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NEWS PAGE 3 OPINION PAGE 9 CULTURE PAGE 12 LEISURE PAGE 19
FSU election campaign begins Should voting be mandatory? Exploring mental health What a new Netflix series says
stigma in ethnic groups about internet sleuthing
Volume 53 Issue No. 12 March 5, 2021 theinterrobang.ca
2 INTERACTIVE Volume 53 Issue No. 12 March 5, 2021 theinterrobang.ca
CONTRIBUTORS
Ilhan Aden, Salma Hussein, Ian Indiano,
COLUMNISTS
Chris Miszczak, Michael Veenema
FROM THE
Skylar McCarthy, Hannah Theodore
COMICS EDITOR Angela McInnes
PHOTOGRAPHERS Laura Billson, Alan Dungo,
PUBLICATIONS Anthony Labonte, Chris Miszczak,
MANAGER Daniel Gouveia Andres Silva It’s March, 2021, and you know We’re two issues away from the
John Said what that means… end of the year, with the next one
jsaid@fanshawec.ca ILLUSTRATORS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS The sun is shining. The snow out on stands on March 19. In the
519.452.4109 x. 6320
Lance Dagenais, Cheyenne Dockstader, Lance Dagenais, Gary Hopkins, is melting. London has moved meantime, you can keep tabs on us
Ian Indiano Jessica Wilson into orange-restrict zone under through our Facebook, Instagram
EDITOR Ontario’s COVID-19 response and Twitter channels.
Angela McInnes framework as we continue to
a_mcinnes2@fanshawec.ca Mission Statement: The Interrobang is a contend with a worldwide pan- And so it goes,
student-funded, student-run newspaper at
519.452.4109 x. 6323
Fanshawe College published by the Fanshawe
demic. And most importantly, the
College Student Union. It serves the student Fanshawe Student Union (FSU)
ADVERTISING readership by reporting news involving the elections are upon us once more.
Deena Griffin
Fanshawe campus community, surrounding Sitting from atop my perch in
areas and student activities across Canada. The
d_griffin5@fanshawec.ca Interrobang strives to be impartial in its reporting
the Student Centre, I can’t even
519.452.4109 x. 6325 and believes in the public’s right to know. begin to imagine how difficult this
Land Acknowledgment: Interrobang acknowledges that our office year has been for post-secondary
is situated on the shared traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg, students. As Canada’s vaccina-
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Haudenausaune, Lenaapeewak, and Attawandaron peoples. The tion plan gradually unfolds, it
Darby Deline First Nations communities of our local area include Chippewas of seems we may have established
the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames, and Munsee
ddeline@fanshawec.ca
519.452.4109 x. 6321
COVER: Delaware Nation. We affirm the importance of our relationship with a marginal sense of normalcy in
Megan Easveld Indigenous peoples and students at Fanshawe College. our lives; but getting there was
Legal: Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this newspaper reflect the views of the not easy.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. All photographs With that in mind, I’d like to
Megan Easveld are copyright 2021 by Fanshawe Student Union. All rights reserved. The Interrobang is printed extend my heartfelt admiration
by McLaren Press Graphics, 1021 Langford Drive, Gravenhurst ON P1P 1R1 and published
m_easveld47176@fanshawec.ca weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., Room SC2001,
and congratulations to all those
519.452.4109 x. 6332
London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. who are participating in this year’s
Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All elections. To those in the running
letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online at for positions as directors, on the
VIDEOGRAPHER
theinterrobang.ca by following the Interrobang links. Board of Governors or as pres-
Brendan Beamish Proud Member Of: Canadian University Press (CUP), Ontario Community Newspapers ident, you’ve already won for
b_beamish5@Fanshawec.ca
519.452.4109 x. 6326
Association (OCNA). your efforts and perseverance.
With contributions by: The Western Gazette. The same goes to all students who
have made it this far, and are still
WEBSITE & SOCIAL
MEDIA COORDINATOR PLEASE reading up on the latest in student
RECYCLE news. Hats off to you.
Allen Gaynor
agaynor@fanshawec.ca
519.452.4109 x. 6324
theinterrobang.ca
fsuinterrobang interrobang_fsu fsuinterrobang Letters to the Editor: fsuletters@fanshawec.ca
fsuinterrobang interrobang_fsu fsuinterrobang NEWS 3
Are student politics more
tedious than titillating?
Ilhan Aden
INTERROBANG
In a time where politics are paral-
lel to an episode of House of Cards,
the theatrics have become over-
whelmingly more important than
the policies themselves.
With that has come a revital-
ized energy, igniting a fire within
those who typically abstain from the
monotony of politics — especially
amongst youth.
But why then has that effect not
trickled down to student politics, at
least here at Fanshawe College?
I had the pleasure of sitting with
Ricardo De Souza, the Commu-
nication and Student Advocacy
Coordinator for the Fanshawe Stu-
dent Union (FSU).
Currently in his last year of the
human resource program, De Souza
has spent the year working closely
with class reps, clubs and academic
appeals, developing a keen under-
standing of student needs. CREDIT: EMILY STEWART (FILE PHOTO)
?!: Do you think students What place does student politics have in our world?
are interested in politics at
Fanshawe? have the opportunity to get to know going to take to entice students have to continue what we are doing get more involved and more aware
I don’t have a real perception each other. But I think in general, to be more engaged with politics and put more students as the face of of what is happening.
because this online environment when you have to engage with a at the FSU next year? the FSU, [more] than we do already. ?!: Lastly, is there anything
kind of spread all the opinions and large group, it’s been tough because Oh, this is a hard question ?!: On average, about 20 else you’d like to add?
it’s hard to understand how [stu- people feel overwhelmed [passing] because I have a perspective here per cent of the eligible student I think we are passing through
dent politics] are happening this their days in front of a computer. about Canada. population vote in FSU a super hard moment socially, and
year. I’ve [been] living here for In that case, we are trying to We have a lot of diversity with elections. Do you find that to be I think during the past [few] years
one year and two months, so for engage with students [by being] many people coming from other a shocking number? we have [seen] a super polarization
this time we basically [have been] more dynamic in our meetings. For countries, including myself. So Yes, I do. I’m sadly surprised. between many, many sides.
