Volume 10, Issue 5

April 2011

1nnsutal
a

mitZine
Awards
“Anyone who tries to make a distinction between education and entertainment doesn't know the first thing about either.” - Marshall McLuhan

Warren Steele // Upper Year Instructor of the Year

John Reed // First Year Instructor of the Year (pictured)

Also in this issue: ANNOUNCING THE NEW MIT STUDENTS’ COUNCIL & MIT SOPH TEAM
GUEST ARTICLE: DETHRONING HOMOSANCTITY BY FIMS GRAD STUDENT JOSEPH NORAT
COMMENTARY ON THE CRTC, MIDDLE EAST REVOLUTIONS, ON-CAMPUS ACTIVISM, AND MORE www.mitsc.ca

Disclaimer: The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. Its contents do not reflect the opinion of the
University Students’ Council of the University of Western Ontario (“USC”). The USC assumes no responsibility or liability for any error, ESAELP PLEASE
ELCYCER RECYCLE
inaccuracy, omission or comment contained in this publication or for any use that may be made of such information by the reader.
 CONTENTS
3 13
Editor’s Note Be¢oming Famou$
A memorable year (in review) Financial strain from the pursuit of fame
SARAH PRINCE
STAFF Opinions
Students missing out on reading skills
14
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood 4 Telecommunications
zine.editor@gmail.com Tyranny
Letter from the (Outgoing)
HEAD COPY EDITOR Why the Canadian public should be
President
Taylor Pearce embarrassed by the CRTC
ERIKA CASUPANAN
zine.copyeditor@gmail.com JULIAN UZIELLI
LAYOUT EDITOR
MITSC 2011/2012
Mary Wong
Introducing the new students’ council 16
zine.layouteditor@gmail.com MIT Soph Team 2k11 The Middle East Domino
ADVERTISING AND WEB EDITOR Introducing FIMS’ orientation leaders Effect
Jonathan Forani Tracing the revolutionary spirit
zine.adteam@gmail.com 5 MATHU JEYALOGANATHAN
mitZine Awards 2011
CONTRIBUTORS Announcing the inaugural winners 17
From Dictatorship to
WRITERS 6
Erika Casupanan, Paul Craig, Mathu Democracy
Dethroning Homosanctity The road ahead and a reflection close to
Jeyaloganathan, Eric Klingenberger,
How I learned to forget “meaning” and home
Sarah Koopmans, Alex McCann,
simply love information ERIC KLINGENBERGER
Joseph Norat, Sarah Prince, Emily
Stewart, Julian Uzielli, Aaron Zaltzman
JOSEPH NORAT
18
COPY EDITORS 8
May Chow, Gillian Cummings, Marisa Rhetoric Trumps Reason
Dametto, Nicole Gibillini, Mathu In a (Culture) Jam at UWO
Jeyaloganathan, Vincy Kwong, Kristen Apologizing for the apology
Why propaganda invalidates Israeli
Rosehart, Andie Wright, Steven Wright MITZINE STAFF Apartheid Week
AARON ZALTZMAN
ILLUSTRATORS
Jordan Coop, Gillian Cummings, Olivia
9
Griggs, Meg Hackney, Warren Kong, All Bottled Up 20
Lauren McVittie, Bailey Wells, Sabrina Why bottled water’s environmental and
Alumni Spotlight
Zavarise ethical issues need to be exposed
Featuring Liz Trinnear
cover photo by Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood
EMILY STEWART ALEX MCCANN
10 mitZine Volume 11
The Self-Branding Burn Applications
In the age of Web 2.0, people are being The search for a new team of creative
READ turned into products boundary-busters
THE ZINE PAUL CRAIG
ONLINE 12
www.scribd. “Yes, We Love this
com/mitZine Country”
What we can learn from progressive
Norway
SARAH KOOPMANS
 EDITOR’S NOTE

A MEMORABLE YEAR (IN REVIEW)

Perhaps the “best issue ever” mantra is overdone, and I’ll
avoid it here, but I will say that you are currently holding
one of the most ambitious and original Zines we’ve ever
put together. It is a fitting end to a monumental year which
saw the mitZine grow by leaps and bounds and FIMS itself
continue to solidify its place within the Western community.
While researching for the mitZine Awards, our humble
attempt to draw attention to some of the hardest working
and most under-appreciated individuals in the faculty, I was
struck by how much members of the FIMS community cared
about each other. Although those outpourings of affection are
somewhat lost in our one-page feature, I cannot adequately
describe how intensely students wanted their instructors and
peers to be recognized for what they do.
If there’s anything I’ve learned from my Zine experience, it’s
that we are surrounded by a lot of incredible people here in
FIMS, and that you need to participate in a variety of arenas
Acknowledgements
to see them all at their best. It’s another tired mantra—“get involved”—but it’s
a worthwhile one. The people I’ve had the good fortune of working with on Volume 10 of the mitZine was (if I may say so myself) a resounding success,
the MITSC, in the sophing community, on various sports teams, and in other and, as this is my last editor’s note, I would like to thank just some of the
extracurriculars, not to mention in my MIT classes, are truly inspirational, and countless individuals that helped me to accomplish what I did this year.
without them my university experience would not be a fraction of what it is.
Firstly, thank you to my staff, Taylor, Mary, and Jonathan, and our many
Looking Ahead talented contributors without whom the Zine would not be possible. Thanks
to my Zine forefathers, Paul Sham and Armand Vladau, and those who came
On that note, the incoming MITSC is a stellar group that I am lucky enough to
before them, for laying the groundwork of this wonderful publication. Thank
be a part of for another year. Carefully selected by incoming President Zach
you to my challenging and inspiring professors, especially Faucher, Comor,
Valliant and VP External Jess Bronstein from a competitive field of applicants,
and Babe, for helping me to critically evaluate society’s “big picture” and
the new council will build on the many wide-ranging successes of the outgoing
optimistically consider the role we play in deciding its future. Many thanks to all
MITSC.
of the amazing personalities in FIMS and at UWO that make me enjoy today
It is a great honour for me to hand over the reigns of the mitZine to newly and look forward to tomorrow.
appointed Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Forani, an immensely talented writer and
And finally, of course, thanks to Mom and Dad. For everything else.
leader who will undoubtedly take the Zine to new heights in the coming year. I
look forward to seeing his exciting vision for the publication become a reality. Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood
mitZine Editor-in-Chief
Congratulations are also due to the newly selected MIT Soph Team, who are
going to rock O-Week 2011 like never before.

OPINIONS
STUDENTS MISSING OUT ON READING SKILLS
As a part-time student myself slowly reentering
academia with an interest in reading philosophy,
I am astonished at the heavy course load—not
to mention all the socializing and extra-curricular
activities—that many students attempt to juggle
around me. It is not my intention to answer just
why my classmates are speeding through their
education in three or four years, but to suggest
that perhaps we need to rethink why we are here
in the first place. We are becoming addicted to
the quick fix of instant gratification. Cell phones
are keeping us in constant connection and the
desire to update our statuses through online social
networking is easily leading us down the perpetual
path of procrastination. We need to remember that
old virtue: patience. Relearn the act of listening and
reading. Let it sink in. Ask questions after lecture
and visit your professor during their office hours.
Get to know them. Consider part-time studies
instead of a full load. And for those who doubt a
longer sentence of higher learning, just remember:
education was not meant to be a race to the finish
line. You are here to learn, not to compete. Slow
down. Unplug. You might just learn something.
Carolyn Brown
 LETTER FROM THE (OUTGOING) PRESIDENT

