Dear Reader,
I am delighted to showcase a great variety of artistic genres in this volume of Continuum. We begin with interdisciplinary research and analysis: Ben Johnson (’15) examines the shift in U.S./Soviet relations during the détente period of the Cold War following the Cuban Missile Crisis, while Bethany McGinness (’18) analyzes the theme of “storms” in two popular country songs. The analysis inherent in Carly Wesolowski’s (’17) criticism of The Crucible relies on theory from Jacques Lacan to determine what truly makes a person “good”. Summing up this category, Kehinde Pedro (’18) explores her Yoruba roots, recounting the wisdom she learned from her grandmother and how it has shaped her identity.
Next, through their poetry, Rebecca Mazzoccoli (’17) and Robert Quance (’16) challenge us as a society to re-examine the way we conduct our relationships and ultimately, our lives. Finally, Andrew Maibenco (’18) digitally displays the key elements central to his first semester in college, while Alex Johnson (’15) rounds out the volume with a light-hearted digital animation, reminding us that chivalry is indeed, not dead.
In closing, it is with bitter sweetness that the Continuum team and I bid farewell to graduating peer evaluators Shelby Bedford and Ben Johnson. Since the inception of Continuum two years ago, they have enthusiastically lent their critical thinking and creativity not only to evaluating submissions, but also to brainstorming ways to grow, improve and promote the journal. We are grateful to them for the foundation they have helped to establish, and the legacy of dedication and excellence they will leave behind to the new evaluators coming on board.
I hope you enjoy this volume of Continuum, and I invite you to join us again for our next volume in December.
Sincerely,
Jaclyn Peterson
Managing Editor
Interdisciplinary Research & Analysis
The Cuban Missile Crisis and its Effect on the Course of Détente – Benjamin Johnson
Song Analysis – Bethany McGinness
Defending a Good Name – Carly Wesolowski
My Grandmother’s Adage – Kehinde Pedro
Poetry
Explain – Rebecca Mazzoccoli
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“I never had a crush on you,” I tell her
And she says “No, no, I did not think you did”
Yet she turns away to change her shirt
When we have changed in front of each other for years
“I never meant to disappoint you,” I tell them
And they say “No, no, you have not disappointed us”
Yet they look at me with a shame in their eyes
When they looked at me with love and pride for decades
I never wanted to have to explain myself
And everyone says “No, no, you do not have to explain anything”
Yet every time I arrive with my girlfriend
They ask me when I knew I liked girls
when I knew I was gay
when I knew I was different
Explain,
Explain,
Explain,
That is all I am allowed to do.
One hundred words about my thoughts on the human race – Robert Quance
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Being a self-aware piece of carbon I understand my Insignificance.
Contemplating while I am alone,
Not understanding the reason for conscience.
Why it is that things are known?
True, these thoughts are present at moments of darkness,
Just ideas in my head.
Thoughts that are so harmless.
The problem is that they have not fled.
It is odd that we assume our use
We believe we are entitled.
We are at most obtuse,
And unbridled.
The effect is an unintelligent juggernaut.
The race that consumes
The only way to satisfy, destruction must be sought.
Only now living, hearing the foredooms.
Digital Art
Showcase – Andrew Maibenco