By Kassandra Garcia |Staff Writer| Islamophobia in the United States has increased immensely and needs to be stopped. For those who do not know what that term means, Islamophobia (or anti-Muslim sentiment) is an exaggerated fear, hatred and hostility toward Islam and Muslims. “It is perpetuated by negative stereotypes resulting in bias, discrimination, and the marginalization and exclusion of Muslims from social, political, and civic life,” according to Gallup, a news source. Some Americans are trying to justify their fear or hate toward Islam and Muslims by stating that the way they feel is justified because of what occurred during tragic events such … [Read more...] about Rampant US Islamophobia must cease
Kassandra Garcia
“Mad Max: Fury Road” is not cinematic feminist “propaganda” drivel
By Kassandra Garcia |Staff Writer| Although Vanity Fair has hailed "Mad Max: Fury Road" as the most surprising feminist triumph, it is also viewed as "a feminist piece of propaganda posing as a guy flick" by some absurd men that go by the term “meninists” (members of the absurd men’s rights movement). If you're unfamiliar with the controversy surrounding the new Mad Max movie, here's a quick rundown: There are some men out there who actually fear that America is being feminized and that “real” men—men who are tough and totally secure in their masculinity—are being threatened by an ass-kicking half-bionic heroine who defies death to rescue five young women from sex slavery, according to … [Read more...] about “Mad Max: Fury Road” is not cinematic feminist “propaganda” drivel
USA Freedom Act is ill-revised
By Kassandra Garcia |Staff Writer| On Thursday, May 7, the federal appeals court finally ruled that the National Security Agency’s (NSA) surveillance program was illegal. The new reform, known as the USA Freedom Act, is a surveillance reform bill that recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. In my opinion, this is a sad excuse of a reform. The bill itself is intended to set restrictions on the NSA which is supposed to end the bulk collection of data on U.S. citizens. According to Wired, the Patriot Act allowed the NSA to collect as much of your personal data, and the data of anyone you’ve been in touch with, as they … [Read more...] about USA Freedom Act is ill-revised
Immigrants shouldn’t be deemed “illegal”
By Kassandra Garcia |Staff Writer| “Illegal” immigration has been the defining characteristic since before our country began. So I cannot help but cringe whenever I hear anti-immigration protesters use “stop illegal alien invasion” and “make America, American again” as a means to get their point across. In my opinion, this type of abrasive language contributes to the animosity towards immigrants which allows these individuals to be dehumanized. On top of that, it makes me question the logic behind anti-immigration supporters. Have they forgotten that this country was established by immigrants and not once were they referred to as alien or … [Read more...] about Immigrants shouldn’t be deemed “illegal”
Comprehensive sex education must be taught
By Kassandra Garcia |Staff Writer| Ontario, Canada created an up stir on social media announcing that a comprehensive sex education initiative is to be implemented in September 2015. This act is designed to properly educate the youth on contraceptives, sexual consent, gender identity, sexual orientation and other sex-related issues. In my opinion, comprehensive sex education is crucial because sex education in the U.S. is far from educational. “Honestly all I remember about sex ed was putting the condom on the banana and the emphasis on male genitalia,” said student Hayley Rodriguez. According to an analysis done by Guttmacher Institute, the … [Read more...] about Comprehensive sex education must be taught
“Sex workers” should be respected
By Kassandra Garcia |Staff Writer| I believe that people who choose to pursue work in the sex industry should not be stigmatized for choosing to do so. This lack of respect hinders the ability to make a distinction between sex work and sex trafficking. It is important to understand that the term "sex worker" is not prostitution and covers sex work but also includes pornography, stripping, and escorts. Regardless of the sex work, many people argue that this line of work is immoral and that those who partake in the industry are setting themselves up for mistreatment. They try to justify these judgments by saying they are “all maniacs and oppressors,” said Tomcat, one of "Kink's" … [Read more...] about “Sex workers” should be respected