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HOME FEATURES NEWS TRENDING CULTURE VOICES ARTS SCIENCE FASHION IN FOCUS CONTACT Search Results Alessandra Messeri Feb 27 3 min The Legacy of Brianna Ghey A young girl, glasses, ginger hair, and a smile on her face, eating a chocolate bar. Brianna Ghey’s photograph circled UK newspapers and... Eleanor Thornber Jan 27 3 min Propaganda 101: How Putin gives a speech “Let me repeat again, we believe - I want to stress this - everything happening and connected with the special military operation is an... Georgia Bennett Jan 9 3 min Russian Missiles Batter Ukrainian Energy Supplies and Risk Nuclear Calamity Georgia Bennett provides an update of the targeting of various energy supplies in Ukraine by Russia, the response to it inside Ukraine... Ruth Stainer Dec 14, 2022 10 min The Power of the Incredible Female-Led Iranian Revolution Ruth Stainer sheds light on the context of the female-led protests currently taking place in Iran, its possible implications and what you... Georgia Bennett Dec 10, 2022 3 min Russia and US Negotiating Unprecedented Prisoner Trade Georgia Bennett gives an update with the latest news on the detained Olympian Brittney Griner following her arrest earlier this year. She... Finn Kelly Nov 29, 2022 6 min In Defence of Climate Rebels - from Edinburgh protests to Just Stop Oil With climate protest becoming increasingly extreme and disruptive, it is easy to forget the role we play in ensuring the protestors... Meher Vepari Nov 7, 2022 7 min “Coerced abortion”: the insidious facade of ‘pro-life’ ideology at Edinburgh University After a contentious talk organised by Edinburgh Life Society was disrupted by numerous individuals and student groups, Meher Vepari... Lucy Osborne Oct 27, 2022 3 min Checkmate: Liz Truss is eliminated from the Playing Field News Editor Lucy Osborne discussses how the chaos in the House of Commons in the wake of the mini budget ultimately led to Liz Truss'... Alessandra Messeri Oct 24, 2022 4 min 2022 or 1922? Italy’s Worrying General Election Results Alessandra Messeri discusses the Italian coalition that won the last election, its historical facist roots and how history may be... Lucy Osborne Sep 27, 2022 4 min The Death of Queen Elizabeth II and The Chasm Left Behind News editor Lucy Osborne discusses the impact of Queen Elizabeth II's death and the significant yet controversial legacy she's left behind. Ruth Stainer Mar 18, 2022 3 min Five ways you can help Ukraine during the current humanitarian crisis Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine has shocked millions worldwide, with devastating images showing thousands forced to take shelter,... Ruth Stainer Feb 25, 2022 4 min Masses of students protest the University of Edinburgh’s Sexual Violence Redressal System Protesting against the University of Edinburgh's sexual violence redressal system. Kirsty Thomson Nov 1, 2021 3 min How Safe is Edinburgh really? With cases of women being murdered and going missing, hate attacks on marginalised communities and the ever-darkening, how safe is our city? Ruth Stainer Oct 26, 2021 4 min Queues, Confusion & Chaos: The Trials and Tribulations of the Scottish COVID Vaccine Passport Scheme Ruth Stainer writes on what the highly-contested Scottish COVID Vaccine Passport Scheme means for students, businesses and the public. Ruth Stainer Oct 25, 2021 4 min Students Plan Boycott of Edinburgh Nightclubs after Astronomical Reports of Spiking by Injection An unprecedented rise in 'spiked by injection' allegations surfacing across Edinburgh and nationwide has launched a movement.

EDITS The EDI Edits section will focus on the issues that matter to Edinburgh. From student life to cultural movements, these are longer reads that allow writers and readers to delve more into a topic. An EDITS page will be run quarterly, with content continuously added to create a diverse compilation of work. #2 PICTURES: A THOUSAND WORDS Curated by Rachel Watkins, our new EDITS section takes ten students and asks them what their favourite pictures are and why. RORY DINDWOODIE From top left to bottom right: ​ 1 - Reflexive reflections. Kodak Portra 400, Nikonos V 35mm, surfer: Kyra Ducross. This photograph seems to evoke a more inward-looking response for me as the photographer, hence its somewhat pretentious title. As I am writing this caption at the start of a new term in Edinburgh, perhaps as far away from Cornwall as I could be, this photograph reminds me of the times and places where I am most alive. The challenges of starting a new year in this particularly uncertain and isolating time are I think something we are all feeling. It can be hard to stay motivated and positive when we may not be able to see the people we love or can’t plan further ahead than next week. We do all, however, have memories and moments, such as the one above, that remind us what life is all about. Whether cruising on a longboard is your thing or not, I think that we all need a bit of joy in our lives right now and I hope you find pleasure in sharing the memories that are the source of mine. 2 - Man's best friend. Ilford Hp5. Zeiss Ikon Nettar 120mm. Anyone fortunate enough to have a pet knows that lockdown resulted in some serious bonding time. This is a capture of my neighbour and his miniature schnauzer and it just makes me happy so thought you might like it. 3 - Making use of lost time. Ilford Delta 3200. Olympus OM2 35mm. Whilst lockdown has been a challenging time for us all, this photograph reminds me of the positives that I have drawn from the last few months. This shift is a capture of my brother shaping a surfboard blank that we have been working on together this summer. This is something we would never normally have had time for nor previously had the bravery to try. This shot reminds me of how grateful I am to have been able to spend this time with family and appreciate what I all too often have taken for granted. 4 - Generations. NikonD5600. Ghana 2018. This photograph has gained increasing significance every time I look at it. When capturing the shot, I was taken so aback by the flamboyance and smiles of the children in the foreground that I lost sight of the wider context behind. As I look back at this image it reveals interesting questions regarding the future of these children, as their elders haul in the days catch onto the beach that once acted as a major slave port of Ghana (the Cape Coast castle remains prominent just out of shot on the left). It seems an interesting layering of futures of increasing hope and potential with an important reclaiming of land and culture. Nevertheless, I can’t help but wonder how much longer there will be fish in the ocean for this generation of children to catch. What will this mean for the future of this coastal community in Ghana? The joy and power of photography can thus be revealed in this photograph. While one viewer may just tale in the costume and smiles, another may conjure up notions of post-colonialism or the challenges of climate change for future generations. PABALLO KARAS From top left to bottom right: ​ 1 - This is a photo of me in my grandfather’s swimming pool in South Africa. Most years when I was younger, we would go for Christmas and I have so many amazing memories there. My sisters and I would play with our cousins here, swim and harvest from my grandfather’s garden. 