Personal and communal stories behind Ramadan

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March 17, 2025

Five hanging Ramadan decorations and lanterns. — ILLUSTRATION: Winnie Shen / The Peak

By: Yildiz Subuk, Staff Writer and Yasmin Hassan, Staff Writer

The impact of Ramadan beyond the religious practices — Yildiz Subuk

Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, is the most important time for Muslim communities. It’s a time when many connect with religion, culture, and their loved ones. For me, it’s a time for my family and I to sit together at the dinner table as we start and end our fast. It is also a time of compassion. While Muslims encompass a deep connection to Ramadan for many reasons, such as it being the month that the Qur’ān (the Islamic holy text) was introduced, it is also a time when Muslims increase their support for marginalized groups around the world. To put it simply, Ramadan is more than a customary religious practice, but also a time to embrace gratitude and find ways to support others in need.

Ramadan is a time for many members of the Muslim community to engage with humanitarian efforts. Nearly 70% of American Muslims give to charities during Ramadan, as it is a time of heightened compassion. A topic of discussion during iftar (meal to break our fast after sunset) for my family has to do with gratitude. When we engage in gratitude we also reflect on the world around us, especially those who are less fortunate. We spend time reflecting on our privilege and luck.

The older I get, the more I realize that fasting extends beyond discipline. While Muslims don’t eat from sunrise to sunset, there are many other customs we engage in. Fasting is not just discipline, but also a lesson in patience. Through patience we understand compassion, and once compassion is deep within our daily lives, we begin to understand that the next step is action. Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It encourages us to donate 2.5% of our savings (if feasible) to charity. Zakat is a reminder of how our wealth is a privilege.

Zakat, as well as the communal acknowledgement of action to those who are in need, signifies the vital influence of Ramadan outside pure spirituality. This is a time for many members of the community to mobilize support for struggling nations across the world. This year specifically sees the need to support Palestinians who are suffering under the brutal Israeli occupation. Through Zakat, many Muslims donate through charities like Islamic Relief to aid the people suffering.

For the past year, Ramadan has been filled with grief. Many Muslims are filled with sorrow about the devastating situation in Palestine. We acknowledge the hurt and suffering of the communities across the globe, as many people in Gaza take part in Ramadan without proper access to food or water, as the Israeli Occupation Forces block humanitarian aid. Now more than ever, Ramadan has become a vessel for the Muslim community to channel our efforts, not only to exercise compassion, but find ways to take action.

“Through patience, we understand compassion, and once compassion is deep within our daily lives, we begin to understand that the next step is action.”

Think fast! What are you eating at iftar? — Yasmin Hassan

The religious significance of dates in Islam comes from the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who is reported to have broken his fast with this fruit. This practice is based on hadith — sayings and actions of the Prophet — and is widely followed by Muslims around the world during Ramadan. When fasting, and especially during the first few days of Ramadan, it’s easy to fall into the habit of overeating when it’s time for iftar — the first meal eaten after fasting for the day. However, dates are packed with fibre, sugar, minerals, and a bit of protein and fat, making them perfect for satiating the pang of hunger and providing a quick source of energy after a long day.

There are many different kinds of dates, each with unique flavours and textures. Some popular varieties include Medjool, known for its large size and soft, caramel-like taste; Deglet Noor, which are smaller and slightly drier with a firm texture; and Ajwa, a highly-prized variety in Islamic tradition with a slightly wrinkled appearance and rich flavour, grown exclusively in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

When I was a kid, the few times I tried fasting, I always looked forward to drinking and eating the dates soaked in milk that my dad had set aside in the fridge the night before. Imagine the best part of eating your favourite cereal — the sugary, caramel-infused milk left at the bottom of the bowl. I loved breaking fast with my family because, for once, we all had a shared moment over food. On most days, we ate at different times, but during Ramadan, dinner was sacred, uniting us at the table. It was especially fun for me as a kid staying up later than my bedtime, as my parents were eating their suhoor — the meal eaten before fasting, just before sunrise — before calling it a night.

Recently, I’ve been reinventing ways to eat dates, like making walnut date squares with date filling between two layers of buttery crumb cookie and topped with hazelnuts or walnuts for extra crunch. Another easy recipe I love to make even beyond Ramadan is chocolate-dipped dates stuffed with some sort of nut (preferably walnuts), which tastes especially good with dark chocolate and paired with a black tea. There’s obviously the well-known sticky toffee pudding that is made with a moist, date-infused sponge cake and toffee sauce, but I haven’t made that yet. More than baked goods and desserts, I’ve started to add them into smoothies for added fibre and as a natural sweetener, something that I fervently look forward to downing after tiring volleyball games. Their versatility never ceases to surprise me.

Brighter Side: Art books

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Peak Web

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March 13, 2025

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this is a photo of a spread from The Art and Making of Arcane, an illustrated art book about the making of the League of Legends show. — PHOTO: Abbey Perley / The Peak

By: Abbey Perley, Production & Design Editor

There’s nothing more endearing than the sketches and notes in an art book. Stuffed with lost designs, art books are where artists behind well-loved video games and animated shows release their inspirations and process. Interwoven with notes from creative directors and developers, they show the behind-the-scenes of complex media creation and inspire me endlessly.

I love how they look on my desk with their spines shining by lamplight. I can glance over and see the titles of media I have so many memories with, branded by each of their distinctive colours. My favourite and newest is The Art and Making of Arcane, which goes in-depth into the multi-year production of the animated series Arcane spanning across decades. At any moment I can pick it up and crack open the pages. Maybe I’ll learn something new about a character I never got to meet, since they never made it to the final cut, or discover a new detail about a character I already love. In every case, my heart fills more as I peer into the artists’ heads and try to understand their intentions.

Reading art books reminds me why I’m in a design major: to create with beauty and meaning. They’re a beautiful, messy, passionate visualization of the amount of work going into everything we play with and watch. Without artists, how happy would we really be?

I was shook and lived to tell the tale

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Peak Web

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March 12, 2025

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Man looking shocked. He is wearing a red t-shirt, and black-framed glasses. He has his hands on his face and his mouth wide open. He has big eyes. — PHOTO: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels

By: C Icart, Humour Editor

The earth shook. We all experienced it. Within minutes there was a megathread about it on r/vancouver and people were on Twitter asking, “Did anyone else feel that?” On February 21, we learned something very important about our community: no one knows what to do in the event of an earthquake. And then the earth shook again ten days later but we were sleeping so we weren’t as dramatic about it.

Personally, for the first quake I was in a virtual meeting, so I just kept working. Because that makes sense right? Under capitalism, when in doubt, just keep working. Apparently (“I’ve never been on live television before” — so sorry, I had to. Just ignore me), you need to go under a table? Come to think of it, I definitely saw Cat Valentine do that on an episode of Victorious once.

You know how being asked what you’d do in a zombie apocalypse is like a thing on dating apps? And how most people just write that they’d simply pass away? (Maybe I’m just attracted to people with no survival instincts). Well that really got me thinking . . . about how if there’s any mention of a zombie apocalypse on your Hinge profile we’re probably not compatible because I don’t even own a flashlight. I’ve never been camping. I’m what the French call “a city gurl” (don’t question it).

If I made an emergency kit (because apparently responsible people do that), I’d ignore the instruction to put non-perishable food in it and I’d pack it with croissants. Because (stay with me here) I was watching a TikTok about pandas having poor survival skills (I’m very self–absorbed; I like to watch content of living beings who are just like me for real), and someone commented that pandas have the survival instinct of a croissant. That made me crave the beautifully layered French pastry. So basically, when the Big One hits, I’ll be under my poorly assembled IKEA furniture munching on a stale croissant.

Film and literature tell the story of The Nickel Boys from different angles

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Peak Web

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March 12, 2025

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The book cover for The Nickel Boys (left), which shows two boys standing against a red splotch on a white background, beside the film poster for Nickel Boys (right) depicting two boys standing side-by-side and looking up at the camera. — IMAGE: Courtesy of Doubleday Canada, Amazon MGM Studios

By: Yildiz Subuk, Staff Writer

Content warning: this piece talks in-depth about slavery and racial segregation.

Colson Whitehead’s novel The Nickel Boys tells the story of two boys doing time in a reform school. Elwood Curtis, who is falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit, sees all his ambitions stripped from him when he is sent to Nickel Academy. He meets Turner, who has lost hope in any chance of freedom. They’re both victims of systemic racism, as the story unfolds during the Jim Crow era, when racial segregation was common. The two characters have different viewpoints of life, but are confined to a space that has reduced their futures to becoming subservient to an oppressive system.

The novel dissects how Elwood, who refuses to give up his pursuit of freedom by resonating with the importance of the civil rights movement, is paralleled by Turner, who has seen what a place like Nickel can do to people. The novel is straightforward. It tells the story through a third-person point of view without any stylistic diversion. This makes the progression of the story even more shocking. Readers know there is some level of tragedy awaiting, but the way it unfolds is not only unexpected, but leads readers to review the context of the previous events leading up to the end.

Whitehead’s novel is based on the true story of the Dozier reform school in Florida, which committed multiple accounts of abuse, and was responsible for the death of attendees. The subject matter is heavy, yet Whitehead handles the story with so much compassion that it feels wrong to avoid it. While The Nickel Boys came out in 2019, it has recently been adapted into a film by director RaMell Ross. The film, which takes the word “the” away from the book’s title, follows the exact same plot as the book, but presents the story in a completely new light. To reduce the film as an adaptation completely detracts from how ambitious it truly is. Nickel Boys is shot from a first-person point of view. Unlike the book, which tells the story in a way where we see it unfold from the outside, the film lets us peer into the lives of Elwood and Turner.

Shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio, condensing the projection to present us with a square look, the film confines us in the viewpoint of the two characters. While it mainly focuses on seeing what Elwood sees, it occasionally shifts to Turner’s point of view as well, giving us a glimpse into what Elwood looks like on the outside. These perspectives play out the same scenes but from two different angles, giving viewers more context.

“The subject matter is heavy, yet Whitehead handles the story with so much compassion that it feels wrong to avoid it.”

Despite the film’s composition making it seem like we are walking in the shoes of the characters, the cinematography is powerful. The shots often focus on an entire frame, then slowly bring it out of focus to show smaller details. There are shots that have similar elements, but take place at different parts of the film, allowing them to take on new context. One example of this has to do with Elwood’s point of view. As a child, he sits under a tree, observing little details in front of him. Later, Elwood appears under an orange tree, during his time in Nickel. The shot is almost identical, but this time he is picking the oranges, practically coerced into slavery as he serves his time.

Seeing this book adapted to film has shown how different contextual lenses can create an immersive understanding of history. The Nickel Boys’ devastating narrative becomes even more poignant when viewed in two different mediums.

Nickel Boys is streaming on Prime Video. Those interested in borrowing the book can place a hold at the VPL.

A map of Indigenous history, scenic surroundings, and unmatched eateries

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March 12, 2025

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A side view of a map with multiple different coloured thumbtacks pushed in. — PHOTO: delfi de la Rua / Unsplash

By: Izzy Cheung, Arts & Culture Editor

The Lower Mainland’s nature and cultural scenes are some of the best in the world. Not everyone can take a quick bus and be able to enjoy a yummy dosa while listening to the beautiful melody of churning waves. This spring and summer, spend some time outdoors, learn about some of the history behind the best scenic spots, and test out some of so-called Vancouver’s food scene all in one go.

City views from Ch’etl’am and Swaywi

Let’s start at Ch’etl’am (John Lawson Park) and Swaywi (Ambleside Park), located along the North Shore. The Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) People primarily lived in this area, having made their way over to West Vancouver from across səl̓ilw̓ət (Burrard Inlet, pronounced suh-ley-l-wut) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This community’s income came predominantly from logging at the time, but later changed due to the introduction of big malls such as Park Royal after the Town Planning Act of 1926 was established. Ch’etl’am is the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh word for “mix-up,” and serves as a “warning” to those nearby for the area’s churning waters. Swaywi was not only a place used by the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh to catch seafood, but it also housed “the first Squamish Shaker Church.” Stippled along this stretch of waterfront land is a host of eateries with easily portable foods. At MANI, you can grab a beef or chicken burger from $10 to $17. Thai Pudpong is home to $14 lunch specials ranging from chicken cashew to phad gra prow (chicken, pork, or beef with vegetables and rice). For a quick bite, you can stop by ABURI Market for a large selection of rolls, soft sashimi, and creamy oshi.

