The post 2020 Issue 2 appeared first on IH Globe.

The line between the two was so clearly drawn, and I hardly questioned why the two were bordered like so, why they were mutually exclusive from one another. I didn’t wonder who defined the ‘right’ from the ‘wrong’. I just acepted it as how it was, how life was supposed to be, no questions or doubts. Afterall, didn’t everyone play by the same rules?

Enter my first semester in Arts, and I was told by every single one of my tutors that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. This left me completely bewildered, of course. How could it be that there was no ‘correct’ answer? I didn’t get it. My whole past education, my teachers always defined what the ‘correct’ behaviour and set of answers to an assignment were.

And I’ve been pondering over this for the past number of weeks, and here’s what I think: what we think is defined as ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ is shaped by how we were brought up.

I could tell you that it’s called ‘slippers’, but you disagree and correct me, that it’s called ‘thongs’. But neither of us are wrong, we are both correct. It doesn’t matter that its called ‘slippers’ or ‘thongs’, or whether its called ‘football’ or ‘soccer’. These are all just preferences, opinions and perspectives that we’ve gathered while growing up from different backgrounds. And perhaps instead of projecting what we think onto others, we should come to respect one another instead.

We also shouldn’t be so quick as to define, categorise and label something either. It’s never as simple as that, there are always more layers, stories and reasons to it. Such as people. We all have different heights, builds, backgrounds and experiences. And these are all our layers, which are what makes us interesting and multidimensional.

So, let us look at life in a plethora of colour, instead of constricting our vision to simply black and white.

The post Everything In Between appeared first on IH Globe.

But sometimes things happen: do you feel me fam?

It’s quick and convenient, it’s always there,

Its travelling speed is beyond compare.

Whenever I’m in trouble it acts my saviour,

Putting an end to unorganised behaviour.

And so I’ve decided for this poetic slam

To write a small ode to using the tram

You’ve been out at brunch for five hours too long

Your test is tomorrow, it’s all going wrong

You need to get home, it’s time for a cram

Looks like you’ll just have to jump on the tram.

It’s eight fifty-five and your class is at nine

That late one last night put you real far behind.

You need to move quick or your attendance will slam,

Looks like you’ll just have to jump on the tram.

It’s raining outside and you need to go out

You check on the forecast, your gut fills with doubt.

Today is all rain, you yell out “goddam”

Looks like you’ll just have to jump on the tram.

It’s way too late on a Saturday night,

You’re alone in the city; drunk am I right?

You cry to yourself “I don’t know where I am”

Looks like you’ll just have to jump on the tram.

The post An Ode To The Tram appeared first on IH Globe.

My limbs are heavy, I think I’m dead.

Or maybe I’m tired? Who would know?

It’s due tomorrow and there’s pages to go.

How will I last right up until dawn?

I’m distracted by memes, by goon, by yawns.

I’ve lost my sanity, my grades take a bow,

It’s gonna take a miracle to save me right now.

But then in an instant an angel appears,

It’s shaped like a mug and it brings me to tears.

It’s warm and it’s milky, my senses delight,

I’m a coffee crusader in the depths of the night.

Caught in the rush, my body is pinging,

Does anyone feel that urge to start singing?

My word count is climbing, keys getting hit

Dude I’m on fire, this is so f**cking lit!!!

I set about sleep, accomplished and proud,

But inside my mind the coffee screams loud.

“YOU CAN’T GO TO SLEEP, MY TIME IS NOT DONE…”

Looks like tomorrow will be an interesting one.

The post A Poem About Coffee appeared first on IH Globe.

A sweet relief and confidence boost found dangling before us in passing compliments or thrust upon us in times of deep confession. But why do most revolve around our physical appearance? Doesn’t the excessive reliance on comments on our (sometimes materialistic) physical features get old? When you stop to think about it, doesn’t it make you wonder why it seems like more weight is placed upon what’s on the outside rather than what makes you you, on the inside?