2 - The flowers in my dad’s garden. I took about a million photos of these this summer. I love them because flowers in bushes like these are all over the Ascot area and they seem almost too tropical looking to belong there, but they remind me so much of home. ​ 3 - The hills near my mum’s house in Somerset. We took a walk here the morning of my birthday. I complained so much because it was wet and not very sunny, and I just wanted to stay inside. But after lots of hiking and walking we got to this view and it was so worth it. 4 - My younger sisters visiting me in Edinburgh. My older sister and I both currently study here in Edinburgh so having our little sisters visit was really fun and long overdue. Unfortunately, they have decided to go to university in London so we will not be reunited any time soon sadly. MAURA MCGOLDRICK From top left to bottom right: ​ 1 - Sunset in Jerusalem, June 2019 In general, I’m pretty terrible at taking photographs, both in the sense of remembering to take them when something exciting happens but also in actually knowing how to capture a moment. I’m not particularly artistic or patient, and these seem to be rather essential qualities for photography. I often worry that because I don’t take enough photographs, I won’t have as many memories to look back on in the future. And I worry that the photos that I do take are not good enough to be distinguishable and therefore will not evoke any real memories once 30 years have passed. This photo challenged my anxieties surrounding photography. It’s not necessarily the most interesting of photos, other than the soothing streaks of pink and purple in the sky, and is arguably not the most distinctive either. However, looking at this photo transports me back to that rooftop - I had just finished an internship in Jerusalem and this was taken on my last night. When I look at it now, the same feelings of accomplishment and fulfilment arise. This made me realise that pictures don’t need to be visually stunning, or even that interesting in terms of what they capture; the trick is to take photos during moments that truly mean something to you when they are unfolding, rather than something you think other people will find impressive. 2 - Rainbow over the harbour in Portree (Isle of Skye), July 2020 As a teenager, I often had the urge to escape to a faraway land where everything was new and exciting, where I could forget about the stress and mundanity of everyday life. If I’m being honest, as a 20-year-old, I definitely still have the desire to escape reality completely when things feel too overwhelming. However, I have learned that a place does not need to be on the other side of the world to make you feel replenished. This photo was taken during a trip to the Isle of Skye that I took with my mum once lockdown had ended and restrictions had eased. The island is absolutely stunning, even more so than I remember it being from when I visited as a child. We went on long walks, admired the view, and played lots of card games. Some people may have found this boring, and admittedly even I might have a few years ago. But I can honestly say that it’s one of the best trips I’ve ever been on, and I do think that this is partly because being stuck at home during lockdown emphasised the fact life does not always have to be fast-paced and ‘exciting’ to be enjoyable. 3 - My sister and I on the subway in NYC, August 2018 Objectively, this is not a very good photo. My sister and I are having a conversation, probably about something fairly insignificant like the strange variety of posters in the subway car, and are not aware that the photo is being taken. I know that my sister hates this picture, but I love it. I think it truly captures the essence of our relationship as sisters - we are both very different people, which I think is visible even by observing the difference in our postures and facial expressions, but we are still somehow able to maintain a bond. My sister and I have not always been close, but this picture reminds me that closeness does not necessarily directly correlate with similarity. 4 - Boudha temple in Kathmandu (Nepal), June 2018 I lived in Nepal for a year when I was 14 and it was both one of the hardest and best years of my life so far. Being immersed in such an unfamiliar, but fascinating and beautiful, culture was overwhelming, especially when combined with all the anxieties that accompany turning 14. However, over time I came to love the place and the people, as well as the chaos that came with them. The Boudha temple was one of my favourite places in the city, from the very beginning of our time there. It was incredibly quiet and peaceful, and could provide a welcome respite from the incessant traffic noises on the streets of Kathmandu. This photo, which was taken when I last visited after I graduated from school, reminds me of the sense of calm that one experiences upon visiting the temple. The fact that I am almost fully obscured is also a reminder that the things I worried about, both when we lived there and when this photo was taken, were insignificant and not worth remembering. The temple itself and the feelings it elicits within people is what is worth remembering. ANNA RIGO From top left to bottom right: ​ 1 - Rooftop For one night we were on top of the world. For one night we didn’t care about living in times of a pandemic, a climate crisis or social injustice. For one night we were a bunch of 20 year olds talking, drinking, and dancing. For one night everything felt normal. 2 - The last sunset of the summer I’ve been seeing the sunset from that specific beach ever since I can remember myself. I find it fascinating how every time I see it, I feel this awe as if I had never seen the sun going down in my life. And every summer I decide that the last sunset is my favourite one -until next year that is. 3 - Away This year I read page after page, book after book getting lost in other people’s stories, escaping from this world and these times, entering different ones good or bad ones in an attempt to find comfort in stories already written, lived and ended. 4 - Windows I have a mild obsession with windows. I don’t know if it’s the light coming in, the wind or the surrounding sounds but no matter where I am, I’m always searching for windows. Maybe they are a reminder that even though I’m somewhere safe I can always get out and be free. CHLOE BOLOTA From top left to bottom right: ​ 1 - Home A beautiful combination of life and messiness that is overwhelming and peaceful at once. A chance to discover and lose every part of yourself in the chaos. 2 - Home A structured yet charming platform for being in any way that you want. A chance to chase over new perspectives. 3 - Home A serene and heavenly like place that invites you to forgive and forget. A chance to immerse yourself into the reality that surrounds you. 4 - Home A captivating welcome in the form of a green embrace that allows for submersion into your feelings. A chance to ground yourself and find revival. CLARA SABLITZKY From top left to bottom right: ​ 1 - the outsider, 2019 From the outside, looking in. upon reflection, there is often more light in the dark than you might think. 2 - the view from a room on the eleventh floor of 40 George Square Perspective - the way we look at things. Just because things are small, they aren’t any less significant. 3 - Edinburgh Christmas Markets, December 2018 You let me choose the paper star I liked the most. Delicate and glittery, it hangs on my wall, three rooms since you gave it to me. Sometimes I wish I’d chosen better because, over time, delicate and glittery can become fragile and fake. I still wish upon this star, but perhaps that’s a mistake. Sometimes I wish I’d never chosen you. 4 - Portobello Beach, September 2018 The cool September sun shines on the end of summer. I sit on the beach, at the edge of a new city I now call home, watching different shades of blue meet at the horizon. A perfect line, somehow so clear, yet unknown. A fresh start. FRANCES ROBERTS From top left to bottom right: 1 - Narrow streets once crowded now prowled by sleepy felines 2 - From muddy waters We bathe in blue The feeling of floating in freedom 3 - Wandering through the backstreets of an ancient city Craving spontaneity 4 - Islands are lonely places LINA EL RASHEED From top left to bottom right: 1 - The first photo of the sunset was not long before I moved for the first time in my life. I was with my best friend who I have known since I was 5. At that moment I had no clue how crazy my life was suddenly going to become. It was one of my last moments of safety and stability. I moved to another country in Norway called Akershus and thought I would stay there for 3 years to complete high school and then figure out what I wanted to do. I lived there for half a year and when we were going on holiday to visit my dad who moved to Abu Dhabi for his job we suddenly just ended up staying there. I could not have moved to anything more polar opposite from Norway. 