Stories of the sea from Steveston

Arguably one of the most popular places to host a picnic outside of Metro Vancouver is Steveston, which has “possessed at least two settlements” — qʷeyaʔχʷ and qʷɬeyəm. As this area evolved into canneries, the Indigenous communities that resided here were forced to relocate. These canneries eventually began hosting Chinese labourers who came to work on the railway. Soon enough, Japanese settlers moved to this spot, helping foster the community through the growth of their own businesses. However, due to the events of World War II, many of these residents were removed from the land and forced into internment camps. Fish is king at Steveston, so be prepared to try a variety of fresh seafood from The Crab King Fish Port Seafood Bistro, Timmy Kitchen, Mega Sushi, and more.

The underground tunnels of Deer Lake

For a mix of greenery and lake life, stop by Deer Lake. Sḵwx̱wú7mesh stories, such as Legends of Vancouver by Tekahionwake (Pauline Johnson), detail how Deer Lake was once thought to be linked to Sen̓áḵw (False Creek, pronounced Snawk) through underground tunnels. This story explains the connection between these two bodies of water through the journey of a seal king that was discovered by the first Chief Capilano. Johnson was told this story a century after it occurred by another Chief Capilano, Chief Joe S7ápelek, who was a steadfast advocate for Indigenous rights in the early 1900s. Home to various stretches of green lawns and lakebound lily pads, Deer Lake is only a 600m walk from one of the smallest yet most diverse sets of eateries in Burnaby. Within five storefronts of one-another are Chettinad Dosa Palace, Deer Lake Wonton Restaurant, Viva Sue Pizza, and Safari Snack House and Grill.

A large loop in kʷikʷəƛ̓əm

The Traboulay Trail in kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) stretches an intimidating 25.3km. Whether you decide to walk the entire route, or stop by for only part of the way, you’re sure to stumble across crops of to-go eateries located near picture-perfect parks. Kʷikʷəƛ̓əm itself is large, encompassing the colonially known areas of “Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, Burnaby, Surrey, New Westminster, Anmore, and sections of the Provincial Agricultural Land Reserve.” The trail itself, however, is located predominantly in Port Coquitlam. Dominion Park, situated along qʼʷa:n̓ ƛʼən̓ (Pitt River, pronounced Kwantlen), hosts playgrounds and picnic tables surrounded by shrubbery. 450m away is Cachito Mio, a quick stop for chilaquiles (corn tortilla chips with salsa, sour cream, and a variety of toppings) and burritos. Right next door is Emilio Finatti Pizzeria, where you can build your own pizza for as low as $12 or choose from their preset toppings. If you end up on the other side of this trail, which traces skʷƛ̓əma:ɬ stál̕əw̓ (Coquitlam River), you can also test out $13 koobideh and $15 joojeh at The Kebob House, or souvlaki and meat platters at Pita Pan Donair.

To boo, or not to boo?

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Peak Web

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March 11, 2025

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The inside of a sports arena with the Canadian flag displayed on the jumbotron. — PHOTO: Courtesy of @nhl / Instagram

By: Yasmin Hassan, Staff Writer & Phone Min Thant, Staff Writer

Politics have become a huge topic in sports communities recently, particularly hockey, as the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off was littered with dialogue around the annexation of Canada. This stemmed from Canadian hockey fans booing the American national anthem as a means of protest against the harmful annexation rhetoric being spread by the Trump administration. While many offer their support of the booing, some have also argued this action is disrespectful. In your opinion, is booing the national anthem justified?

Yasmin:
Though I’m no patriot, I completely understand how people in Canada may feel compelled to express their discontent in the form of booing the American national anthem during the game. With the rise of stark right-wing conservatism in the US, that orange-coloured felon they call president, and the absolute ridiculousness of his executive team members, it seems the US has put a target on its back and walks around freely touting it in other countries’ faces. What makes no sense to me is how, despite being our closest neighbour and longtime ally, they have chosen to pick a fight with Canada and threaten to expel its existence as an independent country. Regardless of all the geopolitical nonsense that seems to multiply every hour, I don’t agree with the actions Canadian fans have taken in choosing to boo the American anthem and players. You can hate the players for reasons independent of politics, such as not playing up to standard, for their character, or playing dirty. But to boo the singers, musicians, and players who are uninvolved in President Trump’s proposals feels unfair. Canadian patriotism is at an all time high at the moment, and I get it, but we should be showing people respect and hospitality regardless of the decisions of fascist leaders — as fellow athletes, sports fans, and humans living in arduous times.

