Barnard Bulletin May 2015

May 2015MAY 2015

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THE BULLETIN - 2 - May 2015

Hannah Miller '15 Rebecca Deczynski '16 Editors-in- Chief

LAYOUT ASSISTANTKirsten Cabacungan '18

SOCIAL MEDIA Natalia Quintero Ochoa '15

FEATURESAnna Weill '16

POLITICS & OPINIONVictoria Papalian '15

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENTaiko suyemoto '16

NEW YORK CITY LIVINGAmanda Breen '17

HEALTH & STYLESarah Schreiber '16

BARNARD BULLETIN3009 Broadway

New York, NY 10027

[email protected]

Rhea Schmid '15 Art Director

Mora Grehl '15Layout Director

DESIGN COORDINATORJordana Roat '16

COPY EDITORSdanielle owen '17Briana Bursten '18ariana busby '18

jessica tschida '18Morgan Wu '18

Melanie Shaprio '15Managing Editor

SOCIAL MEDIA INTERNS Erica Harreveld '18Tanya Lalwani '18

Elena Valenzuela-Stookey '18


A Letter from the Editors

The College is aflutter with graduation buzz as May 17th looms ever closer. While underclass-

men are scrambling to secure summer plans or already bragging about their coveted internship

positions, seniors are bidding farewell to our beloved Barnard.

In our May Mini-Issue, we have chosen to spotlight the ups and downs of the postgrad experi-

ence in our centerpiece. In examining the diverse roads a Barnard graduate can take, we en-

countered a group of seniors who have chosen vastly different paths. From gaining employment

to graduate school to globetrotting, these women exemplify what it means to be Barnard bold.

In addition to inspiring their fellow graduates, they also offer a glimpse into the future for those

who don’t have to leave our cherished school just yet.

As a graduating senior myself, I look back on my four years here with pride and gratitude. Bar-

nard has shaped me into the confident, ambitious, and determined woman I am today and I am

unafraid of what lies ahead. Editing The Bulletin has been an immense privilege that I am sad

to leave behind. I know it will be in good hands though since all of us here, (especially my Co-

Editor-in-Chief!), are capable of so many great things.

As Barnard students, our futures shine brightly.

Have a great summer!

Hannah


Contents Letter from the Editors

Behind the Scenes

Health & Style

Real Talk: Pharma Acne Treatments

Beyond Polka Dots

Features Subway Etiquette...Or Not?

Centerpiece

Sin, Sans, or Senza

Post Grad Plans

New York City Living

Art in the Park

NYC Popfest

35

6

8

10

12

14

27

Trending & Playlist

Politics and Opinion

18

Sugar’s Political Position 20

Arts & Entertainment

Finding Love on TV

Gallery Gallivanting

Literature is Coming

22

24

25

The “O” Glow 11

Commencement Controversy 21

Summer Blockbusters 2015

23

26

Bonus

Photo Essay: Wrapping Up

Senior Farewell 30

28

Photographed by Maddy MolotModel: Aku Acquaye

BEHIND THE SCENES


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Laura Mercier Crème

Brûlée Crème Wash

A moisturizing crème brûlée-

scented body wash.

Urban Out!tters Baseball CapStay sun-protected in style.

Club Monaco

Marysia Scallop

Halter Maillot

Flirty, classy, and sexy—

take back the one piece.

Crystals

Of Monsters and Men

4.


Gone Country

Alan Jackson

1.

Colors

Laleh

2. xo

John Mayer

5.

Shut Up and Dance

Walk the Moon

6.

For a high-speed, high-fun night in

with friends!

A summer staple that will wow the

crowd.

ModCloth Two Piece

Leaf Wrap ring

An elegant way to show your love of

nature.

Perpetual

Commotion

The Wolf3.Mumford & Sons

Pharma Acne Treatments


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During our first year of col-lege, my roommate got her first blemish. This news blew

my mind. As she fretted in front of the mirror, I tried to be understanding, but what came out was more accusatory: “You’re trying to tell me you’ve never had a pimple?” There are some people who just never get breakouts. Maybe it’s in their genes, or maybe they have especially

well-adjusted hormones—but for those of us who have struggled with acne, not worrying about pimples seems com-pletely foreign. As a mere mortal, I had already employed nearly every strategy in the battle against zits, from natural remedies to prescription topical medi-cations. In the end, it was an oral medi-cation that worked—a solution that’s becoming increasingly common. What is acne? Our skin has

oil-producing glands called sebaceous glands, which produce sebum oil. Dur-ing puberty hormones go a little crazy, encouraging the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. These oils are good: they help flush out dead skin cells and act as a kind of protective shield against the elements. But sometimes, excess oil clogs up the opening of the pore, trapping bacteria inside. Like some kind of horror movie, the bacte-

by Haley George

Real Talk

Pharma Acne Treatments


ria starts multiplying, causing inflamed skin—the zit. Dermatologists often prescribe oral antibiotics like minocycline and doxycycline to clear up breakouts. Usu-ally, oral antibiotics are prescribed to-gether with a topical medication. They work by attacking the bacteria in pores before they can multiply and cause breakouts. However, because the body can build up resistance to antibiotics, they can only be used short-term. I’ve used antibiotics for acne on two occa-sions, and each time, my skin cleared up. But soon enough, the acne came back. Oral antibiotics only address one cause of acne—the bacteria—which means they can clear up your skin and get you back in control of the situation, but might not be a long-term solution. One of the most common medications used to treat acne is some-thing you might already be taking: birth control. “I prescribe birth control pills everyday, and sometimes acne is the in-dication,” says Dr. Angela Caswell-Mo-nack, an OB/GYN practicing at Bayside Health Association. “I am a multitasker, so if my contraception can also make my periods lighter and less painful, regulate my menstrual cycle, and help my skin, I’m in favor!” Birth control pills reduce the amount of testosterone floating around in the body, which is good be-cause testosterone activates oil glands, producing more sebum. The brands of birth control most often prescribed for acne are Yaz, Estrostep, and Ortho Tri-Cyclen, which are all FDA-approved for treating acne—but other kinds work too. “I started taking birth control for my acne about a year ago, and I’ve definitely noticed a difference,” says one Barnard sophomore who wishes to re-