mitsc Hey everyone. Can you believe it’s already April? It seemed like just yesterday we were trudging through
5 feet of snow on campus (but then again we are in London so that isn’t far from impossible). I’m sure we
can all agree that second term was a whirlwind. I’ll try to tell you what I’ve been doing.
2011/2012 March was filled with USC Vice Presidential elections. Incoming and outgoing members of the USC
were able to vote for the USC’s VP Finance, VP University Affairs, VP Student Events, and VP Campus
Issues. As voting members of the USC, Brandon Sousa (the outgoing MITSC VP External), Zach Valliant
(the incoming MITSC President), Jessica Bronstein (the incoming MITSC VP External), and myself met
EXECUTIVE with all of the VP candidates to discuss their platforms. Congratulations and best of luck to the incoming
USC Executive: Andrew Forgione (President), Marissa Joffre (VP Campus Issues), Jennifer Valadao (VP
PRESIDENT Finance), Nicole D’Alessandro (VP Student Events), Pat Searle (VP University Affairs), and Eliot Hong
Zach Valliant (Communications Officer).
VP EXTERNAL Aside from USC elections, I met with other presidents of small faculties to learn more about how their
Jess Bronstein respective councils function in order for me to make recommendations to the MITSC for next year. In
VP ACADEMIC terms of FIMS, I have been working with the Undergraduate Student Fund Committee to approve funding
Taylor Pearce proposals and review previous projects that have been funded. I have also been organizing an MITSC gift
to the eventual FIMS space in the new building (if you weren’t aware, FIMS will be moving to the old Ivey
VP COMMUNICATIONS building in a few years).
Jonathan Silver
March is always a huge transitional month for the MITSC. I helped out Zach and Jessica with selecting the
VP EVENTS new council. The pair has picked an amazing team (see left) and have been working very hard to transition
Jennifer Stranges the new members. Be sure to give them any feedback on what you’d like to see in FIMS next year. With the
VP FINANCE end of the year on its way comes MITSC constitution review. I’ve been working with the outgoing MITSC to
Kelly Mark review and amend the constitution to better prepare the incoming council for next year. Lots of policy fun!
The rest of the MITSC has been busy with second term events and initiatives. Keep your ears open for
NON-EXECUTIVE two more big MIT events. April 1st will be MIT Career Day where MIT alumni and industry professionals
FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE will talk about their media careers. April 8th will be a last big bang for the graduating students because it
Jessica Segal is MIT Grad Day. Mediations, FIMS’ undergraduate academic journal, will be complete before the school
year ends as well.
GRADUATES REPRESENTATIVE
Jesse Graham Since this is the conclusion to my “letter from the president” series (I probably won’t be president by the
time you read this!), I want to take the time to say thank you. I am undoubtedly lucky to have worked with
MTP REPRESENTATIVE a talented council and serve a passionate student body that continues to inspire me. It was my pleasure
Jordan Coop to represent this faculty and the lessons I have learned will follow me to all of my future endeavours (and
MPI REPRESENTATIVE dance floors).
Katie Hetherman Rule the world, FIMS.
CHARITY COMMISSIONER Your outgoing MITSC president,
Paula Brent
Erika Casupanan
ALUMNI RELATIONS COMMISSIONER
Linley McConnell
HEAD SOPH
Mitchell Sturm
MIT SOPH TEAM 2K11
MITZINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Mitchell Sturm (HEAD SOPH)
Jonathan Forani
Genevieve La Cute (ASSISTANT HEAD SOPH)
STREET TEAM COORDINATOR Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood (ASSISTANT HEAD SOPH)
Matt Wright
Celena Baggio Linley McConnell Alex Smith
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Taylor Bernier Tessa Medlock Jenny Stranges
Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood Ian Clarke Johanna Moonan Zach Valliant
WEBMASTER Jordan Coop Brooke Morgan Essery Waller
David Arromba Emily Duggan Alanna Osborne Carling Watson
Sarah Ellam Rachel Petford Bailey Wells
CHAIRPERSON Emily Fister Lianne Pitts Hannah Wright
Rebecca Trautwein Jonathan Forani Jamie Rajf Matt Wright
Meredith Hardie Taylor Rivers Sabrina Zavarise
Check out the September 2011 issue of Ally Johnson Richard Ruggiero
the mitZine for complete MITSC profiles. Bridgit Kazor Lizzie Sarjeant
 MITZINE AWARDS 2011
UPPER YEAR INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR FIRST YEAR INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR

WARREN STEELE
HONOURABLE MENTIONS: SELMA PURAC, EDWARD COMOR
JOHN REED
HONOURABLE MENTIONS: AJIT PYATI, SHARON SLIWINSKI
17 FIMS instructors were nominated by upper year undergrads for the inaugural With a staggering 88% of the first year vote, John Reed was the overwhelming
mitZine instructor of the year award, a distinction that went to Warren Steele, favourite of FIMS frosh in 2010/2011. The renowned instructor of MIT 1500
who topped the competitive field with a convincing 25% of upper year votes. stood out for his engaging lectures, passion for course material, and genuine
approachability.
Steele, who instructed four courses in 2010/2011, is humble about the
acknowledgement. “It’s immensely flattering to be recognized by the students, Self-described as “the poor man’s Tim Blackmore” (a joke that is surely lost on
especially in a department like MIT which is full of so many great profs,” he this crop of first years), Reed is very gracious for the recognition. “I just try to
tells the mitZine. “Teaching is a strange thing. I’m never sure if a course is teach the kind of class that I’d want to take,” he says.
successful until it’s over. But if I have any kind of impact at all then I do so by
“My hope is if you like the class you’ll be more open to the concepts that I want
remembering those profs who mattered to me. What stands out even now is
to communicate. You can take those concepts with you to all kinds of other
their enthusiasm for the subject and their ability to make the topic matter. I think
great MIT courses, taught by your future favourite MIT profs. Then you take
the best teachers are the most engaged and the most surprising.”
what you know out into the world and make it a fairer, more dynamic place.”
Steele was followed in the category by Selma Purac and Edward Comor, who
Ajit Pyati (MIT 1700) and Sharon Sliwinski (MIT 1200) also earned nods from
earned 15% and 13%, respectively, of the popular vote.
first year voters.
Selection process: voted on by upper year FIMS undergraduates in an anonymous online survey in
response to the question: “Name one undergraduate instructor in MIT/MTP/MPI that stood out to Selection process: voted on by first year FIMS undergraduates in an anonymous online survey in
you during the 2010/2011 school year for excellence in teaching.” response to the question: “Name one undergraduate instructor in MIT/MTP/MPI that stood out to
you during the 2010/2011 school year for excellence in teaching.”

MITSC MEMBER OF THE YEAR MITZINE CONTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR

JESSICA SEGAL
HONOURABLE MENTIONS: JESS BRONSTEIN, HADRIAN MERTINS-KIRKWOOD
JULIAN UZIELLI
HONOURABLE MENTIONS: SARAH KOOPMANS, PAUL CRAIG
With a commanding 60% of her peers’ votes, Faculty Representative Jessica Selected from a field of more than 80 mitZine contributors, Julian Uzielli stood
Segal was the MITSC’s pick for standout council member of 2010/2011. out in 2010/2011 not only for his exceptional writing but also for his incredible
dedication to the Zine.
Working largely behind the scenes on the Undergraduate Affairs Committee,
Segal was instrumental in pushing through reforms that will positively impact In a year that saw unprecedented growth for the mitZine, including a 28-page
FIMS undergrads for years to come. Most notably, she helped to eliminate MIT’s print issue and expanded online presence, Uzielli was a key contributor who
grading range for elective courses—a change that will take effect in September. offered his well-researched and poignant commentary on a variety of local,
national, and global issues. He was actively involved in the development of
Segal, who has been reselected as Faculty Representative for next year’s
each issue, offering insight into the Zine’s direction and working with other
MITSC, will be joined by runners-up Jess Bronstein (15% of the vote) and
writers to provide interesting and original content.
Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood (10%), who are also returning to the MITSC but in
new capacities. Writers Sarah Koopmans and Paul Craig were also recognized for their
Selection process: voted on by members of the 2010/2011 MITSC in an anonymous survey in exceptional contributions and consistent involvement.
response to the question: “Which member of the 2010/2011 MITSC stood out to you for going Selection process: picked by mitZine editorial staff to recognize the contributors with the greatest
above and beyond their given responsibilities to make an exceptional contribution to FIMS?” quality and quantity of contributions to the mitZine during the 2010/2011 school year.
 GUEST ARTICLE
DETHRONING HOMOSANCTITY
HOW I LEARNED TO FORGET “MEANING” AND SIMPLY LOVE INFORMATION
written by Joseph Norat, FIMS graduate student (MLIS) // illustrated by Lauren McVittie
I am a medium for entropy; from information I have
concocted meaning. That is to say, information
is not contained in the pages of a book, or in the
oscillations of a voice; information is the chaos from
which meaning is envisaged for human purposes.
Of all the possible words I could have written, these
are the ones you are reading (or not). If my style is
eloquent and my syntax lucid, these sentences will
ideally convey purpose. The validity of this paper
will almost certainly be measured by the extent
to which it is effective; it will only be published if
it is meaningful and pertinent. Meaningfulness,
however, is a reductive lens through which to view
information.
Meaningfulness is sacrosanct for information
studies, and it is justifiably so; to measure
meaningfulness is the very onus of human
comparison. The color blue is only blue because it
is not yellow or red, or any of the other colors in the
visible spectrum. The only way to communicate an
entity that is meaningful is by explicitly relating that it
is not some other entity. The defining characteristic
of that which has meaning is the extent to which it
can be distinguished in communication. You have
a meaning that is different from the air you breathe
based on several defining characteristics: you are
mostly constituted by carbon and water whereas
the air in earth’s atmosphere is mostly nitrogen
and oxygen. As the categories converge however,
your defining characteristics become subtler; you
are different from your fellow students because you
grew up in a different town or you receive better
grades, or any number of other things.
The differentiation of things is not necessarily
restricted to the physical realm and indeed plays
an essential role in information studies; it should
not be difficult, especially for a student at FIMS to
navigate a library and choose a particular book. The
successful navigation of a library is not predicated
on a patron’s ability to distinguish between one
book and the next at the elemental level, this
would be chaotic especially since most books are
comprised of similar if not identical materials. The
identification of a particular resource among many
is predicated upon a series of semantic differences
that are embedded in the very language we use to
describe it; the title of a work, the subject of a work,
the unique combination of sentences that the book
contains, and myriad other characteristics make it
different from every other book.
Our ability to differentiate is our pervading heuristic
but it is also our limitation. To measure difference,
apply intelligible human structures, and attribute
meaning seems to be the only model for study
within the discourse of information. Can there be
information without human intelligibility, without
meaning? Information is always subjected to
its ability to produce a measurable effect in the
lifeworld; the contemporary study of information
is predicated upon meaning. This is a reductive
paradigm.
What is information outside of the realm of
meaning? Misinformation and disinformation are still
concepts that are predicated on meaningfulness;
in fact, those two terms add critiquing prefixes to
the root word that necessarily imply a particular
purpose, so they are not helpful. The human is a
mediator of information; meaningfulness is merely
the parameter through which the intelligibility of
information can be measured in the human mind.
That is to say, the human is an arbiter of information
and meaningfulness is our algorithm.
Perhaps the most illuminating examples of
information outside of the realm of human
intelligibility reside in technologies. A QR code
without a reader is but a series of unintelligible
black and white squares, but with the correct
mediator it is translated back into the original coding
and becomes a URL, a dataset, or even natural
language. Without a human to give structure and
meaning to the mediated information, is the QR
code still information? Is a human agent even
required for communication to occur?
In The Mathematical Theory of Communication, sound made by a 56k modem accessing an an end. Meaning enables very specific effects in the
Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver completely internet service provider. This sound is an analog lifeworld, but information enacts digital changes daily
exclude the human agent from their model of manifestation of information and it is one that is without the interference of humans (and I do mean
communication. It is not that information has a completely unintelligible to the human ear. The interference). Algorithms that are preprogrammed
meaningfulness that can be transmitted through sound was designed only to relay messages into search engines determine the outcome of
a communicative channel, but that from all of between computers, and it does so with a fair queries based on autonomous web crawlers. These
the possible messages (information) a single amount of accuracy (if not speed). For the computer, crawlers handle and process information in much
message is relayed. It is chaos and disorder that the message that was relayed through the sound the same way humans do. They may be designed
constitute information, not meaningfulness or unity. will affect real changes: another disk may be to follow a single set of constricting algorithms, but
Rather than extracting and critiquing the individual booted, a cookie saved, or any number of internal they code, decode, send, receive, and manipulate
elements of the model, the processes that do not require autonomously as mediators, just as we do.
more relevant question for “It is chaos and disorder that intervention, nor do they
At present, personal electronic technologies are
information science is: how is constitute information, not necessarily manifest visually
little more advanced than the basic functions of
the message chosen from the meaningfulness or unity.” or in a way that interfaces with
a human but at quicker speeds and with greater
entropy that is information? the human. Information then,
accuracy. But, as our technologies are advancing,
can affect a demonstrable change for the computer
It is very simple to picture a human as the sender so must we conceptualize information appropriately.
regardless of whether a human is involved.
of a particular message: these very words are IBM’s flagship AI project Watson is already capable
emblematic of that exact model. In this situation, We are arriving at a crossroads. If we use of mind-boggling complexity. Watson’s ability to
meaningfulness is the only guise for information meaningfulness to determine the extent to which choose a particular message is based on a series of
to take, but let us convolute the model: what if a something is information then we are necessarily algorithms; the algorithms are employed to reduce
machine sent a message for a human to receive? relying on the comprehensiveness and accuracy all possible information to an intelligible fact that
The language of the computer sender (in the of our tools: our eyes and our ears as much as is then relayed, but is that message meaningful to
most derivative form) is simply a computation of our oscilloscope and our thermometer. This is the Watson?
binary circuitry and logic gates. For the human to fault of contemporary information science studies.
The better question is, does it need to be? What
understand this information it must be decoded Information is only recognized when it is manifested
about the meaningfulness of a message makes it any
and arranged in natural language, or at least an meaningfully in the human world. This paradigm
more valid? We have simply priveleged ourselves
intelligible set of symbols that convey a particular may have served us well in the past but we have
by convoluting the definition of information to the
meaning. The natural language that we use to an increasing interest in being able to interact with a
point of stagnation. When we are confronted with
convey ideas necessarily includes semantic mediator that is not human: the computer.
an entity that challenges our concept of intelligence
meaning so it is understandably difficult to
Humans may hold a monopoly over the attribution we regroup inside of our self-righteous basilica,
conceptualize communication without meaning.
of meaning, but what good does that do us? By shouting: “this is a place where only the meaningful
What happens if we remove the human agent
some ambrosial encumbrance we have given may reside!” Let us shed this sanctimonious shell
altogether from this model?
ourselves the exclusive right to ordain meaning, and simply informationalize.
Some may recall the distinct and unpleasant but the usefulness of that ordination is coming to [mitZine v10.i5] 7
 IN A (CULTURE) JAM
APOLOGIZING FOR THE APOLOGY
written by the mitZine Editorial Board

Dear readers,

We would like to issue a formal apology for that other “formal The Yes Men are an extreme example of culture jamming, but
apology”. have motivated copycat demonstrations by individuals around the
world. What the mitZine experienced in February was certainly
A few days after the February issue of the mitZine hit stands,
inspired by activists like these, so why wasn’t the retraction letter
us editors were presented with an interesting predicament:
found in the February issue an example of culture jamming?
tucked into each freshly-printed copy, a conspicuous slip of
paper that explained just how “deeply, truly, honestly sorry” we To put it simply, the mitZine is not mainstream.
were for publishing two articles that “stood in defiance of our
Apple, Esso, McDonald’s, Nike, and the mitZine. One of these
editorial standards”. It not only raised a lot of eyebrows regarding
things is not like the other.
censorship of student media, but also implicitly disowned the two
quality writers involved. Several hundred copies were picked up The mitZine has always prided itself on its “otherness”—after all,
before we could remove all of the fraudulent letters from the Zines. we do call ourselves “an alternative student publication” (it’s in our
masthead)—and although our anonymous contributor may have
Although the apology was signed “The Zine Team”, those who
meant well by boldly inserting a fraudulent letter into each issue,
follow this publication closely could certainly guess that we had
culture jamming the mitZine is nothing but counterproductive.
nothing to do with it. From the casually cut-and-pasted mitZine
This publication exists to give you an uncensored voice. Trying to
logo at the top to the inconsistently formatted “the MIT Zine”, it’s
silence others’ with misleading apologies is not only hypocritical
obvious this apology letter was anything but official.
but also dishearteningly disrespectful.
But if it wasn’t a real retraction, what was the motive? Why did
So what’s the alternative to culture jamming our alternative
someone figure that now was the time for our very own MIT
publication? Actually write for it. A letter to the editor, a blog post
student publication to experience some homegrown, MIT-inspired
for the mitZine Online, or an article for the print edition are all
culture jamming? Perhaps most importantly, did they accomplish
marvelously constructive responses to an argument you disagree
their goal?
with.
By definition, to culture jam is to subvert, and in that respect our
Culture jamming is awesome (and we endorse it), but please
anonymous contributor succeeded (in)famously. Unfortunately,
choose your targets carefully. Direct your creatively disruptive
when evaluating this demonstration in the broader context of
energy towards society’s exploitative powers, not your local,
culture jams around the world, our little activist comes up short.
student-run publications. We want to work with you, not against
The phrase “culture jamming” implies a disruption of mainstream you.
culture. Two examples of notable jams in recent years include
In addition to apologizing to the Gazette for the defamatory
changing the Esso logo to “E$$o” and substituting the classic iPod
remarks found in the letter, we’d like to assure our writers that the
advertisements with images of Abu Ghraib and the tagline “iRaq”.
editorial team at the mitZine fully supports their right to write. Our
Both of these tactics noticeably disturb our preconceived notions
constitution states that we are a “platform of free expression for
of mainstream corporate culture and affect the way we think about
all students of UWO” for a reason: we don’t do censorship. The
them.
retraction letter found in the February issue was a blatant violation
What the phrase doesn’t imply is that the disruption needs of the very principles the mitZine stands for.
to be blatant. Consider the notorious “Yes Men”: similar to
What’s the point of culture jamming when you’re disrupting
our anonymous contributor, the Yes Men pose as corporate
something that’s totally free and available for you to use?
figureheads and make public statements to the media. In 2004, for
example, a Yes Man posing as a Dow Chemical representative on This is your outlet; use it as you will.
the BBC announced a “$12 billion plan to finally, at long last, fully
But why not use it right?
compensate the victims” of the 1984 Bhopal disaster, the worst
industrial disaster on record.

Thank you.

