Chude Uzoka-Anofienem, Staff Writer

When I first began writing for The La Salle Collegian, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I thought I’d string some sentences together, maybe cover a few events, toss in a joke or two and call it a day. What I didn’t anticipate was how deeply this paper would weave itself into my week, my thoughts and, most unexpectedly, my sense of purpose.

Writing for a student newspaper isn’t glamorous. You’re not chasing Pulitzers or making headlines across the country. But The Collegian was never about that. It was about something much quieter—and in many ways, more important. It was about community. It was about giving voice to student concerns, celebrating achievements that might otherwise go unnoticed and capturing what it feels like to be part of La Salle University.

I remember my first article vividly. It was about Elon Musk purchasing Twitter and turning it into a complete hell site. I agonized over every word, double-checking facts, trying to strike the right tone, writing from my own perspective. When it finally went live, I refreshed the page more times than I care to admit, wondering if anyone would even read it. Someone did. A classmate stopped me after a lecture and said, “Hey, I read your Elon Musk article. That was cool.” That two-second exchange gave me more confidence than a dozen English classes in middle and high school ever could.

From there, I found my rhythm. I wrote about things that interested me, straying away from the typical school newspaper topics related to campus issues and towards more broader stories filtered through a La Salle lens. Some topics were fun and breezy—ranking the best and worst songs released in a given year. Others were more serious, like examining the WWE’s less than stellar reputation. Whatever the subject, I tried to write with empathy and curiosity. If there was one thing The Collegian taught me, it was how to listen—really listen—to people and their stories.

Of course, none of this happened in a vacuum. The editorial team was the engine behind the whole operation—smart, driven, slightly sleep-deprived people who made magic happen on deadline week after week. They held the bar high, but always with grace and humor. I owe every polished article to an editor who pushed me to my best.

Now, as I write this final piece, I feel the kind of bittersweet gratitude that comes with leaving something meaningful behind. I’m proud of the words I’ve written, but even more so, I’m thankful for the experience itself—for the friendships, the late-night brainstorming sessions, the thrill of seeing my byline and the hundreds of tiny moments that made The Collegian feel like home.

To everyone who read, responded or rolled their eyes at my work—thank you. You made me a better writer, and a more thoughtful person. And to future writers picking up where I leave off: write boldly, edit kindly and never underestimate the impact of your words.

Goodbye for now—but the story always continues.

Andrew Noel, Editor

I don’t know why, but as a kid, I used to always think about college. It seemed like, to me at least, a far away place that I may never get to. As I write this, I am three weeks away from graduating. Calling the feeling “weird” would be an understatement.

When I was picking which college to go to, I knew I was making a big choice. I just didn’t realize how big of a choice I was making and how much, for the better, it would impact my life. Given that I am so close to graduating, I’ve done a lot of reflecting on the last four years. It’s perhaps no surprise that I’ve had a lot of mixed emotions this semester, with the main one being thankful.

I’m thankful for La Salle, for challenging me both inside and outside the classroom, and forcing me to grow as a person.

I’m thankful for my professors–namely Dr. Brian Wyant, Dr. Kathleen Bogle and Dr. Caitlin Taylor–all of whom made my experience as a criminal justice major a good one. I always knew that they had my back and only ever wanted to see me succeed. One of the many things I learned in college was how impactful professors can be, and I will be forever grateful for the support and encouragement they showed me along the way.

A few weeks ago, I was watching the NCAA men’s hockey national championship broadcast. The announcer calling the game said that the best part of college is the friends that you make for life. Now that this journey is so close to being over, I can’t agree anymore with that statement. La Salle has given me a lot of good things, but the best thing is without a doubt the friends I will have for the rest of my life.

When I was picking which school to attend, I had a lot of options. Yet, I think it’s safe to say that I hit the jackpot. I can only hope that everyone finds their college experience as fulfilling and life changing as I did.

So that’s it. The quickest and best four years of my life are over. While I’m excited for the future, I will certainly miss La Salle and be indebted for everything it has given me. 

Jamila Robinson, Staff Writer

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! 

You are officially graduating, and for those of you who haven’t worked during your studies, you’re about to step into the next chapter of your life: the workforce. The thrill of the nine-to-five grind will warmly embrace you, and you will be excited to be part of it. However, as you embark on this new journey into adulthood, remember that the lessons you’ve learned in education will be invaluable. All the knowledge and insights you’ve gained will support you, so prepare yourself to take charge and pave the way as a new employee.

Admittedly, this is the time that you are expected to make your mark and hopefully, leave an impression that is positive and memorable. The truth is, the journey ahead won’t always be easy, but with the support of your family, friends and the community that you have cultivated you will be able to survive. 

Additionally, during this period of adjustment try to work on your communication skills, where once you could hide within the classroom during a lecture you will now be asked to participate more and possibly lead; remain calm, this is your time to shine, be clear and concise when communicating and be an active and engaging participant. 

While we are on the topic of communication, your nonverbal communication skills are just as important as verbal communication. Be sure to use good eye contact, and use open body language to show that you are engaged in the conversation. No matter what has been assigned to you, if you are unsure, it is better to seek guidance and direction, don’t be hesitant to ask for help. 

