful, sings about distrust and lies. This brings similarities to their song “Broken Bones” which talks about selling your soul to the devil to live a better life. 

Overall review: While after four years of no new music fans were a little disappointed that it wasn’t a new album, these songs still bring the same feel of the beloved “A/B,” leaving fans and new listeners two very different songs to listen to and enjoy. I would highly recommend these songs along with their 2016 album. 

 

Contact the author at ehedges15@mail.wou.edu

Album review of Halsey’s self-exploration album “Manic”

Never Retallack  | Entertainment Editor

Halsey released her third studio album on Jan. 17 by the name, “Manic” which featured her 2018 Billboard Hot 100 number one hit “Without Me.”

This album was a heavy-hitter; it covered mental health, emotionally abusive relationships and struggles with self-love; she didn’t hold anything back.

The first track titled “Ashley” is a real start to a new Halsey era, exposing her true identity “Ashley Nicolette Frangipane” and what she has gone through in her career. In the Spotify storyline feature, Halsey said, “This is an introduction but it’s also a cautious goodbye,” reflecting on how her audience would be affected should she ever “disappear.” This was a pretty dark song, but an essential way to start her album.

Halsey described her second song “clementine” via Spotify storyline feature as, “… a pinnacle moment for ‘Manic.’ It’s when I really saw my inner self and inner child come through in sound as well as the lyrics. You can hear two voices.” She refers to the calm and collected Halsey singing while Ashley yells impulsively in the background — a culmination of who she is and how she longs to be in the world.

The third song, “Graveyard” is one of my favorites. The catchy beat is inviting, and the meaning is deep. Halsey croons about loving someone who is in a bad place and without realizing, following them too far — far enough that it is detrimental to one’s own health.

“You should be sad” has an almost country twang to the guitar and vocals as Halsey sings about how happy she is to not have gone further in a relationship with someone who she describes as a terrible person. This is believed to be about her ex G-Eazy who was addicted to drugs and cheated on Halsey several times throughout their relationship.

While a lot of Halsey’s album focuses on the faults of her exes  that did more harm than good, she also acknowledges her own faults and battles, such as in her song “Forever… (is a long time)” which discusses how her paranoia and anxiety that can harm a relationship.

The three interludes in “Manic” cover three types of love, featuring three different artists. The first one, “Dominic’s Interlude” features Dominic Fike and is about brotherly love. The second “Alanis’ Interlude” with Alanis Morissette is about loving women and sexual and professional empowerment. And the third “SUGA’s Interlude” is where SUGA of BTS touches on self-love.

“I HATE EVERYBODY” is an important song for Halsey regarding her self-image. Her self-worth can often be equated by what other celebrities think is valuable, so she gets with them to earn that same respect that people have for such a star, and she is sick of it.

Halsey’s song “3am” is reminiscent to the style of the early 2000s with the heavy guitar and belting vocals, and touches further on her need for acceptance and love, and the fear of being alone and undervalued. 

One of Halsey’s most intimate and vulnerable songs on the album has to be “More” which ties in her longing for love — while not necessarily romantic — and to someone who does not exist. Halsey has opened up about having endometriosis and having several miscarriages, and has recently discovered she can have children; at the end of “More,” a sonogram can be heard beeping as the song fades out.

Overall Review: Halsey’s album “Manic” is a manifesto pushing past the heartache and pain she experienced in relationships to who she is as a person and how she has developed throughout the years. I resonated with what Western Howl staff member Ashlynn Norton said when she expressed that, “Halsey’s new album is the poetic self-help book for turning away love and people.” Every song on the album hits heavy while still being something to dance to or cry to; an all around great exploration of Ashley.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of http://www.manicthealbum.com/

Podcasts, convenient and endlessly entertaining:

Never Retallack  | Entertainment Editor

Podcasts are a form of fictional or nonfictional storytelling online, which have been around since at least 2004, but it wasn’t until 2017 that they started rising in popularity. The sheer amount of podcasts available can be daunting when approaching. So, I have compiled a list of what I believe are some of the best podcasts in 2020.