8 [mitZine v10.i5]
ALL BOTTLED UP
WHY BOTTLED WATER’S ENVIRONMENTAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES NEED TO BE EXPOSED
written by Emily Stewart // edited by Nicole Gibillini // illustrated by Bailey Wells
Forget that image of glacial springs cascading into
your Dasani and Aquafina bottles – it’s just treated
tap water, people. That might be less surprising if
you knew that Coca-Cola and Pepsi own Dasani
and Aquafina, respectively. But did anyone expect
anything less from two of the world’s largest food
and beverage corporations? Next time you want
to fork out the change for a cool bottle of Dasani
because you think tap water is gross, reconsider.
Not only are companies like these feigning H20
superiority and thereby unnecessarily hurting
our wallets, they are making major dents in our
environment. The construction of the bottle itself
costs companies a fortune and has a major negative
impact on the environment. Some 38 million plastic
bottles are made from a barbaric 1.5 million barrels
of oil annually.
Jasmine Coates, a first-year Psychology student at
the University of Waterloo, is one of bottled water’s
greatest opponents: an informed consumer. She
recognizes many environmental and ethical issues
attached to the sale of bottled water.
“The environmental impact of water bottles is in the
resources used to make the bottles and ship them
around the world, not just the bottles that don’t get
recycled,” she clarifies. “The extraction of the water
itself can also upset the balance of the surrounding
ecosystem by affecting groundwater supplies.” This
Locally, actions are being taken to reduce the sale of
is something Coates notes is particularly harmful to
people in areas dependent on well water. bottled water. In 2008, the city of London proposed
a ban against the sale of bottled water in sites such
Coates also finds it unethical for companies to
as golf courses and arenas. Since the idea was not
abuse our right to water for their profit.
challenged, the law was passed successfully.
“We want our water to stay public,” she says.
On campus, the EnviroWestern group has raised
“These companies provide a stepping stone to the
awareness on the issue. Focusing on their
privatization of our water resources.”
demographic, they had a “water pong” booth in
Coates feels that the biggest problem with the which each toss of a ping-pong ball helped students
sale of bottled water is the simplicity of solving learn about the negative effects of bottled water.
the problem: all you have to do is not buy it. She Those who won received a free reusable water
reveals that a great bottle. Throughout
way to halt the sale is “Some 38 million plastic the year, the group
to encourage friends provides students
and family to not buy bottles are made from a with free reusable
it and discourage its water bottles and
sale at any events barbaric 1.5 million barrels of coffee mugs.
you are involved oil annually.” Both EnviroWestern
with.
and Coates agree
“There is always some kind of alternative,” she that banning the sale of bottled water in public
reasons. areas is a step in the right direction. The next step?
Instead of fearing your city’s water and opening
High priced tap water and plastic-filled junk
your wallet, turn on your tap.
yards aren’t the only controversies attached to
the industry. In 2004, Dasani was under fire for Sources:
producing bromate-contaminated bottles in the http://www.usatoday.com/money/advertising/
adtrack/2007-08-19-water-etc_N.htm
United Kingdom. News of the cancer-causing http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.
chemical’s presence resulted in a UK-wide pull of php/2011030347129/Business/coca-cola-enters-
Dasani bottles from store shelves. water-fray.html
[mitZine v10.i5] 9
 THE SELF-
BRANDING
BURN
IN THE AGE OF WEB 2.0,
PEOPLE ARE BEING TURNED
INTO PRODUCTS
written by Paul Craig // edited by Steven Wright
illustrated by Sabrina Zavarise
It was probably a cold and frosty morning on
February 2nd, 2011, when I woke up to an email from
Western inviting me to “A Special Networking Event
for Students.” After seeing the word “networking”
I prepared for the worst. Upon reading further,
it seemed that I was being offered “an amazing
opportunity to learn how to promote [myself]
effectively”; in other words, to “brand” myself.
As a participant, I would learn to: “define a brand
promise, ... gain a better understanding of what it is
[I am] selling, [and] ... understand how to increase
the advocacy of [my] brand.” Seemingly, all it would
cost was a few hours of my time—and maybe a
small piece of my soul. Ultimately, however, I went
to my MIT class instead, thus ending one of my
more harrowing encounters with self-branding.
Ignoring that email, however, has not seemed to
have diminished the prevalence of branding. There
have been plenty of high-key branding initiatives
around Western of late, and even if you haven’t
received a steaming heap of ‘an opportunity of a
lifetime’ in your inbox, you’d have to have lived
under a larger rock than Weldon not to notice. The
UWO administration, for example, has embarked
upon a $265,000 initiative to “overhaul Western’s
brand.” Similarly, during the latest bout of Student
Presidential elections, an integral part of Omid
Salari’s platform was “beefy marketing” (ie,
branding) for the USC. Salari didn’t win of course,
and afterwards my classmate Luke Tincknell
insisted that Forgione won because “he had the
best brand.” I’m sure we all remember Forgione’s
sky blue hoodies, his Twitter-esque logo, his
wonderfully vague “For You,” and his creative music
video. We didn’t so much elect Forgione; we bought
what he was selling.
In my email, personal branding is ambiguously
defined as “what sets you apart from others.”
Obsessed with ‘selling oneself’ and ‘satisfying
customers’, it sounds like a new, socially acceptable
form of prostitution. So what exactly is self-branding,
aside from being the gnarliest craze to come out of
corporate America since fluorescent lighting?
Alison Hearn, an MIT professor at Western,
discusses branding in her article “Meat, Mask,
Burden.” “The production of a branded ‘self,’” writes
Hearn, “involves creating a detachable, saleable
image or narrative” with the ultimate goal of “
produc[ing] cultural value and, potentially, material
profit.” According to Hearn, branding oneself is
a process requiring us to reinvent ourselves as
“saleable” personas, from which we may expect
to “profit.” Hearn goes on to write “self-branding
is clearly expressed and delineated in certain
management literature as a necessary strategy for
success in an increasingly complex corporate world.”
Here, Hearn clarifies what she meant by “profit”:
professional success. Her mention of “management
literature,” while it seems less approachable (I know
that I haven’t read many managerial tours de force
lately), merely refers to a certain corporate-styled
rhetoric that often arises when discussing branding.
The language of branding (and therefore self-
branding) is the language of business—a fact that
reveals much about its intentions. “As a product you
are a unique brand and projecting this will enable
you to set yourself apart from the competition,”
insists Rebecca Fuller, a career consultant.
Published by The Guardian in the article “Seven
ways to build a personal brand,” Fuller proves to
be adept at reducing human relations to business
jargon. The second rule, for example, is to “find
a way of articulating your brand to the customer,”
with Rebecca Fuller explaining that “the customer is
your future employer. Consider what your customer
wants and how you, the product, will benefit them.”
As before, the hopeful employee is a ‘product,’ and
the employer is a ‘customer.’ Presumably hiring
an employee would constitute a ‘transaction,’ after
which the employee is added to ‘inventory.’
Hearn notes this abundant use of economic
language as well. She specifically mentions the
term “braggables”, used to describe workers’ top
qualities, and in an unusually sentimental passage,
she quotes Will, a man who applied personal
branding to his marriage: “‘My wife is the most
important person in the world to me. Because she is