in the pandemic. I feel that the pan- example, in a meet and greet we sometimes this doesn’t allow stu- And, I think that again, — I don’t I think social media is helping,
demic decreased the engagement of don’t just have a lecture, [instead] dents to see the long-term — which want to be repetitive, but — I think but now I think, especially at col-
students in activities in general — we try to involve more people to is what politics is all about. when an international student comes lege, we can use Fanshawe as a
including politics, because we are tell their stories, to share their opin- Sometimes people just come here here, it takes a while to adapt to means to unite us [and] put us on the
not together. ions and to build a collaborative to study and then go back to their understand how [politics] works same path [in] fighting for our rights
?!: How have you been able meeting. countries. Sometimes they don’t [here] and that we have elections. and fighting for better conditions.
to —if you were able to— So, yeah, it’s hard to keep people know how politics works here. For example, in [home country] We have an amazing school here.
engage with students on a more engaged, but we are trying and we I think this is a huge challenge in of Brazil, we don’t have this kind I know many people are willing to
personal level, both through are getting better results now after general that we have to face because of union, so we have to adapt and hear us and help us escalate our con-
your job and as a Fanshawe almost one year. We have to go this we have different backgrounds, dif- adjust ourselves. [It can be] over- cerns and that [can] make all the
student? way or [the momentum] will stop ferent [understandings] of politics, whelming at the beginning when difference.
[As a student], it’s kind of and stopping is not an option. and different opinions. you are starting your program and We have all the tools; we just have
easier because we have a subject ?!: Based on your experience We cannot do politics overnight, starting to live in a new country, to [combine] our forces together to
in common usually, so we would this year, what do you think it’s so to engage students, I think we I think just after a year, students make a difference — as it should be.
Director, coordinator running for FSU president
back to the College that embraced career services to assist students in
Angela McInnes my potential and gave me so many job hunting.
INTERROBANG wonderful opportunities,” De Akter described her own platform
Souza said. as focusing on creating a sense of
The 2021 Fanshawe Student Akter, also an international stu- inclusivity to students across Fan-
Union (FSU) election has two pres- dent, said she wants to transition shawe’s many campuses, as well
idential candidates looking to move from director to president so she as promoting the FSU’s online
up in their current roles within the can ensure students are seen and activities.
organization. heard by their union. Aside from the presidential role,
Naznin Akter has been involved “If I were to get the position, my six students are running for direc-
with the FSU as a director since first main priority would be serv- torial positions: Sana Abidi, Dany
May 2020. Her opponent, Ricardo ing the students,” Akter said. “We Joshua Bilapati, Bradley Gerard
De Souza, is presently serving as cannot make everybody happy but Okelly, Siddarth Patel, Franck
the FSU’s communications and I would want to try as much as pos- Albert Sigah and Vatsal Prakash-
student advocacy coordinator. sible to sort their issues and listen bhai Tripathi.
Both told Interrobang in sepa- to their voices.” Three are running for the
rate interviews that they now want During the Zoom interviews, Board of Governors: Tom Hutchi-
to facilitate change using what posted for students to view on Inter- son-Hounsell, Vaishvik H. Desai
they’ve learned about leadership robang’s website and social media and Gurram Lakshmi Sai.
during a challenging academic year. channels, both candidates high- Campaigning for the elec-
De Souza is completing his last lighted the issues they felt were tion begins March 8. Directors
term in human resources at Fan- important. will give speeches via Zoom on
shawe. As an international student, De Souza noted endorsing FSU March 9 at 7 p.m., and presiden-
he has previously studied social programs such as bus passes, sexual tial speeches, with a question and CREDIT: ANGELA MCINNES
communications and linguistics. awareness, and initiatives reduc- answer period, will take place on It’s been a challenging year, but students are forging ahead by taking part in the 2021
He said becoming FSU president ing the cost of academic expenses March 11 at 7 p.m. Fanshawe Student Union elections.
is about raising students’ voices. for students like the used book Campaigning ends on March 17
“We have many ways to make a shop, the Sharing Shop and the at 2 p.m. be announced on March 17 at 3 p.m. via fsu.ca/elections-question.
difference and promote change, and bike-sharing program. He also Voting takes place March 15 to Students can submit their ques- To learn more about the FSU
this is the path I’ve chosen to give emphasized working closely with March 17, 2 p.m. The winner will tions to the presidential candidates elections, go to fsu.ca/elections.
4 NEWS Volume 53 Issue No. 12 March 5, 2021 theinterrobang.ca
Want your voice heard
when it comes to energy?
by incorporating young people
Skylar McCarthy into that decision-making process
INTERROBANG is invaluable.”
But how do students have their
Student Energy, a global youth- voices heard? Student Energy has
led organization, is creating a connections to key decision-mak-
Global Youth Energy Outlook ers and some core-funding
(GYEO), a report to outline young partnerships with Sweden’s Min-
people’s specific priorities for istry of Environment and Energy,
energy transition and what they Stockholm’s Environment Insti-
want to see in terms of climate tute and Denmark’s Ministry of
change globally. Foreign Affairs just to name a few.
Helen Watts is senior director They also have knowledge part-
of Global Partnerships at Student ners that support the research and
Energy. She spoke to Interrobang analysis phase of the GYEO by
on the origins of the organization. peer reviewing, engaging to other
“We started in Calgary in 2008, networks and mentoring the team.
and were started by a group of But there are different challenges
three students at the University of for different places.
Calgary who were starting to get That’s why this outlook will
internships in the energy sector develop 10 global regions and
and wanted to bring up these ideas create different roadmaps to tran-
around sustainability and justice, sition to renewable energy to 2030.
and just really weren’t given space Thompson said that the ques-
to speak about these issues,” Watts tionnaire was meant to be as broad
said. “They decided to really take as possible to try and not assume
things into their own hands and what young people want. “That
start this global movement of kind of open-minded approach is
young people who want to be part how we begin to tackle that, within
of the transition to a sustainable the actual report itself. I think it’s
energy future. It started with an going to be very important not
international conference and has only to show the general data glob-
then spiralled into other projects ally, but also to break it down into
and programs like our post second- those countries and those regions,”
ary level chapters program.” Thompson says. “This question-
Connor Thompson is also a proj- naire is leading into what we’re
ect manager for Student Energy. calling regional dialogues, where
He is in charge of the GYEO and we’re able to use the data from the
said that nothing like this has ever questionnaire, to guide smaller
been done before. focus groups to narrow in on those
“If you go online and look regional issues”
for energy outlooks, you’ll find Watts says that even though
quite a few. There’s been quite a issues like energy feel really com-
bit of research in this space. But plex, everyone should have their
what’s been lacking is the focus on voices heard. “When we come
young people,” Thompson stated. together as a movement and a uni-
“Being able to gather that much fied voice, we really take back our CREDIT: PROVIDED BY GLOBAL YOUTH ENERGY OUTLOOK
data on what young people want power and our voice in the space,” A Vancouver-based organization, Student Energy, is asking for your help in making your voice heard.
