Triumph at the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival: A Showcase of Innovation and Cultural Fusion

The dedicated team behind the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival worked tirelessly to achieve remarkable success, shining a light on continuous innovation and the way cultural harmony comes together to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of multiculturalism.

By Meena Ma

The colourful lion dance performance at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival on September 1st at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto. (Courtesy of TDF)

Opening Spectacle and Eagle Li's Story

The world saw itself come to a halt in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic spread all over – the entertainment industry was no exception. The renowned Cirque du Soleil, an entertainment company known for its mesmerizing and innovative circus-style performances that blend acrobatics, theater, and music into spectacular shows, also saw a pause in production. Eagle Li was a featured performer with Cirque du Soleil. Just before the pandemic, he had recently participated in a high-pole lion dance at the production MESSI10, alongside the famous soccer star Lionel Messi.

Li has been practicing Chinese kung fu since childhood and possesses many years of experience in lion dance performances. After over two decades of dedicated training and displaying his skills on the global stage, he became a featured performer with Cirque du Soleil. However, with their performances on hold, Li made his way to Toronto and assembled a high-pole lion dance team of his own, diligently training new members and waiting for new opportunities.

Through a chance encounter, they caught the attention of David Zhang, the chief director of the Toronto Dragon Festival (TDF), who then proactively arranged for them to perform at the event.

When Li's high-pole lion dance act made its debut, it created a tremendous sensation among the audience.

Eagle Li performed the high pole lion dance with his partner, Don Tan, at the 2022 Toronto Dragon Festival. (Li is in the lower half of the lion costume, while his partner is on top.) (Courtesy of TDF)

After the first successful show, Li completely transitioned to TDF and became the ensemble’s permanent member.

"Participating in ‘MESSI10’ has been the most meaningful performance of my life,” Li said. “It showcases Messi's unwavering spirit of perseverance, making it an incredibly inspiring show."

While Li communicated his gratitude towards the MESSI10 event, he also stated he’s even happier now that he and his team can participate in the TDF's annual performances. He is particularly enthusiastic about developing and promoting lion dance culture abroad as of Chinese descent.

During the Toronto Dragon Festival, David Zhang coordinates tasks using a walkie-talkie. (Betty Liu /TDF)

Leader and Directorial Vision

David has been the chief director of the TDF since its inception. Despite holding a full-time IT job, he has proven to be one of the most talented directors in the Toronto-Chinese community, with a successful track record of over a decade. Each year at the TDF, David aspires to introduce innovative elements to deliver the most dazzling content to the audience.

"Lion dance is one of China's most important traditional performances during festivals and celebrations," said David. "And high pole dance is the most challenging aspect within lion dance performances. The organizing committee of TDF is delighted to have someone of international caliber like Eagle join the permanent team.”

2023 saw Canada's very first Lion Dance Invitational Tournament. It was a remarkable innovation both conducted and led by Li, with his significant experience in this field.

Li extended invitations to four Chinese lion dance teams, and their performances were evaluated by a panel of eight judges who applied well-established sports criteria for assessment. The sports criteria for the assessment of lion dance competitions typically include factors such as precision of movements, coordination between the lion dancers, the difficulty and intricacy of the routines, synchronization with the accompanying music and drumming, artistic expression and overall presentation. This event has also become one of this year’s highlights at the TDF, drawing significant popularity.

Canada's very first Lion Dance Invitational Tournament was held at the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival. After the competition, the four participating lion dance teams posed for a group photo to commemorate the event. (Courtesy of TDF)

When asked if Li regrets leaving the Cirque du Soleil to join the TDF, he confidently opposed. Li emphasized that he is immensely grateful for the opportunities he has found in Toronto, especially with the support of John Zhang, the chair of the TDF organizing committee. 

John Zhang, beaming with a smile, delivering the welcoming address at the opening ceremony of the fourth Toronto Dragon Festival on Sept.1, at Toronto Nathan Phillips Square. (Courtesy of TDF)

John is also the president of the Canadian Association of Chinese Performing Arts (CACPA), the organizer of the TDF. 

CACPA's mission is to advance Chinese traditional culture through the medium of performing arts. Its members are individuals who are both passionate about performing arts and possess a positive outlook on life while actively contributing to the community.

For decades, John has resided and worked in Canada, dedicating himself to organizing and hosting cultural events within the Chinese community. His passion lies in seamlessly blending Chinese culture into Canada's diverse cultural landscape through various cultural and artistic initiatives.

In a generous gesture aimed at fostering the development of lion dance in Toronto, John provided Li and his team with a substantial venue; a great improvement since last year. This support allowed them to wholeheartedly cultivate and practice the tradition daily.

“After Li arrived in Toronto last year and formed a new team, David started to explain. “They faced a financial shortfall. It was John who generously provided them with equipment storage and training facilities for an entire year, free of charge.”

David Zhang shared that the nearly 2,000 square feet facility is John’s company premises. David said John’s intention was to ensure that Li and his team could train without any worries, enabling them to deliver outstanding performances at the annual Dragon Festival.

In gratitude for John’s recognition of their potential and the opportunities provided, Li made the choice to become a permanent part of TDF, with the hope of repaying this kindness.

At 65 years old, John is actively involved in every aspect of the TDF as the festival’s leader. While he could just simply delegate tasks, he personally participated in the hands-on work during the festival. If you didn't know he was the chair of the festival, you might mistake him for a dedicated volunteer, donning a cap and tirelessly contributing his physical effort every year before TDF commences.

Before the Festival begins, John Zhang helps set up tents alongside volunteers.（Betty Liu/Toronto Dragon Festival and Meena Ma/CanCulture）

David Zhang, though they are not related, has been John Zhang's partner for over the past decade. He commented on the dedication of John’s hard work and said that the core team members were concerned about his well-being due to his relentless work ethic, often seeing him appear exhausted.

"I remember during the first TDF, the core team members of the organizing committee were working very closely," David started. "One day, I found out that his complexion looked dark, and he appeared quite haggard. We were worried about him, urging him to take a break, fearing that he might face health issues."

The core team of TDF consists of four members, John Zhang and David Zhang, executive director Susan Xu and deputy chief director, Kitty Chen. They come together to work for a common goal – promoting Chinese culture overseas.

The creative models of Chinese dumplings displayed by one of the vendors at the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival. (Courtesy of TDF)

Each year, with everyone giving their utmost, the festival has grown stronger and more successful; this year is no different. 

John Zhang (on the left), and David Zhang (on the right), along with one of the festival directors, Li Chen (in the middle), engage in the intense on-site setup preparations just before the opening ceremony. (Betty Liu/TDF)

Technological Innovations and Cultural Fusion

According to the organizing committee of TDF, this year has witnessed remarkable growth in attendance. Iits inaugural event in 2018 drew roughly 20,000 people. The following year brought 60,000 attendees and the third edition in 2022 attracted 85,000 visitors. This year, the festival achieved an extraordinary milestone as the total number of attendees surpassed 100,000 over three days.

The members of Organizing Committee of the Toronto Dragon Festival 2023, from left to right: Timur Zhao, Shan Qiao, Susan Xu, Anna Bian, Kitty Chen, John Zhang, David Zhang, Susan Xu, Grant Guo (Courtesy of TDF)

Beyond the collective efforts of every TDF member, other crucial factors contributing to this year’s success were the remarkable technological innovation, breakthroughs and cultural fusion.

This year, TDF hosted a continuous live broadcast across multiple platforms for three days. Additionally, a remote-controlled LED main stage screen was introduced at Nathan Phillips Square, significantly enhancing the audience's real-time viewing experience of the on-site events.

At the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival, a performance of Chinese classical dance took place against the backdrop of an innovative, newly introduced remote-controlled LED main stage screen (Courtesy of TDF)

There's an ancient Chinese saying that goes, "All things are difficult before they are easy." The TDF organizing committee faced various challenges and underwent numerous tests to ensure the successful implementation of all these technological upgrades.

“From picking the right gear, doing on-the-spot testing, and building the technical crew wasn't easy,” said David, “ And when it came down to coordinating and executing everything on-site, that was the real deal. But our tech team, they're the real champs here.”

David added that they were dealing with tricky conditions, like extending cables way up high, which had its fair share of risks. Plus, they pulled off something pretty amazing – getting high-definition wireless transmissions to work flawlessly across some really long distances, over 100 metres and beyond.

During the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival, spectators enjoyed song and dance performances at Nathan Phillips Square. (Courtesy of TDF)

This significant innovation greatly enhanced this year's global outreach by substantial technological upgrade. The fusion of diverse cultures at the festival also attracted participation from people of various ethnic backgrounds.

For instance, the opening act featured a cultural performance with seven Indigenous performing groups. They showcased authentic Indigenous culture through singing, dancing and drumming performances.

David stated that it is a powerful demonstration of their commitment to celebrating multiculturalism and showcasing their deep respect for Canada's Indigenous communities.

"Our decision to feature Indigenous performers in the opening act was a symbolic gesture," said David. "It highlights the festival's mission to foster cultural understanding and unity among different communities.”

In addition to the Indigenous performances, the TDF also introduced other non-Chinese cultural performances in recent years, such as Russian ballet, African traditional dance and a youth pop dance performance from the Filipino community who joined the organization for the second time.

Josie De Leon, the instructor of the Filipino dance group, is not only a talented singer and actress but also an experienced dancer. She embarked on her career in the Philippines and relocated to Canada 25 years ago.

Upon settling in Canada, she founded the JDL Performing Arts School, aiming to introduce the art of singing and dancing to the younger generation.

Over the past 12 years, the school has expanded to three different branches in Toronto. Josie's dance group has become the leading dance troupe in the Filipino community.

"It was a great privilege to be a part of this festival. I wanted our youth dance group to be involved in such a high caliber event," said Leon. "I'm truly thankful to the chief director, David Zhang, for inviting us to participate in this year's TDF again, and we are looking forward to taking part in next year."

The dancers from the JDL Performing Arts School in the Filipino community performed vibrant modern dance at the Toronto Dragon Festival. (Courtesy of TDF)

Another vibrant non-Chinese addition to this year’s TDF is a fresh face in the hosting team, Maomao. He is fluent in Chinese and spent an impressive 14 years working and studying in China. His deep emotional connection to the country and a profound understanding of Chinese culture sets him apart.

Maomao, (on the right), the new host for this year's Toronto Dragon Festival with one of his co-hosts, Melody Shang, jointly hosted the opening ceremony performance on September 1st (Courtesy of TDF)

While most of the festival's hosts primarily communicate in English, Maomao decided to break the mold by predominantly using Chinese. This choice brought a sense of familiarity to the Chinese-speaking audience in attendance, creating an instant connection and engagement.

As the TDF continues to evolve, its commitment to fostering cultural exchange is underway.

"This festival is like a melting pot of cultures,” said David, “As we are in this multicultural country, we are trying to blend tradition and innovation. It's not just a Chinese event anymore; it's a party that invites everyone, regardless of where they come from."

David also introduced another exciting element to this year’s performance team. He invited two highly talented city councillors, Markham’s Amanda Yeung Collucci and Richmond Hill’s Simon Cui, to join this year’s performance team.

“This initiative aims to showcase our Chinese artistic talents as prominent Chinese-Canadian politicians,” said David, ”This also stands out as a highlight in our lineup this year because it's rare for the audience to witness performances by the politicians.”

Markham City Councilor, Amanda Yeung Collucci, performed a popular Chinese song for the audience at the Toronto Dragon Festival on Sept. 3. (Courtesy of TDF)

Like many newcomers, Collucii’s early days in Canada were marked by the challenges of finding employment to sustain herself. She recalls her first job at a restaurant, which unfortunately ended after just one day, leaving her without any pay.

However, these setbacks only fueled her determination. She embarked on a journey of self-improvement, pursuing higher education and eventually enrolled at York University to study economics. Her dedication and hard work allowed her to acquire knowledge and refine her skills. In 2014, she became the first Chinese female councillor elected in Markham.

Collucci enjoys singing and dancing. She often participates in various community events in Toronto. This time, she was invited to perform at the TDF, and she sang a popular Chinese song.

”I‘m very honoured to be invited to perform at the Festival which holds significant importance for us as Chinese people,” said Collucci. “Dragon represents our heritage and our values. Wherever we are, in any country, whether first, second, or third-generation immigrants, we will always be Chinese.“

Collucci emphasized that all Chinese people should take pride in their culture. The TDF serves as a powerful reminder for all Chinese about our identity as descendants of the dragon.

Cui is a long-time community activist. When he first arrived in Canada 22 years ago, he worked in general labour for two years before studying at Seneca College and York University.

Prior to his current role, Cui served as a school board trustee for the York Region, overseeing around cities and regions, 13,000 students and 300 schools. This involvement reflects his commitment to advocating for cultural values and ideas in the educational context.

His parents have always had a strong passion for ethnic music, which greatly influenced him during his childhood, fostering his love for music. He began playing the flute in middle school and later started playing the guitar in high school.

“After coming to Canada, I self-learned various musical instruments,” said Cui, “Including the piano, guzheng and guqin. Playing different instruments became an integral part of my life.”

This time, the TDF organizing committee invited him to perform a flute-playing show. Similar to Collucci, Cui said he is very honoured to be invited to join this great event.

Richmond Hill City Councilor, Simon Cui, performed a flute recital for the audience at the Toronto Dragon Festival on September 3 (Courtesy of TDF)

The two Chinese-Canadian legislators participated in this year's TDF in dual capacities. They attended as performers but also came as counsellors to support this event and attended the opening ceremony on Sept. 1, 2023.

