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WGOG: Stop nerfing my emotionally complicated women!

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ILLUSTRATION: Sonya Janeshewski / The Peak

By: Kelly Chia, Editor-in-Chief

From my first days in the gaming community, I’ve noticed that characters who are women will often get more flack for being rude to the player, and I think that’s really unfair. When I first played Persona 3 Portable, (I’m a Kotone truther, nerds!) Yukari Takeba seemed pretty rude. But if you take the time to explore her character, you’ll find that she meaningfully portrays her struggles through her anger, wariness, and overall character arc. It bothers me when players dismiss her as a “bitch” because she’s trying not to experience more loss in her life. It made the friendship I established with her character more meaningful as a result — she truly trusts me. So it bothers me that apparently, Yukari’s lines have been rewritten in the new adaptation of the game to make her “more appealing.” 

Be serious: when a character has experienced some serious trauma, do you expect them to be kind and accommodating about it? Maybe that says more about you than the character! When it comes to femme characters, it feels like I see more critiques about how kind they are to the player character even if they have understandable reasons for their attitude. Players have a lot to learn in understanding that just because a character doesn’t like them, doesn’t mean their story isn’t worth it. Especially women. Stop saying you want more emotionally complicated women in the media when you can’t handle a woman being a little mean to you.

Health is more important than productivity

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PHOTO: Olena Bohovyk / Unsplash

By: Izzy Cheung, Staff Writer

Success is a subjective term. However, many of us see this word as being connected to finances and job security. In an economy that has taken multiple hits, job searching has become even harder for soon to be or newly graduated post-secondary students. Despite attending a post-secondary institution, students are often not guaranteed jobs. While full-time studies are sure to be more than enough of a time commitment, many of us work multiple jobs, involve ourselves in clubs, and network to set ourselves up for our futures. As a result, students believe they need to overcompensate, mentally and physically, to put themselves in the best position to “succeed.” This process of prioritizing our careers before our own health only helps promote the “hustle culture” that can be detrimental to our well-being.

BBC says hustle culture tells us there’s always “more money to make, a bigger title or promotion to secure and a higher ceiling to smash.” While this may seem like a productive way of advancing within an industry, it can also be problematic. 

A big reason we’re hesitant to take a sick day is the feeling of mistrust from our employers. This results in more employees showing up to work sick, otherwise referred to as “presenteeism.” There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be responsible, but when constant work begins to impact your physical health, maybe you should take that as a sign to pump the brakes. 

In a study conducted by BambooHR, almost 90% of the surveyed participants noted that they have worked through an illness during a twelve-month span. The research also highlighted how younger employees are more likely to work while sick compared to their older counterparts, with 92% of Gen-Z employees and 93% of Millennials claiming to have worked while ill. While you may think you feel fine, chances are your productivity is being hindered if you show up to work while sick. Being in confined spaces alongside your coworkers can result in the transferring of germs between one-another. If you’re not being as productive while sick, and you pass this on to your coworkers, then how much work is really getting done? The Harvard Business Review notes that presenteeism “can cut individual productivity by one-third or more.” While we may think that constantly working means we’re always being productive, this isn’t always the case. 

Hustle culture also extends beyond individual employees, and shapes the systems we work within. Respondents in BambooHR’s study noted their sick leave requests aren’t always honoured, with 25% being asked to work even when ill. Moreover, various companies’ sick time rules were recorded as being “unspoken.” 75% of the study’s participants claimed that their company’s rules around sick leave are unclear, with 63% wanting defined paid time off policies. Taking sick leave can be a precarious situation for those who may need it more often, such as individuals who are pregnant, elderly, or disabled. With this uncertainty, they may feel pressured to not even request the time off at all, resulting in detrimental health outcomes. 

Even if you choose to work online, studies have shown that working while sick still isn’t worth the consequences it may bring. Research indicates that individuals who go to work sick more often have a higher chance of becoming sicker for longer periods of time. If you’re stressing yourself out over deadlines and assignments, the effectiveness of your immune system can decrease, lowering your ability to recover from sicknesses at later dates.   

At its root, hustle culture is harmful even if we’re indulging in it as part-time workers. The work culture we operate within makes us prioritize constant productivity. However, it’s time to put our health first. If our greatest concern is being productive to stay employed, shouldn’t we want to nurture our well-being? 

