Growing up, politics was never a topic that was discussed openly in my household. My parents kept their voting choices close to the chest, and it was always a mystery to us kids who they supported during election season. However, a recent conversation with my elderly mother shed light on a whole new perspective regarding the secrecy of the voting booth. She revealed how she used to vote against my father’s wishes secretly, in an act of defiance to cancel out his vote. This confession got me thinking about the current political climate and the question that seems to be causing quite a stir this election cycle: “Can my husband find out who I am voting for?”… Continue reading
As I sit down to write about the recent controversy surrounding JK Rowling’s tweets against Lin Yu-ting’s participation in the Olympics, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of disappointment. Here we have a woman, Lin Yu-ting, who started boxing at the young age of 13 to protect her mother from domestic violence, and instead of celebrating her courage and determination, Rowling decides to target her with baseless accusations.
It is truly disheartening to see someone with such a massive platform, like JK Rowling, using it to spread hate and misinformation. Lin Yu-ting has always been a female athlete, and there is no reason for her gender to be questioned simply because she doesn’t fit into Rowling’s narrow definition of what a woman should look like.… Continue reading
It is disheartening to see a world leader like Vladimir Putin pressuring women to prioritize childbirth over their rights and autonomy. His call for Russian women to embrace patriotism through motherhood, echoing traditional family values, is concerning. The notion that women should forgo education and careers to prioritize raising large families in support of Russia’s superpower status is regressive and detrimental to gender equality.
The pressure on women to start having children at a young age of 18, set against a backdrop of male casualties in the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlights the exploitative nature of Putin’s agenda. Utilizing women’s reproductive capabilities as a means to replenish the labor force and create more soldiers for his war efforts is dehumanizing and unjust.… Continue reading
Violence against women has reached what is being described as ‘epidemic levels’ in the UK, according to recent reports. This crisis has prompted police to treat it as a threat on par with terrorism, signaling the urgent need for attention and action. But what exactly is causing this surge in violence against women, and why are we still grappling with this issue in the 21st century?
One key point that stands out is the comparison drawn between violence against women and terrorism in terms of threat levels. While terrorism is often viewed as a rare and extreme occurrence, the reality is that domestic violence against women is far more prevalent and widespread.… Continue reading
I have always prided myself on being someone who stands up for women and supports female empowerment. But when I heard about Jeanine Pirro and Laura Ingraham slamming the female Secret Service agents who protected Trump during the recent shooting incident, I was appalled. These women, who bravely put their lives on the line to shield the former president, are being criticized for their height and gender by two individuals who have no idea what it takes to do their job.
It is beyond comprehension to me that Pirro and Ingraham would attack these agents, especially considering the gravity of the situation they were in.… Continue reading
The Taliban’s recent plea to the West to overlook their harsh treatment of Afghan women and girls in order to build ties is not just outrageous, but also deeply disturbing. It is almost comical how they have the audacity to ask for understanding and cooperation while blatantly oppressing and dehumanizing half of their population. The idea that we, as a civilized society, should turn a blind eye to such atrocities is not only outrageous but also appalling.
The recent article highlighting how Taliban militants are discontent with the transition from a war-torn jihadist life to one where they have to earn a living like everyone else is a stark reminder of the deeply rooted misogyny and lack of respect for basic human rights that permeates the Taliban’s ideology.… Continue reading
As an Israeli citizen, the recent decision by Israel’s high court to order the army to draft ultra-Orthodox men is a long-awaited and necessary step in the right direction. For far too long, the ultra-Orthodox community has enjoyed special privileges, exempt from military service while often being the most vocal proponents of war and violence. It is about time that those who call for bloodshed and conflict are now required to defend the homeland themselves.
The ultra-Orthodox men attend special seminaries that focus solely on religious studies, neglecting crucial secular topics like math, English, or science. This lack of preparation has not only left them ill-equipped for military service but also unprepared to enter the secular workforce.… Continue reading
The Southern Baptist Convention is poised to embark on a controversial decision that could potentially affect hundreds of congregations and have a disproportionate impact on predominantly Black churches. The proposed ban on churches with women pastors is a step backward for a denomination that has a complicated history, including its split from the Triennial Convention in 1845 to support slavery. It’s disheartening to see such a regressive move in a time when inclusivity and diversity are crucial elements for any organization.
As someone who was raised in a Southern Baptist church, it’s disheartening to witness the ongoing narrow-mindedness and discrimination within the denomination.… Continue reading
I find it both intriguing and disheartening to witness the election of Claudia Sheinbaum as Mexico’s first female President. On one hand, it is a historic moment that breaks barriers and stereotypes, showing progress in terms of gender equality in leadership positions. However, on the other hand, the comments and opinions surrounding her election shed light on the complex and often corrupt nature of Mexican politics.
The fact that Sheinbaum was handpicked by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador raises questions about the extent of her independence and agency in leading the country. The allegations of her being a puppet for López Obrador and the insinuations of continued corruption and cartel influence in Mexican politics are troubling.… Continue reading
As Mexico prepares to potentially elect its first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, I can’t help but feel a mix of hope and trepidation. On one hand, the prospect of breaking gender barriers in politics is a milestone for Mexico, a country known for its strides in gender equality in elected office. Sheinbaum, a former mayor of Mexico City and climate scientist, represents a shift towards more diverse and inclusive leadership.
However, as exciting as this moment is, there are underlying concerns that cannot be ignored. Mexico’s rampant issues with violence and the pervasive influence of cartels cast a shadow over the political landscape.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood