Category: Opinions

As Canadians, most of us are deeply proud of our heritage and there are few reasons for us to feel otherwise. However, if we want to be openly proud of people and events that have made our country so great, it’s our responsibility to acknowledge the darker aspects of our history.

Discussing the Chinese Head Tax, which was in affect from 1885-1923, may not lead to any great revelations for a lot of people. Some of us know all the gory details, whether it be from family, friends or a professor that actually has some sense of what it means to teach an objective course. Naturally there are some that may not be aware that for almost four decades Chinese immigrants were forced to pay a $500 fee to enter the country and work on the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Unjust and disappointing as the head tax was, it wasn’t the end of deplorable treatment toward Chinese people. In 1924 the Exclusion Act was introduced to prevent further Chinese immigrants from entering Canada. That act was finally repealed in 1947. Don’t worry, the history lesson will stop there for now.

The quick background check is required to be able to put in proper context the importance of the decision made by the Montreal city council last week to adopt a resolution requesting the federal government provide redresses and apologies to those who lived through the era. The support is unprecedented for the city and is an extreme rarity throughout rest of the country.

The country’s reluctance should be considered surprising for a nation that prides itself on being multicultural and one of the world’s greatest promoters of equality. That’s even after taking into consideration our dirty laundry from the past.

Chinese immigrants paid $23 million to the Canadian government for an opportunity to come to this land and hopefully bask in the wealth being provided by the western Gold Rush. For this mistake they were exploited to their full extent.

If this resolution continues to gain momentum then far more editorials and opinions will be written taking different stances on the issue. But there have already been enough published to make this conclusion about those opposed to redress. They can’t help but come off as ignorant and greedy.

This isn’t a topic where one has to be concerned with making false assumptions about our government’s policy on an issue, every year it becomes clearer that they are just waiting. Waiting, because every year that passes there are fewer people still alive who were subjugated to these policies, and fewer people that can bring that first hand account to the redress movement. Does it really seem implausible that our government is just waiting for the issue to literally die out?

There’s an argument out there that since our parents and grandparents had nothing to do with the Head Tax, we shouldn’t be obliged to pay into any reparations. Another part of this argument is that just because most of the original head tax payers aren’t around anymore, that doesn’t mean that their descendants should receive it in their place.

Well, here’s a quick reality check for holders of that opinion. The Head Tax and Exclusion Act didn’t just have an impact on those who paid it. The combination of these policies ripped many families apart for as much as 25 years and they wouldn’t be reunited until 1947 onward. Over that quarter of a century families continued to grow but weren’t ever really complete.

Then there’s the fact that it wouldn’t take anything more than a grade one math student to figure out that a population of 30 million wouldn’t have much trouble repaying a debt of $23 million. If that’s the cost of defending our reputation as a society of unity and equal opportunity, how many of us would really have a problem paying into it?

Unfortunately, we know very well that this has little, if anything, to do with monetary value as far the government is concerned. We’ve been a fully functioning country for a few years now and it’s about time that we grow up and say we’re sorry for our country’s past sins. And that’s not just for the Chinese population; it’s for the self-respect every Canadian.

Greetings and salutations once again from the realm of electronic entertainment.

It’s been a relatively unimpressive week, as far as games go, so I’ve decided to touch on something that plagues virtually all entertainment mediums nowadays. I’ll get right to the point: entertainment suffers from a very large lack of originality. This is especially true of games in the last few years.

Endless sequel after sequel.

From First To Last

Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has A Body Count

Part of the new generation of bands who were recently signed on Epitaph. The band’s debut album showcases their musical range. From First To Last aren’t an average rock band and are definitely worth a listen.

-Melissa Hetu

Peter Gabriel

Security

The year was 1982, before every AOR chump added an African rhythm section to their horribly unemotional drivel, and Peter Gabriel was advancing music far passed the watering hole and examining the psyschosexual subconscious that reverts us to the state of animals.

Peter Gabriel synthesized his entire band and yet it still sounds more human than the latest “ballad” Q92 is over-exposing right now.

Roxy Music

For Your Pleasure

Roxy Music’s sophomore record perfectly epitomizes the New Money nightlife that Bryan Ferry may or may not have been involved in. For Your Pleasure is creative tension at its finest. Brian Eno and Bryan Ferry are at each other’s jugulars at they straddle the line from tight melodic structure to all out disco jamming. Bohemians need not apply.

-Erik Leijon

The Cure

Greatest Hits

This is my favorite album of all time. Every single song on the record is great. It’s one of those cds that you can listen to from start to finish without skipping any songs.

Although the band originally won our hearts with innovative music videos and monstrous vampire makeup, their music has held up better than most of their peers from the eighties.

-Melanie McDonald

U2

How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

When I first heard the CD, I was a bit disappointed, but I realized that all the songs on the album just took some getting used to. U2’s newest effort isn’t their best, but it is better than some other people who are making music.

-Jared Book

K-OS

Joyful Rebellion

Heaven only knows why K-Os didn’t receive his due this year with the release of his brilliant second album “Joyful Rebellion”.

Although it probably has little to do with the fact he’s Canadian, K-Os was snubbed by the Grammys and various listings of the best albums of the year, most notably Rolling Stone.

However some listeners of Joyful Rebellion may be relieved that this gem hasn’t gained so much popularity that it will risk becoming mainstream and uncool. The album is a breath of fresh air and unique from a lot of the regurgitation to be found on most hip-hop shelves.

– Justin Way

Stay tuned for more wonderful suggestions from your infinitely cool editors here in the production room.

Well, at least they made it an exciting finish. That was probably one of the more prevailing thoughts in the minds of Stinger fans after the men’s hockey team was eliminated from the playoffs by the Ottawa Gee-Gees last Sunday. However, it will be of little consolation to the players that they overcame a 2-0 deficit before losing in double overtime in a decisive third game.

Although it’s sad to see the men be the first team to drop out of the playoff picture, there will still be plenty of action for Stinger fans to get excited about over the next couple of weeks.

It won’t do the women’s basketball team much good to have to battle it out on the road for the remainder of their season. Although at the start of the year they looked like solid contenders for at least second place in the conference, a recent tailspin has them as underdogs going into their semi-final match against Bishop’s on Wednesday (Mar. 2). Nevertheless, for some players, this will be their last chance at a provincial title and they will likely bring their A-game against the Gaiters.

There’s no way expectations could be higher for the men’s basketball and women’s hockey teams. While the women already know they’ll be competing at the National Championships at McGill, the men have to continue their strong play if they want to be in Halifax come March 17. A good first step for them would be to utterly humiliate the Bishop’s Gaiters when they play at Concordia this Sunday in the provincial semis.

After losing to Bishop’s in the same round last year, Concordia will be looking for redemption and a final hurrah for the graduating. Among them will be provincial MVP Phil Langlois who has had a career season for the Maroon and Gold.

Since most of us are starting to get over our bitterness about the NHL lockout, hopefully, we’ll be willing to enjoy some of the great things happening at our own Ed Meagher Arena.

Last weekend the Concordia women’s hockey team clinched first place in the Quebec conference by defeating the Ottawa Gee-Gees 4-2. Not only did the win ensure a bye into the Quebec championship series, where they will play either Ottawa or McGill, but it also gave the Stingers their first win against the Gee-Gees since last season. The best stat of the game comes courtesy of fourth-year veteran Dominique Rancour, who extended her point-scoring streak to 11 games with a goal in Sunday’s game. The four-foot 11 inch forward has racked up 18 points in that span.

Although the men’s hockey team dropped their Corey Cup match against the McGill Redmen last Wednesday, there was a silver lining as the game drew about 1000 fans. It was the biggest crowd that Ed Meagher has seen in years.

The third-ranked men’s basketball team extended their winning streak to seven games last weekend, their longest since an eight-game streak last year, as they get set to take on the Laval Rouge et Or at Loyola this Saturday. After coming away with a bit of a scare in a 93-88 win over UQAM on Friday, where they nearly blew a 20-point lead, the Stingers will need to stay focused if they hope to avoid another early exit from the playoffs like last year. Smart money says this is the year they make it back to the nationals.

On a down note, the women’s basketball team lost to McGill for the first time in nine games with their last defeat against the Martlets on Feb. 8 2003. The 57-49 loss dropped the Stingers record to 3-4 since the break.