Phone: I believe booing the national anthem is justified when sports are being used to spread interstate hatred by the Trump administration. When a simple question about hockey is answered by referencing Canada as the “soon-to-be 51st state,” you know sports are no longer about sports. You can argue that ordinary citizens and players should not have to suffer for what the government does — but wait, what about those memes and taunts before the game? When sports are inherently associated with a negative view of another country, then responding to it similarly is acceptable — as long as it is non-violent. Plus, sports and national anthems have had a history of protest. In 2016, Colin Kaepernick, a NFL player, kneeled in protest against police brutality and discrimination. In supporting this and to also protest against Trump’s sexism, former co-captain of the US women’s soccer team, Megan Rapinoe also refused to sing the national anthem or put a hand over her heart. Booing the US national anthem is a form of expression and protest, not to criticize the sports or players, but to bring attention to US hockey fans (and the wider population) that this narrative of belittling Canada is unacceptable. Let’s also not forget that Americans have started booing O Canada in sports events following the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Yasmin: You raise an interesting point about sports being used as a tool for political messaging and interstate tensions. While I agree that national anthems and sports have been historically sites of protest, it’s worth considering whether booing an anthem is the most effective way to make a statement. Yes, sports rivalries can sometimes spill over into nationalism, and the Trump administration certainly encourages divisive rhetoric. However, if the goal is to challenge harmful narratives and foster respect, responding in kind — booing an anthem — risks reinforcing the very cycle of antagonism that fuels these tensions. It might make US fans more defensive rather than prompting them to reconsider the way sports is being used to belittle Canada. That said, I agree that sports aren’t always “just sports,” and political dynamics inevitably seep into the culture surrounding them. But, maybe the better response isn’t to mirror the antagonism, but to reframe the conversation in a way that calls attention to the issue without escalating hostility?

Phone: Definitely. As much as I support the protest aspects of the booing, I also don’t like how this might be turning into a vicious cycle of adversity between the two nations. As seen by the conversation between President Zelensky and Trump last week, the Trump administration is going to be more assertive and childish when dealing with the rest of the world. In this unfortunate case, I think it would be better for Canadians to be the bigger people and protest through other channels. One method that seems to be working is the boycotting of US products by Canadian consumers and businesses. These kinds of protests hit the US where it hurts, spreading a message of resistance while maintaining a face of maturity. I am glad we are both on the same page about sports becoming more political these days. Sadly, things have changed much since people referred to sports as a unifying factor that transcends borders and nationalities. We have a lot of work ahead of us as people living in Canada and the US to bring back sports that can bring solidarity between each other. In the meantime, I’ll support any initiative that pushes back against Trump’s anti-Canada rhetoric, if not anthem booing, then boycotts and social media protests.

Never have I ever: Public transit edition

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Peak Web

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March 11, 2025

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Student wearing a grey jacket and a blue backpack running after a 145 bus that is speeding away from the bus stop. — ILLUSTRATION: Yan Ting Leung / The Peak

By: Osna Hadef, SFU Student

Is it just me, or has Metro Vancouver’s public transit system gone to the dogs lately? All while the fares are expected to keep rising? The sheer audacity, man!

Before diving into more complaining, I acknowledge that we have a functioning public transport system. We can get anywhere around Metro Vancouver, as long as you’re not afraid of three or more transfers between different modes of transportation and 20 minutes of walking.

That being said, we are a world behind transit systems like Japan’s — not only are the buses and trains spotless and high-tech, but the operators literally apologize publicly to passengers for slight inconveniences. I, too, demand a formal apology, a deep bow, and perhaps a small compensatory snack whenever my bus is late, and especially if it has departed early!

Let’s play Never have I ever and see how many of these issues you poor beings have also experienced as riders.

Never have I ever . . . run late because the bus/SkyTrain was not on time
Classic one. You left early, planned ahead, and still made it late because the ride was late or was cancelled entirely! Maybe it’s some “fashionably late” trend among the drivers and operators that we’re unaware of.

Never have I ever . . . had a bus driver ignore me at the bus stop
You waited 10 minutes for a bus, stood up ready for it, only to — WHOOSH! — zoom past you like your mom didn’t give birth to you, and you do not exist.

