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Brighton: Wrapped
In the good old days, winter was the season of mince pies, mulled wine and Michael Bublé. Now, however, Spotify Wrapped is more of a hallmark of the holidays than Hallmark itself. So much so that other apps have followed in the streaming platform’s digital footsteps and created their own year in review. Monzo has appealed to those nostalgic for Halloween with its fear-inducing recap in which you can see just how much money you spent over the year, while Xbox understands that some people prefer listening to friends shout into a mic than Taylor Swift and so summarised gamers’ 2024 activity with the console. Though a personal Brighton: Wrapped is too depressing for print (you wandered aimlessly around Primark 32 times; you spent 122 minutes waiting for the 5B; June was your Dysentery-esque Stomach Flu from Swimming in the Sea phase), here is a summary of what changed in Brighton over the year.
Celebrities Visited
While there are several celebrities that live in our city (unsurprisingly, since the average monthly rent is currently an eye-watering £1,766), 2024 saw Brighton visited by Jack Black and Ed Sheeran. The former played a concert at the Brighton Centre in May as part of rock duo, Tenacious D, and ventured out of his dressing room long enough to be spotted waiting to cross the road by the beach. Unfortunately, since Black is heavily bearded and donned large headphones and a tie-dye t-shirt, he blended into Brighton’s scenery more than a recycling bin and a rainbow flag. Ed Sheeran, on the other hand, chose to play at a much more intimate, underground venue, popular with the city’s youth – Fairlight Primary School. Yes, instead of half-heartedly singing He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands, children got to attend a surprise performance of one of the best-selling artists of the 21st century, who even donated five of his guitars to support the school’s music lessons. Luckily, they’d have easily been able to cough up the pier’s new £1 entrance fee for non-residents.
School’s Out Forever
Despite Sheeran’s secret gig, Brighton’s school situation was in dire straits in 2024. Two schools, St Peter’s Community Primary School in Portslade and St Bartholomew’s Church of England Primary School on Ann Street, permanently closed earlier this year amid falling pupil numbers in the area. To prevent a repeat of this situation, the council planned to redistribute children from oversubscribed schools to those less popular. However, three popular schools, St Luke’s Primary, Goldstone Primary, and Patcham Infant School, won their appeals and will retain their intake. Yet campaigners are refusing to give up, with the dedicated group, Class Divide, calling for better education for the city’s poorest children and discussing further proposals with Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet in December 2024.
Relocation, Relocation, Relocation
2024 saw us waving goodbye to Debenhams and saying hej to Ikea. In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Swedish furniture-and-meatball retailer is coming to Churchill Square in 2025, meaning you can decorate your rock with a GRÅFJÄLLET or a MALM. Furthermore, the sleek style and neutral tones of Ikea’s furnishings mean that students from Northfield to East Slope can rest assured knowing that nothing will clash with their copy of The Great Wave off Kanagawa. In other news, some of the city’s stores decided to move this year. Not a big leaving-my-childhood-home-and-coming-to-university move – more like the move from your second-year house near Lewes Road to your third-year house also near Lewes Road. Holland and Barrett relocated from North Street to Western Road, while Oliver Bonas moved a mere four doors down to accommodate more stock. Residents should also be prepared to say goodbye to the I(sore)360, which has closed with immediate effect following a series of financial troubles.
So, there you have it! While some things have changed this year, the city continued to be in its Green Environment Equality Queen phase by electing Siân Berry as its MP. And there are still, inexplicably, about 1000 Subways.
Celebrities Visited
While there are several celebrities that live in our city (unsurprisingly, since the average monthly rent is currently an eye-watering £1,766), 2024 saw Brighton visited by Jack Black and Ed Sheeran. The former played a concert at the Brighton Centre in May as part of rock duo, Tenacious D, and ventured out of his dressing room long enough to be spotted waiting to cross the road by the beach. Unfortunately, since Black is heavily bearded and donned large headphones and a tie-dye t-shirt, he blended into Brighton’s scenery more than a recycling bin and a rainbow flag. Ed Sheeran, on the other hand, chose to play at a much more intimate, underground venue, popular with the city’s youth – Fairlight Primary School. Yes, instead of half-heartedly singing He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands, children got to attend a surprise performance of one of the best-selling artists of the 21st century, who even donated five of his guitars to support the school’s music lessons. Luckily, they’d have easily been able to cough up the pier’s new £1 entrance fee for non-residents.
School’s Out Forever
Despite Sheeran’s secret gig, Brighton’s school situation was in dire straits in 2024. Two schools, St Peter’s Community Primary School in Portslade and St Bartholomew’s Church of England Primary School on Ann Street, permanently closed earlier this year amid falling pupil numbers in the area. To prevent a repeat of this situation, the council planned to redistribute children from oversubscribed schools to those less popular. However, three popular schools, St Luke’s Primary, Goldstone Primary, and Patcham Infant School, won their appeals and will retain their intake. Yet campaigners are refusing to give up, with the dedicated group, Class Divide, calling for better education for the city’s poorest children and discussing further proposals with Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet in December 2024.
Relocation, Relocation, Relocation
2024 saw us waving goodbye to Debenhams and saying hej to Ikea. In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Swedish furniture-and-meatball retailer is coming to Churchill Square in 2025, meaning you can decorate your rock with a GRÅFJÄLLET or a MALM. Furthermore, the sleek style and neutral tones of Ikea’s furnishings mean that students from Northfield to East Slope can rest assured knowing that nothing will clash with their copy of The Great Wave off Kanagawa. In other news, some of the city’s stores decided to move this year. Not a big leaving-my-childhood-home-and-coming-to-university move – more like the move from your second-year house near Lewes Road to your third-year house also near Lewes Road. Holland and Barrett relocated from North Street to Western Road, while Oliver Bonas moved a mere four doors down to accommodate more stock. Residents should also be prepared to say goodbye to the I(sore)360, which has closed with immediate effect following a series of financial troubles.
So, there you have it! While some things have changed this year, the city continued to be in its Green Environment Equality Queen phase by electing Siân Berry as its MP. And there are still, inexplicably, about 1000 Subways.
Why are so many arts venues shutting down?
Is there really a problem?
While music may be the food of love, unfortunately, the public requires real consistent nourishment. Due to the cost-of-living crisis, people are frequenting food banks rather than NatWest. Understandably, it’s proving hard for local bands to play when people no longer carry cash to see them in concert.
But is this necessarily the worst thing? Seeing Oasis live in concert doesn’t appear in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, yet among younger people, attending gigs is seemingly a non-negotiable. I, for one, feel sorry for therapists who gain a degree in listening to people complain for hours on end, only to hear “Taylor Swift saved my life” from their clientele.
On the other hand, all work and no play made Jack Torrance a psychopath. We need arts venues and the joy they bring to stay sane after working a nine-to-five. Disappointingly, Labour Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced plans to cut the budget allocated to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport by 2.5% in her statement on the 30th of October. Young people can’t even play their tiny violins of despair anymore, since music lessons have been cut from schools over the last decade.
Facts and Figures
This statement comes after a decade of steadily decreasing public funding for the cultural sector, with aid for UK arts organisations falling by 18% between 2010 and 2023. A 2024 report by the Campaign for the Arts and the University of Warwick found that government spending on culture in the UK is poor compared to other European countries. While they found that the National Lottery funding for arts projects increased by 19% between 2010 and 2023c, they noted the considerable fluctuations over the decade and the negative impact of the pandemic. Additionally, the BBC’s total funding decreased by 23%.
Several organisations and individuals involved in the arts have responded to the new budget. Although The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) acknowledged the difficult decisions the government had to make to “balance a range of competing and urgent demands”, they argued that 40% of venues are at risk of closure over the next five years due to the cuts.
Andy Haldane, chief executive of the Royal Society for Arts and former chief economist at the Bank of England, echoed SOLT’s comments, claiming that Reeves should fund projects that “make lives live-able” and support deprived areas. He argued that the government should look to the Millennium Commission, which provided £2bn to many arts and culture establishments for inspiration.
Furthermore, Kwame Kwei-Armah, the artistic director of the Young Vic, argued that diversity in the industry will regress if the government fails to urgently improve the provision of drama and art classes in secondary schools. Speaking to The Guardian, he stated that without this, “we may be having the same debate around class and race again in 10 years’ time.”
Are we past all hope?
Yet it is important to note that all hope is not lost. Labour plans to invest £3m to expand the Creative Careers Programme and, as of 14 November, it is the official government policy that every ticket sold at an arena or stadium should contain a financial contribution that supports grassroots music venues, artists and promoters.
Although if Brighton Pryzm ends up shutting for good following the ongoing building works, I wouldn’t have any complaints.
Another article you may enjoy: Are Jukebox Musicals Hitting All the Right Notes?
While music may be the food of love, unfortunately, the public requires real consistent nourishment. Due to the cost-of-living crisis, people are frequenting food banks rather than NatWest. Understandably, it’s proving hard for local bands to play when people no longer carry cash to see them in concert.
But is this necessarily the worst thing? Seeing Oasis live in concert doesn’t appear in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, yet among younger people, attending gigs is seemingly a non-negotiable. I, for one, feel sorry for therapists who gain a degree in listening to people complain for hours on end, only to hear “Taylor Swift saved my life” from their clientele.
On the other hand, all work and no play made Jack Torrance a psychopath. We need arts venues and the joy they bring to stay sane after working a nine-to-five. Disappointingly, Labour Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced plans to cut the budget allocated to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport by 2.5% in her statement on the 30th of October. Young people can’t even play their tiny violins of despair anymore, since music lessons have been cut from schools over the last decade.
Facts and Figures
This statement comes after a decade of steadily decreasing public funding for the cultural sector, with aid for UK arts organisations falling by 18% between 2010 and 2023. A 2024 report by the Campaign for the Arts and the University of Warwick found that government spending on culture in the UK is poor compared to other European countries. While they found that the National Lottery funding for arts projects increased by 19% between 2010 and 2023c, they noted the considerable fluctuations over the decade and the negative impact of the pandemic. Additionally, the BBC’s total funding decreased by 23%.
Several organisations and individuals involved in the arts have responded to the new budget. Although The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) acknowledged the difficult decisions the government had to make to “balance a range of competing and urgent demands”, they argued that 40% of venues are at risk of closure over the next five years due to the cuts.
Andy Haldane, chief executive of the Royal Society for Arts and former chief economist at the Bank of England, echoed SOLT’s comments, claiming that Reeves should fund projects that “make lives live-able” and support deprived areas. He argued that the government should look to the Millennium Commission, which provided £2bn to many arts and culture establishments for inspiration.
Furthermore, Kwame Kwei-Armah, the artistic director of the Young Vic, argued that diversity in the industry will regress if the government fails to urgently improve the provision of drama and art classes in secondary schools. Speaking to The Guardian, he stated that without this, “we may be having the same debate around class and race again in 10 years’ time.”
Are we past all hope?
Yet it is important to note that all hope is not lost. Labour plans to invest £3m to expand the Creative Careers Programme and, as of 14 November, it is the official government policy that every ticket sold at an arena or stadium should contain a financial contribution that supports grassroots music venues, artists and promoters.
Although if Brighton Pryzm ends up shutting for good following the ongoing building works, I wouldn’t have any complaints.
Another article you may enjoy: Are Jukebox Musicals Hitting All the Right Notes?
What’s on in Brighton this Christmas
As decorations have been in stores since the summer holidays, it is inevitable that many students may have gotten into the Christmas spirit sometime around October 1, and then out of it again by December. Hopefully, this article will reignite your passion for the holiday season by providing some ideas of how best to celebrate it in the city.
Ice Skating at the Pavilion
Does anyone else remember the 1997 direct-to-video animated film, Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas? In it, Belle and her codependent crush engage in a number of Christmassy activities including ice skating in the castle’s gardens. The protagonist glides elegantly on her skates while her love interest falls flat.. Anyway, I have yet to grace the ice rink at the Pavilion in fear that I’ll resemble the beast. Luckily, there’s no charge for spectating from the sidelines (besides the mulled wine you’ll inevitably purchase from the bar). So, while the adventurous among you can spend £11 having a great time, the anxious can live vicariously.
The ice rink is open from 26 October to 5 January.
Sleeping Beauty
“He’s behind you,” is something usually said on a night out at Coalition after a creepy guy won’t leave you alone. Fortunately, this Christmas season you’ll be able to shout it during Sleeping Beauty, the pantomime playing at the Hilton from 19 to 30 December. On second thought, it may have to be “she’s behind you,” as I can’t think of any male villains in this film. It appears that 1950s Disney still enjoyed pitting women against each other.
Brighton Lights at Stanmer Park
If the cost of living crisis means you won’t be able to foot the electricity bill, should you decide to decorate your house with Christmas lights, don’t worry! Well, do worry, then put it to the back of your mind because it’s nearly Christmas and you don’t want to bring down the mood…and take a trip to Stanmer Park to live through the council who had the budget to light up the greenery. As the venue is so close to the university, it’s the equivalent of popping into your next-door neighbour’s house to spread some good will. For £16, you can walk through the illuminated Palm House, enjoy live performances from local musicians, and pick up gifts from the Christmas market.
Tickets available from 11 to 23 December.
The Laines
If £16 is too steep, why not take a trip to the Laines and enjoy the Christmas lights they have to offer. I must warn you, however, that some of the choices this year are inexplicable. If the council wants to promote Brighton, why not go the whole vegan-hog and throw in a neon “F*** the Tories” sign or a bedazzled tofu block? Instead, we have an alien in a Christmas hat and a breakdancing robot.
Although not limited to Brighton, I’d encourage you to also take a trip to the Morrison’s on St James’ Street to pick up some Gingerbread Mulled Wine, which took out the bitter taste in my mouth left by the North Street lights. Warning: don’t go with young children or they may misconstrue the old bloke with a beer belly and bulging sack running from security as Father Christmas.
So, there you have it! A range of activities to ensure that you simply have a wonderful Christmas time.
Ice Skating at the Pavilion
Does anyone else remember the 1997 direct-to-video animated film, Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas? In it, Belle and her codependent crush engage in a number of Christmassy activities including ice skating in the castle’s gardens. The protagonist glides elegantly on her skates while her love interest falls flat.. Anyway, I have yet to grace the ice rink at the Pavilion in fear that I’ll resemble the beast. Luckily, there’s no charge for spectating from the sidelines (besides the mulled wine you’ll inevitably purchase from the bar). So, while the adventurous among you can spend £11 having a great time, the anxious can live vicariously.
The ice rink is open from 26 October to 5 January.
Sleeping Beauty
“He’s behind you,” is something usually said on a night out at Coalition after a creepy guy won’t leave you alone. Fortunately, this Christmas season you’ll be able to shout it during Sleeping Beauty, the pantomime playing at the Hilton from 19 to 30 December. On second thought, it may have to be “she’s behind you,” as I can’t think of any male villains in this film. It appears that 1950s Disney still enjoyed pitting women against each other.
Brighton Lights at Stanmer Park
If the cost of living crisis means you won’t be able to foot the electricity bill, should you decide to decorate your house with Christmas lights, don’t worry! Well, do worry, then put it to the back of your mind because it’s nearly Christmas and you don’t want to bring down the mood…and take a trip to Stanmer Park to live through the council who had the budget to light up the greenery. As the venue is so close to the university, it’s the equivalent of popping into your next-door neighbour’s house to spread some good will. For £16, you can walk through the illuminated Palm House, enjoy live performances from local musicians, and pick up gifts from the Christmas market.
Tickets available from 11 to 23 December.
The Laines
If £16 is too steep, why not take a trip to the Laines and enjoy the Christmas lights they have to offer. I must warn you, however, that some of the choices this year are inexplicable. If the council wants to promote Brighton, why not go the whole vegan-hog and throw in a neon “F*** the Tories” sign or a bedazzled tofu block? Instead, we have an alien in a Christmas hat and a breakdancing robot.
Although not limited to Brighton, I’d encourage you to also take a trip to the Morrison’s on St James’ Street to pick up some Gingerbread Mulled Wine, which took out the bitter taste in my mouth left by the North Street lights. Warning: don’t go with young children or they may misconstrue the old bloke with a beer belly and bulging sack running from security as Father Christmas.
So, there you have it! A range of activities to ensure that you simply have a wonderful Christmas time.