It is also a good time to get better organized so the tools that you used for classes that worked, be sure to enhance them. Be sure to use the technology that you have access to for your advantage. This may include email, chat apps or even video conferencing software. Choose the tools that are most appropriate for the task at hand, and make sure to use it consistently. A caution to the wise, be professional in your use of technology. Your activity might be monitored, and you will be dismissed for inappropriate activity.

This period will be an adjustment, and you might stumble, but you can do it. Take breaks, yes, you will need that time to mentally unplug. It is important to take breaks and rest when needed to avoid burnout and maintain your productivity. Taking regular breaks can help you stay focused and clear-headed, which is essential. Also be sure to also stay flexible, and open to new ideas and approaches. You will need to be willing to adapt as the situation changes. This will help you stay agile and responsive in a fast-paced environment, and allows you to pivot quickly when necessary.

The workplace functions as an ecosystem, where every employee’s actions influence the overall environment. Keep in mind that simple behaviors—such as being considerate of shared spaces, communicating effectively, and expressing gratitude for colleagues’ contributions—can significantly enhance a positive and collaborative workplace culture where everyone can flourish.

Lastly, it’s essential to maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of challenges. This will help sustain high morale and promote a constructive work culture.

Peyton Harris, Editor

Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of the La Salle Collegian Editorial Staff or La Salle University. The views expressed are strictly the author’s own.

Last semester, I wrote an article on the funding crisis that was engulfing SEPTA back in Nov. 2024. At that time, SEPTA was facing over $240 million in budgetary shortfalls and was reaching out to the state legislature for financial assistance. Governor Josh Shapiro had promised the funding needed to keep the agency solvent in his yearly budget, but the measure was blocked by state Senate Republicans.

Each day, the SEPTA is responsible for transporting an average of 750,000 riders containing workers, students and travelers from all across the region. These metrics include all buses, trolleys, Regional Rail and Metro subway services. Hundreds of thousands of our neighbors rely on these services to go about their daily lives. Come this summer, things might look drastically different.

In late Nov. 2024, Shapiro announced that his Department of Transportation would be rerouting roughly $153 million in state highway funds to cover shortfalls within the SEPTA budget for the fiscal year of 2024-2025. While it stopped the planned fare increases and immediate service cuts for January of this year, the state has yet to come up with a more permanent solution. 

“Governor Shapiro has thrown us a lifeline,” said SEPTA Board Chair Ken Lawrence at the time.

And now, barely four months later, we are back in the same situation: SEPTA currently forecasts a budget deficit of $213 million for FY2025-26, with support from Harrisburg locked up in the Senate. On April 10, the agency released a projected budget that would ultimately result in a 45% service reduction. All hiring is frozen, layoffs are expected, fares are anticipated to increase 21.5% and over 60 stations are to be closed. Let’s first lay out the proposed service cuts.

To mitigate the financial strain, SEPTA has identified key areas they say that service must be cut or severely curtailed to keep day-to-day operations manageable. Five regional rail lines are to be cut in their entirety: Paoli/Thorndale, Wilmington/Newark, Trenton, Cynwyd and Chestnut Hill West (CHW). The last two lines, Cynwyd and CHW, are to be cut due to low ridership. The others are an oddity within the network, for these lines are some of the busiest within SEPTA’s operating region, providing an alternative to Amtrak between many points. However, that is where the problem lies: SEPTA does not own these rails, Amtrak does. And because of this ownership, SEPTA must pay exorbitant fees to operate trains across their tracks. On all remaining Regional Rail services, service is to be cut 20% with a 9:00 p.m. curfew instituted. 

On Metro services including the Market-Frankford “L” Line and the Broad Street Line (B1 + B2), riders will see 20% service cuts, meaning less trains and longer wait times at the platform. The Broad/Ridge Spur (B3) will be eliminated entirely. Along with Regional Rail, remaining services will end at 9:00 p.m.. One important note along with this is the complete suspension of special service to the Sports Complex in South Philadelphia. What does that mean exactly? For starters, no more express services from Fern Rock Transportation Center in North Philadelphia to NRG Station at the Complex.

More importantly, in my view, is the impact this will have on any evening home game, concert or events held at Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park or the Wells Fargo Center. Many attendees, myself included, rely on the subway to get to and from the Sports Complex for a late game, and many La Salle students utilized the train to get to the Big Five Championship. If any event ends after 9:00 p.m., there will be no Metro service to get attendees home. 

Prior to their Nov. 2024 corrective actions, SEPTA had conducted studies for what they termed their “Bus Revolution” proposal to revamp the agency’s aging bus network. By December, that plan had been scrapped and traces of the plan had been removed from SEPTA websites. Now, the agency intends to cut 50 bus routes across the city. Some trolley routes are to be converted to bus, and as with Metro and Regional Rail, we will see 20% cuts to their service. These services are not affected by the 9:00 p.m. curfew.

This might seem pretty technical, but let’s break those numbers down. With the 45% total service cuts, SEPTA estimates losing 350,000 daily riders, nearly half their current ridership. On those that remain, a 21.5% fare increase will be levied on them increasing prices from $2.50 on bus/trolley/Metro to $2.90, with Regional Rail zone fares changing proportionally.