Call me a romantic, old-school sap, but I think it’s time we brought back (or introduce) some heartwarming truths to make someone’s day a little bit better. I’ve compiled a few from my scrolls through Tumblr and conversations with friends, in the hopes of perhaps giving you a few ideas on other means of making people feel good, and perhaps in the long run, such compliments will become the norm and not something a cheesy goon like me drabbles about in a weekly college magazine.

1. You are    e m p o w e r i n g
2. I would trust you with my phone password
3. I’m so happy you exist
4. I hope we know each other for a long, long time
5. You inspire me to be a better person
6. Your ideas matter
7. You have great taste in _______
8. I am fascinated by how your mind works
9. You have a lovely laugh
10. Can you teach me how to do that?
11. You make the room a little bit brighter when you walk in
12. You have a gorgeous soul
13. You’re the kind of person one reads about in books
14. You are so strong
15. Can I hug you?
16. You make me feel important
17. I love how passionate you are about ________
18. I admire your confidence
19. You’re intelligent
20. Your positivity is infectious

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I have never been able to steel myself to make an appointment for a haircut- and to be honest, I don’t think I will start now. We all have weird fears or anxiety about seemingly harmless things, for some people it is certain animals, for me, it is sitting in a chair for an hour while someone makes small talk and questions me about hairstyles I don’t understand. I honestly have no training in the art of hair and I am generally not in the business of telling others how to do their jobs, but apparently that is required at a hair salon. Fortunately for me, after an impromptu and impulsive stop at the hair salon/dodgy caravan at the Queen Vic Night Market I found my perfect hairdresser. There was little communication with my German speaking stylist and after I gave him free reign to just go for whatever he felt was appropriate I felt like I had taken a step in the right direction in my life, albeit a quite small step. That probably doesn’t demonstrate that I am trying to take a mature approach to my day to day life but it’s the thought that counts right? Surely ‘sort-of’ facing your fears is better than living in a limbo of childish habits.

I still rely on my mother to talk me through my irrational fits of stress.

I have dirty clothes covering the floor of my room.

I continue to do my work at the last minute.

I am nowhere near ready to be truly independent but I no longer need my mum to tell me I’m cool- I have a German hairdresser for that now.

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Recently Chinese television icon Meng Fei called out to Australian singles (both male and female) for their chance to become a part of one of the nation’s largest reality television shows.

The cult hit comprises 24 women in a joint interview with one hopeful contestant, with three charismatic hosts to help the lovesick gentleman woo the women (one of which he has chosen as his ideal ‘Heartbeat girl’). The women then decide if he is date-worthy by watching three videos about him and his life. If he is unworthy the women may decide to turn their lights off. If their lights remain on he may ask questions about them and ask them on an all-expenses-paid date.

As is often the case if the contestant is left at the end of the round with no lights on he must leave. As if in a video game the crushing text ‘FAILED TO GET A DATE’ appears across the screen as he walks away.

The television sensation has managed to make the cultural leap onto Australian television (SBS2) and as a result of the booming Australian following If You Are The One is attempting to get Australian contestants.

The mystery of why an audience of 50 million people would flock to this fairly basic panel show, is due the show’s ability to reveal the cruelness of our thoughts about love and relationships to the world. The ritualised humiliation suffered by all who enter the stage has made the show a cult hit internationally.

The absolutely devastating banter and ritualised humiliation of male contestants establish a wonderful sense of schadenfreude. While some have described the show as a blend of The Bachelor and Shark Tank it would be more appropriate to associate it with a blend between a blind date, a job interview and a fight to the death in the halls of the ancient Colosseum.