The festival also introduced innovations in even the most traditional aspects of Chinese folk culture. For example, the art of paper cutting, which has been passed down in China for thousands of years, witnessed some innovative approaches.

Zhan Zhang is the poster designer for this year’s TDF and also one of the many booth owners at the festival. Her booth primarily showcases her own paper-cutting art.

The origins of Chinese paper cutting have over 2000 years of history. This art form gained popularity as paper became more economically accessible. Historically, paper cuts were employed for adorning windows and doors. They were often glued to the exterior of the windows, allowing the light to shine through the negative space, creating various patterns and designs.

However, Zhan’s paper-cutting art is a fusion of Western aesthetics and elements with the foundation of traditional Chinese paper cutting.

“This blend has resulted in the creation of contemporary paper-cutting artworks with a modern artistic sensibility," noted Zhan. "One remarkable feature of my paper-cut pieces is that each one is meticulously crafted by hand."

Zhan pursued her undergraduate studies in Canada, majoring in art management, and obtained a double degree in fine arts. Subsequently, she pursued a master's degree in 3D animation. However, her journey into paper cutting was entirely self-initiated, starting from scratch.

“Due to my diverse background in various art disciplines, I developed a profound interest in paper cutting,” said Zhan. “ I have been practicing paper cutting for about five to six years now, and my works have gradually gained popularity. I have since ventured into organizing exhibitions on a larger scale and participating in various art-related events, such as this year's Dragon Festival.”

Zhan Zhang's exquisite and beautiful fusion of Chinese and Western art paper-cutting pieces, each of which is crafted from a single sheet of paper. (Courtesy of TDF)

Owing to the innovative and unique style of Zhan’s paper-cutting artworks, her creations have gained immense popularity. She expressed her strong desire to promote this traditional Chinese art with innovation to a broader international audience.

Zhan’s paper-cutting booth was just one of the creative and highly appreciated stalls at this year's TDF. According to the Organizing Committee, the festival featured over 100 booths showcasing cultural traditions, small goods and a variety of delicious cuisines.

Over 100 diverse vendors and stalls at the Toronto Dragon Festival attracted a multitude of tourists. (Courtesy of TDF)

Another significant aspect of this festival comprised continuous live performances distributed across three different zones: the open square area, the water show stage and the main stage.

These live shows included concerts, traditional folk dances, Beijing Opera, cultural and artistic exhibitions, captivating Kung Fu and martial arts demonstrations, a stunning fashion showcase and live DJ performances on the water. These diverse performances unfolded sequentially on the three stages.

Some highlights of the 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival in one big Photo. (Courtesy of TDF)

Thousands upon thousands of attendees from diverse ethnic backgrounds participated in this year's Toronto Dragon Festival. (Courtesy of TDF)

Sam Zhang, a passionate overseas Chinese man who deeply loves the 5000-year-old traditional Chinese culture, has been living in Canada since 1997. Although his three children were born in Canada, Sam often reminds them not to forget their roots as descendants of the Dragon. He consciously brought them to this festival to experience the atmosphere of Chinese culture.

“I came with my wife, my daughter and her boyfriend,” said Sam, “I also invited several of my relatives to come to witness the opening ceremony of this Dragon Festival, because I told them we are descendants of the Huaxia, inheritors of the Dragon's legacy, must not forget the spirit of the Dragon.”

After witnessing the opening ceremony, Sam and his family were filled with excitement and a sense of patriotism.

“I deeply admire the organizers of this festival for promoting Chinese culture overseas,” said Sam, “I never expected to feel such a strong Chinese cultural atmosphere after immigrating to North America.”

Coincidentally, there was a booth at the TDF showcasing traditional Chinese Hanfu attire, allowing visitors to experience ancient Chinese clothing. Sam’s daughter and her boyfriend also donned Hanfu at the event to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.

Sam Zhang's daughter, Maggie Zhang (second from right), was accompanied by her boyfriend, Shaan Jain (second from left), a gentleman of Indian descent, as they both tried on Hanfu at the Toronto Dragon Festival to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Chinese ancient clothing culture. From left to right, Jenny Dai (Zhang’s wife), Shaan Jain, Maggie Zhang, Sam Zhang (Courtesy of TDF)

The Festival's Broader Impact and Conclusion

In a striking testament to its burgeoning popularity, the TDF has witnessed a remarkable surge in media coverage and attention.

According to the organizing committee, its journey from its inaugural edition, which saw coverage from only a handful of English-language media outlets, to over 50 media organizations this year, marking a stark contrast to its modest beginnings.

While it historically received coverage from Chinese and local Chinese media, it has now successfully piqued the interest of prominent media outlets, including CBC, Global News TV, Toronto Star, CP24,CityNews Toronto, blogTO, Global Times, Now Toronto, Daily Hive and more. 

After the three-day Toronto Dragon Festival came to a close, some of the performers and staff gathered for a group photo to commemorate the conclusion of the event on Sept. 3 at Nathan Philip Square (Courtesy of TDF)

“Toronto's diversity is its strength,“ said John Kiru, the executive director at the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas, and the former president of CNE. “It is prominently displayed during street festivals where various cultures celebrate traditions and cuisine.”

Kiru added that events like the TDF provide opportunities to celebrate these cultural icons. Expanding the Dragon Festival's size is encouraging, and supporting such events, whether from the Chinese, Greek, Italian, or other communities, is vital for Toronto's urban fabric.

The 2023 Toronto Dragon Festival concluded as a powerful testament to the beauty of multiculturalism and unity. Under John Zhang's leadership, the festival transformed Nathan Phillips Square into a vibrant hub of diverse cultural celebrations.

The festival's success transcended mere entertainment; it became a unifying force that attracted participants and audiences from various backgrounds. The Toronto Dragon Festival, with its blend of tradition and innovation, set a new standard for cultural festivals, inspiring a future where cultural integration is not just envisioned but celebrated as a living reality.

A Love Letter to Cross-Cultural Connections

Sometimes,  home isn’t home, but the heart of another’s

By Melanie Nava Urribarri

(Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay)

You stand in your childhood kitchen. The soft murmurs of your mother tongue tickle your ears as you’re zoned out with the dim evening glow lighting up your peripheral vision. From the stove, familiar smells wrap you up in a warm comfort. You know this is home to you.

For some, such memories are further away than others, feeling more like dreams than a reality they once knew. For some, it goes more like this:

Standing in a dining room, looking at new faces blink with expectations and hearing different words spoken and passed around with uncommon smells overwhelming them. An anxiety pools in their belly, uncertainty rising and taking their breath.

Zoha Naghar, a third-year Pakistani university student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), recalled a similar story from when she was little. She went over to a friend's house and had been nervous to spend dinner there being Muslim and only eating halal food – food deemed permissible under Islamic law.

“I remember I mentioned it to [my friend] maybe at the beginning of the year, and her family asked me to stay for dinner. I said ‘No, I think I'll go home’, just because I don't want to make them uncomfortable.” Her friend was English and unfamiliar with her customs.

“But my friend then said ‘No actually, stay for dinner because we ordered halal food specifically for you,’ and that was weird [to me] because I've never actually felt acknowledged in that sense before,” Naghar said.

A single gesture, one reach of a hand, and everything can change. Unfamiliar places can almost feel as safe as home, and it can be as simple as sharing food and pieces of culture at new dinner tables. In the most innocent ways, this is the importance of cross-cultural communication: the support it can provide to generally isolated communities.

The intermixing of communities and cultures is a common occurrence in Toronto, a top multicultural city according to a BBC study, and it is especially true for the student communities at TMU. The cross-cultural exchanges are experiences students can find most meaningful as a variety of ethnic and cultural communities come together and find home in each other; recognize themselves in others. 

It is these stories that are just as important to tell, especially in times of need.

In the past month of October, Jana Alnajjar, president of the Palestinian Culture Club (PCC) at TMU, organized an initiative with the Afghan Student Association to fundraise for different causes – relief for the children of Gaza and for the people of Afghanistan affected by the most recent earthquake. Together, they raised $3,000, but the experience wasn’t just memorable because of its monetary success.

“When I saw everyone coming together, it made me realize that when it comes to humanity, there are no borders,” Alnajjar said. “It's an amazing, amazing feeling just knowing that there's always going to be people behind your back, even if they're not from the same country as you.”

Not long after the conjoined fundraiser, the PCC held an initiative called Keffiyeh Week. Alnajjar clearly remembered the wide variety of non-Palestinian people that were wearing the Keffiyeh (or kuffiyeh), a garment symbolizing solidarity against oppression now woven in the history of a people.

“They were taking the time out of the day to learn about it, and it was a moment at our school that basically brought everyone together, no matter your background or religion, ethnic background as well. What is key is understanding and listening.”

Noor El-Deen Murad, the PCC’s VP of marketing, stated that this sharing, understanding and listening is important in giving others the opportunity to get to know identities without the politicization of an identity.

“People will remember seeing the Palestinian foods, dances, vibrant culture, 10, 20, 30 years from now. [Sharing culture] leaves a lasting impact on people,” Murad said. “We care about humanity. [...] We will support any other club that does initiatives for humanity too.”

The American Psychological Association states that evidence links perceived loneliness and social isolation with depression. As a collective, we are always in the search of escaping loneliness and isolation, and in a land where the sun feels cold and the water currents don’t dance to the same stars of your culture, that can be difficult. It can be suffocating. Escape can not feel possible.

Perceived social isolation without knowing who could possibly understand is dangerous, according to studies. And communities play a large role in this perception.

“As the community's editor at The Eyeopener, if we have an event or an initiative like Keffiyeh Week, for example, I made sure we covered that because although it's not me actively participating in it, it's me bringing awareness to a broader scale,” said Bana Yirgalem, a fourth-year Eritrean student at TMU.

“I would want people to do the same for Eritrea,” Yirgalem added, describing how TMU has a diverse student body, and the importance for students to come to campus and see their cultures being represented in a positive light. Especially as students “tend to wish that the faculties at their programs had people that looked like them.”

Statistics Canada’s 2021 census reported over 450 ethnic or cultural origins in Canada, with immigrants (79.5 per cent) being much more likely than non-immigrants (47.6 per cent) to place importance on ethnic or cultural origins. One in four people in Canada are reported to be part of a racialized group.

At TMU’s Black Business Student Association (BBSA), though the students may not come not from Eritrea, but from different countries like Ethiopia and Kenya, Yirgalem finds a safe space for herself precisely for feeling seen and heard, while growing up she didn’t have peers that looked like her.

“The world is not just one thing. Sometimes you need people around you to show you you are welcome, especially in a country where your ethnic and cultural community is not the majority,” said Cristina Diaz, a Puerto Rican third-year student.

According to Statistics Canada, though diversity may be apparent with the largest populations of South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino, West Asian, Latin American, Southeast Asian, and Korean people living in Toronto, close to 70 per cent of Canada’s population reported being white.

“If I have a chance to learn about someone else's culture [then] I will, because this is them finally being able to talk about it, because they're never really given a platform to share, like their background and their experiences,” Naghar expressed.

“I feel like it's important because it just makes us realize that the world is so much bigger than just us and that there's so much more in the world than just what we know.”

Spooky sustainability: Making Halloween celebrations more eco-friendly

The holiday is a great opportunity to reduce, reuse and recycle.

By: Alina Jaffer

It’s that time of year again. Glowing jack o’lanterns pop up on porches around the neighbourhood. Retail stores set their speakers to play weird “Monster Mash” covers around the clock. And somehow, every coffee and baked good is suddenly pumpkin-spiced.

All signs point to the beloved spooky season. Unfortunately, as Halloween approaches, so do mounds of trash created by single-use decorations and costumes. 

Worrying about wastefulness may bog down what is meant to be a light-hearted cause for celebration. Luckily, there are some sustainable ways to enjoy a guilt-free and fun-filled Halloween night in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). 

Repurpose decorations

Schools and daycares are the perfect place to donate used decorations. This Halloween, ask your child or sibling’s teachers if the drama department could use some extra props. Maybe you’ll spot some of your repurposed items in the next school play!

Believe it or not, donatable decor is not limited to garden ornaments. A public library and historical society in Oakville, Ont. make donating carved pumpkins easy with the Oakville Pumpkin Parade. 

Simply bring your masterpieces to the Oakville Museum’s Erchless Estate on Nov. 1. After a night of crafting and storytelling, event organizers will give the pumpkins to local farms where the fruits are used as animal feed! 

Mississauga’s Bradley Museum is hosting a similar pumpkin-recycling event also on Nov. 1. The organization invites locals to drop off pumpkins, enjoy hot cider and complete a scavenger hunt. 

Participate in a costume swap 

This year, instead of buying a new costume for each party, try swapping looks with someone else. You’ll save money and reduce consumption without ever repeating outfits.

Local libraries and fashion interest groups tend to host costume swap events throughout October. 

Or, host your own costume swap with family and friends. Guests will appreciate the chance to get into the Halloween spirit while putting old costumes to good use. 

Make a meal out of your pumpkin

According to the CBC, Canadian farms produce 80,000 metric tonnes of pumpkins, two-thirds of which are sold fresh to customers. Most use these pumpkins as decor before swiftly tossing them in the bin. 

There’s no need to throw out seeds and chunks after carving pumpkins; repurpose them instead! Sprinkle salt over the seeds, heat up the oven and enjoy them as a healthy snack. Then, turn the chunks into a delicious puree which can be kept in a freezer for months.