Every gym’s got at least one: the hulking, muscle-bound he-man who looks, and talks, like he wrote the book on muscle. He’s been lifting since the eighth grade, was the star quarterback in high school, and damn he’s ripped. But that doesn’t mean he knows what he’s talking about. Start tuning him out NOW.

The gym is often a hotbed of misinformation. Myths and misconceptions endure because we’re too shy to question these self-proclaimed “experts”, and so we take what they preach verbatim. If you’re serious about training, you’ve got to learn to separate fact from fiction. Here’s a jump-start on dispelling the most common fitness myths:

MYTH #1- On the spot

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could crunch your way to a flatter stomach or squat away those saddlebags? Unfortunately it’s just not possible to “spot reduce” (burn off fat in one specific body part), simply by exercising that area. Only regular exercise -both aerobic and strength training -and a healthy diet will help you slim down and shed pounds. So focus on the big picture rather than your one or two “problem areas”.

MYTH #2- More protein = more muscle

True — to a point. But before you down that next shake, consider this: while protein does promote the muscle-building process (protein synthesis) it’s not required in large amounts. Even if you’re training hard, ingesting more than 0.9 to 1.25 grams of protein per pound of body weight is a waste. Excess protein is broken down into amino acids and nitrogen, which are either excreted or converted into fat and stored.

MYTH #3- Arnold Schwarzenegg-HER

This one’s aimed at the ladies and specifically, their fear of bulking up. If you’ve been avoiding the weight room because you don’t want the look of hulking, herculean muscles, listen up! Women generally don’t have the genes, nor the testosterone levels, to develop massive muscles. The ripped chicks you see in muscle mags are the product of steroids and strict diets, not the occasional lifting session.

MYTH #4- Reverting from fab to flab

The belief that muscle turns to fat if you quit lifting is perhaps the most widespread myth of all. It’s also the most ludicrous.

Muscle and fat are two distinct types of tissue, so its physiologically impossible for one to “turn into” the other. Muscles may, however, lose tone if you stray from your regimen for too long, resulting in a flabby feeling where you used to be tight. Your diet must also be adjusted according to your level of activity, or the excess calories will start to soften you up as well.MYTH #5- License to fill…UP

The principle of calories in vs. calories out still applies to even the most dedicated gym-rat. Obviously if you’re lifting heavy and training intensely, you’ll need to fuel up to build and maintain muscle mass, but it’s not carte-blanche to binge. Tailor your diet to meet your caloric needs — it’s all about balance, baby!

When working out, it’s in your best interest to follow only the advice of certified professionals, and even then to remain a bit skeptical. If it sounds too far out or too good to be true, it probably is. So keep your headphones on and the music cranked, and tune out the fitness fiction!

If you have seen New York’s Central Park in recent days, you might have noticed a sudden flood of color amidst the dreary February landscape. Bright flashes of saffron fabric sway over the park’s walkways, suspended from 16-foot high gates. This is the work of Christo and Jeanne-Claude, and it’s art at its finest.

The Gates is a monumental project, with 7,500 archways covering 37 kilometers of footpaths throughout the park. Each gate varies in width from five feet, six inches to 18 feet wide, standing perpendicular to the ground, with woven fabric suspended to about seven feet above the earth.

After hearing about the project last year, I knew it was going to be special. Anyone who has seen Christo’s previous work such as Running Fence (an installation made of white nylon fabric that ran for 40 kilometers north of San Diego, crossing the land of 59 ranchers, before finally ending at the edge of the Pacific ocean), will know he does not do anything half-way. It’s all or nothing. Explaining this project to my friends however, generated more skepticism than belief. I have to say I get more than a bit of satisfaction out of being able to say “I told you so,” now that The Gates have lived up to every expectation I had.

The effect is staggering. Not since studying the masters in my art history classes have I been so captivated or awed by a work of art. The Gates have become saffron rivers winding their way through the barren trees, shifting and waving in the breeze, changing color with the light. Passing under them creates an illusion of stepping across an imaginary boundary, exclusively invited to this unique experience. It’s magical.