for the future of energy and put said Watts. “That’s really where
that data into the hands of decision I think young people right now The questionnaire currently ly/gyeo. For more information visit studentenergy.org/program/
makers and show them the value have the most opportunity to really has over 4,000 participants aged and to participate in the Global outlook.
of youth, and what can be gained make an impact and be heard.” 18 to 30. It can be found at bit. Youth Energy Outlook, please
Expert: More time at home means higher risk of fires
more people cooking at home, that something could go wrong. and temperatures spike and drop,
Hannah Theodore increases the chances of ignition “We’re working in basements or Donati said it’s more important
INTERROBANG sources from cooking accidents. part of the home where maybe it’s now than ever to be mindful of
“That’s the number one cause of not as insulated,” said Donati. “So these risks so as to avoid any future
If you’ve been hearing sirens house fires is cooking, unattended you want that extra heat.” fires in the home.
more often in London recently, cooking,” said Donati. “And it con- Separate from the pandemic, Part of the reason why fires have
you’re not alone. tinued, that trend continued with erratic changes in weather brought been increasing in the London
There have been 103 fatal house COVID. Especially because more on by climate change could be region could be due to a lack of fire
fires in Ontario in 2020, and people are at home cooking.” having an impact on the instance education amid COVID-19. Inspec-
already 25 fatal fires in Ontario so Suspicious fires have also been of fires in London. We’ve seen tions for homes have switched to
far this year. As with so much else, on the rise in London recently, the devastating impacts that cli- a virtual format, while group ses-
the COVID-19 pandemic could be with at least four ongoing cases in mate change has had on the forests sions and workplace training will
to blame. the region as of March 2. Still, the of California, but how do rapidly have also shifted to Zoom.
Frank Donati is the program number one cause remains human changing weather conditions affect “So fundamentally, the legis-
coordinator for Fanshawe’s Fire error in the home. the risk of fires here? Donati said lation still requires some of that
Inspection and Fire Safety pro- “If you’re busy trying to do a it all comes down to how we’re work to be done,” said Donati.
gram. He explained that more time teleconference call, or a Zoom maintaining our heating and cool- “And I think everything’s triaged
in our homes, opens the doors for call... and I’m hungry, I’m trying to ing systems. to what is what is a significant risk,
a higher risk of fires in the home. get my KD done at the same time. “We are in Canada, we are a right, those immediate threats need CREDIT: JASON MACDONALD (FILE PHOTO)
“We’ve had a fundamental And then you and I get thoroughly northern country, we have climate to be dealt with and other things, Fanshawe’s Fire Inspection and Fire
change in how we’re living our involved in our conversation and change that we know,” he said. “So whether the routine, you know, the Safety program coordinator, Frank Donati
said COVID-19 could be to the blame for
lives, right, with so many people boom, the next thing you know, we when we have wild fluctuations.... paperwork can be submitted, and increase of recent fires in the home.
working from home, as opposed got a fire,” said Donati, explaining it’s making sure that the stuff we some of these things can be done
to going to the workplace, habits how easily unattended cooking can have in our home, those systems, from a distance.” are operating and prepared. Most
change, we’re doing different lead to a fire in the home. the heating, the cooling, even the So with inspection routines dis- importantly, always be maintain-
things where we’re using our Other common causes are often life safety systems or appliances, rupted and more risk of fires in ing home appliances and seeking
homes differently,” he said. linked to the weather. Our heat- that you take the time to do the the home, what can be done to out fire education where you can.
Cooking remains the number ing systems and electrical power proper maintenance, you take care avoid any potential risks? Donati “And pay attention to what
one cause of fires in Ontario, at sources are operating at full capac- of them and ensure that they’re explained that as always, the best you’re doing,” said Donati. “Being
around 18 per cent, according to the ity for longer while people work working correctly.” thing you can do is make sure things distracted can be deadly.”
Ontario Government. With so many from home, increasing the risk that As winter shifts into spring like smoke alarms and exit routes
fsuinterrobang interrobang_fsu fsuinterrobang NEWS 5
A look into London’s
mass vaccination plan
Salma Hussein
INTERROBANG
The London health Sciences Centre
(LHSC) has opened COVID-19 vac-
cination clinics in partnership with
Middlesex London Health Unit
(MLHU). The first recipient of the
vaccine at the newly opened clinic was
Karen Dann, a long-term care home
worker at Country Terrace.
Currently there are two vaccine clin-
ics opened and operating. The LHSC
site is located at the Western Fair
District Agriplex and has been open
since December. The second clinic
is located at the Caradoc community
Centre in Mount Brydges. However,
the MLHU is making preparations for
the opening of two additional COVID-
19 vaccination sites.
Still closed at the moment for safety
and preparation, the new clinics will
be located at North London Optimist CREDIT: KIATTISAKCH
Community Centre, 1345 Cheapside The Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU) is opening new vaccine clinics and expanding eligibility.
St. (North London) and Earl Nichols
Recreation Centre, 799 Homeview about what is being done to reach limiting factor is the vaccine supply. to help with staffing the phone lines and not first in the queue for phase
Rd. (South London). seniors when they are eligible. We can ramp up to 1,500 easily with for the vaccine booking, and we’ll two. I would anticipate that we are
Expanding eligibility will include “We’re planning to work with phar- the capacity we have… we can ramp definitely make sure that the web- able to start offering vaccines to that
Indigenous adults over the age of 55 macare providers and health care up beyond that with the two mass clin- site is ready to go for the volumes we population in April,” said Mackie.
and older community members who providers, who would have rosters of ics, if and when, the vaccine supply is expect,” Mackie said. Providing to different dosages with
are above the age of 80, in addition to clients and be able to easily identify available to do so,” said Mackie. Increased eligibility also raises the a large time gap in-between will be an
the list of frontline healthcare work- those that are over 80 to be able to get The MLHU has also launched an issue of whether or not people will be obstacle to vaccinating the homeless
ers and other healthcare staff that are that information directly out to them,” online appointment system to help eager to obtain the vaccine. However, population. However, the potential of
already eligible. Mackie said. facilitate the mass vaccination. there has not been enough vaccine a one-dose vaccine could help speed
“The access through the mass vac- He added that family and friends “We have an online booking today for everybody that wants it. up the process.
cination clinics will be provided for will be called to help. system… this great system allows This is an optimistic step towards herd “You can imagine there are signif-
Indigenous adults,” said Dr. Chris “The other thing that we will be us to segregate appointments to sub- immunity. icant logistical challenges, the most
Mackie, the medical officer of health doing is, we’ll be asking family and populations and links in well with London has a large homeless important one being the fact that we
for the MLHU in a Feb. 25 media friends to make sure that people who telephone-based appointments… for population that is at high risk for have a two-dose vaccine at this point.
briefing before revealing future vac- they know are eligible over 80 are able those who don’t have access to the contraction of the virus, and there are It’s relatively straight forward to get
cine accessibility plans for the local to get an appointment as quickly as internet, we are still able to make those plans to integrate them in the mass out to the shelter, for example, and
indigenous communities in London. possible.” appointments.” vaccination plan. offer one dose; but to make sure to
“[In the future] we will also pro- With the increase in eligibility for In preparation for the influx of eli- “We have seen in some places of same clients happen to be there three
vide access right on the indigenous the vaccine, plans for capacity to gible people, MLHU is working with the world, the population of those who or four weeks later when they go back
communities in partnership with accommodate are in motion. The City of London to help with the are homeless are at increased risk for for the second dose is a bit of a chal-
indigenous leaders in the community “At the moment we are vaccinat- process. acquiring COVID and of having a lenge. [If] the Johnson & Johnson
and indigenous healthcare providers.” ing over 1,100 people per day in the “We have been working with The poor outcome if they do. So, they are vaccine, which is just one dose, gets
With the addition of the 80-plus Middlesex and London area. So, we City of London, [they] have offered definitely in the prioritization frame- approved in Canada before [April]
community, concerns were raised have capacity for more right now, the their emergency operation centre… work. They are phase two at this point then that would be a huge addition.”
New Fanshawe College partnership connecting
military-connected students with trade jobs
“And so they are able to place the supports to military-connected stu-
Hannah Theodore military-connected people in those dents. The partnership with H2H
INTERROBANG positions at either a level one, level is yet another way that Fanshawe
two, level three or journeyperson is striving to help transfer mil-
On Feb. 22, Fanshawe Col- apprentice based on their academic itary skills to high skilled trade
lege announced that it would be experience, plus through military positions.
partnering with the non-profit experience.” But the partnership is helping
organization, Helmets to Hardhats O’Neill further explained the more than just students.
(H2H). The new partnership aims struggles faced by those transi- “The skilled trades are in very
to help military-connected Fan- tioning away from military life into high demand,” said O’Neill. “And
shawe students find high skilled college life. a lot of people are not pursuing
trade job opportunities. “Post-secondary is very indi- the skilled trades anymore. So
H2H has been helping veterans in vidualistic, you’re there on your it’s going to rejuvenate the skilled
Canada find jobs since 2012. Fan- path,” explained O’Neill. “Your trades, it’s going to help with those CREDIT: FANSHAWE COLLEGE
shawe has been actively working to goal is in employment, future labour gaps and help the industry Fanshawe College has partnered with Helmets to Hardhats to help connect military
cement its place as a military-con- employment. And so some of the itself rebuild.” students to the trades.
nected college, by helping students challenges they face is, they feel Students across various programs
transition from service life to civil- that they’re not part of the college will be able to take advantage of but upon further research, she was has only been amplified by this
ian life. community. Sometimes they feel the resources provided by H2H. pleased to find that one of H2H’s latest partnership. O’Neill feels
Fanshawe is the first college in isolated. Oftentimes, they have a O’Neill said H2H focuses primarily employers does connect with culi- confident that the partnership with
Canada to partner with H2H. Fan- sense of anxiety around returning on connecting students to appren- nary arts students. H2H will be a powerful stepping-
shawe’s Director of Employment to learning, particularly if they’ve ticeships and journeyperson roles. “If you go to the oil sands, there’s stone in helping military-connected
and Student Entrepreneurial Ser- been in leadership roles. And all of That extends to students in prop- camps there,” she explained. “And students get to work.
vices, Darlene O’Neill said the a sudden now they’re in a student erty management and engineering. they hire culinary people. So abso- “There’s so many opportunities
partnership just made sense. role, which is a little different.” What’s more, the partnership even lutely. And Suncor is one of the that are going to be open for our
“[H2H] have really strong Fanshawe’s shift to becoming a extends to students in the culinary employers they deal with.” students,” said O’Neill. “And we’re
employer relations, much like we military-connected college seeks arts. At first, O’Neill wasn’t sure Fanshawe’s commitment to really excited about it. And I just
do, but different ones,” she said. to ease that transition by providing if the program would be included, being a military-connected college think it’s a fantastic partnership.”
6 NEWS Volume 53 Issue No. 12 March 5, 2021 theinterrobang.ca
Western plans
for on-campus
COVID-19 vaccine
site fall through
Andy Yang
GAZETTE
Tentative plans for an on-campus
COVID-19 vaccination site have
fallen through after consultations
with the MLHU and the city.
According to Western Univer-
sity’s president, Alan Shepard, the
CREDIT: KIWIS university was in discussions with
Up to 6,000 students training to be PSWs in Ontario can get free tuition as part of the new Accelerated PSW Training Program. the Middlesex-London Health Unit
and was keen to have a vaccination
Province announces free clinic on Western’s campus to serve
both Western and the larger London
community.
CREDIT: COURTESY OF CREATIVE
COMMONS / PAN AMERICAN HEALTH
ORGANIZATION
tuition for PSW students
But, the MLHU and Western There will not be an on-campus
determined the idea was not feasi- COVID-19 vaccination site at Western
University.
ble because the vaccination centre
— which would have been located
on the ground-floor of the Western “We’re sorry we couldn’t help the
after three months. Graduates will when and where residents need it,” Student Recreation Centre — would community that way,” said Shepard.
Angela McInnes enter the workforce with full creden- said Ford. “We will achieve this by have to be open in the fall. “But, we respect the decisions and
INTERROBANG tials after just six months.” recruiting and training some of our “We told [the MLHU] that by the [the MLHU is] trying to do their best
Premier Doug Ford made the best and brightest to be PSWs. This end of August our students will be for all of us.”
