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The
Clarion
Volume 80, Issue 8
Web Edition
www.brevard.edu/clarion
SERVING BREVARD COLLEGE SINCE 1935
Follow us on Twitter @BCClarion October 22, 2014
Joseph Bathanti responds to questions during the scheduled Q & A. Sophomore Benjamin Blevins pauses for a quick photo with Joseph Bathanti after Photo by Amanda Higgins Below: Bathanti reads his poetry at United the reading.Photo by Samuel Edwards Methodist.
Former NC Poet Laureate visits Brevard College By Amanda Higgins Staff Writer
Yesterday, author and former NC Poet Laureate Joseph Bathanti joined BC students and faculty for dinner, a question and answer session, as well as a reading at the First United Methodist Church. Bathanti is a kind and engaging gentleman who was a very accommodating guest. He was friendly and outgoing to his audience, making them feel at ease with him. Bathanti is from Pittsburg. PA and has both BA and MA degrees in English Literature from the University of Pittsburg. He also holds a MFA in Creative Writing from Warren Wilson College. Bathanti came to NC as a VISTA volunteer to work with prison inmates, and is currently Professor of Creative Writing at Appalachian State University. Last night’s Q and A session took place in MG 214, and was followed by dinner at the Jordan Street Cafe with members of the English Department as well as some students from the English Major. Before the reading began, Bathanti walked the room and talked to people in the crowd allowing them to become comfortable with him. Bathanti's readings took place at 7:30 last night, and he demonstrated his cross-genre reputation
by reading poems and short stories from his published works including: Half of What I say is Meaningless, whose name was taken from the John Lennon song “Julia,” and Concertina, which predominantly consists of tales from his time as a VISTA volunteer working in the NC prison system. As Bathanti regaled the audience with his works, he also took time to offer insight into the circumstances surrounding each piece. When speaking about his short story “Irony” he asked the audience if we thought it was pretty messed up that the nuns made him carry the note that held, as Bathanti put it, “his own death warrant.” When in school, the speaker was informed that bad boys do not get the privilege of carrying notes for their teachers. The first time he was given this elusive privilege, it was to tell the principal that he needed to be disciplined. He was then paddled in front of a class of 8th graders. Bathanti also shared about how he met his wife volunteering through VISTA. In the poem, “Sweet Random,” he speaks about how he and three other VISTA volunteers lived in their boss’s house while trying to find places to live. His future wife, Joan, comes out onto the porch wrapped in a towel,
which he then describes in illustrious detail, communicating how much this woman enamored him. “Sweet Random” invites the audience to watch the beginning of their love story. A celebrated author, Bathanti holds more than six awards for his work in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction essays. We greatly enjoyed having Joseph Bathanti with us yesterday, and invite you to read any one of his great books, which can be found for sale on Amazon.
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Netflix review: ‘Coffee and Cigarettes’
Arts & Life
The Clarion
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October 22, 2014
By Micahel Heiskill Staff Writer
“Coffee and Cigarettes” is another minimalist film that manages to create the everyday conversations people have into an intriguing film. Directed by Jim Jarmusch, this film is a collection of eleven small conversations over coffee and cigarettes. With no seeming connection to one another, these small conversations are condensed and organic. There isn’t a grand, overarching narrative. In that aspect it breaks the rules of storytelling with no rising or falling action or climax of the story. But for this film it works wonders and helps create a sense of uniqueness. IThere is no fantastic sense of stylistic directing and the only score to be heard is the jukebox in the background and the soft sound of a spoon against a coffee cup. Acting suddenly became the most important and noticeable part of the film. With no walls or shields to put up and no pretty distractions, Coffee and Cigarettes was in a strange but dangerous position of having to solely rely on one aspect. But it is done well, especially considering that many of the actors involved aren’t actors by profession. Let’s talk about this cast really quick, for it is an impressive and diverse cast. This film includes the work of Steve Coogan, Alfred Molina, Cate Blanchett, Roberto Benigni, Jack White, Bill Murray, Steve Buscemi, Iggy Pop, Tom Waits and more. That’s as motely a crew of actors as I’ve seen in a film before. Some are better than others, yes. Notably Cate Blanchett in her segment, “Cousins” and Steve Coogan and Alfred Molina in their hilariously awkward segment, “Cousins?” Molina and Coogan play off of each really well and display a great sense of on screen chemistry. “Cousins?” is by far the best of the eleven short films in this movie. Another fantastic aspect of this film is the writing. Incredibly dry humor and realistic dialogue carry this film, which conveys a sense of a real conversation over coffee and cigarettes. This isn’t some Hollywood dialogue. Awkward silences and breaks in conversations are a huge part of this film. These conversationsgive exude the feeling that the audience is sitting a table across from the characters. Overall, this is a fantastic minimalist film. The dryness of the humor and lack of normal ploy structure might turn off some, but those that stay will discover an enjoyable film. I give this film a 4 out of 5 stars and recommend this as a must watch.
