Racism & Sexism: The Boundaries of Past Years & Now

written by staff writer Javier Morales

In a recent advertisement for “Red Band Society”, on FOX network, many people were angered by an image promoting the new show where Octavia Spencer’s character was represented with the title “Scary Bitch” labeled on her coffee cup. The Hollywood Reporter then wrote this lead to activists, demanding the ad to be taken down. In compliance, Metro removed the ad and apologized on social media sites (like twitter) about the incident.

  This incident raised the question of whether political correctness is now on the verge of being overused or if we have simply gotten used to not caring if we offend someone. The answer may be both.

  Throughout the years, people have come to terms that equality is best for moving forward in life and having everyone happy. But above all, we are our own person, with our own opinions. So trying to please everyone seems to put us into a society where if you make just one person mad about what you do, it’s an outrage that it was done in the first place.

   What is causing everyone to be so cautious on what they say now? One reason may be where the right of freedom of speech is questioned and now received limitations. Justice.gov explains that certain words, if used, can be seen as a hate crime.

   Another reason, being political correctness, since it gives off the attitude of, “if it’s not nice to say to just one person, don’t say it at all”. So it seems this attitude can bring sensitivity to almost anything people say & can also lead us to easily interpret said things as offensive.

   There are still limits on how far a person’s actions and sayings can go without becoming an issue, but the limits of these actions are starting to increase over time.

   An added factor to this situation (that’s also not helping us), is how people seem to become  accustomed to slurs and actions that offend some, and seem to find “excusable ways” to justify their actions. Saying how it’s acceptable because it’s funny to them, or it’s okay because they don’t mean it. But can this lead to more problems in the near future?

   Music and television shows have seemed to be the culprits of this, as time has shown, that little has been done to really censor all that comes from music artists and show writers. Also, there still seems to be no stop anywhere in sight.

  Outside of media, many things can offend people on a daily basis of life. People may not notice it because they’ve become tolerant to things that can offend  other ethnicities, genders and religious beliefs.

  A compromise many people should try and consider is to think before you speak or do anything, so you can take some time to evaluate whether it’s a smart or offensive thing to say. On the other hand, to also understand that not everything is meant to be offensive, although it may come off that way at first glance.

  Years from now, we’ll be able to see if we’ve become strict and sensitive to whatever anyone says, or if we become accustomed to everything and are not offended by anything. But for now, being wise about what you decide to think and say can benefit us all.

Hispanic Heritage

written by staff writers Katy Cerrato and Adriana Suarez

 

Hispanic Heritage represents celebrating the independence for the five
Latin American countries - Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El
Salvador and Guatemala. It all began on August 17, 1988 and is now
celebrated from September 15 to October 15 every year.

Each year they celebrate the histories and contributions of Hispanic
cultures. Hispanic Heritage Month has become extremely significant to
the Hispanic culture because they are proud of who they are and where
they come from. It isn't just important to Hispanics but to all other
non-Hispanic residents as well.

During the Hispanic Heritage Month, there are many festivities that go
on to celebrate. It has become very important because Hispanics now
stand at approximately 48% of the United States population. Through
this month, you can expect to see plenty of festivals, parades and
spectacular events that recognize the contributions made by American
Latinos and Hispanics. Across the U.S, particularly in the largest
cities, the heritage and legacy of more than 20 Latin American nations
will be on full display.

The events will include food, art, traditional dances and music that
bring pride to those who come from Hispanic decent. Some of the events
that occur during the month include the Fiestas Patrias Festival,
Latin American Heritage Celebration, Latino Author Summit, and Baja
Splash Cultural Festival.

ESET Goes Green! (Photos)

Here are some photos from ESET's energy save project. All photos courtesy of Natalie Leui-Saole.

EYCEJ Press Conference Photos

Here are some photos from the East Yard Communities Environmental Justice Press Conference held by Jan Victor Andasan. All photos courtesy of Natalie Leui-Saole. 

Alumni Singer Shares Her Story

(written by staff writers Ashley Floresca and Luz Ambriz)

RaVaughn Nichelle Brown is a singer-songwriter and actress from Carson, California. On October 10th, Ravaugh came back to her hometown to talk about her music, give her advice, and share her background story. 

RaVaughn describes her music persona being influenced by singers like Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin and Anita Baker.  As an artist, RaVaughn’s music continuously keeps growing. She released her first EP in 2012 called “Love Always”. Her hit single, “Better Be Good”, featuring Wale was released in 2012.  When distinguishing the genre of her music, RaVaughn says, “It’s not about genre for me. It’s about singing and telling relatable stories.” 

When it comes to pursuing a career in music or other choices, she says, "Women should be supporting and bringing each other up rather than bringing each other down." As an artist she would receive positive and negative feedback and would look at it as a way to improve herself and make her music better.  

RaVaughn attended college in New York and appeared as a background singer on the hit show Glee before her whole career began to evolve. She was first signed to Compound University by singer/songwriter/producer Ne-Yo. She finished touches on her solo Columbia Records debut, Love Always. As her music continues to take off she remains humble throughout it all. As she states “I’m the girl next door who’s been given the opportunity to share my music.”