After making the most out of your pumpkin, compost any remains. And remember: how you purchase a pumpkin is equally important as how you dispose of one.

Buy pumpkins from nearby farms

Earth Day Canada says buying locally grown gourds is an easy way to ensure a smaller ecological footprint. Local foods also tend to taste fresher and have more nutrients. 

So, a visit to the nearest pumpkin patch may be worth the trip after all! 

PumpkinFest at Downey’s Farm Market is running until Halloween night in Caledon, Ont. Their website promises wagon rides, live entertainment and—of course—plenty of pumpkins. 

 Donate used costumes

Research from the University of Waterloo says Canadians trash about a billion pounds of fashion and home items made of fabric each year. 

Instead of contributing to this spooky statistic, give your costumes a second life. Donation centres, including Goodwill, will accept your lightly used Cinderella dresses, fairy wings and skeleton onesies—so long as you adhere to the organization’s guidelines. 

 Goodwill says the smart way to donate is by washing any clothing items, testing battery-operated items and including all pieces of children’s toys. Broken, soiled and recalled items, however, will be turned away. So, be sure to remove chocolate and candy stains from your costumes before giving them away!

These no-brainer tips and tricks are your key to sustainable and spooky Halloween celebrations. 

Accessibility in newsrooms: Managing disability in a profession that isn’t disability friendly

How disabled journalists navigate the industry

By: Aru Kaul

Content Warning: Mentions and discussions of (dis)ableism and its impacts

As journalists, the public relies on us to bring stories to them. The minute we step into a newsroom, we are making a commitment to deliver factual, timely and relevant information, regardless of whatever is going on in our personal lives. But how do you do this when the newsroom wasn’t designed for you?

Anything from a newsroom’s architectural design or its workplace environment can create barriers for disabled people. For example, in a 2021 article for Canadaland, reporter Bailey Martens said she couldn’t even fit in the door of her student newsroom. In addition to physical disabilities, a 2022 survey from the Canadian Journalism Forum on Trauma and Violence finds that Canadian journalists experience alarming amounts of anxiety and depression due to the fast paced and often traumatizing nature of the job.

As someone who was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as an adult, I spent a lot of my life not understanding what was wrong with me. Why were my intrusive thoughts, sleepless nights, irritability and lack of focus constantly getting in the way of things? Why couldn’t I just snap out of it?

These symptoms followed me when I began my journey as a journalism student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) in 2019. My first time interviewing a source was followed by a panic attack in the bathroom. Then, when I sat down to write the article, it took me three hours to write a single paragraph.

Even though these were not isolated incidents, I chalked this up to being nervous because I was starting a new school. At the very least, that was a problem with a relatively simple solution. When things didn’t change in my second year, I began to entertain the possibility that it was more than just nerves brought on by a new school.

But since there were no visible signs that I was struggling, I often felt that I shouldn’t ask for accommodations and just “push through.” I felt so much shame admitting that I needed help that I would never do anything other than search for answers on the internet. It comforted me to see posts on social media or read articles about other people going through the same thing.

And on the rare occasions when I did ask for help, they would often be accompanied with apologies or with more information than was needed when requesting a deadline extension. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who feels that way.

Emily Fagan is an associate producer at CBC as well as a freelance journalist based in British Columbia. She too has yet to master confidently advocating for herself when she’s in need of more support or time than is offered by the industry.

“It’s hard to do when your disability isn’t obvious to others,” Fagan said.

Fagan has Crohn’s Disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling of tissues in the digestive tract. This can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, malnutrition and weight loss.

“I typically don’t mention when I’m in pain or having issues with my Crohn’s to coworkers, out of fear that it might make me seem unreliable,” Fagan said.

According to the Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research, chronic pain often occurs as part of chronic illness, which can be understood to be illnesses that do not go away by themselves within six months, that cannot reliably be cured, and that will not kill the patient any time soon.

“I’m privileged that I have the ability to mask my symptoms, but I also struggle with feeling like people will judge me, thinking I’m ‘not sick enough’ to take time off or ask for any accommodations,” Fagan said.

Disability and journalism

In Canada, job applicants do not have to disclose their disability at any point in the application process unless the disability directly impacts your ability to perform the job, according to the Canada Human Rights Act. However, does this actually mean that applicants are being treated fairly and equally?

For many disabled journalists in inaccessible newsrooms, it’s hard to steer clear of getting pigeon holed into disability reporting.

John Loepkky, a freelance journalist and editor from Saskatchewan, says many disabled journalists are typecast as op ed writers.

“Here, we’ll give you a bit of money to write about your trauma,” said Loepkky. “That traumatic experience that happened to you is worth $250 and not a penny more.”

As a wheelchair user, Loepkky said that disabled people don’t have the “privilege of being boring,” in an article for CBC. This means that they’re either painted as inspirational or heavily pitied for their disability. 

“This is how you end up with ledes like ‘John Loepkky who is confined to a wheelchair got out of bed this morning’,” Loepkky said.

Portraying disabled people as inspirational is called inspiration porn, which was coined by Australian disability advocate Stella Young. A good way to know if something is inspiration porn is by determining how it is supposed to make non disabled people feel. If the point of the message is to make non disabled people feel good about not having a disability, it’s inspiration porn.

A disability justice approach centers the priorities and approaches of those most historically excluded groups, such as women, people of colour, immigrants, and people who identify as LGBTQ+.

How to talk about disability

I remember being taught in school that we should not use the word “disabled” to describe a person and instead say things like “special needs” or “differently abled.” These euphemisms position disability as something bad and as a site of difference. Disabled people do not need to be ashamed of their identities. As disabled scholar Sami Schalk said, “disability is not a catastrophe to me, it is a part of life.”

Crip time is a term used to describe how disabled, sick, chronically ill and neurodivergent people experience time and space differently from non-disabled people. According to disability theorist Alison Kafer, “rather than bend disabled bodies and minds to meet the clock, crip time bends the clock to meet disabled bodies and minds.”

Lauren Munro, a disability studies professor at TMU said disability accommodation — whether it is in education or in employment — is oriented through a legislative framework. An example of this is the requirement to provide disability documentation.

“The current expectations around disability and accommodation puts the onus on that person to see a medical professional and obtain a note to excuse their absence. Getting that note takes time, energy and money,” Munro said.

“If you can't get out of bed in the first place and/or you can't afford the fee that your healthcare provider is charging for that note, you're going to have trouble accessing accommodations,” she added.

I truly hope that I will live to see a world where accessibility is the norm. Globally, one billion people live with a disability, according to the WHO World Report on Disability. And according to Statistics Canada, nearly 22 per cent of Canadians are disabled. To put that into perspective, that’s one out of every seven people. There are so much more of us than people think, and we deserve a much better life than one spent in a constant state of struggle.

Even to this day, I still hear things like “You don’t look like you have anxiety” or “how do you have ADHD when you still get things done?” While I understand that the people who say this mean no harm, I can’t stress enough that anxiety and ADHD don’t have a look. Just because I’m not having panic attacks every second of every day or failing all of my classes does not mean my disabilities are any less real.

Snakes, Lattes and Trivia: An evening in a board game café

How a local café chain is elevating the trivia game

By: Nalyn Tindall

If you consider yourself a pop culture whiz, Snakes & Lattes is the place to be on a Wednesday night. The board game café has become a date-night staple across Toronto, boasting multiple locations throughout the city on the streets of College, Bloor and Eglinton. The unique blend of board games, drinks and eats has made Snakes & Lattes a go-to destination for many Torontonians. But there’s more than just board games in store.

Trivia has become a fan favourite and stands out among the café’s many events, including mixers and karaoke nights. The chain currently holds weekly general trivia on Tuesdays at the Annex location, 600 Bloor St. W., and themed trivia nights every other Wednesday across the city, attracting a diverse crowd of trivia enthusiasts and casual players. Themes include a variety of pop culture knowledge from movies and TV shows to music, with Taylor Swift and The Office being two of their most popular topics.

What sets Snakes & Lattes Trivia Nights apart from others in the city is the elevated effort that goes into planning these events. Everything is next-level, including the decor, themed menus, costumes, prizes and thoughtfully crafted questions. The host, Max Simon, fosters engagement and enthusiasm among the players, bringing the experience up a notch. “The main goal for me when I'm hosting is it doesn't matter if you got it right or if you got it wrong, as long as you had fun. That's the real win right there,” said Simon.

With a lively atmosphere and supportive staff, the café creates a fun, dynamic and competitive environment, encouraging players to work together and test their knowledge to the fullest.

A variety of questions for casual viewers and hardcore fans made for a night of fun (Nalyn Tindall/CanCulture)

“We try to make it more of an experience with the themed menu and tossing in some props and decor from the show, so you're really getting a very immersive experience,” said Rebecca Moshe-Steinberg, community manager at Snakes & Lattes.

Moshe-Steinberg is the mind behind these events, proposing trivia night last year and recruiting Simon, her high school friend, to host. Following their first Marvel-themed trivia night in May, the idea took off and has led to many different themed trivia nights over the past year. These events have been well received and tend to sell out; Steinberg noted they’ve even attracted a cast of regular players at their events.

Along with my friends, I had the pleasure of attending the How I Met Your Mother-themed trivia night, which was a blast. The night began with a warm welcome from Simon, who explained the game's rules and set the evening's welcoming and joyful tone. The night consisted of four rounds of trivia, each based on different seasons of the shows, as well as a bonus round for the top two teams during intermission. 

We tried drinks and food off their themed menu, which included thoughtfully crafted dishes with clever nods to characters and moments in the show. We tried the Madame Chews House of Dumplings, pork and kimchi-filled fried dumplings with gochujang sauce, and the Sumb*tches cookie, a sizeable skillet-baked cookie with vanilla ice cream. Both dishes were incredibly delicious and left me wanting more. 

We also tried two themed drinks: a twist on a vodka cranberry called Ms. Robin and a scotch and honey-focused cocktail dubbed Daddy’s Here. Clearly created by master mixologists, the drinks were well-balanced, refreshing and, not to mention, aesthetically pleasing.

Our delicious drinks and dessert from the themed menu. (Nalyn Tindall/CanCulture)

I’d also recommend their regular menu, from which we tried the Snakes Winter Salad, Chai Latte and Mini Cheesecake Tart. I was highly impressed with the quality of food produced at a place that calls itself a café and would plan to eat dinner here if coming for a night of board games.

The night was filled with competitive yet friendly fun, and we found ourselves in fourth place once the 49th and final question had been marked. The questions varied from beginner-friendly to extremely niche, with a good mix of difficulty in each round. I had a great time testing my knowledge, trying tasty treats and joking around with my friend and other guests. “It really does build a great sense of community,” said Simon.

The themes selected for themed trivia nights are often suggestions from patrons and staff members, based on what’s expected to be popular or has previously been a hit.

Moshe-Steinberg noted that the entire team does a lot of research to ensure they’re getting the details right. From the head chef to the mixologists, every member of the team is dedicated to creating a memorable experience.

Overall, Snakes & Lattes trivia nights offer an entertaining and enjoyable experience perfect for groups of friends or family. 

The entertaining, challenging gameplay and delectable food and drinks make for a night to remember. So if you're looking for a unique and engaging way to spend an evening in Toronto, head to Snakes & Lattes and get ready to test your knowledge and have some fun!

Feel the ‘need’ to date? TMU students reflect on relationship obsessions

Peer pressure and societal standards are making some students infatuated with love

By: Aliya Karimjee

( CanCulture/Aliya Karimjee)

As we make our landing in the season of love, single people often feel pressured to enter a relationship and conform to society’s expectations of partnership.

With the popularization of heteronormative nuclear-family relationship standards in media, there’s the misconception that you need a significant other to make you feel “complete and happy.”

Some TMU students and staff feel Valentine's Day is an expensive "trap."

Zorianna Zurba, a faculty member in TMU’s professional communications department with expertise in the philosophy of love, recognizes the pressure around finding love keeps people from building a community.

“Traditionally, we think of Valentine’s Day as romantic love and we don’t acknowledge the other forms of love that can exist,” said Zurba.

Because of this, she adds that some people often rely on one person to meet their emotional needs rather than focus on self-love or friendships.

Amulyaa Dwivedi, a first-year journalism student, explains that her friends peer pressure her to get a boyfriend, holding her back from her journey with self-love. The pressure surrounds her through acquaintances, family members and friends, she said.

As an international student, Dwivedi notes that the salient dating politic that asks us to prioritize romantic ventures above all else is more prominent in Canada—leaving her with a culture shock.

Despite these societal pressures, she tries to remember Miley Cyrus’s new song Flowers and the practice of self-love.

Miley Cyrus’ new song wall art advertising single women empowerment near this Valentine’s season. (CanCulture/Aliya Karimjee)

Dwivedi adds that Flowers “is like a self-love song and a good [addition] to Galentine’s Day.”

Galentine’s Day is typically referred to as a “girls’ night” or a day to spend with friends feeling empowered by celebrating self-love, friendship and the enduring love we derive from being in community with one another.

“I feel like there’s a stigma that being with someone [romantically] is better than being by yourself,” said Agnese Verrone, a third-year politics and governance student.

She said she prefers being with someone she likes enough romantically or her friends, rather than going on a date for the sake of companionship.

Anna-Giselle Funes-Eng, a first-year journalism student, is celebrating Galentine’s Day this year with an ABBA sing-along screening at the Ted Rogers Cinema.

She believes it’s important to celebrate her friends and herself on February 14th rather than have a negative outlook on this day.