 “Given the dramatic impact that these measures will have on ridership, the reality is that we would start the dismantlement of public transit for our city and region as we know it today,” said former COO, now-interim SEPTA general manager Scott Sauer.

Southeast Pennsylvania has relied on transit for centuries: the Pennsylvania Railroad and Reading Railroad both were headquartered within Philadelphia (3175 JFK Blvd., and 1136 Arch St. at the current Reading Terminal Market, respectively). The first trolley service began in 1883 in the Fairmount neighborhood, and the Market Street Subway launched by 1907. Transit has characterized the region. “The Main Line” area quite literally is in reference to the old PRR main line between Philadelphia and Harrisburg. Philadelphians have come to depend upon these services for their survival – to get to work, to visit with family, to make it to medical appointments and more;and now we face the grim prospect of losing them. 

The loss of the SEPTA service we know today isn’t just inconvenient for some; it is life-altering for many. The local economy will be in shambles. Many Philadelphians do not own a car or other personal form of reliable transportation. With less service, or none altogether, this potentially means that some must reconsider how they get to their place of work, or whether they can even continue at their current job without a way there or home. In 2021, The Urban Institute compiled studies out of New York where lack of transit options correlated to a 4.5% increase in unemployment and need for public assistance than those who lived near reliable transit options. Center City advocates note that these cuts will drastically impact the resurging nightlife around City Hall as partygoers will not have rail access to the city after 9:00 p.m. And still, the impact to the sports scene in Philadelphia is enough to cause worry.

“The Phillies, Flyers, 76ers, and Eagles collectively share deep concerns about the potential impact of SEPTA’s proposed budget cuts,” said a Comcast spokesperson to The Inquirer. “Ensuring the best experience for our fans, employees and the surrounding South Philadelphia community starts with sufficient access to public transportation to and from our venues,” they said.

SEPTA is vital – point blank period. The area cannot survive as it has without the reliability SEPTA provides. Not to mention, Philadelphia is set to play host to some major events next year: America250, celebrating the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence; the MLB All-Star Game; FIFA’s World Cup; NCAA Men’s March Madness; and the PGA Championship. Are we really expecting to welcome millions to our city and not have transit options for our residents and visitors as well? As Sauer said recently, “On the eve of welcoming the world, SEPTA would go from driving Philadelphia’s economy to holding it back.”

The Pennsylvania House has passed a budget proposal with funding for SEPTA three times. Each time, Senate Republicans have blocked the amendment from passage. Sen. Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R) says that since this does not affect all Pennsylvanians, the state should not be obligated to act. However, does hamstringing the largest economic area in the state not affect us all? The logic doesn’t make sense, forn equitable solution benefits everyone.

Our officials need to hear from us on what these changes will mean and how they will impact us. Contact SEPTA directly. Get in touch with your city councilmembers. Make sure our lawmakers in Harrisburg hear your concerns. Consider signing on to a letter to urge the Senate to act. Do what you can do to protect the way of life for your fellow neighbors. It’s time to act.

Lucas Alven, Staff Writer

WATCH THE BACKSTAGE PASS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW FOR THE TRIP HERE!

TOKYO- This past spring break I visited Tokyo, Japan as a part of the travel study for La Salle’s Japanese Pop Media class. Now that the jet lag has subsided, I would like to reflect on the many years it took me to finally travel to the country.

For as long as I can remember, visiting Japan was always my biggest dream. When I was very little, my Dad would often put on Japanese professional wrestling and I would watch in amazement as each athlete told a meticulous story in the ring. Even at this young age I remember having an interest in Japanese culture’s entertainment, someday aspiring to visit the country to experience it myself.

Despite childhood, my true love for the Japanese arts did not really form until I was older. When I was in middle school, my close friend introduced me to the anime “Sword Art Online,” which at the time was a medium of storytelling that intrigued me with its uniqueness. However, in a full-circle moment, it was me learning and getting into New Japan Pro Wrestling, the current top wrestling promotion from Japan, which really sparked my interest in Japanese media. After that, I would seek out anything I could about Japan and its culture. This ranged anywhere from getting into Japanese music, to reading books about Shinto and even successfully teaching myself how to read the Japanese alphabet.

When I enrolled at La Salle as a Communication major with concentrations in media & journalism and advertising, I made it my personal goal to apply the skills used in my field by promoting Japanese media to the world. By my first semester I began producing for La Salle TV’s entertainment show Backstage Pass, where I have since highlighted my favorite Japanese celebrities, musicians and films.

This goal of mine also expanded into my academics. In my sophomore year, I surprised my advisor by allegedly becoming their only advisee to ever want to intentionally take Japanese 101. When I heard there was an opportunity to take a travel study to Tokyo with the Digital Arts department, I jumped on it as quickly as I could.

