Category: Opinion
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An illusion of transparency
A week ago, I was listening to The Ben Shapiro Show, a conservative podcast. For those familiar with Shapiro’s sharp wit and rapid speech, it shouldn’t come as as a surprise when I say that I had to rewind to fully process something he said in passing. In reference to President Trump, Shapiro noted, “You…
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Rediscovering democracy
It seems to me that more and more, we have come to expect less and less of each other. It’s a phrase from one of my favorite TV shows, but increasingly, it no longer seems like the stuff of melodrama. It is far from unrealistic to say that American politics has become a race to…
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Starving for change
Growing up, I always referred to UTD as a “brown school.” My mom especially felt more secure about sending me to UTD, knowing that a Muslim community was present and active. UTD takes pride in its diversity, but “diverse” does not always mean “inclusive.” The lack of halal eating options on campus may not raise…
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It’s not a question: No means no
Last week, my news feed was plastered with images of a belligerent Brett Kavanaugh, Trump’s most recent nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court. In these photos, he’s been captured red-faced, in fierce denial of allegations of sexual assault. Perhaps Kavanaugh denies the allegations so vehemently because he, like many perpetrators, does not realize his actions…
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The commuter conundrum
With the enrollment at UTD inching toward 30,000, it could easily be said that the campus has become a self-subsistent community of its own, nestled in a corner of Richardson. However, rather than just accepting UTD’s culture as “young” or “developing,” students — commuters, in particular — should seek and explore ample opportunities in the…
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Cut from curriculum
Judeo-Christianity, the Alamo and the removal of important female figures — the Texas State Board of Education’s committee hearings may be the most ridiculously “Texas” things one could expect. In mid-September, over the course of four days, the committee members of the SBOE discussed a number of changes to the public school’s curriculum before coming…
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Moving beyond misconceptions
One of the biggest consequences of being a minority sect in the midst of a big religion like Islam is that our traditions and viewpoints are never accurately represented in mainstream media, textbooks or even among other members of the Islamic community. As a Twelver Shiite, a sub-branch of the Shiite sect of Islam, my…
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The Editorial Board: No more excuses
We have an opportunity to change our nation — to determine the direction of our policies and mold a better future. But only if we give ourselves the power to do so. With the Oct. 9 voter registration deadline quickly approaching, it’s important now more than ever to register to vote. There is no excuse…
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When talent trumps indecency
In light of the recent rise in YouTube apology vidoes and public exposure of celebrity wrongdoings, it’s time to figure out where exactly we stand on societal morality and people’s pasts. Having talent or an entertaining personality does not excuse indecency and committing crimes. On June 18, the 20-year old acclaimed rapper XXXTentacion, also known…