“The standard of a relationship is so binary and exclusive. Anyone who doesn’t conform is expected to be sad, wallow… And that’s bullshit,” said Funes-Eng.

For those considered “lucky enough” to be dating, they reveal an equal amount of pressure to arrange a “picture-perfect” Valentine’s Day.

There are a lot of grand gestures seen on social media, “so it puts pressure on my boyfriend or me to do something big,” said first-year nursing student Kirat Sandahar.

Whether you are celebrating Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day or practicing self-love, it’s essential to recognize who our true soulmates are and the role community and self-love play in our lives.

Together apart: Exploring the reality of long-distance relationships

Take a deep dive into the actuality of being in a long-distance relationship and discover the secret to getting through it all

By: Sia Shete

And in Life's noisiest hour,

There whispers still the ceaseless Love of Thee,

The heart's Self-solace and soliloquy.

The Presence of Love; Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Being invested in a long-distance relationship translates to being homesick for a person, more so than anything else. It's odd really, how we simple human beings can feel an emotion so complex and so utterly deep as the love that drives us to go to lengths for one another. 

Sometimes the price you pay for wanting someone in your life is the distance. The pain, the nights lying awake cursing time and distance for standing in the way. 

You wish they lived just a few miles closer and wish even more so to have the power to be able to run down and throw your arms around them. Unfortunately, that's a luxury not every one of us can afford.

 Nonetheless, every day is a new chapter in the book. For too many long-distance lovers, distance is just like the grains of sand in an hourglass; waiting to run out. Although long-distance relationships are all about proving whether “your love for one another is stronger than the space between you,” there's more to it than what meets the eye.

Nurturing a long-distance relationship can be tricky and challenging but also rewarding at the same time. It isn't always about having the most perfect relationship—an illusory ideal that will look and be different for everyone— but about finding someone who will stick through the bad times just like they would the good times, by your side.

People don’t essentially go looking for a long-distance partner, the majority of them just happen to turn into one. A 2019 survey showed that 68 per cent of people had a “limit” for distance within the state lines or closer, opting to look for romantic relationships in proximity. 

It also showed that most couples that end up adapting to long-distance meet either on dating apps or sites. Another reason behind the birth of a long-distance relationship is either moving away to a new region and/or country for further education or work. There comes at least one point in a couple’s life when they have no other option but to lead lives away from one another for a specific period of time. Although this is inevitable in certain situations, some couples move borders just so they don't have to deal with the problem of “distance” altogether. 

Long-distance relationships, however, don’t have to be the worst-case scenario. But only those truly committed—to making a relationship work under tumultuous conditions, and to one another— can make it through.

For centuries, relationships had always contemplated distance. And during the 1800s and a part of the 1900s, there was no technology to keep partners connected over a video call, let alone a phone call. Letters were the sole medium of communication for weeks, even months and yet a good chunk of these relationships resulted in marriages and settling down with one another. Why this example you ask? If they could do it then, you can definitely pull through. But before we get into the “how” to maintain a healthy long-distance relationship, let’s take a look at the difference between trusting the process and knowing when to back out.

People are often confused between setting boundaries for themselves and sticking around for that “special someone.” Making it work in a long-distance relationship does not mean you sacrifice your mental peace, self-respect and stability. While it’s quite a feat to get through the rough patches and arguments in the absence of the other’s physical presence, it’s also important to know where to draw a line for yourself. Long-distance is certainly not for everybody. If it’s with the right person, it’s essential to know that they’ll never put you through a situation where you’re forced to sacrifice your peace. It’s important for you to establish who you are before you establish who “we” are.

Setting boundaries, increasing communication and your level of understanding becomes vital. Without communication, any relationship, especially long-distance ones, would cease to exist. Even the most seemingly mundane piece of information like what the sky looked like to you today or the small snail you passed by that brought a smile to your face needs to be communicated. If your corporeal selves can’t be connected, make sure your emotional selves are wholly attached.

Counseling Psychologist and life coach Pranjul Somani talks about how long-distance is not about “having time,” it's about “making time.” While sometimes it’s impossible to find time between busy schedules, it’s equally important to prioritize your partner and find some time for them during the day. And when that’s not doable, communicate that.  Let them know beforehand and update them about your day over a text if calling seems difficult. All you need to remember is it’s the same person you longed for, the same person you waited for, the same person you have fond memories with and that you do not want to let go. Choose them over the distance, fight for them and trust one another. no matter what.

Here are a few ideas that you can get to know your partner deeper (yes, over video calls!) and spend some quality time together this Valentine’s Day away from one another:

Play the “We’re not Really Strangers” card game: Couple’s Version!

The infamous Instagram page called “We’re Not Really Strangers” came up with a personal game just for couples to not just help you get closer to your loved one but also get to know them better as a person. With over three different levels of “intimacy,” this game will surely make your day a lot better, even though you are away from your valentine.

Hit the gym together

Yes! You heard that right. A virtual date at the gym. Workout together on this special day, hit the same muscle groups, coordinate your workouts and do some cardio (in the gym only please!) Who cares if people think it’s weird or too cheesy? Stretch your boundaries (and muscles!) for the person you love.

Send them hand-written letters via post

Too 1800s for you? Do it anyway. Handwritten letters are more personal and show that you care a lot more than you can verbally communicate. Take it up a notch and add a little bit of your scent on the piece of paper, some of their favorite candy in the envelope or something that’s personal to the two of you. 

Netflix and… sorry, just that

As much as we all would LOVE the option of “chilling” with our partners, maybe next time? Either get all romantic and watch Notting Hill, The Proposal and You’ve Got Mail or change the plantotally by binging some Tarantino flicks, it’s up to you. Grab some popcorn, make some desserts or order in. Either way bond with one another over a few couple movies on Teleparty!

Listen to your favorite music and have a dance party

Be it Apple Music or Spotify, make collaborative playlists together and add some of your songs or discover new songs together. Have one another on video call, stare at each other for hours, work while listening to the playlist or just talk, for hours. Music does half the magic. 

Remember that years from now the past will be a story. The pain you went through will seem worth it, the memories you made will sit framed on the fireplace, you’ll appreciate every second you spend together but most importantly, you’ll be reminded that you fell in love with a person for the little things. It’s not always about the physical touch. Although it sucked that you couldn’t hold their hand when you wanted to, or couldn't give them a hug when they needed it, you made it through space and time and that’s exactly why everything will seem worth so much more; in every universe and in every world, your love knows no bounds.

This V-Day, the stars are aligned

By: Lynette George

Can’t figure out what to do for Valentine’s Day this year? Are you scouring the internet, hunting for the perfect plan? Well, look no further! I have your back. Here’s a comprehensive list of potential date ideas based on the 12 widely contrasting zodiac signs.

ARIES

As the first astrological sign of the zodiac and the fieriest of them all, this Valentine’s Day is for the Aries in your life to let loose. Book a spot at your local rage room and let them have at it. With the perfect way to channel that good old Aries anger, this date will be fun, memorable and the perfect mid-week de-stresser. As the totally real, super famous quote goes, “Break plates, not hearts.” 

TAURUS

Not feeling ready for a kid? Or even a pet? Go out and adopt a plant together! No one loves the environment more than a Taurus so this couldn’t be more perfect. Head over to your local nursery, take a romantic stroll amongst all the greenery and surround yourself with nature. From little peperomias to giant spider plants, feel free to go as big or as small as your heart desires.

Note: Spend some quality time together after, naming the new addition to your life!

GEMINI

With an unrivaled affinity for contests and an almost painful need to win, the perfect date for a Gemini must involve some sort of competition. So this Valentine’s Day, stay inside for a little game night with all the classics - Monopoly, UNO, and Codenames! If you’re not up for the stress of putting it together, go out to a bar and join a community trivia night. Ensure they feel challenged and watch as they take on that winning glow!

CANCER

Cancers love a low-key, low-maintenance date above all else. They’re above fancy frills and instead, prefer to find happiness in the mundane. Give them just that! Set up an incredibly comfortable pillow fort at home, prop up your laptop and watch a movie or show you both love. Ensure you have some snacks ready to go and enjoy staying in together. It’s simple and easy to plan but with Cancers, a little effort goes a long way!

LEO

No one you know is as highly wound up as the Leo in your life. It’s a fact. If you’re shocked by it, you’re probably a Leo! For all the stress your fire sign shoulders each day, you need to ensure that the date you plan is the epitome of relaxation. For V-Day this year, I recommend a spa getaway to take away all that pressure. Feel the peace sink in and bask in the tranquility that follows!

Note: If you’re on a budget, you could head over to a student massage clinic instead!

VIRGO

Virgos love the limelight. They’re social beings with a love for elegance and grace. To top it off, they’re also just a tad bit basic (I’m a Virgo…I’m allowed to say that). So this time, ensure that they feel extra special with a classic dinner date that is just as fancy and luxurious as them! Whether it’s at a restaurant with tiny plates or at home with a scrumptious meal, put in that extra bit of planning and see the absolute joy on their face!

LIBRA

With a strong intellect and a love for learning, the perfect date for a Libra would have to widen their horizons. The stagnancy of a sit-down movie night would simply fail to tickle their fancy! So for Libras, I recommend spending your V-Day at a museum or art gallery around town. This date would result in amazing photos and some phenomenal memories. More importantly, hand-in-hand, you can explore the past as you cement your future! 

SCORPIO

Let’s be honest: all Scorpios are at least a little bit witchy and supernatural on the inside. It’s unique, fun and only a tad bit creepy (I mean this in the most flattering of ways so don’t hex me). So why look elsewhere for date ideas? I say that you should fully lean into it! Find a local metaphysical store, go shopping for healing crystals together and book a tarot card reading. Watch as the sorcery unfolds and have the experience of a lifetime!

SAGITTARIUS

A thrill-seeker through and through, a Sagittarius will not stand for a date that isn’t as energetic as they are! So for this one, I recommend multiple parts to your date night! Plan a scavenger hunt with stops around the city that are meaningful to your relationship. Schedule breaks in between to drop by eclectic cafes or clubs even! Ensure they’re discovering new spots and you have yourself the perfect Saggi date night!

CAPRICORN

It’s midterm season and Capricorns aren’t here to mess around. There’s no world in which they’re stepping out to do anything around this time. Want to find a way to have a Valentine’s Day plan that they’ll actually show up to? A cute study date is the way to go! Get all their favorite snacks, a nice warm drink, along with a pack of their favorite highlighters and enjoy each other's company. 

AQUARIUS

For your innovative, eccentric and rebellious Aquarius, a laid-back approach might be the way to go! This Valentine’s Day, set up the supplies and spend the day painting canvases, cloth bags, vases and more. Crack open a bottle of wine or sparkling cider and you have the most chill date night an Aquarius could ask for. Work on projects separately but come together to create a few pieces as a couple. With no boundaries at all, let your creativity run wild.

PISCES

Ever wondered which zodiac sign was most likely to be a saint? Yeah, it’s Pisces. They’re kind, gentle, compassionate and generous beyond comparison. The soothing water sign loves to help out in any way, so combine it all and head over to a local pet shelter! Volunteer with some amazing little animals and spend your day working for a good cause. Find happiness in the pure joy that is a pet and have the most memorable date together!

Note: If you feel like you found what you’ve been looking for, adopt a pet!

The loveless truth behind the ‘five love languages’

Gary Chapman's love theory turns out to be very controversial

By: Krishika Jethani

(Sama Nemat Allah/CanCulture)

Content Warning: Homophobia

By now many have heard about the supposed five love languages and without knowing anything about its origin, we’ve begun categorizing ourselves, our partners and the ways we show love using the now-omnipresent classifications.

The five languages are known as acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, words of affirmation and physical touch. But at the heart of these frameworks of love? A homophobic Baptist pastor in the early 90s.

Gary Chapman published his book, The 5 Love Languages, in 1992 and it was directly dedicated to Christian couples in his church. Prior to his authorship, Chapman was a pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in North Carolina where he taught couples the importance of love languages. This was before he published his book that platformed his theory to the whole world and not just to the couples he was counseling.

Through his experience working with different couples as a marriage counselor, he denominated these love languages as the only possible ways in which a couple could function. But his theory was grounded in misogyny, notions of the nuclear family, heterosexism and a score of gender norms.

When Chapman’s book was released, not many knew about his homophobic beliefs. In a 2021 article, writer Kristen Mae enumerated the various oppressive statements and beliefs disseminated by Chapman that somehow she had never seen. 

A 2013 comment found on Chapman’s website saw a mother seeking out advice from him after finding out her son was gay to which he said the following: “Disappointment is a common emotion when a parent hears one of their children indicate that he/she is gay. Men and women are made for each other–it is God’s design. Anything other than that is outside the primary design of God.”

Although Mae has found the concept of love languages useful, she is enraged by the thoughts he shared online. Chapman's beliefs seemed to be undercover for many years but she now describes it as the most “insidious form of homophobia.”

When working in the church, Chapman was clear on his beliefs and the couples he counseled looked up to him. A couple was considered compatible, for example, only if their partner knew how to communicate in certain love languages. The only difference was that this theory only accounted for heterosexual couples, according to Chapman.

Although he was never considered a reliable counselor or source, romantic relationships are now being dictated by these five ubiquitous love languages. 

It’s very common to see people base their whole relationship on their love language compatibility. The question is why are we letting a sexist and homophobic pastor’s pseudo-scientific ideologies systematically define the ways in which we should classify and affix validity to our personal relationships. Not only this, but why are we allowing this to measure the compatibility between our partners, romantic or otherwise? 

