The notion of toxic masculinity is gaining more prominence these days and I think it often gets misconstrued as some sort of attack on men. I used to see it this way, but I feel like I can help bridge the gap that might exist for those who are still opposed to the existence of the term. The first point I wish to touch on is that we first have to stop solely associating the concept of masculinity with men because any individual can exhibit masculine behavior or traits even if it is more common among men for biological reasons. However, the reason this point is so important is because it allows us to realize that toxic masculinity can be practiced by anyone, although it is predominantly a … [Read more...] about Opinion: Thoughts on toxic masculinity
Society
Women who curse are attractive
By Israel Ramirez |Staff Writer| Cursing has become a part of everyday language for many of us. Many argue that women should not curse or swear because it is not lady-like. I argue that if you want to drop the f-bomb, then do it! It is very attractive to me to see or hear women go against traditional standards. Traditional standards meaning: how to act and speak befittingly in private and public settings. I mean, come on, we are in the 21st century; There is nothing more attractive than a woman who speaks her mind. My only recommendation is to just curse with caution, but still make sure to express yourself in a way that indicates, "this is who I am, and nothing can change me." The … [Read more...] about Women who curse are attractive
Weird is the new normal
By Estefania Torres |Asst. A&E Editor| In today’s society, the term "weird" has changed its meaning multiple times and has left us with the conclusion that what is weird might just be normal. It has become a constant trend to be unique and weird—so much that it is hard to distinguish what it actually means. According to Urban Dictionary, weird is usually a negative term, "it is the act of being different than another person would." To the current generation, the term "weird" seems to have so many definitions that it has lost its meaning and its existence. With the internet becoming our main source for information and influence, the constant acceptance of anything different has … [Read more...] about Weird is the new normal
It is okay to be depressed
By Shirleena Baggett |Staff Writer| Books, exams, debts and depression—the perks of college life. Last fall, my life was moving along without me; I was a wreck, drained in every aspect, and knew I needed to get help. Forty-four percent of college students experience symptoms of depression, according to an article on healthline.com "Depression in College Students." Attending school is a transitional period for us all. Whether it is moving away from our family for the first time, to enduring the stress that comes along with getting decent grades, to of course the rise and fall of relationships and friendships. It is a lot—and there is no real way to be "ready" for it all. The truth is, … [Read more...] about It is okay to be depressed
Dream Job or Stability?
By Jacob Strangis |Staff Writer| Will students in college be swayed to settle for a job that is practical or pursue the dream career they feel connected to? Will income, increasing societal pressures and an unpredictable job market make them change their career paths completely? “If you go living life by security, you’re not going to be happy,” said Chloe Coto, a student at Loma Linda University. “More than likely you’re not going to be impacting people, and accept fear as a motivator,” continued Coto. These are powerful words that will likely resonate with most students who truly do have a dream, but may possibly be torn between practicality and genuine desire. Some … [Read more...] about Dream Job or Stability?
Ignorance is a bliss, in terms of violence
By Nicholas Whitt |Staff Writer| Violence has always been a serious affliction of humanity. And now the media exploits the incidents of violence, which makes us hypersensitive to such situations. Media may incite people to behave a certain way but in terms of causing violent behaviors, that is our own doing. "If they [media] were a major cause of problems in society we'd know by now. But the evidence just isn't there," said Christopher Ferguson of Stetson University in an interview with CBS News. The media does not have control on humanity's reaction nor does it affect whether individuals will be influenced by them. Instead, it highlights violence happening around us, … [Read more...] about Ignorance is a bliss, in terms of violence
Millennial Struggles
Maria de Lourdes Campos |Staff Writer| In today’s society there may be young adults whose lives have taken an unexpected turn. Things like children, living expenses, and education take a toll on them, both physically and mentally because there’s that daunting feeling of what if, what if I can’t do this? What if I bite off more than I can chew? The reality is that many young adults feel this sense of ineptness because they have goals and stressors pulling them in different directions, while trying to be active members of society. Eventually these stressors take a toll on them emotionally, physically, and mentally. As a result, many young adults find themselves living with their … [Read more...] about Millennial Struggles
Breastfeed: nuisance or nourishment
By Maria de Lourdes Campos |Staff Writer| We live in a time where everything and everyone is under a microscope which makes us accessible to public scrutiny. When we see a mother breastfeeding in public daylight; we look at her with disgust. The initial reaction is disbelief and confusion, simply because she's doing something that doesn’t comply with normative standards. Why should she be judged for simply exercising her biological rights as a woman to tend to her child? Breastfeeding is now viewed as a double edged sword. Companies like Target and Walmart do not feel comfortable seeing female customers pull out their breast as a means to feed their hungry child. These … [Read more...] about Breastfeed: nuisance or nourishment
Being oneself is never easy
By Erendy Torres | Staff Writer | I am tired of hearing “be yourself, be authentic.” It is such a fake statement. Although most people say that being original is the best thing you can do for yourself in order to live a free and peaceful life, they don’t really mean it. Being different is actually frowned upon. Being unique doesn’t make you authentic. It can make you seem as an outcast and a freak in the eyes of society. However, to deny and conceal our uniqueness is an offense and betrayal to ourselves. Society has created an image of what “normality” should look and be like: casual attire, polished hair, and proper behavior. Although this “requirement” seems to be the … [Read more...] about Being oneself is never easy
“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