the number-one customer in my organization, I have
to make sure she’s 100 percent satisfied and happy
with the product.’” While it’s true that the language
of branding is strange to those of us acclimatized to
speaking about people like they’re humans, the core
of self-branding is very simple. Those who endorse
self-branding believe that a strong personal brand
is the key to professional success. This formula for
success represents its most compelling attribute, its
key ‘braggable,’ and perhaps begins to explain its
appeal for us as students.
As university students, our academic journeys are
slowly coming to a conclusion. Having valiantly
ascended the levels of Canadian schooling, it
appears that higher education has led us to a
precipice. Ever closer to our degrees, it is not much
longer that we will be sheltered by academia. As
much as leaving French philosophy behind excites
us, emerging from our shadow world of forms and
into the unfamiliar ‘real world’ can be an extremely
daunting prospect. It’s a world of dogs eating each
other; a world where those who snooze lose. Out
‘there’, we’re told, experience breeds experience, as
if asexually. It’s unclear if skills that we’ve gained in
university will be valuable later in life. The possibility
of a ‘devalued’ bachelor degree (an issue debated
regularly in The Gazette) speaks to these fears.
In this light, it’s easy to see how something that
portends to be sound business logic might infiltrate
“The language of branding is
the language of business.”
our lives. Self-branding, ostensibly an instruction We’re all university students, and we all know
manual for professional success, begins to sound how hard it is to learn. We have readings to do,
like common sense. As a saleable version of you, a homework to complete, assignments to hand in,
brand might be necessary. To get hired, we’ll need and exams to study for—all of which must be done
an ‘in,’ an ‘edge,’ a little of what the French call je ne
concurrently. We’re all familiar with Red Bull-fueled
sais quoi. And just what is this je-ne-sais-quoi? Well,all-nighters, with entire days devoted to studying.
The Guardian can tell you, in seven easy steps. We do it, and we’ll continue to do it, because we’re
confident that we’re bettering ourselves. We accept
However, one can’t help but feel that something
the challenge because we know that it is only by
isn’t quite right. Underneath the veneer of a brand
challenging ourselves that we can improve. Our
lurks an undertone that, frankly, is pretty insulting.
education isn’t meant to efface who we are, but to
Self-branding perpetuates the idea that we’re shape who we will become.
somehow insufficient. As people, we’re flawed,
When I get an email implying that what I’m learning
irrational, and messy; and because of this we’re
may not be an asset to finding a job—that until I
also un-employable, or so self-branding would have
can ‘market myself’ I’m not employable—it’s
us believe. All that we are is not good enough and if
insulting. I bust my ass in university, pursuing
we want to succeed we have to become something
knowledge relentlessly. I believe that I’m valuable
else: a brand. We are encouraged to think of
for who I am, even without a ‘brand promise’. As
ourselves as products, because as products we are
far as I’m concerned, employers looking to hire
more valuable. Self-branding, then, encourages us
self-proclaimed ‘products’ can do as they please.
to change fundamentally in order to please potential
However, if they are interested in a reliable,
employers who supposedly already think in these
university-educated, critical thinking employee, it’s
terms.
a seller’s market.
Being a person, by this logic, is secondary to
getting a job; our humanity is not only extraneous,
it is obtrusive. It complicates things unnecessarily,
and must therefore be discarded. Rather, our
value comes primarily from working diligently, from
‘delivering returns,’ and not from who we are.
[mitZine v10.i5] 11
“YES, WE LOVE THIS COUNTRY”
WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM
PROGRESSIVE NORWAY
written by Sarah Koopmans // edited by Marisa
Dametto // illustrated by Gillian Cummings
Late one June evening a few years ago, I sped
across Norway’s countryside on a high-speed train
between the small towns of Tønsberg and Ottestad.
As I gazed across the passing fields, I couldn’t help
but marvel at the phenomenon of the midnight sun,
and the evocative magnificence of a nation that was
unlike any I had ever visited. The country’s beauty
aside, my first (and lasting) impression of this
Scandinavian country was of its kind and generous
people.
I had landed at a tiny airport in Sandefjord, in
southern Norway, with vague instructions to take a
shuttle bus to a train station which would carry me
north to a leadership seminar. As I stood outside with
my suitcase, trying not to look like a confused tourist,
a middle-aged Norwegian couple approached me,
asking if they could help. They seemed trustworthy,
so I explained my situation. My new acquaintances,
Stefan and Inga, had met another girl on the plane
who also needed a ride, and offered us a chance to
cram ourselves, along with all of our baggage, into
the back seat of their tiny car. After the other girl
was dropped off, I still had a couple of hours before
my train, so Stefan and Inga delayed the next leg of
their own trip to be my tour guides around Tønsberg.
After my impromptu tour, they made sure I had the
right ticket, gave me their contact information and
then waved good-bye—though it was not the last
I would see of my unofficial Norwegian welcoming “Socialized education, health
committee.
care, and majestic landscape
A country about the size of the state of New Mexico, But in Norway’s nation: “[I dislike] the
Norway has fewer residents than the GTA, yet has terms, “poor” is a very
aside, the people of Norway way we’ve become
one of the longest and most rugged coastlines in different thing than are equally as respectful and pretty spoiled and
the world, possessing many mountains, fjords, in most countries, materialistic,” she
and islands. A socialist democratic constitutional and she continues, courteous as Canadians—if says.
monarchy officially titled the “Kingdom of Norway”, “[either way], most of not more so.”
this prosperous welfare capitalist nation is one of the Despite these issues,
us are ‘equal’.”
top five wealthiest countries in the world. Although both Sperrud and
it was once one of the world’s poorest nations, Norway is perhaps one of the countries that Mikalsen are grateful to be Norwegian, and I am
the discovery of oil in 1960s led to a substantial Canadians can most identify with. Socialized grateful to count them among my good friends.
decrease in poverty. education, health care, and majestic landscape
And for Stefan and Inga? They showed me more
aside, the people of Norway are equally as respectful
hospitality than any strangers ever had and even
For Norway, free education is one of the most socially and courteous as Canadians—if not more so.
levelling factors the country boasts; foreigners can opened their home to me the night before I flew out
even study for free! A Norwegian friend of mine, However, Norwegians also tend to complain. of Norway. Once again, they were my tour guides,
Annhelen Sperrud, says she is grateful for her According to Sperrud, “We don’t know how other showing me the country’s southernmost point.
country’s system of free education: “[It] means that people in other countries struggle. We see the Over dinner, a tour of their cottage, and a daylight
everybody can take higher education if [they] want pictures on TV, but don’t understand it. So we keep nightcap, this humble couple’s kindness formed my
to; that’s a blessing,” she explains. “The government on complaining, thinking our problems are so huge perception of a country I would be proud to call my
wanted to make sure that everyone would have the [but] they’re not. It’s embarrassing!” own— if I weren’t already a proud Canadian.
same opportunity in life, whether [they] came from Like any first-world country, Norway’s wealth
a rich family or not. And this has helped! We have a has led to certain social attitudes among its
huge, well-paid middle class, some rich and some citizens. Silje Mikalsen, another friend of mine, is
poor.” disappointed in the consumerist tendencies of her
 BE¢OMING
FAMOU$

FINANCIAL STRAIN FROM THE PURSUIT OF FAME

written by Sarah Prince // edited by Kristen Rosehart // illustrated by Olivia Griggs

Every year, parents sacrifice their savings so their Halpern “when you’re on a movie set… you are
children can attend acting, modeling and singing known as so-and-so’s assistant. You don’t have a
competitions. Even though chances are slim their name. You’re not a person—you’re an assistant.”
child will walk away with a contract, parents are Imagine if your younger cousin or sibling expressed
willing to gamble their children’s tuition funds. interest in being a movie star’s unknown sidekick—
that’s a frightening thought.
For middle class families, the pursuit of fame is
a great financial strain and often requires stage Moreover, the public obsession with celebrities
parents to adapt their diet and lifestyle accordingly. makes privacy a greater cause for concern. Fans
One parent told Fame Junkies author, Jake Halpern, are so obsessed with movie stars that none of
that akin to living on a student budget, “you eat a lot their starstruck behaviour is surprising anymore. In
of mac and cheese, and you skimp on Christmas.” one instance, over-the-top fans swarmed actress
Audrey Totter: “they
Even though a sleazy
were tearing at my
talent agent suggests “Fans are so obsessed with dress for souvenirs,”
a youngster has
Brad Pitt’s charm or movie stars that none of she explains. That’s
disgusting. In reality,
Julia Roberts’ good their starstruck behaviour is the shards of her
looks, it is unlikely
surprising anymore.” dress were most
that travelling to
likely later put up for
Las Vegas for a
auction on eBay.
competition will drastically change their career path.
Nevertheless, some parents are even willing to Considering the nation’s obsession with fame, the
relocate to accommodate their children’s auditions low turnout when MuchMusic producers came to
because as Hollywood publicist Michael Levine UWO searching for a new VJ proves just how critical
remarks, “in American life today, maybe a currency our faculty’s student body truly is. When offered
worth more than money is fame.” the opportunity to potentially be the next George
Strombolopolous, without any financial investment
Yet even that may not be enough for parents and
needed, people stayed home.
children to give up hope. Addictions expert Chris
Nakken reveals that addictions offer “illusions of Finally, much of aspiring actors’ obsession with
fulfillment” and Halpern adds that people fantasize fame is fuelled by entertainment magazines, but
about fame for its illusion of love. In a recent tweet, these rags are ultimately salacious trash. Perhaps
PR guru Kelly Cutrone described TLC’s Toddlers in if impressionable youth realized you can look pretty
Tiaras as child abuse. It would take one hell of a PR without following a tabloid’s tips about how to lose
campaign to successfully disguise the ugliness that six pounds, three inches and some dignity in ten
occurs behind the scenes. days, then they wouldn’t beg their parents to make
such significant sacrifices.
Unfortunately, the allure of fame makes fetching
Paris Hilton’s coffee especially appealing for youth
with low self-esteem, Halpern explains. Aside from
perhaps a small cameo role in a reality show about
their boss, an assistant’s life is often miserable. An
anonymous celebrity personal assistant informed [mitZine v10.i5] 13
 2000, when BCE bought CTV for the first time. It
proved unsuccessful, however, and CTV was sold
in 2005.
According to the CRTC, “[the Telecommunications
Act of 1993] imposed a requirement to forbear where
the Commission finds that a telecommunications
service or class of services is or will be subject
to competition sufficient to protect the interests
of users.” 3 This essentially requires the CRTC
to approve any mergers and acquisitions in the
telecommunications industry to ensure they
are legal, in order to prevent the formation of
monopolies.
Although BCE first announced their plans to buy
CTV for $1.3 billion back in September, the deal
was not approved by the CRTC until the first
week of March.4 The reason for the delay was
probably related to the sheer size of the deal. BCE
is Canada’s largest telecom company, providing
services across a wide range of media including
television, Internet, and telephones, and CTV
is Canada’s largest private broadcaster, whose
holdings include MuchMusic, MTV Canada, and
The Comedy Network. Furthermore, until the deal’s
approval, CTV was the only Canadian private
broadcaster not yet owned by a content distributor.5
This consolidation of media giants will give Bell an
unprecedented amount of power in the Canadian
media landscape. As many MIT students will
recognize, this is a textbook example of vertical
integration: business practices whereby the means
of production, distribution and exhibition of media
are all controlled by the same company, facilitating

TELECOMMUNICATIONS TYRANNY monopolistic business practices within a market.

