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(10/22/14 10:46pm)
By Ruchi Shah
Blogger
Various issues of gender inequality have recently been brought into the spotlight resulting in dialogue — yay progress! Such issues include positive body image, sexual consent, rape culture and slut shaming, and domestic violence. However, a particular issue that also deserves equal attention has been left in the dark and continues to be perceived as highly stigmatized. I’m referring to an a certain pleasure that usually takes place when you’re alone, snuggled between your sheets, right before you fall asleep. Did you get a guilty feeling just thinking about the phrase? Well, you shouldn’t have. Female masturbation is indeed a pleasure and there’s nothing guilty about it.
There are countless (invalid, as I hope to convince you of) reasons as to why female masturbation remains such a taboo topic, but the common thread of patriarchy connects them all. True sexual liberation for women will not be achieved until female masturbation is normalized to the extent that male masturbation is. In this discrepancy is the inherent implication that males are more deserving of such pleasure and by extension, their gratification is of greater importance.
The root of this issue can be traced back to a fear of disrupting the status quo of male dominance. The patriarchy fears the attainment of female sexual satisfaction without male stimulation. Female masturbation is a self-determining act — one that solely addresses a woman’s needs. In addition, masturbation permits sexual exploration without having to seek validation. Male masturbation is regarded as a coming-of-age rite of passage for teenagers. In fact, the absence or lack of acknowledgement of masturbation is an anomaly for boys and is a cause of concern.
In contrast, female sexuality has a long history of being repressed and this discrimination was particularly prominent in the early 19th century where notions of nymphomania were ubiquitous. According to nymphomania, which was considered a disease, any interest in sexual activity expressed by a woman was automatically classified as an extreme case of abnormal, insatiable sexual appetite. The existence of female sexuality was permissible in reference to male sexuality, with the role of the former being to fulfill the needs of the latter.
The dichotomy between the normalization of male and female masturbation is incredibly problematic. It is notions such as these that lead to victim blaming in situations of sexual assault and extends to the dehumanization of prostitutes. Female sexuality needs to be destigmatized — let your hands do what they want and dance all alone in the dark.
(09/24/14 9:58pm)
By Ruchi Shah
Blogger
Meghan Trainor may have succeeded in creating her first hit single, but her attempt at creating a body positive anthem falls flat on its (b)ass. Trainor takes a leaf out of Lily Allen’s “Hard Out Here” in regards to a lack of solidarity. She also takes a leaf out of One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful” in regards to defining self-worth via heterosexual male affirmation.
Don’t be fooled by the pleasant pastels of Trainor’s music video; it contains the same racist elements as Allen’s. Trainor also reduces her black backup dancers to mere props. Preaching about body acceptance while objectifying the bodies of your black dancers? Shame on you, Trainor. The only thing you’re preaching is #SolidatryIsForWhiteWomen. Trainor’s video further encourages the hypersexualization of black bodies without their consent. Check out 1:47 to see exactly this — a white woman grabbing a black woman’s ass without the slightest hesitation or regard for her permission. That ass has agency and don’t you dare take it away, Trainor.
Now let’s move past the video and onto the lyrics of “All About that Bass.” Trainor says, “Yeah my momma told me don’t worry about your size.” You go momma! Every girl should be told that. But then the song continues, “She says, ‘Boys like a little more booty to hold at night.’” Out of all the overwhelming number of reasons why you shouldn’t worry about your size, Trainor managed to pick the single most invalid one.
This second line embodies precisely what was wrong with One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful.” When Golden Boys croon, “If only you saw what I could see/You’d understand why I want you so desperately,” they’re sending the same twisted message as Trainor — a woman’s worth is defined through a man’s assessment of her desirability. Polarization of certain bodies is literally the antithesis of what you want a body positive song to promote.
Lastly, Trainor’s tribute to “all” body types also perpetuates polarization of particular body types. Her lyrics are skinny-shaming and pass judgment on women who choose to undergo cosmetic surgery: “You know I won’t be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll.” These body types would be incorporated into a truly body-positive song. It’s a woman’s prerogative to do what she wants with her body (as long as it’s not harmful).
Enough with these pseudo-empowering songs. For some quality music, check out Mz 007’s “I’m Important.” This talented rapper’s lyrics are slayin’ and she’s most definitely licensed to kill.
P.S. For a ***FLAWLESS*** article that further explains everything that’s wrong with Meghan Trainor’s “All About that Bass,” check out this.
(09/09/14 4:48am)
By Ruchi Shah
Columnist
As the semester picks up, you might find yourself spending most of your time studying in the library and missing out on your routine gym workouts. Students tend to choose one of two courses of action: Either they utilize exercise as a method of procrastination or forego the exercise altogether.
Now that the first two weeks of the semester have flown by, classes have begun to pick up the pace. Don’t worry — here are a list of exercises you can do during the stressful times that are right around the corner. You can do these quick and easy workouts right at your desk during your study breaks.
The Glute Squeeze. This is a personal favorite of mine because it’s completely inconspicuous. You can do this workout at the library or even in class. Just squeeze your gluteal muscles together and hold for 10 seconds before relaxing them. Doing a few sets of 10 every day will have your bottom looking taut in no time!
The Chair Squat. This exercise is intended for a short study break and allows you to remain at your desk. Simply stand up from your chair, spread your legs, and squat down until your butt hovers above your seat. Doing a set of 10 will only take a few minutes and eventually leave your legs and butt looking great.