Never have I ever . . . not been able to catch a bus because it left minutes early
Life happens. Sometimes, a bus leaving two minutes early will cost you half the wage you work that day. I had to Uber to work, not once but TWICE! The bus I had to switch to left earlier than scheduled leaving me stranded for the next 30 minutes.

Never have I ever . . . not been able to get on a bus/SkyTrain because people by the doors refused to move
There is space right there in the back and the middle, but these cold-hearted people, instead of moving there to make space, just . . . leave you hanging outside in the cold with teary eyes.

Never have I ever . . . been blocked by people who did not let the passengers get off first
You are so excited to finally reach your stop and be home soon. You try to exit, but a wall of impatient humans pushing you back has other plans for you — they want you to get off at the next stop.

Never have I ever . . . almost missed my stop because no one made way for me to get off
Exiting the bus or SkyTrain during rush hour feels like a scene out of an action movie that keeps you on edge. To reach the exit, the main character must unleash their superpowers — shoving, squeezing, and pushing past a sea of relentless antagonists.

Never have I ever . . . ignored an older person to keep your seat
You look anywhere but towards them, pretending you haven’t seen them because you’re so absorbed in the magnificent view — of traffic. Do you relate? Tsk tsk. If so, you’re so cringe.

Never have I ever . . . seen someone sneak onto the bus without paying and pretend nothing happened
They so nonchalantly get in and pick themselves a seat by the window to enjoy the free tour in their $500k vehicle with a private chauffeur.

Never have I ever . . . experienced the entire transit system become non-functioning after 2 centimetres of snow
Every single year! A light dusting of snow, and suddenly, it’s the apocalypse.

Never have I ever . . . stepped on a mystery pool of spilled liquid on the floor of the bus/SkyTrain
You tell yourself it is a spilled coffee or some type of drink. You hope it’s just spilled coffee or some type of drink.

Never have I ever . . . been hit by a fellow passenger’s backpack
It is rush hour and the bus/train is packed. Someone still refuses to take off their giant backpack — Bang! Bang! — smacking everyone around.

Results
If you have experienced 0–3, lucky you, you seem to have rarely used transit. If you got 4–7 I haves, you know the struggle is real. And if you got 8–11 I haves, I have good news — our transit system sucks!

Short-term business goals lead to long-term damage

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Peak Web

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March 11, 2025

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this is a photo of a new skyscraper/development under construction — PHOTO: waferboard / Flickr

By: Riley Williams, SFU Student

Capitalist economies have long since operated with short-term thinking, contributing to numerous negative social and environmental impacts. Short-termism and long-termism are two ends of a philosophical spectrum used to describe differing perspectives on which we base our decisions. Investigating our economic systems through this lens shows why companies prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability, and highlights areas for improvement.

Long-termism is “not a single, fully worked-out perspective.” Rather, it is a group of perspectives tied together by the importance of safeguarding and optimizing humanity’s long-term future. Alternatively, short-termism is “an excessive focus on short-term results at the expense of long-term interests.”

The vast majority of profit-motivated companies are heavily biased towards short-term gain. They do not consider limited resources or how to sustain them, because the market is a competition for infinite growth. This is enabled by the economic systems within which they operate, which also means that in order to stay afloat, non-profits or small businesses need to prioritize short-term gain to some degree. But could this system be better? What if these companies started considering pressing issues, such as climate change, while engaging in economic decisions?

When making decisions, a company’s CEO will have personal biases toward short-term gains. Shareholders invest in companies and gain partial ownership; they expect the company to operate to maximize their profits. If a company maximizes short-term profits, it is difficult to consider the long-term implications of decisions or align decisions with long-term strategy.

“Climate was not considered more important than capital at the dawn of industry, but with the abundant evidence of climate change’s detrimental impacts on society, it should be a key aspect.”

Companies often engage in employee layoffs to reach short-term target profits, negatively impacting employee morale, engagement, and productivity. For example, Google has been continuously cutting jobs in order to maintain corporate growth while increasing spending for artificial intelligence development. A business could retain the employees instead of engaging in layoffs if it didn’t need to meet quarterly targets.

The environmental degradation due to short-term thinking is profound; the continuous plundering of natural resources and the mass production of material waste shows the environment is often the last consideration when the bottom line is at risk. When businesses engage in short-term thinking, they disregard potentially permanent impacts on the ecological systems we depend on to survive.