Dr. Kristina Holland reenacts Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" with her Engl 112 class. Photo by Jazmin Carlisle
Faculty continues to actualize experiential learning By Kaelyn Martin Staff Writer
Of all the things BC is known for, there is one that sticks out the most, “Experiential Education”. Many courses at BC utilize experiential education, from education classes to communication lessons. Professors Dr. Ralph Hamlet, teacher of Intro to Communication, Political Communication, and Constitutional Law, and Betsy Burrows explain what experimental communication means to them. “It means engaging the student and me experiencing what I teach, as well as having you experience what I teach,” says Hamlet. Burrows adds, “It is involving students planning educational opportunities where they can directly experience and learn knowledge, construct their own knowledge and then focus critical reflections on it.” If one sits in an Intro to Communication class, one cannot help but be active in discussions as Hamlet touches on topics ranging anywhere from, survival of the fittest to political issues. “The course that I teach are experiential in nature, you really experience communication because you are doing it constantly.” Burrows explains that, “For EDU 205 our students are trying to figure out if they want to
be teacher and get an understanding on what it’s like to be a 21st century [teacher] in the school.” This is shown through the Girt Mentoring project, where students go out into the public schools and mentor “at risk” students using the Carol Dweck’s incremental theory of intelligence (growth mindset), and applying it to the students that they’re helping. In doing so, Professor Burrow states that “Students bridge theory and practice.” As with all things in life, experiential education can always improve. “We can always do more with what we teach because it’s experimental, it’s forever changing; it’s not static. It places responsibilities on the professors to look for new opportunities,” reflects Dr. Hamlet Although the concept of experiential learning could use some improvement, it is no doubt that BC is moving in the right direction in regards to providing the ultimate education experience. There is one thing that anyone, be it students or faculty, can conclude, experiential education is here to stay at BC.
October 22, 2014
Opinion
| The Clarion
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Over the Hump: Mountain biking for the average By Mabry Robinson Contributing Writer
The New York City skyline. Photo by Jule Hermann.
Letter to New York City By Jule Hermann Staff Writer
My dear New York, For so long I had been waiting to get to know you. My patience and my determination were tested, but in the end, I always believed that some day we were going to meet. You must know I am from far away. The place I call home is oceans, rivers, and countries away, so many miles from where you are. But now the place I spend most of my days is closer to you than I could've ever hoped. So, I took my chance and started an exciting journey. I have to thank you for every exceptional moment of this adventure, because you were the reason I started it in the first place. You were a dream the moment I first heard about you, when I saw pictures and movies that made me want to jump into them. I’m glad I could finally turn that dream into reality. This journey has showed me once more that the things we want to happen become reality at the most inconvenient times and when we least expect them to. I had not even allowed myself to think that there would be a possibility to visit you anytime soon. Needless to say, you gave me quite the shock, with your high buildings and your energy flowing through streets like blood runs through my veins, day and night. I remember looking up when I first came out of the subway station in Manhattan and feeling like giants surrounded me. From that moment on, you captured me with your excitement and uniqueness. I would not necessarily say you are beautiful, but you are definitely one of a kind. You are beautiful, I guess, but in your own, special way; the way you overwhelm and amaze people, the way this energy of yours is so contagious, and the way the giganticness fades away for a while during a walk in wonderful Central Park.