New exhibit opens at SFU Burnaby library

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This is a photo inside the SFU archives. Most prominent in the photo is an antique video game cover.
PHOTO: Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson / The Peak

By: Olivia Sherman, News Writer

The SFU Special Collections and Rare Books (SCRB) department within the SFU Library is home to thousands of manuscripts, books, papers, and photographs from throughout history. The newest exhibit in the department, Archival Oddities, features an array of items from the archives that are out of the ordinary. The Peak spoke with David Kloepfer from the Special Collections department on the exhibit and its significance. Since the SCRB’s founding in 1965, Kloepfer said efforts have been made in gaining “material to support research, teaching, and learning at SFU and beyond.”

In 1965, the SCRB was an off-branch of SFU’s English Department to house their collection of experimentalist publications. The SCRB now works within the library to support research and learning. Kloepfer’s intent with the newest exhibit was to “give a peek inside our collections and show off a variety of interesting objects.” 

The objects in the exhibit transcend mediums, which reflects “the university’s wide-range of academic interests,” said Kloepfer. Special areas of interest include Canadian politics, environmental and 2SLGBTQIA+ activism, Indigenous authors and artists, book publishing, arts, and immigration. 

An example of the archive’s focus on immigration is the Doukhobor Collection. The Doukhobors are a community of Russian-speaking Ukranians who fled their homelands due to persecution, settling in Canada in the 20th century. The items from this community in SFU’s possession include iron nails, hand-woven textiles, and carved wooden spoons. 

Kloepfer noted, “We thought most people are probably unfamiliar with our archive and would assume we hold almost exclusively books and paper archival records.” For Kloepfer, “The exhibit was an opportunity to give a peek inside our collections and show off a variety of interesting objects. All the staff in the department contributed by selecting items they had come across in their work.”

Some of the other peculiar items in the exhibit include avante-garde and beatnik poetry, such as Rob McLennan’s poem Death and Trauma, which includes a plastic bag of soil. They also have Richard Brautigan’s poem Please Plant this Book, which includes seeds and instructions on garden cultivation. Mark Laba’s untitled poem includes a dried worm. 

Items in the archives were acquired from specialists like Kloepfer through donations. “Many kind people are interested in donating their beloved archival material or books to us, and we appreciate it,” he said. The archives also “purchase books and archival material that support our collections policy. We buy material from institutions, businesses, individuals, book sellers, and others,” Kloepfer explained.

“These items illustrate that archives are not just about preserving the past, but also about exploring the unexpected and the unconventional.”

The exhibit Archival Oddities can be visited on the third floor of SFU’s WAC Bennett Library on Burnaby campus. 

Burnaby refinery causes smoke to spread across Vancouver

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This is a photo of the Oil Derricks and Train Tracks near Vancouver’s port.
PHOTO: Maggie & David / Flickr

By: Olivia Sherman, News Writer

On January 21, the Burnaby Refinery experienced a technical issue with one of its processing units, resulting in smoke, a strong odour, and fumes spreading into Vancouver. Despite being owned by a Calgary-based company, the Burnaby Refinery provides a quarter of BC’s gasoline and fuel. 

The Burnaby Refinery is located on the shore of the Burrard Inlet, and a 15km/hr wind blowing eastward spread the chemical smell to metro Vancouver. At that time, the refinery notified the Burnaby RCMP and Burnaby Fire Department of the issue. After multiple community complaints of chemical odours and poor air quality, Vancouver fire and rescue services chief Karen Fry warned the public of a “hydrocarbon, industrial event” making its way to Vancouver. 

The Peak contacted a spokesperson for the Burnaby Refinery for more information. Due to the cold weather in late January, the refinery experienced a “disruption in unit operations” and issued a “controlled shutdown of the refinery as a precautionary measure,” the spokesperson said. “An issue occurred in one of the refinery units, a pipe became blocked, which resulted in a strong odour and visible plume coming from the unit stack.”

A statement from the Burnaby Fire Department provided to CTV News said the odours didn’t pose any health risk to the public. However, according to a 2022 report from WSP and Golder, an environmental consulting firm, the three main chemicals emitted from refineries are sulphur dioxide, benzene, and butadiene — the latter two being carcinogenic. Despite the public safety advisories in the Vancouver and Burnaby areas being lifted later in the afternoon, the air quality bulletin remained in place until 2:40 p.m. due to the smoke and smell. 

Members of the community expressed concern for their health. In an interview with CBC News, resident Melina Auerbach asked, “What are citizens supposed to do when there is a noxious-smelling, chemical-smelling fume and you have to spend hours trying to dig out the information?”