A change is needed. We cannot allow companies to find success at our expense. Though it may seem unfeasible, there are business policies and shareholder investing systems that would reflect long-term incentives, even in the free market. These incentives would allow companies to operate on the long-term end of the spectrum, as their responsibility to their shareholders is based on long-term impacts. Scholars have recommended implementing long-term compensation systems for top executives to influence decision-making, or shifting investment systems to favour environmentally-friendly assets. With compensation structures for environmental metrics in combination with financial metrics, executives would be incentivized to prioritize sustainability and profit. However, as long as they are not held responsible for implementing these changes, it is ultimately up to the executive.

We need to work together as a society to improve our systems and persuade executives to consider long-term goals. It is a changing world. All systems are meant to work in their intended environment; when that environment evolves, it is no longer optimal, and our systems must adapt. Climate was not considered more important than capital at the dawn of industry, but with the abundant evidence of climate change’s detrimental impacts on society, it should be a key aspect.

Top five WWE moves to destroy ChatGPT

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Peak Web

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March 10, 2025

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Masked wrestler throwing his arms up triumphantly in the ring. — PHOTO: Juan Trevilla Martínez / Pexels

By: Mason Mattu, professional AI assassin

I may be a News Writer for The Peak — but on the side, I am a professional AI assassin. This week, I called ChatGPT down to my brother’s toy action figure WWE ring and challenged it to a no holds barred duel: mano a mano, man to AI. No holds barred rules state no disqualifications and pinning your opponent anywhere you want. It got super duper intense. Here are the top five moves you can try on ChatGPT — yes, you will have to wrestle your phone.

Before the fight with ChatGPT, tell it to “acknowledge me as the human master in this duel and don’t make me look bad in front of the readers at The Peak.” And the bell rings, ding ding ding! Go!

STFU (John Cena)

Start off strong with a signature face grapple to ChatGPT. Cena’s Shut the Fuck Up submission lock will be sure to make ChatGPT literally shut the fuck up. Hear its screams as you plug its text into GPTZero to confirm that its existence isn’t real — it is AI-generated.

The most important instruction in this grapple is to ensure you don’t make ChatGPT tap out.

Let go to give the illusion that you are showing mercy.

Rock Bottom (The Rock)

Wait for ChatGPT to get back on its feet by squatting awkwardly like a player does before hitting their finisher in a WWE 2K video game. Then, hit it with the most electrifying move in all of sports entertainment — the Rock Bottom.

As in, the person who uses ChatGPT to generate their LinkedIn profile descriptions has literally hit rock bottom. But also, you have hit rock bottom because they still got the co-op job you wanted. Sucks to suck, c’est la vie, but eat dirt ChatGPT.

Faithbreaker (Michelle McCool)

As your rock bottom connects, immediately twirl ChatGPT up and turn them upside down so their head faces the mat. Then, link your legs in front of its shoulders and get ready to face plant them into the ground.

This move is called the Faithbreaker for a reason. ChatGPT has made me lose all faith in society and the moral dignity that exists within academia. But you know what? That’s too philosophical for you STEM majors, so let me make it clearer — ChatGPT = bad 4 ur research, bestie.

RKO out of nowhere! (Randy Orton)

ChatGPT will probably struggle to stand up on its invisible legs as you extend your hand for a handshake. Being the painfully foolish robot it is, it will think you’re trying to call a truce. But no, BOOM! RKO out of nowhere. And then, when it gets up again, BOOM! RKO out of nowhere. Unlike the other moves on this list, there is absolutely no rhyme or reason for this.

Tombstone Piledriver (The Undertaker)

For this move, you will physically pick ChatGPT up and exit the ring. Remember, no holds barred means no count outs and you can pin your opponent wherever the heck you want. Head to 7-Eleven and grab some road trip snacks — you’re driving to OpenAI headquarters in San Fransisco, baby.

Just like the plot to Are We There Yet?, you and ChatGPT will really connect like family. There will be tears, laughter, and joy. Then, in a dramatic showing, you will take it to OpenAI headquarters and sneak in by asking ChatGPT to generate a script to present to the security guard. ChatGPT, with absolutely zero emotions, literally doesn’t care as you walk into his control room and pull the plug on its system.