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Every relationship is different and it shouldn’t be judged by how you give or take love. Linda Carroll, a marriage and family therapist, wrote, “While Chapman’s theory helps explain how to best make a relationship thrive, they are just one part of what makes a successful relationship overall.”

When Chapman released his book, relationships began to depend on the idea as a determinant of romantic success (or probability of failure). 

Carroll describes how a couple, who are now separated, were confused as to why their relationship wasn’t working even though they follow all of their partner’s love languages. They believed the five love languages were going to fix their relationship’s foundational problems because that’s what Chapman so much as guaranteed in his book.

Carroll agrees that love languages can be an important factor in a relationship but she describes how they can always “change.”

“Our love language can change over time and in specific life situations. If we don’t know how to not just speak to each other but also how to really listen to each other, we may be engaging in behaviors that no longer say “I love you” but now irritate instead,” she wrote. If there is already a lack of communication within the relationship, following these love languages will not make these issues disappear. 

Psychologists, such as Dr. Julie Gottman, question Chapman’s theory of love. Dr. Gottman describes the categories as “superficial and rigid” and wonders why there are such narrow boxes when people can easily be more open to different concepts of love. Dr. Gottman uses physical touch as an example. Physical touch does not have to be a love language you immediately want but can rather be something you grow into. At the beginning of a relationship, you might not feel comfortable being touched by your partner but may grow to crave it more in the future. 

Additionally, the touch needs of queer, ace or neurodivergent folks, whose relationships with physical touch are fluid, might change depending on the day, the person or how over/under stimulated they are. 

This doesn't mean you do not fall under the “physical touch” category but rather that a relationship is an inherently ever changing dynamic, so its facets must also be treated as such. These love languages force you to settle into rigid patterns that disallow growth from both you and your partners. 

Love languages don’t just hurt those in love, but those seeking it, namely in the ways the framework has invaded dating app spaces. On services such as Tinder and Bumble, you can share what your love languages are on your profile. In enabling this theory to be taken as gospel, we’ve also assumed a uniformity of experiences among lovers and strangers alike. The person you meet on a dating app is more nuanced than a denomination as one-dimensional as a “gift-giver,” but love languages rob people of their layers before we’ve even had the chance to make their acquaintance.  

Dating app users are apt to use this as a way to analyze whether the person reflected on their screen is compatible enough to swipe on. Using these types of apps hinders your ability to deeply know someone. If you immediately associate them with being a person of “quality time” or of “words of affirmation”, you may not learn a dynamic and modulating way of communicating love.

Chapman’s theory also influences people to believe they should adjust to their partner’s feelings and react in a certain way to fulfill their needs. All partners should have a say in how they feel and how they want to be treated. It’s about learning what makes the other feel good in a genuine way rather than superficially.

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Romantic relationships are not meant to be centered around arbitrary criteria. The beauty of love is seen through various different stages and growth is a very important part of it. If you want to recognize the type of love you crave, you may start with the five love languages as long as you don't get sucked into a vacuum of pseudoscience and let it define you. 

Don't force yourself to stay within five categories because there is so much more to expand from; and there’s also so much more to you and your community. Just because you are not falling under two or three categories, doesn’t mean your relationship will fatalistically come to an end.

Instead of “becoming myopically focused on speaking your partner’s love language,” says Brigitt Earley, “think of the love languages as a starting point for tending to your relationship with a sense of generosity and goodwill.”

Audio Only: A podcast about podcasts

Dive into the podcasting world along with Mari and Mia and learn all about how to tell a story in an audio-only format

By: Mia Johnson and Mariana Schuetze

Mia Johnson and Mariana Schuetze are the co-hosts of the Audio Only podcast and third-year journalism students at TMU. This podcast started as an assignment for their ‘Podcasting and Radio Basics’ class and grew into something more.  (Angela Glover/TMU)

Podcasting is hard – it’s not an easy gig. We would know. There’s scheduling interviews, pre-interviews, conducting interviews, script writing, and narration recordings. And don’t even get us started on the post-production process. But the work these audio-only formats produce – it’s a different world. A world that only exists between your ears. It’s a sensory, visceral space where we can imagine these narratives playing out.

Audio Only is a podcast about podcasts, hosted by CanCulture’s film editor, Mariana Schuetze and literary editor, Mia Johnson. We’re just getting started in podcasting and Audio Only not only highlights our love for storytelling through audio but also what it takes to create a podcast. We wanted to explore audio drama narratives and how fictional truths can get at larger truths than non-fiction.

Epiphany is an audio drama narrative created by fourth-year media production students at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). It is a touching, coming-of-age story that deals with sexual assault by putting the character’s healing journey at the forefront of the narrative.

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We talked to Haylee Thompson, the creator of the Epiphany, co-writer Drake Sanderson and Addison Holley, who directed Epiphany. And for an expert perspective, we talked to Chris Tolley, co-producer and co-host of the CBC podcast, PlayME. Listen to our first episode to get a glimpse into the world of audio-only storytelling.

Epiphany is still in the process of mastering but will be released in the coming months, you can listen to it on their website and find more updates on its impending release on their Instagram, @tmuepiphany.

Find a full transcript of the podcast here.

Mariana Schuetze and Mia Johnson have been working on this project since mid-October. One of the final recordings was done in the Allan Slaight Radio Institute at The Creative School at TMU. (Angela Glover/TMU)

Addison Holley and Epiphany’s sound engineer, Matt Major, worked together, along with Haylee Thompson and Drake Sanderson, on editing Epiphany. (Mariana Schuetze/TMU)

Besides directing, Addison Holley is also an accomplished voice actor. She said her previous experience with voice work is what drew her to Epiphany. (Elias Wong/Epiphany)

Haylee Thompson is the creator, lead writer and co-producer of Epiphany. The audio narrative started as her final-year practicum project at TMU (Elias Wong/Epiphany)

To all the singles, keep your head up this Valentine’s Day

Is anticipating the upcoming doom of Valentine’s Day leaving you extra sad and lonely? We’ve got some remedies for your woes

By: Yanika Saluja

(Sama Nemat Allah/CanCulture)

The new year is not usually great for us singles, especially by the time the dreaded month of February comes around. Our “self-growth” and “focusing on ourselves” resolutions are not even enacted until Valentine’s Day comes to haunt us. I mean, who wants to see their social media flooded with couples who are going out of their way to tell their partner how much they love them (I’m secretly crying inside as I ponder)? 

Every partner-less person handles Valentine’s Day differently. Some might love being single and thank God that they can focus on finishing their assignment when others are out spending money. Some might wish they had someone to celebrate the love-struck day with them, but, with a sigh of acceptance, move about their day. And some people might be like me, screaming into pillows to sounds of.

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) students have their own opinions on being single this Feb. 14.

Eisha Mueed, a second-year student at TMU, feels great about being single on Valentine’s Day because for her, it’s a choice.

“I think it’s how you look at it; yeah, it’s great when you have two people who have an allocated day where they celebrate love, but it should be more normalized to [celebrate] life every day,” said Mueed.

While we often associate solitude during Valentine’s day with a hatred for all things amour, some, like TMU student Virgil Andre,  simply like seeing love in the air.. He feels really happy for his friends in relationships and is glad that they found someone who understands them during a time as difficult as our adolescent years.

“I think love is a beautiful thing you can see in people,” said Andre.

“Every single person, from the guy you’re working with to a woman you’re seeing on the train ride home to a teenager you see at a grocery store; everyone has someone in mind that they love. And it is nice that on a day filled with love, you get to see love everywhere.”

For TMU journalism student Kyana Alvarez, some single people still manage to enjoy Valentine’s Day.

“I think even if you are single, you can enjoy the holiday as it depends on the type of person. So yeah, I know some of my single friends who like to celebrate Valentine’s in a different way than just romantic love,” said Alvarez

And it is nice that on a day filled with love, you get to see love everywhere.

To all my lovely singles out there who don’t want to spend this day of love moping around waiting for their soulmate to climb through their window like Marcus Baker, I got you covered.

Go on a shopping spree

I believe this is the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day. Instead of spending money on your partner, spend it on yourself. Pamper yourself. Buy the most random things you’ve always wanted. Discover new stores and go thrifting. Who doesn’t love treasure hunting?

Do something spontaneous

If I went this route, my first stop would be a tattoo shop and then getting scolded by my parents would be tomorrow's problem. Point being, go out and be rebellious. If you wanted that purple hair colour, now is the time my friend. You wanted that piercing? Go and get two of them. Let yourself free and enjoy that adrenaline.

Go on a solo date

Okay, now I know it sounds like something a loner with no friends would do but trust me it’s so much more than that. I prefer dates with myself where I can get a cup of coffee and read my book or watch Netflix to force myself to do something I don’t want with someone else. So, pick out the restaurant or café or even a park you always wanted to go to and don’t wait for someone to take you there. Dress up in your best clothes, and fly solo. Learn to be comfortable with yourself and your company.

Buy yourself flowers

If you have heard the song Flowers by Miley Cyrus, you know what I mean. Now I am sure you must have all wondered what it felt like to get flowers from someone. Even though flowers can be super cliché, but in some sense, it is kind of cute when you get them. You know the best part about flower shops? You don’t need a second person to buy them for you. Pick out the most extraordinary flowers that you see and tap that credit card. You deserve it.

Beat your friends at bowling

Go on a group date with your friends to a bowling alley and show off those skills that say “I might be single, but I can still strike.” Go out and have a fun day with your friends and then go have a nice dinner with everyone or watch a movie together.

To my single, but totally amazing humans out there, try not to be gloomy or feel disheartened if you haven’t found love yet. It will come to you when it’s meant to. Until then, enjoy and cherish the time you have with yourself. So, take a second and wish yourself a very happy Valentine’s day.

Toronto’s Holiday Fair in the Square cut short due to severe storm warning

The annual event experienced last-minute changes due to province-wide weather warnings

By: Vihaan Bhatnagar

A deserted Nathan Phillips Square during Friday’s snowstorm. The Fair in the Square was originally scheduled to end on Friday. (Vihaan Bhatnagar/CanCulture)

The Holiday Fair in the Square shut down earlier than planned on Wednesday due to severe storm warnings. With slushy and unsafe weather events being predicted on Thursday. Parts of Ontario, including Toronto, saw a huge snow and wind storm Friday, the day it was initially scheduled to end.

 According to Geoff Bobb, executive director of Epilepsy Toronto, the event would raise money to support programs and services for Epilepsy Toronto, a counselling agency for people with epilepsy. During the 2022 event’s 19-day run, an estimated 400,000 visitors attended the fair.

With these numbers, Bobb said Epilepsy Toronto hoped to make as much as $50,000.

“We have to still do all of the final accounts, but it looked like we were close to [the financial] target,” Bobb said in a phone interview with CanCulture. “We obviously missed the last couple of days of the festival because we had to close early because of the impending storm, so that cuts into our profit margins at the end, particularly just before Christmas.”

Venders at the Holiday Fair in the Square interact with customers at the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square on Dec. 6, 2022. (Edward Lander/CanCulture)

The 2022 Fair, the first in a few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, featured a Santa’s Village, where guests could take photos with Santa for a small donation to Epilepsy Toronto. It also included an Artisan Marketplace that sold handcrafted items from local vendors and a Tasty Festive Fare that featured seasonal snacks and tasty cuisine from Toronto’s finest food trucks.

The event also housed a Polar Point Barselling an array of holiday favourite drinks and Holiday Midway featuring a classic carousel along with games and prizes. There were also multiple performances throughout the month, including the Amadeus Choir and the Festive Cheer Carolers.

The musical carousel at the Holiday Midway attraction at the Holiday Fair in the Square on Dec. 6, 2022. (Edward Lander/CanCulture)

“I learnt about it [the fair] through Epilepsy Toronto,” said Rastin Samie, a supervisor for the event. “They have a lot that I can use as somebody who has found it difficult to find an appropriate job and kind of a place to feel like myself.”

The event was managed by the organization staff who worked alongside as many as 300 volunteers to organize, run and take down the festival.

“I feel like they’ve given me a lot of resources, including a career foundation to find suitable roles for me to fill,” said Samie.

“The idea is to provide something that is an accessible and free event for the public, and to support the charity and provide a bunch of small businesses the opportunity and a forum to make some revenue,” said Bobb.

Epilepsy Toronto plans to use the profits they made over the run of the fair to provide mental health support to those with epilepsy, according to Bobb.

All in the name of health: The dangers diet culture presents to orthorexia survivors

As orthorexia encourages a feigned image of health, intense diets like intermittent fasting only push those who struggle with the eating disorder further away from recovery

By: Olivia Wiens

This piece contains discussions of eating disorders and eating disorder behaviours

Rachel Barich remembers biting into a bagel for the first time in five years — a task that her eating disorder (ED) never allowed her to do. The calories were always too condensed, the carbs were too heavy, the pounds were too easy to gain and the risk was never worth the reward. But as she finally allowed herself to sink her teeth into that bread, swallowing her fear along with it, it became the “aha” moment that kickstarted her path to recovery.

The nutritionist and dietician-to-be is paving a career to help those with EDs improve their relationship with food and with themselves — but Barich’s journey with nutrition has not always been a smooth path. Oddly, her struggle with unhealthy eating was bred from her desire to eat healthier. 

In an effort to become a faster runner in high school, Barich began watching her food intake. As she got faster, she began to directly correlate her improvement with her consumption — or lack thereof — of food. 

“It became very obsessive, very quickly,” Barich said.