350 Canada, an environmental activist organization fighting for the end of fossil fuel usage, started a petition after the flare-up at the refinery. The petition calls for a “full independent investigation into the incident,” the assurance of “timely public health warnings” for future issues, and “accountability from Parkland Corporation.” At the time of writing, the petition has 2,355 signatures. “This crisis sends a clear signal that it’s time to accelerate a just transition to a renewable energy economy.” 

The Burnaby City Council is submitting a request for an investigation into the incident from the BC Energy Regulator (BCER).

“Burnaby residents and residents of other parts of our region had their lives disrupted by the incident at Parkland refinery and they deserve a full and transparent account of what happened on January 21,” said Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley in the City of Burnaby press release. “Municipalities only have a limited set of tools to hold industry accountable, but it is our role to advocate on behalf of our residents and demand answers and accountability in the wake of this incident.” 

The mayor and Council are also demanding a reimbursement of $30,000 for the labour of the firefighters who responded to the incident on January 21. The refinery spokesperson responded to The Peak regarding this demand: “We value our longstanding relationship with the City of Burnaby, and we will continue to directly engage with them as we keep the lines of communication open.” 

Sonia Furstenau, leader of the BC Green Party, said to the National Observer, “it seemed that the orientation was to protect the reputation of the refinery and that protecting public health wasn’t the first priority.” Furstenau said she’d like to see “absolute transparency” about the chemicals in the refinery. 

“The well-being of our neighbours is a top priority and we’re proactively working with regulators to keep the community safe and informed,” the Burnaby Refinery spokesperson stated. “An internal investigation is underway to better understand the event.”

Cancer care needs a revolution

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Photo of a black stethoscope surrounded by white pills against a grey background
PHOTO: Markus Frieauff / Unsplash

By: Olivia Visser, Copy Editor

Content warning: discussions of cancer, death, and medical assistance in dying.

As of 2019, cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, and the diagnosis rate in people under 50 has increased by 80% over the last three decades. In Canada, cancer is the leading cause of death, with two in five Canadians being diagnosed and one in four dying from the disease. Improving cancer care, which involves prevention, early detection, and treatment, is of utmost urgency. February 4 was World Cancer Day, and while many people’s first encounter with cancer is their own or a loved one’s diagnosis — cancer care begins with awareness, which goes beyond just knowing what cancer is. It’s also not intended to scare or fear-monger. Knowing what to do if you or a loved one receives a diagnosis is important, as is knowing how to mitigate your risks. Given cancer’s prevalence within our increasingly strained healthcare system, one thing is clear: cancer care must be revolutionized.

The deadliest types of cancer typically receive the lowest amount of funding. Research has found that cancer funding is skewed toward cancers such as breast cancer and leukemia, which have high incidence rates and low mortality rates compared to other common cancers. This may be due in part to the utilitarian idea that funding curable cancers is more productive than trying to cure terminal cancers. Yet, considering that many terminal cancers have poor prognoses because they are detected too late, the lack of funding feels degrading and inhumane. Don’t misinterpret the pleas for increased funding as pleas to reduce resources for other cancers, either. All cancers deserve quality treatment. However, brain cancer, for instance, receives less than 3% of total cancer funding. Glioblastoma is the most common type of brain cancer, accounting for just over 50% of primary brain cancers — meaning cancers that originate in the brain. The median survival time for this type of cancer is 14 months, and the incidence rate in Canada is four in 100,000 people. Of these people, only 6.9% will survive five years past their diagnosis date.

One of the major issues with cancer treatment is that each type of cancer is unique and requires its own standard of care. It’s why experts often correct people who speak about finding a “cure for cancer,” as if one singular cure would suffice.

Aggressive cancers, with their lower funding levels, have standards of care that are far from adequate. The standard of care for most cancers typically involves surgery followed by a combination of radiation and chemotherapy, which aims to slow or stop cell division by killing tumour cells. For glioblastoma, treatment may slow tumour growth for a brief period, but advocates have pointed out that this type of cancer requires a different standard of care that is yet to be implemented. A brain cancer vaccine that uses a patient’s unique cells to attack the disease has shown promising results in preliminary studies. However, without enough funding, it could be a very long time before this technology reaches the public.

Among other cancers, pancreatic cancer is also starkly underfunded. The five-year net survival rate for this type of cancer is around 5–10%. One of the main reasons pancreatic cancer is so deadly is that it usually doesn’t produce symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. However, experts believe it’s potentially curable if caught early. There is currently no standard early screening test for pancreatic cancer, but that doesn’t mean there never will be. Increased cancer funding is imminently needed for aggressive tumours, and this involves both treatment and early detection.

Spending more resources on early detection would drastically reduce cancer death rates and improve survival times. About 50% of cancers are already advanced when diagnosed, which contributes to high mortality rates. Breast, prostate, and cervical cancers are often diagnosed early due to regular screening protocols, but many other cancers don’t receive the same level of proactive care. Researchers are working hard to reduce cancer deaths and provide better outlooks for patients. For example, a new blood test is in the works to detect brain cancer early on. If effective, this would be groundbreaking for detecting brain cancers before they advance to later stages.

One action any individual can take is emailing their local MP to push for increased funding for these deadly cancers. Additionally, if you have a family history of cancer it’s crucial to speak with a doctor about risks and potential genetic testing, as well as early screening services. Mammograms are recommended for any person with breasts over the age of 50, but can be done for people 30 and younger who are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. The same is true for prostate exams. Pap smears should also be performed every three years for people with vaginas between ages 21–29 who are sexually active. For trans folks who may be uncomfortable seeking out care from their regular physicians, Trans Care BC is an organization with access to trans-affirming sexual health resources.

Coupled with healthcare system strain from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, cancer care in Canada is on a downward spiral. In BC, wait times to see an oncologist are significantly higher than the rest of the country. Many patients have been reporting disease progression after having to wait months to see an oncologist. Some have opted for Medical Assistance In Dying because of treatment delays. One woman told CTV News she was given a ten-month wait to receive chemotherapy after being diagnosed with stage four adrenal cancer, which spread during that time. The Canadian government has also been paying to send hundreds of people with aggressive cancers to the US for treatment, as our healthcare system cannot keep up with the number of patients requiring immediate intervention.

The state of cancer care in Canada is devastating for everyone, but marginalized and low income folks receive the short end of the stick. Most working class people cannot afford or crowdfund enough money to travel abroad for better care, and the Canadian government doesn’t cover experimental treatments. A recent Canadian Cancer Society survey also found that the monthly costs for cancer patients are around $300 a month. This is on top of bills and necessities, and can increase significantly depending on the type and severity of cancer.

On an individual level, we should do what we can to mitigate risk. This involves attending regular cancer screenings and reducing our exposure to notable cancer-causing agents, known as carcinogens. The American Cancer Society has a list of “Known and Probable Human Carcinogens,” which is worth having a look at. It’s also important to note that fear shouldn’t be your motivator when it comes to preventative care. Carcinogens usually only pose a major risk to people with high levels of regular exposure or who possess genetic predispositions, but avoiding them to a reasonable degree is a worthwhile effort. Additionally, if something about your health feels wrong and you aren’t being taken seriously by medical professionals — demand a second opinion. Cancer can be preventable and even curable, and self-advocacy is a huge mitigator.

BC Premier David Eby recently acknowledged that the current cancer wait times are “unacceptable,” and vowed to change the system. However, it’s not enough for us to say something needs to change. It’s not even enough to increase the number of oncologists in the province. Cancer cases are rising significantly due to a multitude of factors such as inadequate diets, excessive alcohol and tobacco use, physical inactivity, and environmental toxins. These factors are amplified for marginalized and low income people who cannot afford quality foods, and may work jobs that expose them to carcinogens. Cancer is a systemic issue, and it’s deeply intersectional. One of the biggest ways this country must improve health equity is by vastly increasing funding and support for what is now the leading cause of death — but it doesn’t have to be.

If you or a family member have recently been diagnosed with cancer, BC Cancer offers support such as free counselling, information about financial resources, and more. A list of local MPs and their contact information can be found at www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/search?province=BC.

Two accounts from writers of the Botchford Project

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PHOTO: Izzy Cheung, The Peak

By: Izzy Cheung, Staff Writer & Isabella Urbani, Sports Editor

The Botchford Project is a media mentorship program that helps budding sports journalists in the Lower Mainland. This opportunity was created in honour of Jason Botchford, a member of Vancouver’s sports journalism scene, who sadly passed away in 2019. The project, which is now in its fifth year of operation, acts as a way of continuing his legacy through the next generations of sports media professionals. It’s overseen by Jason’s wife, Kathryn, and several Vancouver Canucks media members. 

Chosen participants are tasked with pitching a story they will then gather information on by attending a Canucks morning skate, interviewing a player, and watching a game from the press box. From there, participants will write, edit, and submit their stories to the Canucks, who will then publish it on their website as part of the project. The Peak has had two writers partake in this amazing opportunity — here are their stories. 