The Trap Squeeze. This is another sedentary exercise. The trap squeeze is meant to tone your upper back. Sit up straight in your chair with your arms at either side bent at 90 degrees so your fingers are pointing forward. Then, pull your elbows back and pinch your shoulder blades. Hold this position for 5-10 seconds, release and repeat.
Ab Work. Ab workouts are the most dreaded of all exercises, but here’s a way to work out these muscles while staying seated. Contract your ab muscles, hold for 10 seconds, release and repeat. The longer the hold, the stronger the abs. Try reading a paragraph while holding these muscles, then two paragraphs and so on.
Calf Raises. This is yet another sedentary exercise. Plant your heels on the ground and raise only your heels (your toes should remain on the ground). Do this in increments of 30 seconds and alternate with 30-second breaks.
These exercises should ensure that you achieve both mental and physical satisfaction. Who says college students can’t have the best of both worlds? Happy and healthy studying!
(09/02/14 10:03pm)
Beyoncé’s VMA performance included a blatant display of her declaration to the feminist cause — “FEMINIST” flashed across the screen behind her. She wasn’t, however, the only feminist to grace the stage that night. Nicki Minaj’s performance of her new single “Anaconda” was an unapologetic display of her sexuality and it was bigger and better than any of ass could’ve expected.
The hype around Minaj’s “Anaconda” began when she shared her cover art back in July. Her music video, which was released about a week ago, had a lot to live up to. And Minaj never disa(ss)ppoints.
Over the course of her four minute and 49 second video, Nicki successfully reclaims ownership of black women’s bodies by shattering male gaze that was established by “Baby Got Back” two decades ago. In his video, Sir Mix-a-Lot objectified black women’s bodies by featuring black female backup dancers who solely functioned as props while he sang, “I like big butts and I cannot lie.” The line “My anaconda don’t want none unless you got buns, hun” is taken verbatim from “Baby Got Back.”
Minaj reverses the gender dynamic that has become the norm in mainstream hip-hop by rapping about her multiple male sexual partners — her “boy toy Troy” and “this dude named Michael.” This is incredibly important, as an outrageous double standard exists in this supposed modern 21st century. Men who have multiple partners are lauded as players, while non-monogamous women are slut-shamed.
The last portion of “Anaconda” also addresses gender inequality through role reversal by featuring Drake. As the only man in this video, his purpose is to obliterate any lingering doubt over the ownership of Minaj’s body through what has been termed the “hover hand.” As Drake reaches out to touch Minaj’s ass, she swats his hand away and struts off. This sends a powerful message. Even though Minaj had been treating him to a lap dance, he isn’t entitled to her body. This tackles today’s “tease” issue, in which women are coerced into engaging in sexual activity against their will if they’ve shown any sort of romantic interest. They are pressured into following through, for fear of being labeled a tease. The only time a woman should engage in any sort of sexual act with anyone is when she wants to.
For a summary of Minaj’s feelings, forward to 3:20. Clad in an apron, she stands in the kitchen where she breaks a cucumber in half and cuts up a banana. Take that, patriarchy.
(08/27/14 8:11pm)
By Ruchi Shah
Columnist
All college students can be categorized into one of two groups based on how they’ve spent their last weeks of summer: either they’ve been the outdoorsy type, spending the days lying on the beach; or the not so outdoorsy type, instead sprawling out on the couch in front of the TV. Regardless of which group you fall into, you’ve done summer “right” on your own terms. But it’s time to get back in the game. Here are a few tips to help you start off your semester on the right foot:
Stay hydrated. Dehydration is a common problem for college students because they’re always on the go. Luckily, there’s a simple fix. I recommend purchasing a reusable water bottle with measurement markings. This way you can keep track of the amount of water you’re consuming in a day. The recommended daily water intake is 15 cups for men and 11 cups for women. So buy yourself a water bottle — you’ll be doing your body and the environment a favor.
Go for the greens. Eating a salad is a great way to cut your calorie intake and improve your health. Frequent complaints about salads are that they just aren’t filling. This issue can be resolved with variety. Add beans, such as chickpeas or kidney beans, hard-boiled eggs, pasta or grilled chicken, all of which are available in Eick’s salad bar. Remember though, moderation is key.
Physical activity is a must. There is, unfortunately, no substitute for a daily workout. On the bright side, the College has options to help you stay in shape. For nature lovers, there is a scenic 1.9 mile loop around campus. If you’re more inclined to engage interactive, themed workouts, then the TW Fitness Center is for you. Classes ranging from yoga to booty beat workout are offered and all are led by certified instructors. For the more traditional individuals, Packer Hall houses both the PEC (Personal Enhancement Center) and the aquatic center.
Make a schedule. Fall semester can be especially overwhelming because we all spent the last three months in summer mode. Making a flexible schedule can help ease the stress and ensure that you stay on top of everything. Personally, I’m an old-fashioned planner girl (Moleskines are flawless) but if you’re more tech-savvy, then Google Calendar is the way to go. Plan out each week well in advance as the semester progresses so you can spend your free time guiltlessly.
The academic year is indeed upon us, but there is no need to fear — with proper diet and exercise, success is near.
(04/22/14 10:20pm)
If you’re anything like me, the new sushi bar in the Lions Den has got you excited for a variety of reasons. First off, SUSHI. Who doesn’t love it? And I suppose a secondary reason could be that sushi is also a healthy meal option. However, just like any other item, there are certain rolls that are healthier than others. If you’re not ordering right, you might be getting the equivalent of chicken tenders and fries at the grill.