The Ford government has announcement on Feb. 24, along will improve the quality of life for back,” Shepard said. “We didn’t feel The MLHU said they could not
announced a new program offering with Minister of Long-Term Care our seniors and begin to correct the like we could do that. So we could comment on the negotiations.
free tuition to students training to be Dr. Merrilee Fullerton and Minister decades of neglect in this sector.” devote that space until the end of According to Mills, the univer-
personal support workers (PSW). of Colleges and Universities Ross The province launched A Better August and they really needed it sity will continue to have a dialogue
The province is investing over Romano. Place to Live, A Better Place to into the fall, so they’ve elected to regarding the potential of a vac-
$115 million to train up to 8,200 The tuition-free Accelerated PSW Work: Ontario’s Long-Term Care go elsewhere.” cine clinic with the city and health
new PSWs to meet high demand in Training Program will be open for Staffing Plan in December last year Matt Mills, Western’s director of unit as doses become more widely
Ontario’s health and long-term sec- 6,000 students and is expected to as part of its long-term care strategy. health, safety and well-being, offered available.
tors. The program will be offered take only six months to complete, It is investing $1.9 billion annually a similar statement. The MLHU has since selected
to all 24 publicly assisted colleges rather than the typical eight months. by 2024/2025 to increase the hours “Unfortunately, this was not fea- the North London Optimist Com-
starting in April 2021, including Following three months of course- of direct care to an average of four sible as the clinic would need to munity Centre and the Earl Nichols
Fanshawe College. work and experiential learning, hours per day over four years. operate until the end of the fall term Recreation Centre as COVID-19
“Fanshawe is very pleased students will complete the final three Fanshawe College is working with and we were not able to provide vaccination clinic sites, in addition
the Province has introduced this months in paid onsite training in a the province to develop the details the type of space that would meet to the current vaccination clinics at
accelerated PSW program,” said long-term care home or in a home or of the program, including the intake their needs.” the Western Fair District Agriplex
Fanshawe’s corporate communica- community care environment. and application process. Details Currently, the ground floor of and the Caradoc Community Centre
tions officer, Karrie Burke. “As the In addition to the upcoming pro- will be announced in the upcoming the recreation centre is used for in Mount Brydges.
Premier outlined, this new program gram, around 2,200 current PSW weeks and posted on fanshawec.ca. COVID-19 testing for the Western The MLHU has also declined to
provides funding to cover tuition and students will be eligible to receive Registration for the program will community. Other facilities within comment on other facilities con-
funding for expenses like textbooks a tuition grant of $2,000 to help see be available through the Ontario the recreation centre are operating sidered for vaccination sites due to
and other supplies and students will them through their studies. College Application Service and is at reduced capacity. confidentiality.
be provided with volunteer oppor- “We are taking monumental steps expected to open in early March. Shepard expressed his disap- With files from Emily Tayler,
tunities early in the program and to protect our most vulnerable and pointment that the plans were Editor-in-Chief, and Rebekah
participate in paid work placements provide the highest quality of care unsuccessful in a recent interview. Rodrigues, News Editor.
Off the Radar: What’s going on in the world
Normally the number of the “elite years in a church in Herefordshire,
Ian Indiano controllers” is less than one per England, a discoloured painting of
INTERROBANG cent. The study looked at samples the Last Supper has been linked to
taken from HIV positives between the artist Tiziano Vacellio. Titian, as
A good leader sees the whole 1987 and 2019. The causes for this he’s better known, was one of the
picture. It knows everything that is phenomenon are still unclear, but most important Italian High Renais-
happening and doesn’t neglect any further research might contribute sance masters. The discovery came
side. A good leader recognizes that to the development of a vaccine or after the painting was taken to res-
there is no minor issue, and every new treatments. toration, when a hidden signature
situation is legitimate. Dominican Republic to build was found. Among the apostles, a
Being capable of being a good a fence at the Haiti Border possible self portrait was found, as
leader is not an ability required The Dominican president Luis well as possible portraits of Titian’s
only when you have people under Abinader’s announcement does children. The restoration of the 16th
your command. It also comes in not help the already historically century painting still has a long way
handy when you need to take deci- difficult relationship between to go, but the discovery was enough
sions about your own life. Paying Dominican Republic and Haiti. to excite the conservators, since it’s
attention to the world around us President Abinader’s plan for the not every day that a Renaissance
is fundamental to understand your new border barrier includes motion masterpiece is found.
place in society and how your deci- sensors, facial recognition cameras Authors of LGBT Virgin
sions affect others. To be a good and infrared systems. His intention Mary acquitted in Poland
leader is to be a good ally. is to put an end to the “serious prob- Three LGBT activists were found CREDIT: IAN INDIANO
To help you stay aware of what’s lems of illegal immigration, drug not guilty after displaying posters This week in Off the Radar: New advancements in HIV, a wall between Dominican
happening around the world, here trafficking and stolen vehicles.” of the Virgin Mary with a rainbow Republic and Haiti, and a new Renaissance masterpiece.
are five news you should be paying Today, around 500,000 Haitian halo in 2019. The three women
attention to: immigrants live in the Dominican were accused of offending reli- from society”. Poland has been years old, the oldest known rock
New HIV advancements Republic, many of them illegally. gious feelings. The original image going through a rise of conservative art in Australia. By using radiocar-
in Congo Although the costs of this fence used is called “Our Lady of Czesto- movements for a few years now, and bon-dating in ancient mud wasp
A study published in the journal were not disclosed in his announce- chowa” and it is revered by many the charges were supported by some nests found on top and underneath
eBioMedicine is giving hope for a ment, the work on the barrier should Catholic Polish. The activists, who politicians. the painting, scientists were able
HIV cure. Researchers in the Demo- start later this year. could have faced up to two years in Newly discovered kangaroo to estimate its age between 17,500
cratic Republic of Congo found that “New” painting by prison, were protesting against an rock art is the oldest in and 17,100 years old. The painting
four per cent of HIV carriers in the Renaissance master Titian Easter display describing “LGBT” Australia was found in Australia’s Kimberley
country were able to suppress the discovered in England and “gender” as sins, and against Scientists discovered a paint- region, well know for its archaeo-
virus without taking medication. After hanging for more than 100 the “exclusion of LGBT people ing of a kangaroo that is 17,300 logical importance.
fsuinterrobang interrobang_fsu fsuinterrobang OPINION 7
Is a medically assisted
death a good death?
Michael Veenema
RELIGION
I want to tell you a story about what I con-
sider a good death. But first, a few comments
about the current parliamentary discussion on
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).
According to Canada’s Department of Jus-
tice website, Canadians are eligible for Medical
Assistance in Dying (MAID) if they meet cer-
tain criteria. Here they are.