After going through art school, I was entirely disenchanted with the state of the art world as it stands now. Nothing grabbed me, nothing resonated; even my desire to create my own work faded. Installation art in general has never been something I particularly liked. The Gates though, are magnificent. They enchant and inspire, and I believe they are the first great work of this century.

I’ve always believed art should be made for the sake of creating something beautiful and moving, not necessarily because it makes a statement or challenges societal stigmas. Simply put, I love art that makes me happy and gives me joy. The Gates do just that (they are intended for that) and they truly are a labor of love. The artists have paid for everything themselves (a total cost of $21 million), accepting no outside sponsorship. They have gone to great lengths to ensure the park’s environment is not affected and all materials used are recyclable, which alone is a feat in itself.

For the throngs of people coming to view the spectacle, The Gates seem to take them under their proverbial wing. People wander under the moving fabric, soaking up warm shadows and enjoying the result of 26 years of planning. For 16 days, the people of New York and those who come to visit will be privileged to explore the park in a way that they never have, and will never forget. If you have the chance to go, I would suggest you make it a priority. Works like this one do not come along every day.

Well, it’s that time of year again… it’s time to vote for your Arts & Science Federation of Associations (ASFA) executive. ASFA is an incredible organization and, since its inception three years ago, has played a vital role in contributing to student life at Concordia and providing art’s & science students with an excellent way to get involved and make a positive impact on campus. I’m running for the VP-External position of ASFA because I strongly believe that it will provide me with an excellent opportunity to help build ASFA and improve it’s ability to advocate on behalf of all Concordia arts & science students and I believe it will provide me with an excellent opportunity to make a positive contribution to student life at Concordia and, particularly, at our Loyola campus (where I spend most of my time).

This year, I’ve had the incredible privilege of representing arts & science students on the Concordia Student Union’s (CSU) Council of Representatives and the experience has been tremendously rewarding. I’ve had the opportunity to interact with other arts & science student leaders and contribute to improving student life on campus.

I’ve also been incredibly involved with ASFA this year. I participated in ASFA’s frosh, have helped organize and attended ASFA’s events, and am completely aware and ready to deal with of all the problems and issues that ASFA currently faces. I plan to work with the rest of ASFA’s executive to ensure that all arts & science associations have proper budgets and space and that ASFA plays a key role in ensuring that education remains accessible in Quebec. I also plan to work to ensure that Concordia’s fantastic athletics program is properly promoted to arts & science students and that ASFA organizes more educational lectures, events, and conferences. Finally, I plan to ensure that ASFA becomes accredited so that it can better serve the needs of all arts & science students.

I encourage all ASFA members to vote this week (Feb. 14-15-16). Voting only takes a minute or two and really makes a difference. I hope to see you all at the polls this week and I look forward to your support.

Allison Turner
ASFA VP-External Candidate
CSU Councilor

In the upcoming Arts & Science Federation of Associations (ASFA) election, arts and science students will have the opportunity to select their next executive.

Since its creation several years ago, ASFA has played an extremely important role on campus and has provided arts and science students with the voice they desperately needed.

Over the past two years here at Concordia I’ve tried to be an active student by attending different functions and events, as well playing Football for the Concordia Stingers, and my involvement has given me the opportunity to meet different people from all walks of life. I’m trying to improve myself and the school by running for the ASFA position of VP Communications. In my previous educational institution, I was part of such a student association where we tried to enhance school life and spirit, and I hope to be a part of this association here at Concordia.

One of my main priorities as a student leader is to ensure that education remains accessible in Quebec and that the current Liberal government reinvest massively into education. I also plan to work hard to promote Concordia’s amazing athletics program, which I’ve had the privilege of being a part of, to all arts and science students. I plan to help ASFA run more educational conferences and events as these have been lacking in the past. Finally, and most importantly, I plan to ensure ASFA gets accredited and that the arts and science associations under ASFA receive bigger budgets and an appropriate level of space and resources so they can properly represent the students they represent.

I am very excited at the prospect of working within ASFA and with other arts and science students, and am looking forward to having the opportunity to make Concordia a more simple and enjoyable place to be for all students. I encourage all arts and science students to go out and vote on February 14th, 15th or 16th to ensure that your voice is heard, and I look forward to your support.