Soon enough, the track runner was counting less than 1,000 calories a day, meticulously scouring the ingredient lists on everything she ate and fabricating allergies to avoid eating in group settings — all in the name of being healthy. According to Barich, this lasted for five years, from which she developed amenorrhea and osteoporosis — meaning she lost her regular menstrual cycle and her spinal bones were progressively becoming fragile and brittle — at the age of 19.

It wasn’t until Barich took a fall as a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I track and cross-country athlete in her first year at the University of Buffalo in 2015, resulting in a fractured leg due to brittle bones caused by malnutrition, that she finally started to come to terms with her ED: orthorexia.

“Orthorexia would be an obsession with clean eating or the pursuit of health,” said Natalie Mulligan, a registered dietician at EatWell Health Centre in Toronto. She explains that an individual oftentimes develops this ED without the intent to lose weight and actively wants to become healthier, but over time, the foods and diets needed to reassure the individual’s health become severely extreme and restrictive.

“That’s when you see the secondary effect of weight loss,” said Mulligan. “With the weight loss, it triggers something and it becomes intrusive — the fear of consuming these foods.”

Mulligan goes on to say that the diet culture that has consumed social media does nothing but encourage this fear, acting as an echo chamber and throwing back similar content that social media algorithms know you like. “Unfortunately, eating disorders are magnets for that kind of information, so [people with EDs] will find that and that will validate what they’re doing.”

That’s the trap that Barich fell into when she was struggling with orthorexia — and it not only encouraged her to keep restricting herself, but it gave her new ideas for how to do so. With countless videos instructing her on how to eat only 1,200 calories a day or what ingredients to buy for an inventive new juice cleanse, it was incredibly easy for her to find new ways to starve herself. 

While it is extremely difficult to step away from the online world these days, Mulligan advises her patients to take a hiatus from social media in order to truly recover from that toxic environment. 

But to avoid cutting herself off from her social circle by deleting her apps when she started her healing journey in 2017, Barich took to blocking accounts that encouraged extreme diets. “As I became more educated and I learned how to nourish myself — especially as an athlete — and how to eat more and how to be comfortable with the discomfort of eating foods I once feared, I slowly started to change my own feed.”

While actively fighting against the pressures of online diet culture is vital while on the path of recovery, Mulligan advises those struggling with ED behaviours to avoid dieting altogether, as it can easily trigger a relapse. She makes a point to note that there are exceptions to that rule for people who are diagnosed with diabetes or similar health conditions.

“And when we feel our fullness, it allows us to trust ourselves and to give ourselves the foods we desire when we want them.

The need to avoid dieting is especially true with ones that are inherently more restrictive, like intermittent fasting (IF).

IF has blown up as one of the most recent weight loss fads across social media with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Kourtney Kardashian and Ellie Goulding raving about the benefits and often taking it to extremes. 

Though the diet can take many forms, the most popular is the 16:8 method, in which the individual fasts for 16 hours a day and eats their restricted number of calories within the remaining eight-hour window. 

While IF has been shown to rapidly increase weight loss, among other benefits, the controlling nature of IF easily plays into orthorexics’ desires for food restraint, according to EatWell Health Centre’s Natalie Mulligan.

However, IF expert and co-creator of The Fasting Method, Dr. Jason Fung, believes that IF is for everybody, so long as they listen to their bodies. “If you're not feeling well, then you should stop. You just have to go by, sort of, natural conventions.”

Some experts like Mulligan disagree with Fung, saying that the ability to listen to one’s body becomes inherently more difficult when battling an ED; the mind-body trust that is assumed of someone is not necessarily present when an ED is overtaking a person. It becomes far too easy for the disorder to take complete control, according to Mulligan.

“Intermittent fasting is a defined way of eating. It influences this loss of satiety on top of a loss of trust for the body,” Barich noted, recalling her own experiences with orthorexia. “It invades our personal boundaries that we just really haven't been taught to respect from a very young age.”

On her way to becoming a licensed dietician, Barich is able to use her past experiences to help those currently struggling with EDs, encouraging them to practice intuitive eating rather than conforming to an invasive diet culture. “When it comes back to intermittent fasting, it really goes against one of the principles of intuitive eating, which is feeling your fullness — and when we feel our fullness, it allows us to trust ourselves and to give ourselves the foods we desire when we want them.”

While it is shown that IF, or any diet, doesn’t cause EDs to form, many of the signs indicative of an ED relapse look similar to behaviours seen in restrictive dieting, such as excessive exercise, food avoidance, frequent weight check-ins and obsessive calorie counting. When it comes to orthorexia, the line between a simple diet and unhealthy eating behaviours becomes extremely blurred. “I think that’s the danger with diets that are inherently more restrictive: there’s way too much space for the eating disorder to feel comfortable,” explained Mulligan. 

This is why Mulligan advises seeking professional help to all those who struggle with an ED. 

Even though her fractured leg prompted her path to recovery, with a ‘do-it-herself mentality, Barich says her journey was anything but smooth. Her rehabilitation was a long process full of relapses and micro-behaviours, like refusing to buy anything sweet at the grocery store and counting the calories on every package, that held her in that restrictive mindset. Eventually, Barich pivoted her recovery methods by switching her major to nutrition and devoting her life to the betterment of everyone’s health — including her own. 

Since orthorexia has yet to be established as a diagnosable disorder, many doctors still don’t know how to properly treat it. In Barich’s case, her doctor simply gave her permission to “go home and eat a plate of garbage” without offering any further guidance when she was first recovering. But as it becomes more known that EDs have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, it is vital to encourage a healthy relationship with food rather than encourage the next weight loss fad. 

“It is ingrained in us from a very young age that dieting is the answer to our physical, mental and emotional woes,” Barich explained, “which is not true, and it becomes dangerous.”

Is Twitter-based journalism the past or the future?

Canadian experts and students weigh in on using the app post-acquisition

By: Alina Jaffer

Since its mobilization in the 2008 United States presidential campaign, Twitter became the ultimate multi-purpose tool for journalists. Reporters routinely use the platform as a means of outreaching, networking, reporting and promoting.

Citizen journalists famously tweeted their way through the Arab spring, using social media to organize protests and raise awareness about civil unrest.

Those working for mainstream media outlets use the app for audience curation. Scott Bryan, who co-hosts a podcast for BBC Sounds, recently wrote about building a career on Twitter.

“These days, I report things the moment they happen in easy-to-follow threads,” said Bryan. “My tweets show editors and producers what I'm knowledgeable about and have led to invitations to go on radio and TV.”

Nicole Blanchett, an associate professor at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, attests to the platform’s usefulness.

“I’ve often said to students in production classes that before something hits the news wires, I know the story breaks because I’m seeing it on my Twitter feed,” said Blanchett.

Knowing Twitter’s significance within – and oftentimes beyond – the media apparatus, Blanchett assigns a mandatory live-tweeting activity to better anchor first-year students navigating the field.

Scott Martin, who took Blanchett’s course in 2021, said he received multiple freelance writing offers through Twitter.

But, Twitter’s future as a writer’s resource is not guaranteed. Bryan said he worries about developments in the company’s acquisition ending the digital ecosystem that once helped him thrive in the industry.

The takeover and its aftermath

Business magnate Elon Musk bought out Twitter for $44 billion on Oct. 27, 2022.

“The reason I acquired Twitter is because it is important to the future of civilization to have a common digital town square, where a wide range of beliefs can be debated in a healthy manner, without resorting to violence,” wrote Musk that morning.

According to NBC News, the deal concluded after months of legal battles and mass layoffs.

Controversy ensued post-acquisition.

One of Musk’s first renovations was Twitter Blue, a subscription service costing USD$7.99 per month. Subscribers received a blue tick by their name – a symbol which formerly represented identity verification.

It wasn’t long before users with newly verified accounts impersonated public figures.

For instance, a profile parodying pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly posted a tweet falsely advertising free insulin. The claim spread for hours, resulting in a misinformation scandal that incited an exorbitant plummet of the Lilly (LLY) stock.

Other verified accounts included parodies of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Tesla and Jesus.

A parody of Ontario Premier Doug Ford satirized the government’s response to rising RSV cases. (cartogeek via Twitter) (Copy)

Parodies of Elon Musk and his businesses caught the attention of Twitter users on Nov. 10, 2022. (TeslaReal via Twitter) (Copy)

A parody account called Jesus Christ is still verified on Twitter as of Nov. 17, 2022. (Jesus via Twitter) (Copy)

Companies like Lilly pulled adverts from the platform in light of these authentication issues. According to The Atlantic, advertisements made up 90 per cent of Twitter’s revenue prior to the acquisition.

The rollout of Twitter Blue has since paused. But as Reuters reports, it may return on Nov. 29, 2022.

Despite the promise of an improved subscription service, future journalists worry about long-term effects of its first rollout.

“I think the readers following the unending nonsense at Twitter will absolutely question the reputability of articles after the blue check fiasco,” said Martin in an email correspondence.

Others question how the revamped subscription will serve Musk’s goal of democratising journalism.

Journalism student Fatima Raza said Twitter’s prioritizing of subscribed journalists in replies, mentions and searches creates a bias toward those who can afford $8 per month.

According to Musk, this new Twitter will uplift citizen journalism – a form of reporting and analysis of news conducted by the general public.

Elon Musk tells users about the future of Twitter in a series of posts.

Some students believe Musk’s favour for citizen journalism comes from a place of contempt.

“Musk is in a position where he has been covered critically by journalists, and he believes that ‘citizen journalists’ would be more favourable towards him,” said Martin. “I think what Musk means by that term and what we understand that term to mean are two different things.”

Martin and his peers say that journalism should be open to anyone who works on the ground and prioritizes veracity by double-checking sources, for example. Still, they remain acutely aware of citizen journalism’s potential pitfalls. 

Journalism student Vanessa Tiberio said citizen journalism at large is not comparable to professional work which must meet the ethical reporting standards of major outlets. 

As it stands, both professional and non-professional reporters are losing faith in the process of promoting work via Musk’s Twitter.

What happens now?

The #RIPTwitter trend took off on Thursday night after hundreds of Twitter workers resigned following an ultimatum issued by Musk. The ultimatum demanded either a commitment to hardcore work hours or a resignation with three months of severance pay.

In the wake of employees’ absences, journalists began posting farewell tweets. Many encouraged audiences to follow their work on alternative platforms.

The Washington Post’s Taylor Lorenz even changed her account name to, “Subscribe to my substack.”

KEEP UP WITH MY WORK!!!!!!!

💓 Tumblr: https://t.co/CDpkRBpaWe

💓 TikTok: https://t.co/HajlcoDGpu

💓 Substack: https://t.co/35woOyVsPm

💓 Mastodon: https://t.co/tUvOIKdibm

💓 Instagram: https://t.co/Po5fjMVUtS

💓 YouTube: https://t.co/TL2mvDzfHC

— SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK (@TaylorLorenz) November 18, 2022

This shifting of audiences is not an overreaction. CTV News’ Olivia Bowden spoke on the matter in an email correspondence. She said recent events at Twitter showed people that the platforms we thought would have permanency – platforms into which we invest time and talent – are fallible.

For journalists, this fallibility threatens a once-reliable safety net.

“​​When I was laid off in 2020, I was immediately offered work in less than 24 hours because I tweeted about it,” said Bowden.

Accordingly, journalism students followed Bowden and Lorenz’s leads. 

“I launched a substack over the weekend for this reason and I've been trying to direct people to my Instagram and TikTok,” said Martin. “The reality is that the communities built on Twitter took years [to create]. It's almost impossible to replicate that process in the span of two weeks on another agreed-upon service.”

Bowden said this potential disintegration of Twitter communities will heavily impact young journalists of colour.

“They've been able to carve out their space on Twitter when mainstream news platforms and outlets would not give them opportunities,” she said.

Connecting on alternative social medias may be necessary as Twitter navigates this pivotal time. If any platform truly manages to replace the once-beloved medium, it should perhaps be more in line with those who make up the future of Canadian journalism.

What happened to the number 13?

Investigating the mysterious disappearance of the 13th floor

By: Zoie Karagiannis

Looking into many elevators in Canada, you might be left wondering where the number 13 went. CanCulture has your answer. (Sama Nemat Allah/Canculture)

Picture this: You enter an elevator and study the buttons on the wall, only to find that the numbers jump from 12 to 14. If you stood outside and counted the number of floors of the building, it would be obvious that a 13th floor does exist. Yet here, standing in this elevator, you are left doubtful and confused. It begs the question: what happened to the number 13? 

Some buildings purposefully omit a “13th floor,” advertising it as something else, such as the 14th floor, or a floor 12A. The number 13 seemingly has a stigma attached to it and some building developers will go out of their way to avoid it. 

I am reminded of an episode in Wizards of Waverly Place, where characters Alex Russo and Harper Finkle move into an apartment building that contains a secret floor. Want to guess which number that was? If your money was on 13 - bingo!

This hidden floor was the home of many magical creatures of the Wizard World. So perhaps that’s where the 13th floor has disappeared to in many buildings today, with us mortals not being given the privilege of being privy to such a thing. If only we were wizards or werewolves… maybe then would we be able to unlock the mystery of the 13th floor.

In fact, fear of the number 13 is actually so common that it has its own name: triskaidekaphobia.

The number can be considered unlucky, which explains why some building developers choose to avoid having a 13th floor. But where did the number 13 get its bad reputation? Well, wonder no more– CanCulture is here to investigate it so you don’t have to.

(Disclaimer: No, you don’t actually need to be a wizard or werewolf!!!)