Maybe it's the way you invaded my senses and stretched them to their limits. The lights of Times Square blinded me in the best possible way; car honks, sirens, and different languages made my ears buzz as I walked through the streets at the end of the day. Sandwiches, pizza, and lemonades in Central Park made me wish I had a bigger stomach. My heart pounded in my ears when I tried to ignore my slight fear of elevators to get to the top of the Rockefeller Center. As funny as that may sound to you, I still can’t believe that thing took me up to the 65th floor in 43 seconds. Once I was on the "Top of the Rock", as they call it, I was greeted by one of the most memorable views I will probably ever see. Watching the sunlight fading only to be replaced by the many lights of your city, it took my breath away. You were sparkling and shining, as if nighttime was nonexistent. You really never, ever sleep. As overjoyed and happy as I was to be standing above you, I had a moment of inexplicable, profound sadness, seeing the memorial of your infamous day of ruin. Seeing the images of the planes flying into the Twin Towers never felt quite real to me. I could never understand how people could do such a thing, until I stood at the very place it happened. And though it was heartbreaking at the time, I still want to thank you because as sad as I felt in that moment, I also began to really understand the consequences of that day. There are so many other things I could talk about, but I would probably end up with pages upon pages. But there are also so many other places I can’t talk about yet, since I did not have the time to journey to their shores. So far, however, you were everything I expected you to be and more. Still, I think we’ve got to see each other again, dear New York. That is, if you’ll have me.
In the town of Brevard we likely all know someone who participates in Mountain Biking. The excellent trails in Pisgah National Forest and DuPont offer miles and miles of intense riding. In this town, the forests have become a major tourist attraction bringing in companies such as Trek, who released a new line of bikes while hosting an event. With all the attention being brought to this sport, more and more people are trying it out for themselves. If you spend a fair amount of time on the trails, you see three distinct types of riders. The first group is the beginners, who are likely out of breath and commenting on the severity of the trail thus far. The second, is the average rider, a little more equipped for success with a fair knowledge of what is to come and the know how to get through it. The third and most rare group, is the expert category. Growing up here I personally have known a couple of people who I considered an expert rider. This group can coast through ten mile rides, take extremely technical trails at high speed, and maintain speed while riding uphill. If you ever find yourself in a position where you are contemplating going mountain biking, ask about the difficulty of the trail. If the person who invited you is a fairly advanced rider, then be cautious before accepting. Make it known that your skill is limited. Daniel’s Ridge trail in Pisgah National Forest would be a horrible choice for a first time rider; it is a blast to ride down however it’s technical, steep, and long. Ridgeline trail in DuPont would be a much more appropriate choice. Mountain Biking is different than any other sport because there are very few inherent dangers if the rider chooses to have that aspect included. In biking you control your speed. The slower you go, the less likely you are to crash. In Basketball you cannot control if someone jumps up and lands on you and hurts you, but inn biking you can virtually assure you don’t get hurt. That being said, if you get hurt expect medical attention to be a long way away. There are few experiences that can take the place of riding through the thick of the forest at moderate speed. It an amazing rush that too little of the population gets to experience. If you choose to ride in an area you aren’t familiar with, do your research, and take someone with you that has ridden the trail previously. So go out and ride a trail sometime, you just might like it.
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Stepping Forward
Opinion
Jackson Lee Stone
For students and faculty, community support preceded the recent legalization of same-sex marriage.