Devendra Maharajh
Concordia Stingers
ASFA VP Communications Candidate

On February 14th, 15th and 16th I hope to see students going out in droves to vote in the Arts & Science Federation of Association (ASFA) elections.

Participating in ASFA’s 2004 Frosh gave me an early taste of the positive impact this organization can have on the student body. Since then I’ve attended and helped organize a number of ASFA’s events. Working with the current ASFA executive and actively participating in ASFA throughout the year has given me the privilege to meet many arts and science students and learn about their concerns and interests. Next year I’m hoping to play a more extensive role in ASFA, which is why I’m currently running for the position of VP Academic as I believe this will provide me with an excellent opportunity to contribute to student life in a positive way at Concordia, and will allow me to play a central role in defending the academic rights of arts and science students.

As VP Academic I will work hard to fight against tuition hikes and ensure that education remains as accessible to students as possible. I will also work to ensure that the university does not privatize tuition for international students in the arts and science faculty. I also plan to accredit ASFA and will pursue the current VP Academic’s project of introducing a law school to Concordia. Other prospective projects that I’m interested in pursuing include planning more educational events, modifying the university’s current policy on general education course requirements, and making sure there are websites for every offered course.

In my role as an ASFA VP, I will not only make myself available to students for their feedback, I will also actively seek out their advice since ASFA’s success depends on an active student body. I think it’s important to maintain the integrity of ASFA as a transparent, representative, and non-partisan federation for all arts and science associations and students.

By working closely with the rest of the ASFA Executive, the student associations and other students, I’m confident that I can be an advocate for the interests of all arts and science students. I encourage everyone to exercise their democratic rights by voting this week and look forward to your support!

Cassandra Porter
Liberal Arts/Political Science
ASFA VP Academic Candidate

In the upcoming Arts & Science Federation of Associations (ASFA) election, students will be provided with the important opportunity of selecting their ASFA representatives for the upcoming academic year.

Over the last year I’ve seen firsthand how ASFA can positively contribute to student life at Concordia and how ASFA can act strongly on behalf of all arts and science students to further their interests. I’ve been involved with ASFA all year and have helped organize and plan a number of events. I’ve seen how ASFA can make a difference on campus and I’m looking forward to taking on more responsibilities next year which is why I’m currently running for the position of ASFA VP Internal. I’m particularly interested in helping ASFA associations become as active as possible and in making their lives as simple as possible.

As a former exchange student in Norway and volunteer in Eritrea, I look forward to helping ensure that the Concordia University Volunteer Abroad Program gets off of the ground and is successful. Having worked this year for the Concordia Student Union as their chief electoral officer, I had the privilege of working with a very strong and supportive team and we ensured that CSU’s annual by-election went smoothly, was run fairly, and received the highest voter turnout ever. Working with such a team has prepared me for ASFA, which can only be successful if everyone involved works together as a team.

I am confident that, if elected, I will be an effective representative, willing to lobby for the issues that Arts and Science students feel strongly about. ASFA is an organization that seeks to promote education, integration among faculties and is in place to make life as simple and enjoyable as possible for students. Concordia has provided me with many great opportunities and my biggest goal next year will be to ensure that ASFA reaches as many students as possible by holding larger events that will attract students from all disciplines. I hope to see you all at the polls and I look forward to your support.

Mark Small
Political Science
ASFA VP Internal Candidate

If it wasn’t enough that the Concordia men’s hockey team beat the UQTR Patriotes 5-2 last Sunday, the ease with which they disposed of their opponents should certainly give reason for some cautious celebration. The team’s third straight win has them on the verge of moving into a share of the top spot in the OUA Far East division.

In what has turned into by far the most competitive division in the CIS, it’s the only division where all teams hold winning records, the Stingers have finally chipped their way towards the top. Sitting only two points behind the seventh-ranked Patriotes, the Stingers are now looking worthy of a spot in the CIS top 10, which they are likely to crack if they defeat the McGill Redmen at the Corey Cup on Wednesday night (Feb. 9).

