Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Viva.

I Am a Christian and I Had an Abortion (Part 2)
I still had to wait another seven days before I could even be seen. In the meantime, I tormented myself by going online and seeing what developments would occur in my pregnancy and the cons of having an abortion. I found Christian propaganda—something about how abortions cause breast cancer.
By Xena Warrior7 years ago in Viva
Psych and Prejudice Pt. 2
Greek life is often the focal point of a lot of student life on most large state campuses. Smaller campuses, like my own, do not have sororities or fraternities. From an outside perspective, Greek life seems like either an amazing way to make lifelong friends and promote certain acts of scholarship and service or it seems very superficial. So, what's the deal with sororities?
By Abby W7 years ago in Viva
Curiosity and Its Role Within Systems of Oppression
Cynthia Enloe describes curiosity as something which “takes energy.” It is what leads humans to question aspects of the world around them. Without it, humanity would make no steps forward, and we would likely remain living without technology. We can thank curiosity for every advancement which has made our lives easier or more enjoyable. The lack of this curiosity, however, is exactly what has helped maintain existing power structures, enabling the oppression of certain groups within society.
By purple and blue7 years ago in Viva
10 Classic Feminist Books You Should Read. Top Story - September 2018.
In the 20th and 21st century, women writers have begun to speak up and truly make their voices heard. Classic feminist books have won the Pulitzer Prize and become bestsellers across the United States as both men and women have embraced the women’s movement and sexual politics as a whole. Young women, women of color, and women writers of all races and backgrounds are taking the stage and letting their creativity flow. Some of the most notable feminist literary authors such as Mary Wollstonecraft, Alice Walker, Kate Millett, and Simone de Beauvoir paved the way for more recent generations of feminist writers. There is an endless list of excellent literary works out there, but here are some of our favorite classic feminist books we think you should read!
By Morgan E. Westling7 years ago in Viva
What Men Fear Most About Going to Prison Is What Women Fear Most Walking Down the Sidewalk
“What Men Fear Most About Going to Prison is What Women Fear Most Walking Down the Sidewalk.” No One Asks What My Rapist Was Wearing
By Samantha Kristine7 years ago in Viva
So When Are You Having Kids?
Let me start off by saying that I AM NOT A MOTHER. I am not trying to discredit women who want to be stay-at-home moms. I tip my hat to the women who wake up before the sun rises because their infant needs to be fed. To the mothers who tuck their toddlers in at night and read them bedtime stories. To the women who inadvertently speak to adults like one of their children, because they rarely interact with grown ups anymore since they are 24/7 Bubble Guppy watching, Bob the Builder toy playing, Disney sing-along karaokers. This message is NOT for you, though you need to know how important and worthwhile you are.
By Xena Warrior7 years ago in Viva
To the Men Behind the Photo: This One Is for You
In this current age of social media obsessions, physical perfection at the drop of a knife, and unlimited access to the thoughts and opinions of the entire world, women are subject to more ridicule than ever before. Ten years ago women were blissfully unaware of all the perfections of others, giving us the ability to hold ourselves to an obtainable expectation. Since the social media big bang however, the perfections of others are shoved down our throats accompanied by clever captions and flawless filters. Social Media is the microscope of society showing us how we are unworthy. In order to be accepted by this new age debutante cotillion women have taken its expectations to the extreme, manicured nails, hair extensions and wigs glued to our heads for the goddess illusions we all thrive to meet. Every pore smeared with chemically infused foundation to desperately cover the imperfections we don't want anyone else to see. Women parade around in tiny outfits that make their waists look curvy but not fat, push up bras to make our breasts be large and perky, and not to mention the six inch heels to lengthen our legs and draw attention to the ass we spend thousands of dollars injecting with fat for the perfect porn star persona. While all of these can be empowering to women, in which case I full support, they can also be detrimental to our self acceptance and self esteem. Usually while we are striving for the attention of strangers on social media, there are significant others in our lives who love us just as we are, who see us flawed and imperfect and yet they still love us. These people could careless about the number of likes we get on a half naked photo, yet will spend 20 minutes helping you get the perfect angle and lighting to get that post worthy shot. These are the loved ones who wake up to us everyday with out the fake lashes and perfect hair, who see our unshaven legs and hair clogged drain, and yet they are here and they love us, they are real and true. These loved ones often go unnoticed, they support whatever makes you feel beautiful because they want to see your light shine when you feel loved and worthy. This is an anthem for all those loved ones who see us for who we truly are. Next time you post the sexy photo with your face full of make up and, the designer outfit reflect on who that post is really for, the strangers or the true. To the ones behind the photo this one if for you, you are most likely not told enough how special you are in this world of illusion, the true and genuine have more to offer than any amount of likes in a false cyber world. To the true and genuine lovers of the flawed I salute you, and the impact you have on this world is far greater than that of those who have mastered the art of illusion. In a world of perfection, be true to your self and the genuine will love you anyway.
By McKenna Moon7 years ago in Viva
Anne Boleyn Is My Spirit Animal
I have always been fascinated by history and people's stories but I have a special passion for the story of Anne Boleyn. To some she was the most infamous adulterous in British history but to me she was a woman in the wrong time. She was smart, ambitious and she stood up for the right to be respected as a woman and not some King's side piece. In my London adventures, I have had the chance to visit two historic destinations where the life of Anne Boleyn played out.
By Kaitlyn Smith7 years ago in Viva
The Boy Who Didn’t Accept No for an Answer
There are this boy and this girl. They met once before at a party, but they didn’t really get to know each other. So they talked over Instagram messages for a few months after the party and decided to go on a date.
By Sara Lee7 years ago in Viva
She Must Be a Bad Bitch
In the last couple years, I have worked on becoming an independent woman; someone who can stand on my own, provide for myself, and love myself. Over these years I have also come close to knowing love, I have felt my heart break, I have seen worry in my mother’s eyes, and pain tear through my family. I have also struggled to know when I need help and when to ask for it.
By Samantha Kristine7 years ago in Viva
The Monologue of an Unborn Baby
Week 8: Mother said my name was to be Jamal, Nikhil or Sachin, like the famous cricket player. Father said maybe something a little more traditional, perhaps Naadir, Shahid or Muhammad, like the famous prophet. I listened intently and giggled. Oh if only they knew.
By Molly Winton7 years ago in Viva
10 Most Egalitarian Industries in America
Women in the workplace have it rough, and that's no joke. Female employees are less likely to be taken seriously by management, less likely to be paid a fair wage, and are more likely to face sexual harassment on the job.
By Skunk Uzeki7 years ago in Viva