Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
Equally Different
Something that has been getting me pretty frustrated and upset recently is the misuse of the word “feminism.” I am also frustrated with the ignorant actions of all genders because of what they think feminism is. The Webster definition of the word feminism is: “The theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” In no way should this be taken as, “Women are superior to men.” But for some reason, certain people are just incapable of wrapping their heads around that simple concept. Nowadays, there are so many genders that it gets extremely confusing. I started to look into this because, with so many genders to learn, it leaves a lot of room for people to become offended.
By Hailey Richard7 years ago in Viva
Dear Feminists
Dear Feminists, you do not speak for me. I do not need you to fight for my freedom, in fact, the freedom that I have has already been paid for in blood. Because men have fought and died for it. I am not under attack, I do not need you to claim that I am a victim. While you are out there branding each man as a predator, there are little girls waiting for their daddies to come home from war. You divide men and women, you do not speak for equality. You speak hatred, illogical, misplaced hatred. And because of this, I won't be following your movement. I am proud to be a young woman, that respects and honors the men in our society if they so deserve it. I embrace my femininity, not in the way that you do. I am a woman who dreams of a good man, standing beside me, not as a slave or a servant. But as a friend, a wife, a mother. I chose to embrace the things that make women, women, kindness, manners, elegance, integrity. It is these things that make men respect us. I enjoy it when a Man opens a door for me, or bids me good morning. As a little girl, I watched Disney movies, such as Cinderella, watching her glide across the floor with the Prince. He was captivated by her, not because she demanded anything, but because of the content of her character. When women embrace these things, we will no longer be divided. Retaliation is not what we strive for but love, dignity, and respect that has been earned, not merely given. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a woman being gentle, or staying home with her children, cooking for her family. In America, a woman can choose to work or choose to raise the children in the household. I cannot fathom what made women think that they are oppressed in a society where choice is everything. Scorn me for this, or do not, but some women are happy at home with the children. Having a mother in the home provides comfort and balance. This does not make a woman weak, in fact, she can be strong in her own way. Disciplining her children, achieving her goals and thinking for herself without hiding behind a movement. The sooner modern feminism is gone, the better. Women are not servants to men, no, they are partners. And if we are to be partners to them, how are we to make ourselves more appealing?
By Jillian Weiss7 years ago in Viva
10 Domestic Violence Support Groups
On average, 24 people per minute fall victim to rape, domestic violence, verbal and sexual harassment, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. This equals to about 12 million men and women over the course of a year. It is the least recognized human rights abuse in the world.
By Madeline Zenk7 years ago in Viva
Five Things for Every Femme in STEM
Being a femme in a STEM field is a special kind of hell. You have to work twice as hard from the moment you decide to dedicate yourself to your field, in school, in social circles, the job hunt, and at work. I am sure that there will be some haters for this topic because there always are. There is always someone screaming that the gender divide has been bridged, but as a femme in STEM I can tell you, from first hand experience and statistical data that sexism is still very much alive, and in action every single day.
By Paige Graffunder7 years ago in Viva
#MeToo Moves Forward but Why Do We Still Support Chris Brown?
The #MeToo movement has made some major moves in the way the world looks at sexual assault, and for the most part, things seem to be moving forward, however, the music industry has turned a blind eye to certain artists' past discrepancies, while we're all distracted with Hollywood. Since I’ve been alive, music has had a long history of objectifying women and using sexuality to sell records. Now with the #MeToo movement, it seems as if we are beginning to hold the powerful accountable for their actions, and calling people out, but that is not always the case. Male artists who have been caught and convicted of assault against women remain at the top of the charts and unscathed by a movement that has shaken the country.
By Stephanie Murguia7 years ago in Viva
I'm a Survivor
If you're like me, you've heard so many stories about sexual assault lately. It seems like we can't open up Facebook or a news app without seeing a headline containing those two words. Honestly, it's scary how often it happens. We never think that it could happen to us, then it does. We never think that it could happen to one of our friends, then it does. We never think that it could happen to one of our family members, then it does.
By Paige Elizabeth7 years ago in Viva
The Future Is Female: Artistic Perspectives
As a writer, aspiring actress and PR specialist, there are many hats to be worn in my day-to-day life—a common trend for many women in the arts. With time and travels, I had the pleasure to work, or spend time with these seven wonderful women who are blazing a trail for female artists to come. Here are their stories, as a reminder, that while the struggle may be real... our voices are only getting louder.
By Gabrielle Maryse7 years ago in Viva
Feminism Explained
Trigger Warning: Topic includes abortion and rape. Many people in my community have made it clear that they don’t believe in feminism anymore, mostly directing their disapproval at “femi-nazis.” The term refers to women who hate on men and are trying to take down everything involving the male gender. Because of their irrational actions, true feminist activists are losing supporters.
By Lexi Cowie7 years ago in Viva
To My Love, On Other Women
Darling, We are so busy. We both work six days a week to pay for this bungalow, and our cozy little life in it. There are things I often wish to tell you about, but I forget, for there is only time for “I love you” and “would you like me to make you coffee too?” As well as, “I am proud of you." All good things to be saying to one another, of course. Though, the extras sometimes get forgotten. So, I have written them here for you to read, perhaps on a smoke break, or on your day off, when and I am at work.
By Hadley Frances7 years ago in Viva
Silent Oppression: It Shouldn't Be this Way
I went for a run in town last week. It was outside, drizzling, and about 43 degrees Fahrenheit. I was so cold my breath exhaled in puffs of crystallized white mist. It's autumn, and what I didn't realize before I left was that it was about to start getting dark. I'm a pretty experienced runner, having done this for the majority of my adult life.
By Sarah Jane7 years ago in Viva