The men’s basketball team extended their winning streak to five games following an easy 74-52 victory over the Bishop’s Gaiters last weekend. With that win it seems that the third-ranked Stingers have finally exorcised their demons from last year when they were upset by the same Gaiters in the provincial semi-finals.

Over the course of their current streak Concordia has outscored the opposition by an average of 79-60, which has them in secure possession of first place in Quebec. While the Stingers are also likely to win their next three against inferior opponents (UQAM, McGill and Bishop’s), their next big tilt will take place at Concordia against the Laval Rouge et Or on Feb.19, which will likely prove to be a preview of the provincial championship.

Finally, the women’s hockey team will play what is arguably their biggest game of the year up to this point, when they host the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Sunday afternoon. Ottawa is the only division opponent that the Stingers haven’t beaten this year (one loss, three ties).

Tight, toned bodies glistening with sweat, loud, guttural grunts of exertion and a whole bunch of equipment you haven’t a clue how to use.

S&M sex dungeon? Not quite. Welcome to the weight room at your local gym!

If you’ve just started hitting the health club, the weight room is perhaps the most intimidating area to tackle. With its complex contraptions and bevy of buff bodies, you may be tempted to avoid the lifting area altogether. But before you limit yourself to the cardio equipment, consider this: building lean muscle tissue boosts your resting metabolism (read: turns you into a lean, mean, fat-burning machine!)

Unlike a quick stint on the treadmill, regular lifting sessions will have you burning extra calories, even while you sleep! So kick your insecurities to the curb, head to the weight room and get ready to get ripped!

Work it out!

Before diving into the world of weightlifting, you’ve got to have a plan. Setting clear goals and devising a routine to achieve them is key.

Begin by selecting two to three exercises for each muscle group that you want to target (the internet, fitness mags and gym staff can all be useful resources,) and establish a training cycle. I recommend a five-day cycle with three days of lifting and two days of rest, structured as follows:

Day 1- Chest, shoulders, triceps

Day 2- Off

Day 3- Legs

Day 4-Off

Day 5- Back, biceps

Abs should be done every other day.

The next step is choosing your reps, sets and weights. This is perhaps the most confusing part of building a training plan, because it varies considerably depending on your goals.

If you’re looking to lose body fat and build muscle, select a weight that you can ONLY complete 10-12 repetitions and 1-3 sets with. (One for beginners and 2-3 for intermediate and advanced exercisers.) Allow 30 seconds to one minute of rest between sets and at least one day between workout sessions.

If your aim is pure muscle gain, you’ll want to use a weight that you can ONLY complete 6-8 repetitions and three sets with. Rest for 1-2 minutes between sets and allow three or more days between sessions. If you’re just starting out, give yourself a few weeks of basic conditioning before you attempt to lift with this degree of difficulty.

For general health and muscular endurance, a weight that allows you to ONLY complete 12-16 reps and 1-3 sets is ideal. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets and allow one day of rest between sessions.

Check yo’self!

Once you’ve established your plan of attack, you’re ready to pump iron!

Paying close attention to your form if you’re just getting started is key, as the most common weight training injuries are related to poor exercise technique. Proper execution in lifting is essential in order to reduce chances of injury and gain maximum results. Start with lighter weights and lift in front of a mirror until you’re confident you’ve mastered each exercise.

Breathing also plays a role in maintaining proper form. Focus on exhaling when lifting (contracting) and inhaling as you lower the weight. Generally, you should be following a 1-2-3 tempo going up and coming down.

Take ‘er easy!

The best advice I can offer if you’re serious about toning up is to always listen to your body. If you’re feeling weak, tired or nauseous, skip the gym that day and come back strong the next. A half-assed workout is a waste of time and energy.

Also, don’t skimp on sleep. A solid eight hours per night is necessary for muscle growth, because it is during this rest period that your muscles will repair themselves and finally grow.

Achieving and maintaining a toned bod all boils down to balance. Train hard, rest up, and before you know it you’ll be the sweaty, grunting, muscle-bound champion intimidating the newbies in the weight room!

The other day, just sitting at home watching MUCH Music, I saw a commercial for what might initially be thought of as an advertisement for, well I wasn’t really sure. The images of several familiar music artists flashed by on the screen (i.e. Ray Charles, Prince, Fats Domino), then at the end it was revealed that it was an ad made in recognition of all the African American artists that have made major contributions to the music industry. And, let’s face it, there wouldn’t be much of an industry if it hadn’t been for African American influence.

