Cassandra Jeffery
The Silhouette

 

There are very few places, if any, that are completely untouched by the rapid modernization that has come to overwhelm much of the globe.

North American culture, for example, is largely based on a capitalist system that reinforces the spread of globalization. We’ve become not only fully immersed within a globalized, cultural context but we’ve also grown numb to the ramifications of capitalist ventures and the intrusiveness of globalization. For us, living in Canada, we’re exposed and all too familiar with the consistent influx of McDonalds or Starbucks.

Speaking for the general population at McMaster, I can say that all of us have access to a modern form of communication. Most of us lay claim to a cell phone or laptop, both of which can access various media and communication outlets.

We have, practically, instant and constant access to the Internet. Google has made it possible to see a street level view of a German city while sitting in a lecture hall here at McMaster. Although I’m still astounded at the speed in which technology is accelerating our ability to connect with the rest of the world, I have certainly taken for granted some of the benefits that come along side of globalization.

Globalization discourages cultural and national ignorance. With the world literally at our fingertips we, as global citizens living in Canada, have the ability to discover diverse perspectives while enjoying the comforts of home. Although I can’t speak for everyone, I certainly can’t claim ignorance when I can easily research something on the Internet. Borders have become less tangible as we move fluidly through the globe’s nations and cultures portrayed on our computer screens.

In a more literal sense, globalization encourages travel. As I learn about these fascinating places in the world I begin to yearn for the physical experience. Traveling puts your world, your culture, and your experiences into a different perspective. Taking yourself out of what is subjectively normal and placing yourself into a whirlwind of new customs, cultural practices, and ideologies can be overwhelming, challenging, yet eminently enriching.

Globalization has also walked hand-in-hand with industrialization and modernization. Although I cringe to see yet another corporate conglomerate plant its roots in our already capitalist weeded soil, there are benefits to bringing industrialization and modernization into the metaphorical garden. Influencing economic stability, national capital, and employment, industrialization maintains a level of prosperity.

And, I’m sure we’d be reluctant to give up our vehicles, cell-phones, and central heating in return for a “simpler” lifestyle. Globalization has encouraged industrialization and modernization across the globe, which has, in some ways, beneficially impacted national economic, political and social standing. However, what is to be said against globalization, industrialization, and modernization?

As globalizations encourages a surge of eager travellers, typically the wealthy and middle-class populations of the world, the more traditional areas of the world and the predominantly poverty stricken global citizens are vulnerable in that they become fetisized by world travellers and exploited by money hungry industrial ventures. The land and the people of these un-familiar areas of the world are worked down and forcibly pushed into the path of globalization.

Being sucked into the vortex of capitalism in the name of modernization, we are to assume that this development is natural—an unexplainable, self governing force that simply exists. However, it was Karl Marx who pointed out that our fixation with commodities, and all of the elements that are attributed with consumerism, is a product of our society that we, the global citizens, perpetuated. The spread of industrialization and capitalist ideologies in a country such as Cambodia, for example, creates a social constructed hierarchy of the oppressed worker and the commodity consumer.

There’s something romantically simplistic about the areas of the world that seem to have withheld from aspects of globalization. When I was travelling through Croatia this past June I was surprised to see that the country did not have the typical western icons of globalization.

There were no franchises of McDonalds or Burger King, there were no large western corporations, and although Croatia is a modernized, industrialized country, I couldn’t help but feel pleasure in the fact that this small country, in relation to the rest of Europe, was able to fight off a metaphorical, iconic representation of globalization. On the contrary, Croatia recently joined the European Union and no doubt will this membership into the EU bring beneficial national growth, however with such improvements must come the inescapable spread of globalization.

Switching my focus to Southeast Asia, I fear for the beautiful yet still mysterious country of Laos. Nestled in between Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia the country, from what I have seen on television and in research, is left for the most part untouched by industrialization. The country remains frozen in time, unchanged from a century ago.

Yet, it seems globalization is inevitable. Industrialization and modernization will eventually make its way to Laos. Tourists will choose Laos as their next exotic travel destination, the country and her people will imminently change as outside influence becomes more prevalent and capitalist ideologies flourish.

The pessimism I have for the globalized world is troubling although I hold little faith in the world`s ability to alter our chosen path. If the spread of modernization and industrialization is inevitable all I can do is explore and understand these untouched areas of the world before they become generic viagra soft consumed.

We tend to take the good in globalization and seem to forget about the bad and at the end of the day we are left wondering, do the ends really justify the means?

Cassandra Jeffery
The Silhouette

Ladies, it’s about time we have a serious conversation about gender equality.