The cutting frank commentary of all contestants is an endearing aspect of a show dealing with the euphemism-filled, ambiguous realm of love and relationships. While some lonely-heart is being brutally cut to size on your screen one cannot help but enjoy the straightforward approach of all the contestants. Unlike most reality television one cannot help but feel that all the comments – however cruel – are at least honest. One cannot say the same for Australian dating shows such as The Bachelor or the failed Married at First Sight. While the show’s pervasive sexism and materialism betray an interesting deviation from Australian dating culture.

If you want to join this hilarious show in its Australian edition you must be over 22 years old, live in Australia, speak fluent Mandarin and have a Weibo account.

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Activate

• Political alliances: Associated with Grassroots-left students. A student-run faction of the Australian Greens party. Has formed a preference deal with Stand Up! and More Activities

• Policy Grounds: Greater welfare Student Council transparency
  • Queer department nominee: Gender neutral recognition (in Uni official documents and toilets)
  • Environments nominee: stronger uni commitments for environmental protection (Environments nominee) e.g. Fossil Fuel Melbourne Uni,
  • Disability Officer nominees: compulsory content warnings for class/arts with potential triggering material, inclusion of Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN) in the diploma of languages

Create

• Policy alliances: Mainly comprising of members of the Melbourne University Liberal Club
• 
Policy Grounds: Increased funding for clubs, Reliable lecture recordings, Better union to student communication ESL support for refugees and recent migrants Lobby to extend the free tram zone, Greater integration of colleges in uni life, Student workplace training

Independent Media

• Political alliance: non-partisan ticket 

• Policy Grounds: Balance and diversity in Student run media, Development of multimedia services Stronger association with VCA, including video creators, musicians and artists
• History: has dominated the media department (Farrago editor position) for ten years

Left Focus

• Political Association: Socialist Alternative
• Policy grounds: Refugee rights, Anti-deregulation: against the “corporatised university” (Kadkol), Better representation for Indigenous, Arab and Muslim students Greater student mobilisation against liberal education policies Increased federal funding for universities and changes to Youth Allowance and New start services Increased focus on welfare

Liberal

• Political Association: Associated with the Melbourne University Liberal Club

More Activities

• Political Alliances: An Independent faction. Has in the past created a coalition with Labor Right – however this year they are aligned with Stand Up! The Labor Left faction as well as Activate
• Policy grounds: Clear messaging, single goal. More Activities. Greater oversight of new club affiliation, approving grants, and new safety regulation Greater engagement of off-Parkville clubs Online processing for Clubs Greater exposure for clubs Greater clubs and society funding
• Catch phrase: #Activityism History: Has dominated the UMSU Clubs & Societies position for years

More Beer

• Political alliances: non-partisan but backed by the all-powerful More Beer Club
• Policy grounds: Exactly what their title suggests.
• Catch-phrase: “Vote Nic Finger for President and give UMSU the Finger”

Openmedia.com.au

• Political alliances: unknown Contesting Independent Media for the Media department position

Smokers’ Rights

• Policy Grounds: getting rid of the no-smoking ban on campus OR expanding the smoking area

Stand up!

• Political alliances: Usually associated with the Left faction of the Labor club. For this election they have formed a coalition with More Activities and Activate
• Policy grounds: Opposing fee deregulation Improving welfare and education Monitoring of the planned Student Precinct to make sure it reflects student needs. Enforcing a greater student representation in planning Inclusive Student Union via expanded U-week & more student-led volunteering Greater tutor training Recognition of minors in degrees Upgrading IT systems Getting rid of study plan restrictions Aiding students hit by Centrelink changes, affordable housing challenges and health issues. Creating a centralised welfare handbook and policy
• History: While in power they introduced compulsory lecture recordings, increased UMSU funding (resulting in greater clubs and society funding, as well as a strong Welfare and education support), the free breakfast program
• Catch-phrase: “Stand Up! Active. Inclusive. Progressive.”