main anonymous. “I still get breakouts sometimes, especially around my pe-riod, but they’re much more mild.” One of the most effective solu-tions you may not have heard about is a hormonal pill called spironolactone. Spironolactone is prescribed “off-label” to treat acne, which means that it’s not FDA-approved for that purpose, though it has been a successful treatment for a lot of women. “Spironolactone, in com-bination with birth control therapy, completely obliterated my cystic acne. I can still break out, but my pimples are rarely cystic (we’re talking two or three cysts a year as opposed to three new cysts every day). Oh, and it com-pletely cuts oil!” says Sarah Schreiber, BC ‘16, The Barnard Bulletin’s Health & Style Section Editor. Here’s how it works: pores are the little passageway between the hair follicle and the sur-face of your skin. During puberty, your body starts making more of these hor-mones called androgens, which stimu-late hair growth. Men celebrate, women start to wax, and the sebaceous glands make even more sebum. Spironolactone blocks the receptors for androgen in the sebaceous glands, which cuts down on the amount of oil they produce. The bad news: spironolactone takes about three months to start working, and you can be on it for years. Once you’ve tried everything else—and I mean everything—your dermatologist might prescribe isotreti-noin. Isotretinoin is better known by its discontinued brand name, Accutane; other brands of isotretinoin are still on the market. It’s not for the occasional minor blemish or for the faint of heart: isotretinoin treats cystic breakouts that leave you with scars. It attacks acne on

every level: oil production, bacteria, clogged pores, and inflammation. So what’s the catch? Isotretinoin is more regulated than guns, principally because it causes some seriously scary birth de-fects. My doctor prescribed isotreti-noin last year. After signing a ton of contracts and waivers, they sent me off with a 20-page “Introductory Bro-chure” and instructions to get a preg-nancy test and start using not one, but two forms of birth control. (I confess I was a bit flattered.) After the first pregnancy test, there’s a 30-day wait-ing period, another pregnancy test, an-other visit to the doctor, an online quiz through an FDA-approved monitoring program—and then, finally, you get your first dose. And it dries you right up like a flaky little raisin. Everything is dry, especially your lips; you’re prone to sunburn; and your skin becomes very thin and delicate, which means waxing is a definite no. Usually treatment lasts four months, though some people need more than one cycle. But if you’re will-ing to jump through the hoops, in most cases, isotretinoin clears up acne for good, or at least makes your acne more responsive to medications that didn’t work before. After one cycle of isotretinoin, I still get breakouts sometimes, but they’re less severe and clear up quickly. Oral medications might not be a magi-cal fix, and you might have to try a few different options before you find the one that’s right for you. But once you do, you’ll be surprised to find that it’s not just your skin that’s different, but your mood and sense of confidence.

Graphic tees never go out of style but this summer, try t-shirts with bold inspiring statements or clever sayings printed across the front. You can dress up your tee with a flowy midi skirt or a stylish embroi-dered blazer. Also, try incorporating this trend with matching two-piece sets that can work for both day and night. Try a Moroccan tile-inspired print on a matching crop-top and shorts. For summer nights out, flaunt your curves with a tight, knee-length floral skirt and a matching bralette paired with timeless strapped heels.

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Beyond Polka Dots

Although New Yorkers are known for all-black uniforms during the colder months, the summer calls for a bold break-through. This trend can easily be incorporated into your summer wardrobe and will ensure that you stand out this

season.

Bold Feet Everyone knows that shoes complete the outfit. What better way to tackle this trend than by spicing up your summer footwear with some unexpected prints? Choose a pair of staple wedges for your summer wardrobe that flaunts fun patterns, like bright peacock feathers or geometric shapes. For your relaxed summer days, transform traditional espadrilles by opting for a pair with quirky summer prints like pine-apples or flamingos.

Graphics Under the Sun Whether you’re lying in the sun or riding the waves, this bold trend doesn’t stop. Swim in a flounce bikini top designed with a palm tree print that will put you in touch with the tropical lifestyle. Match your top with a brightly colored bikini bottom and some white wide-rimmed shades to high-light your sun-kissed skin.

Quirky Patterns Coming in Clutch This summer, the slouchy, oversized beach tote is replaced by quirky clutches. These printed bags come in all shapes like watermelons, orange slices, and bubbly pink lips. Wacky clutches complement an ab-stract printed bodycon dress and flat leather sandals.

Print-astic ShortsDenim shorts are no longer limited to the traditional blue wash and can be found in vibrant col-ors with summery prints. Take on festival season with this trend by choosing denim shorts with pockets in floral prints and neon tie-dye patterns. Top the shorts off with a lightweight kimono and some killer flash tattoos and you’ll be standing out amongst the concert crowds.

BY Briana Draguca

Tee-ri!c Summer Tops


Disclaimer: !

e Bulletin does not own any images on this page

It’s spring, the sun is out, the birds are chirping, and your matte winter foun-dation just isn’t working anymore. The

season is here to say hello to a spring glow, and the best way to aim for the most natu-ral, lively glow? Imitate nature’s own and get that “O” Glow! Style has mimicked post-sex hair, post-sex style (where do you think boyfriend jeans came from?), and it is about time we mimic the post-sex glow. Obviously nothing works as well as the real thing, but when you’ve spent the previous evening binge-watching Scandal, drinking a glass of wine, and pretending that you are Olivia Pope, sometimes you have to go for the next best thing. Here are some products that will lighten and brighten your springtime beauty routine and get you absolutely glowing! The first step is starting with a light and radiant base. Your best bet is a BB cream. My pick is Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream: it hydrates and protects (to keep your skin happy) as it smoothes over imperfections all while keeping you looking natural. If you feel you need more coverage than a BB cream, Chanel Aqua-Lumiere Foundation is an amazing, albeit pricey, alternative that really gives you a flawless base to work with while making sure your foundation doesn’t look caked-on. Now for the fun part: the prod-ucts that take it up a notch and really make you glow. The first pick is Nars The Multiple in Orgasm. Well, the name says it all, doesn’t it? But really, this prod-uct does it all. You really can use it any-where but for our purposes try it on your cheeks—sweeping from apples towards your temples—to get a glowy, highlight-ed complexion. If you’d rather go for rosy than shimmery, opt for Tarte Cheek Stain