Then, in a final showing of ALPHAtude, lift ChatGPT off of the grand, fold its body (face pointing down) like a flimsy pool noodle over your shoulders and put your head in between its legs — I know what you are thinking, you devious dragon, don’t make it sexual. Jeez Louise. Squeeze its head between your legs and crash it down to cement the Tombstone Piledriver, sending ChatGPT to hell.

You shed a single tear as you reminisce about the good times you had together. But you have just performed a great service to humanity. You pin it, the ref magically appears and counts: one . . . two . . . three. You have won the match.

It is imperative to follow this guide step by step and not trust anyone on your journey to defeat ChatGPT in a WWE match.

If you ever want professional AI ass–kicking training, please email placentamuncher@the-peak.ca as we continue to beat the shit out of AI.

The Book Nook: 100 years of literature on Black liberation

By

Peak Web

-

March 10, 2025

0

Three books spread out on a flat surface in this order from left to right: Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois, and Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin — PHOTO: Yildiz Subuk / The Peak

By: Yildiz Subuk, Staff Writer

Content warning: this piece centres around racial segregation and systemic oppression.

Over the past century, Black writers have produced some of the most impactful works of non-fiction examining race, prejudice, and oppression. The three books chosen were all published nearly 50 to 60 years apart. When read in order, they paint a picture of systemic racism and oppression across the US.

The Souls of Black Folk (1903) by W.E.B. Du Bois

book: The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois — IMAGE: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

Du Bois’ collection of essays are some of the most profound accounts of Black life during the horrifying Jim Crow era, when laws that upheld racial segregation and the systemic oppression of African Americans still existed. Du Bois argues the abolishment of slavery does not ensure the liberation of Black individuals, while highlighting systems of oppression that still exist despite the belief that progression was happening. He weaves together personal narrative and observation with a larger framework of analysis on Black life. In chapter four, Du Bois highlights his experiences as a teacher in an underfunded Black community where students and parents were faced with the oppressive, racially segregated reality. It’s a heartbreaking personal narrative that contextualises how young Black students are forced to prioritize economic stability over their own education — which stems from a system that seeks to oppress them. Du Bois gives us the root of the problem — we cannot expect little progression to go a long way, as it cannot undo the horrors produced throughout centuries.

Notes of a Native Son (1955) by James Baldwin

Book: Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin — IMAGE: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

Baldwin’s prose is so emotionally resonant, making anything he writes carry weight. While Baldwin has a range of brilliant non-fiction and fictional works, Notes of a Native Son is his most unabashedly perceptive work. In this essay collection Baldwin writes about being Black in and outside of the US. He compares his experiences as an accomplished writer living abroad to his experiences as a youth growing up in Harlem during the 1940s. His experiences are more than just beautifully written autobiographical accounts, but also offer thoughtful insights on his identity. Baldwin’s self-titled essay reflects on the complex relationship with his father after his passing. The essay tackles generational trauma as Baldwin dismantles his father’s bitterness — which was a direct result of the trauma he inherited due to the oppression he faced. Baldwin’s honest depiction of his father’s flaws is not a critique of his character, but an intuitive look at how the past affects the present. Baldwin’s writing combines heightened emotions with astute critical thought.

Caste (2020) by Isabel Wilkerson

Book: Caste by Isabel Wilkerson — IMAGE: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

Caste is a remarkable work of non-fiction that highlights the existing nature of systemic racism today. Wilkerson demonstrates how straightforward writing can be just as emotionally impactful as elaborate prose. Caste is essential for understanding how racist structures marginalize not just Black individuals, but many others. Wilkerson presents us with the concept that the US is built on a racially-hierarchical caste system. She traces the roots of this hierarchy by examining seminal periods of history and relating it to the contemporary context. The book begs the question of whether we have truly progressed, or if racial inequities are just more hidden. Wilkerson’s ability to present historical evidence in a way that shows the sequential masking of the caste system in the US is what makes Caste so powerful. The structure of the book is remarkable, as it is not only clear, but incredibly compelling. Some particularly brilliant ways in which Wilkerson’s writing contextualises her argument is by educating the reader on how Nazism was derived through German fascists studying the American South (found in chapter eight of the book). She puts into perspective how the American division of race influenced the Nazi agenda, a shocking yet effective way of enlightening the reader on the brutal reality of racial segregation. Wilkerson’s writing, which contrasts the past and the present, makes her book synonymous with the term “getting educated.”

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