Here are a few general rules that should be followed when it comes to ordering sushi:
• Ask for the brown rice instead of the white rice. In the Lions Den, it is only $0.50 more, and it’s worth it, because brown rice contains a good amount of fiber. Fiber is necessary in maintaining healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. In addition, brown rice is an excellent source of other essentials, such as magnesium, selenium and manganese.
• Beware of the crunchy rolls. Crunchy rolls include deep-fried ingredients. Specifically in the Lions Den, the crunchy shrimp tempura and crunchy roll are covered with deep-fried onions, a topping you and your health could certainly do without.
• When choosing a roll, go for fish that are full of omega-3s, which helps prevent heart disease by lowering your levels of “blood fat.” Omega-3s can also reduce depressive symptoms. Salmon and tuna are great sources of omega-3s, and they’re very tasty. While eel is also a good source of omega-3s, it tends to be covered in a brown eel sauce that is counterproductive to its nutritional value.
• Don’t ignore the wasabi and ginger — both have a lot to offer. Wasabi is full of antioxidants, while ginger helps boost the immune system.
• Avoid the spicy mayo and cream cheese. Both are filled with unnecessary calories. In the Lions Den, the crunchy shrimp tempura and crunchy rolls are generally topped with spicy mayo. A salmon and avocado roll is a great alternate for the Philadelphia roll.
• The vegetarian roll is a great option. It includes avocado, cucumber and carrot, three raw vegetables that can do no harm.
Be sure to keep these rules in mind when you’re ordering sushi — your body will thank you later. Happy eating!
(04/13/14 2:59pm)
I want to start out by giving credit where credit is due. Pentatonix, which recently graced our campus with its presence, released a mash-up of Beyoncé’s work through the years, titled “Evolution of Beyoncé.” If you haven’t heard it yet, be sure to check out it out. Pentatonix’s mash-up inspired me to also examine the evolution of Beyoncé, but from a feminist standpoint.
When Beyoncé was interviewed for the May issue of British Vogue in 2013, she was hesitant in labeling herself a feminist. Her exact response was, “That word can be very extreme. But I guess I am a modern-day feminist … But I am happily married. I love my husband.” Clearly, she possessed a not-so-subtle discomfort with the term.
I attribute this to the fact that she, like many others, wasn’t aware of the true definition of feminism. An indication of this is that she ended her response by saying that she was happily married and loved her husband. This carries the implication those two traits and feminism are mutually exclusive. This is entirely false. However, with the recent release of her new album, it’s evident that Queen Bey has come a long way.
I find nothing more admirable than Beyoncé’s blatant embrace of the term feminism in her song “***Flawless.” She incorporated a portion of Nigerian activist Chimamanda Ngozi Aidchie’s 2012 TEDxEuston conference titled “We should all be feminists.” Beyoncé brought Aidchie’s perfect definition of feminist, a person who believes in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes, to a never before reached public platform.
In “Pretty Hurts,” Beyoncé critically examines the consequences of the unattainable societal standard of female beauty. She’s on point when she says that obsession with reaching perfection is “a disease of a nation” and “it’s the soul that needs the surgery.”
Beyoncé has also stepped forward as a feminist outside the realm of her music. She penned an essay titled “Gender Equality Is A Myth” for The Shriver Report, a multi-platform project of A Woman’s Nation.
I don’t claim that Queen Bey is “***Flawless” in regard to feminism. Just like anyone else, she has her critics. Some berate her pornographic poses, while others commend her sexual empowerment. Others call attention to the fact that many of the music videos are made to be experienced through the male gaze and that in “Pretty Hurts,” she’s the exact embodiment of what her lyrics are chastising. I, myself, am uncomfortable with certain contradictions.
The details are ultimately up to your interpretation. But one thing is certain- we must “bow down” to Queen Bey for bringing feminism into mainstream pop culture.
(04/08/14 3:08pm)
Now that spring has finally sprung, love is undoubtedly in the air. Literal and metaphorical flowers are blooming after a long, harsh winter, and everyone wants to come out and play. I encourage you all to not only play often, but also to play hard. However, there is a golden rule that must be followed — play safe or don’t play at all.
And what’s the only realistic way to play safe? No, it’s not to “abstain” from playing at all — it’s to use protection. The most obvious reason to use protection is to minimize the creation of your own F1 generation. The most effective form of protection is a condom, if it’s used consistently and correctly. Condoms provide the most reliable means of protection from transmission of various STDs, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus, commonly known as HIV.
There are many misconceptions and myths regarding HIV and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Let’s start off with some simple definitions. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS is the disease that results from an HIV infection. HIV weakens the body’s immune system by attacking certain cells. Usually, HIV progresses to AIDS over an average of 10 years, but in areas with fewer resources, AIDS and subsequent death can occur over a shorter time period. So much stigma exists regarding HIV and AIDS, and it’s time we cleared the air.
Let’s bust two of the most common HIV/AIDS myths:
• You cannot acquire HIV from being around a person who is HIV-positive. This means you cannot acquire HIV from breathing the same air, hugging, kissing, shaking hands or sharing eating utensils with a person who is HIV-positive, amongst a variety of other activities. HIV can only be transmitted sexually and through infected bodily fluids such as semen, blood, vaginal fluid and breast milk. This also means HIV can’t be spread by mosquitos.
• Your life isn’t over if you’re HIV-positive. Many HIV treatments work incredibly well. In fact, they can reduce the amount of the virus in your blood to a level so low that it won’t show up in blood tests. However, this doesn’t mean you don’t need to practice safe sex. Always take the necessary precautions so you don’t make someone else HIV-positive.