which creates a perfect pink tint when blended into the apples of your cheeks. This product comes in a multitude of col-ors so you can choose according to your personal taste—peach, pink, berry, or plum, it’s up to you. In keeping this look simple and natural, no bright lipstick is required. A better alternative is Dior Addict Lip Glow, which comes in two different shades— pink or peach—and is meant to simply en-hance your natural lip color. It gets amaz-ing reviews—some people say they won’t ever use a different lip balm again—but if you aren’t willing to drop over $30 for a glorified lip balm go for Korres Lip But-ter in Pomegranate which gives a subtle hint of color and sheen while not being overwhelmingly bright. The only con to this product is that it comes in a pot so you have to dip a finger in to apply it (not the most sanitary of things when you are on the go around the city). To finish off the look, keep the eyes simple. Try going for a lengthening mascara that enhances what you already have. Curl your lashes and then try Cov-ergirl Lashblast Volume Mascara, which with leave your lashes long and clean look-ing (plus it’s a drugstore product that can save you some major money). To brighten your eyes try a champagne-colored eye-liner on your waterline and in the inner corner, such as Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in Champagne. The result? A bright, wide-eyed look. Getting the “O” glow is all about brightening and tinting while keeping the whole thing looking realistically natural. After all, aren’t we aiming to mimic na-ture at its best? This is you—just brighter.

by Ali McQueen

The "o" Glow

“ ”

The MTA is an invaluable part of New York City. The subway sys-tem promises to get you there on

time, but it’s almost never in style. While TV shows such as Girls, Broad City, or Louie may hyperbolize the grimy, hostile and of-ten bizarre situations one may get into as a patron of the MTA, many aspects ring true. Aside from the solicitors who sing “soulfully” while strumming acous-tic guitars or school kids who swing their feet inches from your face to the beat of their own remixes, most subway faux pas are born from simple ignorance or disregard for one’s surroundings. For in-

stance, noise control on the subways is lacking compared to those of the Paris Metro. On any given line on the subway system, loud humming or raucous cack-ling of large groups of people disturbs the peace. The Paris Metro has its fair share of panhandlers, but passengers seem to be more aware of the fact that their behavior affects the overall environment of the sub-way car. In contrast, most New Yorkers do not protest these transgressions, simply because the noise is almost acceptable considering the more extreme behavior that occurs on a daily basis. The main issue with bad man-ners on the subway, then, is that many

are unwilling to change their behavior for the convenience of others, even when the benefit would be large and the change is slight. It might seem like vigilante justice to inform someone of his or her disrup-tiveness. But this selfishness, triggered by frustration towards the MTA’s steadily in-creasing delays or overcrowding, works in a chain reaction. Everyone knows the subway is not a private space, and that other pas-sengers are affected by an individual’s behavior. When a greater number of people becomes less considerate, being polite seems more like a sacrifice than a basic obligation. The phenomenon of the

Subway Etiquette... Or Not?

The main issue with bad manners on the subway, then, is that many are unwilling to change their behavior for the convenience of others, even when the benefit would

be large and the change is slight.

Photo Illustration by Rhea Schmid

Subway Etiquette... Or Not?“manspreader,” for instance, is so widely known that it is addressed by the MTA in their slew of etiquette posters and openly mocked by a Tumblr blog called “Men Taking Up Too Much Space on the Train.” Though it might seem pretty in-tuitive not to put your legs up on the benches or splay your thighs so far apart that several seats are occupied, plenty of men have tried to defend their cause, citing their need to be comfortable. These protests are mostly ig-nored or ridiculed, but similar argu-ments might be made to defend doing hair and makeup on the train or plac-ing shopping bags on the seats rather than the ground. The overall message of these incidents is that small incon-veniences of some dirt on your bags, slightly cramping your legs, or not hav-ing makeup on is not worth allowing someone else to rest or saving some-one the trouble of seeing an elbow at eye level during their entire commute. Considering that passengers on the London Underground never seem to believe that their items deserve a sub-

way seat more than a human being, and that Parisians gladly give up their seats if someone needs it, New Yorkers have a long way to go. The overall experience of sub-way transit might be improved if riders remembered that each subway bench seats at least three people, controlled the volume of their voices and devices, and stopped placing their belongings on seats. However, enforcement of these unspoken rules is just as essen-tial. Ultimately, subway manners are just as important as every other form of etiquette. Politely informing someone that their music is audible or requesting that they move their belongings from a seat might seem aggressive, but it might be necessary in order to change the “all-for-oneself ” culture currently in place. After all, the subway is much less a lux-urious ride than it is a necessary part of NYC life, and putting some thought into your actions will be for the greater good.