2 - The second photo I took when I visited Trondheim again to see my friends and going back made me realise what a bubble I had been living in my whole life. I was comfortable and always wish I could go back but I realise I needed to move so that I could grow, and although I often think life would be simpler if I never moved but I also would never have grown as much as I did and still am. I also would never have gotten the opportunities I did if it wasn’t for moving. In Abu Dhabi I was chosen to go on the most incredible trip of my life. 3 - The photo in the desert is me on my first hiking trip in such an environment and it was a big shock. Although the first day was probably the worst day in my life, it is a great memory I have now. 4 - I went to New York City for a UN/UNICEF trip with other sister schools around the world. If I had been told that I would go to the US just a few months before, I would have said I probably would not have the possibility to travel there until at least I graduate from university and get a good job. If I had not moved I would never have even dreamt of anything close to what I did. I would never have ended up in Edinburgh and maybe never had the opportunity to reflect on myself and how I view myself. Working on oneself is something everyone needs to do and the more people and experiences you go through that are out of your comfort zone, the better and stronger you become. MADDIE JONES From top left to bottom right: 1 - My friend took this photo on Portobello beach at the beginning of August. I have always liked the documentary photographer Martin Parr who captures people in a variety of different places, like a fish and chip shop or a village fête. Parr said of his work ‘The fundamental thing I'm exploring constantly is the difference between the mythology of the place and the reality of it.’ I love the vivid colours and dynamic nature of his style which is what I loved about this image. The photo is also an interesting when considering lockdown. The amount of people on the beach that day was overwhelming especially when put in context of COVID-19. As the restrictions ease, I have found that I am increasingly unnerved by large groups and spaces following months of being at home. This new anxiousness shows how quickly we become accustomed to change and the ways in which our minds adapt to cope with new routines. 2 - The second picture is also taken in Sicily but on the other side of the Island. This is the top of some rocks with stairs leading down to the sea. The woman reading a book on the right hand side of the photo reminded me of an Italo Calvino short story ‘The Adventure of a Reader’. Calvino describes a man cycling down to the beach everyday and reading his book. I read it a couple of summers ago while on holiday and I have revisited it many times since. Something about the description of the water and the heat is particularly compelling in the middle of January. I have also always envied people who are able to take themselves to places like the beach alone. It seems so aloof and adult to me. 3 - This is taken in Syracuse, Sicily. I went at the beginning of September for a week. What I like about this photo is the contrast between the yachts and the luxury they represent, alongside the relatively run down beach area. I also loved the yellow colour of the buildings, which seems so specific to Mediterranean countries. I took the photo because of the various activities occurring in the separate groups on the beach. The boy on the bicycle and the couples talking in the water. I like photos that have lots of movement within them because they seem to capture a moment and bring you into it in a way that more staged photos don’t. ​ 4 - The final photograph is one of my favourites. The man in the left corner is my friend Charlie and we are at Gullane Beach, just outside Edinburgh. This was taken just before we went home for lockdown. The beach was empty and it was freezing. We got in the water and spent the afternoon warming up. It was my first time visiting Gullane and every time I have gone back since it has been full of families. I think I like this picture so much because it encapsulates the romance of beaches in off-season. I sometimes prefer a cold walk on the beach to sunbathing in summer. Mainly because I enjoy the rituals that accompany a wintery day out; tea when you get home, hot fish & chips and the pub. But I also enjoy the emptiness of a beach in winter, it feels like you are discovering a place for the first time. MARI YOUNG From top left to bottom right: ​ 1 - This is a photograph of me celebrating in a freezing tent in Snowdonia, having just found the gas canister so that my friend Ned and I could cook tea after a long day of walking in pretty miserable fog. Unfortunately for us I had packed the wrong sized canister so we dined on a dinner of salted peanuts, stale rice cakes and raisins. Despite this, I chose this picture because these little outdoor escapades were the highlight of my summer and were perfect for stepping away from the headlines and scaremongering to just stomp about and eat crap with good company. 2 - This is a photograph I took of the scene walking up Glyder Fawr in mid-August. The scenes were breathtaking, but the memory this photograph actually jogs is a relentless, but nonetheless entertaining, game of cruise, marry, kill. RIP Christian Bale x 3 - Apologies for the poor quality here, but this is a screenshot of a video I tried to take of myself playing guitar (like so many others, learning guitar became my lockdown project). You may wonder why I am pulling the successive expressions of shock and bewilderment. The answer is: as I was trying to record a wobbly rendition of a Laura Marling song my dad issued an extremely audible – and disruptive – burp. In his defence he didn’t know I was recording. I chose these photos because I feel like they encapsulate my lockdown/post-lockdown family experience quite well: attempts at wholesomeness with an interruption of humour (often in the gaseous form). I know how lucky I am to have any positives to say about a period which was so difficult for so many others, but I do cherish these memories which were made in such bizarre and frightening circumstances, and brought our family closer together. 4 - I took this final photograph in early July on the way to the Black Lives Matter protest in Holyrood Park, sent to my sisters who were simultaneously attending a march in our hometown of Bangor. Though I’ve mentioned my enjoyed experiences during lockdown in this catalogue of covid, I wanted to centre the fight for racial justice. This health pandemic highlighted a pandemic of racialised inequality which has been entrenched in our society long before Rona reared its head. I endeavour to continuously reflect on my privilege, learn from my mistakes, and educate myself on racial injustice to contribute to a fight that will no doubt outlive covid. #1 MOVEMENTS Following the horrific murder of George Floyd on May 20th 2020, Black Lives Matter came to the forefront of our news and feeds. Racism has never gone away - to think it has done so is foolish. As the initial surge of change hit, so did an out-pour of stories, art, music, poetry and articles. We have curated some from the students of Edinburgh on this page. "I have been questioned on whether I've been involved in knife crime or whether I know any Black person they can pluck from their memory. I have been praised for "how well (I) speak for a Black guy". I've endured three complete strangers pulling and running their hands through my hair on the middle of an ATIK dance floor. I have even been called "Tropical Boo" by another stranger in a club, who I am sure meant well but it comes across as nothing but a fetishisation of my ethnicity." Lucien Staddon Foster Artwork by Holly Lawrenson Evans (Instagram: @hollylawrensonevans_art) Cereal box flock Frances Roberts You cannot enjoy the rhythm but ignore the blues You cannot appreciate black culture but not black lives I see you, I hear you, I stand with you, Well 2m apart At an appropriate social distance But Stand for something or fall for anything Boris Johnson Doesn’t care about Black people a racist cunt And trump has a tiny knob Wash your hands of racist bigotry you detty pigs Rashan Charles Mark Duggan Classen Lewis How many more more innocent black men will die at the hands of police? How many names are there that weren’t filmed Disappearing into the depths of a forgotten past Never to be uttered Silence is violence Emptiness speaks Protesters in PPE Exhale heavy under a cotton cover It’s harder to breathe I can’t breathe WE CAN’T BREATHE Racism is a pandemic BAME communities disproportionately dying from this virus, systemic If you’re not angry, you’re not listening You’re probably white Some have the authority to kill a minority! And you