A Brief History of Disability and Theatre
If all the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players, those with disabilities may find themselves working behind the scenes. Due to the history of stigma towards neurodiversity, it is unsurprising that, according to Shakespeare’s analogy, I suffered with stage fright for years. I would only venture out from behind the curtain once I’d donned my mask and utilised performance techniques of a practitioner more famous than Stanislavsky or Brecht: Neurotypical People. Unfortunately, acting was not a sustainable profession for me so I retired in my early twenties and began being true to myself, like Polonius suggested. While I appreciate the Bard, not least for providing material on which I based this entire paragraph, he certainly contributed to the insensitive portrayals of disability in the theatre.
From using epilepsy to portray characters such as Othello as uncontrollable, to relying on blindness and immobility for a cheap laugh in Henry VI, Shakespeare was not ahead of his time as some scholars suggest, but rather a victim of it. In a similar manner to ancient Greek theatre depicting disabilities as curses from the Gods, Bill was writing characters his audience would respond to – namely caricatures of mental and physical illness. Yet expecting Shakespeare to pen an accurate, nuanced and respectful description of disability when the world didn’t even recognise the relationship between disease and handwashing until 150 years after his death is surely unfair. What’s done is done, as Lady Macbeth said.
Regrettably, though, it is still being done today. With the level of understanding of disability writers, directors and actors could have if they so much as opened TikTok, there is no excuse for poor portrayals of differences in the 21st century. Although I loved The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, I was disappointed that Mark Haddon, who wrote the book on which the play is based, did “more research about the London Underground than [he] did about Asperger’s syndrome”, which the protagonist is diagnosed with. Despite this, the play received seven Olivier Awards during its premiere run, including Best Leading Actor for neurotypical Luke Treadaway. Two years later, Bradley Cooper – AKA People’s Sexiest Man Alive – was nominated for a Tony for his portrayal of Joseph Merrick in The Elephant Man. Now, I don’t want makeup artists to go out of a job or anything, but surely – surely – there must have been an actor with a visible difference available to play the role.
However, a perk of the theatre is that actors need to possess a certain level of talent in order to perform live eight times a week, meaning that I believed both Treadaway and Cooper’s portrayals. I did not, however, buy Maddie Ziegler’s performance in Music, which made Shakespeare’s writing seem pared down and sensitive. Deciding who should be able to play a disabled role is a contentious topic, with some arguing that only those with the same diagnosis as the character should be cast. Speaking to The Guardian, playwright Katie O’Reilly, who has a visual and physical disability, lamented the lack of “good parts for people who are different, whose bodies don’t conform” and the fact that oftentimes “they’re not performed by disabled people”. She serves to overcome this with writing that avoids metaphors or tropes, such as the play In Water I’m Weightless.
However, others believe that only casting disabled actors to play disabled characters suggests every person with said disability behaves or looks the same. As someone with autism, I would be horrified if someone chose me to play a non-verbal character with ASD Level Three over Dame Judi Dench simply because we have the same diagnosis. Of course there needs to be a much greater number of opportunities for disabled actors, but those shouldn’t be limited to playing disabled characters. After all, we have years of experience with masking.
From using epilepsy to portray characters such as Othello as uncontrollable, to relying on blindness and immobility for a cheap laugh in Henry VI, Shakespeare was not ahead of his time as some scholars suggest, but rather a victim of it. In a similar manner to ancient Greek theatre depicting disabilities as curses from the Gods, Bill was writing characters his audience would respond to – namely caricatures of mental and physical illness. Yet expecting Shakespeare to pen an accurate, nuanced and respectful description of disability when the world didn’t even recognise the relationship between disease and handwashing until 150 years after his death is surely unfair. What’s done is done, as Lady Macbeth said.
Regrettably, though, it is still being done today. With the level of understanding of disability writers, directors and actors could have if they so much as opened TikTok, there is no excuse for poor portrayals of differences in the 21st century. Although I loved The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, I was disappointed that Mark Haddon, who wrote the book on which the play is based, did “more research about the London Underground than [he] did about Asperger’s syndrome”, which the protagonist is diagnosed with. Despite this, the play received seven Olivier Awards during its premiere run, including Best Leading Actor for neurotypical Luke Treadaway. Two years later, Bradley Cooper – AKA People’s Sexiest Man Alive – was nominated for a Tony for his portrayal of Joseph Merrick in The Elephant Man. Now, I don’t want makeup artists to go out of a job or anything, but surely – surely – there must have been an actor with a visible difference available to play the role.
However, a perk of the theatre is that actors need to possess a certain level of talent in order to perform live eight times a week, meaning that I believed both Treadaway and Cooper’s portrayals. I did not, however, buy Maddie Ziegler’s performance in Music, which made Shakespeare’s writing seem pared down and sensitive. Deciding who should be able to play a disabled role is a contentious topic, with some arguing that only those with the same diagnosis as the character should be cast. Speaking to The Guardian, playwright Katie O’Reilly, who has a visual and physical disability, lamented the lack of “good parts for people who are different, whose bodies don’t conform” and the fact that oftentimes “they’re not performed by disabled people”. She serves to overcome this with writing that avoids metaphors or tropes, such as the play In Water I’m Weightless.
However, others believe that only casting disabled actors to play disabled characters suggests every person with said disability behaves or looks the same. As someone with autism, I would be horrified if someone chose me to play a non-verbal character with ASD Level Three over Dame Judi Dench simply because we have the same diagnosis. Of course there needs to be a much greater number of opportunities for disabled actors, but those shouldn’t be limited to playing disabled characters. After all, we have years of experience with masking.
Theatrical-movies or Movie-theatricals? Blurring the Line
In 1997, satirist and creator of Brass Eye, Chris Morris, wrote a skit in which Peter Sutcliffe, a serial killer, stars in a musical of his life. Complete with “singing police chases” and the criminal atoning for his crimes in the final act, the sequence was cut from the original broadcast due to its controversial nature. While it certainly remains unsavoury, a show like this hitting the West End stages is no longer unfathomable. In recent years, it seems as if every popular event, film, and series has been turned into a musical – even musicals are being turned into musicals, with Disney announcing a stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman at the D23 Expo fan convention earlier this year.
Perhaps the biggest issue with musical-ifying popular films is forcing characters who would never sing to belt out a tune. Take Phil Conners, played by Bill Murray in 1993’s Groundhog Day – a man who scoffs at love interest Rita’s degree in French poetry and has a pretty bleak view of the world. His character would refuse to watch a musical let alone star in one. The poor bloke can’t even be bothered to film a 30 second news bulletin – how, Tim Minchin, are we expected to believe that he would literally make a whole song and dance over his predicament?
In the High School Musical franchise, the audience sees Chad and his basketball buddies express outrage for team captain Troy’s desire to star in the school play – in the form of singing and dancing in the cafeteria. And Corbin Bleu doesn’t even learn from his hypocrisy – belting out “I don’t dance” while simultaneously performing a routine in the second instalment that even Abby Lee Miller would applaud. Unless this character has serious issues regarding self-deprecation, the irony of musicals, in a musical about hating musicals, is abundant.
But is the genre becoming oversaturated? Surely, there are enough original movie-musicals without the need for adaptations of classic comedies and television programmes. And if La La Land proved anything, it’s that singers can act far better than actors can sing. Good job, John Legend.
One perk of theatrical adaptations, however, is that they give classically trained musical theatre performers a chance to tangentially star in their favourite programmes. Until now, these talented thespians have been sentenced to solely be admired by theatre fanatics with more signatures on their programmes than Year 11 leavers shirt. But now, with cult classics like Back to the Future hitting the West End, those three years at drama school will finally yield the respect these triple threats deserve.
2024 is certainly a great year for fans of musicals. Back in the noughties, Zillenials had to turn to Eastenders rather than West End-ers to watch C-listers sing. Even Pudsey would have covered his other eye at the sight of Phil Mitchell and company covering Queen’s greatest hits. The 2011 murder of I Want to Break Free was more harrowing than Lucy Beale’s.
Yet the present day adapting of movies for the stage undoubtedly puts pressure on Broadway and the West End. The Greatest Showman had a staggering $84 million budget and starred Hugh Jackman. How can the theatre possibly compete? You’re more likely to see Zendaya in the audience of a show (as she was during a recent performance of Romeo and Juliet in London) than flying across the stage on a trapeze.
But it is important to remember that a big budget does not a good film make. Look at the 2004 film, Closer, adapted from Patrick Marber’s play of the same name. For fellow philistines, it’s the one that inspired Panic! At The Disco’s song titles and stars Natalie Portman cosplaying Stephanie from Lazytown in a pink bobbed wig. Despite its 7.2 rating on IMDB, I would controversially argue that it does not work as a film. At all. In an era where pre-teens are capable of remembering each and every member of the Madrigal family, four characters on the big screen seems too few. I’m sure it would be great as a play; the small cast would add to the intimate nature of the theatre, and it would be sacrilegious to look at your phone during the slow bits. But when streaming the movie, I resorted to reading Brendon Urie’s Wikipedia page for entertainment. The lines between movies and musicals have certainly been blurred, but are in danger of disappearing completely. Hopefully we won’t be seeing adaptations of Crime Watch and This Morning hitting off-off-off West End stages in 2025.
Perhaps the biggest issue with musical-ifying popular films is forcing characters who would never sing to belt out a tune. Take Phil Conners, played by Bill Murray in 1993’s Groundhog Day – a man who scoffs at love interest Rita’s degree in French poetry and has a pretty bleak view of the world. His character would refuse to watch a musical let alone star in one. The poor bloke can’t even be bothered to film a 30 second news bulletin – how, Tim Minchin, are we expected to believe that he would literally make a whole song and dance over his predicament?
In the High School Musical franchise, the audience sees Chad and his basketball buddies express outrage for team captain Troy’s desire to star in the school play – in the form of singing and dancing in the cafeteria. And Corbin Bleu doesn’t even learn from his hypocrisy – belting out “I don’t dance” while simultaneously performing a routine in the second instalment that even Abby Lee Miller would applaud. Unless this character has serious issues regarding self-deprecation, the irony of musicals, in a musical about hating musicals, is abundant.
But is the genre becoming oversaturated? Surely, there are enough original movie-musicals without the need for adaptations of classic comedies and television programmes. And if La La Land proved anything, it’s that singers can act far better than actors can sing. Good job, John Legend.
One perk of theatrical adaptations, however, is that they give classically trained musical theatre performers a chance to tangentially star in their favourite programmes. Until now, these talented thespians have been sentenced to solely be admired by theatre fanatics with more signatures on their programmes than Year 11 leavers shirt. But now, with cult classics like Back to the Future hitting the West End, those three years at drama school will finally yield the respect these triple threats deserve.
2024 is certainly a great year for fans of musicals. Back in the noughties, Zillenials had to turn to Eastenders rather than West End-ers to watch C-listers sing. Even Pudsey would have covered his other eye at the sight of Phil Mitchell and company covering Queen’s greatest hits. The 2011 murder of I Want to Break Free was more harrowing than Lucy Beale’s.
Yet the present day adapting of movies for the stage undoubtedly puts pressure on Broadway and the West End. The Greatest Showman had a staggering $84 million budget and starred Hugh Jackman. How can the theatre possibly compete? You’re more likely to see Zendaya in the audience of a show (as she was during a recent performance of Romeo and Juliet in London) than flying across the stage on a trapeze.
But it is important to remember that a big budget does not a good film make. Look at the 2004 film, Closer, adapted from Patrick Marber’s play of the same name. For fellow philistines, it’s the one that inspired Panic! At The Disco’s song titles and stars Natalie Portman cosplaying Stephanie from Lazytown in a pink bobbed wig. Despite its 7.2 rating on IMDB, I would controversially argue that it does not work as a film. At all. In an era where pre-teens are capable of remembering each and every member of the Madrigal family, four characters on the big screen seems too few. I’m sure it would be great as a play; the small cast would add to the intimate nature of the theatre, and it would be sacrilegious to look at your phone during the slow bits. But when streaming the movie, I resorted to reading Brendon Urie’s Wikipedia page for entertainment. The lines between movies and musicals have certainly been blurred, but are in danger of disappearing completely. Hopefully we won’t be seeing adaptations of Crime Watch and This Morning hitting off-off-off West End stages in 2025.
Sustainable Sussex Fortnight Encourages Green Action
From 15 – 29 April, the University’s Students’ Union, Sussex Sustainability Research Programme (SSRP), and a range of campus food spots collaborated to bring to the community Sustainable Sussex Fortnight, a two-week event with over 16 events and activities to attend.
The University of Sussex is keen to promote sustainability, having recently implemented a biodiversity policy based on the feedback from its community. Their two key objectives focus on achieving a net gain on biodiversity and increasing the percentage of campus designated to nature to 42 percent by December 2027. The Campus Nature Walk, hosted on 29 April, was a perfect opportunity for students to observe the University’s progress. This guided tour of campus’s most biodiverse areas was also part of a worldwide citizen science event – City Nature Challenge – in which biodiversity hotspots across a multitude of schools were recorded.
The Sustainable Sussex Fortnight began with Green Futures, a careers event enabling students to build the required skills to apply for environmentally-friendly jobs. During this programme, attendees were able to hear from inspirational speakers from various green job fields, and were encouraged to take part in an interactive sustainability challenge.
Following on from this, SSRP Fellows Dr Perpetua Kirby and Dr Rebecca Webb, both from the School of Education and Social Work, discussed the importance of education that can adapt to the sustainability challenges of the 21st century. Perpetua and Rebecca’s passion for sustainability is influential, with many MA Education students choosing to attend this event after being taught by the pair during the Autumn term. The Badger spoke to one student, Kiarra Bolade, who said, “Perpetua and Rebecca showed me that teaching can and should involve exploration, particularly of the world around us, and that all learners should be encouraged to do what they can to combat climate change.”
Also during the first week were two workshops hosted by The Veg Bowl cafe in Arts C, entitled “How to Grow Food From Waste”. These enabled students to discover how disregarded ingredients can lend themselves to a thriving garden of crops. As well as this, the cafe conducted a seminar on how to keep shop-bought herb plants alive, which proved useful as each herb variety requires different methods of care.
Arguably the most notable event of the fortnight was Pitch for the Planet on 24 April. This is an annual competition in which young social entrepreneurs propose their ideas on how to best face this generation’s key sustainability concerns. Read more about the prize on page ___.
The second half of the Sustainable Sussex Fortnight, Climate Justice Week (CJW), sought to address the interconnected crises of climate change, economic exploitation, and systemic racism. By bringing together a diverse range of voices, the University was able to prioritise justice, equity, and inclusion whilst addressing the climate crisis. Additionally, CJW aimed to inspire individuals and communities to make meaningful changes, such as reducing consumption and adopting more ethical practices.
During CJW, some students were given a tour of Veolia’s Material Recovery Facility in Hollingdean, where over 60,000 tonnes of mixed recycling from East Sussex is collected and sorted. Veolia was awarded a 30 year waste management contract by Brighton & Hove City Council in 2003, and keen to educate people on the importance of recycling and for members of the public, including students, to observe firsthand what happens to their household waste. The members of the University in attendance, including the current Student Living and Sustainability Officer, Niamh Tickner, were given some invaluable tips on how best to recycle, including making sure all waste is clean, dry and loose (not in a separate bag) before disposal. Ensuring recycling is compacted is also important as larger objects tend not to be picked up by the trommel – a slow-rotating machine used to remove small contaminants from recycling. Finally, dispose of vapes in the recycling station outside Falmer House, as many contain batteries which can cause the machinery to malfunction.
The fortnight marked the end of the academic year for many students, and hopefully provided learners with the determination to enjoy a sustainable summer!
The University of Sussex is keen to promote sustainability, having recently implemented a biodiversity policy based on the feedback from its community. Their two key objectives focus on achieving a net gain on biodiversity and increasing the percentage of campus designated to nature to 42 percent by December 2027. The Campus Nature Walk, hosted on 29 April, was a perfect opportunity for students to observe the University’s progress. This guided tour of campus’s most biodiverse areas was also part of a worldwide citizen science event – City Nature Challenge – in which biodiversity hotspots across a multitude of schools were recorded.
The Sustainable Sussex Fortnight began with Green Futures, a careers event enabling students to build the required skills to apply for environmentally-friendly jobs. During this programme, attendees were able to hear from inspirational speakers from various green job fields, and were encouraged to take part in an interactive sustainability challenge.