by Jacqueline Xu

Photography by Maddy Molot

Model: Aku Acquaye


by Ariana BusbyIn just a number of days, the Class of

2015 will swap their thesis-writing sweatpants for blue graduation

gowns as they prepare to graduate. Barnard has produced an extensive list of celebrated alumnae, and it is not uncommon to hear of the illustrious careers of graduated peers. However, for many of the seniors who are moments away from starting life as real adults, the days, months, and years ahead hold far more precariousness than certainty. This fear is no doubt grounded in the increasing unreliability of the young person’s job market. A 2014 study showed that approximately 8.5 percent of college graduates between the ages of 21 and 24 were unemployed and nearly 17 percent were “underemployed.” This label means that these candidates were unsuccessful as of yet in the job hunt and working part-time at a job they were overqualified for due to a lack of

full-time opportunities. Moreover, 44 percent of college graduates with a B.A. between the ages of 22 and 27 worked at jobs that did not require a Bachelor’s degree, often at a much lower pay than they would receive in a job demanding a diploma. These statistics make impending adulthood all the more intimidating. But, as always, Barnard students approach this challenge with tenacity, openness, and determination. For students still cultivating their interests and considering multiple career options, beginning work directly out of school can be a good opportunity to crystallize professional priorities and exercise a variety of skills. Such is the case for Anna Dydzuhn, BC ’15, who will be starting work as a Global Business Consultant for IBM at the end of the summer. In her position at IBM, she will gain experience in a variety of consulting capacities and often travel four days a week. After working a couple

years in the position, employees will either be promoted or choose to explore alternative opportunities. It might be surprising to some that an English major like Dydzuhn is planning to pursue a career in finance. However, she says that studying a humanities subject was not a limitation on her professional pursuits. She found that her liberal arts education allowed her to expand both personally and intellectually. In choosing a career in consulting, she was drawn to the same idea of interdisciplinary flexibility. Graduate or professional school is often an option for students who want to continue pursuing higher education. Samantha Gilbert, BC ’15, a Political Science major, is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration at George Washington University in the fall. Gilbert struggled with the decision to continue school immediately after completing her Barnard education, but ultimately saw graduate school as an

Post Grad Plans

important step in advancing her career. Further narrowing her interests made a specific route of study easier to imagine: “I’ve always known I wanted to go into politics, but I didn’t expect to attend grad school so soon after graduation. One of my political science colloquia inspired me to pursue a career in food and agriculture policy after writing a term paper on the WIC program.” In

this way, Gilbert’s experiences in the Barnard classroom helped shape her professional goals. Gilbert is excited to relocate to Washington, D.C. which for her, is the most advantageous place to be as it will allow her to network and connect with people in the field she wants to pursue. However, she says she will miss the excitement of New York City and

being close to friends: “It’s going to be difficult adjusting to calling people on the phone instead of knocking on the door when I want to talk.” Despite the distance, Gilbert knows that her Barnard friendships will stay strong. Another student for whom graduate school is a necessary professional measure is Claire Bouchard, BC ’15. Bouchard recognized her passion for law as a young child and now seeks to work specifically in international civil litigation. Though prepared to follow multiple paths toward her goal, Bouchard hopes to defer law school for a year and travel throughout the Middle East in order to learn Arabic. She feels that this kind of travel will not only help her grow personally, but give her experience that will be essential to her international law career. Her time at Barnard has shown her the importance of global thinking and she wants to capitalize on this perspective in her post-grad plans. The life of a post-grad is often portrayed as a disparate dichotomy: either she has effortless confidence starting her job at Goldman Sachs while wearing an exquisitely-tailored suit or she’s eating ramen in an overcrowded apartment while being woefully unemployed. In reality, every graduate will likely experience both of these sensations after completing college, and Barnard students are no different. The upcoming few years for graduates could represent just the beginning of a lasting and beloved career or a valuable period of re-evaluation and reflection. But as with any challenge, Barnard students will inevitably tackle these years with determination, wit, and unyielding curiosity. Congratulations, Class of 2015!


A celiac, a vegetarian, and a vegan walk into a bar…

If you’re waiting for the punch-

line, you’re living in the past. During the

last decade, experiencing new cuisine

while traveling throughout Europe has

become easier despite one’s dietary con-

straints. While a student studying abroad

should inform her host parents and uni-

versity about any food allergies and di-

etary constraints, it is also possible for

her to eat safely on her own. Despite my

celiac condition, I enjoyed local special-

ties while traveling, such as waffles in

Belgium, chocolate in Switzerland, and

crêpes in France. In order to have a simi-

lar experience, follow my tips for eating

allergen-free abroad without passing up

local treats:

1) Search the internet for restaurants

that will cater to your dietary needs. Be

warned, eateriers with gluten-free op-

tions tend to be pricier. Google Maps

helped me find restaurants within walking

distance of where I would be staying be-

fore I even arrived at my destination, so I

knew immediately where I could eat.

2) Consult locals with the same al-

lergen constraints. Check other travelers’

blogs, but also investigate small shops and

restaurants, especially if you’re gluten-

free. Often these smaller establishments

are run by people who either are or have

a family member who is medically gluten-

free. At a gluten-free shop in Venice, the

owners recommended various local eat-

eries that had reasonably priced gluten-

free pasta—they just didn’t advertise it!

3) Grocery Stores are a staple for the

gluten-free. Most big ones in Europe have

appropriate snacks or bread-like products

that are portable for travel. For example,

many groceries and some corner stores

carry products that are blatantly labeled

gluten-free. Generally, restaurants with-

out gluten-free bread are very obliging;

they will clean their utensils and prepare

sandwiches on the gluten-free bread you

purchased from the grocery store.

4) Know key words in the local lan-

guage. Linguistic barriers may seem

daunting when one has a serious food

allergy, but most restaurant and grocery

store staff I encountered were well-versed

in allergies and understood the concept

“gluten-free”…once I communicated

to them exactly what my allergen was.

The word “without”—“SIN” in Spanish,

“SANS” in French, and “SENZA” in Ital-

ian—preceding the universal term “GLU-

TEN” bridged many language gaps and

kept me safely fed.

5) Don’t be afraid to speak up. Using the

specific words that describe your allergy,

you will be surprised how many places

can accommodate your dietary needs. In

Italy, nearly every restaurant had gluten-

free pizza and pasta, but since it was rarely

advertised on the menu, I learned to be

proactive. I discovered that once the wait-

ers and chefs understood patrons’ needs

they prepared allergen-free meals.

Sin, Sans, or Senza:

Studying Abroad with Dietary Constraints

Sin, Sans, or Senza:

by Sheli Paige Frank


Photo Illustration by Art Board

When travelling abroad, who

wants to expend valuable time seeking

safe food instead of enjoying the sights?