  1. “And That’s Why We Drink”: This, in my opinion, has the perfect blend of genres to listen to. This podcast features two friends, Christine and Emily, who drink wine and milkshakes while discussing true crime stories and ghost stories, all while having playful banter and providing lots of comedic relief. A good laugh, while intertwined with dark and interesting history.
  2. “Spooked”: Hosted by Glynn Washington, this podcast immerses the listener with tales of the supernatural, while incorporating scary sound effects to create an absolutely chilling tale of horror. These are also based on nonfictional experiences, and the reactions of those dealing with ghosts is interesting to hear.
  3. “Sooo Many White Guys”: Contrary to the title of this podcast, it features those who are not white guys, allowing artists who are women and people of color on the show to discuss difficult subject matter, like obstacles which heterosexual white men can avoid. The host, comedian Phoebe Robinson, jokes casually with her guests, and makes listeners feel like they are sitting right there.
  4. “Gay Future”: This fictional podcast covers a hilarious dystopian society in 2062 where everyone is gay, except for Mikey Pence who must save the world from the authoritarian gay agenda. It flips homophobia upside down but isn’t hurtful or snarky. It is an interesting listen and incredibly fast-paced.
  5. “Blackout”: This is a post-apocalyptic thriller with Rami Malek as the host, intertwining authentic audio that instills fear into the listeners. This fictional tale set in New Hampshire after a nationwide power outage; is a truly unsettling podcast that is interesting every step of the way.

 

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of https://www.andthatswhywedrink.com/

Wolves have first meet at the University of Portland

Hannah Greene  | Sports Editor

This last weekend, Jan. 25 and 26, the Western Track and Field team stuck closer to home, competing at the University of Portland. This was the first time any of the Wolves had ever competed here and what a surprise it was.

Entering into the facility, everything sparkled and seemed new and exciting until one saw the track. The track was not banked, having a slight tilt, and there were only three lanes, making each heat very small or too crowded. Spectators had a difficult time viewing the competitions due to the basketball stands being built on the outside of the lanes, causing blocked views all the way around. There were small gaps where viewers could see runners, and after a few seconds they were out of view. This track measured out to be 240 meters, comparative to University of Washington’s 307 meters and Washington State University’s which is 200 meters, making it difficult for runners to keep track of where they actually were in their race. Though the track was different the Wolves proved to overcome and make it the top results.

In the Men’s 800 Hunter Hutton, sophomore, placed second with a time of 1:56.4, followed by Emmett Klus, first year, and Trey Reed, junior, taking sixth and seventh. 

Hunter Mosman, a junior, placed seventh overall in the Men’s 3000 with a time of 8:41.83 — Mosman’s first time running the 3K since high school. The Wolves’ 4×400 meter relay men’s team took first with a time of 3:24.75, starting with Deshaun Stevens, a first year, to Reed, to Klus and finishing with Max Carmona, sophomore. The Wolves also had men that finished with top marks in the high jump, long jump and weighted throw.

In the Women’s 60 meter dash, Maya Hopwood, first-year, took first with a time of 7.62 and first in the 200 meter dash with a time of 26.10. Following those, Ana Popchock, a junior, and Bethanie Altamirano, sophomore, took ninth and tenth in the 400 meter dash. 

In the mile event, Jillian Greene, first-year, placed second with a time of 5:10.79. The 60 meter hurdles called for two Wolves placing, both Popchock and Jenelle Hurley, first-year. Kalulusno Ngaida, sophomore, took first again in the high jump followed by Hurley and Darian Wilson, a junior, in the long jump. Ending the women’s events was Moana Gianotti, junior, who threw 15.06 meters in the weighted throw, placing first overall.

Next week the Wolves head back up to Washington to compete in the University of Washington Invitational on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

 

Contact the author at hgreene18@wou.edu

Photo by Hannah Greene

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