It seems that protests really are the flavour of the moment as the student population nationwide exercises its right to expostulate. We have had Gaza, tuition fees, climate change, animal welfare, and now the most recent recipient of the protestor’s clout are those o so pretty, American wannabe’s who want “world peace”, the competitors for Miss Student UK. More than 100 protestors stormed the stage at the London finals of the competition, letting off stink bombs to demonstrate their distaste for a competition they deem “misogynistic and degrading”, whilst outside the venue groups chained themselves to the doors chanting “we are not objects, we object”. This recent drama has raised the question on whether competitions such as Miss Student UK still have a place in modern day society, or are they really just a breeding ground for misogyny and sexism?
The typically American beauty pageant has managed to cross the Atlantic to our shores, bringing with it its stereotypes, vacuous beauties with a penchant for fake tan and low carb diets, not classic novels and algorithms. With the assumption that all participants of competitions such as Miss Student UK share the same resemblance as their American counterparts, it is conceivable to see why there has been such uproar from activists across the UK. Yet is this assumption really justified? For a start the competition is Miss Student, implying that the girls taking part have more than just looks, they also have aspirations, choosing to go to some of the country’s leading Universities in order to further their education. Furthermore, there is the element of choice in taking part. The girls have chosen to compete in the competition, and is freedom of choice not one of the fundamentals behind the feminist cause?
It seems there is a huge misconception about the event in general, as many feel it “objectifies women”, but why do the protestors feel that this has to be representative of women in general? Is it not merely representative of the individual taking part? You do not find these competitors storming the stage at University Challenge, arguably as the TV show glorifies intelligence, but surely physical appearances are due the same merit?
Whether the pageants are the right way in celebrating beauty is debatable, but in my eyes it seems like an overreaction from groups who assume Miss Student UK has the propensity to influence people’s views on women, which in the case of the intelligent students taking part, is simply not true.
A highly anticipated series of 6 nation’s games took place last weekend, watched by millions of supporters who felt their teams all still had it all to play for. England, Wales, France and Ireland still had their hopes of 6 nation’s glory intact, and the words “Grand Slam” must have been on the tip of the tongue for every Irish and Welsh fan around the world. In contrast, Scotland and Italy were once again battling it out for the wooden spoon, despite having shown vast progress and moments of brilliance throughout the competition so far.
So it’s 8pm, Friday 27th February, and the Welsh are in Paris for possibly the biggest, most physical encounter of the tournament so far, promising to whet the appetite of even the most ardent supporters of competing nations. The first half did not disappoint, a physical battle of gargantuan proportions, as warrior like players such as Wales no. 8 Andy Powell, and his opposing man, Imanol Harinordoquay, led the charge for their respective teams with immense defensive displays. On 24 mins Lee Byrne showed just why he has been deemed “the best full back in the world today” with a carving run leading to a first half try for Wales, later to be answered by a French try from Dusatoir on 38 mins, a result of huge French offensive pressure and a break away by the aforementioned Harinordoquay. The second half continued the relentless physicality combined with skilful set plays by both teams, leading to another French try on 52 mins by Cedric Heymans, sealing the victory for Les Bleus. France 21-16 Wales.
The following day the Scots faced Italy at Murrayfield in an early afternoon kick off, hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s match, where Italy were 3 tries up within 10 minutes. The match was bound to have the dogged determination of 2 teams struggling to avoid taking home the wooden spoon, and it did not disappoint as both looked fired up for the encounter. A beautifully worked set move led to a first half try by Scottish winger Simon Danielli on 35 mins, leaving the score at 16-3 as the teams went in at half time. The second half showed once again how Italy fail to capitalise on possession as long phases of play resulted in nothing for the light blues. Scotland, smelling the weakness off their opposition, managed to carve a whole in the Italian defence, using the impressive Evans brothers as the catalyst for Scott Gray’s 62 minute try. A late surge by the back row combination of Parisse and Bergamasco led to a near try, yet the bounce of the ball was clearly not in Italy’s favour as it eluded the 2 powerhouse Italians at the last minute. Scotland, who have been unlucky in their previous games, put a solid, convincing performance together which they can build on for the coming games. Scotland 26-3 Italy.