Superstitions surrounding this fear can originate from the Code of Hammurabi, which is one of the oldest documents in the world. The code reportedly left out a 13th law from a long list of legal rules (which turned out to be a clerical error made by a translator). 

Other theories about the unluckiness of this number can also be traced back to ancient Norse mythology. At a dinner party in Valhalla, the 13th God to arrive was the troublesome Loki– and it was then that evil was brought into the world. In the Bible, the 13th guest to attend the Last Supper was Judas Iscariot, known as the one to betray Jesus.

However, fear of the number 13 is acknowledged mostly in the West, including Canada. While the discretion of adding a 13th floor in buildings or using it in addresses is up to each city, some have taken the extra step to have it entirely removed– or rather, adamantly included.

Surprisingly, the number 13 has been banned from addresses in Richmond Hill, Ont., a municipality of the Greater Toronto Area. According to the Canadian Press, new housing developments have not included the number 13 for at least 20 years, which development director Gus Galanis confirmed.

In 2013, the town also completely banned the use of the number four in new housing developments, as there were overwhelming requests of homeowners wanting to change or adapt their address numbers due to difficulty selling their homes.

Galanis said these requests were made due to cultural reasons. In some East Asian cultures, the number four is considered unlucky, as in Mandarin and Cantonese it sounds like the word “death.” Many buildings located in China avoid having a fourth floor, just as many buildings in Western cultures leave out the 13th.

Richmond Hill, Ont. was not the only city facing fears of the number four and 13. In 2015, the City of Vancouver decided to end the omission of the fourth and 13th floor. This came after most new applications for buildings hoped to leave them out, causing commotion for city staff. They feared safety concerns from firefighters and paramedics, who could be confused while responding to emergencies in buildings that did not have these numbered floors. CBC reported that new rules were put into place so new condo and office towers being developed in Vancouver would need to have every floor. The City of Edmonton also has a similar policy.

So next time you’re in an elevator and notice the “mysterious disappearance” of a 13th floor, remind yourself that it was likely a judgment made by the building’s developer, one rooted in Western superstition and fear.

Either that, or there really are magical creatures living secretly among a hidden floor! We’ve presented you with what we know- now it is up to you to decide what to believe.

Countdown to Halloween with these 13 ideas

You can make the most of the holiday by taking advantage of a few traditional and not-so-traditional ideas. 

By: Bashair Ali

Spooky season has officially marked its spot on the calendar and there are tons of activities to entertain you on the special toe-curling day. Whether you plan on celebrating outside or inside, here are 13 fun ways to celebrate the scariest month this year!

Visit CF Sherway Gardens Pumpkinville

Pumpkin patches are usually nowhere near the buzzing area of Downtown Toronto. 

Up until the 31st, check out Pumpkinville for only $15.89. This fun attraction, only Thursday through Sunday, features pumpkin sculptures, pumpkin houses, and a pumpkin village hidden inside a candy forest. To make matters even better, free parking is included!

Host a Halloween-themed cocktails competition

The trend of friends bringing different foods and drinks has been popular on TikTok for quite some time. Whether based on a colour, a country or even potatoes (yes, potato parties have become a thing), it always ends up looking like a blast.

Grab a couple of friends and decide who's bringing what. ​​You have the freedom of creativity, so go big with a pumpkin martini or spooky with a bloody Mary.

Check out a corn maze

Get lost and have some fun at Downey's Corn Maze Adventure, located in Caledon, Ont. There is an admission fee of $20.71 (tax included), and the park is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It includes a corn maze trail of over 8 km, three different games for all ages, farm animals and more. Explore the maze for the ultimate experience!

Try no-carve pumpkins

Not everyone has the time or energy to take the GO train to a pumpkin patch in Oshawa. Instead, take a quick stroll to your local grocery store and buy a pumpkin to paint rather than carve this year. Even the most careful carver can make a mess when carving pumpkins. 

It won't be the same experience as being outdoors, with the wind blowing in your face and all the colourful leaves falling from trees, but it's definitely worth the try and can still be amusing.

Build a Halloween gingerbread house

This Halloween, gingerbread house kits will take center stage and push Christmas aside. Craft and create with your loved ones and display the finished products. In the end, you get a delicious treat to reward yourself for all your hard work. Walmart, Canadian Tire and Party City are the most common vendors with affordable prices. 

5 Drive-in movie theatre

Enjoy a horror film on the big screen in the comfort of your car with great food, friendly staff, and reasonable prices—$15 for a single ticket. The 5 Drive-in located in Oakville is the ultimate getaway to watch some of the month's latest horror films, such as Smile or Halloween Ends. 

The only requirement is that you have access to a vehicle or know someone who does.

Make creepy treats

You may have baked regular treats, but Halloween-themed treats are a neat trick to experiment with. Get out of your comfort zone and try baking mummy ‘box’ brownie bites with some brownie mix, white frosting and chocolate chips. Regardless of what you bake, they’ll look and taste great.

Host a Halloween episode marathon

Halloween-themed episodes are a massive part of Gen-Z's childhood, and many people looked forward to them each year. Go back in time and make a list of all your favourites to watch with friends or family. 

For starters, watch 'The Ghost of Suite 613' episode from The Suite Life of Zack and Cody or 'Don't Have A Cow' from That's So Raven, both available for your viewing on Disney+.

Listen to an eerie podcast 

A spine-chilling podcast is a perfect way to show you're in the spirit of the season. A podcast that would seriously raise some hairs on your arms is Murder With My Husband. It’s a true-crime podcast that delves into gruesome and dark past crimes with a wife who adores it and a husband who isn't too fond of it. 

D.I.Y a Halloween costume 

Why buy an overpriced costume online when there are so many creative DIY Halloween costumes lurking on our TikTok For You Pages? The world has seen enough playboy bunny or sexy cop costumes. Test your abilities and see what you can do with a pair of scissors and a few items picked up from the dollar store. 

Halloween Haunt 

It's Halloween Haunt at Canada's Wonderland again, creating a terrifying scream park filled with exhilarating thrills and terrors.

Come face to face with hundreds of monsters, scare zones and mazes, gory street performers, and more. Buying your tickets online will cost $69.13 (tax included), solely for admission. Toronto's largest Halloween event is a must-see if you're looking for a jump scare or two.

Swap scary stories

One of the most enjoyable ways to celebrate Halloween is to share creepy tales. Make sure you gather a group of friends, turn off the lights, and light a few candles to get in the Halloween spirit. Lastly, take a look online for a story, or come up with your own! 

Create a Halloween playlist 

Last but certainly not least, make a spooky playlist with all the best Halloween jams. Get innovative by adding songs from your favorite horror movies or television shows. Lack of inspiration? Check out the 60 songs Good Housekeeping shared for its Halloween and music lovers.

13 ways to celebrate this Halloween in Toronto

Stuck on how to celebrate this spooky season? Worry no more

By: Hannah Mercanti

(Sama Nemat Allah/CanCulture)

Having trouble figuring out what to do for Halloween? You’re not alone. It can get old doing the same thing year after year, and the repetition makes the season lose some of what makes it so much fun. No matter what your perfect Halloween looks like, we’ve got you covered this spooky season with the scariest number (13, of course) of different fun activities all around the city guaranteed to get you in the spirit. 

If you’re looking to relax:

D.I.Y. Pumpkin Spice

Halloween is the perfect time for a D.I.Y. project. Gather some friends and ingredients to make your very own pumpkin spice base for endless PSL’s in any season.

Spooky Baking

Got a sweet tooth? It’s time to do some Halloween baking! A simple sugar cookie recipe can go a long way into creating the spooky cookie graveyard of your dreams.

Have a Themed Movie Night

There's no better time for a movie marathon than Halloween. Pick a series – Scream, Twilight, Halloween – whatever puts you in a spooky mood and have a themed movie night! Make some themed-snacks, dim the lights and get cozy.

Pick Fresh Pumpkins

Classics are classic for a reason — nothing puts you more in the Halloween spirit than a pumpkin patch. Sweet Ridge Farms in Scarborough allows visitors to pick their own fresh pumpkins straight from the patch. 

If you’re looking to go out in Toronto:

Black Lagoon Pop-up Bar

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For the month of October, Black Lagoon is hosting a pop-up bar on Bloor Street. Aside from spooky drinks and eats, they have tarot readings and costume contests. This event is 19+ and admission is free, but activities cost extra.

80’s Dance and Costume Party

On Oct. 29, The Garrison is hosting a dark 1980’s dance party. Goth, post-punk, new wave and more underground ‘80’s hits will be playing all night, and costumes are more than encouraged. This event does not allow minors. Tickets are available online or at the door for $20.

ROM After Dark

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On Oct. 28th, The Royal Ontario Museum is opening its doors for a Halloween spectacular. Tickets include curated music, food and access to the Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature exhibit.  This event is 19+. Tickets are priced at $30 and are available online.

Halloween Punk Rock Show

For all the concert junkies out there, Angoria productions is showcasing four spook-tacular bands on Oct. 28 at their Halloween punk rock show at The Baby G.This event is 19+ and tickets are priced between $15-17 dollars.

SCENES Interactive Halloween Experience

For the month of October, SCENES Studio on Queen Street West is hosting the ultimate interactive Halloween photo booth experience. With eight different eerie scenes ranging from blood spattered living rooms to old Victorian mansions, visitors are invited to express themselves through photo and video and make some truly horrifying seasonal memories to last far beyond October. Tickets are $25 at the door.

If you’re looking to get spooked:

The Great Canadian Horror Film Festival

Calling all film buffs! The Great Canadian Horror Film Festival is screening 12 new terrifying films encompassing all genres of horror on Oct. 29 at the Royal Theatre. Films include the animated French psychological horror film Contretemps and The Man Who Loves Flowers, a short film adapted from a Stephen King novel of the same name. Tickets are priced at $20 and can be purchased online or in-person at the box office.

Casa Loma Legends of Horror

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Casa Loma’s interactive theatrical experience, the Legends of Horror, is now running until Halloween. Guests are invited to tour the grounds, which have been transformed into a haunted castle infested with ghouls at their own pace and explore never before seen areas of the historic site. Tickets are available online and are priced at $48. 

Alone in the Dark Ghost Tours

For all the theatre kids out there, The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre has your Phantom of the Opera dreams covered with ghost tours of the haunted theatre. Tickets include access to the lobby and theatres after dark for investigative purposes. Visitors also get to attempt to contact one of the theatre's many alleged ghosts through different communicative techniques. The event runs until Oct. 27. Tickets are priced at $84.99 and are available online.

Rocky Horror TO

Oh, Rocky! Rocky Horror TO is hosting live performances of the cult classic from Oct. 28 - 31 at The Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema on 506 Bloor Street West. Tickets are priced at $15 dollars and can be bought online.

Now you’ve got a whole bunch of awesome ways to get spooky all around Toronto, regardless of how you choose to celebrate. Now it’s time to put your costume on and have the best Halloween of your life!

Toronto Comicon makes a heroic return

“It's really good to see people just getting back in costumes, getting out and having fun,” says Comicon vendor.

By: Caelan Monkman

The return of Toronto Comicon after two years saw many fans joyfully skimming through boxes of their favourite comic books. (Caelan Monkman/CanCulture)

If you were near the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this past weekend, you wouldn’t be faulted for thinking that daylight savings time had somehow pushed you all the way back to Halloween. All weekend long, people dressed up as characters from their favourite comics, anime and video games filed in and out of the convention centre, celebrating the much-anticipated return of Toronto Comicon.

The return of the convention, which had been cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, saw thousands of avid fans cosplaying, buying artwork and celebrating sci-fi, fantasy and other pop culture fandoms over the course of the three-day event. 

Inside the convention centre’s south building, a sea of attendees snaked through the aisles of comic books, artwork and other merchandise. Stacks upon stacks of Funko Pop! figurines lined sales booths, as enthusiastic fans took photos with people dressed up as their favourite anime characters. The centre was buzzing with excitement and, even with masks on, it was obvious that everyone had smiles on their faces.

“It's really good to see people just getting back in costumes, getting out and having fun,” says Giuliano Quattrociocchi, owner of Queue 1985, which sells tabletop gaming accessories. “I just love being here. It's just so much fun and you get to meet a lot of cool people.”

Quattrociocchi used to attend Comicon as a cosplayer prior to being a vendor. (Caelan Monkman/CanCulture)

This year’s convention boasted a list of celebrity guests including Tim Rose, who plays Admiral Ackbar in the Star Wars films, and Adam Baldwin, best known for his roles in Full Metal Jacket and the space western television series Firefly. In addition to film and television stars, the guest list included numerous comic book authors and artists such as Marvel Comics writer Jed Mackay, and Archie Comics artist and writer Dan Parent.

But for many attendees, the appeal of Comicon isn’t strictly about the guests, but rather the experience itself.

“I've kind of fallen out of the guest aspect of cons,” says Justine, one attendee. “I'm more here for the art and seeing people I know.”

Justine, who has attended Comicon more times than they can remember, also enjoys cosplaying and the “no judgement” attitude amongst the cosplay community.

Justine, who has always attended Comicon in costume, cosplayed this year as Hawks, a character from the anime My Hero Academia. (Caelan Monkman/CanCulture)

A sense of community could be felt throughout the convention all weekend, and maintaining it was very important to organizers.

“This has always been a refuge in a way for people that didn't necessarily feel like they belonged because of their passion for fandom, because of their geekdom or nerddom,” says Andrew Moyes, vice-president of FAN EXPO HQ, the company that runs Comicon. “Our purpose is to provide a place where people can discover, celebrate [and] belong.”