BCE, the country’s largest exhibitor, now owns
CTV, the country’s largest distributor and producer,
WHY THE CANADIAN PUBLIC SHOULD BE EMBARRASSED meaning we, the consumers at the bottom of this
BY THE CRTC chain, are in a position to be exploited.

written by Julian Uzielli // edited by Mathu Jeyaloganathan // illustrated by Jordan Coop No matter whether you support the acquisition or
not, it cannot be denied that this is an enormously
The Canadian Radio-television and examples from this year, and one from 2008. In monopolistic move by BCE. It’s basic economics:
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has reverse chronological order: the official approval of monopolization decreases market competition,
been in the news quite a bit recently. Though the Bell Canada Enterprises’ (BCE) purchase of CTV; which means that Bell’s incentive to produce quality
national regulatory body for media generally doesn’t the recent ruling on usage-based Internet billing content decreases, while its ability to control (and
call too much attention to itself, over the first two (expertly covered in last month’s Zine by Gillian therefore raise) prices increases.
and a half months of 2011 it has been unusually Marsh); and, for nostalgia’s sake, the absolute
active and detrimental to the public interest. mockery that was the much-hyped “Do-Not Call Given that the Telecommunications Act specifically
List” of 2008. These instances show the apparent charges the CRTC with preventing monopolistic
According to its website, “the CRTC’s mandate practices, it would appear it has neglected its
contempt that the CRTC, which is subsidized by
is to ensure that both the broadcasting and duties. Technically, I admit, the market is not yet a
the Government of Canada—er, excuse me, The
telecommunications systems serve the Canadian full monopoly: BCE still has major competitors in
Harper Government, as it is now officially called2—
public.” 1 Considering it took me a significant amount Rogers and Shaw. But it’s unquestionably a step in
has for Canadian consumers.
of time to find that basic, integral information, the wrong direction.
which should be on the home page, the CRTC has I know many readers will disagree with my
already demonstrated its faults. Sadly, the CRTC’s
analysis of the BCE-CTV deal on principle, so let In approving the deal, the CRTC attempted
misdeeds extend far beyond poor web design; me first make one thing clear: I am not opposed to uphold their mandate by including certain
lately, it seems it has been actively trying not to live
to capitalism, nor do I think that mergers and requirements for BCE, but they are questionable
up to its mandate. The CRTC has established itself
acquisitions are inherently negative. I do, however, at best. One of the stipulations states that “[BCE
as a completely counter-productive, out of touch,
believe that the government and its institutions must] allow for the carriage of at least 43 additional
and frankly, embarrassing organization. have a duty to protect citizens from unchecked television services, including local, and regional
monopolization and corporate greed. It is also conventional stations and independent community
To illustrate my point, I’ll take a look at two stations.” 6 This may sound promising at first glance,
important to note that a similar merger occurred in
but aside from being rather vague, it is important allowed major ISPs to start charging companies like Even more than the previous two cases, this leaves
to make a distinction between diversity of content Teksavvy retail prices (comparable to those paid me absolutely slack-jawed at the obvious disregard
and multiplicity of content. Nowhere does it say by regular business customers). The smaller ISPs the CRTC seems to have for its mandate. While it
that these 43 additional stations can’t just be local would have been unable to compete, and would may be possible to argue in defense of the CRTC
clones of generic, low-budget news channels. I probably have folded. Additionally, ISPs would have in the previous two cases, I cannot imagine a way
wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for this acquisition been allowed to impose lower bandwidth caps on in which blatantly lying to consumers, and then
to kick start a new era of thoughtful, compelling their customers, while charging anywhere from $1- turning around and profiting off that lie, can be
journalism in Canada. $4 per gigabyte once customers had exceeded their seen to “ensure that both the broadcasting and
new lowered limits. All of this was approved by the telecommunications systems serve the Canadian
According to CRTC chairman Konrad von
CRTC, in what looks suspiciously like an attempt on public.” I can’t help but envision shadowy figures
Finckenstein, “[BCE] will invest $245 million in the
the part of Rogers and Bell to eliminate competitors. seated around a boardroom table, laughing through
Canadian broadcasting system, of which more
clouds of swirling cigar smoke, trying to outdo each
than $140 million will be allocated to new Canadian The ISPs say growing Internet traffic necessitates
other with the most absurd and deceitful way they
television and radio programming.” 7 Although this the limiting of bandwidth. This logic leads to
could swindle the Canadian public.
number is the product of a formula regularly applied prohibitively high prices for Internet use, which
to corporate mergers, to me, committing a grand would be crippling to many Canadian businesses. It These have been only three of the most well known
total of $245 million to the supposed improvement is very difficult to stay competitive in today’s digital examples of the CRTC’s questionable actions in
of Canadian broadcasting and programming seems economy without reasonably priced access to regards to its assigned purpose. Obviously, the
low for a corporation that reported its revenue, high-speed Internet. When a highway in a growing Commission has been less than exemplary of late
according to their annual report to shareholders, city becomes congested, putting a tollbooth every in its duties to protect the Canadian people from
as totaling $17.7 billion in 2009. Also on that point, kilometer is not a productive way of tackling the excessive corporate power, unfair pricing, and its
according to a letter from the Writers Guild of problem. In the long run, it is much more efficient, own predatory lies.
Canada to the CRTC in 2007, “the average budget and beneficial, to improve the infrastructure to allow
But don’t just take my word for it, get informed: visit
for [TV] drama is very high at $1.2 million per hour.”8 for new traffic.
the links I’ve referenced, read blogs, write to your
If that’s the cost of production alone per episode of
Some defend the ISPs on the grounds that as MP, sign a petition or tell the CRTC how you feel
television, then $140 million will buy us about 116
businesses, they have a right to make a profit. And about the ways they are spending your tax dollars,
hours, or just under five days, of new programming.
under most other circumstances, I would agree. at www.crtc.gc.ca. And by all means, disagree with
This is clearly a token requirement that will be of
However, a corporation’s right to profit should be me: restore my waning faith in our government and
negligible benefit to Canadians.
upheld within reason, and in this case, ISPs are its institutions. Please, whatever you do, just don’t
The BCE-CTV takeover will put an unprecedented not only being unreasonable, but exploitative. be complacent.
amount of Canadian media power into the hands The incremental cost to an ISP to provide 1GB
Perhaps I’ve been unfair, though. After all, the
of a single corporation, and for the reasons of bandwidth is less than one penny, and they
CRTC’s mandate states only that they must “serve
outlined above, is therefore detrimental to the propose to sell bandwidth back to consumers at
the Canadian public.” The implication may seem
public interest. I don’t deny that I benefit from the a markup of over 10,000 per cent.9 Combine that
clear: “serve the Canadian public interest.” But
content and services provided by Bell and CTV; with simultaneously lowering bandwidth caps and
it is, admittedly, terribly imprecise. Personally, I
we all do. However, in my opinion, the threats to forcing competition out of the market, and it is
see “serve” as in “at your service.” But clearly, the
competition and innovation posed by this deal far difficult to see this decision as anything less than an
CRTC interprets it differently: “serve” as in “you got
outweigh any tangible benefit to the interests of egregious disregard for the interests of Canadians
served.”
Canadian citizens—interests that the CRTC claims on the part of both ISPs and the CRTC.
to represent.
1
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/backgrnd/brochures/
This brings me to the simplest, and most b29903.htm
While I’ll admit that the BCE/CTV example’s outrageous, of the CRTC’s offences that I will 2
Reported by Peter Mansbridge on CBC’s The
negative consequences aren’t necessarily self- examine. Remember the Do-Not-Call list? It was National, March 4, 2011 http://www.youtube.com/
evident, the CRTC’s January ruling allowing usage- first announced in September 2008 by the CRTC as watch?v=UXywZ7ycXTI
3
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/publications/
based billing (UBB) for Internet use seems to me, a means to allow Canadians to opt out of receiving reports/t_review05.htm
and many others, to be an obvious cash-grab. UBB telemarketing calls. All you had to do was add 4
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/
poses absolutely no benefit to the consumers that your number to the list, and your dinners would, bce-ctv-deal-remakes-media-landscape/
the CRTC is supposed to represent. As I mentioned supposedly, remain uninterrupted forevermore. It article1702385/
above, this issue was covered in last month’s Zine seemed too good to be true; it was.
5
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/
story/2011/03/01/crtc-federal-court-tv-fee.html
as well as receiving widespread coverage in the http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/
I remember putting my own phone number on
6
general media, so I won’t go into too much detail. CRTC+approves+purchase/4398208/story.html
the list immediately after hearing about it, and
However, the CRTC’s complete lack of regard for the 7
Ibid
enthusiastically telling my parents that we could www.writersguildofcanada.com/files/
public interest on this issue cannot be understated.
8
expect a significant drop in unsolicited calls. I also WGC_Sub_CRTC2007_9F.pdf
Right now, Canada’s Internet infrastructure is remember not noticing much of a difference. Many 9
This point was brought forward, and elaborated
owned largely by major Internet service providers other Canadians expressed similar confusion, and upon, by George Stroumboulopoulos on
(ISPs) like Bell and Rogers. Smaller ISPs, like in January 2009, the CBC revealed the reason CBC’s The Hour http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=6rUsRCyS6PU
Teksavvy, lease bandwidth from them at wholesale for the lack of change: the CRTC was selling the 10
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/
rates for resale; this is allowed in order to create registry list online. That’s right: if your number was story/2009/01/23/donotcall.html
competition in the market to help keep prices down on that list, the government organization charged
for consumers. with protecting your rights as a media consumer
was literally selling you out. Reportedly, in Toronto
The UBB ruling (which, thankfully, Industry Minister