Izzy’s Project  

My Botchford Project experience started at 11:00 p.m. on a Thursday night, when I first got the selection email from a Canucks communications department representative. From there, it was a frantic dash into my dad’s room to give him the news. The rest of the preparation came in the following days through storyboarding calls, emails, and DMs on X.

The day of the project was a rainy one; it was also the day of a matchup that pitted the Vancouver Canucks against the Carolina Hurricanes. By the time I was making my morning coffee and fretting over whether I should wear lace-up boots or Blundstones, I’d already drafted up the premise of my story. 

Once at the arena, I met my fellow Botchford compatriots as well as our mentors outside the media entrance. Walking through the empty concourse was a vast difference from the hustle and bustle that I’d usually experience in Rogers Arena. If anything, that made it more jarring. 

We only ended up spending around 20 minutes watching the practice before we were shepherded down to the media room, where Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet held his pre-and-post game media. From there, we were brought to the Canucks locker room. The player I was set to interview, Nils Höglander, was already available to chat, so one of our mentors brought me over to him and introduced us. Five questions and five minutes later, my phone’s voice memos app was filled with potential quotes, and I was all set to start writing. 

After all our interviews were done, we sat through Coach Tocchet’s pregame media availability. The first part of the day concluded with a brief tour of the press box, where we were shown the seats that we would be occupying during the game. 

With the practice happening mid-morning and the game not taking place until 7:00 p.m., my project partners and I had a stretch of time in which we could grab lunch. We ended up finding a nearby cafe and grabbed coffee while sharing our respective life stories. Our curiosity eventually got the best of us, and we headed back to the arena very early in hopes of taking in more of the press box. 

Our early entrance into the press box was a fortunate one. We ended up being able to meet Al Murdoch, the Canucks’ PA announcer. As media members began to filter in, we were introduced to more people. Seeing as it was Hockey Night in Canada, the press box was relatively busy, crowded with media professionals from other cities. We got to eat dinner alongside media members before another gentle request resulted in us meeting the current voices of the Vancouver Canucks, John Shorthouse and Dave Tomlinson. 

The game was a nailbiter, ending with a 4–3 win for Vancouver. We got to see a particularly noticeable goal created off a hardworking shift from Brock Boeser and Nils Höglander. We also spotted a Sedin (the three of us were trying to guess whether it was Daniel or Henrik) sitting a couple boxes down from where we were. 

After the game, we were guided back toward the elevators in hopes of being some of the first to arrive at the media room for postgame coverage. With the help of media members, each of my project partners and I got to ask a question during the media session, culminating in a fantastic end to the day. 

Isabella’s Project 

I don’t remember my project with the same details as Izzy. It was two years ago, which with the way time has been moving, could have been five years ago for all I know. What I do remember was being in complete and utter awe, and being called Isabelle throughout the night. I’ll never forget that.

I also rocked a custom t-shirt that had “Bro. Do your dekes.” on it, which was the phrase Jason coined when referring to Pettersson’s nifty moves during his first NHL game against the Calgary Flames. He eventually printed it out on a shirt and wore it, so I did my due diligence to match the font as best as I could, and wear it during pregame skate to pay tribute. My fellow participants and I also visited Jason’s bench outside of the arena prior to the game, and left him his favourite drink, root beer flavoured Beaver Buzz Energy. 

The night itself was a balancing act. I tried to soak it all in, without forgetting to relish the moment. I did my best to not feel like a fish out of water, without appearing as though I wasn’t appreciative — I most certainly was. I tried to contain myself in my seat as the Canucks scored, while media members nonchalantly leaned back in their chairs. I felt rather embarrassed when I had to halt myself mid-stand up from celebrating. Thankfully, I wasn’t at the point of near return where my knees had locked and I was fully upright. Then, I’d owe a shy and probably clumsy apology to the people behind me.

Frankly, I never thought I could make a career out of writing about sports. I had wanted to so desperately. Call me naïve, but I just didn’t think it existed. I didn’t have the media in mind when I rushed to finish all my homework so I could be worry free when I turned in to watch the broadcast at 7:00 p.m. in the living room. But when the idea came to combine my passion for sports and writing, the first person whose work I read was Jason’s. 

Jason never made media feel imposing for any young journalist. He was an individual without a bone of jealousy or a breath of ignorance. He was someone who was truly happy to be of assistance. I aim to find that level of sureness in myself and my career.