Cover your bases before you leave by

packing energy bars or other protein-rich,

non-perishable snacks that fit your dietary

regime into your luggage for emergen-

cies. After all, a “vegetarian” salad could

arrive covered in tuna (common in Spain)

or “gluten-free” foods could be unsafe to

eat because of added wheat filler (like

some buckwheat crêpes in France).

Allergen-free diets may make

finding safe food more difficult when trav-

elling abroad, but embrace this challenge

as part of the adventure. With advance

planning you will experience a whole new

side of local culture and still have all the

gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan crêpes

you can eat. Bon Appétit!

"When travelling abroad, who wants to expend

valuable time seeking safe food instead of

enjoying the sights?"

"When travelling abroad, who wants to expend

valuable time seeking safe food instead of

enjoying the sights?"


Phot

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by Il

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Richard Carmona, former US Sur-geon General, said, “Because of the increasing rates of obesity,

unhealthy eating habits and physical in-activity, we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.” One major cause of obesity and its related health problems is the extreme amount of sugar in many processed foods. According to the American Heart Association, the recommended amount of sugar for daily consumption is nine teaspoons for men and six teaspoons for women. However, the added sugar in soft drinks, candy, and many other grocery store staples usually exceeds this amount. The often confusing nature of food labels has been one cause of many of the poor nutritional choices Ameri-cans make regularly. For example, fat has been vilified as the main cause of obesity, but recent research has suggested sugar is

actually more of a culprit. Fat-free foods seem like a good option to many of us. However, to make up for the lack of flavor that results from leaving out fat, manu-facturers usually add an excess of sugar to make their products more attractive to consumers. Choosing products with ar-tificial sweeteners is not the best option either. Our bodies may treat these sweet-eners differently than regular sugar. Re-search suggests that sugar substitutes con-fuse our bodies and keep them from being able to process real sugar properly. Then, when we consume regular sugar, our bod-ies have trouble regulating our blood sug-ar, which can lead to weight gain. Some political leaders have pro-posed various measures to address this sugar-induced obesity epidemic. There was a good deal of attention given to former Mayor Michael Bloomberg when he fought to ban soft drinks larger than sixteen ounces in New York. Now, Mayor

Bill de Blasio is renewing this fight with the goal of making drinks that contain a dangerous amount of sugar illegal. This is a small measure, one that may not have a large impact on New Yorkers’ soda drink-ing habits even if it can get passed. How-ever, it does draw attention to the dan-gers of sugar, and forms a precedent for future attempts to address this problem. Furthermore, de Blasio has met with the leaders of the most prominent bever-age companies, and negotiations are in the works. At the Clinton Global Initia-tive conference, the industry’s giants un-veiled their goal of reducing the calories Americans consume from their products by twenty percent by 2025, perhaps to keep up with the increasing consciousness of the risks of sugar and to secure their reputations. Therefore, Bloomberg and de Blasio’s actions have already incited some change. However, the main problem with sugar is that although it can cause many health problems later in life, it is still not seen as particularly dangerous. After all, Americans have no problem giving sugary cereals and soft drinks to their children on a daily basis. The key to controlling the obesity problem is prevention. Edu-cation is important: the effects of such a large consumption of sugar aren’t widely known. Additionally, the difference be-tween fat-free and sugar-free products compared to the originals isn’t always common knowledge. Rather than banning sugary products, it may be more effective to fund programs to teach families, espe-cially young children, what it means to make healthy choices.

Sugar’s Political Position

by Mary Rankin

Disclaimer: !


It’s no secret that Barnard boasts a list of awe-inspiring commencement speakers. This year the keynote address

will be delivered by Samantha Power, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations and a celebrated academic journalist. Power’s notable achievements include the Pulitzer Prize winning book, A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of

Genocide, which advocates for military in-tervention in Libya, and increasing pub-lic awareness of human rights violations. Along with Simi Linton, Nadia Lopez, and Diana Nyad, Power will also receive the Barnard Medal of Distinction, the college’s highest honor. Power’s dedica-tion to reforming the UN, and promoting women’s and LGBTQ rights makes her a seemingly perfect choice. However, some avid Hillary Clinton supporters might not be convinced. During the 2008 presiden-tial campaign, Power infamously attracted attention after referring to Clinton as “a monster.” Power made the remark during an international book tour in an interview

with a Scottish newspaper, but believed herself to be off the record. Referring to Clinton, she claimed, “She is a monster, too—that is off the record—she is stoop-ing to anything...if you are poor and she is telling you some story about how Obama is going to take your job away, maybe it will be more effective. The amount of deceit she has put forward is really unat-tractive.” Power publicly apologized and stepped down from the Obama campaign after the remark, but the fact that she made such a large public blunder by attacking a fellow female politician remains. Barnard, however, has chosen to overlook this in-cident in favor of the broader expanse of Power’s career. President Debora Spar is-sued the statement that, “As a journalist and as a diplomat, Ambassador Power’s work has helped to advance the ways that scholars and world leaders think about to-day’s most complex and crucial issues of human rights and international interven-tion...Her experiences and insights will

surely inspire our graduates, whose own lives and careers will contribute to the fu-ture of our nation in an infinite number of ways.” It seems that Barnard has chosen Power as the 2015 keynote speaker for all the right reasons. An influential woman shaping our world is sure to inspire gradu-ates as they embark on new journeys. Overall, I believe Barnard made the right decision in overlooking Power’s brief controversy with the former secre-tary of state. Power’s apology is reported to have been well-received by Clinton and the two have collaborated since. Offensive commentary has long been a stand-in in American politics, for better or worse. The remark was unfortunate but Power handled the matter professionally. That in itself is a respectable rarity that can be a lesson for Barnard students. Barnard stu-dents are able to learn a lot from Power and her career: she not only exemplifies the idea that the world can be changed but demonstrates that is possible to move for-ward in the face of adversity.