The Clarion
October 22, 2014
For Stone, who has been in a relationship with his girlfriend, Lucy, this news addresses a gray area: it means that those who have not been legally deemed their preferred gender on their birth certificates will now be able to marry someone of the opposite gender, but the same biological sex. Stone is not the only prominent figure on campus that has been impacted by this movement. Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Caroline Mann is open about her own sexuality, as well as her accepting stance towards homosexual or transgender youth. " I would say that they should (if it is important to them to be accepted as their whole self) that they should be open and upfront with their employer and coworkers," Mann said.. But that is just how I am, I would let them know up front you know, like, 'Hi my name is Dr. Mann, I have a dog, and a girlfriend, and I live in Asheville." Mann's attitude reflects the larger fact that BC has, for years, been a haven for a diverse population of students and professionals. Although there is no Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) on campus, students and faculty are encouraged by the positive atmosphere and the increasingly open dialogue about gender and sexuality. For the community at large, NC's recent legalization of same-sex marriage is a step forward. They are proud to now marry in the state they love, without fear of biased lifeinsurance policies and inconsistent courts, while those that married elsewhere may return to a home that now legally recognizes their union. “I’m sure that everywhere I go, there will be people who aren’t as open to it, aren’t accepting, said Stone. "But this is a real. It’s an ever-growing community, and people are starting to be more willing to talk about it"
By Kara Fohner Editor in Chief
A slender intellectual with buzzed blonde hair and glasses, Jackson Lee Stone arrived at Brevard College under a different name, a name that he never truly accepted. During his sophomore year of college, he finally decided to make his announcement: he was, and always had been, male. Now a senior, Stone is one of BC’s most visible transgender students. This is not simply because of his transition, but because he is a role model. During the past three years, his scholarly habits and academic development have earned respect and appreciation from both peers and professors. Stone works as a writing tutor in the AEC, and will likely graduate Magna Cum Laude. A native to Brevard, Stone was here when the controversial debate about Amendment One tore through the community, but throughout the public, often vitriolic dialogue on the nuances of gender, sexuality, and human rights, Stone received consistent support from the faculty and staff at BC. “Growing up here, I guess I was just afraid, just like a lot of trans people are, a lot of gay people are. I wasn’t sure how people would react if I was just out being myself, and that fear of rejection is something that stays on the mind,” Stone said.
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“I’ve known since I was a small child, but I was afraid of those around me and I didn’t want to disappoint people who I cared about and who cared about me. Finally, sophomore year of college, I just said it, and it felt so good to say it.” Stone was officially granted a legal name change on Aug 12, 2014. In the initial time after Stone’s announcement, members of the college community were not sure of the details of his revelation, or even what pronouns to use. Nacole Potts, Assistant Dean for Student Success and a trusted mentor, discovered the confusion and contacted other faculty and staff to explain Stone’s preference. “I just think it’s really cool that the friends that I do have – the network that I have built – it may not affect them immediately or directly, but they’re very open and they’re very supportive. They’re probably the quickest ones to take up this issue,” Stone said. On Oct 10, roughly two years after Amendment One was passed, a US district court judge ruled the state’s ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional.
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the the Clarion larion Senior Staff Editor in Chief . . . . Kara Fohner Managing Editor . . . Sam Blakley Copy Editor . . . . . . Gabby Smith Opinion . . . . . . . . Arts & Life . . . . . . Alex Webster Sports . . . . . . . . Sam Marlow Photography . . . . . Rachel Anthony Layout & Design . . . Michael St. Marie Business Manager . . Arlan Parry Faculty Advisor . . . . John B. Padgett Other Staff
Ce’Ara Cannon Joshua Cole Savannah Cox Jonathan Furnell Michael Heiskell Jule Hermann Amanda Higgins
Richard Liell Arlan Parry MacKenzie Samotis Jesse Sheldon Kevin Thompson Calum McAndrew
The Clarion is a student-run college newspaper produced by student journalists enrolled at Brevard College. Unsigned editorials represent the collective opinion of the staff of The Clarion. Other opinions expressed in this newspaper are those of respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty, staff or administration of Brevard College.
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