Later that afternoon the English travelled to the fortress of Croke Park, Dublin, to face an unchanged Irish team chasing the illustrious Grand Slam. In a seemingly dismal spectacle of first half rugby, sharing no resemblance to the excitement in Paris the night before, the first half ended with a modest 3-3 score line at half time, with an unusually off form Ronan O’ Gara missing 2 of his 3 kicks. The second half started with another missed kick from O’Gara leading to the captain and man of the match Brian O’ Driscoll taking over kicking duties with a drop goal on 45 mins. The Discipline problem that has plagued England recently, with 8 sin bins in 3 games going into the match, reared its ugly head again once more, as former England captain Phil Vickery was penalised for repeating a scrummaging offence right under the nose of the referee. This resulted in a Brian O’Driscoll try on 56 mins, showing just how problematic England’s discipline is becoming. Danny Care later added insult to injury with his petulant “rucking”, which resulted in yet another sin binning and a furious response from Martin Johnson, evidently fed up with Care’s stupidity. A late conciliation try from Dillon Armitage gave some hope to English supporters, but it was too little too late. Ireland 14-13 England.
There is yet another week break for the players, but what can we expect from the teams for the following games left in the tournament.
England – Have been their own worst enemy with poor discipline jeopardising the games so far, yet if they can keep their tendency to give away penalties under wraps, the French and Scots may struggle to match the potential the team so evidently has.
Ireland – It’s all about the Grand Slam for the men in green, but a mammoth roadblock of Welsh pride and skill still stands in their way. Scotland also have the potential to upset the Irish, but on current form my money would be on Ireland
France – Although the Grand Slam is out of reach having lost to Ireland already, they can still achieve victory if Ireland and Wales falter. The English and Italians are still to play, but if they can play like they did against Wales, victory could be theirs.
Wales – No doubtdisappointed with their performance against France, the Welsh will be fired up for the Irish match, which could prove to be crucial in the overall standings. The Millenium Stadium is a fortress of Welsh Rugby so it will be interesting to see if Ireland can rise to the challenge
Italy- Already Wooden Spoon winners but are now playing for pride against France and Wales. Improving every year and will be back challenging in 2010
Scotland- Hugely unlucky so far, and their position in the table could be very different if Referee decisions went their way. Big games against Ireland and England will show just how capable this team is.
Its 1984, or so the government wishes.Their new “Orwellian” initiative to uncover extremism in Universities by monitoring student’s internet activity is just another screw in the coffin containing our freedom of thought.It seems to me that they have found a perfect excuse to intrude even further into our already invigilated lives, using the threat of terrorism as the scapegoat.Yes we all know that university provides an environment which has the potential to breed extremism, but why should we all have to suffer for the acts of a few? It’s simply outrageous.In a country which has been tarred with the surveillance brush, (now deemed the “surveillance society”), it is becoming ever more difficult to lead your life without Big Brother peering over your shoulder.Let’s just say for example, I need to find out how a bomb is made for a Physics project. Does this automatically make me a terrorist, or am I just exercising the natural human right of inquisition? Am I wrong in thinking that at Universities around the country in the last few years, individuals have been arrested under suspicion of extremism?, and moreover they were discovered without having to monitor ALL students.That strategy seemed to work, why the sudden need for change?.
The worst part is that you can understand the Government’s simplistic, yet subtly intrusive strategy. More monitoring, less terrorism. That’s the long and short of it.But when does this quest for the preservation of human kind stop?. How far are they willing to delve into people’s privacy for the cause of the “greater good”? I can already see this surveillance situation getting out of hand, and no doubt the government will pull out the extremism card when challenged on it. Soon I won’t be able to leave my house without a government official escorting me to do my mid week shop at Tesco!!.The sad fact of today’s society is that the truth has become a rare commodity.Banking systems collapsed due to devious, greed mongering bankers, and it seems that the true ulterior motive behind the new government initiative is cloaked by the hot topic of the modern day, terrorism. And I for one don’t see that changing anytime soon.
As a student, life after University is becoming more difficult by the day. Recent studies by the Association of Graduate Recruiters has predicted a 5.4% fall in vacancies in 2009, leading to evermore pressure on graduates who are already applying in a job market, hit hard by the economic downturn. The majority of graduate cutbacks have occurred in the Investment Banking sector, which has inevitably suffered in current economic conditions, but other business sectors also are set to reduce placements. Students now have to deal with the uncertainty of employment, as well as piling student debts waiting just around the corner when graduation comes around in July, leading to some people questioning whether University is worth the time and money at all. In an interview with Sky News, Higher Education Minister David Lammy silenced the critics, saying
“People considering applying to University should do so. A degree can help you not only get your first job, but also a career”
It seems that the figures support Mr Lammy’s contention, with a record number of students applying this year, in hope of making themselves more employable. Yet although University can increase your employment opportunities, if the jobs are simply not there, a degree is useless.
