Opinion

Feb 7, 2009

Seeing through the Smoke: Controversy and Campus Organizations

In a world of perfection, unified thought and theory, similar traits and qualities would be embodied by all. People would never have to worry about confrontation and disagreement on world issues like politics and other controversial topics that tend to weigh heavily on the strong beliefs of all parties involved within a debate. At a national perspective such topics rear their heads during the election process, like abortion, and gay marriage. At N.C. State, some of the same issues arise, but not as often as social politics, amongst various groups and organizations. Will they ever be resolved or are we forced to believe that life in the "real world" is much like the itemized version of controversial issues we experience right here at school. This article will serve as part of a series that will reflect upon new or unaddressed issues for the remainder of the semester. I will reflect any reported issue to readers to actively engage students within the University dynamic with issues that matter. I seek to stimulate, involve and interact with readers who have a response and would like to rebut the issue or merely report feedback.

Feb 7, 2009

What About White History Month?

The United States is known as the land of the free. We were established with the words "equality" and "the pursuit of happiness" in mind. Even though these strong words are a part of our doctrine, unfortunately, they do not apply to a large population of people. Today we celebrate the diversity that was not embraced during the times of our Founding Fathers. In the present we not only have black history month, but also Asian Pacific American heritage month, National Hispanic heritage month, and Native American heritage month. While engaging in the history of these cultures, I have come across others asking the question "Why don't we have a White History Month or White Heritage Day?"

Feb 7, 2009

President Barack Obama: A Groundbreaking First Seven Days

Now, President Barack Obama's inauguration was undoubtedly one of the most historical moments in American history, and probably the most significant moment that our generation has seen to date; however, while President Obama's inauguration holds tremendous historical significance, it is not, by itself, a turning point for this country. It should be understood that that moment alone will not bring change to the people of this country. It is clear that the new president understands this concept: in his speech he promised to go to work, starting on his first full day in office, and make political moves to bring change to the people of this country. From his inaugural address, it was clear that Obama sought to work as a unifier in this time of great need. He made this clear when he addressed all people. In his speech, he mentioned people from all walks of life in America, rich and poor, people of different races and ethnic backgrounds, people of different religions, and even a group that has been long overlooked: the non-believers. With his speech, he gave the people great hope that finally change would be delivered from a president that is clearly concerned with the wellbeing of his nation. In his first full week in office, Obama has been working diligently, and has already done a great job in trying to bring change to the people.

Jan 29, 2009

When joking crosses the line

In this day and age, we as a generation have tried to ease the pain of the past from ourselves and others. Sometimes this means poking fun at some of the past events that were looked upon years ago as horrendous. I've heard many people making jokes about enslavement and hangings. We also make jokes about each others backgrounds. We call ourselves "nigga" or "wetback" and try to make light of the words. We sometimes try to justify it as endearing or "turning it around" to make it cool. The truth is that that these words came about because of hate. These words were never meant to have a good connotation.

Jan 29, 2009

The Inauguration: A Native Washingtonian’s Perspective

The inauguration of President Barack Obama was bound to be a truly historic event, one that would draw crowds from all over the country and all over the world to witness a truly moving portion of history. However, Todd Farris, a senior majoring in sports management and a resident of the Great Commonwealth of Virginia, and I drove to my home in South East, Washington D.C. anticipating the worst. What you are about to read is not comprised of the patriotic images shown on the news. This is not a candy-coated version that only mentions Obama, his speech, and the historical significance of this day. This is the story of my experience; a Native Washingtonian who watched helplessly as my city ceased to function while being invaded by millions of tourists.

Jan 29, 2009

Has Anyone Used the Term “Snowbama” Yet?

We were told over and over what a historic event we were witnessing, and it just happened to coincide with the first significant snow in Raleigh for five years. I don't have cable, so every channel carried the inauguration. So, of course I watched on Tuesday as President Obama was sworn into office.

Jan 21, 2009

What’s in a name? Apparently everything

One of the most exciting, yet thought-provoking times in the lives of expectant parents is the tossing back and forth of potential names for their new child. The naming process is a very big deal to most parents. They want to pick the perfect name for the perfect baby. Some go the traditional route and name the child after themselves or someone in their family. Some choose to name their new baby after a famous idol or prominent person in history. Nowadays, it is quite popular to be original and expecting parents rack their brains to come up with a name no one has ever heard of. I personally appreciate originality in every way, but I believe there is a line between original and just plain weird.

Jan 21, 2009

English in America: English, Slang, Spanglish & Tech Talk create new language in America

English, a once concise and proper language, has evolved into a diverse and highly effective tongue. Through slang, technology, and Spanish speaking immigrants, English has become quite different from its intended formation. Although America has no official language, English is the primary form of communication.

Jan 13, 2009

Are New Year’s resolutions really necessary?

At the beginning of every new year, the American population goes into a frenzy with new ideas and expectations. The New Year is seen as a time to make huge changes and implement plans of living out overdue dreams. As a result, a mass majority of us go on to make New Year's resolutions. These are goals that we make at the beginning of the year that will improve our livelihood. They range from weight loss, to earning more money, to quitting smoking, or even to falling in love. These brand new goals give us a positive outlook on the New Year and the desire to make ourselves happy.

Jan 13, 2009

The images of black beauty taint black women’s identity

As a dark-skinned, size twelve, black woman, I've grown perplexed by the images of African American women in the media. On television and in magazines, black women are a size two with hair down their back and light skin resembling that of a white woman. Dark-skinned women are usually shown with some type of natural hair. Granted, black comes in many sizes, shapes, and colors, but there seems to be a one-dimensional spectrum, with two radical extremes at both ends.

Nov 19, 2008

Rudeness: Didn’t your mother teach you better?

After thinking about the many things that rub me the wrong way about people, particularly people on campus, I compiled a top three. I thought about all the issues as a whole and concluded that the root of the problem comes from our individualized driven society. People are so caught up in themselves that they can't possibly consider the feelings of others, while going about their daily lives.

Nov 15, 2008

NCSU Student Election Reactions: Personal Opinions on the Outcome of the 2008 Election

As the 2008 Election came to a close, our nation made history by electing its first African American president, Barack Obama. This election is a milestone that will go down in every textbook and will be talked about for centuries on end. This election has been life changing for many Americans. Some people feel their voices were heard for the very first time. Students had very different reactions to this presidential decision. Some were elated, others were appalled, and some were indifferent.