Why you should NOT donate to Notre Dame
The haunting photos Notre Dame Cathedral up in flames have been circulating around the internet since the fire started on Monday. Many wealthy peopled have banded together to start donations to restore the historic French monument. Donations have been pouring in quickly and have now–three days since the fire began–exceeded $700 million. Still, there has been an outcry of people stating that these donations should be going elsewhere. Those who are grieving the 850-year-old cathedral as an important piece of history are astounded and many are offended by this. After all, it seems like a triumph of the human spirit, people from around the world banding together to save something…
Privilege and Blind Liberalism: An Expansion of the Discussion about the Poverty Simulation
I recently wrote about an email sent out by my college advertising a poverty simulation. This would be a three hour event where students could pretend they were living in poverty to experience what it is like. I have already started to discuss the rampant issues with this, but since I had a lot more to say I am revisiting the topic. At the heart of this lies the opportunity to examine some common problems within liberalism, especially prevalent in wealthy or white liberal circles. That is, liberals who have experienced a lot of privilege often do not see the big picture of social justice issues. Like the above clothing…
The Poverty Simulation: A Comment on Privilege and Blind Liberalism
I just received an email from my alma mater that concerned me. It was advertising a “poverty simulation” on campus, a three hour experience designed to show people who had grown up middle or upper class what it is like to be impoverished. My first emotion was revulsion. Yet, I can imagine exactly what was going through their heads when the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committee came up with the idea. They assumed that it would be a good way to teach people about the harsh realities of poverty in a vivid and memorable way. However, they clearly did not think about the bigger picture. This is incredibly insulting to people…
Why We Celebrate Black History Month (But Not White History Month)
Black people have contributed to: Art, philosophy, science, politics, music, literature, medicine. Yet we don't know about them unless we make substantial efforts to do so.
You May Also Like
Breastfeeding in Public
Six Films to Watch After Jordan Peele’s Us
“Extreme” women
Dropping Traditions
This year, we didn’t have a Christmas tree. We had a pineapple that sat on top of our mini fridge with a necklace of lights and a pair of sunglasses. This year, I did not wake up at my parents’ house on Christmas day. It’s somewhat bittersweet, celebrating the first holiday season after moving in with my boyfriend. I absolutely love living with him and creating new memories, but it still feels weird to be separated from the family I spent the first twenty years of my life with. Even while away at college, I came home to them over school breaks. It doesn’t help the situation that I work…
How to find facts in a world of fake news
Most people who spread misinformation are not intentionally malicious...readers and observers of current events must be vigilant. Before you believe something, make sure that it is worthy of your trust.
Mightier than the sword: A young woman writes her destiny
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing McKenzie Swenson...In her answers below, she discusses what it took to pursue her passion and change the course of her life.
Les Miserables at the Orpheum
Few theatre fanatics are unfamiliar with the stage production based on Victor Hugo's classic novel.
Religion and Racism
The Bible can be misinterpreted based on both the culture and time period in which parts of it were written.
Is it ethical to celebrate Thanksgiving?
While it's easy to write off as an innocent, non-religious holiday focused on wholesome values such as family togetherness and gratitude, the holiday's dark past is seldom acknowledged.