I was completely floored by the ad, however it wasn’t because I had thought it to be overwhelmingly exceptional or inspirational in it’s production value — though it was effective. Instead, it was genuinely moving because I had completely forgotten that it was Black History Month.

The initial reaction to this realization wasn’t necessarily one of guilt, nor should it be for anyone else who may have neglected the occasion, rather it was more of a surprise.

Having always been one that was aware of the significance of the month, it stunned me that for some reason it had slipped my mind this year. But after discussing the issue with other people, it suddenly became clear that this wasn’t another case of one segment of society being apathetic towards the injustices facing another.

The reason I had always remembered was because there was usually someone in my ear beforehand reminding me how important it was that we all be treated equally, and that it wasn’t so long ago that these rights were being infringed upon. It’s not that this notion doesn’t still play an important role in the way society functions, as we must always treat our fellow humans with respect, regardless of skin colour or any other potential origin of discrimination.

The dilemma, if it can even be referred to as such, is that the role Black History Month once played is not the same one it does now. Concern over discrimination and unequal treatment isn’t as widespread as it once was and has faded into the back of a lot of our minds.

When one considers the events that have had the greatest impact on Black culture in America, they will quickly realize that no major struggles have been overcome in more recent years, simply because there aren’t as many struggles to be overcome. However, it also can’t be overlooked that this segment of society continues to garner increased respect and prominence in a multitude of areas in North American culture.

On Dec.1 of this year it will be 50 years since Rosa Parks, known as “the mother of the Civil Rights movement”, refused to give up her seat to a white man in the front of the bus. Next year will be the 20th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday becoming a national holiday in the United States. And two years down the road it will be the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s colour-line. While there are far more events and acts that formed the foundation for what Black History Month is about, each new generation looks at them with less wonder than the one before.

Last month, Edgar Ray Killen, a now 80-year-old Baptist minister, was charged in the June 21, 1964 murders of three civil rights workers in Mississippi. Anyone who has seen or read “Mississippi Burning” knows the story of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner whose deaths were the basis of the book and film. While the arrest is an important development, it didn’t created the type of frenzy in the media and public that it would have 30 or 40 years ago.

Because of these reasons, for Black History to maintain it’s impact and significance in the eyes of every new generation that enters the world, it will have to change with the times. The importance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s march on Washington and the Civil Rights Movement will never be questioned and will forever be taught in history books around the world. However, it’s the promotion of where the culture is today rather than where it was 40 years ago that will keep Black History Month fresh in the minds of all human beings.

After a monumentally important weekend, things are shaping up to be pretty exciting on three fronts for our university sports teams.

With the possible exception of their exhibition match against the Virginia State Cavaliers back in the fall, the Concordia men’s basketball team played their biggest home game of the season last Friday, when they hosted the Laval Rouge et Or. With a 79-73 victory against their arch-rivals, the Stingers not only reaffirmed that they are capable of making it to the nationals, but they also leapfrogged both Brock and Laval to take over third spot in the CIS rankings. The combination of Friday’s match and a 79-70 win against McGill on Saturday allowed the Stingers to make the jump. The team’s next game is on Saturday against the Bishop’s Gaiters and will provide a potential playoff preview.

The men’s hockey team continued to maintain a weak grasp on their hopes of winning the OUA Far East division by taking three of a possible four points last weekend. A 6-5 overtime loss at Three Rivers and a 7-2 spanking of the Ottawa Gee-Gees has the Stingers looking good for at least a second-place finish.

Both were key performances for the Stingers after losing to the Redmen at McGill the week before. The men will be hoping for the same fortune as the basketball team when they play host to UQTR this coming Sunday (2 p.m. @ Loyola).

Finally, while they are ahead of them in the CIS standings, the Concordia women’s hockey team still hasn’t managed to overcome the pesky Ottawa Gee-Gees. After barely squeaking out a 1-1 tie with Ottawa last weekend, Concordia now has one loss and three draws against them this season. Concordia is currently ranked third in the CIS.