Editor's Note #34

Dear readers of the Spirit, 

Since the last release of the Spirit in October, we have received numerous pieces of feedback, which is greatly appreciated. We have also received many photos of the Spirit found in weird and wonderful places. One of my favourites was multiple photos of a cat perched rather fashionably on top of the paper, with it open on the international news section. To whoever sent us this, I am very glad your cat likes the paper-clearly we are doing something right.

Another brilliant photo that was sent in was the Spirit carefully positioned under a urinal. I am sure that we can guess what the intention of that was, I will not go into further detail. But I am very glad that the newspaper has a multitude of uses, even ones that I was not necessarily expecting. However, I do feel a bit of sympathy for whoever had to pick up that newspaper at the end of the day.

As we approach the Christmas period, I feel a slight sense of delusion sinking in, and I am sure you do as well. It can be quite difficult being a university student during the Winter period. It can often feel like the day has been wasted, but it is quite literally only 4 PM, and the library doesn’t close for another seven hours. Not only does it get darker, but colder. As you guys head home for the Christmas holidays, it is a chance for you to put your feet up, maybe even in front of a fireplace. 

But what if you’ve run out of coal? Well, the Spirit could also come in as a handy backup. Please read it before you light it, though, as paper tends to burn very quickly, and it will fall apart. 

A lot of things can fall apart quickly; political hopes and dreams are one of those things. It's interesting to see how things can present themselves as a glimmer of hope, but ultimately crumble away into ashes as division continues to pursue. We have given ‘Your Party’ very little attention in this issue, because it makes the progressive bloc of politics look weak and very little has been achieved since their monumental grand opening. 

Sometimes things do not look great for the Left, as political repression persists, and journalists are more at risk than ever. Siddhant Pawar covers this in his article regarding the detention of Sami Hamdi, a SOAS alumnus and journalist.

But there is always hope, and I think this issue shows that. Lilac Carr, with a classic double feature, has analysed the rise of the Green Party in recent months and also their emergence within SOAS. Naza Iwe, our culture section editor, has written an international news piece about Mamdani’s electoral victory. Whilst a news piece, I think the culture of community, which was balanced against the individual needs of different New Yorkers, is something that Mamdani fostered very well. 

If you are chronically online, this issue is also for you! Kenza Bajjar, our sports and societies section editor, provides great insight into the recent launch of Kim K’s latest abominable creation. But also, some Stranger Things season V discourse, because as much as I was desperate for the new season to get released, the cast were more desperate to get away from each other. 

Thank you again to my lovely team, who have really found a rhythm in getting this newspaper finished. 

Happy holidays, hope you all have a great New Year!

All the best, 

Roxanna Brealey 

(Editor-in-Chief)