Fast forward to March 15, 2025 around 4 p.m. Japanese Standard Time, and there I am living my childhood dream. I had the opportunity to visit so many amazing places that I have dreamed of experiencing since I was little. Amazed, I stood in front of legendary venues like the Tokyo Dome and Nippon Budokan where some of the world’s most famous concerts and pro wrestling matches took place. My early childhood self finally got what he wanted when I stepped into Korakuen Hall, one of the world’s most popular pro wrestling venues, to watch Pro Wrestling Freedoms. I also traveled by subway to be a stereotypical tourist by visiting places like Akihabara, Shinjuku and Shibuya. Then in the blink of an eye, we were boarding a plane back to the United States. After take off, my mind caught up to my body as tears began to flow down my cheeks, I processed that I had truly accomplished my dream.

My biggest takeaway from this journey is that there is nothing more beautiful than chasing a dream. Life is strange and will take you down paths you never anticipated, but these unpredictable moments give you an opportunity to truly discover what your dream may be. While some interests and desires fadeaway, nothing compares to having a dream or massive life goal. Some dreams are reached by luck, others after years of waiting and there are many who not will never reach their dream. However, the true joy comes from the chase because when that dream is reached, the years of chasing will make everything about it feel greater than anything else.

I would like to extend a very special thank you to Professor Zhifang Li for helping to make this trip possible. Additionally, thank you to Professor Jo Anna Van Thuyne and Connor from Walk Japan for both of your contributions during the trip.

Work by the Japanese Pop Media travel study class will be on display April 29 at the third annual Communication and Digital Arts Showcase and Awards Night that takes place at 5:30 p.m. in the Holroyd Hall Atrium.

Chude Uzoka-Anofienem, Staff Writer

No doubt, you are all familiar with the name Hulk Hogan. Even if you’ve never watched professional wrestling in your life, or you think it’s stupid, Hulk Hogan’s name is synonymous with the industry. The face of what was once known as the World Wrestling Federation in the 80s and 90s, Hulk Hogan became a household name. The man who was credited with reviving the New World Order (nWo) storyline after WWE purchased WCW, was fired in 2015 (he was rehired three years later) after a taped conversation in 2007 containing an incredibly racist diatribe that came to light years later.

One could debate whether somebody should lose their job for things they say off-the-cuff in their own personal lives, but that’s not a discussion I’m interested in. I’d prefer to discuss a favorite topic of mine: hypocrisy. The WWE has a long and storied history of racist and bigoted behavior. Does that excuse Hulk Hogan? No, of course it doesn’t. However, for a company that has spent decades profiting from racial stereotypes and degrading portrayals of Black wrestlers, it’s telling that this is the first time they acted like they cared.

Wrestlers always have a gimmick; an in-ring character or persona. Even not having a gimmick is considered a gimmick in and of itself. Hulk Hogan was the real American and savior of the United States. Meanwhile other wrestlers had some kind of job, like a garbage man or a prison guard. Black wrestlers, however, were always saddled with some sort of questionable gimmick. 

In the 80s and 90s, you had Bad News Brown, a scary Black man whose finisher is named the “Ghetto Blaster”, named after a portable stereo or a boombox, primarily used in ghettos. Flash Funk had a ridiculous outfit and had “Fly Girls” accompany him to the ring. Moe and Mabel, or the Men on a Mission, rapped during their entrances.

These are pretty tame, but then you had Papa Shongo, a voodoo priest/witch doctor. The man who portrayed him also portrayed “The Godfather,” a pimp who is accompanied to the ring by prostitutes. A pretty egregious example is Kamala, a savage tribesman who was very confused about everything and spoke in grunts. He was managed by his “handlers,” one of whom was named “Kim Chee” (named of course after the Korean food) who beat and abused him if he did something wrong.

Then there was Virgil, billed as the bodyguard of the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase, he was practically a modern slave forced under the beck and call of a rich white man. DiBiase has even said that he owns Virgil. Virgil eventually beat DiBiase in the WWE and broke free of “servin’ his’ massa.”

Some of the more racially questionable moments revolved around Ron Simmons, who played professional football before joining WCW. The WWF called him Faarooq, gave him a Black Power angle and led a Black Power group called The Nation of Domination. This group included Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. They all saluted before matches kind of like The Black Panthers and feuded with redneck bikers (The Disciples of the Apocalypse) and a Latino gang (Los Boricuas).

The NOD was the target of several racially insensitive storylines from their opponents including blackface (Generation X-themed group called DX) and having their locker room vandalized with things like “We hate you,” “Stay in your own country,” “Uncle Tom,” and KFC and Malcolm X crossed out (Canadian group The Heart Foundation). This all happened in the late 90s. Not the 30s, the 90s. 

The WWF didn’t necessarily need a Black wrestler around in order to be insulting to African Americans. Take Akeem, The African Dream. His gimmick is that he’s a large white man from South Carolina who spoke in an exaggerated “Black Accent” and donned something resembling traditional African garb…I guess. His manager was The Doctor of Style, Slick, a Black man whose original gimmick was that of a pimp in a 70s blaxploitation film, until he renounced that role and became a stereotypically Black Southern preacher. 

Let’s not forget about all the other minorities and ethnicities they’ve insulted. The talented Tito Santana was El Matador – a Spanish bullfighter – even though he was Mexican and not from Spain. Similarly, Razor Ramon was a greasy, gold-chain-wearing Cuban thug who adopted a Tony Montana wannabe gimmick, but he wasn’t Cuban at all. He was played by Scott Hall, a white guy from Maryland.