That night, the Canucks won — which wasn’t my overall highlight, but a blessing nonetheless, as I had to wait until after the game to speak to the subject of my article. Goaltender Thatcher Demko was just as tall and dialed-in post-game as you’d expect. As lovely as he was for my first interview with a professional hockey player, the true highlight of my night, by a country mile, was removing my name tag from the table to reveal that I was sitting in Jason’s coveted spot. To this day, I get goosebumps on my arms and tears well in my eyes when I think about this very moment. There’s simply no words. Just an overwhelming warmth in my heart.

In my application, I admittingly told Kathryn that I was looking for some validation at this point in my career — a sign that I hadn’t hastily jumped into this decision because I happened to love sports. It sounds a little silly, as it’s the perfect criteria for the job. But, I felt like I was never going to live up to what I had envisioned for myself. I later wrote in a message to Kathryn that the Botchford Project was the validation I needed.

I knew there would be hardships following that night, and oh boy, were there more than I care to admit. Sports, especially hockey, is still very much a boy’s club, and hostile to women who don’t get the same luxuries or affordances. The moral of the story is life moves on, and so do I, with a vengeance. But true to what I said that night, I already had my validation. I had the strength; I had the nod of support. I’m forever indebted to Jason and his family because that vote of confidence did wonders.

Applications for the project open up each November and close at the end of the month. Alongside the application, which will ask you a few questions about yourself, the opportunity, and any ideas you have, candidates will need to provide some samples of their work. These articles don’t need to come from a publication — they can be written on the fly, as well. For anyone who’s interested in applying, especially those who don’t have any media experience, don’t be afraid! That’s the aim of the entire project. Based on my experience, your passion for sports and willingness to learn is far more important than your past job descriptions — even if you’re not majoring or have majored in journalism or a parallel field of work.  

Black excellence in sports as told through media

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front cover of Kobe Bryant’s autobiography
PHOTO: Courtesy of MCD Books

By: Hailey Miller, Staff Writer

Content warning: anti-Black racism and enslavement.

Films and Documentaries

Remember the Titans (2000)
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+

Based on a true story in Alexandria, Virginia in 1971, Black football coach Herman Boone sets out to integrate two high school football teams with fellow coach Bill Yoast. Along the way to finals, the Titans face racial prejudice. The team is discriminated against and seen as unworthy among other teams due to being interracial after many civil rights battles for Black Americans throughout the 1960s. Despite the backlash, they remain at the top of their division throughout the season, and end up at finals. The film focuses on the struggles the players face, the bond they grow, and the change they make in history as an interracial football team.

Glory Road (2006)
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+

This true story follows the journey of basketball coach Don Haskins and his team as he embarks on building a racially diverse roster for the Texas Western Miners in 1966. Due to the aftereffects of enslavement in the Southern United States, the lineup sparks controversy elicits racist acts from the community in the lead-up to the NCAA Championship. When two Black players on the team — Bobby Joe Hill and Harry Flournoy — begin dominating the court, a dispute raised by the community results in increased racial tension and division. The film explores the challenges the team faces to keep their head in the game and make history.

Venus and Serena (2012)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+

This documentary film focuses on the life of Venus and Serena Williams, and the hardships and challenges — including racism and sexism — they’ve faced throughout their careers despite their unmatched levels of success. The film features real footage of the Williams sisters throughout their lives from growing up to going pro. The documentary explores their successes amid discrimination and racial prejudice as they cement their legacy as two of the best tennis players in history. 

Black Ice (2022)
Where to watch: Crave

This Canadian documentary features stories of Black NHL players, including P.K. Subban, Wayne Simmonds, Akim Aliu, and Matt Dumba, and the racist comments and backlash they received despite their acquired success. The film acknowledges the Coloured Hockey League, which was an all-Black men’s hockey league in the Maritimes that was a safe space for athletes in a predominantly white sport. 

Books: 

Sting Like a Bee: Muhammad Ali vs. the United States of America, 1966-1971
By: Leigh Montville (2017)

This biography follows the journey of Muhammad Ali at the height of his career, and his life and activism both within and outside boxing. This riveting read draws upon the struggles Ali faced as he fought for his rights — and those of other Black athletes and individuals — while shining light in the face of adversity. From refusing to join the military in Vietnam due to his anti-war views, to becoming a heavyweight champion, this biography explores an in-depth portrait of Ali’s life and social impact.

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play
By: Kobe Bryant (2018)

In his memoir, Bryant draws on his personal and professional life, including his career as a Los Angeles Laker. He recalls his time on the Olympic team, and the method he single-handedly appointed to his basketball success, Mamba Mentality: trusting in the process based on the work you’ve put in. Bryant’s autobiography is filled with insight and experiences, from start to finish, as he acknowledges the hard work that resulted in his success. 