you could buy 600,000 names for $50.10
Tony Clement has vowed to overturn), would have
[mitZine v10.i5] 15
THE MIDDLE EAST DOMINO EFFECT
TRACING THE REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT
written by Mathu Jeyaloganathan // edited by Andie Wright // illustrated by Warren Kong
Tunisia. Egypt. Bahrain. Yemen. Oman. Libya. indefinite strike. Protests ran until January 15, and Revolution through to recent education protests in
the next day Tunisia’s President Zine el Abidine England, civil disobedience has always played a part
What started with one man fiercely protesting
Ben Ali fled the country. The country has since in the democratic process. But with each passing
his anger over the inability to earn a living on the
been endowed with a interim government that has decade, the significance and potential impact of civil
streets of Tunisia, has evolved into a generation
announced that official elections will be held in July. disobedience has decreased. Although the major
vehemently expressing their anger and rage. Over
protests themselves have waned little in size, their
the course of three months, tens of thousands of The protests in Tunisia was the trigger many people
impact has decreased disproportionately.
protestors have taken up arms to convey their in the Arab world needed. The success of the
dissatisfaction with their governments. In a decade protests effectively demonstrated the power of civil As demonstrated in the G20 protests, government’s
where civil disobedience in developed countries is disobedience and launched protests in neighboring are temporarily forgoing the unwritten rules of
heavily frowned upon as ineffective and wasteful, countries. But if civil disobedience is such a powerful democracy to handle the “expected” riots violence.
passionate protestors in the Arab world have made force in the Arab world why is it failing to have an Without giving citizens a chance to peacefully
a case for it. impact in the developed world? express their concerns, the state is already prepared
to ignore the validity of any concerns expressed by
On January 3, 2011, 26-year-old university graduate On December 9, 2010, thousands of demonstrators
the people. Maybe this is why citizens are resorting
Mohamed Bouazizi decided to ring in the new year surrounded the parliament building in central
to violence. If attention is brought to any of the
by setting himself on fire. In past weeks, Bouazizi, London, England, to protest the planned federal
causes, then maybe the risk of injunction is worth it.
who was a fruit merchant in Tunisia, had had his tuition fee increase to nine thousand pounds a year.
fruit confiscated by a policewoman. Bouazizi Believing that the increase in tuition would make In the Middle East, civil disobedience is a result
reported the police women to the government and higher education increasingly inaccessible, many of oppression. In the developing world, civil
after filing numerous complaints, decided he had official student, teacher, and equity organizations disobedience is touted as a way in which “individuals
had enough. He doused himself in gasoline and set came together to express their concern over the articulate their frustration” (Kelly, BBC). Frustration
himself alight. Now viewed as a martyr, Bouazizi impending decision. is a subset of oppression. If frustration bubbles up
helped to trigger a wave of civil disobedience and high enough then civil disobedience will occur. In
Despite the imperativeness of the cause, the
protests that have overwhelmed Northern Africa. the politics of diplomacy, there is no place for this
message was drowned out by images coming
so-called civil disobedience. But does that only say
Bouazizi’s death revealed to many the Tunisian that from Scotland Yard portraying arrests, injuries and
in certain times and places diplomacy should be a
his or her frustrated feeling of despair was shared extreme violence. Unlike in the Middle East, the
foreign concept?
by the population. Communicating through social show of support had no influence on the decision
media such as Facebook and Twitter, Tunisians itself. If the protests in England were so ineffective,
rallied around the belief that freedom should be then why did they happen?
inherent and protested. Along with protesting and
Much can be said about the nature of civil
riots, civil workers such as lawyers went on an
disobedience itself. Going right back to the American
FROM DICTATORSHIP TO
DEMOCRACY
THE ROAD AHEAD AND A REFLECTION CLOSE TO HOME
written by Eric Klingenberger // edited by Vincy Kwong // illustrated by Meg Hackney
In the wake of the recent Middle Eastern revolutions, offering more resources for cheaper production.
one word has been ambiguously buzzing through All of this can help nurture economic growth and
the media without much reflection: democracy. support societal infrastructure expansions. Just
Those who have democracy supposedly love it, how beneficial this form of economic transition can
praise it, and encourage everyone else to try it, be, however, remains questionable. Consider the
like it’s a specialty dish from a restaurant. But what capitalist system, in which the rich usually get richer,
exactly constitutes democracy? Most will claim it is and the poor usually get poorer.
individual freedom protected by law and distributed
Take this reflection closer to home. Look at how our
through rights; that it is the most effective form of
economy and politics distribute wealth so unequally.
government because power is distributed amongst
The middle class is vanishing. CEO’s are climbing
the masses; that it is a way of guaranteeing political
the corporate ladder to unprecedented heights of
freedom. More importantly though, in light of these
power and wealth. People work for a living, pay
recent revolutions, is the difficult transition that
for a place to exist, follow enforced laws with little
accompanies the new foundation of a democracy.
question, and equate what precious little time they
The countries that have recently succeeded in
have with monetary value. Not to mention our
removing corruption are now beginning slow
fetishized addictions with ever-updated forms of
reformations towards the promised and idolized
technology. This is life, as we know it, in the twenty-
ideology. Tunisia and Egypt have only begun the
first century. Sure we
process; revolution
may have democracy
is, after all, just the “How will these Middle Eastern
and political freedom,
first step in a long
journey. The real
countries benefit if they fall but we still support a
flawed economy. This
question is, what into the ignorant trap of
lifestyle—this forced
will result from
the newly found
consumerism that we have?” competition of urban
survival—has only
freedoms?
existed for a century, arguably two. There are other
Westernized politics, including social freedoms, are ways to organize ourselves in which we could work
being ushered into the Middle East. Elements of our to reinforce social harmony instead of inequality.
underlying economic structures are bound to follow.
In this day though, it is challenging to even
In hopes of achieving wealth and prosperity, these
comprehend an alternative to our current standard
reformations will likely open markets by removing
of living. It is hard to imagine a world that would
previous restrictions, instituting some form of a
not revolve around the production of commodities
capitalist induced system. Freedom will be used to
for consumption and profit. Capitalism is ingrained
support greater global exchange and foster more
in our consumer-culture. So, how will these Middle
progress. Consider Egypt, where a good portion
Eastern countries benefit if they fall into the ignorant
of the population lives on $2 a day. Will they not
trap of consumerism that we have? Can we not
aspire to develop their politics and economy in
reform the economic conditions that undermine
the shadow of the successful, like Canada and
human equality and work to create a system that
The United States? It should be no surprise that
honours human empathy? Humans share the frailty
the reformations necessary to support a shift from
of life. We feel the suffering of our comrades. We
corruption to full-blown democracy are no easy
are not hardwired for violence and aggression, but
tasks. Therefore, it is logical to assume these
rather for sympathy and compassion. Otherwise,
transitions will rely on the precedence and support
why else would the world be so quick to respond to
of those who have made the shift centuries ago.
the humanitarian crisis caused by the revolutions?
Democracy will introduce the oppressed to a new
Why else would the world be watching the news
world of freedom and opportunity, while economic
to cheer on our fellow beings as they fight for
transitions are likely to follow.
the freedoms we have enjoyed since birth? It is
It is usually held true that two democratic states possible to reorganize how we live, to develop our
will never engage in warfare. Any country with a societies while encouraging peace without forced
McDonald’s is an ally to a country with a Subway. competition. It is just unfortunate that we have
Moreover, liberated countries will be free to expand all been sucked into this system, without even
their commercial industries, increasing the amount considering the possibility of an alternative.
of trade, enabling a wider access to services and
[mitZine v10.i5] 17
 RHETORIC
TRUMPS
REASON AT
UWO
WHY PROPAGANDA
INVALIDATES ISRAELI
APARTHEID WEEK
written by Aaron Zaltzman // edited by Gillian
Cummings // illustrated by Jordan Coop
Since the beginning of March, and continuing on
and off for weeks, our school, and numerous other
campuses around the world, have born witness
to an event entitled Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW).
This annual event was brought to Western by the
Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights club. Its
purpose was to garner support for the idea that
Israel is an apartheid state, on par with pre–1993
South Africa. IAW, aside from being offensive to
Jewish and Israeli students, is also something that
needs to be addressed.
In the broader perspective, an event like IAW has
no place on our campus; the conflict in the Middle
East is so complex, so long, and so multifaceted
that it is impossible to even begin to understand
without first learning everything about it. I do not
want this to come off as a political argument; to do
that would require an educational discord of nearly a
hundred years of intertwining histories. On principle
I fully support robust political dialogue and I think
that many people do not know as much about the
Israeli-Palestinian situation as they should.
The problem with Israeli Apartheid Week is that it
is not a robust political dialogue. It does not lend
itself to open discussion, is not meant to encourage
bilateral understanding and, despite what some
supporters claim, it is not meant to educate. It is, in
reality, a very well crafted smear campaign.
In the words of the organizers themselves, “the aim
of IAW is to educate people about the nature of
Israel as an apartheid system and to build Boycott,
Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaigns as
part of a growing global BDS movement.”
The mission statement itself should tell you all
you need to know about the problem with IAW. Its
raison d’etre is to create resentment for the State
of Israel, and to undermine support for it. That’s not
education; it’s propaganda.
And it’s shrewd propaganda, too. The event is
purposefully called Israeli Apartheid Week, not
 “It is not a robust political
dialogue and it is not meant to
educate. It is, in reality, a very
well crafted smear campaign.”