Following on from this, SSRP Fellows Dr Perpetua Kirby and Dr Rebecca Webb, both from the School of Education and Social Work, discussed the importance of education that can adapt to the sustainability challenges of the 21st century. Perpetua and Rebecca’s passion for sustainability is influential, with many MA Education students choosing to attend this event after being taught by the pair during the Autumn term. The Badger spoke to one student, Kiarra Bolade, who said, “Perpetua and Rebecca showed me that teaching can and should involve exploration, particularly of the world around us, and that all learners should be encouraged to do what they can to combat climate change.”
Also during the first week were two workshops hosted by The Veg Bowl cafe in Arts C, entitled “How to Grow Food From Waste”. These enabled students to discover how disregarded ingredients can lend themselves to a thriving garden of crops. As well as this, the cafe conducted a seminar on how to keep shop-bought herb plants alive, which proved useful as each herb variety requires different methods of care.
Arguably the most notable event of the fortnight was Pitch for the Planet on 24 April. This is an annual competition in which young social entrepreneurs propose their ideas on how to best face this generation’s key sustainability concerns. Read more about the prize on page ___.
The second half of the Sustainable Sussex Fortnight, Climate Justice Week (CJW), sought to address the interconnected crises of climate change, economic exploitation, and systemic racism. By bringing together a diverse range of voices, the University was able to prioritise justice, equity, and inclusion whilst addressing the climate crisis. Additionally, CJW aimed to inspire individuals and communities to make meaningful changes, such as reducing consumption and adopting more ethical practices.
During CJW, some students were given a tour of Veolia’s Material Recovery Facility in Hollingdean, where over 60,000 tonnes of mixed recycling from East Sussex is collected and sorted. Veolia was awarded a 30 year waste management contract by Brighton & Hove City Council in 2003, and keen to educate people on the importance of recycling and for members of the public, including students, to observe firsthand what happens to their household waste. The members of the University in attendance, including the current Student Living and Sustainability Officer, Niamh Tickner, were given some invaluable tips on how best to recycle, including making sure all waste is clean, dry and loose (not in a separate bag) before disposal. Ensuring recycling is compacted is also important as larger objects tend not to be picked up by the trommel – a slow-rotating machine used to remove small contaminants from recycling. Finally, dispose of vapes in the recycling station outside Falmer House, as many contain batteries which can cause the machinery to malfunction.
The fortnight marked the end of the academic year for many students, and hopefully provided learners with the determination to enjoy a sustainable summer!
Veganism is Eating Away at My Money
While some people eat to live, I live to eat. After spending two decades riddled with anxiety so strong it caused dysphagia and frequent vomiting, I began taking antidepressants, which enabled me to get out of bed and into restaurants. Yet the world of eateries is not quite my oyster – not that I would want it to be, because I don’t eat them. Or any fish. Or any meat. Or any dairy. Yes, like much of Brighton’s population, I am a vegan. And according to London North Eastern Railway (LNER), which analysed Google search data, Deliveroo’s vegan options, and HappyCow restaurant listings across the country, I am in the right place: Brighton was ranked the most vegan-friendly city in the UK in 2024.
But despite the number of restaurant options to choose from, veganism is far from friendly to the bank account. In 2023, The Times reported that pack sizes of planet-based meals are, on average, 15 percent smaller than their meat-based equivalents, and 11 percent more expensive on a price-per-kilo basis. Additionally, the University’s Co-op has a very limited range of vegan meal deals, with the mains often put in the “premium” section, costing £1.50 more in total. But the contentious debate surrounding whether a vegan diet is truly more expensive than the alternative rages on, with research from Oxford University conversely revealing that consuming less meat could reduce the cost of food shopping by up to one third. Money may not be the root of all evil, but could be the root cause of why many stick to the diet they know. Citing the first study, carnivorous Brits can dismiss their vegan friends on the grounds that they can’t afford to embrace a plant-based lifestyle, when in reality it’s simply because they’ll miss McNuggets. Vegans, on the other hand, can provide evidence as to why forgoing meat is, in fact, cheaper, whilst lobbying for a tax on animal products to widen the difference in cost.
Due to this constant arguing, it’s no wonder that Brighton often decides to split up vegans and meat-eaters, in the manner of naughty school children. The latter can choose one of 500 Subways Brighton inexplicably seems to boast, whereas vegans are prescribed Purezza, where even thinking about a beef burger is forbidden.
Plant-based meals are, on average, 15 percent smaller than their meat equivalents.
If, as a vegan, you choose to leave Purezza and mingle with the future faces of the NHS’s leaflets on heart disease, the only way you’re getting a cheap meal is when chain restaurants accidentally bring you a meat dish instead of the plant-based version. Wagamama – I didn’t ask for my money back to be a Karen, but rather because, after three years of not eating meat, your mistake led me to believe I’d mistakenly consumed my cat’s Whiskas.
Looking at the evidence, the main reason behind veganism’s cost is seemingly artificial meat. But do plant-based diets have to contain OMV and Quorn products? Well, not really. My grandmother grew up in a village in Cyprus in the 1940s and involuntarily maintained what would now be considered a vegan lifestyle. She once told me that she and her six siblings loved it when the neighbourhood cow would stroll into their two-roomed house because its chewing served as a bedtime lullaby. Rich she was not. Yet the Mediterranean diet of fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes was all they could afford, and she is still thriving at 86. Luckily, it finally seems as if meat-emulating produce is going out of fashion, with sales of vegan alternatives falling by 16.8 percent year on year. But if the campus Co-op introduced a fake BLT? I wouldn’t complain.
But despite the number of restaurant options to choose from, veganism is far from friendly to the bank account. In 2023, The Times reported that pack sizes of planet-based meals are, on average, 15 percent smaller than their meat-based equivalents, and 11 percent more expensive on a price-per-kilo basis. Additionally, the University’s Co-op has a very limited range of vegan meal deals, with the mains often put in the “premium” section, costing £1.50 more in total. But the contentious debate surrounding whether a vegan diet is truly more expensive than the alternative rages on, with research from Oxford University conversely revealing that consuming less meat could reduce the cost of food shopping by up to one third. Money may not be the root of all evil, but could be the root cause of why many stick to the diet they know. Citing the first study, carnivorous Brits can dismiss their vegan friends on the grounds that they can’t afford to embrace a plant-based lifestyle, when in reality it’s simply because they’ll miss McNuggets. Vegans, on the other hand, can provide evidence as to why forgoing meat is, in fact, cheaper, whilst lobbying for a tax on animal products to widen the difference in cost.
Due to this constant arguing, it’s no wonder that Brighton often decides to split up vegans and meat-eaters, in the manner of naughty school children. The latter can choose one of 500 Subways Brighton inexplicably seems to boast, whereas vegans are prescribed Purezza, where even thinking about a beef burger is forbidden.
Plant-based meals are, on average, 15 percent smaller than their meat equivalents.
If, as a vegan, you choose to leave Purezza and mingle with the future faces of the NHS’s leaflets on heart disease, the only way you’re getting a cheap meal is when chain restaurants accidentally bring you a meat dish instead of the plant-based version. Wagamama – I didn’t ask for my money back to be a Karen, but rather because, after three years of not eating meat, your mistake led me to believe I’d mistakenly consumed my cat’s Whiskas.
Looking at the evidence, the main reason behind veganism’s cost is seemingly artificial meat. But do plant-based diets have to contain OMV and Quorn products? Well, not really. My grandmother grew up in a village in Cyprus in the 1940s and involuntarily maintained what would now be considered a vegan lifestyle. She once told me that she and her six siblings loved it when the neighbourhood cow would stroll into their two-roomed house because its chewing served as a bedtime lullaby. Rich she was not. Yet the Mediterranean diet of fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes was all they could afford, and she is still thriving at 86. Luckily, it finally seems as if meat-emulating produce is going out of fashion, with sales of vegan alternatives falling by 16.8 percent year on year. But if the campus Co-op introduced a fake BLT? I wouldn’t complain.
The Psychological Benefits of Re-reading
Debates surrounding reading are familiar to any bibliophile – from the 21st century dispute of book vs. Kindle, to whether the author should ‘die’ after publication or continue to spout lore regarding the characters in the manner of J. K. Rowling. And, of course, there’s the age-old argument of what books are truly the ‘best’. At university, choosing a book at all is a luxury; come September each student is bestowed a list of their lecturers’ worst-sellers and told to venture to Amazon in order to make several regrettable purchases. Poring over How to Conduct Your Research Project in 125 Easy Steps after a full day of seminars understandably proves a struggle. So it comes as no surprise that many students prefer to re-read childhood favourites in their spare time, particularly as nostalgia enhances emotional wellbeing, according to a 2022 study.
While some books are socially acceptable to re-read, such as the Harry Potter series (albeit only plot-wise; I wouldn’t advise reaching for a copy in 2024 lest you want to be labelled a TERF), others – brightly-jacketed stories for the under-12s – are unfairly met with stigma. But they shouldn’t be! I first re-read one such book at 18 while suffering from an acute case of pyelonephritis. Surreptitiously digging out Ruby the Red Fairy felt shameful, and so I made sure to tuck each of my A Level certificates between the pages of every chapter. But I was soon struck with an emotion stronger than embarrassment – happiness. I would recommend this alliterative collection of literal fairy tales in its entirety, but unfortunately the ghost-written series has continued for so long that there might well be a Kitty the Kidney Infection Fairy – good for representation, but a poor distraction.
At 25, I’ve now been a proud re-reader for over seven years; there are some novels I’ve re-read so often that my party trick is reciting entire pages from memory. Unfortunately, I can never make it past a paragraph before being thrown out of the party for killing the mood. Despite facing judgement from peers, re-readers like me can find solace in the fact that authors themselves seem to encourage revisiting childhood classics. Popular children’s author, Jacqueline Wilson, has penned sequels to several stories written decades ago, including The Story of Tracy Beaker and Sleepovers. On 21 March, she even announced an upcoming adult novel, entitled Think Again, which will serve as the fifth instalment of the popular Girls series, written between 1997 and 2002. Many grown-up fans flocked to social media in a flurry of excitement, announcing their desire to re-read the teen series ahead of September’s release. If you’re still not convinced, here are my top three reasons for re-reading…
Firstly, returning to books can offer a new perspective of the storyline. Take another Jacqueline Wilson classic, The Illustrated Mum, a novel which follows the lives of two young girls whose mother is suffering from Bipolar disorder. When I first read the book in my childhood, my empathy was reserved for the 10-year-old protagonist. However, upon revisiting the story in my twenties, I was able to better understand the character of the mother, primarily due to my own diagnosis of BPD. Bence Nanay, a professor of philosophy at the University of Cambridge, supports this point, arguing that the mental imagery reading evokes can be different on each occasion.
Secondly, re-reading is easy! Just as you don’t want to go to the gym after running a marathon, so you don’t want to read Dickens after a particularly trying seminar. In the current era of doom-scrolling and over-working, it’s important to give your brain a break!
Finally, coming back to books is cheap – you already own them! Sure, they might be gathering dust in your parents’ loft, but at least you won’t have to fork out £12.99 on a new release, which may or may not be any good, during a cost of living crisis.
So next time you’re agonising over whether to pick Dostoyevsky or The Tiger Who Came to Tea, I hope you make the right decision and spend some time with the stripy big cat.
While some books are socially acceptable to re-read, such as the Harry Potter series (albeit only plot-wise; I wouldn’t advise reaching for a copy in 2024 lest you want to be labelled a TERF), others – brightly-jacketed stories for the under-12s – are unfairly met with stigma. But they shouldn’t be! I first re-read one such book at 18 while suffering from an acute case of pyelonephritis. Surreptitiously digging out Ruby the Red Fairy felt shameful, and so I made sure to tuck each of my A Level certificates between the pages of every chapter. But I was soon struck with an emotion stronger than embarrassment – happiness. I would recommend this alliterative collection of literal fairy tales in its entirety, but unfortunately the ghost-written series has continued for so long that there might well be a Kitty the Kidney Infection Fairy – good for representation, but a poor distraction.
At 25, I’ve now been a proud re-reader for over seven years; there are some novels I’ve re-read so often that my party trick is reciting entire pages from memory. Unfortunately, I can never make it past a paragraph before being thrown out of the party for killing the mood. Despite facing judgement from peers, re-readers like me can find solace in the fact that authors themselves seem to encourage revisiting childhood classics. Popular children’s author, Jacqueline Wilson, has penned sequels to several stories written decades ago, including The Story of Tracy Beaker and Sleepovers. On 21 March, she even announced an upcoming adult novel, entitled Think Again, which will serve as the fifth instalment of the popular Girls series, written between 1997 and 2002. Many grown-up fans flocked to social media in a flurry of excitement, announcing their desire to re-read the teen series ahead of September’s release. If you’re still not convinced, here are my top three reasons for re-reading…
Firstly, returning to books can offer a new perspective of the storyline. Take another Jacqueline Wilson classic, The Illustrated Mum, a novel which follows the lives of two young girls whose mother is suffering from Bipolar disorder. When I first read the book in my childhood, my empathy was reserved for the 10-year-old protagonist. However, upon revisiting the story in my twenties, I was able to better understand the character of the mother, primarily due to my own diagnosis of BPD. Bence Nanay, a professor of philosophy at the University of Cambridge, supports this point, arguing that the mental imagery reading evokes can be different on each occasion.
Secondly, re-reading is easy! Just as you don’t want to go to the gym after running a marathon, so you don’t want to read Dickens after a particularly trying seminar. In the current era of doom-scrolling and over-working, it’s important to give your brain a break!
Finally, coming back to books is cheap – you already own them! Sure, they might be gathering dust in your parents’ loft, but at least you won’t have to fork out £12.99 on a new release, which may or may not be any good, during a cost of living crisis.
So next time you’re agonising over whether to pick Dostoyevsky or The Tiger Who Came to Tea, I hope you make the right decision and spend some time with the stripy big cat.
Shakespeare in Love: How Classic Plays Inspire Rom coms
Shakespeare: inventor of popular phrases; the man responsible for my less-than-stellar A Level English grade; and, now, the inspiration behind some of the best-loved romantic comedies of a generation. When Anyone But You arrived in cinemas last December, Sydney Sweeney was its main selling point, enabling straight men across the globe to witness the revival of rom coms based on the works of the Bard. Yes, Anyone But You might initially seem like a typical will-they-won’t-they like-story set in America, but in actual fact, it’s a will-they-won’t-they like-story set in America based on Much Ado About Nothing! Unfortunately, while it is an entertaining enough movie, the Shakespearian element is so watered down that you’d be better off turning to Gnomeo and Juliet for authenticity.
10 Things I Hate About You, on the other hand, is a rom com that incorporates lines from the original play, The Taming of the Shrew, into its script. That is, of course, unless 16-year-old boys in the nineties typically wandered down school corridors spouting phrases such as “I burn, I pine, I perish”. It would get their heads shoved down the toilet in any modern British secondary school, but because it’s Shakespeare even Heath Ledger’s bad boy character, Patrick, doesn’t make Joseph Gordon-Levitt a target. In true Shakespearean fashion, performances are still rated in terms of rotten tomatoes; in the Globe, they were thrown; in 2024, a website is listlessly browsed before making a decision on whether a film is worth watching. With a rating of 71%, 10 Things I Hate About You is certainly certified fresh, unlike She’s the Man.
If you can bear to look back at Amanda Bynes’s filmography without bothering your friends with constant exclamations of, “what happened?”, you’d have likely watched She’s the Man (based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night) a fair few times since its 2006 release. While Rotten Tomatoes considers it a dud, I believe it to be pure entertainment, due in part to foetus Channing Tatum. Although it’s another Anyone But You-style film, in that it’s about as Shakespearean as Phil Mitchell, it reflects the ongoing discrimination in modern society. Personally, I fail to understand why anyone would want to join the army or even play football on a muddy field, but no activity should be reserved for just one gender. Ironically, if Amanda Bynes entered the industry as a guy, her mental health may not have suffered as greatly. The noughties was not a great time to be a young woman.
Despite there once being a time where you’d have been better off going to Cineworld than Southwark to experience the complete works of Shakespeare, adaptations of his plays dwindled after the mid-2000s. Perhaps we were too greedy; in addition to 10 Things I Hate About You and She’s the Man between 1999 and 2006, movie-goers got Get Over It – a teen rom com loosely based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As it came out in 2001, before most of The Badger’s readers were born, it’s unsurprising that Get Over It slipped through my radar. Yes, it stars Kirsten Dunst and Mila Kunis, but it also features Sisqó, a man only famous for singing at women to take off their thongs. Shakespeare, he ain’t.
It’s unsurprising that these teen flicks are all based on the playwright’s comedies, which lend themselves to lighthearted plots and arguable vapidity. It would have been interesting to see a noughties rom com based on Othello or Hamlet (yes, I know we got The Lion King, but Lindsay Lohan didn’t star in that, did she?). The closest we got to evil was Regina George, and she even got a villain-to-hero arc after getting hit by a bus. Poor Iago never stood a chance – the 25 to Old Steine didn’t exist in 1603, and getting run over by a horse-and-cart doesn’t have the same impact. Literally.
Hopefully after Anyone But You, Shakespeare will once again make it out of the shackles of the classroom and into teenagers’ good books. In other words, it’s time for the resurgence of Shakespeare for the everyman at the Everyman.
10 Things I Hate About You, on the other hand, is a rom com that incorporates lines from the original play, The Taming of the Shrew, into its script. That is, of course, unless 16-year-old boys in the nineties typically wandered down school corridors spouting phrases such as “I burn, I pine, I perish”. It would get their heads shoved down the toilet in any modern British secondary school, but because it’s Shakespeare even Heath Ledger’s bad boy character, Patrick, doesn’t make Joseph Gordon-Levitt a target. In true Shakespearean fashion, performances are still rated in terms of rotten tomatoes; in the Globe, they were thrown; in 2024, a website is listlessly browsed before making a decision on whether a film is worth watching. With a rating of 71%, 10 Things I Hate About You is certainly certified fresh, unlike She’s the Man.
If you can bear to look back at Amanda Bynes’s filmography without bothering your friends with constant exclamations of, “what happened?”, you’d have likely watched She’s the Man (based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night) a fair few times since its 2006 release. While Rotten Tomatoes considers it a dud, I believe it to be pure entertainment, due in part to foetus Channing Tatum. Although it’s another Anyone But You-style film, in that it’s about as Shakespearean as Phil Mitchell, it reflects the ongoing discrimination in modern society. Personally, I fail to understand why anyone would want to join the army or even play football on a muddy field, but no activity should be reserved for just one gender. Ironically, if Amanda Bynes entered the industry as a guy, her mental health may not have suffered as greatly. The noughties was not a great time to be a young woman.
Despite there once being a time where you’d have been better off going to Cineworld than Southwark to experience the complete works of Shakespeare, adaptations of his plays dwindled after the mid-2000s. Perhaps we were too greedy; in addition to 10 Things I Hate About You and She’s the Man between 1999 and 2006, movie-goers got Get Over It – a teen rom com loosely based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As it came out in 2001, before most of The Badger’s readers were born, it’s unsurprising that Get Over It slipped through my radar. Yes, it stars Kirsten Dunst and Mila Kunis, but it also features Sisqó, a man only famous for singing at women to take off their thongs. Shakespeare, he ain’t.
It’s unsurprising that these teen flicks are all based on the playwright’s comedies, which lend themselves to lighthearted plots and arguable vapidity. It would have been interesting to see a noughties rom com based on Othello or Hamlet (yes, I know we got The Lion King, but Lindsay Lohan didn’t star in that, did she?). The closest we got to evil was Regina George, and she even got a villain-to-hero arc after getting hit by a bus. Poor Iago never stood a chance – the 25 to Old Steine didn’t exist in 1603, and getting run over by a horse-and-cart doesn’t have the same impact. Literally.
Hopefully after Anyone But You, Shakespeare will once again make it out of the shackles of the classroom and into teenagers’ good books. In other words, it’s time for the resurgence of Shakespeare for the everyman at the Everyman.
The Social Media Emergence of Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term encompassing different thinking styles that influence how people respond to the world. Although conditions such as autism and ADHD are more commonly discussed, neurodiversity also includes dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia. In the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of posts and videos centred on neurodiversity on social media platforms. On TikTok, a site popular with a young and therefore impressionable demographic, a search for “#autism” produced over two million videos, while over three million videos were hashtagged “ADHD” (as of 1 March). Instagram, rightly, also allows for users to search for these terms, and, perhaps because it has been around longer than TikTok, it has acquired an even higher number of posts related to these diagnoses. Interestingly, despite several symptoms of both ASD and ADHD being debilitating and leaving many young adults unable to work, Instagram has not shadow-banned the aforementioned hashtags, whereas it is impossible to search for terms such as “depression” without the app continuously asking if it can help me, in the manner of an annoying Lush worker.
The prevalence of these terms on social media has created somewhat of a feedback loop: users that initially considered themselves neurotypical stumble across a post about autism (easy when Instagram has over 13 million of them), recognise a symptom or two within their personality, self-diagnose, and finally post a video about autism on their own account. While there are obvious issues with diagnosing oneself with a health condition, be it mental or physical, I am not always against it when it comes to neurodiversity. The post-Covid NHS is in such dire straits that the only way to receive an appointment when you need one nowadays is to ask a fortune teller when in the next year you’re going to be ill and book six months in advance. I’ve been waiting for 41 weeks now to see an ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist) after being referred by my GP last year. If I’d engaged in some post-appointment unprotected coitus, my new baby would have had their ears, nose and throat checked before mine. The situation is even more depressing for those waiting to be reviewed for autism or ADHD – it can take up to three years for a patient to be seen. The circumstances are also particularly challenging for young women, who tend to grow up masking any neurodiverse traits, and often get misdiagnosed with conditions such as BPD.
However, social media has also brought about an influx of armchair psychology, or in 2024 terms, Bed Rotting Psychology, in which the behaviour of celebrities is analysed in depth and A-listers are bestowed a diagnosis of neurodivergence. Jenna Ortega innocuously claiming she likes to chill indoors? Autism! Billie Eilish asking a muffled talk-show audience member to repeat a poorly-phrased question? ADHD, for certain! I’m not outrightly denying that they have symptoms of these diagnoses – hell, they may well have the conditions – but Swiftie2006 and the like are not psychiatrists, don’t know Ortega or Eilish personally, and, perhaps most importantly, fail to acknowledge that one or two symptoms of something does not a diagnosis make. If that were true, I would have a chest infection right now, when in reality, the discomfort in that region is due to my decision to wear a bra purchased six years ago for the whole day.
It is ironic that this week (18 March – 24 March) is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, yet content creators’ constant scrutiny of people’s likes, dislikes and interests is not a cause for a party. Come to think of it, I don’t like parties much. All those people trying to talk to me; the loud bangs as balloons continuously pop; the texture of the birthday cake…oh. Maybe TikTok was right after all.
The prevalence of these terms on social media has created somewhat of a feedback loop: users that initially considered themselves neurotypical stumble across a post about autism (easy when Instagram has over 13 million of them), recognise a symptom or two within their personality, self-diagnose, and finally post a video about autism on their own account. While there are obvious issues with diagnosing oneself with a health condition, be it mental or physical, I am not always against it when it comes to neurodiversity. The post-Covid NHS is in such dire straits that the only way to receive an appointment when you need one nowadays is to ask a fortune teller when in the next year you’re going to be ill and book six months in advance. I’ve been waiting for 41 weeks now to see an ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist) after being referred by my GP last year. If I’d engaged in some post-appointment unprotected coitus, my new baby would have had their ears, nose and throat checked before mine. The situation is even more depressing for those waiting to be reviewed for autism or ADHD – it can take up to three years for a patient to be seen. The circumstances are also particularly challenging for young women, who tend to grow up masking any neurodiverse traits, and often get misdiagnosed with conditions such as BPD.
However, social media has also brought about an influx of armchair psychology, or in 2024 terms, Bed Rotting Psychology, in which the behaviour of celebrities is analysed in depth and A-listers are bestowed a diagnosis of neurodivergence. Jenna Ortega innocuously claiming she likes to chill indoors? Autism! Billie Eilish asking a muffled talk-show audience member to repeat a poorly-phrased question? ADHD, for certain! I’m not outrightly denying that they have symptoms of these diagnoses – hell, they may well have the conditions – but Swiftie2006 and the like are not psychiatrists, don’t know Ortega or Eilish personally, and, perhaps most importantly, fail to acknowledge that one or two symptoms of something does not a diagnosis make. If that were true, I would have a chest infection right now, when in reality, the discomfort in that region is due to my decision to wear a bra purchased six years ago for the whole day.
It is ironic that this week (18 March – 24 March) is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, yet content creators’ constant scrutiny of people’s likes, dislikes and interests is not a cause for a party. Come to think of it, I don’t like parties much. All those people trying to talk to me; the loud bangs as balloons continuously pop; the texture of the birthday cake…oh. Maybe TikTok was right after all.
Brighton vs Sussex: Out of my League
“Whereabouts are you studying at the moment, Lucy?” asks a friend of my parents/nosey landlord/overly-friendly Uber driver. My heart sinks, knowing I’m about to rehash a conversation I’ve had about 100 times since beginning my BA back in 2018.
“In B…B…Brighton,” I stammer in response, knowing that they’re about to unconvincingly wax lyrical about the University of Brighton, its campuses at the diseased heart of the city, and the relaxed approach to teaching. Part of the reason I panic is because I, too, harbour an irrational yet deep-seated prejudice against our neighbouring school, but I also fear being thought of as a snob. So I don’t want to monologue to a cab driver that while, yes, I am living and studying in BN1, I am attending the far more prestigious University of Sussex. I now just order Ubers from Refectory Road; it’s easier that way.
The rivalry between Brighton and Sussex is a fairly new phenomenon – chiefly because both institutions are relatively new. Though Oxford University is older than the Aztec civilisation (yes, really), the schools in East Sussex might just about be older than a tin of beans at the back of your cupboard. While the University of Brighton was founded a whopping 166 years ago (as Brighton College of Art), it only received university status in 1992. The University of Sussex, on the other hand, was granted university status in 1961, making it a boomer to Brighton’s millennial-disguised-as-a-Gen-Z.
This is a fitting description considering the characteristics of the scholars at the two establishments: some of our alumni and faculty love to brag about their accomplishments, and look down upon those on the come up. I recently had a guest lecturer boast about Sussex’s renowned research-intensive status and, in the same breath, patronise a “local university” whose ethical approval forms are, apparently, not as…um…ethical as ours. Additionally, I’ve also witnessed toilet paper in the University of Sussex’s library defaced with the words, “a 2:1 from Brighton”.
Not only are these incidents immature and condescending, but ick-inducing when considering each university’s place on the Complete University Guide’s 2024 league table. The catalogue, which takes into consideration entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, and graduate prospects, ranked the University of Sussex number 50 in the UK, and our rival number 68. Our snobbery is particularly embarrassing because Brighton managed to climb 13 places in the chart since last year, whereas we dropped by nine. The University of Brighton also scored higher than us in terms of graduate prospects, but at least we’ll be able to brag about our alma mater to the staff at the JobCentre, right? And, let’s be real, neither Sussex nor Brighton holds Oxbridge status. Our rivalry is more Bolton Wanderers vs Wigan Athletic than Arsenal-Tottenham.
My partner, Ryan, is a graduate of the University of Brighton, making our relationship a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. In response to my asking him why he chose Brighton over Sussex, he responded, “Brighton’s Broadcast Media course at the time seemed a lot more practical than what Sussex was offering. I knew in the back of my mind it had a worse reputation in terms of academia, but that didn’t matter to me since I wasn’t too interested in conducting research or writing a heavy dissertation.”
After graduating, Ryan began working in the industry, creating films for the NHS, proving that graduate outcomes are not dependent on a university’s league table position. Basing your choice on league tables is as ridiculous as hitting up the palm readers on Brighton Pier so they can tell you where to go. You might as well make your decision based on the acceptance letter received by the other member of a doomed situationship. League tables fluctuate!
How some of us are treating Brighton students is perhaps how the Oxbridge community would treat us. While I chose to come to this school for the beach, I don’t need the sea to feel waves of inferiority wash over me every time I remember that SPA’s Best Journalist of the South-East region was an Oxford scholar. And let’s be real – updated league tables mean new generations of Sussex students are in no place to look down at the University of Brighton. Doing so makes Sussex seem like the boomer she is. So let’s stop now.
“In B…B…Brighton,” I stammer in response, knowing that they’re about to unconvincingly wax lyrical about the University of Brighton, its campuses at the diseased heart of the city, and the relaxed approach to teaching. Part of the reason I panic is because I, too, harbour an irrational yet deep-seated prejudice against our neighbouring school, but I also fear being thought of as a snob. So I don’t want to monologue to a cab driver that while, yes, I am living and studying in BN1, I am attending the far more prestigious University of Sussex. I now just order Ubers from Refectory Road; it’s easier that way.
The rivalry between Brighton and Sussex is a fairly new phenomenon – chiefly because both institutions are relatively new. Though Oxford University is older than the Aztec civilisation (yes, really), the schools in East Sussex might just about be older than a tin of beans at the back of your cupboard. While the University of Brighton was founded a whopping 166 years ago (as Brighton College of Art), it only received university status in 1992. The University of Sussex, on the other hand, was granted university status in 1961, making it a boomer to Brighton’s millennial-disguised-as-a-Gen-Z.
This is a fitting description considering the characteristics of the scholars at the two establishments: some of our alumni and faculty love to brag about their accomplishments, and look down upon those on the come up. I recently had a guest lecturer boast about Sussex’s renowned research-intensive status and, in the same breath, patronise a “local university” whose ethical approval forms are, apparently, not as…um…ethical as ours. Additionally, I’ve also witnessed toilet paper in the University of Sussex’s library defaced with the words, “a 2:1 from Brighton”.
Not only are these incidents immature and condescending, but ick-inducing when considering each university’s place on the Complete University Guide’s 2024 league table. The catalogue, which takes into consideration entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, and graduate prospects, ranked the University of Sussex number 50 in the UK, and our rival number 68. Our snobbery is particularly embarrassing because Brighton managed to climb 13 places in the chart since last year, whereas we dropped by nine. The University of Brighton also scored higher than us in terms of graduate prospects, but at least we’ll be able to brag about our alma mater to the staff at the JobCentre, right? And, let’s be real, neither Sussex nor Brighton holds Oxbridge status. Our rivalry is more Bolton Wanderers vs Wigan Athletic than Arsenal-Tottenham.
My partner, Ryan, is a graduate of the University of Brighton, making our relationship a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. In response to my asking him why he chose Brighton over Sussex, he responded, “Brighton’s Broadcast Media course at the time seemed a lot more practical than what Sussex was offering. I knew in the back of my mind it had a worse reputation in terms of academia, but that didn’t matter to me since I wasn’t too interested in conducting research or writing a heavy dissertation.”
After graduating, Ryan began working in the industry, creating films for the NHS, proving that graduate outcomes are not dependent on a university’s league table position. Basing your choice on league tables is as ridiculous as hitting up the palm readers on Brighton Pier so they can tell you where to go. You might as well make your decision based on the acceptance letter received by the other member of a doomed situationship. League tables fluctuate!
How some of us are treating Brighton students is perhaps how the Oxbridge community would treat us. While I chose to come to this school for the beach, I don’t need the sea to feel waves of inferiority wash over me every time I remember that SPA’s Best Journalist of the South-East region was an Oxford scholar. And let’s be real – updated league tables mean new generations of Sussex students are in no place to look down at the University of Brighton. Doing so makes Sussex seem like the boomer she is. So let’s stop now.
House-acquaintances: Is it Okay if They’re Not Your Mates?
If two’s company and three’s a crowd, what does that make eight? While this may seem like a rejected GCSE Maths problem, in actuality it’s a question reserved for a couple of years later in life. Namely, the first year of university. Although living in halls with seven fellow students can be an enriching experience in which lifelong friendships are made, it can also make you want to take advantage of the continuing building work on campus and crawl into the nearest hole. Navigating living with strangers can seem impossible, but rest assured that it does get easier.
That is, assuming you can actually rest, as noise complaints are common when living with a number of housemates. Most adults who flat-share can relate to the pain of having a housemate whose terrible music blares through the walls at all hours of the night, yet for freshers living in halls, this is often coupled with the ear-piercing screech of the fire alarm after Barney decides to make toast at three in the morning for the fifth day running. And while these grievances are hard to deal with, bringing them up to those responsible can be even harder. For introverts, whose only experience of university celebrations involves throwing a pity party in their room, approaching a housemate with a gripe is often more difficult than their degree. This can be particularly challenging for those who took a gap year or two before attending university, as bringing up the fact that you need your eight hours every night will undoubtedly make you seem even more like a Karen (and not the hot Mean Girls kind) amongst the carefree 18-year-olds.
For some, however, complaining seems as easy as living alone. The Student Room, a popular forum for school and university students, features a number of posts from concerned first-years who fear that just breathing too loudly will cause a housemate to come knocking on their bedroom door. I too used to be so scared that my mere existence would cause annoyance that I would creep around my Northfield flat so quietly that I could have easily been mistaken for a spirit. Which Barney would have probably drank with tonic to wash down his nightly toast. Speaking of ghosts, it is even harder to live with someone whose actions, such as completely ignoring a friend or partner, are morally questionable. Back in 2018, I lived with five students on campus, one of whom was ironically studying psychology and had recently broken up with his girlfriend because she’d “gained weight”. The fact that he could very well now be a therapist terrifies me to my core.
Fortunately, there are some ways of making living with insufferable housemates just about bearable. Firstly, try to ensure your interactions are of good quality. When parents and teachers would pipe up with, “join a club to make new friends!” I don’t think they were envisaging a night at Coalition. However, joining a society is a great way to meet people whose interests align with your own. If stealing a traffic cone and putting down women in the name of banter isn’t for you, no worries! Why not try writing for The Badger instead? And try not to rely on social media. Even the most genuine and interesting person can come across as insufferable on Instagram, especially if you decide to do some investigative journalism and find their posts from a decade ago. This can make you want to cancel not only your housemate, but your student loan, as you may subsequently decide to remain in the town you grew up in.
It is important to remember that this period won’t last forever. In the remaining years of your degree, you’ll get to choose who you share your home and your time with. And if you’re currently reading this article afraid that the crackling of the pages will bring about a noise complaint, you’re not alone. Metaphorically, that is.
That is, assuming you can actually rest, as noise complaints are common when living with a number of housemates. Most adults who flat-share can relate to the pain of having a housemate whose terrible music blares through the walls at all hours of the night, yet for freshers living in halls, this is often coupled with the ear-piercing screech of the fire alarm after Barney decides to make toast at three in the morning for the fifth day running. And while these grievances are hard to deal with, bringing them up to those responsible can be even harder. For introverts, whose only experience of university celebrations involves throwing a pity party in their room, approaching a housemate with a gripe is often more difficult than their degree. This can be particularly challenging for those who took a gap year or two before attending university, as bringing up the fact that you need your eight hours every night will undoubtedly make you seem even more like a Karen (and not the hot Mean Girls kind) amongst the carefree 18-year-olds.
For some, however, complaining seems as easy as living alone. The Student Room, a popular forum for school and university students, features a number of posts from concerned first-years who fear that just breathing too loudly will cause a housemate to come knocking on their bedroom door. I too used to be so scared that my mere existence would cause annoyance that I would creep around my Northfield flat so quietly that I could have easily been mistaken for a spirit. Which Barney would have probably drank with tonic to wash down his nightly toast. Speaking of ghosts, it is even harder to live with someone whose actions, such as completely ignoring a friend or partner, are morally questionable. Back in 2018, I lived with five students on campus, one of whom was ironically studying psychology and had recently broken up with his girlfriend because she’d “gained weight”. The fact that he could very well now be a therapist terrifies me to my core.
Fortunately, there are some ways of making living with insufferable housemates just about bearable. Firstly, try to ensure your interactions are of good quality. When parents and teachers would pipe up with, “join a club to make new friends!” I don’t think they were envisaging a night at Coalition. However, joining a society is a great way to meet people whose interests align with your own. If stealing a traffic cone and putting down women in the name of banter isn’t for you, no worries! Why not try writing for The Badger instead? And try not to rely on social media. Even the most genuine and interesting person can come across as insufferable on Instagram, especially if you decide to do some investigative journalism and find their posts from a decade ago. This can make you want to cancel not only your housemate, but your student loan, as you may subsequently decide to remain in the town you grew up in.
It is important to remember that this period won’t last forever. In the remaining years of your degree, you’ll get to choose who you share your home and your time with. And if you’re currently reading this article afraid that the crackling of the pages will bring about a noise complaint, you’re not alone. Metaphorically, that is.
How Climbing Helped Me Reach My Goals
“Always gonna be an uphill battle; sometimes I’m gonna have to lose.” Love them or hate them, these lyrics from Miley Cyrus’s 2009 hit “The Climb” represent both the sport itself, and the trials and tribulations it can help you cope with. With the addition of the sport to the 2020 Olympics, and the increase in climbing-related films to popular streaming services, including Netflix’s Dawn Wall and Amazon Prime’s Free Solo, it is unsurprising that the popularity of bouldering has grown in recent years.
Although most climbers featured in well-known documentaries are men, it is important to break away from the misconception that women cannot be successful within the sport. Boulder Brighton, an indoor climbing centre located a stone’s throw away from Portslade station, is working to welcome more women with their weekly socials. On Monday evenings, the centre offers a “friendly and supportive” session led by a member of staff and tailored towards women. Additionally, Boulder Brighton hosts a session on Tuesdays for members and allies of the LGBTQ+ society, demonstrating the inclusivity of the sport. In my experience, the only discomfort you will experience is wearing the climbing shoes!
As well as being unprejudiced in terms of who can take part, bouldering has a number of physical and emotional benefits. James Gomez, an employee of Boulder Brighton, advocates climbing in order to help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. “It’s one of those all-absorbing activities that can clear your mind of whatever else is going on in your life and leave you in a great mood when you’re done,” he states. This claim is echoed by a 2015 study from Luttenberger et al., which found that bouldering (alongside medication) can effectively treat depression. In fact, several psychiatric wards in Germany have begun to use rock climbing as a therapeutic approach.
I have first-hand experience of the benefits of bouldering on mental health. Since childhood, I suffered with symptoms of depression and anxiety, which led to my diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder at nineteen. Whilst other forms of exercise also boost oxytocin, I found that I could still mull over difficulties or put myself down when running or swimming. This is not the case with bouldering, as it requires a heightened level of focus – leaving no space for worrying.
What’s more, rock climbing is a somewhat unique sport in that it can be done both individually or with friends. Unlike with team sports, such as football or rugby, it’s not uncommon to see indoor climbers with just their headphones for company. On the other (chalky) hand, it can be great to climb with a friend, or seek advice from a more experienced climber to progress more quickly.
Bech’s 2004 research on climbing actually suggested that bouldering can improve social skills, as it lends itself to constant communication with the person supervising from the ground. Gomez advocates taking advantage of the social nature of bouldering, stating that “it can be really fun to work climbs out together.” The sport also benefits the cognitive domain; a 2015 study found that a two hour climbing session boosted working memory capacity. Gomez agrees with this, arguing that one of the biggest benefits of bouldering is that it helps improve decision-making skills. “Bouldering is a mix of problem-solving, balance, coordination and strength,” he says. “You need to work on all of them to make progress.”
Obviously, climbing can also improve physical health. In 2022, I was diagnosed with Sinus Tachycardia, a faster-than-normal resting heart rate. As a result, I find it difficult to engage in high-intensity cardio workouts. Bouldering is therefore perfect for me, as it has not caused me painful palpitations, and has actually, over time, helped with bringing down my resting heart rate. It is also a sport in which my hypermobility is in fact an asset, rather than a hindrance, as it makes it easier to reach certain holds.
Overall, climbing has given me great friendships and a clearer mind, which I am very grateful for considering my mountain of upcoming deadlines – almost as difficult as Everest to tackle. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, I would recommend attending Boulder Brighton and taking advantage of their student discount while you still can!
Photo by yns plt on Unsplash
Although most climbers featured in well-known documentaries are men, it is important to break away from the misconception that women cannot be successful within the sport. Boulder Brighton, an indoor climbing centre located a stone’s throw away from Portslade station, is working to welcome more women with their weekly socials. On Monday evenings, the centre offers a “friendly and supportive” session led by a member of staff and tailored towards women. Additionally, Boulder Brighton hosts a session on Tuesdays for members and allies of the LGBTQ+ society, demonstrating the inclusivity of the sport. In my experience, the only discomfort you will experience is wearing the climbing shoes!
As well as being unprejudiced in terms of who can take part, bouldering has a number of physical and emotional benefits. James Gomez, an employee of Boulder Brighton, advocates climbing in order to help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety. “It’s one of those all-absorbing activities that can clear your mind of whatever else is going on in your life and leave you in a great mood when you’re done,” he states. This claim is echoed by a 2015 study from Luttenberger et al., which found that bouldering (alongside medication) can effectively treat depression. In fact, several psychiatric wards in Germany have begun to use rock climbing as a therapeutic approach.
I have first-hand experience of the benefits of bouldering on mental health. Since childhood, I suffered with symptoms of depression and anxiety, which led to my diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder at nineteen. Whilst other forms of exercise also boost oxytocin, I found that I could still mull over difficulties or put myself down when running or swimming. This is not the case with bouldering, as it requires a heightened level of focus – leaving no space for worrying.
What’s more, rock climbing is a somewhat unique sport in that it can be done both individually or with friends. Unlike with team sports, such as football or rugby, it’s not uncommon to see indoor climbers with just their headphones for company. On the other (chalky) hand, it can be great to climb with a friend, or seek advice from a more experienced climber to progress more quickly.
Bech’s 2004 research on climbing actually suggested that bouldering can improve social skills, as it lends itself to constant communication with the person supervising from the ground. Gomez advocates taking advantage of the social nature of bouldering, stating that “it can be really fun to work climbs out together.” The sport also benefits the cognitive domain; a 2015 study found that a two hour climbing session boosted working memory capacity. Gomez agrees with this, arguing that one of the biggest benefits of bouldering is that it helps improve decision-making skills. “Bouldering is a mix of problem-solving, balance, coordination and strength,” he says. “You need to work on all of them to make progress.”
Obviously, climbing can also improve physical health. In 2022, I was diagnosed with Sinus Tachycardia, a faster-than-normal resting heart rate. As a result, I find it difficult to engage in high-intensity cardio workouts. Bouldering is therefore perfect for me, as it has not caused me painful palpitations, and has actually, over time, helped with bringing down my resting heart rate. It is also a sport in which my hypermobility is in fact an asset, rather than a hindrance, as it makes it easier to reach certain holds.
Overall, climbing has given me great friendships and a clearer mind, which I am very grateful for considering my mountain of upcoming deadlines – almost as difficult as Everest to tackle. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, I would recommend attending Boulder Brighton and taking advantage of their student discount while you still can!
Photo by yns plt on Unsplash
House-acquaintances: Is it Okay if They’re Not Your Mates?
If two’s company and three’s a crowd, what does that make eight? While this may seem like a rejected GCSE Maths problem, in actuality it’s a question reserved for a couple of years later in life. Namely, the first year of university. Although living in halls with seven fellow students can be an enriching experience in which lifelong friendships are made, it can also make you want to take advantage of the continuing building work on campus and crawl into the nearest hole. Navigating living with strangers can seem impossible, but rest assured that it does get easier.
That is, assuming you can actually rest, as noise complaints are common when living with a number of housemates. Most adults who flat-share can relate to the pain of having a housemate whose terrible music blares through the walls at all hours of the night, yet for freshers living in halls, this is often coupled with the ear-piercing screech of the fire alarm after Barney decides to make toast at three in the morning for the fifth day running. And while these grievances are hard to deal with, bringing them up to those responsible can be even harder. For introverts, whose only experience of university celebrations involves throwing a pity party in their room, approaching a housemate with a gripe is often more difficult than their degree. This can be particularly challenging for those who took a gap year or two before attending university, as bringing up the fact that you need your eight hours every night will undoubtedly make you seem even more like a Karen (and not the hot Mean Girls kind) amongst the carefree 18-year-olds.
For some, however, complaining seems as easy as living alone. The Student Room, a popular forum for school and university students, features a number of posts from concerned first-years who fear that just breathing too loudly will cause a housemate to come knocking on their bedroom door. I too used to be so scared that my mere existence would cause annoyance that I would creep around my Northfield flat so quietly that I could have easily been mistaken for a spirit. Which Barney would have probably drank with tonic to wash down his nightly toast. Speaking of ghosts, it is even harder to live with someone whose actions, such as completely ignoring a friend or partner, are morally questionable. Back in 2018, I lived with five students on campus, one of whom was ironically studying psychology and had recently broken up with his girlfriend because she’d “gained weight”. The fact that he could very well now be a therapist terrifies me to my core.
Fortunately, there are some ways of making living with insufferable housemates just about bearable. Firstly, try to ensure your interactions are of good quality. When parents and teachers would pipe up with, “join a club to make new friends!” I don’t think they were envisaging a night at Coalition. However, joining a society is a great way to meet people whose interests align with your own. If stealing a traffic cone and putting down women in the name of banter isn’t for you, no worries! Why not try writing for The Badger instead? And try not to rely on social media. Even the most genuine and interesting person can come across as insufferable on Instagram, especially if you decide to do some investigative journalism and find their posts from a decade ago. This can make you want to cancel not only your housemate, but your student loan, as you may subsequently decide to remain in the town you grew up in.
It is important to remember that this period won’t last forever. In the remaining years of your degree, you’ll get to choose who you share your home and your time with. And if you’re currently reading this article afraid that the crackling of the pages will bring about a noise complaint, you’re not alone. Metaphorically, that is.
That is, assuming you can actually rest, as noise complaints are common when living with a number of housemates. Most adults who flat-share can relate to the pain of having a housemate whose terrible music blares through the walls at all hours of the night, yet for freshers living in halls, this is often coupled with the ear-piercing screech of the fire alarm after Barney decides to make toast at three in the morning for the fifth day running. And while these grievances are hard to deal with, bringing them up to those responsible can be even harder. For introverts, whose only experience of university celebrations involves throwing a pity party in their room, approaching a housemate with a gripe is often more difficult than their degree. This can be particularly challenging for those who took a gap year or two before attending university, as bringing up the fact that you need your eight hours every night will undoubtedly make you seem even more like a Karen (and not the hot Mean Girls kind) amongst the carefree 18-year-olds.
For some, however, complaining seems as easy as living alone. The Student Room, a popular forum for school and university students, features a number of posts from concerned first-years who fear that just breathing too loudly will cause a housemate to come knocking on their bedroom door. I too used to be so scared that my mere existence would cause annoyance that I would creep around my Northfield flat so quietly that I could have easily been mistaken for a spirit. Which Barney would have probably drank with tonic to wash down his nightly toast. Speaking of ghosts, it is even harder to live with someone whose actions, such as completely ignoring a friend or partner, are morally questionable. Back in 2018, I lived with five students on campus, one of whom was ironically studying psychology and had recently broken up with his girlfriend because she’d “gained weight”. The fact that he could very well now be a therapist terrifies me to my core.
Fortunately, there are some ways of making living with insufferable housemates just about bearable. Firstly, try to ensure your interactions are of good quality. When parents and teachers would pipe up with, “join a club to make new friends!” I don’t think they were envisaging a night at Coalition. However, joining a society is a great way to meet people whose interests align with your own. If stealing a traffic cone and putting down women in the name of banter isn’t for you, no worries! Why not try writing for The Badger instead? And try not to rely on social media. Even the most genuine and interesting person can come across as insufferable on Instagram, especially if you decide to do some investigative journalism and find their posts from a decade ago. This can make you want to cancel not only your housemate, but your student loan, as you may subsequently decide to remain in the town you grew up in.
It is important to remember that this period won’t last forever. In the remaining years of your degree, you’ll get to choose who you share your home and your time with. And if you’re currently reading this article afraid that the crackling of the pages will bring about a noise complaint, you’re not alone. Metaphorically, that is.