Universal

• Political Alliances: Believed to be a Labor Right ticket who last year ran under the title of Unity

Other Parties

• The Biggest Blackest Ticket
• F*ck Tony Abbott
• Students Against Abbott
• Students for Palestine

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1. Ignore everyone else’s opinion This is one area where you need to do you. This decision is up to you and shouldn’t be influence by your friends, families and the media. Regardless of with whom you confide or discuss your values, make sure they truly come from you.

2. Communicate your boundaries This all shouldn’t be a hidden card that comes into play a month into your relationship. Be honest with your partners about what you expect and how you want a physical relationship to work. 

3. Don’t date anyone who criticises or tempts you It’s really uncool for your partner to make you feel bad for your decision. Someone who truly respects you will respect your decisions. If they try to ‘tempt’ you, or guilt you into changing your mind, that is an example of them disrespecting you. You don’t deserve someone who makes you feel guilty for being true to yourself. 

4.  Find other ways to be intimate If you and your partner have a mismatch in expectations or needs when it comes to the physical aspect of a relationship, they could feel unwanted or rejected when you choose not to do more sexy things with them. Sometimes you need an alternate avenue to express intimacy and feel close to one another. This could be sharing something that’s special, having a snuggle and watching TV, or doing other fun activities. 

5. Be kind to yourself. It’s cool that you chose this path. Being sex-positive includes figuring out what you want sexually and then making that happen in real life. By being honest about your boundaries, that’s exactly what you’re doing. If you feel guilty or ashamed of your choices, don’t worry. We’re all on your side. If sometimes you feel confused about your boundaries, that’s ok too. You can figure this out by trial and error, just keep being honest to yourself and your partner about what you need. 


That’s it for this week’s “The Birds, the Bees and Gettin’ Jiggy”, the first of Semester 2. For those that have just joined us, this column is a wholesome romp through the minefield that can be sexual health, relationships and the joy of the jiggy. If you have any issues you think would make a cool article, let me know either in person or via facebook. 

The post The Birds, The Bees and Getting Jiggy: Exercising Your Abs-tinance appeared first on IH Globe.

So what is it?

In essence, sex positivity is an attitude where sex is regarded as fundamentally healthy and pleasurable and fun and great. We can be sex positive by embracing our sexualities, and trying to reduce societal stigma and shame. Being sex positive also means being concerned about safety – both reproductive health (STIs and all that jazz) as well as our emotional and mental safety (consent, being ready for sex etc.).

So, you think everyone should be getting jiggy all the time? All over the place?

Sex positivity isn’t about encouraging people to have sex. More the opposite: if someone doesn’t want to have sex for whatever reason (religious, cultural, emotional etc.), the sex positive crowd will stand there with banners saying ‘WE SUPPORT YOU’. However if someone does want to have sex, and then goes out and has that sex in a cool, consensual and kind fashion, the sex positive banners will still say ‘WE SUPPORT YOU’.

Why is this important?

Sex is a pretty big part of life (an essential part of life, in fact). However, our society can warp it into something that shames men, controls women, and makes people who don’t fit within the lines feel bad. Sex positivity is about reclaiming this. It’s about looking at the shitty, dangerous, sad and shameful parts of sex and trying to reduce them for our communal well being.


A brief history of sex positivity

The term sex positive was first used by psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich when looking at how different societies viewed sex. He classified some as ‘sex-positive’ which means they view sexuality as good and healthy, whereas others were ‘sex-negative’ which means they sought to regulate and repress their sexualities. Modern sex positivity spawned out of the ‘free love’ movement. Free love actually originated way earlier than the trippy 1960s. There were writers in the early 1900s talking about how women and men had an equal right to sexual pleasure and to have relationships that weren’t governed by law. It got more hectic in the 60s, where millions of hippies began to preach about the power of love and the beauty of sex.
Ultimately, sex positivity is about living in a world that was only sexually liberated a few decades ago. There’s still a lot of deep-running prejudices and beliefs that exist in our society, and we want to deconstruct them for maximum jigginess and fun and emotional wellness.

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