Academia: it’s time to “write” the way
Riya Bindlish, Features Editor
January 12, 2020
Literature held to the highest esteem is that which portrays characteristics of concision while simultaneously maintaining brevity. In other words, the best writing is clear and to-the-point. When I first started reading lengthy research reports, I was amazed (and simultaneously confused) at th...
One size fits thin
January 10, 2020
Nearly a century ago during the Roaring Twenties, the “Gibson Girl”, created by Charles Dana Gibson, was the ideal woman for physical attraction with a symmetric face, a slim waist, and tall hair. Now, almost a century later, there is a new feminine ideal. The “brandy girl”. Strewn all over Brandy...
Artificial intelligence exacerbates inequity
Sanjana Ranganathan, Opinions Editor
January 3, 2020
Health care? An algorithm decides health care access for over 200 million Americans. National security? An algorithm decides who should be flagged as a suspicious individual. Economic equality? Algorithms have become incredibly prevalent in the banking system for deciding loans of all kinds. Employment?...
The illusion of inclusive marketing
Sraavya Sambara, Editor-in-Chief
January 1, 2020
Dear Reader, There’s this one store in the San Ramon City Center that I’ve told all of my friends about. It’s this impossibly stylish clothing store, owned by an ex-supermodel, with a meticulously curated designer collection targeting the strata of women who would consider a $1,000 w...
Indian government perpetuates violence against women
Drishti Upadhyaya and Mahika Arya
December 30, 2019
The following article contains extremely sensitive content concerning rape and sexual assault. Priyanka Reddy was brutally raped and murdered by four men in India who noticed her alone at night. They deliberately gave her scooter a flat tire, trapping her to do what they would please. The ...
Striking down sexism in sports
Vivian Kuang, Public Relations Editor
December 10, 2019
A few weeks ago, I was scrolling through Instagram and came across a Bleacher Report post announcing that Elena Delle Donne had won the WNBA MVP award. “Unreal numbers,” the caption said, citing her 97.4% free throw percentage. “1st to win MVP on two different teams.” But as I scrolled through the co...
Colorism leaves a dark stain on India
Drishti Upadhyaya and Mahika Arya
December 9, 2019
Time stands still in India as people continue to judge others by the color of their skin. Colorism, or discrimination on the basis of skin tone, continues to be an issue fueled by both beauty and film industries. India’s hatred of dark skin, rooted in years of colonization, haunts naturally dark-s...
Why you shouldn’t beat yourself up over a “bad” grade
Caroline Lobel, Managing Editor
December 7, 2019
Think about the “B” in that one class tainting your near-perfect transcript of all A’s. Think about that sub-1400 you scored on the SAT, or sub-32 you scored on the ACT. Think about the “4” you scored on that one AP exam. We’ve all been there — that soul-crushing moment when we fall short of ou...
What is the value of a grade?
Daniela Wise, Social Media Editor
December 5, 2019
“Did you see? The test was posted!” Such a phrase is all too common in the hallways of Dougherty. Students stop their conversations with eyes wide open, fumble to unlock their phone, and open School Loop in anticipation. “OMG I got a 90, hallelujah!” exclaims one, while another says, “I got a ...
How feminist marketing benefits the movement
Tessa Galeazzi, Staff Writer
December 4, 2019
The rise of the feminist movement has increased not only awareness but also the stakes of advertising. It’s becoming harder to tell what’s real and what’s fake, as feminist-centered advertising is getting more popular. It doesn’t matter what product companies are selling; it’s the message tha...
Let’s chat about WeChat
Lauren Chen, Copy Editor
November 30, 2019
Ask almost anyone in China, 2019; they’ll know WeChat is everywhere. Known in China as Weixin, WeChat was created by the Chinese tech giant Tencent. Boasting over a billion users, WeChat is a combination of a messaging app, mobile payment service and much more. However, China is utilizing the app to k...
Measuring the impact of movements
Kavin Kumaravel, Opinions Editor
November 27, 2019
The current psyche of the protestor is one marred by an appeal to individual ethics and positionality, rather than effective engagement with institutions. It is yelling out into the abyss, hoping for a response, rather than demanding a specific course of action. It is prioritizing the symbolic over ...