Commencement Controversy

by Jessica Tschida

{ }THE BULLETIN - 22 - May 2015

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Everyone needs an escape from reality once in a while. We crave access to another world full of

problems, love, and familial turmoil more dramatic than our own. So it’s no surprise that many of us turn to reality TV. We believe these shows to be script-less, eating up their ridicu-lousness. Reality television be-gan as an honest attempt to capture regular people per-forming their everyday lives.This trend began in the early 1950s with the show Queen for a Day, which delved into women’s personal lives and struggles. This program al-lowed the viewer to relate to the people she or he was watching onscreen. Currently, reality television has become more staged, popular, and extravagant. In fact, in 2000, there were approximately four reality television shows—to-day, there are over 320. Now, with shows like The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Married at First Sight and the up-coming Sex Box, many Americans enjoy fol-lowing two people’s unique journey to finding love. Fact: 15 out of 18 couples who met on The Bachelor/Bachelorette series are no longer together. We all appreciate an unconventional love story, but it sounds utterly bizarre to say, “We met while I was competing against 25 other single

women, while being filmed 24/7 for approximately six weeks.” It seems that viewers of reality TV savor this unset-tling spectacle. Most reality shows now target young adult audiences, usually women between the ages of 14-39. These shows

give viewers the opportunity to satisfy the basic need to relate to others, feel good, and understand social dynamics. The Bachelor/Bachelorette series enables

viewers to connect with each contestant by giving him or her the spotlight various times throughout the show. Viewers be-gin to empathize with these competitors and select favorites. For example, in one season of The Bachelor, every contestant was rejected, a feeling that everyone has

experienced at one time or an-other. Watching someone en-counter a familiar experience facilitates compassion and a better understanding and ac-ceptance of one’s self. Reality shows allow for a self-esteem boost through social compari-son, as watching someone else get rejected can also enable feelings of superiority. Most importantly, reality TV shows, especially romance-based ones, allow viewers to learn about the social world they in-habit. Although the shows may condone destructive aspects like gender stereotypes and the love of materialism, they may also teach positive les-sons, like how to build strong

friendships and be resilient. While find-ing love on TV may reflect a culture obsessed with fairy tale romances and love at first sight, it may not be all that bad. It should not

be viewed as an emphasis of our immoral values, but rather as an es-cape from reality.

Reality shows allow for a self-esteem boost through social comparison, as

watching someone else get rejected can also enable feelings of superiority.

Finding Love on TVby Nicky Bernstein

“ ”THE BULLETIN - 23 - May 2015

When I saw the line wrapping around the corner of Neue Galerie, I was shocked: I’ve

never had to wait to visit this tiny, two-floor museum dedicated to twentieth cen-tury German and Austrian art and design. I somehow convinced myself the line was for the ice cream truck on the cor-ner, but when I saw that it snaked its way to the museum, I asked a guard what was going on. All the fuss was for the exhibition, “Gus-tav Klimt and Adele Bloch-Bauer: The Woman in Gold,” which ex-plores the close relationship be-tween Klimt and his key subject, patron, and friend. The exhibition coincides with the early April release of the film, Woman in Gold, starring Hel-en Mirren and Ryan Reynolds, which tells the story of Maria Alt-mann, a descendant of the Bloch-Bauer family that sued the Austri-an government for the return of artwork stolen by Nazis. One of these works included Adele Bloch-Bauer I, which is considered one of the greatest works in Klimt’s “golden phase.” In 2005, the US Supreme Court decided the five Klimt paintings needed to be re-turned to the Bloch-Bauer heirs under the Art Restitution Law, and the Neue Galerie acquired Adele Bloch-Bauer I, where it has since remained. Upon viewing the painting, one immediately understands its $135 million price tag, the highest sum ever paid for a painting at the time. The painting depicts Adele Bloch-Bauer, a wealthy Jewish woman, in a strange, unreadable posture. While her face and hands are painted with great at-

tention, the most memorable part of the work is the swirling, all-seeing eyes and geometric patterns on her dress. An arm-chair behind her, covered in the same pat-tern as on her dress, seems to engulf the subject. This rich image was painted with oil paints and silver and mimics the sixth-

century Byzantine mosaics that inspired Klimt. Naturally, most of the visitors gravitated towards the portrait after wait-ing 20 to 30 minutes for the “woman in gold.” Yet this part of the exhibition failed to live up to the hype. While Adele Bloch-Bauer I is undoubtedly beautiful, the par-ticular room in which it is located is vir-

tually unchanged from a number of years ago. Neue Galerie seems to be capitalizing on the film’s release to showcase a piece it has posessed for a long time. The most interesting aspect of the exhibition is a small side room dis-playing Klimt’s sketches of not only Adele

Bloch-Bauer, whom he painted on numerous occasions, but also a handful of other high society women. According to Neue Gal-erie, the artist labored for four years over his first portrait of Bloch-Bauer, and produced hun-dreds of sketches for it. Some of these are included in the collec-tion, allowing viewers to study the slow development of Adele Bloch-Bauer I. This display also of-fers a new way of understanding the famous portrait: the subject’s dress reflects the artist’s support of fashion reform, along with the belief that clothes should reflect individuality and not “a certain uniform elegance that is possibly correct but very boring.” The exhibition of-fers some new insight into one of Klimt’s greatest pieces, and a trip to Neue Galerie never disap-points. However, the artist’s fans may want to wait until “Gustav Klimt and Adele Bloch-Bauer: The Woman in Gold,” which

runs until September 7th, receives less attention due to the film’s release. Even without the accompanying exhibition, Adele Bloch-Bauer I can be appreciated as a landmark in both Klimt’s career and art history. Unfortunately, this fact is often overshadowed by the sensational details of its provenance, as dramatized in Woman in Gold.

Gallery Gallivanting: The Woman in Gold at Neue Galerie

by Lauren Zhang

Disclaimer: !


