This week, our featured article, is, to my great surprise, a poem.
Since I included some poetry recently, it was no surprise that this week there was another poem in my in-box. That’s a bit of what I was afraid of happening, that including any poetry would open the floodgates, and before I knew it, I’d be swimming through rafts of angst-ridden free verse, all of such personal and subjective value to the authors but inscrutable for the majority of Voice readers. And then having to tell these would-be poets that baring their soul just isn’t right for the Voice. I’m sure nobody likes crushing dreams.
So, when I saw it in my inbox, I was thinking “Oh no. Here we go.” But what I opened in the attached file was not free verse. True, it was somewhat angst ridden, but for good reason (as you’ll see when you read it). More to the point, it directly connects to AU students and is likely something every student has either experienced, or at least imagined they might experience.
So, yeah. This week, believe it or not, I’m featuring a poem by Blythe Appleby. Let me know what you think. I think it’s a pretty good read.
The next feature is by a new writer who comes forward with some strong words toward how to be anti-racist. Aside from the advice provided, what caught my attention was the sentence “Today, being non-racist is no longer sufficient; we must proactively work toward being anti-racist …” What struck me was how much that statement could be generalized, “Today, being non- anything, is no longer sufficient; we must proactively work toward …” and it could apply to everything from whatever social cause you favor to involvement in politics, whether for post-secondary education, the U.S. election, or some other cause that has meaning or could affect you. With people and politics being so polarized, non-involvement is its own type of involvement—involvement for the arguments and ideologies you don’t want. Because you can be sure those that do want it are getting angrier and more involved.
The third feature is a little uplifting article by Marie Well. Her, let’s say “relentless”, optimism in the face of situations that would normally lead to anything but, is, I think, a good balance for my cynicism here in the Voice Magazine. And at the moment, I feel like we all need a bit of uplifting. I know I certainly do.
But beyond the features, this week also has a good selection of columns and articles, with a brand new music review, a look at the world of collectibles, another research assistant opportunity if you want to start to get in good with AU (especially important if you intend to seek a graduate degree), a consideration of laughter as an academic action, as well as our usual selection of scholarships, events, and more.
And who knows, maybe things won’t turn out as bad as I expect. One thing about being a cynic, I’m usually happier when I’m wrong. So let’s hope for the unexpected.
Enjoy the read!