Applicants must be 18 or older and have
access to government funded health services.
They need to be able to make their own health
care decisions and make a voluntary request
for MAID. They must be able to give consent
once they have become informed of options
to relieve their suffering, including palliative
care. There has to be an incurable disease or
disability, the suffering has to be “unbearable,”
and natural death has to be reasonably fore-
seeable. There are other details stated on the
website, but I think this gives a fair picture.
Changes to eligibility requirements, though,
are being considered by the Senate and House
of Commons. There is discussion on the abil- CREDIT: IVAN-BALVAN
ity of people suffering from severe mental Opinion: For Christians, a human being is not merely the subject of mental and physical health care administrators.
disabilities to access MAID. The Department
of Justice website states that people suffering for pain relief and long-term or palliative care. lies behind this is the experience that facing mother’s situation. She remained on life sup-
solely from mental conditions would be banned Connected with this, we do not want people suffering creates tangible experiences of love, port, kept alive by a respirator.
from access. However, CTV (website, Feb. 14) to hurry us off the stage either. It sometimes compassion, courage, endurance, and solidar- I spoke with her son and his wife. There was
reports that consideration is being given to put- happens that family and friends withdraw sup- ity with family and friends. Partly what lies consultation with the doctor and less formal
ting a time limit of 18 months on the ban. port for a very ill individual because it is hard behind this is the conviction that when we are chats with nurses. We prayed a few times at
In addition, CTV reports that proposed on them, the caregivers. Subtle, but keenly felt on a difficult road, God becomes present to us the bedside — always being sure to include
changes would allow MAID for people who loss of love can push the dying to embrace an in new ways, if we trust him. the dying woman and to speak directly to her
are suffering “intolerably” even if they are not earlier death. And partly what lies behind this is the belief in case her hearing was still functioning. As the
nearing the natural end of their lives. And they You may be aware of the Christian reluc- that human life has intrinsic value. Each person days progressed, a decision was made.
would allow people fearing dementia or “com- tance to support MAID-type initiatives. The is created in the “image” of God. There is I arrived once again. We read a prayer from
parable” disorders to access MAID. Catholic Church has spoken out most strongly something of God in everyone. Therefore, a the Bible (one of the Psalms). We read other
These are very difficult issues. On the one against all forms of killing of the elderly and human being is not merely the object of crim- Bible passages expressing confidence in the
hand, anyone who has seen a loved one suffer ill, whether the methods are titled assisted sui- inal codes and health care policy. A human enduring love of God, in his forgiveness, and
a great deal at the end of their life can sympa- cide, euthanasia, mercy killing, or MAID. (See, being is not merely the subject of mental and in the resurrection of the dead.
thize with the desire to avoid needless indignity for example, Bioethics Matter: Medical Assis- physical health care administrators. The respirator was turned off. There were
and pain. For example, we worry about the tance in Dying: A Review of the Legislation, Now for the story I promised. Some years a few short breaths. Then a longer one. And a
mental anguish that people with dementia Bridget Campion, PhD, Faculty of Theology, ago, I visited an aged woman in London’s Vic- pause in the breathing. The pause did not end.
experience. University of St Michael’s College, Toronto, toria Hospital. She had had a stroke (I think She was gone. A final prayer. Some small talk
On the other hand, people do not want to Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute website, it was). It was doubtful she would recover. about our drives home, and arrangements for
create a system that makes it easy to prema- Feb. 14, 2020.) Over the course of some days I met with her the days ahead.
turely end one’s life. I haven’t done a poll, but Partly what lies behind this reluctance is son and his wife. They were related to me I think it was a good death. And maybe this
I would guess that we want our loved ones and the insistence that all forms of palliative care, through a marriage connection. Like me, they short account of it will be a help when your
friends to not give up on living too quickly. We pain relief, and medical interventions be made were Christians. mother, father, other family member, or friend
want people to maximize the available options available to the suffering person. Partly what As time went on, there was no change in the is breathing their last.
NASA Perseverance rover safely touches down
on Mars: What do the aliens think of us now?
thickened the planet’s atmosphere, trap- Mars’ rocks, who knows what’s watching
Marina Black ping heat that allowed the formation of rain us in the shadows. If this is the case, I won’t
THE CORD clouds, leading to water streams carving blame Marvin the Martian for wanting to
paths on Mars’ surface. blow up Earth if he shows up.
TORONTO (CUP) — On Feb. 18, 2021, NASA hopes Perseverance can uncover I believe Perseverance’s mission to Mars
the National Aeronautics and Space Admin- more of Mars’ fascinating history and will prove fruitful for scientists, but what
istration (NASA) celebrated a successful answer more questions about the possibil- happens if humans ever encounter life from
landing on Mars with its largest and most ities of life on Mars. other planets?
advanced rover, Perseverance. After a sev- On Earth, this is a significant triumph for I don’t suspect them all to be furry cats
en-month-long journey, Perseverance begins NASA, the science community, and demon- named Zunar-J-5/9 Doric-4-7 (Jake for short)
its two-year mission of analyzing the Red strates the ingenuity and perseverance of or sound like Seth Rogen and be named Paul.
Planet’s geology, climate and astrobiology. the human race. But have we thought about Alien life may not even resemble anything
Being the size of a car, Perseverance will space exploration affecting other planets and we know or imagine. CREDIT: CONTRIBUTED TO THE CORD
roam the Jezero Crater as a robotic geologist, their possible inhabitants? Regardless of their composition, every- Opinion: We want to discover alien life, but does it
scooping rocks and piles of dirt and storing Even before research suggested the pos- one runs for the hills when they see Ridley want to be found?
them in its metallic stomach. NASA’s goal is sibilities of life on Mars, science-fiction Scott’s alien get too close to humans, but
to retrieve Perseverance’s collected samples writers theorized other life forms visiting only after the humans have disturbed the existence of aliens; I’ll leave that to the
with future spacecraft missions, marking the Earth. However, the alien is so rarely cred- alien. What happens if we disturb something creative minds of conspiracy theorists. My
first attempted mission to bring Mars rocks ited with discoveries for its species and is or someone that is best left undisturbed? point here is that Perseverance’s mission is
back to Earth. often positioned at mercy of the human. Will space exploration and research lead significant for all of us because it’s mon-
Bringing pieces of Mars to be examined Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad E.T. found to World War A (World War Alien)? Maybe umental in the history and future of space
on Earth would help scientists better under- home, but humans are now at the doorstep not anytime soon, but with our technologi- exploration.
stand the planet’s ancient landscape. of other life forms, wanting to research their cal advancements in the past hundred years, But who knows what Perseverance and
Previous research shows evidence of homes and not daring to ask permission. who knows what will be possible in the next its successors will find and how much of it
volcanic activity on Mars 4 billion years While humans can’t necessarily commu- hundred. will be public knowledge and not locked up
ago. The gas belched from these volcanos nicate with the bacteria colonies found in I’m not trying to convince you of the in Area 51?8 OPINION Volume 53 Issue No. 12 March 5, 2021 theinterrobang.ca
Should voting
be mandatory?