The most memorable part of the work is the swirling, all-seeing eyes and geometric

patterns on her dress. An armchair be-hind her, covered in the same pattern as on

her dress, seems to engulf the subject.


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We all know what it’s like to finish the last book in a se-ries, and then desperately

wish we could go back in time and re-live the experience again. If we’re lucky, a few months later an ad on TV will an-nounce that the whole thing is begin-ning again in the format of film. Game of Thrones is unique in the fact that reading the books and watching the show reveal both converging and diverging plotlines. Game of Thrones fans can choose to read

the books, watch the show, or do both, knowing they will be captivated no mat-ter what. George R.R. Martin, author of the Song of Ice and Fire series on which Game of Thrones is based, is under serious pressure to release books at a rapid fire pace. With five of the seven-book series released, and season five of the show cur-rently airing on HBO, Martin not only has millions of fans to please, but a televi-sion network to satisfy as well. Martin, as a past TV writer himself for The Twilight Zone, told a HitFix interviewer that the show’s creators Dave Benioff and D.B. Weiss “had a hell of a challenge ahead of them, and I feel they’ve succeeded admi-rably, without having to resort to clunky devices like voiceover or an opening

monologue. But of course, people like you will be the judge of that, not the people like me. I’m too close to it.” He’s recently announced that the sixth book will be out by 2016. Book-adapted films and shows are infamous for attracting “fake fans”—those who consider themselves fanatics without actually reading the books. Game of Thrones is an unusual exception to this rule for most viewers and readers. Fans of the books and the show alike have a ca-

maraderie and a mu-tual appreciation for both thanks to the series’ plot and mes-merizing elements. First, there are ten hour-long epi-sodes in every sea-son, meaning that instead of fitting a book into a two hour movie, the show has ample time to in-

clude the infinitesimal details. The show gets to cover not only the essential fight scenes, but also the small personal mo-ments that happen in between. There’s also the fact that the plot points in A Song of Fire and Ice are so monumental. It doesn’t matter if the sudden death of your favorite character happens while you’re laying on the lawn with a book, or curled up late at night watching it on your computer screen. You’re going to cry (and probably scream) no matter what. There’s nothing that can soften that blow. Book fans also often complain that movies and TV shows ruin the way they imagine things from the book. De-tails that are often left to our personal visualization of the scene are interpreted

(or, in our opinion, misinterpreted) by Hollywood. While there is no doubt that the show gets some of the facts and de-scriptions wrong, it does not skimp on its budget for costumes, sets, special ef-fects, or film locations. Game of Thrones is just so visually pleasing. The warm reds of Kings Landing, the piercing whites of The Wall, and the dusty browns of Quarth are all mesmerizing. Filming for the show takes place not only in the Bel-fast Studio, but in Ireland, Morocco, Ice-land, Croatia, and Malta. The vastness of the Game of Thrones world is reflected in its tremendous filming locations. As far as characters go, the show has assembled an incredible cast of actors and actresses that take their roles incredibly seriously. Every one of them has managed to in-corporate character growth, backstories, and dimension into their roles. Not to mention that they look so good doing it, too. As season five kicks off, fans are reacting favorably to both the plot and the portrayal of the book’s events. Af-ter the first four episodes were leaked online, fans that sought to get their GoT fix in a less-than-legal way had a taste of how the season was going to proceed. While Cersei, played by Lena Headey, has always been a major character, sea-son five will supposedly revolve around her more than ever before—the season premiere even began with a flashback to her childhood. Fan favorite Tyrion, played by Peter Dinklage, also seems to step into a larger role this season as he accepts his part in shaping the fate of the Seven Kingdoms. There’s an unshakeable enchantment that comes from reading the books. Luckily, this magic isn’t lost in the show-watching experience.

Literature is Coming: A New Game of Thrones Book

by Haley Wade

Disclaimer: !



Most of us can agree that we are more than ready for summer. Between stressful classes and the fickle weather, we are itch-

ing to close the books and jump on the first plane (or car) ride home. With the school year coming to a close and summer

rapidly approaching, the season of highly anticipated films is almost upon us. However, with all the movies coming out,

it’s hard to choose which ones you should dish out ten dollars for and which movies just aren’t worth it. Here’s a list that predicts

this summer’s hits and misses:

Summer Blockbusters

Ant-Man (July 17th) What better way to spend your summer vacation than with your favorite superheros? This summer must-

see tells the story of an average man who is suddenly gifted with the abilities to shrink in size but double

in strength. With movies such as Captain America and TV shows like Agents of Shield, Agent Carter, and the

newly released Daredevil, you can be sure that Ant-Man will be a movie that we cannot miss. And with

Marvel’s other films such as Avengers: Age of Ultron coming out on May 1st, and The Fantastic 4 that is set for

release soon after Ant-Man, we are certain to have a summer filled with our favorite heros.

Pixels (July 24th)When you mix Adam Sandler, Kevin James, and your favorite childhood video games together, what do

you get? In the upcoming movie Pixels, video game experts are recruited by the government to protect

their world from the threat of classic video games that have come to life. With Sandler and James work-

ing together, this movie promises to be hilarious, but it’s one that can wait until it shows on television.

Pitch Perfect 2 (May 15th)Who doesn’t love a good sequel? After the booming success of the original Pitch Perfect which followed

Beca and her struggling a cappella group, the viewers were asking for more and the producers were

happy to oblige. With the hope that Pitch Perfect 2 will be as hilarious as the first, many of us will cough

up the dough in anticipation. Whether this movie ends up to be a hit or a miss, it’s sure to remind us

why we fell in love with The Bellas in the first place.

Inside Out (June 19th)By now, I’m sure most of us have already seen the adorable trailer for Inside Out, a film about the inner

workings of a girl named Riley, where her emotions—Joy, Anger, Disgust, Fear, and Sadness—lead her

through life. The feeling of trying to handle your surge of emotions while growing up is something we

can all relate to, and this animated film shows a lot of promise.