The Dos and Don’ts of Theatre Etiquette
Often ahead of his time, it comes as no surprise that Shakespeare’s famous monologue from pastoral comedy As You Like It can be used to summarise theatre-goers in 2024. The speech, which compares the world to a stage and people to performers, sequences seven stages of a man’s life. Unfortunately, audience members have recently chosen to display the worst of these seven stages during the course of a two-hour show. Whilst the playwright categorised infants as “mewling and puking”, it disappointingly seems to now be drunken adults displaying these traits. Speaking anonymously to Sky News, front-of-house workers at West End theatres recounted horror stories which make the Theatre Royal’s The Enfield Haunting seem like an episode of Scooby Doo. From drunk audience members vomiting in the stalls, to fights breaking out at the stage door, it is unsurprising that, according to a survey undertaken by theatre union BECTU, 50% of theatre staff are considering quitting their job.
But I didn’t want to watch The Simpsons or babysit the manchild in Row G- I wanted to enjoy the play whose tickets I spent a small fortune on.
On the bright side, front-of-house workers can rest assured that members of the audience will be quick to take their place. However, some training will certainly be necessary. Whilst talking during a play or musical is unforgivable, oftentimes the theatre-goer doing the telling off is more distracting than the original offender. An exaggerated ‘shhhhh’ motion, reminiscent of the end credits of The Simpsons, is employed, often accompanied with a statement obvious even to Shakespeare’s mewling and puking infant: “I’m trying to watch!” But I didn’t want to watch The Simpsons, or babysit the manchild in Row G – I wanted to enjoy the play whose tickets I spent a small fortune on.
Although police attendance has been recorded at several performances, including West End’s Grease and The Bodyguard in Manchester, poor theatre etiquette is more commonly seen in the form of mobile phones. Stephen Schwartz – a well-renowned musical theatre lyricist and composer – recently expressed his disdain towards audience members using their phone whilst watching a show, arguing that it is not only disrespectful to the performers, but unfair for the rest of the audience. This has been echoed by a number of actors, including the late Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon from the Harry Potter franchise), who, during a 2005 performance, broke character to ask a woman to turn off her mobile after it rang for the third time. Even more shockingly, actor Andrew Scott recalls an audience member taking out their laptop midway through Hamlet’s iconic “to be, or not to be” soliloquy.
Whilst it can be exciting to see a show starring a famous actor, these performances often lead to the worst theatre etiquette. Benedict Cumberbatch was forced to speak to audience members personally at the stage door after he noticed he was being filmed whilst acting in Hamlet. This incident is particularly disappointing as it is now fairly common for plays to be shown in the cinema or made available on streaming services, such as Disney+.
All the world’s a stage- so play nicely.
In summary, it is not difficult to behave well at the theatre: you literally just have to sit there! Please don’t order popcorn; if you have a persistent cough, for the love of God, stay at home; and be polite to the hardworking staff. If you’re lucky enough to meet an actor at the stage door, don’t shove your programme or phone camera in their face, and pee before the show – you likely won’t have time during the interval and will be that annoying person trying to shuffle their way back to their seat ten minutes into Act Two. All the world’s a stage – so play nicely.
But I didn’t want to watch The Simpsons or babysit the manchild in Row G- I wanted to enjoy the play whose tickets I spent a small fortune on.
On the bright side, front-of-house workers can rest assured that members of the audience will be quick to take their place. However, some training will certainly be necessary. Whilst talking during a play or musical is unforgivable, oftentimes the theatre-goer doing the telling off is more distracting than the original offender. An exaggerated ‘shhhhh’ motion, reminiscent of the end credits of The Simpsons, is employed, often accompanied with a statement obvious even to Shakespeare’s mewling and puking infant: “I’m trying to watch!” But I didn’t want to watch The Simpsons, or babysit the manchild in Row G – I wanted to enjoy the play whose tickets I spent a small fortune on.
Although police attendance has been recorded at several performances, including West End’s Grease and The Bodyguard in Manchester, poor theatre etiquette is more commonly seen in the form of mobile phones. Stephen Schwartz – a well-renowned musical theatre lyricist and composer – recently expressed his disdain towards audience members using their phone whilst watching a show, arguing that it is not only disrespectful to the performers, but unfair for the rest of the audience. This has been echoed by a number of actors, including the late Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon from the Harry Potter franchise), who, during a 2005 performance, broke character to ask a woman to turn off her mobile after it rang for the third time. Even more shockingly, actor Andrew Scott recalls an audience member taking out their laptop midway through Hamlet’s iconic “to be, or not to be” soliloquy.
Whilst it can be exciting to see a show starring a famous actor, these performances often lead to the worst theatre etiquette. Benedict Cumberbatch was forced to speak to audience members personally at the stage door after he noticed he was being filmed whilst acting in Hamlet. This incident is particularly disappointing as it is now fairly common for plays to be shown in the cinema or made available on streaming services, such as Disney+.
All the world’s a stage- so play nicely.
In summary, it is not difficult to behave well at the theatre: you literally just have to sit there! Please don’t order popcorn; if you have a persistent cough, for the love of God, stay at home; and be polite to the hardworking staff. If you’re lucky enough to meet an actor at the stage door, don’t shove your programme or phone camera in their face, and pee before the show – you likely won’t have time during the interval and will be that annoying person trying to shuffle their way back to their seat ten minutes into Act Two. All the world’s a stage – so play nicely.
UTIs: the What, the How, and the Why Me
When I was studying A Level Philosophy and Ethics, I used the presence of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) as evidence of a godless world. As this was not the only D I received that year, UTIs were frequent. Rumour has it that the line, “Don’t have sex – or you will get a kidney infection and die!” was cut from the health class scene of Mean Girls for being too accurate to be funny. Due to their having shorter urethras than men (meaning bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder), sexual intercourse is one of the most common causes of UTIs in women. I’m sure Cady Heron would have found that information more useful in life than twelfth-grade calculus.
Whilst no amount of animal ears and lingerie could make a UTI less terrifying, they do enjoy dressing up as a variety of characters, including cystitis (affecting the bladder), urethritis (affecting the urethra), and kidney infections (affecting the left leg…just kidding). In women, they can even sneakily disguise themselves as a period by employing stomach cramps and blood on toilet paper. Though it can be challenging to distinguish a UTI from similar diagnoses, there are some tell-tale symptoms including, but not limited to: pain during urination, needing to pee more often than usual, lower stomach pain, and a high temperature. Even if you’re 98% certain you have a UTI, it is best to ring up your GP at 8 am on the dot and wait for an hour in the queue listening to bad elevator music, before peeing in a pot (and on your hands), giving it to said GP and waiting three days for them to confirm.
Although it can be reassuring to receive a diagnosis, the advice on what to do next is vague at the best of times. Even the official NHS web page reads more like a TikTok influencer’s 2024 resolutions than sound medical advice. Taking cranberry pills; drinking plenty of water; avoiding alcohol and sugary foods; and leading a celibate lifestyle may get you more followers, but it will not cure your UTI. Neither will prayer, a positive tarot reading, the female-empowering discography of Taylor Swift, or throwing a packet of cranberry pills and an Evian bottle at the wall in frustration. I’ve tried. The only things that helped me were strong antibiotics (which I soon became resistant to); anaesthetic procedures to widen my urethra (which I will have to undertake every five or so years); and playing a tiny violin for myself in the form of a newspaper article.
STDs should not be met with panic and disgust, nor should they be conflated with UTIs.
As well as the NHS’s inadequate advice, the struggles surrounding UTIs are exacerbated by sexism. The common nickname for a UTI – honeymoon cystitis – links to the puritanical belief that sex should be avoided until after marriage. Women are also often patronised by doctors and told to make sure they’re wiping from front to back after going to the toilet. Perhaps medical professionals should be given the benefit of the doubt, as UTIs can evoke a sense of childhood nostalgia. For example, I thought after I turned six I would no longer wet the bed. Unfortunately, I was struck by a common symptom – needing to pee more often than usual during the night – following a series of ill-advised sexual encounters with a man, my UTI decided to make me wet his bed at four in the morning at the ripe old age of 18, probably to punish his ignorance, as upon hearing that I suffered from chronic UTIs, he immediately panicked and Google Mapped Morley Street SHAC, whilst asking me if they take walk-ins to check for chlamydia. STDs should not be met with panic and disgust, nor should they be conflated with UTIs.
It’s a struggle to think of a mention of UTIs in any high-profile television programme, movie, book or play. This is perhaps because they are considered by many to be – aptly – a piece of piss.
If you are struggling with chronic UTIs – you are not alone. Seek treatment, look after yourself, and PEE AFTER SEX!
Whilst no amount of animal ears and lingerie could make a UTI less terrifying, they do enjoy dressing up as a variety of characters, including cystitis (affecting the bladder), urethritis (affecting the urethra), and kidney infections (affecting the left leg…just kidding). In women, they can even sneakily disguise themselves as a period by employing stomach cramps and blood on toilet paper. Though it can be challenging to distinguish a UTI from similar diagnoses, there are some tell-tale symptoms including, but not limited to: pain during urination, needing to pee more often than usual, lower stomach pain, and a high temperature. Even if you’re 98% certain you have a UTI, it is best to ring up your GP at 8 am on the dot and wait for an hour in the queue listening to bad elevator music, before peeing in a pot (and on your hands), giving it to said GP and waiting three days for them to confirm.
Although it can be reassuring to receive a diagnosis, the advice on what to do next is vague at the best of times. Even the official NHS web page reads more like a TikTok influencer’s 2024 resolutions than sound medical advice. Taking cranberry pills; drinking plenty of water; avoiding alcohol and sugary foods; and leading a celibate lifestyle may get you more followers, but it will not cure your UTI. Neither will prayer, a positive tarot reading, the female-empowering discography of Taylor Swift, or throwing a packet of cranberry pills and an Evian bottle at the wall in frustration. I’ve tried. The only things that helped me were strong antibiotics (which I soon became resistant to); anaesthetic procedures to widen my urethra (which I will have to undertake every five or so years); and playing a tiny violin for myself in the form of a newspaper article.
STDs should not be met with panic and disgust, nor should they be conflated with UTIs.
As well as the NHS’s inadequate advice, the struggles surrounding UTIs are exacerbated by sexism. The common nickname for a UTI – honeymoon cystitis – links to the puritanical belief that sex should be avoided until after marriage. Women are also often patronised by doctors and told to make sure they’re wiping from front to back after going to the toilet. Perhaps medical professionals should be given the benefit of the doubt, as UTIs can evoke a sense of childhood nostalgia. For example, I thought after I turned six I would no longer wet the bed. Unfortunately, I was struck by a common symptom – needing to pee more often than usual during the night – following a series of ill-advised sexual encounters with a man, my UTI decided to make me wet his bed at four in the morning at the ripe old age of 18, probably to punish his ignorance, as upon hearing that I suffered from chronic UTIs, he immediately panicked and Google Mapped Morley Street SHAC, whilst asking me if they take walk-ins to check for chlamydia. STDs should not be met with panic and disgust, nor should they be conflated with UTIs.
It’s a struggle to think of a mention of UTIs in any high-profile television programme, movie, book or play. This is perhaps because they are considered by many to be – aptly – a piece of piss.
If you are struggling with chronic UTIs – you are not alone. Seek treatment, look after yourself, and PEE AFTER SEX!
Shortage of ADHD Medication Affects Sussex Students
Since September 2023, there has been a worldwide shortage of a range of drugs used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Worryingly, the deficit includes forms of methylphenidate hydrochloride, including Ritalin, which are amongst the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication in the UK. Whilst the NHS raised a national patient safety alert regarding this issue last autumn, it was initially believed that the shortage of medication would only last until December. However, on 28 November, Takeda, the principal manufacturer of ADHD medication, informed charity ADHD UK that supply impediments are likely to continue until April. With over 10,000 Sussex residents having been prescribed medication to treat ADHD over the course of the last year, The Argus has made it clear that the effects of the shortage are still very much present across the county.
Sussex Health and Care recently issued a statement acknowledging the “trying and stressful time” for those dealing with the lack of treatment options. Amongst those involved are newly diagnosed patients, who, according to one NHS alert, should not begin taking any affected medication until the supply issues are resolved. In other words, thousands of patients could be navigating the difficult symptoms of ADHD without treatment. The chief executive of ADHD UK, Henry Shelford, has also been personally affected by this shortage. “The government continues to utterly fail those with ADHD,” he stated. “The diagnosis is not taken seriously.” The Department of Health and Social Care responded, acknowledging the “distress” that medication shortages can bring, and attempting to reassure patients by claiming to be “working intensively with manufacturers”.
Unfortunately, the medicinal shortages in the UK are not limited to drugs used to treat ADHD. According to the British Generic Manufacturers Association, 96 products are currently limited in their availability. A 2023 survey from Community Pharmacy England found that, as a result of these shortages, 87% of employees believed patient health was at risk.
While it is true that the poor value of the pound since Brexit has made it more difficult for the NHS to purchase some medications, the shortage is not solely the fault of the referendum. In December 2023, an EU medicines shortage working party attributed supply issues to the ongoing attacks on the Red Sea; the impact of the war in Ukraine; and the suspension of some medicines tested by a certain Indian laboratory, as recommended by a European Medicines Agency. Additionally, the 2019 scheme introduced by the UK government sought to ensure that spending on branded medication grew less than 2% in a year, which could further explain the supply obstacles.
There may also be issues regarding a lack of communication, with an increase in diagnoses making it difficult for manufacturers to meet demands. The ADHD Foundation, a charity focusing on neurodiversity, said that the condition’s history of misdiagnosis, particularly with regards to women, could have led to the hike in issuing prescriptions. The CEO of the charity, Tony Lloyd, advocates the use of a “range of strategies and lifestyle choices” in order to combat the symptoms, believing that “medication should not be used in isolation.” However, this statement fails to take into consideration the difficulties of receiving therapy on the NHS compared to obtaining a prescription. Currently, even the latter is proving difficult. The Badger spoke to one student who was recently forced to switch from Methylphenidate to Atomoxetine. “I had to cope with the side effects that come from taking a new medication during exam season,” the second-year student stated. “I was writing essays whilst experiencing heart palpitations and dry mouth.”
A second student, studying for an MA at the University of Sussex, has also found the shortage difficult to cope with. “Even during COVID, I managed to submit my assignments on time. Last month, following the shortage in medication, I had to request an extension as I found it really hard to manage my time.”
In light of the adversities faced by the shortage, hopefully the University of Sussex will express empathy to those struggling to acquire medication.
Photo by Christina Victoria Craft
Sussex Health and Care recently issued a statement acknowledging the “trying and stressful time” for those dealing with the lack of treatment options. Amongst those involved are newly diagnosed patients, who, according to one NHS alert, should not begin taking any affected medication until the supply issues are resolved. In other words, thousands of patients could be navigating the difficult symptoms of ADHD without treatment. The chief executive of ADHD UK, Henry Shelford, has also been personally affected by this shortage. “The government continues to utterly fail those with ADHD,” he stated. “The diagnosis is not taken seriously.” The Department of Health and Social Care responded, acknowledging the “distress” that medication shortages can bring, and attempting to reassure patients by claiming to be “working intensively with manufacturers”.
Unfortunately, the medicinal shortages in the UK are not limited to drugs used to treat ADHD. According to the British Generic Manufacturers Association, 96 products are currently limited in their availability. A 2023 survey from Community Pharmacy England found that, as a result of these shortages, 87% of employees believed patient health was at risk.
While it is true that the poor value of the pound since Brexit has made it more difficult for the NHS to purchase some medications, the shortage is not solely the fault of the referendum. In December 2023, an EU medicines shortage working party attributed supply issues to the ongoing attacks on the Red Sea; the impact of the war in Ukraine; and the suspension of some medicines tested by a certain Indian laboratory, as recommended by a European Medicines Agency. Additionally, the 2019 scheme introduced by the UK government sought to ensure that spending on branded medication grew less than 2% in a year, which could further explain the supply obstacles.
There may also be issues regarding a lack of communication, with an increase in diagnoses making it difficult for manufacturers to meet demands. The ADHD Foundation, a charity focusing on neurodiversity, said that the condition’s history of misdiagnosis, particularly with regards to women, could have led to the hike in issuing prescriptions. The CEO of the charity, Tony Lloyd, advocates the use of a “range of strategies and lifestyle choices” in order to combat the symptoms, believing that “medication should not be used in isolation.” However, this statement fails to take into consideration the difficulties of receiving therapy on the NHS compared to obtaining a prescription. Currently, even the latter is proving difficult. The Badger spoke to one student who was recently forced to switch from Methylphenidate to Atomoxetine. “I had to cope with the side effects that come from taking a new medication during exam season,” the second-year student stated. “I was writing essays whilst experiencing heart palpitations and dry mouth.”
A second student, studying for an MA at the University of Sussex, has also found the shortage difficult to cope with. “Even during COVID, I managed to submit my assignments on time. Last month, following the shortage in medication, I had to request an extension as I found it really hard to manage my time.”
In light of the adversities faced by the shortage, hopefully the University of Sussex will express empathy to those struggling to acquire medication.
Photo by Christina Victoria Craft
Youthanasia: the Fatality of Symptoms Among the Young
Ageism is a form of a prejudice that has been prevalent in society longer than Madonna, which is apt, since the 65-year-old was recently mocked online for holding a beam for support whilst performing. While memes replacing the beam with a Zimmer frame are certainly hurtful, a far more dangerous and less discussed form of age discrimination is currently sweeping the UK.
As traditional media favours young people, a large number of storylines tend to focus on the under-thirties. When Waterloo Road wanted to raise awareness of cancer in 2011, the writers gave 15-year-old Sambuca Kelly an inoperable brain tumour. Flash forward to 2022, and Eastenders decided to put their spin on the young bleached-blonde girl with a brain tumour storyline in the form of 26-year-old Lola Pearce’s struggle with a glioblastoma. Due to these depictions, it is unsurprising that the common belief in society is that young adults are quickly and easily diagnosed and subsequently treated. Unfortunately, this could not be further from the truth: long waiting times and dismissals encountered by young people who seek medical attention are commonplace. Soon, we will not even be able to be diagnosed (dubiously) through the media, as the BBC daytime soap Doctors has recently announced its cancellation – perhaps because a broadcast of an automated voice informing a patient that they’re number 37 in the queue does not make good television.
Long waiting times and dismissals encountered by young people who seek medical attention are commonplace.
A man familiar with the workings of the media is Steve Ackroyd – the father of a former student of mine – who worked as an editor on popular Netflix series, Sex Education. This show, again, tackles medical issues among young characters: Jackson Marchetti finds a lump on his testicle; Lily Iglehart is diagnosed with vaginismus; and Maeve Wiley undergoes a surgical abortion. However, cutting together these scenes could not have prepared Ackroyd for the devastating reality of struggling to receive the correct diagnosis. After being misdiagnosed with the brain disorder epilepsy by doctors at his local hospital, the 47-year-old suffered further seizures, though was refused a second CT scan. It was only after an MRI scan that Ackroyd was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma. It could be argued that age discrimination has a part to play in this heartbreaking story. According to the charity Brain Tumour Research, brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other type of cancer yet only 1% of cancer research funding is allocated to this area.
Alongside age discrimination, harmful stereotypes also affect young adults seeking medical care. No matter which symptoms you present with, if you are under the age of 25, a doctor will immediately assume your pain and discomfort are evidence of an STD, leaving the whole appointment feeling like a bad 1970s sitcom:
“Sore throat, eh? What have you been doing with it?”
“Struggling to get out of bed? Well, whose bed are we talking about?”
Oftentimes, the only link to sex is the truth, because it is hard to swallow: young people can just be unwell!
A young character with a brain tumour in Eastenders in 2022. Image: BBC
If you’re a woman, it can be even more difficult to get diagnosed, due to the stereotype that the female gender is inherently dramatic. Jessica Brady had 20 GP appointments and two trips to A&E before passing away from stage four adenocarcinoma cancer of the glands, at the age of 27. Speaking to The Telegraph, her mother, Andrea, argued that “if Jess had been a different age [her symptoms] would have been a red flag”. Andrea and her husband are currently proposing Jess’s Law, which would require a case to be elevated for review after a patient contacts their GP surgery for the third time.
It is important to remember that it isn’t the fault of the NHS, which is cruelly underfunded. Make like the credits of Friends and go back outside to clap for the doctors and nurses (and then lobby for a pay rise). Finally, apologies for using humour as a coping mechanism throughout this article. Laughter is not the best, but rather the only medicine.
To donate to Steve’s GoFundMe, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/steve-ackroyds-brain-tumour-treatment
As traditional media favours young people, a large number of storylines tend to focus on the under-thirties. When Waterloo Road wanted to raise awareness of cancer in 2011, the writers gave 15-year-old Sambuca Kelly an inoperable brain tumour. Flash forward to 2022, and Eastenders decided to put their spin on the young bleached-blonde girl with a brain tumour storyline in the form of 26-year-old Lola Pearce’s struggle with a glioblastoma. Due to these depictions, it is unsurprising that the common belief in society is that young adults are quickly and easily diagnosed and subsequently treated. Unfortunately, this could not be further from the truth: long waiting times and dismissals encountered by young people who seek medical attention are commonplace. Soon, we will not even be able to be diagnosed (dubiously) through the media, as the BBC daytime soap Doctors has recently announced its cancellation – perhaps because a broadcast of an automated voice informing a patient that they’re number 37 in the queue does not make good television.
Long waiting times and dismissals encountered by young people who seek medical attention are commonplace.
A man familiar with the workings of the media is Steve Ackroyd – the father of a former student of mine – who worked as an editor on popular Netflix series, Sex Education. This show, again, tackles medical issues among young characters: Jackson Marchetti finds a lump on his testicle; Lily Iglehart is diagnosed with vaginismus; and Maeve Wiley undergoes a surgical abortion. However, cutting together these scenes could not have prepared Ackroyd for the devastating reality of struggling to receive the correct diagnosis. After being misdiagnosed with the brain disorder epilepsy by doctors at his local hospital, the 47-year-old suffered further seizures, though was refused a second CT scan. It was only after an MRI scan that Ackroyd was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma. It could be argued that age discrimination has a part to play in this heartbreaking story. According to the charity Brain Tumour Research, brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other type of cancer yet only 1% of cancer research funding is allocated to this area.
Alongside age discrimination, harmful stereotypes also affect young adults seeking medical care. No matter which symptoms you present with, if you are under the age of 25, a doctor will immediately assume your pain and discomfort are evidence of an STD, leaving the whole appointment feeling like a bad 1970s sitcom:
“Sore throat, eh? What have you been doing with it?”
“Struggling to get out of bed? Well, whose bed are we talking about?”
Oftentimes, the only link to sex is the truth, because it is hard to swallow: young people can just be unwell!
A young character with a brain tumour in Eastenders in 2022. Image: BBC
If you’re a woman, it can be even more difficult to get diagnosed, due to the stereotype that the female gender is inherently dramatic. Jessica Brady had 20 GP appointments and two trips to A&E before passing away from stage four adenocarcinoma cancer of the glands, at the age of 27. Speaking to The Telegraph, her mother, Andrea, argued that “if Jess had been a different age [her symptoms] would have been a red flag”. Andrea and her husband are currently proposing Jess’s Law, which would require a case to be elevated for review after a patient contacts their GP surgery for the third time.
It is important to remember that it isn’t the fault of the NHS, which is cruelly underfunded. Make like the credits of Friends and go back outside to clap for the doctors and nurses (and then lobby for a pay rise). Finally, apologies for using humour as a coping mechanism throughout this article. Laughter is not the best, but rather the only medicine.
To donate to Steve’s GoFundMe, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/steve-ackroyds-brain-tumour-treatment
First UK Uni Contactless Shop Under Construction in Student Centre
The Atrium Market, a store without checkouts, is due to open in the Student Centre in March, making it the first contactless shop in a UK university. Instead of paying at the end of a shop, customers will have to scan their payment card upon arrival – meaning they will be able to walk out of the store once they have picked up their shopping.The shop will replace the coffee tuktuk, which is run by the University’s catering partners.
While some students will surely miss interactions with members of staff, the Atrium Market’s speedy shopping experience should be of help to those balancing their studies with a job. For this reason, Mark Lawrence, from catering company Sussex Uni Food, is proud to help introduce the first “frictionless” university shop. “We are working with Amazon for the initial set up to install and implement the technology needed to make [shopping] a smooth experience for our customers,” Lawrence reported in December. The Atrium Market will then be run by Sussex Uni Food, which will respond to customers by re-stocking popular products.
Initially, the store will be selling Redroaster coffee, a favourite amongst Sussex students; a range of sandwiches and snacks; Tanpopo sushi and gyoza; baked goods; and Halal ready meals – all sourced by Sussex Uni Food’s local supply chain. Weighted shelves will detect which products have been selected, and will be confirmed by scanners at the store’s exit. Although the market will close when restocking, for the majority of the time, it will be open for the same hours as the Student Centre – 24/7.
The merging of technology and dining is not new to the university; since the updated catering contract was signed in the autumn term, there have been talks to introduce robot servers in Eat Central. While it will certainly be strange to walk out of a chalkboard-filled study room into a contactless store, students have expressed their excitement surrounding this 21st century shopping experience. “As well as offering a faster shop, contactless commerce means fewer surfaces will be touched, and it could even help students with social anxiety,” says one Sussex student. However, because the technology is so new, some students are unconvinced that the methods employed by the Atrium Market will be successful.
Work on the Atrium Market began in December and continues through the new semester, ahead of the March unveiling.
While some students will surely miss interactions with members of staff, the Atrium Market’s speedy shopping experience should be of help to those balancing their studies with a job. For this reason, Mark Lawrence, from catering company Sussex Uni Food, is proud to help introduce the first “frictionless” university shop. “We are working with Amazon for the initial set up to install and implement the technology needed to make [shopping] a smooth experience for our customers,” Lawrence reported in December. The Atrium Market will then be run by Sussex Uni Food, which will respond to customers by re-stocking popular products.
Initially, the store will be selling Redroaster coffee, a favourite amongst Sussex students; a range of sandwiches and snacks; Tanpopo sushi and gyoza; baked goods; and Halal ready meals – all sourced by Sussex Uni Food’s local supply chain. Weighted shelves will detect which products have been selected, and will be confirmed by scanners at the store’s exit. Although the market will close when restocking, for the majority of the time, it will be open for the same hours as the Student Centre – 24/7.
The merging of technology and dining is not new to the university; since the updated catering contract was signed in the autumn term, there have been talks to introduce robot servers in Eat Central. While it will certainly be strange to walk out of a chalkboard-filled study room into a contactless store, students have expressed their excitement surrounding this 21st century shopping experience. “As well as offering a faster shop, contactless commerce means fewer surfaces will be touched, and it could even help students with social anxiety,” says one Sussex student. However, because the technology is so new, some students are unconvinced that the methods employed by the Atrium Market will be successful.
Work on the Atrium Market began in December and continues through the new semester, ahead of the March unveiling.
Living in Brighton, At What Cost?
“There’s no place like home,” Dorothy opines in The Wizard of Oz, before being magicked back to Kansas in her ruby slippers. Unfortunately, this line has not aged well.
In Brighton, there are currently a number of places like home – all situated within a 10 mile radius and inhabited by similarly struggling students. Since some of you may have sold your televisions in an attempt to make ends meet, you would have missed ITV News’s report on 26 October, which referenced a report from Higher Education Price Index (HEPI) outlining the difficulties faced by students following a 14.6% increase in rent over the last two years. Coupled with the fact that maintenance loans have only risen by 5.2% in this time, it is no surprise that many students are forgoing the fun of Brighton in order to spend more time (and therefore less money) inside their cramped accommodations.
While there are benefits of eschewing eateries in the town centre to prepare home-cooked meals, eating at home has its issues. For starters…well, there are no starters, as UK food prices are rising at their fastest rate in 42 years, according to the BBC. Main courses utilising organic or free-range produce may no longer be an option, so the once-simple activity of boiling an egg for some now triggers a moral dilemma. The vast majority of people are having to put any qualms to the side, because valuing high-quality, local produce simply isn’t affordable. In fact, even a weekly grocery shop could now be viewed as a privilege. According to a survey by the National Union of Students (NUS), more than one in 10 students are now relying on food banks to combat the effects of the cost of living crisis.
Perhaps home is no longer where the heart is. Without a heart, it is at least easier to relate to certain landlords. In a deeply distressing case, a vulnerable tenant in London committed suicide in 2021 after a landlord regarded his noise complaints as “whining”. The complaints were not taken seriously, nor adequately dealt with. In August, an investigation into the case ended with an order for the landlord to apologise to the tenant’s family.
Although this example of negligence is particularly disturbing, it is not uncommon for both landlords and estate agents across the nation to seem at best delusional or at worst willfully neglectful. While the freedom of expression is undoubtedly one of the most wonderful aspects of Brighton, it is often abused by those in positions of power, who force cupboards to cosplay as second bedrooms, and leaky sinks to introduce themselves as bathtubs. When viewing a potential second-year home, the lettings agents were keen to point out that the property came with a garden shed. Whether a Year Eight’s Design and Technology project comprising a few haphazardly-constructed planks of wood constitutes a shed is down to opinion. That it was larger than my bedroom is a fact.
Fortunately, there may be some hope, with MP for Brighton Pavilion, Caroline Lucas, and Green parliamentary candidate, Siân Berry, demanding action for renters. As well as lobbying for the Renters Reform Bill to come into effect urgently, Lucas plans to amend the proposed law to force landlords to adequately heat rented properties. Many students are affected by condensation and mould in their rented houses, so such a law could have huge effects on student quality of life. Even if the efforts of Lucas and Berry fall short, The Badger’s journalists can rest assured that the paper’s fanbase will grow. After all, newspapers are wonderful insulators.
In Brighton, there are currently a number of places like home – all situated within a 10 mile radius and inhabited by similarly struggling students. Since some of you may have sold your televisions in an attempt to make ends meet, you would have missed ITV News’s report on 26 October, which referenced a report from Higher Education Price Index (HEPI) outlining the difficulties faced by students following a 14.6% increase in rent over the last two years. Coupled with the fact that maintenance loans have only risen by 5.2% in this time, it is no surprise that many students are forgoing the fun of Brighton in order to spend more time (and therefore less money) inside their cramped accommodations.
While there are benefits of eschewing eateries in the town centre to prepare home-cooked meals, eating at home has its issues. For starters…well, there are no starters, as UK food prices are rising at their fastest rate in 42 years, according to the BBC. Main courses utilising organic or free-range produce may no longer be an option, so the once-simple activity of boiling an egg for some now triggers a moral dilemma. The vast majority of people are having to put any qualms to the side, because valuing high-quality, local produce simply isn’t affordable. In fact, even a weekly grocery shop could now be viewed as a privilege. According to a survey by the National Union of Students (NUS), more than one in 10 students are now relying on food banks to combat the effects of the cost of living crisis.
Perhaps home is no longer where the heart is. Without a heart, it is at least easier to relate to certain landlords. In a deeply distressing case, a vulnerable tenant in London committed suicide in 2021 after a landlord regarded his noise complaints as “whining”. The complaints were not taken seriously, nor adequately dealt with. In August, an investigation into the case ended with an order for the landlord to apologise to the tenant’s family.
Although this example of negligence is particularly disturbing, it is not uncommon for both landlords and estate agents across the nation to seem at best delusional or at worst willfully neglectful. While the freedom of expression is undoubtedly one of the most wonderful aspects of Brighton, it is often abused by those in positions of power, who force cupboards to cosplay as second bedrooms, and leaky sinks to introduce themselves as bathtubs. When viewing a potential second-year home, the lettings agents were keen to point out that the property came with a garden shed. Whether a Year Eight’s Design and Technology project comprising a few haphazardly-constructed planks of wood constitutes a shed is down to opinion. That it was larger than my bedroom is a fact.
Fortunately, there may be some hope, with MP for Brighton Pavilion, Caroline Lucas, and Green parliamentary candidate, Siân Berry, demanding action for renters. As well as lobbying for the Renters Reform Bill to come into effect urgently, Lucas plans to amend the proposed law to force landlords to adequately heat rented properties. Many students are affected by condensation and mould in their rented houses, so such a law could have huge effects on student quality of life. Even if the efforts of Lucas and Berry fall short, The Badger’s journalists can rest assured that the paper’s fanbase will grow. After all, newspapers are wonderful insulators.