In order to take advantage of the turmoil going on in the Middle East at the time, they had Sgt. Slaughter, an American military man who adopted a traitor gimmick, turning on the USA to join the side of our Middle Eastern enemies. Slaughter was paired with the Iron Sheik (then known as Colonel Mustafa) and General Adnan–both of whom were Iranian-while the U.S. was at war with Iraq, but details don’t matter apparently.

Hulk Hogan would defeat the foreign enemy of the day. Along with Sgt. Slaughter, Hogan defeated the Iron Sheik, Nikolqi Volkokai, (a Russian fighter who was Croatian) and Yokozuna, a Japanese Sumo Wrestler who was played by a large Samoan man who looked “kind of Asian.” The US hasn’t even been enemies with Japan in years but he’s foreign, so that makes him a “bad guy.”

When Samoans were allowed to be Samoans, they were usually depicted as uncivilized tribesmen. For example, The Headshrinkers were a pair of wild savages that chewed on turkey carcasses before matches and their manager would carry around the shrunken heads of their enemies. A quick Google search reveals that tribes in the Amazon are the only documented tribes to practice head shrinking, but Wikipedia didn’t exist in the 90s, so it was easier to fool the audience.      

I’d also like to point out that in the history of the heavyweight championship, there have been nine visible minorities that have ever held the title: Pedro Morales, Antonio Inoki, The Iron Sheik, Yokozuna, The Rock, Eddie Guerero, Rey Mysterio, Albert Del Rio and Jinder Mahal. If you count the secondary title that they had for a while, that includes a few more: Seth Rollins, Booker T, Mark Henry, Roman Reigns, The Great Khali, Bobby Lashley, Kofi Kingston and Big E. There have been over 50 championships and this history dates back to the 1960s. 

Wrestling is scripted, the outcomes are predetermined. It’s not about who’s better, someone just decides who will win. For the longest time, that someone was, but will no longer be, Vince McMahon. He’s the same man who would’ve likely given the order to remove Hulk Hogan from the company and erase his bio from the website. The same man who likely oversaw, approved or directed every racist gimmick and storyline I’ve mentioned – along with plenty of others that I didn’t mention. 

It doesn’t help his case that there’s a very famous video of Vince McMahon being racist in an attempt to look “cool” in front of John Cena—a white guy who, let’s be honest, kind of appropriates hip-hop culture himself. The moment was played for laughs.

So, Vince McMahon, who casually dropped the ugliest word in the English Language on live TV in front of millions and has been part of the decision-making process for decades of racially insensitive, characters, gimmicks and skits, fired a guy for saying the same slur in a private conversation. Again, not saying he shouldn’t have been fired–just saying that Vince McMahon’s moral compass might require a little recalibration. Uttering a racial slur to your friends is an unforgivable sin, but creating a slave or African Tribal character or having people perform in blackface and profiting off racist caricatures for decades? That’s just good business. Glad we’re on the same page.

Ring the bell! This match is over! Here is your winner….HYPOCRISY!!

Chude Uzoka-Anofienem, Staff Writer

The internet is a strange and unpredictable place—a massive arena where people joke, argue, and try to figure out where the line is between free expression and responsibility. Some see it as a playground for humor and unfiltered speech, while others believe it should be held to a higher ethical standard. That tension fuels ongoing debates about what’s acceptable, what’s offensive, and who gets to decide. Most of us have encountered those two groups of people that we’re all familiar with. Offenders (extremist trolls looking to provoke by being purposely offensive) and offendies (extremist whiners looking to get attention by acting like everything, everywhere is an insult). Usually, we laugh at these people and pay them no mind, but the combination of these two extremes have led to an interesting issue being addressed: our humor.

Humor plays a huge role in shaping online culture, from memes to satire to dark comedy. But what one person finds hilarious, another might find deeply offensive. This clash is even more apparent in diverse online communities, where people of different backgrounds, values, and sensitivities collide. Some argue that humor should be completely unrestricted, while others believe certain jokes reinforce harmful stereotypes or normalize discrimination.

Then there’s the battle between those who push buttons and those who push back. Some people deliberately stir the pot—trolls, provocateurs or just people who enjoy getting a rise out of others. On the other side are those who call out offensive content, believing they’re fighting for justice and accountability. These conflicts can spark meaningful conversations, but they can also spiral into online harassment or full-blown social movements, with each side convinced they’re in the right.

Are either of these sides right?

Well, some of you may not be shocked to know that offensive comedy is nothing new. Comedians have censored, harassed and even been locked up for jokes today. George Carlin, one of the world’s most beloved rulebreakers once said of comedy that “it doesn’t work unless someone’s getting offended.” In a way, he’s right. Someone’s pride does have to be challenged in order for it to work. But I think what most good comedians realize is that the more truth in the pain that you can get across, the more impactful the humor is. 

Accountability is another thorny issue. Anonymity can be a shield, allowing people to speak freely without fear of real-world consequences. But, it also gives cover to bad actors who wouldn’t say certain things if their names were attached to them. That raises a big question: Should platforms enforce stricter rules to curb harmful content, or does that cross the line into censorship?

