Whether we want to admit it, American voters establish arbitrary litmus tests for political candidates. These may ultimately disqualify certain individuals from ever holding office. As a member of a religious minority, one of these qualifications stings: the asinine requirement that we have a Christian president.
Spring Break is a storied, cherished tradition of hedonism, drunken idiocy and regrettable hookups. Shown so artfully in director Harmony Korine’s film “Spring Breakers” — which starred James Franco, UF’s most recent distinguished guest speaker — Florida is the definitive Spring Break destination for college students. For those grappling with existential fears and anxieties — or more likely, for those who never had any to begin with — Florida is one of the world’s premiere destinations to throw yourself into an ocean of pills, thrills and bellyaches.
Some believe that much of the prejudices that plague our society stem from older generations, whose “traditional” values are more often the thinly veiled discriminatory attitudes of a less tolerant time. Younger generations are so much more liberal-minded that the “activist college student” stigma is now a tired cliche. Baby Boomers sometimes paint this trend as a passing fad, a collegiate trend that fades with age and, supposedly, wisdom. This dismissive mindset is patronizing, and I find the most likely explanation in the positive correlation between a college education and social liberalism. Younger generations aren’t trendy activists; they’re educated, inclusive and tolerant. The leaders of social justice are continually getting younger, but they are no less aware or invested in the causes they champion.
Last week, Andrew Silver wrote a column in which he argued that veganism should be considered a religion so that vegans would have a civil right to refuse vaccinations. While I appreciate Silver’s interesting perspective on the issue, his column failed to address crucial aspects about vaccinations and the value they hold in our society.
Who else watched Neil Patrick Harris flaunt his body live on TV on Sunday night?
Last week I got the opportunity to experience something few students do in their time here at UF: Library East.
Good writing emerges from honesty. The written word, or at least written word worth reading, should be a reflection of the writer’s innermost anxieties, hopes and dreams.
The week before sophomore year started, I decided I was finally an adult, and it was high time that I purchased my own box of condoms. Prior to that, I had always relied on the free condoms from the health center or crossed my fingers that my partner would bring some.
The Oklahoma Legislature is hard at work this year creating the greatest education system in the nation. How will they go about it, you ask? They are trying to ban Advanced Placement classes. Yes, the classes many of you took in high school just for the opportunity to attend UF may soon be banned in Oklahoma.
Our current sociopolitical climate is confusing and sometimes paradoxical. I’d like to believe that legislation reflects popular opinion or, at the very least, is protective and just. The shortsighted have praised marriage equality gains as a reliable sign of progress. But many are quick to forget the end of the LGBTQ+ acronym.
February is always a challenging month to push through. It’s not just because of the cute couples who meander through campus and remind you that you are, in fact, single.
An Ohio hospital fired a 58-year-old vegan customer service representative for refusing a flu shot in 2010. She sued the hospital for religious discrimination.
Last Thursday in New York City, Adidas let down its front during its fashion show to let everyone know that Yeezy Season was approaching once again.
How many tweets does it take to ruin a life? Apparently, just one.
Ask anyone older than 35 and feeling judgmental — our generation is materialistic. We love owning and buying things. We adore massive quantities of, well, stuff.
And so a time of year that many hopeless romantics and romance hopefuls look forward to all year comes to an end.
Colorado has had recreational marijuana legalized for one year now, and its effects are still hard to determine. Many questions still remain: Did it bring in expected tax revenue? Were there any devastating unexpected consequences? Should other states follow suit and legalize pot? Many in Florida are looking into Colorado’s experiment to find support for legalizing marijuana, but the evidence may not be totally available yet.
They were losers. They lost. But in a twisting turn of events, they won.
Put away your candy hearts and flowers and pull out your floggers and whips — “Fifty Shades of Grey” is here.
Solutions by The State News