Speaking with a recent graduate, it’s clear that life is becoming a sea of uncertainty when entering the real world after Uni.
“I recently received a Biomedicine degree with honours and am unemployed. I have applied for jobs in all sectors but there is simply nothing available to graduates. I am not alone either, as many of my highly qualified friends are in the same boat, struggling to get by on temporary work or work which simply does not require any education whatsoever.”
Although it is not all doom and gloom, as some employers are capitalising on the recent economic crisis, such as Aldi who have seen 25% increases in sales, aiding the offering of profitable graduate placements, some offering up to £60000 per annum.
It seems that for so many students, applying next year is the only option. A stagnant employment market simply is not supplying the graduate placements needed to meet the demand, yet with the economic situation looking ominous, who is to say that next year’s employment outlook won’t be just as bleak.
On Saturday, the Millenium Stadium played host to one of the most physical, hard fought encounters of the 6 nations so far, as England’s hopes of a Grand Slam were dashed by a well drilled Welsh outfit. Despite losing 23-15, England pressured Wales throughout the match, with solid defence, interspersed with moments of individual brilliance in attack. Although the performance sparked some confidence in the English set up, some critics, fastidious as ever, remain adamant that Martin Johnson does not have what it takes, and are putting what I see as unnecessary pressure on a team that is very much still in a transition stage.
Like so many other supporters of English Rugby, every match brings about the same, familiar thoughts. Will the new players have the desired impact?, Will the pack provide the impetus needed for the backs to be affective? Will England beat Wales by a huge margin? (For the latter, no was the unfortunate answer). Yet despite the usual criticisms of English rugby, Saturday did highlight how England have made some progress since last year’s 6 nations clash.
In the pack, individual grit and resilience from players such as Man of the Match Joe Worsley showed that not only could the English pack meet the Welsh on a level playing field, at times we could be dominant. Time after time Worsley put down the mighty figure of Wales number 8 Andy Powell, who usually carries enough yards for the whole team, yet one factor that still remained was the lack of support from his tight 5. The pack is still very much a question mark for the England team, with numerous different combinations having been tried; it’s still unclear who links best. One thing that was evident though, was the improvement and fluidity in the backs.
Harry Ellis, a quieter performance in comparison to his last minute call up in the Italy match, yet still showing onlookers such as Danny Care that he is a fierce competitor for the No. 9 jersey. Andy “food” Goode, although worries about his pace still resound amongst the critics, provided a solid performance, with impetus breaking the line as well as awareness, such as his delicate chip for the first try. His outside man, Ricky Flutey , showed glimpses of his devastating agility that has plagued so many of Wasps’ opponents this season, with his break leading to the first half Sackey try. The back 3, Armitage, Cueto, and Sackey, all had good games, although Cueto’s was a bit quiet in comparison, he still maintained solid defence and pace when moving forward. The only person I did have a problem with, was Mike Tindall. We all know how experienced and skilful Tindall can be and that his place in the team was to combat Shanklin’s imposing figure in the outside centre channel, but on Saturday he had a bad game. Slow in defence, limited going forward, it really did seem as though someone like Tait could have been more affective at outside centre, giving England the pace injection so needed in the outside channels. Many may argue that he is an inspiration, which I do not deny, but against a team like Wales defence is simply not enough.
All in all the backs were a success, with a lot to build on for the next game, but only if the Outside Centre position can be utilised affectively.
Despite this, there was still a major negative point which needs to be solved before the next game. Discipline. England of recent have shown a poor disciplinary record, with 8 players being sin binned in the last 3 games. Under Martin Johnson it comes as a surprise, as discipline is something he is sure to be drilling into his players. It is having 2 major detrimental effects on England, the first being obvious in that with 14 men points are likely to be conceded, such as the Lee Halfpenny try on Saturday which exploited a gap out wide which would have been filled if there were 15 men. The second detrimental effect is the referee’s treating of the team in games to come. Knowing that England’s discipline is so poor, referee’s will scrutinise against England even more, increasing the pressure. We are our own worst enemies.
So back to the critics. What strikes me is how they forget that beating Wales, at the Millenium Stadium , is something of a pipe dream for the current England set up, although we were not far off. Even the team that reached the World Cup Final in 2007 would struggle against the current Welsh side, let alone a young team trying to find its feet in the rugby world under a new management set up. The team showed promise, determination, and moments of brilliance, and if we can replicate the performance from last Saturday, Ireland will have to play well to beat us.