chose to echo the status quo The view of a blind majority Colour is not a crime I see no changes, all I see is racist faces Artwork by Rachel Watkins (Instagram: @rach_watkins) "When the time comes for them to connect with one another in the fine establishment of Pollock Halls of Residence, they often bring with them harmful bigotry fuelled by a lack of diversity in their home lives." ​ Lucien Staddon Foster Pollock and Prejudice: How London’s influence impacts the lives of Edinburgh’s BAME people Lucien Staddon Foster It's hard to miss Edinburgh's uniquely strong English influence, especially that of London. It is so powerful that some parts of Edinburgh are often criticised as being an extension of London in terms of influences, attitudes and the Status Quo. Whether it's the ever-creeping prices of a pint, the growing London-calling student diaspora, or a simple shift in tempo and ambience, the influence of one capital on another is as inescapable as a signet ring at a JMCC dinner. This influence, however, is both a curse and a blessing, particularly from the eyes of a BAME student. Allow me to explain. ​ Just 8% of Edinburgh's population identifies as BAME (1). A stark contrast to the multi-cultural powerhouse that is London's 35% (2). Assuming discrimination and prejudice decrease with exposure to different cultures, peoples and lifestyles, the heavy influence of London on our capital can bring a shift in attitude that better welcomes the BAME people who call Edinburgh home. However, London is also home to vast inequality, much of which acts along racial lines, and with it, comes specific harmful attitudes, perceptions, and ignorance. Unfortunately, those uniquely London-based attitudes can be spread to Edinburgh through its student intake and run the risk of becoming increasingly widespread, exacerbated by Scotland’s lower diversity. As far as the University is concerned, there is already a poor track record when it comes to diversity. The University of Edinburgh takes in half as many BAME students as its Russell Group peers3, and many degree programmes see significant attainment gaps based on ethnicity (as much as 17.7% for my course (4)). Thus, a disturbing pattern against the potential satisfaction and success of BAME students is revealed and it becomes reinforced when student origin is considered. As of 2018, 34% of Edinburgh University students are privately educated (5), likely hailing from predominantly White and wealthy schools and colleges. Whilst the obvious issue here is over-representation, given that just 7% of the UK population is privately educated, another sinister situation arises, one regarding the students themselves. There's a certain type of student I'm sure you're well aware of; you can spot them from a mile away. Charged with pride for their South London or home county independent school; they waltz through the streets with a swing of flairs and a flash of a signet ring, with a demeanour consisting of equal parts arrogance and insecurity. There is nothing inherently problematic about privileged upbringings or needing to be noticed wherever you go, and I have no quarrel with those of us with those traits. Nevertheless, there is a fundamental common denominator for those matching this caricature. Beyond their work with foreign children on their gap year, they have likely had little to no real contact with BAME people. Think about their schools; you can probably count the pupils with a complexion darker than the façade of Appleton Tower on one hand. When the time comes for them to connect with one another in the fine establishment of Pollock Halls of Residence, they often bring with them harmful bigotry fuelled by a lack of diversity in their home lives. I'm sure if you spoke to any BAME friends of yours they'd return with countless examples of discriminatory acts and attitudes they have encountered during their time here. As your friends aren't here, I will lead with some personal examples of mine. ​ During my time at Edinburgh, specifically, when I was in halls, I have been subjected to all forms and flavours of bigotry. And more times than not, the culprits have been from the very social group I have been talking about. I have been questioned on whether I've been involved in knife crime or whether I know any Black person they can pluck from their memory. I have been praised for "how well (I) speak for a Black guy". I've endured three complete strangers pulling and running their hands through my hair on the middle of an ATIK dance floor. I have even been called "Tropical Boo" by another stranger in a club, who I am sure meant well but it comes across as nothing but a fetishisation of my ethnicity. So why then, do some from the most diverse parts of the UK harbour such bigotry and disrespect? I certainly don't have all the answers, but I am truly concerned about the president it may set in Scotland's White-dominated spaces. The "posh-boy banter" that's so prevalent in wealthy parts of the South, from which Edinburgh draws many students from, oozes with toxicity regarding ethnicity, race, sex, gender, religion and sexuality; and as a result, Edinburgh runs the risk of adopting such a culture. That's not to say Scotland doesn't have its own issues in regard to these, which it certainly does, but a specific type of prejudice and behaviour comes creeping in on top due to Edinburgh's strong ties to England's capital. To preface this, allow me to tell you about myself. I am of mixed heritage, equal parts Black Caribbean and White English. I came to the UK when I was tiny and have lived here ever since. I am very obviously not white but just about ambiguous enough to throw a few White Brits off the scent. During my time at Edinburgh, specifically, when I was in halls, I have been subjected to all forms and flavours of bigotry. And more times than not, the culprits have been from the very social group I have been talking about. I have been questioned on whether I've been involved in knife crime or whether I know any Black person they can pluck from their memory. I have been praised for "how well (I) speak for a Black guy". I've endured three complete strangers pulling and running their hands through my hair on the middle of an ATIK dance-floor. I have even been called "Tropical Boo" by another stranger in a club, who I am sure meant well but it comes across as nothing but a fetishisation of my ethnicity. So why then, do some from the most diverse parts of the UK harbour such bigotry and disrespect? I certainly don't have all the answers, but I am truly concerned about the president it may set in Scotland's White-dominated spaces. The "posh-boy banter" that's so prevalent in wealthy parts of the South, from which Edinburgh draws many students from, oozes with toxicity regarding ethnicity, race, sex, gender, religion and sexuality; and as a result, Edinburgh runs the risk of adopting such a culture. That's not to say Scotland doesn't have its own issues in regard to these, which it certainly does, but a specific type of prejudice and behaviour comes creeping in on top due to Edinburgh's strong ties to England's capital. ​ ​ During this time of demonstration and solidarity with BAME communities, we must recognise our own issues and the nuances behind them if we hope to transition further towards equality. At Edinburgh University, I believe a start can be made by addressing the negative influences of the capital and its surrounding bubble of affluence, and in its place, the positive aspects must be adopted. Such that, we embrace London’s multi-culturalism rather than its elite. Through this, we can reduce the toxicity and hardship that plagues both our UK-based and international BAME students. If the White-dominated private schools don’t address the toxic behaviour that’s often so rampant within them, it is our job to make sure that culture has no place in Edinburgh. References: 1, 2 Equality Evidence Finder Scotland 3, 4 EDMARC 2019 – Student Report 5 Higher Education Student Statistics: UK. 2018/2019 Statistical Bulletin Artwork by Tamara El-Halawani (Instagram: @tamara_elhalawani)

HOME FEATURES NEWS TRENDING CULTURE VOICES ARTS SCIENCE FASHION IN FOCUS CONTACT Search Results María López Penalva Apr 9, 2022 2 min Does wearing a suit make you a lesbian? An article from the New York Post has taken Tiktok and Twitter by storm, with its almost parodic commentary on the “stereotypical lesbian...