Pan (July 24th)Have you ever wondered how Peter Pan came to be? In this upcoming film with Hugh Jackman, Amanda

Seyfried, and Cara Delevingne (Yes, Cara Delevingne) we learn the backstory of Peter Pan and how he

first discovered the magical Neverland. This fantastical and thrilling movie is one that will take us on an

adventure and bring out our inner kid as we revisit one of our favorite childhood characters. If you have

the time and money, seeing this movie will be worth your while.

There are many films coming out this summer that have a lot of promise and will surely bring us to another world, no matter

where we are. Beat the heat by escaping to the movie theater and checking out one of these new flicks.

by Simi Akinola

On May 30th, Randall’s Island will welcome art lovers from near and far for the fifth annual FLOW

art exhibition, known as FLOW.15. New this year are site-specific installations by five artists, which the contributors hope will highlight the island’s unique shoreline and history. Naturally, each piece is deeply influenced by New York City as well, and will interact with its environment in innovative ways. Here’s what you can expect to see at the exhibition:

Nicholas Fraser, a British video and installation artist, has constructed a piece entitled All Consuming, which is an 18’ signpost with road signs for extinct cities from a wide range of cultures and locations. The installation is intended to point out the cultural diversity of our own city. However, here’s the tricky part: Fraser has written the names of each city in birdseed, so that over the course of the exhibition, birds and other city critters will whittle away at the place names until they look more like ruins than names. This installation will be located on the southern shoreline of the park.

Rica Takashima, a Japanese Manga and large-scale installation artist, was also influenced by the cultural diversity of this

city when creating El Barrio Comes in All Colors, Shapes and Sizes. Combining Manga and the Puerto Rican influences she saw in El Barrio of East Harlem, she constructed a 7’10” sculpture of a brightly colored girl who looks out over the East River towards Harlem. This figure is three-dimensional, but formed from large stacked cubes reminiscent of children’s blocks. She is surrounded by other blocks that are painted like city buildings. Each building reflects a part of the artist’s personal history such as her childhood home and the café she owns and operates in the city. This installation will be located just across the 103rd St. pedestrian bridge to the island.

Rob Swainston, a printmaker from Pennsylvania, found inspiration for his installation, Who Owns the Sky?, not from the city itself, but from the sky that puts it in relief. Swainston built an enormous, semi-transparent billboard on which he painted a cloud pattern in the style of traditional woodcuts. Through the translucent fabric of the billboard, New York’s shifting skies are visible, moving in and out of sync with the sculpture throughout the day. The title of this installation introduces a commentary on ownership and the globalization that so

greatly influences international politics today. This installation will be located on the southeastern shoreline.

Sharon Ma and David J. Wilson will also be exhibiting their work at FLOW.15. Ma is an American artist from California whose work combines photography, archaeology, and sculpture to explore how humans “curate their lives and experiences,” and the struggles we all face with immortality and identity. Her installation, hello, will be on display at the touchdown of the 103rd St. pedestrian bridge. David J. Wilson is an Australian sculptor who often uses sound and mechanization in his installations. His Etherwave Architecture #1, will be constructed on the park’s eastern waterfront between the Hell Gate and RFK Bridges, addresses the “dilemmas surrounding public spaces.”

This free exhibition will run from May-November. For more information about the artists, their installations, and the Randall’s Island project as a whole, visit flowartnyc.org, and check out all the installations in person starting May 30th.

by Maddie Pages

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Nearing festival season without tickets to big-name events like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo can leave you feeling like

something is missing. But not to worry, there is an array of more affordable ways to get your live music fill. If a $70

pass for a four-day festival is more your style, do not hesitate to check out NYC Popfest, running from May 28th-

31st. Situated in several venues throughout Brooklyn, including cozy-cool spots like Baby’s All Right and Cameo, indie-pop

bands from around the globe will gather to deliver a music experience like no other.

NYC Popfest’s lineup secures an element of hipster appeal, considering that it is unlikely that your friends have seen these

bands live, or even heard of them. Few things surpass the deep satisfaction that stems from introducing people to really good

music. The bands performing have an overwhelmingly hazy, dreamlike vibe, backed by expert musicians that are guaranteed

to sound great live. You probably could not say the same about Rae Sremmurd performing at Governor’s Ball this summer.

NYC POPFESTNYC Popfest


BeverlyYou won’t want to miss this Brooklyn-based girl duo, composed of Frankie Rose (of Crystal Stilts and

the Dum Dum Girls) and Drew Citron (of Avan Lava). Their debut album Careers was released last

June, decked with soft rock numbers that capture you with catchy hooks and revved up instrumentals.

Warning: “Honey Do” will get stuck in your head for eternity, but you’ll like it.

By Imani Randolph

Disclaimer: !

e Barnard Bulletin does not own any images on

There are hordes of other cool bands traveling from the West Coast, the UK, Spain, and even Japan. NYC Popfest will leave

you with sonic joy and alt-indie-exclusive-hipster-pop bragging rights, so gear up your Instagrams, festival-goers!

This trio hailing all the way from Russia released their fourth EP last summer. Their sunshine-filled

vocals and steady beats feel like the soundtrack of an indie film about first love, which can only be a

good thing.

Palms on Fire

This Brooklyn band generates obscure beats and glowy vocals that are vaguely reminiscent of a

down-tempo like a more somber version of The Beach Boys. If you need some convincing on this

super-indie collective, their music is available for purchase online: you can choose from CDs, vi-

nyls, or even cassettes. Yes, they provide their music on cassettes.

Sapphire Mansions

This Swedish duo was formed in 1995, and through producing eight albums, has transformed into

an indie pop phenomenon. They create a killer collage of 80s techno, disco funk, African-inspired

rhythms, melancholia, and danceable beats, while lead singer Karolina Komstedt’s whispery voice

hypnotizes you.

Club 8

Conservatory

Photography by

Sharon Wu

Farewell to the

Farewell

Seniorsto the

Documents

Barnard Bulletin May 2015