There’s a certain issue that I’ve been trying to rack my brain around for quite some time now, and the finger to blame is on us women. Well, the first finger anyways. I’m sure as women we’ve all felt the bitter sting of sexist oppression in one form or another at some point in our lives. And even in the name of progression, unfortunately, I’m sure we will continue to feel the wrath of sexism for decades to come. As much as I dislike the way that society makes me feel as a woman, I absolutely hate the way other women in society can make me feel. As women, we can be the worst perpetrators of sexism and frankly, I’m already fighting one class of gender difference, I don’t have the energy to defend myself from girl-girl sexism.

I can guarantee we’ve all experienced and took part in a form of woman shaming. Now, I’m not going to pretend I’m a saint because though I have been the shamed, I admit I have also been the shamer on various occasions. Only now that I’ve received a certain level of education in women’s rights and a little more experience with age, can I say that I try to be a good feminist and stay away from shaming other women. Just think back to all of the times you commented on a woman’s weight (friend or not). How many times have you referred to a woman’s attire or sex life (presumed or not) with words like ‘slut’ or ‘whore’? When’s the last time you judged a woman based solely on what she looks like? Or, on the flip side, when’s the last time you referred to yourself as a slut because in your mind, because you think you’ve slept with one too many people? Not only is there woman-woman shaming, but we shame ourselves as well. And of course, we understand women’s identity primarily with how we understand society. Society implies women are to act a certain way, especially within the realm of sexuality, so we subconsciously follow suit. For example, how many times have you heard this scenario:

Girl discussing a date—“I went on a date last night with (add random name here) and we ended up sleeping together. But I completely wanted to and they’re only the 5th person I’ve ever been with so at least I’m nowhere near the double digits yet. I’m not like (add other, most likely woman’s, name here). She’s been with 15 people. I’m not that slutty.”

There are so many things wrong with a statement like this I don’t know where to being. First up, why do we always feel the need to justify to ourselves and to others why we were intimate with someone? In my opinion, your sexuality is exactly that: yours! If you’re comfortable, happy and consenting then why does it matter if your “number” is 2, 5 or 35? What might feel right for one woman in terms of sexuality may be completely different for another so let’s please lay off the slut shamming. We don’t allow and appreciate when men refer to us as “sluts” so why is okay for us to shame another woman for her personal sex life?

Women need to start becoming more encouraging to one another. As I’ve said earlier, we’re already facing oppression in society and we need that support and reassurance from other women in order to make solid progress. It’s about time we started to compliment and acknowledge the accomplishments (whether large or small) that other women make. I’m tired of hearing women say “well, she only got that promotion because of [insert angry accusation here].”

Enough.

One of the biggest issues I have with women is the constant weight-shamming culture that continues to exist despite our efforts to promote the ideology of beauty at whatever size. We’ve become big on this idea that curves are sexy but it seems there is a certain ratio quota to meet “curviness.” In a blog post by bellejarblog entitled “10 signs that feminism may not be for you,” the author writes, “you think that there might be a type of body-shaming that is acceptable.” Never in any case is it okay to shame another woman based on her body. We have to remember that we all have bodily autonomy. We choose how to maintain our bodies and it isn’t for anyone else to judge based on our choices. We can push both extremes of the situation; of course you would be concerned if a friend suffered from an eating disorder. It is unhealthy to either be much too thin or obese however we are still not in the right to judge based on such cases.

 

Here’s where the support part comes in. Be a good friend, listen and offer support, but never judgment. Bodily autonomy applies to self-maintenance as well. A women’s choice to grow or shave her body hair is exactly that, a choice. We can choose to have plastic surgery and we can certainly choose whether or not we have children. We must respect the choices of other women despite our own beliefs and opinions. It is her body and her choices, no one else’s. Shaming a woman for her choices only reiterates the gender hierarchy already implicated in society. So I’d say it’s about time we start supporting and encouraging the very people who make up our feminist movement.

Cassandra Jeffery / The Silhouette

I’ve recently returned from a one year study abroad tour in Mannheim, Germany. Putting aside my overwhelming enthusiasm for copious amounts of cheap and delicious beer and basically everything Deutsch, I began my adventure with a desire to discover every possible nation surrounding Germany that my wallet and my schooling would allow.

A memorable adventure is an understatement. My year abroad was filled with the diverse tastes, sights, and sounds of continental Europe and although there is nothing comparable to experiencing a country and her people authentically, returning to Canada has reminded me that we are incredibly lucky to call such a vast and diverse country home.

This past weekend I attended a Muay Thai competition. My personal opinion on fighting as a sport aside, what I did appreciate about the event is the fact that multiple cultural traditions were integrated under one roof. Although I admit that I’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing an authentic Muay Thai match in Thailand, I was impressed with the way Thai ceremonies and traditions were upheld in honour of the Muay art form. Appropriate Thai headdress was worn by each of the competitors and a ceremonial bow and offering took place before any of the fighting begun. It seemed as though there was a large amount of respect for the art of Muay Thai that went beyond simply imitating a fighting style.

