Welcome to Amplify!
New Online Editor, Ria Kalsi, introduces the new section of Exeposé – Amplify.
It’s fair to say I was given plenty of warning of Exeter culture before I came to university in 2018. I was made aware of the stereotypes and from the off had the, ‘you’re there to fill a quota’ jokes. I’ve heard it all. It’s also fair to say, in that regard, Exeter has thoroughly lived up to expectations.
The feeling of displacement in a sea of white faces was not new to me at all and I’m sure I am not the only one to have that feeling. Though, one thing that did take me aback was the culture shock of Exeter. The stares in the street, the news of a racist history and the shocking lack of acknowledgement and action to deal with this culture. It was overwhelming to say the least.
Feeling uncomfortable sometimes was just something I’d have to get used to.
As a fresher, I knew there was no changing this and feeling uncomfortable sometimes was just something I’d have to get used to. Luckily, however, studying English exposed me more to topics and discussions of race, gender, colonialism etc, not as much as it should have, but enough to give me some kind of context in this sea of whiteness. I felt like I could finally back myself.
Starting my role coincided with the beginning of the Civil Rights movement and I felt empowered.
I’m now going into my third year and I also have this amazing position on the Exeposé committee. Upon going into this role, it didn’t go unnoticed that I was one of few BIPOC on a committee as big as this. Starting my role coincided with the beginning of the Civil Rights movement and I felt empowered. I had knowledge, a drive, a platform and a strong committee behind me. So, I proposed the idea of a new section of the student newspaper dedicated entirely to anti-racism, uplifting BIPOC voices and having students engage in the whiteness of our University.
Today, we’re really happy to announce the launch of Amplify, a new section of Exeposé, providing a journalistic intersectional platform to focus on anti-racism, uplift the narratives and experiences of BIPOC students and highlight the role and engagement of white students at Exeter.
This section is open to everyone and if you would like to write for Amplify, please email amplify@exepose.com with a pitch/piece and join our writers group on Facebook.
If you want to find out more about Amplify, click here (PDF section outline at the bottom) and to read our pledge click here.
Amplify Facebook page @exeposeamplify
@exeposeamplify on Instagram