Society Spotlight: Pole Society
As a sport, pole fitness is much like its participants – resilient, self-assured, and thick-skinned. The journey this activity has endured has aptly been filled with twists, turns, and bumps; prior to the 21st century, pole dancing solely conjured up images of strip clubs, meaning it had to fight hard to be considered a legitimate form of exercise. While there’s nothing shameful about sex work, the differences between stripping and pole fitness have only recently been recognised. Following an 11-year campaign, the president of the International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF), Katie Coates, was finally able to persuade the Global Association of International Sports Federation (GAISF) to class pole fitness as a sport in 2017. This acknowledgement enabled the stigmas surrounding the sport to subside, and subsequently, pole fitness became a popular workout across the globe.
But why are there so many fans of pole fitness? First, it’s a great activity for increasing mobility, strength, and flexibility. Holly Hadfield, Pole Society’s current President, makes clear that these benefits are enjoyed by every participant. “As a disabled person, it is difficult to find a way to keep fit, that I enjoy, and that caters to my mobility needs,” she states. “Luckily I found such a supportive environment within pole and could not recommend the sport enough.” This claim is echoed by writer Akili King, whom, in an article for Vogue, expresses that pole fitness helped her in healing from PTSD as she could “feel both emotionally soothed, and physically strengthened at the same time.” It’s evident that pole fitness does not discriminate, but rather welcomes those with disabilities and/or mental health conditions with open (un-moisturised) arms.
While it’s wonderful that pole fitness accommodates a range of groups, some may still be apprehensive about engaging in the sport due to what constitutes pole-friendly clothing. In order to grip the pole effectively, skin exposure is beneficial. Writing for The Telegraph in 2021, columnist Hannah Tan-Gillies comments on her initial nerves towards displaying her body in public. This is something that is seemingly echoed by Sussex students, as one of Pole Society’s frequently asked questions centres on attire. Hadfield however, says that members of the society “will never be pressured to do anything that [they] find scary or uncomfortable [as] all of our members and teachers are so welcoming.” This support is reiterated in the answer to the aforementioned Pole Society FAQ, which suggests PoleJunkie and CXIX’s “sticky” leggings and tops, should members not wish to expose their arms and legs. Further evidence of the supportive environment can be found in videos of past Pole Society showcases, with each performance accompanied by uplifting cheers. This encouragement has lasting effects outside of the studio too, as members often walk away with increased body confidence and appreciation.
Pole fitness does not discriminate, but rather welcomes those…with open (un-moisturised) arms.
Beginner or gold-medal winner, Pole Society can provide a workout for you. Even if your only prior experience of the marriage of “pole” and “dancing” involved walking into a lamppost following a night in Chalk, this society won’t judge. “PoleSoc is incredibly inclusive and caters to all levels of skill and fitness,” Hadfield says. “We run classes for beginners, intermediates, and advanced members.”
It’s unsurprising that PoleSoc is one of the University of Sussex’s most popular societies. The factors outlined above, as well as the fact that a term membership is just £25, cause it to be immensely popular. I have first-hand experience of just how sought-after a Pole Society membership is. Earlier this term, the society ran back-to-back taster sessions for three hours, in order for students to indicate their interest in becoming members. Unfortunately, when I arrived – unfashionably late in a baggy tracksuit and Converse, just in time for the last half-hour, there were still around 50 students waiting in line. If you can relate to my experience, rest assured that there will be a second taster session next term, as well as future workshops that will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Pole Society really does seem like a family, minus the dad falling asleep in front of the television. Hadfield has been a part of PoleSoc for years, acting as Co-Welfare Officer during the 2022-23 academic year, and president since September. “I thought I would be a good fit for the role because I have a strong relationship with many members, and was really keen to highlight the inclusivity and diversity within our society.”
Even during our brief correspondence, Hadfield did just this, giving credit to the society’s committee and members. “They’re amazing, and our society would be nowhere near as great without them.”
But why are there so many fans of pole fitness? First, it’s a great activity for increasing mobility, strength, and flexibility. Holly Hadfield, Pole Society’s current President, makes clear that these benefits are enjoyed by every participant. “As a disabled person, it is difficult to find a way to keep fit, that I enjoy, and that caters to my mobility needs,” she states. “Luckily I found such a supportive environment within pole and could not recommend the sport enough.” This claim is echoed by writer Akili King, whom, in an article for Vogue, expresses that pole fitness helped her in healing from PTSD as she could “feel both emotionally soothed, and physically strengthened at the same time.” It’s evident that pole fitness does not discriminate, but rather welcomes those with disabilities and/or mental health conditions with open (un-moisturised) arms.
While it’s wonderful that pole fitness accommodates a range of groups, some may still be apprehensive about engaging in the sport due to what constitutes pole-friendly clothing. In order to grip the pole effectively, skin exposure is beneficial. Writing for The Telegraph in 2021, columnist Hannah Tan-Gillies comments on her initial nerves towards displaying her body in public. This is something that is seemingly echoed by Sussex students, as one of Pole Society’s frequently asked questions centres on attire. Hadfield however, says that members of the society “will never be pressured to do anything that [they] find scary or uncomfortable [as] all of our members and teachers are so welcoming.” This support is reiterated in the answer to the aforementioned Pole Society FAQ, which suggests PoleJunkie and CXIX’s “sticky” leggings and tops, should members not wish to expose their arms and legs. Further evidence of the supportive environment can be found in videos of past Pole Society showcases, with each performance accompanied by uplifting cheers. This encouragement has lasting effects outside of the studio too, as members often walk away with increased body confidence and appreciation.
Pole fitness does not discriminate, but rather welcomes those…with open (un-moisturised) arms.
Beginner or gold-medal winner, Pole Society can provide a workout for you. Even if your only prior experience of the marriage of “pole” and “dancing” involved walking into a lamppost following a night in Chalk, this society won’t judge. “PoleSoc is incredibly inclusive and caters to all levels of skill and fitness,” Hadfield says. “We run classes for beginners, intermediates, and advanced members.”
It’s unsurprising that PoleSoc is one of the University of Sussex’s most popular societies. The factors outlined above, as well as the fact that a term membership is just £25, cause it to be immensely popular. I have first-hand experience of just how sought-after a Pole Society membership is. Earlier this term, the society ran back-to-back taster sessions for three hours, in order for students to indicate their interest in becoming members. Unfortunately, when I arrived – unfashionably late in a baggy tracksuit and Converse, just in time for the last half-hour, there were still around 50 students waiting in line. If you can relate to my experience, rest assured that there will be a second taster session next term, as well as future workshops that will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Pole Society really does seem like a family, minus the dad falling asleep in front of the television. Hadfield has been a part of PoleSoc for years, acting as Co-Welfare Officer during the 2022-23 academic year, and president since September. “I thought I would be a good fit for the role because I have a strong relationship with many members, and was really keen to highlight the inclusivity and diversity within our society.”
Even during our brief correspondence, Hadfield did just this, giving credit to the society’s committee and members. “They’re amazing, and our society would be nowhere near as great without them.”
Can Mainstream Mass Media Discuss Modern-day Massacres?
As the ongoing Israel-Hamas war has been covered extensively by local and international news outlets, posts on social-media platforms about the conflict are often dismissed as “disinformation”; ignored on the basis that they’re “too emotive”; or scoffed at because they come in between snaps of users enjoying dinner. This is ironic, considering that the language of mainstream news articles mirrors the disingenuous, performative posts that they frequently criticise. The Guardian tore apart Gal Gadot and co’s 2020 cover of“Imagine”, criticising the lack of self-awareness in recruiting multimillionaires to sing about “no possessions” while unemployment rates soared. Yet, looking at today’s front pages, stories about Palestine are sharing the stage with headlines such as “Everton Lose 10 Points over Finance Rules Dinner”(The Sun, 18 November). The severity of this humanitarian crisis is being undermined by traditional media and it’s unsurprising that each post on social media with a shred of empathy is regarded as “controversial”.
Image: Zeeshan Tirmizi
When they manage to take a break from writing about celebs going dating, mainstream media outlets seem to conflate the tragedy of the Gaza conflict with natural disasters. Both UN News and The Washington Post referred to the war as an “unfolding catastrophe”, and The Week reported the “calamity” caused by Hamas. These phrases are commonly used to describe freak accidents or disasters, but can any aspect of this war truly be considered accidental? Traditional news stories are laced with propaganda, condemning Hamas as if the violence in Gaza only began on the 7 October . In reality, this conflict dates back to the early 20th century. Although disinformation is certainly present on social media, at least users are not claiming to be an unbiased source, while simultaneously omitting pivotal parts of the story.
The media cannot walk on eggshells while children are walking over dead bodies
It is not uncommon for news sources to make questionable language choices when attempting to discuss conflict. As a Greek Cypriot, I was perturbed when reading an archived story from The Observer discussing the 1974 invasion of Cyprus. “The Greek Cypriots could make life unbearable for the Turkish Army – just as they did when the British were there,” is a prime example of both the conflation between civilians and the military, and the egotism of the British media. This is echoed in today’s conflict; though the war was exacerbated by both the actions of Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Hamas’s deadly attacks, mainstream media appears to only focus on the latter. The emphasis on the deaths of individual Israeli civilians is unsurprising, considering that many have British or American passports. However, the media outcry for Palestinian nationals is minimal, which is particularly concerning when taking into account the marked difference in the number of deaths between the two states. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, as of 15 November, more than 1,200 Israelis and over 11,240 Palestinans have been killed since 7 October.
Image: Will Gaffney
While it is understandable for Jewish people to compare the appalling 7 October attacks to the European pogroms of the 20th century, should the overall Palestinian cause of self-determination even be compared to the motivations of Nazis in World War Two? The answer should be an unequivocal no. Hamas and Palestine should not be used interchangeably; the classification of the war as “Israel vs Hamas” undermines the fact that the Israeli government is carrying out a collective punishment against an entire population based on the actions of a militant minority. Failing to distinguish between the two enables news sources to deem Israel’s actions (supported by the UK’s government) as self-defence, despite the ongoing murdering of innocent Palestinians. Perhaps the Western guilt for allowing the Holocaust in Europe has caused the media to tread carefully. Clear distinctions between anti-Zionism (a colonial ideology), and antisemitism need to be made; the media cannot walk on eggshells while children in the Middle East are walking over dead bodies. How much worse must things get before a ceasefire is called for?
Image: Zeeshan Tirmizi
When they manage to take a break from writing about celebs going dating, mainstream media outlets seem to conflate the tragedy of the Gaza conflict with natural disasters. Both UN News and The Washington Post referred to the war as an “unfolding catastrophe”, and The Week reported the “calamity” caused by Hamas. These phrases are commonly used to describe freak accidents or disasters, but can any aspect of this war truly be considered accidental? Traditional news stories are laced with propaganda, condemning Hamas as if the violence in Gaza only began on the 7 October . In reality, this conflict dates back to the early 20th century. Although disinformation is certainly present on social media, at least users are not claiming to be an unbiased source, while simultaneously omitting pivotal parts of the story.
The media cannot walk on eggshells while children are walking over dead bodies
It is not uncommon for news sources to make questionable language choices when attempting to discuss conflict. As a Greek Cypriot, I was perturbed when reading an archived story from The Observer discussing the 1974 invasion of Cyprus. “The Greek Cypriots could make life unbearable for the Turkish Army – just as they did when the British were there,” is a prime example of both the conflation between civilians and the military, and the egotism of the British media. This is echoed in today’s conflict; though the war was exacerbated by both the actions of Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Hamas’s deadly attacks, mainstream media appears to only focus on the latter. The emphasis on the deaths of individual Israeli civilians is unsurprising, considering that many have British or American passports. However, the media outcry for Palestinian nationals is minimal, which is particularly concerning when taking into account the marked difference in the number of deaths between the two states. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, as of 15 November, more than 1,200 Israelis and over 11,240 Palestinans have been killed since 7 October.
Image: Will Gaffney
While it is understandable for Jewish people to compare the appalling 7 October attacks to the European pogroms of the 20th century, should the overall Palestinian cause of self-determination even be compared to the motivations of Nazis in World War Two? The answer should be an unequivocal no. Hamas and Palestine should not be used interchangeably; the classification of the war as “Israel vs Hamas” undermines the fact that the Israeli government is carrying out a collective punishment against an entire population based on the actions of a militant minority. Failing to distinguish between the two enables news sources to deem Israel’s actions (supported by the UK’s government) as self-defence, despite the ongoing murdering of innocent Palestinians. Perhaps the Western guilt for allowing the Holocaust in Europe has caused the media to tread carefully. Clear distinctions between anti-Zionism (a colonial ideology), and antisemitism need to be made; the media cannot walk on eggshells while children in the Middle East are walking over dead bodies. How much worse must things get before a ceasefire is called for?
Transport Shortages Continue
Since the beginning of the academic year, rail strikes and bus shortages have caused major disruptions for Sussex students. Both real-time bus updates and fixed timetables have been found inaccurate, causing crowds of students to be stranded at Falmer Station at busy times each day. When buses do arrive, they are often too full to board, meaning many students have had to find alternative routes to and from the university.
In an article for Brighton and Hove News, the managing director at Brighton and Hove Buses, Ed Wills, attributed these issues to a shortage of drivers across the UK. He stated that the company is “doing everything [they] can to recruit more, including [implementing] a 20% pay increase over the last two years.” The University of Sussex has also chimed in on these inconveniences on social media. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the school claimed to be aware of the “general issues with bus capacity”, and stated that they are in discussion with Brighton and Hove Buses to resolve the problems.
University students have not only been affected by the buses, as the start of the autumn semester was derailed by strike action. On 26 September, The Argus reported eight days of disruption due to an overtime ban by the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF), a trade union representing train drivers. On 4 October, there was no service across the Govia Thameslink Railway, a network which operates Southern Railway. Since this fell on a Wednesday, many students were unable to get to campus, which caused their attendance to suffer. This is a particularly pressing issue for the university’s international students, whose visas often stipulate that they must attend lectures in person. Transportation challenges are not only relevant to Sussex; tube strikes often impact students in London, where UCL caters for the highest number of international students in the UK.
Due to the cost of living crisis, a large number of university students are now living outside the city centre to save money. As a result, they often rely on more than one bus to transport them to campus. “I was initially impressed with the deals Brighton and Hove buses were offering,” says a Sussex student who is new to the area. “Unfortunately, I now find my Student citySaver tickets are redundant, and I have to resort to taking Ubers when my buses fail to arrive.”
While these public transport issues are causing disruption to residents across Sussex, students are inconvenienced in a multitude of ways. As attendance PINs usually expire within the first 20 minutes of a lecture, a time-consuming and difficult journey could lead to learners being marked as absent. Students have also expressed frustration towards having less time to complete readings or pre-lecture assignments due to arriving home late in the evening.
In an article for Brighton and Hove News, the managing director at Brighton and Hove Buses, Ed Wills, attributed these issues to a shortage of drivers across the UK. He stated that the company is “doing everything [they] can to recruit more, including [implementing] a 20% pay increase over the last two years.” The University of Sussex has also chimed in on these inconveniences on social media. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the school claimed to be aware of the “general issues with bus capacity”, and stated that they are in discussion with Brighton and Hove Buses to resolve the problems.
University students have not only been affected by the buses, as the start of the autumn semester was derailed by strike action. On 26 September, The Argus reported eight days of disruption due to an overtime ban by the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF), a trade union representing train drivers. On 4 October, there was no service across the Govia Thameslink Railway, a network which operates Southern Railway. Since this fell on a Wednesday, many students were unable to get to campus, which caused their attendance to suffer. This is a particularly pressing issue for the university’s international students, whose visas often stipulate that they must attend lectures in person. Transportation challenges are not only relevant to Sussex; tube strikes often impact students in London, where UCL caters for the highest number of international students in the UK.
Due to the cost of living crisis, a large number of university students are now living outside the city centre to save money. As a result, they often rely on more than one bus to transport them to campus. “I was initially impressed with the deals Brighton and Hove buses were offering,” says a Sussex student who is new to the area. “Unfortunately, I now find my Student citySaver tickets are redundant, and I have to resort to taking Ubers when my buses fail to arrive.”
While these public transport issues are causing disruption to residents across Sussex, students are inconvenienced in a multitude of ways. As attendance PINs usually expire within the first 20 minutes of a lecture, a time-consuming and difficult journey could lead to learners being marked as absent. Students have also expressed frustration towards having less time to complete readings or pre-lecture assignments due to arriving home late in the evening.
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