This coming week on Tuesday, April 8, you have the opportunity to learn all this and more at the College’s Medlife and the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children’s benefit concert in honor of National HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. There will food and a variety of performances, including the Treblemakers, Trentones and different student bands. In addition, there will be free HIV testing provided by Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, an organization committed to improving the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS and stopping the spread of the epidemic. This is a night you don’t want to miss. Be sure to come and get educated because this is an issue that can affect both you and the ones you love.
(03/25/14 6:14pm)
We’ve all heard about the horrors of eating fast food — what’s most convenient for your time is most inconvenient for your health. Fast foods are typically high in calories, fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt, all factors that contribute directly to obesity, which in turn gives rise to an array of other health problems. For example, McDonald’s, the devil in corporate form, has told its own employees that a typical meal, consisting of a burger, fries and soft drink, is in fact an “unhealthy choice.” Wendy’s Baconator Double, easily the most tempting item on its menu (I mean come on, who doesn’t love double the bacon?), has absurdly excessive amounts of calories, fat and salt. When you’re trying to get the most for your buck at Taco Bell, you look to the “Why Pay More” value menu and the Beefy 5-Layer Burrito is your go-to. As it turns out, this burrito is pretty expensive — it has the greatest number of calories and highest fat content of all the items on the value menu.
Right behind campus on North Olden Avenue are all three of these fast food restaurants — McDonald’s is to the right and Wendy’s and Taco Bell are to the left. Now, I’m not asking you to give up fast food. I, for one, completely understand its temporal and financial convenience. However, I am going to ask you to consider these healthier alternatives located a little outside the lovely suburbs of Ewing.
Chipotle
This first option is a college favorite and already gives you a bang for your buck. If done right, it can be a treat for your stomach, too. Chipotle gives you the ability to customize your meal so it would be shameful not to make healthier choices. The nearest Chipotle is less than 15 minutes driving distance from campus on Route 1 in Princeton.
Burrito
If you’re in the mood for a burrito, choose to order the bowl with either steak or chicken, black beans, fajita veggies, guacamole and green salsa. Opting out of the cheese and sour cream shouldn’t be surprising, but did you know the flour tortilla is just as guilty? And just for reference, the unhealthiest burrito you can get is with carnitas, cilantro-lime rice, sour cream, roasted chili corn salsa and cheese.
Salad
Surprise, surprise, salads can be unhealthy, too! Your best option here is lettuce, chicken or steak, black beans, fajita vegetables and chipotle-honey vinaigrette on the side. Once again, just for reference, the worst salad includes lettuce, carnitas, pinto beans, roasted chili corn salsa, cheese and chipotle-honey vinaigrette with chips.
Panera
With soups, salads and sandwiches galore, Panera immediately seems like a healthy haven. Now, now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Even though Panera was named America’s Healthiest Fast Food Restaurant, not everything on the menu lives up to this title. You still have to be sure to choose wisely.
Salad
The best salad option is the half Fuji Apple Chicken Salad. Its calorie content is inversely proportional to the protein and fiber it boasts. Be sure to avoid the Steak and Blue Cheese Chopped Salad that is high in calories, fat and sodium.
Sandwich
Two of the best sandwiches on Panera’s menu are the Tuna Salad on Honey Wheat and Smoked Turkey Breast on Country Bread. No need to be stingy — go ahead and get full sandwiches when ordering either of these. The worst sandwich you can order is the Full Italian Combo on Ciabatta. There’s no mystery here — it’s the three types of meat, cheese and special sauce that contribute to the high calorie count.
Soup
Panera’s New England Clam Chowder is a definite no-no. However, a delicious alternative is the Low-Fat Garden Vegetable with Pesto.
(03/23/14 1:24pm)
I already discussed Robin Thicke’s incredibly sexist video in my previous post. Now I want to talk about a video that intended to be a backlash to “Blurred Lines.” Lily Allen’s “Hard Out Here” video was ineffective, to say the least. I never really thought this would need to be put into words,but here we go: The appropriate response to a sexist video is NOT a racist one.
There’s nothing terribly, terribly wrong with Lily Allen’s lyrics. In fact, some of them are clever and spot on: “If I told you ’bout my sex life, you’d call me a slut/When boys be talking about their bitches, no one’s making a fuss/There’s a glass ceiling to break, uh-huh, there’s money to make.” The problem arises when she sings “Don’t need to shake my ass for you ‘cause I’ve got a brain” and then the video follows her sideways glare to scantily clad black women shaking their ass.
In case Lily Allen’s accusatory glare doesn’t speak for itself, let me put it into words for you: She’s mocking her own inability to twerk.In doing so, she’s not only appropriating black culture, but she’s doing it with the utmost distain, regarding it as something beneath her. What’s even more repulsive about this video is the contrast in how the black women and white women are dressed. As I said before, the black women in the video are scantily clad. On the other hand, Lily Allen is fully covered in long-sleeved attire. This contrast reduces these women to sexualized props while simultaneously establishing her (white) superiority. In short, “Hard Out Here” is a feminist fail because of its lack of solidarity.
On the other hand, J. Lo’s new video “I Luh Ya PaPi” effectively comments on unnecessary female objectification in music videos through the swapping of gender roles.
This video starts out with a discussion about potential ideas for J. Lo’s music video and raises the question, “Why do men always objectify women in every single video? Why can’t we, for once, objectify the men?” The video then goes on to feature J. Lo amongst oily men dressed in Speedos, seductively washing cars, and rubbing soap all over themselves. You go J.Lo(lo)!
