Opinion
We need to do better if we are to protect girls
The real conversation lies in asking ourselves why altering our appearance has become so normalised and readily-available as a cosmetic service. When and why did our natural faces with textured skin and varied features become undesirable and “ugly”?
Death at a funeral: grief and burial rituals during a pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has put an abrupt, albeit temporary, stop to the processes that we are familiar with surrounding the deaths of loved ones; the grieving process and adapting to the ‘new normal’ in the absence of a loved one.
UFOs: are we alone in this world?
In 2007, albeit in secret, US Senator Harry Reid created the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), which was dedicated to studying UFO encounters with military personnel. From 2007 to at least 2012, the Pentagon spent millions in tracking military personnel who had seen the objects and reported UFO sightings. The existence of this programme was made public by the New York Times in 2017.
A year (and a bit) in review: the opinion section
As society opens back up and we all venture into the world with a newfound hunger for life, allow yourself to reflect – in a macro and a micro sense – on the time we have had, as well as the times that are to come.
The beauty of Pride
We often hear confusion as to why the whole of June is dedicated to Pride celebration and festivities. But why not? Pride month wasn’t created to change sexualities or impose ideas. Pride month celebrates the liberation of being who you authentically are, and that is where the beauty lies.
Rainbow washing + the exploitation of the LGBTQ+ community by major corporations
Pride is a vibrant celebration of sexual diversity and acceptance. But just like everything else that is good and pure in this world, the Pride festivities have been tarnished by corporate efforts to execute their own agenda and appeal to the huge market of consumers who support LGBTQ+-friendly businesses.
Don’t apologise if you can’t come to the phone right now: Why boundary setting in friendships is important
In an ever-changing world of lockdowns and restrictions, it is okay to be apprehensive of your friends’ attitudes. We imagine exciting and emotional reunions, but this time is also a great opportunity to lay some ground rules. Social media has exacerbated our availability to be on-hand and counsel everyone’s problems, but sometimes all you need is space.
Announcement culture: a 21st problem with an age-old solution
Announcement culture is a 21st century phenomenon that perpetuates our need to be constantly busy in order to have something to announce. We now have the tendency to judge our success and that of others on the quantity of announcements made rather than quality.
Women and the Military: The unequal burden of war
The image of Western military powers as an emancipatory force for women has been promoted for over a century, yet ultimately could not be further from the truth. Historically, Britain and other European powers have attacked the rights and undermined the autonomy of women in colonised countries.
Accepting and Adapting: A Note on COVID-19 Context
This time last year, little did we think we would be in a position of worldwide quarantine, rendered helpless at the mercy of a deadly virus. Even more so, could we ever have pictured all that would go along with something that affects us and our lives to this scale?