Along side the traditional event, some of the club’s patrons created an authentic Jamaican dinner for those attending. The food was wonderful but more importantly the dinner helped to influence a particular atmosphere of bringing aspects of global culture right to the table. Bringing together two different national symbols such as traditional food and a form of martial arts is one of the reasons why I love being Canadian.

We have a plethora of opportunities to educate ourselves and discover the various cultural traditions of our fellow Canadians and this idea that we can incorporate traditions from opposite ends of the world in order to have a wonderful evening is a privilege that we may sometimes overlook. We literally have a global perspective at our fingertips in that we can experience cultural traditions from around the world without having to leave the province.

Of course, living here in Canada simply cannot compare to the level of cultural understanding you can gain from travelling around the world, but tapping into our resources as Canadians is a fantastic way to begin your education on a particular country or cultural group. Exposing yourself to a level of culture can be as easy as taking a stroll around the park or in my case, skeptically accepting an invitation to a Muay Thai competition. Such exposure will almost always work to your benefit in that you will have a little more understanding, curiosity, and perhaps interest than would have otherwise. Perhaps you’ll never witness a Muay Thai event in Thailand and maybe you’ll never be granted with the opportunity of enjoying the culinary arts of Jamaica while sun bathing on Jamaica’s beautiful beaches, but as Canadians, we are privileged with getting just a little taste right in our own back yard.

So my question for you is, what are you waiting for? Get out and see what Canada has to offer. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be able to get a better German beer here in Canada than you could get in good ole’ Deutschland. I doubt it, but just maybe.

Cassandra Jeffery 

Assistant InsideOut Editor

 

Every year a birthday marks a miniscule milestone in life compared to what grand scale accomplishments are on the horizon. A celebration is a necessity, yet some of us cannot help but loathe the idea that we are one birthday closer to graduation and one year closer to the daunting reality of life.

We’ve been through something similar once before. The transition from high school to university is both a frightening and invigorating experience.

The academics are more challenging and the responsibilities are greater, but there’s freedom, independence and the chance to make lifelong friendships.

Once the fear subsides and the confidence prospers, the undergraduate lifestyle becomes a fantastic experience.

Unfortunately, it is also short-lived. Suddenly, you’re in your senior year at McMaster, desperately trying to recount for the last three or four years of your life. Somewhere between the exams and the parties, we find ourselves searching for a post-graduation plan. The task becomes overwhelming, our confidence slowly dwindles, and the panic begins to ensue.

Whether you’re applying to grad school, looking for a job, or completely unsure of what to do after, the thought of leaving the safe confines of McMaster University can be difficult.

The problem with this pessimistic logic, that a successful post-graduation transition is unattainable, is that most of us easily buy into to this silly belief. “You have to change the focus from scary to exciting,” says career services, liaison and study abroad coordinator for the faculty of Humanities, Rowena Muhic-Day.

Changing your attitude will certainly alter your outlook. View post-graduation as an adventure, conduct some research on various options, and work towards realistic goals.

You have to “start by thinking big,” says Muhic-Day, and eventually narrow down your topic through research. Once you have an idea, begin by fostering what skills you have to offer and what abilities certain jobs require.

Time is often a hindrance for students. Nearing our final years at McMaster, we all have deadlines and GPAs to maintain, which is why at such time periods excellent prioritizing skills come into play. If your future is important enough, then you’ll find the time to create a post-graduation strategy and you’ll learn to use the resources offered on campus.

McMaster offers various workshops for students in the careers and services department, from resume critiquing to career conversations with professionals.

Students often become nervous when confronted with the question, “what are your plans after grad?” Some of us have no idea while others have a pre-determined path they must see through. As students, we’ve never been reassured that it’s okay not to have a plan for the future.

While it’s important to begin planning now, changing your mind is natural and completely okay.

“It’s not a locked door,” says fourth-year psychology student Ryan Janssen. We have to discard the notion that whatever we do after graduation is the be all and end all. Obviously finding a career that will be financially sustaining is important, but our society is fixed on the notion that a successful life is defined by the dollar amount on your pay check.

The pressure of wealth coincides with the pressure to find something worthwhile post-graduation. In reality, our precious energy should be directed into planning out a future that will be constructive, but also make us happy.

“It almost doesn’t matter what exactly it is that you’re going off to do after university, as long as it’s constructive in some way and that’s going to be different for different people,” says Muhic-Day.

Whether you’re interested in applying for grad school, traveling the world, or you’re simply not quite sure what the future holds, it’s always a good idea to start your post-graduation plan now.

A new chapter of life is bound to begin at some point, but it’s up to you to make sure that you have the ambition, determination, and motivation in order to successfully transition from your undergraduate education.