Fan Expo Canada — a larger scale convention also run by FAN EXPO HQ — made its post-lockdown return to the convention centre last fall when capacity limits and proof of vaccination requirements were still in place. Unlike Fan Expo, Comicon was able to run at full capacity, with mask requirements being the only provincial guidelines in effect. This had some vendors and fans worried, but overall still happy to be back.

“I was a little nervous about coming back,” says artist Trace Goldfarb. “We still have a lot of things going on in terms of COVID, but now that I'm here it's really exciting to be back and have everyone around, I get to feed off the excitement of everyone.”

Though some returning fans and vendors commented that turnout felt slightly smaller than pre-pandemic years, they all agreed that the enthusiasm and passion of the attendees made up for it. For some artists, after two years of no conventions, the experience felt both familiar and foreign.

“It's very interesting, it feels kinda like starting over,” says Megan, an artist and vendor. “Part of it is like riding a bike, other parts feel brand new again.”

In addition to her vibrant, often pop culture-themed artwork, Megan creates intricate face and body paintings which she posts on her Instagram account @nsomniaksdream. (Caelan Monkman/CanCulture) 

 For guests, organizers and vendors alike, being able to get together in a shared space was something that had been dearly missed over the past two years.

“You just can't replicate this through a digital screen,” says Moyes. “A lot of events went virtual and digital, [and] we did on some aspects, but I think — and you can feel it today when you're down at the show — you just can't replicate this digitally.”

Check out some of the incredible cosplays at Toronto Comicon 2022:

All photos taken by Caelan Monkman for CanCulture Magazine.

Why young people refuse to dress warmly in the winter: A CanCulture investigation

Dressing appropriately for Canadian winters is inconvenient and ruins outfits, students report 

By: Nika Petrosian

(Thom Holmes/Unsplash)

There’s no need for introductions when it comes to Canada’s notorious winters. This winter, parts of Ontario received the biggest snowstorm in decades. In Toronto, where we typically experience more mild winters and snowfall, 55 centimetres of snow fell in some parts of the city, which is more snow than the city typically receives during the entire month of January, according to CTV News Toronto.

Every year, crisp white snow places itself on the roofs of neighbourhood homes, in the curves of bare tree branches, and all over the ground. Temperatures drop below zero. Car doors freeze shut. Slick patches of ice coat driveways and hide under blankets of snow, and — wait, what?

Running shoes? Windbreakers? In the middle of winter?

It’s quite common to see students and young adults underdressed during the winter months walking through the streets of big cities in Canada, standing on the train, or waiting for the bus.

Maybe it has something to do with resilience — some people are able to withstand the frigid temperatures better than others. Maybe they’re secretly wearing layers and layers of clothing underneath their light, airy-looking jackets that we just can’t see. Maybe it’s something else entirely.

One thing is for sure — many young people in Canada don’t dress warmly enough for the weather. Why? In a country where it isn’t uncommon for temperatures to drop below 20 degrees Celsius, it’s a fair and intriguing question to ask. 

Danielle Martin, a fashion professor at X University, says the high cost of winter clothing may be one of the reasons why this trend is so common. 

“Properly warm winter boots and decently warm winter coats are expensive investments,” says Martin. 

And it’s true — even after clearance sales, warm, high-quality items like winter boots still cost upwards of around $120 in many of Canada’s most accessible shoe stores, like SoftMoc or Brown’s. 

Factoring in the two years spent in and out of lockdown, Martin says many students and young adults don’t see investing in winter clothing as a pressing necessity — we have been venturing out into the cold weather far less than usual. 

“For two years, due to the pandemic, we have been isolated at home. Therefore, it is not necessary to go out often,” she says. 

Martin also says that, especially in southern Ontario, the inconsistent winter weather over the past couple of years may have played a role in deterring young people from purchasing and wearing appropriate winter clothing. “Unpredictable colder winters are probably a stop for purchasing expensive [winter gear],” she says. 

Some experts in the industry have recommendations to work around this, however. 

Natalie Michie, a Toronto-based freelance journalist, suggests thrifting winter coats as a more affordable and accessible option. Michie suggests Value Village and Black Market as good starting points.

“As a student, I used to thrift — I still do thrift a lot of my winter jackets,” says Michie, who is a regular writer for FASHION Magazine. “I've gotten some great winter coats there,” she says. 

But sometimes even second-hand options for winter attire can run on the expensive side. For this, Michie suggests investing in warm, inexpensive pieces that keep your head, hands and feet warm, like gloves or a balaclava. 

“Right now, there’s a big balaclava trend going on where people are opting for this scarf-slash-hat accessory for winter time,” says Michie, “they protect your ears, and your neck, and your head, and those can be a relatively cheap option.”

Alternatively, experts at Chatelaine recommend investing in timeless staple pieces that won’t fall victim to the ever-changing trend cycle. 

Unsurprisingly, fashion and aesthetics also play a huge role when it comes to young people’s clothing choices during the winter months. 

“I always do this and it is 100 per cent for fashion,” says Andrea Llorens, a third-year psychology student at X University. She says that during the winter, she’ll often opt for a scarf when she’s outdoors since she usually spends more time inside rather than outside. 

For Jessie Y, a Grade 12 student, the bulkier silhouettes that are often seen in winter fashion came along with body image issues.

“It’s silly in retrospect but I was willing to risk my health for the sake of a thinner silhouette,” she says. “It sucks that I was very likely not the only girl who mentally dealt with this.”

Despite her struggle in the past, however, Jessie says she is in a place where she feels comfortable enough to dress warmly. 

“I rarely underdress now, and if I do it’s for fashion purposes,” she says. “When I plan an outfit I always aim for a mix of aesthetics and practicality.”

But aside from fashion and affordability, it seems that convenience is one of the more prominent reasons behind young adults underdressing for the winter. 

For some students and individuals who find themselves commuting often and spending the majority of their time in classrooms or attending lectures, they feel that it’s just not practical to be lugging around winter gear all day when it’s only going to be used for such a short amount of time. 

“If it’s too cold I just deal with it, and if it’s too warm I just unzip,” says Grade 12 student Livia Whynott. As a high school student, it’s just easier for her current lifestyle to dress lighter. 

Especially with the pandemic and social distancing regulations, access to lockers and other school facilities are sometimes limited. “It’s inconvenient to carry around extra layers at school since there’s only so much space,” says Whynott. 

Winter gear also tends to be bulky, meaning getting dressed takes even longer than usual. “I haven’t had my own boots in ages, mainly cause it takes so long to put them on and take them off,” says 22-year-old Navseerat Pandher. 

Like Whynott, Pandher is also okay with the short-term discomfort if it means longer-term convenience and comfort. “I just deal with the snow hitting my ankles,” she says. 

There are a plethora of reasons as to why young Canadians refuse to dress appropriately for the winter – the cost of winter clothing, aesthetics, convenience – and it’s hard to directly pinpoint any one specific reason.

The one thing that is for certain?

It’s hard being a student and finding your own personal style. Exploring and expanding your own sense of fashion takes a lot of experimentation – figuring out what works best for you and what doesn’t. And sometimes a variety of barriers can get in the way of that, making practicality and functionality fall lower on one’s list of priorities when it comes to how they dress.

“In fashion, there is a trend of wanting to wear the cuter coat as opposed to the more practical coat,” says Michie. 

“People might opt for the coat that is a button-up trench coat as opposed to a puffer zip-up coat that goes down to your ankles because it just looks cuter, even though it might not protect you against the cold weather,” she says.

As young people venture out into the cold and experience early adulthood, many of them want to look their best while doing it, which doesn’t necessarily always include warmth or comfort.

“When you're thinking about how you want to portray your outfits aesthetically, often we don’t factor in comfort. This is true more so for students,” says Michie. 

So I think it’s safe to say that we will be seeing this continue for generations to come. All we can do is brace ourselves – Canadian winters are snow joke!

Mustafa: From Regent Park to global recognition

Mustafa’s album is a love letter to anyone who has experienced loss

By: Sania Ali

Mustafathepoet/Instagram

Mustafa Ahmed, better known as Mustafa the Poet, is no stranger to garnering attention for his writing. 

At the age of 12, Mustafa's poem “A Single Rose” heartbreakingly encapsulated the inequality and injustices faced in Africa and his home in Regent Park, Toronto — one of Canada's oldest and largest housing projects. The poem received a standing ovation at the Hot Docs film festival, his teacher at the time having trouble believing that a seventh-grader had written the moving poem. 

"Remember, last year I was 11, and I'm not 7. Don't let me be the single rose in this run-down park," his poem reads.

Since then, Mustafa continued to write. Now 25, he has songwriting credits for Camilla Cabello, Justin Bieber, SAFE and The Weeknd, to name a few. The songs he co-writes often dabble in the topic of unrequited love, but Mustafa's works continue to highlight gun violence, community and loss. In 2016, he was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's youth advisory council to convey policies and issues that are important to youth. 

Although Mustafa immersed himself into the music industry early on, he had trouble releasing his works.

"I thought it would be easy. I can sing, I can write poetry, I can create a melody. So why can't I bring it all together?" he told GQ.

Mustafa's poetry extended into folk music, a genre that didn't commonly represent Black Muslim artists.

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Aqsa Hassan, a second-year early childhood studies student at X University, became familiar with Mustafa's work when she picked up his vocals on The Weeknd's song "Attention." 

As a Muslim person of colour, Hassan views Mustafa's work as a reminder that God is always there. 

"Muslim artists to look up to is rare and when I discovered him, that is the main thing that appealed to me," she says. "How open he was and still is about Islam and the struggle to maintain your faith." 

Hassan says that Mustafa is a huge inspiration, and his work is relatable, giving her hope that she'll be able to greater connect with God one day.

Growing up in Regent Park, Mustafa co-founded the hip-hop group Halal Gang alongside musicians and friends Puffy L'z, SAFE, and Smoke Dawg — the inspiration behind Mustafa's debut album When Smoke Rises, dedicated to Smoke Dawg, who was shot dead in 2018. 

He tells GQ, "The loss was perhaps preventing me from exploring any other experiences. I wanted to honour my friends' passing and examine their transition with beauty. There's peace in that." 

The eight songs on the album are heartbreakingly raw and personal, not only paying tribute to the friends who passed but allowing the audience to experience the rush and stages of grief. 

“What About Heaven” tragically explores the rush of emotions when losing a loved one. The repetition of "What about heaven?" allows listeners to reflect on the transition of death and feelings of grief. 

Hassan shared that the recent death of a family friend was her first experience with grief. The song “What About Heaven” hit extremely close to home.

"The repeating lyric, "what about heaven?" hit me so close to home, as I always wonder, is God merciful enough that He will grant him Jannat? (Heaven)," says Hassan. 

The song is also a favourite of Mehreen Shami, a fourth-year honours social psychology student at McMaster University. 

Shami explains that it's a wake-up call to her, a reminder to detach from the world and remember what's truly important in life. 

"He's speaking from collective pain. Societies that face violence or gun violence or even communities in other parts of the world face disproportionate amounts of violence or suffering that isn't any of their faults," said Shami.

According to Shami, Mustafa's music unites individuals from all walks of life, not just Muslims. She says that teenagers are susceptible to peer pressure, but role models like Mustafa inspire youth through relatable work.

"It's like an older brother speaking to you," she says. "He speaks about losing a friend, drifting from his religion, and finding hope in it."

What differentiates Mustafa, Shami says, is that he wears the pain and vulnerability of his experiences on his sleeve through his music; his identity is apparent through his persona. His staple thobe seen in his live performances and public appearances represents humility to Shami, who believes the normalization of the Muslim faith is more important now than ever. 

For Mustafa to reject the mainstream and stay true to his roots is inspiring, says Shami.

"It's noteworthy that we have this kind of representation that isn't biased — he's unapologetically himself," she says. 

Shami believes the biggest takeaway from this album is to take pride in your identity and detach yourself from the validation that temporary people can give you. 

“The Hearse” covers strong feelings of revenge. Mustafa tells Genius he wrote the song after feeling vengeful, shortly after burying one of his friends. 

"I can't choose right or wrong, right or wrong," he sings throughout the track. 

He explains that living in the hood isn't all black and white, and it's often difficult to reflect righteousness when living in an inherently corrupt system. “The Hearse” was about obsessing over people you hate rather than remembering people you love who are alive and present. 

Mustafa's debut hometown show in December at Massey Hall wasn't easy to pull off. He later shared on his Instagram stories that he wore a bulletproof vest on stage for safety. Security was tight at the venue, and bag checks were thorough. The crowd was riddled with the Regent Park community, including the families of Smoke Dawg and Ali Rizeig, both friends of Mustafa who inspired his songs. 

"It was a sense of collective healing," said Shami. "He made it out in such a noble way where he didn't give up any of his norms, any of his values." 

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Although Hassan could not attend Mustafa's concert, she believes he makes Toronto proud, commending his decision to keep the Massey Hall bar closed during his performance to stay true to his Islamic principles. 

"He has also shown that his faith is his work, and without it, his work does not have that essence. It makes people accept him for who he is," says Hassan. 

His work touched the hearts of those around the world. The album was shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize and garnered the attention of The New Yorker, GQ, Complex and The New York Times. 

Mustafa continues to affect the world through the expression of his grief and his pain. Mustafa's album is a love letter to anyone who has experienced loss, literally and figuratively. It's conveyed differently to every individual. 

The biggest impact Mustafa has had, however, is right at home. 

"He will inspire youth who have experienced grief, and others who grow up in the hood, that they are capable of reaching the stars," Hassan says.