Social media, in particular, has become the main battleground for these cultural and ideological clashes. Some people worry that heavy-handed moderation stifles creativity and humor, turning online spaces into overly sanitized echo chambers. Others argue that without rules, misinformation, hate speech, and harmful rhetoric can spread unchecked. But who should draw the line—tech companies, governments or the users themselves? The answer could shape the future of online interaction.

And then there’s “cancel culture,” a divisive issue in and of itself. Some see it to hold people accountable for problematic behavior, while others view it as a knee-jerk, mob-driven form of punishment. Should people lose their careers or reputations over things they said years ago? Is there room for growth and redemption, or is the court of public opinion unforgiving?

At its core, the internet reflects all the messy, complicated dynamics of the real world—just amplified. It’s a place where humor and offense, freedom and boundaries, anonymity and accountability all exist in a delicate balance. As online communities grow and evolve, so will the conversation about where to draw the line. The challenge is finding a way to encourage open dialogue without sacrificing mutual respect. There are no easy answers, but how we navigate these issues now will shape the future of digital discourse for years to come.

Peyton Harris, Editor

It’s been a long three months since the news rocked campus about the closure of La Salle’s Starbucks location, based in the Union building. Students were rightfully outraged at the news, which seemed to come at the very last moment before the end of the fall semester. What was the reason? Where was the student input? Questions the La Salle community is still asking.

Members of university administration have said it was quote-unquote ‘based on discussion and feedback from the student body’; but from who, exactly? The Student Government Association (SGA) was not aware prior, nor were many student leaders. Student employees were sworn to secrecy when they were told in September. The only hope after the news of Starbucks’ impending closure was the replacement the university promised would ‘elevate our campus experience.’ So, the question remains: where is it?

If you’ve set foot inside the Union this semester, you’ve likely seen the brown-papered, covered-up windows of the former Starbucks space. A poster for the proposed venue, renamed “The Hideaway” has been hung for months, with no update or expected opening date given to students. Perhaps foolishly, students expected the new space to be open by the beginning of the semester. As midterms approach, we’re still waiting for answers.

“So many students relied on Starbucks for a multitude of reasons,” said junior Cassidy McGonigle. “It was a place to get breakfast, or to study and it’s unfair that we don’t have somewhere to go anymore. We have been told it would be open when we got back to school, and now it won’t be open until after spring break. How long are we going to have to keep waiting for a place for us to get coffee?”

It is worth mentioning that there is a coffee spot on campus: Founder’s Brew, located in Founders’ Hall. However, this spot is inconvenient–some argue inaccessible–for most students. Founders’ Hall is one of the furthest buildings from the central area of La Salle’s campus, which was a selling point for Starbucks. Its centralized location within the Union provided equal access to students coming from all ends of campus, as well as being within easy walking distance to the majority of dorms and other academic halls.

“Most students do not spend their time anywhere near Founders’, so it is very out of the way to go all the way to Founders’ to get a drink. We should be able to walk into the Union and have a place to sit, study, and have coffee and refreshments. It’s unbelievable that we don’t have anything besides Founder’s Brew,” said McGonigle.

Lack of communication is a large part of students’ concerns. Sophomore Claire Herquet shared that sentiment, saying: “We’ve gotten little update about the construction and specific changes being implemented in the space. Of course, Starbucks being gone has made so much of our campus community upset, but seeing that there hasn’t been much work done to the area and no social media posts or emails asking us for our feedback shows more neglect.”

“I know a lot of it has to do with funding and doing what is financially smart, and we as students understand that. Yet since something we loved and relied on was taken from us, we deserve more communication from those who made that decision,” said Herquet.

The university’s current solution while the student body anxiously awaits this new space? Coffee pots and one or two flavored creamers. Each day, a pot of coffee is placed on a folding table outside the former Starbucks, still-not-open Hideaway, with some cups and different creamers available for students to take. While the sentiment is appreciated, it’s also a bit of a slap in the face. ‘Here, take this free cup of instant coffee, and maybe you’ll forget about what’s going on back there.’

Students and faculty alike are frustrated at the lack of updates provided by the university. Multiple posts on Fizz social app continue to share these frustrations, each often garnering hundreds of upvotes. And rightfully so, as Starbucks was a staple on campus for years. People came to rely on it for many different reasons: as a study space, hangout spot or simply as a place to get your caffeine fix. We have a right as a community to be upset, even angry.

I will be the first to admit that I run on caffeine, day in and out. I remember touring La Salle as a transfer student, seeing the Starbucks on campus and thinking, ‘Great! I have my go-to place.’ When I first heard the news–through Fizz, as the university did not say anything until the student body discovered the news ourselves–I was upset, but wanted to give the university the benefit of the doubt. Maybe this new venue would actually be better. Maybe we would have better choices, options and opportunities. However, my concern and frustration has only increased as time has gone on. Why is La Salle not providing updates about The Hideaway? Will it even be open this semester at this point? What is going on?