HOME FEATURES NEWS TRENDING CULTURE VOICES ARTS SCIENCE FASHION IN FOCUS CONTACT Search Results THE LATEST POSTS The EDI Magazine Sep 27 1 min A Guide to Edinburgh’s Museums and Galleries Ella Feeley Jun 15 4 min The IPCC’s Final Warning Rose Hartigan Mar 10 3 min The role and relevancy of Podcasts Alessandra Messeri Feb 27 3 min The Legacy of Brianna Ghey Amy Norton Feb 19 4 min TikTok- Stolen Time Caroline Thirlwell Feb 14 3 min Pursuit: Showcasing Artist Development Izzy Mein Feb 11 4 min Is BookTok the New Book Club? Caroline Thirlwell Feb 6 5 min Monday Motivation: 10 Podcasts to get you Through

HOME FEATURES NEWS TRENDING CULTURE VOICES ARTS SCIENCE FASHION IN FOCUS CONTACT Search Results Georgia Bennett Jul 20, 2022 5 min When “Never Again” Happens Again In April, rumours of a leaked document from the American Supreme Court rescinding abortion rights began. This became a nightmare reality. Antony Haslam Feb 16, 2022 6 min Harriet Robson Showed Us The Real Greenwood - But That Was Just The Beginning Toxic 'untouchability', young and impressionable fans and why some men on Twitter just don't get it. fcd4eb0d-5c0d-49b7-8616-9edddc4198e5 Feb 4, 2022 6 min It’s All in a Day’s Work… According to Molly-Mae. Caroline Thirlwell shares the controversy surrounding Molly Mae's recent comments on The Diary of a CEO. Timur von Polach Oct 15, 2021 6 min The Mandate of Heaven: How and Why does China Control its (and the World’s) Most Powerful Companies? Timur explores how China tried to marry capitalist growth and prosperity with communist politics. Sylvie Dulson Oct 13, 2021 6 min Only-Fans: The Normalisation of Underage Sex Workers in Popular Culture Online sex work can be incredibly empowering but creators need a strong understanding of the job description. Isabelle Coates Oct 11, 2021 4 min Social Media Activism: The Positives and Negatives Isabelle Coates dives into ‘slacktivism’, black squares and the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Kate Charlton Oct 4, 2021 4 min Edinburgh Students and Charity Shop Gentrification: A Tale as Old as Time? Kate Charlton explores the potentially harmful double standards regarding charity shop bulk-buying by those criticising fast fashion. Beatrice Casey, Celene Sandiford and Kirsty Tennant Oct 1, 2021 5 min Myanmar: An Evolving Crisis An accumulation of an A4 sheet describing the Myanmar crisis, a room of students and women finding solutions to global problems. Ana King and Frankie Moses Sep 29, 2021 8 min The Style Edit: Edinburgh the edi magazine sets out to document Edinburgh's quintessential style, interviewing its people and seeking advice for its newcomers. Lia Al-Khalaileh Sep 19, 2021 3 min Some Tips for Entering the New Academic Year Lia Al-Khalaileh shares her tips for new and old students entering university for the first time post-Covid restrictions. Amy Houghton Jul 10, 2021 3 min The Political is Personal: A Brief Introduction to Identity Politics Identity politics is a blurry and highly contested subject. Though there are compelling arguments for retiring the term altogether, there... Kirsty Thomson Jun 13, 2021 3 min Animal Testing at Edinburgh University ‘teaches us nothing’ about Depression Kirsty Thomson investigates the practice of immoral animal testing at Edinburgh University. Despite recent condemnation by animal rights... Chloe Lawson May 28, 2021 5 min The Problem with 'High Maintenance' The more sinister and frustrating connotations of the term 'High Maintenance' as described by Chloe Lawson. Chloe Lawson Apr 5, 2021 5 min The Myanmar Military Coup: What We Need to Know Since the start of February, increasingly horrific stories have come out of Myanmar following the Military’s seizure of power. In recent... Amy Houghton Mar 21, 2021 3 min Staying Engaged Without Being Overwhelmed: Five Podcast Recommendations Amy Houghton recommends her top five podcasts for keeping up to date with the latest news, while not letting pandemic get to you. Maddie Noton and Kirsten Provan Feb 27, 2021 8 min the edi Book Club Maddie Noton and Kirsten Provan collate some worthwhile books, which they believe will help those struggling to find the perfect read. Kirsty Thomson Feb 25, 2021 3 min I got the COVID-19 vaccine; here is why you should too. Kirsty Thomson writes about her experience receiving the Pfizer vaccine as a key worker in a Care Home. Lucy Gavaghan Jan 9, 2021 4 min Activism and the internet: A true power couple? Lucy Gavaghan takes a retrospective look at activism over the last few years. Kiera Mann Jan 6, 2021 4 min Gender Politics in The Queen’s Gambit Kiera Mann provides an interesting review into the series 'The Queen's Gambit', revealing where it falls short and where it may be... Rachel Watkins Dec 31, 2020 5 min In Conversation: Nayna Florence Rachel Watkins talks to 20-year-old influencer Nayna Florence about University, Youtube and her new Podcast.

HOME FEATURES NEWS TRENDING CULTURE VOICES ARTS SCIENCE FASHION IN FOCUS CONTACT Search Results Ella Feeley Jun 15 4 min The IPCC’s Final Warning Global warming has been an issue for decades, but only now when we are at death's door are people starting to wake up. Ella Feeley tells... Rose Hartigan Mar 10 3 min The role and relevancy of Podcasts Rose Hartigan discusses the importance of podcasts in aiding relaxation, better mental health and education. She then follows with some... Amy Norton Feb 19 4 min TikTok- Stolen Time Amy Norton discusses the negative effects TikTok has on our mental health and productivity levels, suggesting ways that we can gain... Caroline Thirlwell Feb 14 3 min Pursuit: Showcasing Artist Development Edinburgh Gallery Society is a University of Edinburgh society in its first year dedicated to promoting upcoming student artists. Their... Izzy Mein Feb 11 4 min Is BookTok the New Book Club? Walk into any bookshop these days, and you will inevitably find a stand of books with a sign declaring ‘TikTok made me buy it!’ or ‘As... Caroline Thirlwell Feb 6 5 min Monday Motivation: 10 Podcasts to get you Through The start of a new year and a new semester calls for some Monday morning motivation. I’m often tempted to snooze my alarm for as long as... Ella Feeley Jan 31 6 min Revealing Zeus’s Disguise: The Media’s Silencing of Women Zeus has to be one of the most well-known Greek gods of our time, but what exactly is he famous for? While his godly affairs are no... Georgiana Gray & Ellie Wilson Jan 26 5 min The Success of Sofar Sounds? It’s a Secret A secret location announced 36 hours before the show and an unknown lineup. Armed with nothing but a confirmation email, a thick winter... Georgie McNamara Jan 23 4 min One literature student’s opinion: The modern music tastes of your favourite literary icons When Lizzy Bennet rejected Mr Darcy, would she have angrily stomped through her beloved English countryside to the latest Killers song,... Alessandra Messeri Jan 16 4 min A Guide to Edinburgh’s Museums and Galleries Edinburgh is a beautiful city; from Arthur’s Seat to the Castle, it is a place bustling with both physical and cultural activities to... Patricia Köhring Jan 13 10 min The Importance Of Being An Independent Bookstore Patricia Köhring takes us through her day of exploring some of the most vibrant independent literary hubs that the city of Edinburgh has... Izzy Mein Dec 16, 2022 5 min The Edi Mag’s Winter Streaming Recommendations It’s getting to be the time of year when it’s dark at 4pm, no one has any motivation to study, and it's pretty much always raining. So,... Georgiana Gray Dec 12, 2022 5 min Christmas Markets: from bridges to Brussels The festive season is upon us, and I think everyone is excited to head to their nearest Christmas Market to see what is on offer.... Georgie McNamara & Molly McCaig Dec 8, 2022 3 min Harry-Miles Watson & The Union: Live at Sneaky Pete's If you’re an Edinburgh local and looking for a gig to go to, it’s safe to say that Sneaky Pete’s will always be a good bet. They seem to... Amy Norton Dec 6, 2022 5 min Joe Lycett asks us: how valuable are our values? Amy Norton discusses the political stunts pulled off by comedian Joe Lycett, in particular his recent ultimatum for David Beckham during... Georgie McNamara Nov 26, 2022 3 min The musicians you need to ride out the autumnal wave on For many seasonal hobbyists like Georgie, the last week of November marks the end of Gilmore Girls reruns, the conclusion of Kawaguchi’s... Caroline Thirlwell Nov 19, 2022 7 min The Feminism of Don't Worry Darling: Style over Substance? Don’t Worry Darling is a stylish, colourful, trendy film, but was there much beneath the surface? Is the feminist meaning of this sexy... Amy Norton Nov 4, 2022 5 min Peaceful Places - Edi's Best Self Date Spots Amy Norton discusses the importance of taking time away for yourself amidst the stresses of university life and shares her top spots in... Ruth Stainer Nov 2, 2022 9 min From West Side Story to Ocean's 8: In Conversation with Rob Striem Ruth Stainer sits down with renowned location manager and assistant producer Rob Striem to hear about why creativity is so crucial within... Patricia Köhring Oct 31, 2022 7 min Burning Rainbows: a story on the vape infestation Patricia Köhring undertakes a brief investigation into smoking, vapes, and what is a very twenty-first century craze: Artwork by Alison...

HOME FEATURES NEWS TRENDING CULTURE VOICES ARTS SCIENCE FASHION IN FOCUS CONTACT Search Results Frances Roberts Dec 2, 2022 4 min The wrong side of the Rental Crisis: my struggle securing roots Frances Roberts sheds light on her personal experience of struggling to find accommodation this academic year amidst the stark student... Kate Charlton Mar 30, 2022 3 min International (White) Women’s Day: What Went Wrong? In case you missed it (which I highly doubt considering the barrage of company adverts) it was International Women's Day on 8th March,... Pranavi Hiremath Mar 26, 2022 5 min Tackling the Feeling of Inadequacy A brief description of imposter syndrome, how it was first recognised and a few tips on how to deal with the 'critic' in your head. Amelia Lockhart-Hourigan Jan 21, 2022 6 min Music to Craft an Aussie Identity One Australian's experience of defining her own cultural identity through the music of her home country. Lauren Deveney Nov 20, 2021 7 min We could all be Feminists Lauren Deveney recounts her experience from being anti-feminist to anti-patriarchy during her time at university. Pranavi Hiremath Nov 5, 2021 4 min Pseudo Feminism and Why it’s Harmful. Pranavi Hiremath explains the difference between Pseudo Feminism and Feminism. Megan Clarke Oct 28, 2021 7 min In Conversation with Mmangaliso Nzuza Megan Clarke interviews Mmangaliso Nzuza, where he shares his passion for oil painting what Black History Month means to him. Lourenço Anunciacao Oct 18, 2021 5 min The Beach of Life A trip to North Berwick inspires a semi-poetic story about as life slowly returns to normal. Pranavi Hiremath Sep 23, 2021 4 min Honour versus Love Pranavi Hiremath investigates Honour cultures and how they differ from cultures of law. Emma Bayley-Melendez Jul 20, 2021 5 min “You don’t sound very working class” - debunking Imposter Syndrome. Emma Bayley-Melendez writes about her experiences of imposter syndrome at the University of Bristol. Amy Houghton Jun 25, 2021 3 min In Conversation with Aisha Janki Akinola, New EUSA VP Welfare Back in March, Amy Houghton spoke to Aisha Janki Akinola following her election to the Edinburgh University Student’s Association,... Kirsten Provan and Oliver Ellis Jun 6, 2021 5 min The Problem with Casting Cis Actors in Trans Roles Oliver Ellis (he/him) and Kirsten Provan (she/her) explore how damaging it is for Hollywood to consistently cast cis actors in trans... Lucy Gavaghan May 21, 2021 4 min Nature is Not a Novelty - a letter to anyone who will read it. Lucy Gavaghan shares her thoughts in an open letter on why we must all care about climate change. Veronica Greer and Anastassia Kolchanov Apr 26, 2021 8 min Environmental Racism and the UK Defining environmental racism within the context of the UK and how its impacts stretch beyond the British Isles. Chloe Lawson Apr 5, 2021 5 min The Myanmar Military Coup: What We Need to Know Since the start of February, increasingly horrific stories have come out of Myanmar following the Military’s seizure of power. In recent... Maddie Noton Mar 14, 2021 7 min Letters to a loved one. Practising the old-age art of putting ink to paper - letters to a loved one. Annabel Wilde Mar 12, 2021 4 min Common People by Pulp was a criticism, not an instruction manual. Common People by Pulp was a criticism, not an instruction manual. Class appropriation at the University of Edinburgh by Annabel Wilde. Tamara El-Halawani and Rebecca Atkinson Mar 5, 2021 7 min The BSL Interpreter Campaign The UK government has failed to provide a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter to broadcast vital Covid-19 news briefings. Despite an... Chloe Lawson and Kirsten Provan Feb 19, 2021 3 min 2020 Reflections: Kirsten and Chloe The final instalment of our 2020 Reflections by Chloe and Kirsten. Amy Houghton, Clara Sablitzky and Rachel Watkins Feb 16, 2021 4 min 2020 Reflections: Amy, Clara and Rachel The second of our 2020 reflection pieces looks at lockdown traditions, graduation difficulties and the chance to pause, grow and change.

HOME FEATURES NEWS TRENDING CULTURE VOICES ARTS SCIENCE FASHION IN FOCUS CONTACT Search Results Zoja Manček Páli Diminishing Returns - Why sleeping less to work more is counterproductive Finding enough time to sleep is often a difficult task for most students. One study reports that nearly half of university students... Zoja Manček Páli Could we live to see the end of the Winter Olympics as we know them? The Winter Olympics are just one of the many traditional events affected by climate change - how could they change without COP26?

HOME FEATURES NEWS TRENDING CULTURE VOICES ARTS SCIENCE FASHION IN FOCUS CONTACT Search Results Megan Clarke Nov 21, 2022 7 min Contraception is an ‘us’ problem Megan Clarke discusses how we can achieve a just contraceptive arrangement, with a focus on technological advancements and our... Kate Charlton and Megan Clarke Jan 24, 2022 8 min The Impact of Sex Education and Pornography on Relationships and Gender Based Violence An investigation into the effects of sexual education and pornography on healthy sexual relationships and the rise of Gender-Based Violence. Megan Clarke Oct 31, 2021 7 min In Conversation with Funmi Lijadu Funmi Lijadu shares her passion for the art of collage with Megan Clarke. Megan Clarke Oct 28, 2021 7 min In Conversation with Mmangaliso Nzuza Megan Clarke interviews Mmangaliso Nzuza, where he shares his passion for oil painting what Black History Month means to him. Chloe Lawson and Kirsten Provan Feb 19, 2021 3 min 2020 Reflections: Kirsten and Chloe The final instalment of our 2020 Reflections by Chloe and Kirsten. Amy Houghton, Clara Sablitzky and Rachel Watkins Feb 16, 2021 4 min 2020 Reflections: Amy, Clara and Rachel The second of our 2020 reflection pieces looks at lockdown traditions, graduation difficulties and the chance to pause, grow and change. Maddie Noton Feb 14, 2021 4 min A Morning in Mid-March The first of our 2020 reflection pieces. Nature's perspective of the global pandemic by Maddie Noton. Pranavi Hiremath Feb 7, 2021 5 min Lockdown: Indian Students in the UK (Part Two) Part Two: Pranavi Hiremath and five of her friends share some remarkable stories first lockdown experiences. Pranavi Hiremath Feb 5, 2021 9 min Lockdown: Indian Students in the UK (Part One) Part One: Pranavi Hiremath and five of her friends share some remarkable stories first lockdown experiences. Kate Charlton and Antony Haslam Jan 26, 2021 10 min The Fresher Experience During The Pandemic Kate Charlton and Antony Haslam explore the Fresher experience at Edinburgh University and the surrounding public rhetoric concerning... Lucien Staddon Foster Dec 6, 2020 6 min A Summer of Injustice: Six Months On Lucien Staddon Foster provides an important reflection on the horrific racial traumas that Black people have faced over the last 6 months.

HOME FEATURES NEWS TRENDING CULTURE VOICES ARTS SCIENCE FASHION IN FOCUS CONTACT More MEET THE TEAM STORIES EDITOR Maddie Noton studies Italian and English Literature at the University of Edinburgh. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Illustration by Holly Overs (Instagram: @heovers) ​ 1. Why did you want to join the magazine? I really loved the magazine and was especially inspired by the attention to detail and care taken for each article – especially the artwork. I wanted to join Edi so that I could dedicate time to my passion for writing and publishing, not only focus on academic work: I hope to remind and encourage other ambitious writers to nurture their creativity. ​ 2. Who do you find inspiring? Although the list is virtually endless and constantly changing, I have found Toni Morrison a particularly inspirational figure, certainly in her writing which uncovers unwelcome but necessary truths. Another writer (and one I highly recommend) is Mary Shelley. Her writing is not only fascinating, but also beautifully crafted and constructed. Other iconic individuals - and not limited to writers – include Louis Theroux, who’s journalistic talents fascinate me; Emma Watson’s spirit in her feminist activism; Michelle Obama, David Attenborough and countless more. ​ 3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you? Most recently, I read the novel Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo and was incredibly moved by its linguistic power: it somehow establishes a sense of familial unity and warmth through the amalgamation of characters. Another piece is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Having already mentioned my admiration for Shelley, this book is potent in its ability to readjust our perspectives on identity and evoke empathy for characters with whom we may share little connection. At the moment, I am listening to Louis Theroux’s podcast ‘Grounded’ on the BBC. He has a clever ability to remove the glamorous, celebrity nature of his guests and elicit human responses. I would recommend the podcast with Helena Bonham Carter and Rose McGowan. ​ 4. What is your favourite article on the site? My favourite article on the website is called ‘Why self-care can change the world’ by Bethany Bottomley, which is incredibly topical, especially in the current troubled times. It details the differences between taking care of yourself physically and mentally, aspects which society often misconstrue as the same, pointing to the fundamental flaws in our dealing with mental health which line our society. ​ ​ SURVIVAL GUIDE EDITOR Clara Sablitzky studies French and German at the University of Edinburgh. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Illustration by Greer Watson (Instagram: @geedoodle_illustration) ​ 1. Why did you want to join the magazine? I wanted to be part of a project highlighting everything that people love about Edinburgh, as well as something that people can learn from. I love the collaborative aspect of the magazine – it feels so personal and inclusive, which is something I think people need right now. ​ 2. Who do you find inspiring? I’m not the first person to call Florence Given a powerhouse and I’m sure I won’t be the last. My uni room is covered in her artwork and I am obsessed with her book. She’s just such an icon I could go on all day about her. An inspiration for women, for sure. ​ 3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you? My favourite podcast of all time is DoGoOn, an Australian comedy show where they report on a different topic each week. It never fails to make me cry with laughter, all while learning at the same time, what more could you want? I’ve even seen them live at The Three Sisters - the best night ever! ​ 4. What is your favourite article on the site? Lucien Staddon Foster’s article, Pollock and Prejudice, is a funny yet incredibly important article. It is well researched, with good use of cited sources to illustrate his eloquent points regarding the clear inequality prevalent at the University. It is explorative yet retains a clear direction and message which causes the reader to closely consider the content and evaluate their own University experience in contrast to Lucien’s, which we are convinced we must do in order to generate effective change. ​ ​ VOICES EDITORS Kate Charlton studies English Literature at the University of Edinburgh. She is also our IN FOCUS editor. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Illustration by Paola Lindo (Instagram: @paolxta) ​ 1. Why did you want to join the magazine? I was excited when I saw the ethos of equality, diversity and inclusivity for the magazine, as I think in this political and social climate it’s so important for there to be a safe space in order to learn and share ideas and opinions. Paired with the added focus on Edinburgh in particular, to wider social commentaries, the magazine made me want to be a part of something I was really impressed and encouraged by. ​ 2. Who do you find inspiring? At the moment it has to be Florence Given! Her book was life changing - her ideas about independence and respecting other womxn instead of tearing them down really resonated with me - the fact she isn’t scared to call us out and make us uncomfortable so we have to confront our biases is inspirational! 3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you? Vagina: A Re-Education by Lynn Enright - this book turned what I thought I knew about my body and sex education on its head - equal sex education in schools is important to me as I don’t believe I benefited from this in school. Enright’s book confronts taboos surrounding sexual health as well as tackling wider issues such as period poverty, FGM and trans rights - would definitely recommend! ​ 4. What is your favourite article on the site? Lucien’s ‘Pollock and Prejudice’ article - I loved how the article confronted me with the need to address my own privilege and bias regarding race so close to home. Even though it shouldn’t have taken this long, engaging in discussions regarding racial prejudice is extremely important and this article highlights it so succinctly in relation to our University in particular. Pranavi Hiremath studies Astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Illustration by Emily Beth (Instagram: @art_ebd) ​ 1. Why did you want to join the magazine? I found the Edi magazine to be unique in the way it puts out opinions and addresses important topics. The coming together of art and beautiful writing was inspiring. ​ 2. Who do you find inspiring? Malala Yousafzai ​ 3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you? Extinction by David Attenborough ​ 4. What is your favourite article on the site? ‘Local meat or less meat?’ - I am a vegetarian. I think the article is interesting and is very informative especially for anyone considering to switch to vegetarianism or veganism. The article covers how we must support farmers, how we are causing harm to not only animals but the environment as well and I strongly believe that more people should know about this. ​ ​ ​ TRENDING EDITORS Kirsty Thomson studies English Literature and History at the University of Edinburgh. She is our TRENDING: LOCAL editor. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Illustration by Holly Overs (Instagram: @heovers) ​ 1. Why did you want to join the magazine? Most importantly I wanted to join the Edi not only because Edinburgh is my hometown and I’m interested about what goes on here but also because I’m very passionate about spreading awareness and shedding light on issues people perhaps might not have heard of, giving different perspectives and generally making ‘news’ something accessible to everyone. ​ 2. Who do you find inspiring? Recently I’ve been very inspired by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez but she’s on a list of so many others. ​ 3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you? Yikes podcast! It’s co hosted by the magnificent Mikaela Loach who is another massive inspiration of mine. ​ 4. What is your favourite article on the site? My favourite article to date was one looking at body image and fantasy vs reality, 'Are we losing our Touch-Up with Reality?'. I’ve always been very conscious of the way I want people to see me and my body and have been really ill with it before. The article for me was very sobering and kind of a relief to read. I’d always known that things like photoshop are used everywhere but I remember thinking she illustrated it really well. ​ A my Houghton studies English Literature at the University of Edinburgh. She is our TRENDING: POLITICS editor. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Illustration by Annie Whiteson (Instagram: @artimitatesmeme) ​ 1. Why did you want to join the magazine? I wanted to join the EDI because it has such a solid ethos. As a reader, it is what I would personally look for in any publication, student-run or not! It values creativity in all forms whilst also refusing to shy away from important social and political topics, and I'm so excited to be involved! ​ 2. Who do you find inspiring? Without wanting to sound too cheesy, I'm genuinely inspired by my friends daily. They have such a deep care for others and are striving to incorporate that as much as possible in their future careers. It's been amazing to watch them grow through uni and they inspire me to never compromise on my aspirations. ​ 3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you? Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half A Yellow Sun had a big impact on me. I read it whilst I was still in school and it was the first thing to really kick me out of my Eurocentric bubble. It also guided me towards Adichie's other incredible work which similarly has had a huge impact in shaping my understanding of race, feminism, and the importance of diversity in literature! ​ 4. What is your favourite article on the site? 'Pollock and Prejudice' was the article that brought The EDI to my attention. It's a perspective that is so important in localising the recent worldwide discussions about Black Lives Matter and exposing the issues much closer to home. It is so elegantly written and entirely unapologetic in its confrontation! ​ Kirsten Provan studies a Creative Writing MSc at the University of Edinburgh. She is our TRENDING: CULTURE editor. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Illustration by Morven Daly (Instagram: @ulfrbarni) ​ 1. Why did you want to join the magazine? I was instantly drawn to the EDI when I first came across it. I love that it’s a student-led magazine; it feels like a really special, creative platform with a great community behind it. I’m so excited to be a part of something that champions diversity and inclusivity - I’m so passionate about both and consider myself very lucky to be a contributing voice. ​ 2. Who do you find inspiring? For me, I’m incredibly inspired by the author N. K. Jemisin. She writes particularly about oppression and cultural conflict, typically in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Not only is her writing amazing and something I would recommend to absolutely everyone, but she feels to me like one of the most important voices in fiction right now. ​ 3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you? The Book of Night Women by Marlon James. Marlon James is (if I had to pick) my favourite author. I just think he’s astounding. I read The Book of Night Women in June 2020 and I’ve probably thought about it at least once every day since. It’s so affecting and all-consuming. His prose is beautifully lyrical and his characters truly come alive on the page. I highly recommend everything James has ever written. ​ 4. What is your favourite article on the site? My favourite article currently on the website is ‘The Propaganda Pill and Why You Shouldn’t Swallow It’. Documentaries are not things I often seek out so I found it really interesting to read Frances Roberts’ take on Amazon’s ‘The Red Pill’. Both the conversational tone and the intrigue of the topic made it a particularly significant read for me. ARTISTIC COORDINATORS TEAM Rachel Watkins studies Economics and Politics at the University of Edinburgh. She is our ARTISTIC COORDINATOR: SOCIAL MEDIA. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Illustration by Paola Lindo (Instagram: @paolxta) ​ 1. Why did you want to join the magazine? What initially drew me to the EDI magazine was the artwork that is done to go alongside articles - you can see how much time and effort goes into each piece, and I think the writers really appreciate that. I wanted to join as being part of a project like this, especially since it is so Edinburgh related, gives you a sense of connection outside of University and your social circle, which I think particularly important at the moment. ​ 2. Who do you find inspiring? Grace Blakeley is very inspiring to me. She is an economist, political commentator and author with a great left-wing perspective on rethinking our economic system and how a democratic socialist approach could help us avoid another financial crisis and tackle the climate catastrophe we are facing. ​ 3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you? Recently I have been listening to the Bobo and Flex podcast and I cannot recommend it enough! It is all about intersectional feminism and contemporary debates, but the hosts are also hilarious and so engaging. ​ 4. What is your favourite article on the site? My favourite article is ‘The Past, Present and Future of Porn...’ as it provided an insightful perspective on a topic that I feel is not openly spoken about enough. As a feminist, I have always taken the stance that sex work is a patriarchal construct which is imposed on vulnerable women. However, this article made me think more about the value of making the work safer and providing a space where people can have power over their jobs and their bodies at the same time. ​ Fabiana Duglio studies History and History of Art at the University of Edinburgh. She is our ARTISTIC COORDINATOR: CONTENT. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Illustration by Holly Overs (Instagram: @heovers) ​ 1. Why did you want to join the magazine? I like the idea of creating a community by students for students that the magazine offers and is trying to effectively build. I became part of the art coordinating team as to build a network between students of all fields and art students as to increase artistic and intellectual stimulation as well as provide a platform for visibility which is so demanding in today’s art world. ​ 2. Who do you find inspiring? Regina Jose Galindo and Ferzan Özpetek ​ 3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you? The shows My Brilliant Friend and Midnight Gospel ​ 4. What is your favourite article on the site? The Past, Present and Future of Porn ​ Chloe Lawson studies History at the University of Edinburgh. She is our ARTISTIC COORDINATOR: EVENTS AND OUTREACH. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Illustration by Annie Whiteson (Instagram: @artimitatesmeme) ​ 1. Why did you want to join the magazine? The magazine is so unique compared to other student/university magazines and it was something I wanted to be a part of. Also, having been a supporter since the beginning, I was very keen to be a part of the team. ​ 2. Who do you find inspiring? Dolly Alderton- author of one of my favourite books (see below!) ​ 3. What literary piece/show/podcast has had an impact on you? Dolly Alderton’s ‘Everything I Know About Love’- the best book I’ve read in the last year, a very realistic and unrealised window into modern day pressures. Highly recommended! ​ 4. What is your favourite article on the site? ‘Are we losing our touch up with reality?' - I, among the majority of others, am vulnerable to knocks to self-esteem when scrolling through social media. The debates mentioned in this article surrounding the use of photoshop and whether its use should be made known on social media posts were therefore issues that struck a chord with me and I’m sure many others. ​ ​ ​