(03/04/14 2:23pm)
As a teenager, you’ve heard “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” so many times that you learned to tune it out during your early high school days as you ran out the door with your mom shouting after you. However, your mom’s words were not in vain. It’s been scientifically proven that breakfast is indeed a vital component of one’s day. All too often, students compromise what should be their first meal of the day in favor of staying in bed longer or reviewing their notes one last time. This is a terrible exchange — breakfast deserves to take precedence over both of these activities. Not convinced yet? Here are some reasons that are sure to change your mind.
According to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, breakfast improves important cognitive functions such as memory, which, in turn, contributes to better academic performance. Furthermore, better academic performance results in higher student motivation. Long story short: If you want to have a successful collegiate career, eat breakfast! (…And sleep and study, of course).
Now that you understand how necessary breakfast is in fulfilling all your future endeavors, you’re probably thinking that grabbing a cup of coffee should suffice. Wrong again. Coffee is a terrible substitute for a well-rounded breakfast because it contains little else in addition to caffeine. Calcium and Vitamin D are morning must-haves. Be sure to include some type of dairy product, such as milk or yogurt, and a calcium -rich beverage, such as orange juice.
Another reason coffee is a bad breakfast choice is the fact that it only serves as a temporary source of energy. To power through your day, you must intake food containing protein and grains. Protein and grains provide more long-term energy. Potential breakfast items are numerous — oatmeal, cereal, toast and bagels.
Lastly, it’s important to throw some color into your breakfast spread with some yummy fruit. Fruits are the perfect complement to any breakfast item. Cut up bananas to add to your cereal and milk or make a peanut butter and banana sandwich. Toss some fresh berries in your yogurt or oatmeal. Grab an apple on the go. The possibilities are infinite. Lifelong success starts with a good breakfast.
(02/26/14 1:09am)
At first glance, everything about Regina Holliday screams ordinary. She’s a woman of small stature with short brown hair and a kind face. But her bright red jacket with an “A” emblazoned on the back indicates otherwise.
Regina has designed and painted over 200 jackets herself, for individuals all across the nation. Each jacket is a painting of a personal narrative and together these jackets make up a movement called “The Walking Gallery of Healthcare.” By showcasing personal stories through art, these jackets open up dialogue and discussion and ultimately aim to change the health policy to be more patient-centered.
Regina’s journey as a patient advocate and activist began back in 2009, just six days after the death of her husband, Fred. Armed with her paintbrushes and paint and fueled by anger and grief, Regina told the story of the suffering Fred, who endured a flawed health care system, on the wall of a gas station, through her painting titled “73 cents.”
Regina learned about her husband’s terminal cancer through a brief phone call from the doctor, telling her to make an appointment with an oncologist. Regina had to look up what “oncologist” meant on the Internet. When Fred was first hospitalized, he and Regina were left in the dark about Fred’s medical condition. The responses they received over the course of Fred’s diagnosis and treatment were delayed and impersonal.
Desperate for answers because their own doctor was unavailable, Regina went to the hospital’s Medical Records Department, asking for Fred’s complete medical record. She was told that it would cost 73 cents per page and take at least 21 days. Experiences such as these, coupled with overall poor treatment, prompted Fred to say, “Go after them, Regina.”
And Regina did go after them, the best way she knew how — through her art. When Fred’s doctor found out that Regina had been trying to get answers about Fred’s condition, he said, “I understand Little Miss A-Type Personality has been asking questions about this case.” Regina’s jacket design with the “A” was inspired by this remark.
Today, Regina travels to classrooms and conferences. The focus of her workshop and campus-wide speech at the College was to explain that anyone can make a change. She added that all social media tools — such as Facebook and Twitter — are great outlets to start asking questions. In fact, Regina completed a painting while she was here, inspired by interactions she observed on campus with students and staff, titled “Hope.”
This painting represents the energy she felt at the College, which makes her hopeful for the future. She believes change is achieved by legislation, and legislation is changed by people.
Through her work, the “A” on Regina’s jacket has come to represent much more than “Little Miss A-Type Personality.” The “A” stands for artist, advocate and activist.
It can be implied that Regina Holliday’s painting “73 cents” sends a powerful message — when it comes to matters of patient advocacy, never be afraid to give your two cents.
(02/23/14 10:16pm)
Sure, Rihanna and Shakira are hot, but together they do NOT turn me on. I’m talking about their music video, “Can’t Remember to Forget You.” If I just listen to “Can’t Remember to Forget You,” it makes me want to dance “in the moonlight.”
But when I watch the accompanying video, I get an unpleasant sensation in the pit of my stomach — I’m reminded of the term “heteroflexibility” that I learned in my Politics of Sexuality class. Heteroflexibility refers to the media’s representation of female-female sexuality for the sole purpose of “attracting and titillating young male viewers.”
Now, if Rihanna and Shakira had been at least attempting to portray a genuine same-sex relationship, I’d be all for this. Except they’re not. At all. The first clue? It’s the fact that they’re not looking at each other while they’re touching each other. Correct me if I’m wrong, but one of the most obvious signs of genuine emotion and attraction to a person is maintaining eye contact with them. While Rihanna and Shakira have their hands on each other, their eyes are looking directly at the camera toward the intended audience of their actions. These women aren’t even attempting to feign interest in each other, implying that the pleasure of a third party is ever more important that the pleasure of the actual participants.