Ian Indiano parties, like when a black rhinoceros from a
INTERROBANG zoo received 100,000 protest votes in the 1958
São Paulo city council elections. The truth is
Countries with a mandatory vote are con- that compulsory voting doesn’t necessarily
siderably fewer than the countries without it. equal to actual political engagement.
Canada, for example, never experienced a Of course, the responsibility of showing up
compulsory vote in its history. This discus- to vote shouldn’t be viewed as completely
sion is still incredibly relevant, and it always individual. We need to examine the social
reappears when we are close to an election. basis of this responsibility. It is the gov-
In those moments most of us question our ernment’s responsibility not only to
social responsibilities and the actual impact engage the population politically,
we have over a system arguably impenetra- but also to honour democracy with
ble in its roots. a system that reaffirms the partic-
Samoa and Bulgaria introduced compulsory ipation, and the sovereignty of
voting quite recently, in 2018 and 2016 respec- people’s needs. It’s not going too far
tively. Other countries, however, repealed it in to claim that probably most people
the last few years too, like Chile, Fiji and Par- that don’t vote are precisely those
aguay, just to illustrate how this issue is still ones who need more representation
very much alive in the contemporary world. in the government.
Before we get to the numbers, we must Bringing it to our microcosmos,
pay attention to the two key words on this let’s think London. In the last 2018
dilemma: right vs duty. In countries where municipal elections the vote turn-
voting is mandatory, it is viewed as a civic out was astonishingly 40 per cent.
duty to community. A responsibility compared When less than half of the eligible
to paying taxes and jury duty. population vote, how can this be
In countries where voting is not manda- possibly described as a democracy?
tory, it is viewed as a civil right, like freedom Every political and governmen-
of speech. And just like freedom of speech tal system is an intellectual abstract
encapsulates the freedom not to speak, human creation, and therefore, can
non-mandatory voting comprehends the right always be changed or replaced
not to vote as an extension of right itself. by a new better one. Maybe the
But this is where things get complicated. vote system is inherently flawed,
Because democracy is such a delicate thing which doesn’t mean that it can’t be
that requires constant maintenance, and improved. As I said before, democ-
because voting is possibly the most import- racy is delicate and needs constant
ant action to maintain it, which one is the best maintenance.
option to keep a functional system? The voting system is just one
Looking at the numbers, in the last election aspect, one mere point on this ocean
in Canada, in 2019, 67 per cent of eligi- of issues. The key to comprehend not
ble Canadians voted. Therefore, around 33 only the flaws but also the possible
per cent decided not to vote, i.e., not to take solutions is to tackle individual and
part of the choosing of our representatives. society collectively. And new ideas
Although these numbers in Canada are more and analysis are abundant.
or less consistent, the last time the voter turn-
out of a federal election was higher than 70
per cent was in 1988.
Also in 2019, in Australia, where vote is
compulsory, the voter turnout was around 91
per cent. When the Netherlands abolished com-
pulsory vote in 1967, the turnout decreased by
20 per cent. Venezuela did the same in 1993
and saw a decrease of 30 per cent.
It seems inevitable that voluntary-voting
countries have to deal with lower turnouts.
And maybe that’s actually the point. It
takes the obligation sense out of the
equation without punishment for
those who chose to abstain. Brazil
is the largest country where vote is
mandatory, and despite the penal-
ties against non-voters, at the 2014
presidential election around 30 mil-
lion people did not vote. Another
consequence of compulsory voting
are the satirical candidates and
CREDIT: IAN INDIANO
Opinion: With the FSU election the question
of mandatory voting reappears.
HAVE AN OPINION? SUBMIT YOUR STORY!
Letters to the Editor: fsuletters@fanshawec.cafsuinterrobang interrobang_fsu fsuinterrobang OPINION 9
Indian farmers continue to protest,
but why is no one talking about this?
capital, New Delhi, on Jan. 26, 2021 — Repub-
Marina Black lic Day in India. While these protests began
THE CORD peacefully, the Indian government labelled the
protestors as dangerous threats, resulting in
TORONTO (CUP) — Back in Decem- protestors being beaten, tear-gassed, and jailed.
ber, I was standing in the Starbucks located Does this remind you of anything?
on University Avenue and King Street, wait- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi — a
ing for my order. Looking out the window, supporter of Donald Trump – repetitively used
I saw a tow truck blocking the green-light traf- harmful language to depict peaceful protestors
fic for a series of cars adorned with colourful as a threat, and met this supposed threat with
posters and flags, honking their way through unprovoked police violence.
King Street. The Indian government is desperately trying
At the time, I knew something was happen- to keep attention away from the New Delhi
ing, but I had no idea I had just witnessed a protests by shutting off the internet in protes-
peaceful protest advocating for the rights of tor camps to reduce the opposition’s influence.
farmers in India. This is a popular technique for the Indian gov-
But why are people in Canada protesting for ernment to employ to stifle news and dissent.
farmers in India? It’s the same reason Cana- However, India is gaining international
dians peacefully protested for Black Lives attention despite Modi’s wishes.
Matter in May 2020 — the violation of human Celebrities such as Rihanna, Greta Thunberg CREDIT: IMAGE CONTRIBUTED TO THE CORD
rights and immoral violence. and Meena Harris (niece of US Vice Presi- Opinion: Pay attention to how supposed democracies respond to protest and dissent.
In September 2020, the Indian government dent Kamala Harris) have shown support for
passed three laws that opened its agriculture the Indian protestors with #FarmersProtest on response to their attempts at trying to fix the Therefore, oppression is met with further
market to privatization. While these laws may Twitter. first problem. suppression.
have been intended to invigorate and global- The Indian government has responded by While countries are beginning to recognize After learning about the farmer protests in
ize India’s farming industry, these laws will no recruiting various Bollywood celebrities to the presence of systemic discrimination, their India and the protest I witnessed in Waterloo,
longer guarantee minimum support for farm- stand in support of their government, labelling governments are not always quick to act on I was heartbroken once again.
ers’ products. protestors as “terrorists” and their advocacy as developing a more inclusive society or pun- We’ve seen images and videos from the
More than half of India’s workers are farm- “propaganda” that hinders India’s sovereignty. ishing those who harm the victims of this Black Lives Matter protests that went sour
ers who are grossly underpaid while India is a While India is at a greater distance from us, systemic discrimination. from unprovoked police violence. The same
leading agricultural exporter. Therefore, with we saw this type of injustice and violence last Without immediate political help, these vic- thing is happening in India, making me ques-
these laws, Indian farmers have no protection May when people took to the streets to protest tims, and their supporters, must take matters tion why peace is met with violence.
against corporate takeover and exploitation, the death of George Floyd and other victims into their own hands and demand attention The troubling message in both the Black
thus hindering their independence and finan- of race-based police brutality. that provokes change. Despite their civility in Lives Matter protests and the Indian farmer
cial protection. The first problem is how these individ- demanding change, powerful people do not protests is that dissent will not be tolerated
Indian farmers called for the repeal of these uals were treated in the first place, and the want to help change the world in a way that and is punishable in what is supposed to be
laws and began to protest outside India’s second problem is how they were treated in does not suit their interests. the world’s largest democracies.
With over 565 cases linked to variants of concern as of March 2, is Ontario really ready to reopen?
Illustration by Lance Dagenais12 CULTURE Volume 53 Issue No. 12 March 5, 2021 theinterrobang.ca
Mental health stigmas exist in
cultural and ethnic communities
CREDIT: CHEYENNE DOCKSTADER
Mental health stigmas still exist today and are influencing people from seeking the help they need.
health issues. She revealed that Now I was dealing with more revealed. The issue stems from the fear stems from the severe preju-
Salma Hussein using words like “crazy”, “cray anxiety and stress than I was before belief that others will judge you and dice placed on people with mental
INTERROBANG cray” or “nuts” in association with because I was told my faith was your family for not having enough illness and how they are regarded
people who have mental health con- weak. After going through that cycle faith or being to weak to face what as dangerous and aggressive. This
Many cultures stigmatize mental ditions has created this shame and a few times, I did my own research plagues your mind. stigma resulted in Asian societies
health issues and underwhelm the fear of having mental health issues, and reached out to different people The author continued to relay becoming less inclined to socially
seriousness of neglecting to address and thus many repress their issues to get new methods of dealing with that the stigma surrounding mental accept those who identify with
its existence. Growing up as a Cana- because of how people around them my anxieties when praying didn’t health issues is worse for women, mental illness.
dian-Egyptian, mental health was will judge. Bryant depicted how do the trick. I realized that this was especially in South Asian com- Societies, cultures, communities,
never thought of as significant her culture saw mental health as a more of a cultural issue than it was munities, because of cultural and people all around the world are
concept in my life until I learned not-legitimate-enough clinical con- a religious one, as religion acknowl- expectations revolving around the still regarding mental health issues
about it and experienced anxiety dition, and a sign of weakness if you edges mental health as more than a gender. as a shameful illness that only
in high school. Oftentimes, when use it as a “crutch.” condition remedied by piety. “They [women] are often shamed affects the weak. Moreover, people
you come from an ethnic back- The words “you just need to be As I grew up and took my own into silence and submission because who do have mental illnesses are
ground and mental health is not stronger” are familiar when con- journey in my faith, I came to the in the more regressive parts of the too afraid to seek help due to the
an acknowledged problem in your fronting your family about your conclusion that you are stronger culture women are seen as belonging stigma and discrimination that sur-
culture, confiding in your parents mental health. “You are weak if when you address an issue and to the family, and mental illness is a rounds mental health.
usually results in one of two ways: you let feelings get the best of you” make the effort to help yourself weakness that lowers their marriage People are raised and taught
to shrug off the feelings because it’s are words that I personally grew up without solely relying on prayers. prospects,” he disclosed. to bottle their emotions and seek
shameful to have them or to pray with, and many others who come So yes, you can pray, but I realized East Asian populations face out faith to solve their ‘weakness’
away your anxieties because if you from cultures that view mental that it isn’t enough to only rely on societal discrimination when pre- in order to avoid the judgment of
are pious enough, it should go away. health as a weakness. God, you have to be proactive in senting with a mental illness. A others. It is a sad reality for many
Mental health disparities and Personally, I grew up in a family helping yourself by seeking help. journal study, titled “Overview of people, but many are sharing their
stigmatization is common in many that also viewed mental health in a In an Independent article by stigma against psychiatric illnesses stories and finding ways to debunk
ethnic cultures, especially those negative light as it’s believed that if Rabbil Sikdar, titled “As a Muslim, and advancements of anti-stigma the stigmas surrounding this issue.
from African, South and East Asian, you have anxiety, stresses, depres- I wish people would stop telling me activities in six Asian societies” It is hard to stray away from cul-
and middle-eastern backgrounds. In sion, or any other mental health that I can just ‘pray away’ my mental talks about the mental health dis- tural norms and the constant need
a blog post on National Alliance on issue, it is because your faith is health problems,” the author shared parities in East Asian countries and to live up to societal expectations,
Mental Illness (NAMI) by Fonda weak and that you aren’t “praying similar apprehension of the culture how families keep their mental ill- trust me, I went through it and I still
Bryant, titled “You can’t ‘pray enough.” It made me feel guilty and of shame surrounding mental health nesses secret to avoid prejudice. am, much like many others. How-
away’ a mental health condition,” even worse as I doubted the strength and using religion as the sole tool to The study found that many people ever, it is important to know that
Bryant talked about the stigmati- of my faith and my relationship “solve” the issue. Sikdar shared that of this demographic felt stressed when you are going through some-
zation of mental health issues in with God. I would start believing pride has a lot to do with the mental from fear of discrimination and thing, there are people that can help
the African American culture as a that God hated me and that I wasn’t health disparities in these cultures. as a result have reduced self-es- you get better. You do not need to
person raised in that community. praying in the right way, or that Having mental health issues can teems and feel alienated due to their bottle your stress or shrug off your
She discussed the stemming I needed to pray more so that these be seen as “something that could mental health issues. anxiety, all you need to do is accept
of shame associated with mental feelings would go away. bring shame to the family” Sikdar The journal revealed that the a helping hand.You can also read