This doesn’t mean that we don’t want this new space to succeed; I feel I speak for a lot of us when I say that any new spot to replace Starbucks would be an improvement after the past few months without. Lasallians deserve timely updates from our administrators. When I first co-wrote an article about the closure last semester, we rhetorically asked the university what their reasoning was for taking away and updating this campus institution. Unfortunately, that question remains unanswered. And now, three months on, we deserve to know more. So once again, La Salle administrators, let me end again with this: “Many Explorers feel angry and blindsided, while others simply want answers on why.”

Nate Tramdaks, Staff Writer

Las Vegas was built on mafia money, but today it’s expanding on the money wagered by frat guys. What was once an oasis for high rollers, a city of smoky card rooms, cocktails and Rat Pack sets, has now turned into a digital trap for degeneracy. All of the novelties of Vegas have been replaced with push notifications, deposit bonuses and endless parlays.

Today, the house doesn’t just win, it lives in your pocket, and its primary target is young men. They are lured in through the slick marketing, the illusion of skill and delusion of turning a $10 12-leg parlay into a semester’s tuition. The game is rigged and the pitfalls are not just financial, they’re psychological, social and systemic. The sportsbooks are preying on young men and setting them up for failure. 

So, why are young men predisposed to sports gambling and gambling in general?  It simply boils down to the egotistical nature of 20-year olds, as well as their naivety. 18-25 year old men are the demographic that got really into day-trading during the pandemic, and what day-trading and sports betting have in common is that they both require good information to be successful in. 

This is where their egotistical nature comes in. They all think that their sport knowledge gives them an edge, like they know more than the books. These young bettors make themselves believe that they are exploiting inefficiencies within the books, but they themselves are the inefficiency.

The books build their lines and spread off of public perception, like the stock market, so in the long-run, bettors are betting on negative margins. The sportsbooks rely on these bettors. A key concern for the sportsbooks when manufacturing lines and odds is the betting habits of their customers, and less the accuracy of the actual line.

An example of this in recent memory comes from Super Bowl 59. The Chiefs opened at 2.5 point favorites, and the line closed around the same number. This was a mind-blowing line because if you just compared the Eagles and Chiefs teams from this season, it was pretty evident the Eagles were the better team, as they showed. But the sentiment leading up to the Super Bowl was that one cannot bet against Patrick Mahomes. The books knew this and set the line accordingly. They didn’t make a line for accuracy, they made a line to exploit bettors’ biases. 

The sportsbooks don’t just rely on overconfidence and public perception, they actively design their systems to maximize bettor mistakes while making it seem like losses are just bad luck. This mirrors the drip loss effect in slot machines, where casinos ensure players lose money gradually rather than all at once. The longer a player stays in the game, the more they’ll bet. 

Sportsbooks have adapted this concept through the near-miss effect, with parlays serving as their most profitable trap. Parlays offer flashy, high-payout potential that lures bettors into making statistically doomed wagers. More often than not, a bettor will hit four out of six, or five out of six legs, reinforcing the illusion that they were close to a massive win. But in reality, they were never close at all, the odds were stacked against them from the start. These near-misses don’t discourage betting; they encourage it. They convince players that the next bet is the one that will hit, when in reality, it’s just another step in the slow bleed of their bankroll.

The near-miss effect is a more passive tactic, but these retail sportsbooks are data-driven machines that have more aggressive and predatory tactics. The most common tactic is the no-sweat bet or a deposit match. These are how the books reel in bettors to the apps.

You think you are getting spending power with no strings attached, but in reality, there are tons of stipulations that come with the “perks”. Once they get bettors in, it is non-stop with the promo offers, the free-play, and the VIP treatment. The books know when you like to bet, who you like to bet on, and your bet sizings. You are targeted specifically on these things. 

For many young men, it starts as just a ‘fun’ bet during the game. But over time, the losses pile up, and suddenly, it’s not about winning anymore, it’s about getting back what was lost. That’s exactly how the sportsbooks want it. What was supposed to be a fun way to enjoy sports quickly turns into a stress-inducing cycle.

The sportsbooks don’t just take money, they take mental real estate, making sure young men are always one bet away from ‘getting even.’ Gambling has become so normalized that young men don’t even see it as a problem. Losing money is just part of the game, and walking away feels like quitting. But in reality, the sportsbooks aren’t competing against bettors, they’re farming them.

Claire Herquet, Editor 

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show was a cultural and outspoken performance, with messages about racial inequality, the U.S. government and Black empowerment. With a discography of over 150 songs, Kendrick Lamar continues to be one of the deepest and most intelligent musical artists in the rap world, resulting in an exciting and thought-provoking halftime performance. In case you’ve missed the symbolism shown throughout, let’s break down and discuss some of the hidden meanings within his 13-minute show. 

Starting from the beginning, we are introduced to Mr. Samuel L. Jackson dressed as Uncle Sam. Uncle Sam, used in the early 19^th century to personify America, has always represented American pride and patriotism, but has also been used for propaganda on the subject of war. When it comes to accuracy, Lamar could have chosen a white man to embody this character and narrate the performance, as Uncle Sam is white. Instead, however, he chose to dive deeper and use a perspective held by Uncle Sam that black men are obedient and uphold white supremacy. And so, Samuel L. Jackson being dressed in an all-American uniform gives a clear demonstration that it does not matter what your skin tone is. 