 

Cassandra Jeffery 

Assistant InsideOut Editor

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, SHEC (Student Health Education Center) hosted the 3rd annual addictions awareness campaign in the MUSC atrium. Students had the opportunity to check out the different venues, each of which provided information on some form of addiction directly or indirectly affecting students. The awareness fair accommodated information booths that ranged from technology based addictions to eating disorders.

One important – though rarely discussed addiction – was not included, however: caffeine addictions.

Caffeine addictions aren’t as dangerous as alcohol or drug addictions, and can be seen as more of a reliance rather than an addiction. Certainly in terms of an individual’s health, anorexia nervosa is far more detrimental then a silly reliance on a daily cup of coffee, but despite these obvious differences, caffeine addictions are certainly more deserving than a passing glance.

As university students, we often turn to caffeine as a quick fix to most of our stress induced problems. We wake up in the morning subconsciously craving that bold aroma of coffee or tea; we guzzle down energy drinks in preparation for exams and final assignments; we turn to caffeine as a method to our most horrendous hangover solutions. Caffeine is a substance used by most university students.

Some simply enjoy the taste while others find themselves longing for the caffeine buzz day after day. Regardless, the reality is that a significant number of individuals are accustomed to consuming caffeine, thus are we right to assume caffeine consumption can be an addictive tendency?

According to Medicinenet.com, “caffeine is considered the most commonly used psychoactive drug in the world. Approximately 90 per cent of adults consume it on a daily basis, and research is being done on its health benefits and consequence.”

Caffeine is the popular name for trimethylxanthine and the ingestion of such products provides a feeling of alertness. The most common sources of caffeine found in our diet consists of coffee, tea, cocoa beans (chocolate), pop, and energy drinks. Research has shown that an individual’s caffeine reliance can be categorized in terms of dosage. A low to moderate intake of caffeine would be approximately 130 to 300 mg per day. A moderate intake would be 200-300 mg per day, high doses are above 400 mg

per day, and heavy caffeine consumption would reach more than 6,000 mg per day.

For perspective, one cup of coffee contains an average of approximately 135 mg of caffeine, a 1 ounce shot of espresso contains 40 mg of caffeine, and brewed tea holds 53 mg of caffeine. Essentially, if you have at least three cups of coffee per day, you’re already in the high dose range of caffeine consumption.

Energy drinks are the largest culprit when it comes to ingesting caffeine. For example, a 16 ounce bottle of full throttle contains 144 mg of caffeine, 16 ounce monster energy contains 160mg of caffeine, and red bull contains 80mg of caffeine.

For students, using caffeine to get that added boost in the midst of exam season is a common practice.

“If I need something to help me stay awake for some last minute cramming, I’ll have a couple energy drinks and pull an all-nighter,” says Michael Smith, a third-year Commerce student.

Fourth year psychology student Mireille Lemelin considers herself to be addicted to caffeine. Lemelin falls under the moderate to high dose range of caffeine intake consuming approximately two to three cups of coffee per day.

“I would say that I’m heavily reliant on caffeine because I get headaches and I become irritable if I don’t have it. It’s a habit and I find it hard to focus passed 1 or 2 p.m. if I haven’t had coffee that day.”

Caffeine works by stimulating the heart and nervous system and causes messages to be translated and conveyed more quickly. In the most basic terms, the chemical adenosine is activated in the nervous system during physical activity and often tires an individual; the consumption of caffeine creates a similar affect as the cell assumes caffeine for the adenosine chemical, however, instead of slowing the body down, the caffeine speeds the nervous system up. Thus, the caffeine high is stimulated, however lasts only a couple of hours resulting in the dreaded caffeine crash hours later.

Withdrawal symptoms from caffeine include headaches, fatigue, decreased energy, irritability, decreased alertness, drowsiness, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and flu-like symptoms such as vomiting and nausea. The onset of these symptoms will ensue 12-24 hours after the abstinence of caffeine. Over the next couple of days, the peak intensity of withdrawal symptoms will occur, however once the initial difficulties have passed caffeine generally becomes less and less of a necessity or craving.

Many students fail to perceive a caffeine addiction as anything serious, however ingesting copious amounts of caffeine can have serious side effects. Using caffeine to deny the body sleep is not healthy and will eventually result in the infamous caffeine crash.

Caffeine may keep your body alert for a one hour lecture, but you’ll soon be falling asleep at the dinner table. Despite the obvious sleep deprivation caffeine induces, we realize that as students at points we have little time for sleep. We run on five hours of sleep or less and down latte after latte, it’s a part of the university lifestyle.

Boycotting caffeine completely is absurd and unrealistic, especially as a student; however, even a small intake of caffeine can have an effect on your immune system and lead to withdrawal symptoms.

It’s important to sleep properly, eat properly, and sustain a relatively healthy lifestyle, remember, if your caffeine reliance trumps such a lifestyle, then it’s probably time to admit your addiction.