“Ungrateful people”: GOP candidate marks Juneteenth by telling Black people to leave U.S.
The recent comments made by GOP candidate, Ms. Gomez, regarding Juneteenth and Black people in America are not only shocking but also deeply concerning. To suggest that Black people, who have endured centuries of slavery, discrimination, and systemic racism, should leave the country if they do not like it is not only absurd but also incredibly ignorant. The insensitivity and lack of understanding displayed in her statement are emblematic of a larger issue within the Republican Party and American society as a whole.
The irony of Ms. Gomez, a Colombian immigrant herself, telling Black people to leave the U.S.… Continue reading
As I delve into the recent news regarding the Maldives entry ban on Israeli visitors, a wave of conflicting emotions and thoughts crash over me. The Maldives, known for its stunning beauty and luxury resorts, has inadvertently found itself in a tangled web of controversy over its decision to ban Israeli visitors, targeting specifically Jewish Israeli citizens. While the constitution of the Maldives declares Islam as the state religion and requires all citizens to be Sunni Muslims, the blanket ban on Israeli tourists seems to stem from a deeper issue – anti-Semitism.
It is perplexing to me how this ban specifically targets Israeli Jews, seemingly disregarding the fact that over 20% of Israeli citizens are Arab Palestinian Muslims.… Continue reading
Turkey’s Erdoğan recently made headlines with his controversial statement about the LGBTQ+ community, claiming that the ‘imposition of LGBT’ turns into ‘tyranny,’ surpassing ‘even fascism’. As I reflect on this, I can’t help but feel a range of emotions, from disbelief to frustration. It’s disheartening to see a world leader equate the simple request for recognition and respect with such extreme terms.
Instead of embracing diversity and accepting consenting adult relationships, Erdoğan seems to be fixated on turning the LGBTQ+ community into a scapegoat for broader issues. Blaming declining birth rates on the existence of LGBT people is not only illogical but also incredibly harmful.… Continue reading
As a citizen of Florida, I have been closely following the recent news of a federal judge throwing out a law that aimed to block treatment for transgender children in the state. The judge’s decision to strike down this discriminatory law is not only a victory for the transgender community but also a reaffirmation of the principles of equality and freedom.
In his ruling, the judge astutely pointed out that those who oppose transgender rights often use religion as a basis for their discriminatory beliefs. However, as he rightfully stated, one’s religious beliefs should not be a justification for discriminating against individuals simply because of their gender identity.… Continue reading
It’s truly disheartening to hear about the Pakistani man who was detained in a mental hospital for trying to set up the country’s first gay club in Abbottabad. The blatant discrimination and hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community in Pakistan are evident, with gay sex being illegal and punishable by severe consequences. The conservative religious culture makes it nearly impossible for individuals to openly express their sexuality, let alone establish safe spaces like gay clubs.
The man’s application for the Lorenzo gay club highlighted the need for a place where homosexual, bisexual, and even heterosexual individuals could come together without fear of judgment or persecution.… Continue reading
As I read about the recent incident involving a Massachusetts teacher who was placed on leave after holding a mock slave auction and using a racial slur in the classroom, I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and disbelief. How is it possible that in this day and age, we still have educators who think it’s appropriate to engage in such inappropriate and offensive behavior?
The fact that this teacher also used a racial slur while reading aloud from a book is even more disturbing. It’s clear that dehumanizing words such as slurs should never be spoken by employees or students, as mentioned by the district officials.… Continue reading
After reading about the recent incident involving the tech company in Virginia that posted a ‘whites only’ job posting and subsequently faced fines from the Justice Department, I was both shocked and disappointed. It is disheartening to see such blatant racism still present in our society in 2024. The fact that the job posting explicitly stated “Only Born US Citizens [White]” is not only appalling but also a clear violation of anti-discrimination laws.
The use of the phrase “[Don’t share with candidates]” in the job posting highlights not only the racist intent behind the posting but also the sheer ignorance and incompetence of the individuals involved in this hiring process.… Continue reading
As a high school graduate myself, the thought of missing out on the opportunity to walk the stage and receive my diploma with my classmates is unfathomable. Graduation is a momentous occasion, a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and it is a time for celebration and recognition. So, when I came across the news of three Tennessee high school graduates with disabilities who were required to sit in the audience at their commencement ceremony, my heart sank.
These students, who had worked just as hard as their peers to reach this milestone, were denied the chance to fully participate in their graduation.… Continue reading
As a young Iranian Jewish man facing imminent execution, my heart is heavy with the weight of injustice and discrimination that has been cast upon me. Living as a religious minority in Iran has proven to be a daunting challenge, with limited legal rights and opportunities available to individuals like myself. The harsh realities of being a Jewish person in Iran have been glaringly evident in the blatant discrimination that permeates every aspect of our lives.
In a society where becoming a teacher, lawyer, police officer, or even holding a political or governmental position is nearly impossible for a Jewish individual, the systemic barriers to success are overwhelming.… Continue reading
As I read about the Florida teen who was denied entry to prom for wearing a suit, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of frustration and disbelief wash over me. The fact that in this day and age, a young woman was prohibited from attending a formal event simply because she chose to wear a suit is not only archaic but downright discriminatory. It is mind-boggling to me that in a country that prides itself on freedom and equality, we still have individuals who are so fixated on policing what others wear.
Women wearing suits is not a new phenomenon.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker