You’ve picked up this mag, it’s probably hard to not notice how hefty this bad boy is. 48 pages of pure bliss, absolute gorgeousness, and just straight out massive shit-posting. We regularly have content ranging from pieces about race inequality, breaking stories about politicians doing shit they shouldn’t, and even the odd penis picture. All of these things have been reflective of what audiences want or what they don’t. Nexus, and student media, is a reaction to society in what can only be described as whinging nothingness. Nexus is a pillar but we’re not without our downfalls and controversies. We’re guilty as much as the next one for having our fair shit of things going wrong.
So today, I wanted to take a look into our past and compile a sort of comprehensive list of things that we’ve done wrong, done right, and just shit that’s interesting from the lifespan of Nexus. Last year we had our 55th anniversary, so that’s a more comprehensive look into the overall history of Nexus.
Kato days
Before we were the hallowed halls of Nexus, we were once called ‘Kato. A weekly newspaper, which was honestly a glorified newsletter for the university. Countless hours of reading through found nothing but columns of sports complaints, students angry at teachers, and the odd homo-erotic statement about the footy. But, there was a sneaky hidden link in the rows. Paul Sanford and his column named, “Froth”.
The basic premise of this bad boy is a space to just openly speak about something that he was loving or something he was hating. In a Newspaper littered with standard pieces about the changing prices in the book shop, lack of birds on campus, or a strange odour coming from the field behind the Teaching College–we get our first glimpse into the world of Nexus’ future. Paul Sanford is our link and I feel connected. His final piece for ‘Kato saw a massive rant about an upcoming merger in unions. That’s not the best part, but rather his promise not to make promises about kicking up a stink. Kia kaha matua, hope you’re living it large out there.
Defamation after defamation after defamation
Ask any writer before me, any editor, or any of the staff and they’ll bring up the same issue as the last. We’ve been sued for defamation a few times, opting to publish stories about lecturers being hōhā or the odd complaint re: a uni staff member photocopying their dick in the library. Who’d have thought the biggest story in 30 years was someone inappropriately showing their genitals in the library. The reason it’s brought up so frequently is because it’s integral for our history and recognising what students are capable of.
Was it necessary to spend 7 issues publicly slandering a lecturer for being a dick? Definitely. I say that as someone not privy to the conditions but only able to read back and reflect on what that world looked like from my perspective. Or rather from the perspective of a couple of angry Nexus writers. The actual reason it’s so interesting is because there’s a massive tonal shift in the world of media. We’re looking at one of the most proactive generations for social justice but we’re also staring down the barrel of a loaded gun–waiting for the trigger. More on this at 9. Or later in the piece.
Just a dick, or six
Student media is a bottomless pit of satirical comments towards fascism (or National) with a massive emphasis on imagery that supports or pressures the reader to gain, or lose, processing power into the message. Images of ex Prime Ministers as pigs, the odd eating the rich art piece and a whole lot of dicks everywhere. We’re free to create and tell whatever commentary we have. Editorial independence is important, and pertinent to the survival of Student Media.
Nexus specifically has had its fair share of controversial images. Ranging anywhere from actual porn to images grotesque enough to be pulled by printing–we’re not afraid of putting what needs to be seen on the cover. Though if you go back through the past few years, there’s a stronger influence of art thrown on a cover, looking at what’s nicer on the eye rather than what’s politically driven. Well the irony doesn’t escape me, seeing as we put an art piece of Princess Diana beheading the King and Queen Consort on Issue 10. It’s all about balance and reading when it’s appropriate and when you need to pull back. We’re good at pulling it back… 😎
Younger sibling syndrome
Nexus is a LOT younger than most of the other student-led magazines. Some view it as immaturity or naivete. We see it as a chance to be openly ourselves without the pressure of having these years of standards built on the premise that we need to operate to a certain level. That’s not us mate, we’re just the younger sibling getting away with murder.
We’ve been subject to many comparisons through the years. But through recent iterations there’s been pressure on us. Pressure to create works worthy of competing for a piece of paper to say we’re the best of the available. ASPA (Aotearoa Student Press Association) is something we’re proud to be a part of, nabbing a few awards each year, but it’s starting to feel less like recognition and more like a rat race to figure out which of us is the best and who isn’t worth the read. We’re not comparable because we’re not even doing the same thing. There’s levels to this, and somehow we’re meant to come to the same level–able to be judged by those before us. Don’t twist my words, I love the camaraderie between myself and the other kids in the numerous chats but I worry that unhealthy competition is putting off writers from developing their craft. Possibly a yell into no void but it’s interesting discourse.
The big switch
Let’s chat about what the current world feels like.
I mentioned staring down a barrel, and I know you’re all eagerly waiting to see what I was talking about. Recently we’ve been in conversations about media representation and how we’re effectively fuelling the fire with our far out commentary and use of politically minded jokes. Now there’s certainly been a switch in correctness and what we should and shouldn’t say–this has been the major contribution to how Nexus is currently structured. I’m not going to lean into discourse about just sucking it up, telling people to harden up. It’s just simply not the world we live in anymore. But is the medium in trouble? While our mags are being picked up every week, we can’t say the same for other magazines.
We can look to social trends and how people respond to difficult conversations for answers. The library incident of the past week for example. The University has put out numerous statements regarding the circulating video and how it’s been received by students. Now I’m NOT going to comment on how some people may have perceived the content of the clip but it’s an interesting insight into the world of social media–commentary on the incessant need to fix a problem that doesn’t always exist. I’m going to say something potentially controversial. Shock horror. But I’d like someone to please explain how watching the video is harmful? I understand that the space feels tainted now, please know that, but watching the video? If you’d like to discuss and let me know what I’m missing and what you think, please do.
The world of media looks so different, with matters in place to protect those who can’t. Something I agree wholeheartedly with. It’s going too far though, when we start fighting battles for those who can already fight their own battles. Don’t use a magazine to yell on behalf of someone that is already yelling. Let them have the space and let them be loud. Student media, all media, and publications are your place to talk shit and yell. So do it. Be loud.