How to sabotage a completely healthy and happy relationship (lesbian version)

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By: Tam Nguyen, SFU Student

Inside an SFU dorm, there’s a girl sleeping on the couch. A YouTube video called “Learn C++ in 15 minutes” is playing on the TV screen. Suddenly, there’s a loud BANG on the door that could easily wake up a whole neighbourhood. Yet, the girl is still deep in REM sleep. She only gets pulled out of her nightmare about her upcoming group project when an RCMP squad shoves through the doors and yells at her that she is under arrest. 

“You can’t arrest me; I’m gay and Asian!” she says. “Wait, and I mean this in a so not suspicious way, but just so we’re all on the same page here. Which crime are you here for?” 

“You have committed a crime against national security. What you have done puts the well-being of all Canadians at risk,” one of the officers answers.

“First of all, I don’t see how that’s possible given that I didn’t raise the grocery and house prices and make having children unaffordable.” 

The police officer pulls out a notebook from her pocket “No, but you invented an algorithm to break up with a completely healthy and happy lesbian relationship, it’s in your diary. Do you still deny the allegation?”

The girl was surprised. “That’s ridiculous! There’s no correlation between lesbians sabotaging their own relationships and national security!”

“Some straight people stole your method, and soon there will be no happy couples left! ” 

“Classic move — first Girl In Red and now this. Can we have our own thing just for once?”

“You are responsible for creating such a deadly algorithm.” The police officer starts opening the notebook.

Inside the notebook, we see a fully written page. 

Dear diary, this is how to break up with a completely healthy and happy relationship (lesbian version).

Step 1: Fact Check </b
Make sure that your relationship is completely happy and healthy and your girlfriend is a good person. Do NOT break up with narcissists, because they are hot. Don’t believe it? Go and watch Killing Eve! 

Step 2: Nitpicking
Consume as much social media as you can, about someone richer, prettier, and more talented and then ask yourself this question “What is the thing that I don’t like about my girlfriend?” 

Preferably something she can improve easily. The easier that is, the tastier it feels at the end.

Step 3: “Is it better to stay or to die?”
To die it is! Do NOT communicate it with your girlfriend. When she asks if everything is okay, you say “Of course babe, everything is, indeed, fine.” 

Step 3.5: The Bestfriend
Find someone who dislikes your girlfriend for no reason, and tell them about your problem. You’re going to have the most eye-opening conversation of your life.

Step 4: Not my fault
Let the problem sink in long enough you start resenting her. It’s her fault that she can’t read your mind. 

Entering a loop condition: 
If you don’t resent her enough:
Go back to step 1.
Start again.
If you do: move on to Step 5.

Step 5: Oscar Nomination 
Keep acting like things are okay. Plan for the future, road trips, and holidays. Continue telling her how much you love her and that she is way too good for you.

For extra fun, let’s ask her to U-Haul (if you haven’t done so after the first date), to marry you, or to adopt a cat. Don’t worry, it’s not like you’re going to do all these things for real, right?

Step 6: Self-care 
Convince yourself she isn’t the one, and you deserve better. She is too . . . flawed! (the flaw that can be easily changed if you tell her in the first place) 

Step 6.5. Almost there
You should probably fall out of love with her at this point, but if you’re not, go back and keep grinding through these previous steps — you’ll get there eventually.

Optional step: You may consider emotionally cheating.

Step 7: Shoot the news 
Once you fall out of love, tell her you want to break up. I suggest sending a breakup text while she is having a night out with friends. Surprise, baby! 

Step 8: Strong woman
Do NOT give her a second chance to fix the problem. How hard did you have to work to NOT tell her in the first place? Are you letting all of these efforts go to waste? 

Step 9: Final Step 
Walk away from your perfectly healthy and happy relationship; convince yourself you dodged a bullet. If she cannot read your mind, that’s not your soulmate. Next time consider dating a psychic! 

The police officer stops reading. “Seriously, who hurt you?” 

“All the pretty girls, I guess,” she shrugs her shoulders, “Happy Valentine’s Day!”

Hate mail for my oral contraceptive

By
Peak Web
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0
ILLUSTRATION: Jill Baccay / The Peak

By: C Icart, Humour Editor

Dear bitch — I mean pill, 

Listennnn, before anyone comes for me for coming for you, I will acknowledge that you don’t screw everyone over. But just because you’re playing nice with other people does not mean I don’t get to call you out for just sitting there in silence while my doctor told me “there’s basically no side effects” to me taking you. You knew that was a lie! I bet you were sitting in your little blister pack giggling, knowing the havoc you were about to wreak on my body. 

