By Essence Dennis |Staff Writer| Since Harper Lee’s debut release of “To Kill a Mockingbird” (TKAM) in 1960, Lee has never published another novel -- until now. However some critics are skeptical of the subject matter and relevance to today’s young adult fiction readers. Others are concerned that Lee is being exploited. In my opinion I believe that “Go Set a Watchman” will have a strong cultural impact given that the subject matter and themes explored will be similar to that of its predecessor despite critic beliefs that Lee is being exploited. “Go Set a Watchman” follows an adult Scout Finch who journeys from her residence of New York, back home to Maycomb, Alabama. … [Read more...] about “To Kill a Mockingbird” sequel creates stir
controversy
“Bathrooms For All” event creates neutral place
By Aimee Villalpando |Staff Writer| Individuals of different sexes were able to use the same restroom in last week’s “Restrooms For All” event in the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU). From Nov. 17 to Nov. 21, the campus community had the option of using the gender-neutral restrooms. The Pride Center hosted the event in an effort to create spaces where people of all gender identities could access restrooms without the fear of gender policing or segregation. The purpose of the event was to help educate the campus about issues related to transgender and other non-binary gender communities. The Pride Center exposed common “myths” surrounding the issue, such as … [Read more...] about “Bathrooms For All” event creates neutral place
Americans want privacy but our posts beg to differ
By Danielle Brooks |Staff Writer| Americans are concerned with losing their privacy, but they may be surrendering their own privacy by using social media sites at their own will. A study conducted in January 2014 by Pew Research found that 74 percent of online adults use social media. However, these social media sites require private information when creating an account. “I deleted the Facebook app from my phone after the whole Facebook Messenger controversy,” said Elizabeth Hemmelgarn. “I didn’t like the fact that they could gain access to my personal information.” Earlier in the year, Facebook created a new Facebook Messaging app that was intended to be faster than the … [Read more...] about Americans want privacy but our posts beg to differ
Rams make history with Sam
By Luis Petty |Staff Writer| Michael Sam, an openly gay player in the National Football League Draft was selected by the St. Louis Rams on Saturday, May 10, 2014. This NFL draft is being considered a point of progress for American football. Sam is from the small town of Hitchcock, Texas, a town 40 miles southeast of Houston, Texas. According to The New York Times, in an article by Joe Drape, Steve Elder and Billy Witz, Sam didn’t have an easy childhood. He grew up with a strong masculine father Michael Sam Sr., who expressed in an interview his negative reaction while celebrating his birthday at a Denny’s to the news of his son’s sexual orientation. Sam came out publicly on … [Read more...] about Rams make history with Sam
American beauty is exemplified through song translation in different languages
By Marlyn Rodriguez |Staff Writer| The Coca-Cola Company created an advertisement for the Super Bowl that has stirred up a lot of unnecessary controversy based on ignorant views of the makeup of our country. The commercial consisted of “America the Beautiful” sung in different languages. The advertisement includes the Spanish, Tagalog, Mandarin, Hindi, Hebrew, Keres, Senegalese,French and Arabic languages. As soon as the commercial debuted the backlash began. People started tweeting hateful remarks such as, “Nice to see that coke likes to sing an American song in the terrorists’ language.” Another said, “We speak ENGLISH here IDIOTS.” Soon the hashtag #SpeakAmerican began … [Read more...] about American beauty is exemplified through song translation in different languages
Controversy over Mexican Barbie
By Aimee Villalpando |Staff Writer| The Mexico Barbie from Mattel’s “Dolls of the World” collection raised eyebrows when she debuted in a pink ruffle dress that included a passport and small Chihuahua. The initial purpose of “Dolls of the World” was “to celebrate cultural differences and tradition, introducing girls to the world through play,” said Mattel in a statement released to The Huffington Post. However, concerns regarding outdated stereotypes falsely portraying “traditional” Mexican culture have been increasingly expressed with the release of this line of dolls. All dolls were accompanied by a “furry friend” and a passport. Yet the animal chosen for the Mexico doll has … [Read more...] about Controversy over Mexican Barbie
Taking instant gratification to a whole new level
By Angelice Romero |Staff Writer| Our generation has become so dependent on meds that it is becoming an epidemic. To think curing your issues can be done by taking a simple pill is an antiquated process. Have a headache? Can’t sleep? Anxiety ridden? Your kid is too hyper? There’s a pill for all of that. Along with using medication as a cure all, there is a booming trend of abusing these drugs as a form of recreation. With all the medicine out there, people are not handling it properly. Gatherings such as “pharm parties” or “Skittle parties,” where they put all their pills in a bowl and take them at random, have become increasingly popular. According to the US Department of Health … [Read more...] about Taking instant gratification to a whole new level
Art Student’s Display Sparks Controversy
By Alexis Figueroa |Staff Writer| Three nooses hanging from CSUSB buildings created quite the controversy Friday, April 28 and left some students with serious mixed feelings. At the center of the dispute was an art student, who asked to be identified as Bee, whose art installation piece was introduced to the public. The display included three nooses which hung outside the entrance to the Visual Arts Building, as well as a cross painted in red and the American flag. Those who passed by the display were reported to be disturbed by what they saw and many came to the art department’s office to comment. Student Stephanie MacLaine was informed by the art departments secretary that a … [Read more...] about Art Student’s Display Sparks Controversy