Our second clue is too straightforward to even be considered a clue — it’s a direct message. While Rihanna has her hands on Shakira, she’s crooning “I do anything for that boy.” BOY. She’s touching Shakira, not for Shakira’s pleasure or even for her own pleasure, but for a man’s. Shakira and Rihanna’s interaction both demeans and trivializes female sexuality.
Such depictions of pseudo female-female sexuality are “weapons of sexism.” “Can’t Remember to Forget You” sends the message that the pleasure of a male audience takes precedence over a female’s genuine sexual pleasure. Portrayals of male-male sexuality in the media are rare, while pseudo female-female sexuality has become normalized. Catering to a male audience? How shocking for a patriarchal society!
(02/18/14 4:20pm)
When it comes to aspects of our physique, it’s just as Big Sean says — it’s all about that “Ass ass ass ass ass.” Butt, thighs and hips are areas of the body that many people prioritize toning. A common myth is that getting these parts into shape is next to impossible unless you engage in hours and hours of body-aching exercise. Notice I referred to this notion as a myth. With the right workout routine, this doesn’t have to be such a challenge. This is not to say accomplishing your goal will be as easy as that alluring slice of pie sitting on your counter that you’re tempted to eat. As with all health-related endeavors, the best way to tone your butt, hips and thighs is a combination of diet and exercise. When the option presents itself, be sure to make the right choice — choose fresh fruit and veggies and non-processed grains in favor of processed carbs. Listed below is an array of exercises that will help you get these so-called “trouble areas” into shape.
First on our list is an oldie but a goodie, but with a little twist — squats with weights. Hold the weights in either hand while doing your squats (pick dumbbells that you’re comfortable with — bigger dumbbells won’t yield better results, and chances are you’ll find yourself cooped up in bed with an injury). Extend your arms with the weights in your hand and assume a squat position. Bring a weight (alternate left, right) down to between your legs each time you do a squat.
Since we started with squats, let me give you another variation: jump squats. The name is pretty self-explanatory — simply jump up with your hands over your head before falling into a squat.
Next on our list is the jumping lunge, yet another take on a classic exercise. Instead of just shifting your feet each time you lunge, jump to fall into the lunge and switch feet every time. To keep your balance, be sure to push with your heels and to not lean your body side to side.
It wouldn’t be fair if I gave you two variations of squats but only one type of lunge, so this exercise is the curtsy lunge. Curtsy lunges are similar to regular lunges, but with a kick. Instead of putting your leg straight back, cross it behind your opposite foot.
Side left lifts are exclusive. They’re mostly for your thighs. Lie down on your side (preferably on a soft yoga mat or cushion of some sort) and lift one leg up then down. This motion is parallel to the blades of a pair of cutting scissors.
A personal favorite of mine is the Superman exercise (I admit my partiality may have something to do with the name). Lie down on your stomach (once again on a comfortable surface), and alternate lifting one leg with the opposite arm. You’ll be flying into shape in no time.
While it’s admirable to strive to be the best version of yourself, keep in mind there are different body types. Your fit physique may not resemble another person’s, but that’s OK! The key to staying healthy is not to overdo it — no extreme is good.
(02/05/14 1:52am)
As the third week of the semester is finally upon us, classes are shifting into full gear. No longer is it acceptable to waste the first 20 minutes of lecture time with inane questions about the syllabus or walk in late with the excuse that you forgot the classroom number. Times are starting to get stressful as the piling workload reminds us that sleepless, caffeine-filled nights are right around the corner. If you’re anything like me, you’ve slowly started to reacquaint yourself with your favorite stress coping mechanism: naps. If done right, a nap can be a beautiful thing. More often than not, students don’t nap properly, and this light slumber ends up harming them more than helping them. Here are a few tips to help you nap right the way and get the most out of some shuteye:
1. Are you sleep deprived? If yes, napping is the solution for you. Of course, a good night’s sleep is always preferable, but if this is not an option, simply take a nap. This will allow you to recharge and improve your motor skills.
2. The desired result of your nap can be determined by its length. As you may know, the ideal power nap is 20 minutes long and will increase both your alertness and motor skills. But if you want to improve your memory and recall, a 30- to 60-minute nap is the answer for you. Need to exercise even more brainpower for activities that involve creative thinking? Extend that nap to 60 to 90 minutes, and you’ll get your desired results.
3. Naps can be used to cope with stress in a healthy way (unlike the method described above). If you establish a regular schedule, preferably in the middle of the day, you’ll definitely get the energy boost you need. Also, be sure to nap in the dark, because this allows you to fall asleep faster.
4. When faced with the dilemma of coffee or a nap, and you’re leaning toward coffee, ask yourself this — can I afford to compromise my recall ability? If the answer is no, which it most likely will be, then lay your head down, because you need a nap. Even though coffee may make you feel more alert, it will come at a price. This caffeinated beverage will impair your precision.
5. Some people intentionally don’t cover themselves with a blanket while napping because they fear that becoming too comfortable will prevent them from waking up when needed. Do not do this. Your body temperature drops while you’re sleeping, so a blanket is necessary to stay warm. The more comfortable you are, the quicker you’ll fall asleep, and the more rested you’ll be when it’s time to wake up.
When done correctly, naps are a powerful mechanism for recharging. Nap wisely and carpe diem!
(02/02/14 12:51pm)
The infamous anthem of this past summer was Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines.” With his provocative lyrics and music video, it’s easy to write Thicke off as the antithesis of the golden boys of One Direction.
But Thicke’s and One Direction’s lyrics have more in common than you think.
Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” states: “I know you want it / But you’re a good girl.” In “Little White Lies,” the boys of One Direction croon: “You say you’re a good girl / But I know you would girl.” They’re saying the SAME. EXACT. THING. The message? Even if a girl says “no,” it doesn’t necessarily mean “no.”
These songs both perpetuate rape culture, the concept that it’s OK to forcibly engage in sexual acts with an individual. Thicke and One Direction’s lyrics indicate that saying “no” is just some kind of playing-hard-to-get foreplay a.k.a. it means “yes.”
The most obvious One Direction song that perpetuates traditional gender roles also happens to be their No. 1 single, “What Makes You Beautiful.”
The song seems to be innocently promoting self-confidence, but once this song gets to the chorus, “You don’t know you’re beautiful,” it becomes evident that this song in fact promotes the replacement of self-confidence with insecurity as a desirable feminine characteristic and presents male affection as the cure to this.
According to One Direction, a woman’s confidence should only come from the appreciation of a male’s hungry gaze: “If only you saw what I could see / You’ll understand why I want you so desperately.”
It supposedly emphasizes that inner beauty is what counts. On the other hand, it insists that a desirable trait of your personality is not knowing that you’re beautiful.
One Direction presents the same message in “Little Things.” To the naïve individual, the insistence that “I’m in love with you / And all these little things” may seem like a declaration of empowering, unconditional love.
But when you take into consideration what the“little things” are — “your stomach” and “your thighs” — you quickly realize that the love One Direction promises is actually quite demeaning.
While are not implicitly negative characteristics, One Direction indicates that they are insecurities and that male affection as the cure to self-confidence: “You’ll never treat yourself / Right darlin’ but I want you to.” What a great message: don’t love yourself, find a man to love you instead, that’s the only way you’ll find happiness.
Next time, before you declare your unwavering love for Liam Payne, his boys and pseudo-romantic songs that encourage female self-deprecation and perpetuate rape culture, think twice.
(01/21/14 5:52pm)
We’ve heard it from everyone — college goes by fast. But when my professors and parents said “fast,” I, for one, didn’t realize “fast” would mean in the blink of an eye.
Another semester at the College is already upon us. As a junior (almost senior — yikes!), I find this overwhelming. However, when returning back to campus at the start of the semester, time seems infinite. The first week or two is always leisurely. With classes just beginning, it seems like there’s absolutely nothing to do but relax and catch up with friends.
But beware — this is exactly when it is easiest to fall behind. If there’s anything I’ve learned over the course of the past five semesters, it’s that not just planning, but planning from the very beginning, is key. It’s extremely important to be on top of your game from day one.
Many people are often disillusioned and think they can successfully plan and complete assignments and tasks right before they’re due. Planning and completing are not meant to be simultaneous tasks. It’s often week three before students begin to start outlining their schedules. See the problem here? The first round of exams and papers usually begins around week four. Before they know it, they’re staying up later and later each night, wishing more and more that they had utilized the free time during their first two weeks more productively.
With all this in mind, here are some tips to help you spring forward and prevent you from falling into unhealthy habits of late nights and caffeinated beverages. Although this advice may seem fairly basic, it tends to be overlooked more often than not.
Plan from the very beginning. Invest in a planner. Or, if you’re more tech-savvy, use Google Calendar or download a calendar app on your phone, such as CalenGoo. Whatever your preference, it’s important to make note of the important dates and deadlines throughout the semester. This rough outline will come in handy when planning specific events down the line, and it’ll prevent you from unintentionally double-booking.
Establish a regular sleep schedule. Chances are your break was filled with late nights and late mornings, a routine that won’t complement your semester schedule. It’s important to get back into your routine of sleeping early and waking early as soon as possible. A good night’s sleep ensures physical and emotional health, two musts of a successful semester. Being well-rested enables you to be alert and attentive in your classes.
Be academically proactive. Define your academic goals for the semester and write them down. I prefer to use a sticky note and post it above my desk in my room. When the going gets tough later in the semester, seeing the goal you’ve established early on will help you stay focused and motivated. If you find yourself unable to grasp the material in a particular class early on, don’t brush it off. Visit your professor during office hours as soon as you can. By resolving it in the beginning, you’ll be better prepared to understand the coming material and save yourself from the disaster of cramming right before the exam.
Make a list of five new things you want to try during the semester. College will be over before you know it. You don’t want to find yourself looking back with regret at lost opportunities. You also don’t want to attempt to incorporate those opportunities into your already hectic schedule last minute. Once again, planning from the beginning is key! Make a list and add it to your semester schedule. By putting time aside early on, you will greatly increase the chances of accomplishing these tasks.
While it is absolutely true you can’t plan for everything, remember that success doesn’t just happen — it’s planned for.
(11/19/13 5:56pm)
Nutmeg is a holiday favorite and is often known as the wonder spice. Such a title intrigued me, so I set out to determine what made nutmeg so special. This aromatic spice is native to Indonesia, but it also grows in Malaysia, India and the Caribbean. Nutmeg is a common ingredient in puddings, pies, custards, cookies, cakes and eggnog. Its health benefits are actually plentiful, hence its reputation as being the wonder spice. Its medicinal history is quite rich.
1. In ancient Chinese medicine, nutmeg was used for pain relief because it’s an effective sedative. Nutmeg was commonly used to treat abdominal pain and inflammation. The best way to alleviate such pain is by applying nutmeg oil to the area.