Palestinian Awareness Week. The word “apartheid” of this conflict even comes close to simplicity. All that IAW accomplishes is providing
conjures up images of white South Africans cruelly Every problem is a result of a chain of events that misinformation, creating a deeper divide between
persecuting the black population. From the moment stretches back to decisions made a hundred years those who seek peace, and to serve the ends of
you hear that word, it is meant to define your entire ago by people who had absolutely no stake in the those who call for the destruction of the Jewish
perspective. It is meant to make you see Israel as situation. Homeland. If a true peace is ever going to be
the racist aggressor and the Palestinians as the achieved, it will do so only when we have risen
Representing the conflict as good vs. evil, or as
innocent victims. above the hatred that fuels movements such as
anything but complex, does nothing to further the
Israeli Apartheid Week.
This is part of the larger reason of why the rhetoric cause of peace. It does not build a partnership
of IAW is so effective. The organizers employ between people seeking a common end; all it If we fall short of that, we ensure only more
images of dead bodies, of helicopters advancing on succeeds in doing is polarizing the situation and destruction.
children; they refer to statistics of dead civilians and further dividing the two sides. Sources:
tell stories of children being killed in fighting. They
During Israeli Apartheid Week, you will only hear “Current Knesset Members.” The Knesset Website.
do this because they know the most effective way Government of Israel, 2011. Web. 2011. <http://
the organizers espouse the evils of the country. www.knesset.gov.il/mk/eng/mkindex_current_eng.
to short-circuit your critical thinking is to attach the
You will only hear how the Palestinians are the asp?view=0>.
information to a powerful emotion. When you see a
innocent victims of Israeli aggression. Why? How Hunter, Catherine. “Http://www.child-soldiers.
picture of a dead child and someone tells you she
does it further the cause of peace to portray the org/childsoldiers/CSC_AG_Forum_case_study_
died during Gaza’s fighting, you don’t wonder what
conflict as a black and white issue, if it is so clearly June_2006_Occ_Pal_Territories_Hamas.pdf.”
the reason is for the military engagement that this Child-soldiers.org. Coalition to Stop the Use of Child
a complex problem?It is because the organizers Soldiers, 7 July 2006. Web. <http://www.child-
child died in; your thoughts immediately jump to the
don’t want you to see both sides. It is because they soldiers.org/childsoldiers/CSC_AG_Forum_case_
injustice of a state murdering children.
aren’t advocates for peace. In holding IAW, they are study_June_2006_Occ_Pal_Territories_Hamas.
Half-truths are the main tool of IAW. Almost every supporting an event that, at its very core, does not pdf>.
individual fact the organizers quote is true, but no accept Israel’s right to exist. Their sole purpose is to “Text of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s Speech.”
Nytimes.com. The New York Times, 30 Oct. 2005.
context is given for them. Plenty of time is spent demonize Israel and to undermine its international Web. <http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/30/
talking about the West Bank separation fence but support. In the words of Stephen Lupker, a Western weekinreview/30iran.html?_r=1&ex=1161230400
no words are given toward explaining that the fence Psychology Professor, “I’m not convinced that very &en=26f07fc5b7543417&ei=5070>.
was built to keep out the suicide bombers that many of them are doing this for any reason other Chatterley, Catherine. “A History of Israeli Apartheid
murdered hundreds of civilians, including Israeli than they would like to see the end of Israel. I don’t Week.” Nationalpost.com. The National Post-Full
Comment, 3 Mar. 2011. Web. <http://fullcomment.
Arabs, nor to the indisputable fact that it succeeded believe that there are too many people in this group nationalpost.com/2011/03/03/catherine-chatterley-
in its purpose. who are doing this on the idea that it’s going to a-history-of-israeli-apartheid-week/>.
make for a two-state solution. Most of them, I would
The half-truths are even more damaging than lies;
say, probably would like to see the end of Israel.”
you can disprove a lie, but a half-truth requires
explanation and information. It’s a lot easier to quote
Israel is not perfect; it has its problems and has
the countless UN resolutions against Israel than it made mistakes, like every country has. All I am
is to explain that the Arab world has tremendous trying to convince you of is that your opinion should
influence in the voting process. It’s a lot easier to
not be based on what you hear during an event
make someone feel sympathy for a child who was like Israeli Apartheid Week, which is motivated by
shot dead by Israeli soldiers than it is to explain to
hatred. A true understanding of the situation cannot
them that the child was firing an AK-47 at the time.be attained by the emotional half-truths of those
with hate-fuelled political agendas; it demands
The organizers of IAW would have you believe
nothing less than a complete knowledge of the
the conflict is simple. The truth is that no aspect
history behind the country. [mitZine v10.i5] 19
 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: LIZ TRINNEAR
In December of 2009, fourth year FIMS student Along with joining the Western Snowboarding Club,
Liz Trinnear landed her dream gig as a VJ and Liz was also involved with CHRW, became a first
the newest face of MuchMusic. After finishing year rep on MIT’s Student Council, then Street Team
her exams for that year, Liz started working for Coordinator, and in her final year, VP of Events.
MuchMusic a mere two days later and described “FIMS rules! It’s such a close-knit family of students
the whole experience as “extremely surreal, but and the faculty is one of the most accommodating
very exciting. The first few months of work were and supportive I’ve ever seen. FIMS is #winning.”
very overwhelming.”
So what was the transition from university life to the
Liz certainly jumped feet first into the industry. working world like?
Between learning scripts, talking points, hand
“Starting to work in the ‘real world,’ as our parents
counts, which cameras to look at and experiencing
would say, is like starting school all over again: new
first hand how long hair and make-up took, she
people, new material to learn, new environment,
was meeting hundreds of people, being live on-air,
and a new lifestyle to get used to.” Ever the social
doing autograph signings, and trying to forget about
butterfly, Liz quickly fit in to her new surroundings.
nerves. It was a lot to process at once. A little over
“The team at MuchMusic is very similar to the FIMS
a year later, Liz has flourished and established her
faculty: very supportive.”
personality at MuchMusic. Looking back at the
beginning of it all she reflects, “it was intense, but I “Self-promotion never hurts when it is done right,
wouldn’t have had it any other way.” so by showing people you are a hard worker and
willing to go the extra mile, they will remember you.”
From setting herself apart from 4,000 other hopefuls
The most important, if cliché, thing to remember is
in the beginning to adapting to her new role, taking
to just be yourself. That’s what the panel of judges
part in extra curricular activities and balancing
found so magnetic about this quirky blonde. As her
internships at Western helped a lot. Doing things
MuchMusic bio attests, “on screen and off screen,
outside of academics is not just about experience,
what you see is what you get. [Liz] is just like
but also demonstrates your own unique interests
everyone else... she just has an incredible job.”
and personality. Liz says, “I did a few internships
prior to MuchMusic and they weren’t glamorous. written by Alex McCann
Working for free as a student is hard, but in the end edited by May Chow
it all pays off.”

“You never need an argument against the use of violence,

you need an argument for it.” ~ Noam Chomsky

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