When you came home with me for the first time and I made you promise you’d regulate my periods from hell, you had your fingers crossed behind your back. That’s the only explanation! You worked perfectly in the beginning so I would trust you. You’re just a little conniving tablet. I let my guard down and BAM! You hit me with the breakthrough bleeding. 

I will not stand for this level of backstabbing (or should I say uterus stabbing). In true “girl’s girl who is not a girl” fashion (don’t worry my fellow enbys know what I mean by that), I will be exposing you, so you don’t dupe someone else. I tried to come to you directly to squash this and you convinced me I just needed a higher dose. Well, the lie detector test I secretly gave you determined that that was a lie! 

I wrote your name in my Burn Book and warned everyone about you so no one can downplay the side effects of combination birth control pills to unsuspecting teenagers and young adults ever again.  

Hate you forever,
A girlie who’s tired of 14-day periods

Cleat Cute is the 2SLGBTQIA+ offering to the growing sports romance genre

By
Peak Web
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0
an illustrated book cover of two women soccer players staring at one another on the soccer field
ILLUSTRATION: Courtesy of St. Martin’s Publishing Group

By: Kaja Antic, Sports Writer

Want a new sports-related book to read this Valentine’s season? Look no further than Meryl Wilsner’s 2023 novel Cleat Cute. Marketed as “Ted Lasso meets A League of Their Own,” this sapphic rivals-to-lovers romcom embraces the drama of women’s soccer in a story that will be sure to win you over. 

The two main characters come from very different backgrounds, but end up at the same US Women’s National Team training camp ahead of international competitions. 

Phoebe Matthews is the rookie, a recent college graduate from rural Indiana who clashes almost immediately with her idol, Grace Henderson. Phoebe is outgoing, chaotic, and a standard class clown — everything Grace isn’t. 

Grace is in her 10th year on the US national team, feeling like her career is nearing its end even though she’s only 26. She debuted at 16 as Phoebe watched from home, only four years her junior.

Focused on making the national team, Phoebe has bigger plans for training camp instead of trying to woo her idol. She heads into her first season with the fictional American Women’s Soccer Association (AWSA) New Orleans Krewe — the team Grace also happens to captain. However, a lost bet forces her to make the first romantic move and kiss Grace. While the kiss ignites feelings between the two, they don’t talk about it. 

Phoebe moves to New Orleans ahead of the Krewe training camp a month later, preparing for this new chapter in her life as a professional soccer player. Grace is also there early, and is persuaded by Phoebe to show her around the city, as it’s her first time living outside of Indiana.

The two develop a tentative friendship when Grace takes charge as Phoebe’s tour guide, showing her all the places in the city she had already called home for years. In addition to this, the two also begin a friends-with-benefits arrangement, adding more steamy aspects to the extremely entertaining story.

As training camp begins and the American international window grows closer, conflicts arise between the two. Grace is sidelined with an injury early on — missing a key international tournament leading up to the women’s World Cup — and is forced to adjust to life outside of soccer for the first time in decades. Phoebe is assumed to take her place in the lineup for both the Krewe and the US national team.

Grace struggles with this adjustment, and with the support of Phoebe, mends both her injury, and hesitancy toward relationships due to unresolved past conflicts. Phoebe also has her difficulties, from having to hold a part-time job as a waitress at a diner to her pursuit of a permanent spot on both the Krewe and national team lineups.

The queer representation in this book is outstanding, with multiple characters being part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community aside from Grace and Phoebe. Phoebe’s younger brother Teddy is trans, and her diner coworker Dallas as well as Krewe goalkeeper Ash are both nonbinary. Grace’s sister Harmony is pansexual, and multiple players on the Krewe and the national team fall under the queer umbrella.

There is also a focus on neurodiversity as Phoebe deals with ADHD and the pressures of being in the closet as a professional athlete, even though in the book the sport is largely accepting of queer individuals. Phoebe has been publicly out as a lesbian for as long as she can remember, while Grace is only out to her family and close friends and still struggling with her image in the public eye. 

Even if you aren’t a sports fan, this book is fantastic. There isn’t a lot of previous soccer knowledge required to understand what is going on. If you’re looking for a spicy WLW, happily-ever-after set in the exciting world of women’s soccer, Cleat Cute is a must-read. 

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Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

For advertising inquiries: [email protected]
For promotional inquiries: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society

Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

For advertising inquiries: [email protected]
For promotional inquiries: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society