Before Lamar’s first song is introduced, Jackson says, “And this is the great American game.” This statement is a double entendre because of course viewers know they are watching the Super Bowl, but Jackson is actually referring to the game that is America- living under the U.S. government’s rules and being black in this country.  

To start his first freestyle/piece, Lamar is standing on top of a 1987 Buick Grand National GNX, which is also the name of his most recent album released in Nov. 2024, “GNX.” Not only is this a representation of his album, but it also serves as a testament to his upbringing in Compton, California, since GNXs are a part of the car culture there. 

At the end of his freestyle Lamar states, “The revolution is about to be televised.” This is a play on words from Jill Scott Haran’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” song, which was a critique on the American media because she felt that they only focused on propaganda, consumerism and entertainment. 

However, for real change to be made for the greater good of society, people had to step out of their homes for liberation and protest for their freedom. This means you have to be actively involved to fight against injustice. Lamar then saying, “You picked the wrong guy” is an implication that he was chosen as the perfect person for this performance. Thus, the people dressed in red on stage alongside Lamar announce, “Someone better squabble up.” This statement not only is said to introduce his song “squabble up,” but tells the audience that we should be resilient and unapologetically dominant. 

Before the piece “squabble up” is even finished, the camera cuts to Samuel L. Jackson spectating as he demands, “No no no, too loud…too reckless…too ghetto. Mr. Lamar, do you really know how to play the game? Then tighten up!” This is clear conditioning within white supremacy and our country- that black people should obey, be quiet and be grateful for what they have. Lamar responds to and disregards Jackson’s order by transitioning to his song “Humble,” spreading the themes of self-awareness and the tension between authenticity while also “getting to the top” to reach your goals. His dancers are dressed and in formation as the American flag, with a division right in the middle (where Lamar is standing) that represents the clear division among Americans today.  

After performing “DNA,” Kendrick gets into “euphoria,” which is one of his diss tracks against pop artist Drake. At this point of his performance, many viewers began asking about Lamar’s silver “A” necklace and what it could mean. Although there is no solid explanation for it in the media quite yet, many are speculating that it could mean “A minor,” as he says in his “Not Like Us” song. Others speculate that the necklace could also be the logo for his website and brand PgLang.  

Lamar begins performing “man at the garden,” where he is seen underneath a streetlight and surrounded by men (his homeboys). We see a dancer on top of the lamppost, as they are in the tarot card pose of The Hanged Man to represent being sacrificed for the greater good. After the song, Samuel Jackson walks into the setting and view of the camera saying, “You brought your homeboys with you! The old culture cheat code! Scorekeeper, deduct one life.” When he says to deduct one life, he is asserting that Lamar is not playing by his rules and wants to get rid of him, or another black cultural leader. He is possibly hinting at black cultural leaders such as Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Fred Hampton and more – all of whom were human rights activists and have since been assassinated.  

After performing “peekaboo,” Lamar is seen walking up to his four backup dancers saying, “I want to play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.” Fans immediately understood this nod to Drake because while a small cut of “Not Like Us” plays in the background, he is insinuating that if he sings the song, Drake will sue him for defamation. Lamar cuts to his calmer songs such as “luther” and “All The Stars,” featuring R&B singer SZA. 

Our ringleader, Jackson, comes out onto the stage and says, “Yes! That’s what I’m talking about! That’s what America wants! Nice, calm. Don’t mess this up.” Again, back to the ideas of black men “needing” to be calm and quiet and complying to his rules of “how to play the game.” Lamar disregards him again, however, and begins with “40 acres and a mule, this is bigger than the music.” 40 acres and a mule was a promise that was made to free slaves from the government, saying that they now have governance and ownership of land and resources. The follow through for the promise was never made, so the meaning behind this statement by Lamar is that the systemic injustices and broken promises made to black Americans continue to resonate and impact their lives beyond this era of slavery, especially in light of our current political situation.  

“They tried to rid the game, but you can’t break influence,” Lamar says, shedding light on the fact that black culture is important and influential. From here, Lamar’s hit song “Not Like Us” begins, and his dancers drop to the ground, laying out on the stage under streetlights like dead bodies, representing those that have been killed by police brutality. 

From here, Kendrick continues to flame Drake with “Not Like Us,”  dancing on one of the largest stages in the world. Shoutout to professional tennis player and Drake’s ex-girl, Serena Williams, who was seen crip walking in two small clips before the performance wrapped. DJ and record producer Mustard was also brought on stage for his last song, “tv off,” which challenged viewers to not only consume his entertainment, but to let his words and actions resonate with us.  

Kendrick Lamar’s show will always be known as the most daring. The performance, ranking as the highest rated in history, was seen by an average of 133.5 million viewers across TV and streaming platforms, surpassing Michael Jackson’s Super Bowl XXVII performance as the most viewed halftime show in the U.S. With over 74 million views on YouTube, Lamar continues to be one of the most talked about musical artists in the industry right now, and for all the right reasons. He deserves all the recognition he has worked for, as he is always intelligent and deliberate with meaning, symbolism and visuals in his music and videos. The world hasn’t seen the best of him yet.