2. Ancient Greeks and Romans utilized nutmeg as a brain tonic. Nutmeg helps you focus by eliminating stress and increasing concentration.
3. Nutmeg boasts antibacterial properties and, accordingly, it can
effectively combat halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath. Nutmeg is a common ingredient in many types of toothpaste.
4. Nutmeg can help you achieve healthier skin by getting rid of blackheads and lessening acne powder. Simply make a paste of nutmeg and honey and apply liberally to your face.
5. Ancient healers utilized nutmeg as a means of strengthening the liver. They weren’t incorrect. Today, nutmeg has been found to rid toxin buildup in the kidneys and liver. Nutmeg is particularly beneficial in preventing and dissolving kidney stones.
It is important to have nutmeg in moderation. Curiously enough, excess amounts of nutmeg have been found to cause hallucinations and visual distortion. Other negative side effects include convulsions, dehydration, body pains, palpitations and heavy sweating. So remember to be careful. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing — it’s a bad thing.
*All of the above information is from fitday.com.
(11/06/13 9:42pm)
The beginning of November marks the middle of the fall season. On your way to meal equiv at the Library Café, there’s only one beverage on your mind: that pumpkin spice latte. Forget the warm sweaters, brisk weather and colorful leaves. The best part of autumn is most definitely pumpkin-flavored everything. What many people do not know is this winter squash is replete with a variety of health benefits to keep you healthy in the cold months.
• A single cup of mashed pumpkin contains more than 200 percent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy eyesight.
• Pumpkin seeds are good for your heart. They contain phytosterols that have been shown to reduce LDL, a bad cholesterol. In addition, pumpkin seed oil contains phytoestrogens that increase HDL, or good cholesterol, and also decreases symptoms in postmenstrual women, including hot flashes, joint pain and headaches.
• Pumpkin seeds are rich in several essential minerals. Approximately half of an individual’s recommended daily intake of magnesium is contained in only a quarter cup. Magnesium is required for the synthesis of RNA and DNA, proper tooth and bone formation and healthy bowel function. Pumpkin seeds also contain zinc, which is necessary for proper cell growth and division, sleep, mood, immunity and male sexual function. Pumpkin contains potassium as well, which restores the body’s supply of electrolytes after a particularly exhausting workout.
• Pumpkin seeds contain the amino acid tryptophan that is converted into serotonin, which is in turn converted into melatonin. Melatonin + is a hormone that helps regulate sleeping and waking patterns. Insomniacs often lack sufficient amounts of melatonin.
• Pumpkins can help prevent cancer. They contain the compound beta-carotene, an antioxidant. Antioxidants that are procured through diet have been shown to protect the immune system by preventing the oxidation of other molecules. These antioxidants also potentially prevent skin wrinkles.
The health benefits of pumpkins are clearly numerous, but simply taking a bite out of a pumpkin is not feasible. There are many easy pumpkin recipes that can provide you with this squash’s plentiful vitamins and nutrients, while also giving you a delightful meal. Combining butter, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg with pumpkin seeds and roasting them in the oven makes a terrific snack. Adding pumpkin puree to your pancake batter will start your morning off in the right direction. Just add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to your standard cream cheese for a tasty spread. A close second to the famous pumpkin spice latte is a pumpkin smoothie, which can be prepared by adding pumpkin puree to vanilla yogurt, along with cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar. Treat yourself right this fall and get into the spirit of the season by helping yourself to some delicious and nutritious pumpkin-flavored everything.
(10/15/13 3:24pm)
Is the cold weather getting you down? Your unhappy mood coinciding with the transition of seasons from summer to fall is no coincidence. Every year between four and six percent of Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), according to familydoctor.org. SAD is typically more prevalent among adults at or above the age of 20 and is more common in women than men. It is also more common in northern regions, as the winter season tends to be longer and more severe. Symptoms of SAD tend to manifest themselves toward the beginning of fall and persist into winter, according to familydoctor.org.
The particular cause of SAD is unknown, but a combination of the following factors is believed to play a hand. Disruption of your circadian rhythm (24-hour mental, physical and behavioral cycle) is a consequence of the reduced sunlight during the fall and winter seasons. This may lead to depression. This reduced sunlight may cause a decrease in serotonin levels. Serotonin levels in the brain affect mood. A reduced level of serotonin leads to depression. In addition, a change in the levels of the horomone melatonin may contribute to change in sleeping patterns and mood, according to Harvard Health Publications.
The specific symptoms of SAD vary between individuals, but certain signs tend to be common. Physical ailments such as headaches, weight gain due to changes in appetite, fatigue due to a decreased amount of energy and insomnia are usually present. In addition, a person may undergo emotional chances such as hypersensitivity to social rejection, increased irritability and anxiety, and constant feelings of guilt and hopelessness. The aforementioned symptoms of SAD come and go around the same time every year.
SAD is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are so common. Criteria specified by the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM) includes experiencing depression for at least two years during the same season every year, periods of depression are followed by periods without depression, and having no other explanations for the changes in your mood or behavior.
There are a number of therapies that can be applied to treat SAD, such as light therapy, medicine therapy and psychotherapy. Light therapy is fairly straightforward — your doctor will instruct you to sit in front of a light box every day as means for your body to obtain light. Medications prescribed for SAD include a variety of antidepressants. Psychotherapy can aid you in recognizing and changing thoughts and behaviors that negatively impact your mood.
Don’t just dismiss physical and emotional changes as simply being under the weather — get help! On-campus resources include Student Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Both are there to help you, so do not hesitate to make an appointment and make a change.