Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Viva.

Attractiveness
A simple, yet powerful observation... As a current young adult attending university, my self-esteem is a finicky thing that's being reconstructed and re-established as I learn more and more about who I am. My confidence has changed quite a bit regarding certain subjects in life, as it's expected to do.
By Nifton8 years ago in Viva
I Was Sexually Harassed
My name is Maddie du Boulay and when I was seventeen, I was sexually harassed and I'm still haunted by it. Let's go to the beginning...
By Madeleine du Boulay8 years ago in Viva
How I Deal with My Life
Hi guys. My name is Ellie and I found out at the age of 16 that I have the condition PCOS. PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and it is where there are possibly some cysts on your ovaries which could cause fertility problems in the future. Thankfully, in my case, they did an ultrasound on my ovaries and found no cysts, yet I'm still on the spectrum for the condition, as I have all the signs that go along with it. These signs can be that it is harder to lose weight and that the fat mainly gathers around your stomach or mid region. Also, there's a higher chance of depression, acne, and possibly excessive hair growth all over your body.
By Ellie Smith8 years ago in Viva
He Didn't Ask and He Knew Better
Just because you're in a relationship, does not mean that you should not ask for consent. It does not mean that you have ownership over your mate's body. And it doesn't mean that rape or being taken advantage of sexually, while in a relationship, comes up void. I know...because it happened to me.
By Quinci Spady8 years ago in Viva
Gender Meanings in the Eyes of the Media
In the strands of predominant media, stereotypes are cultivated and influence the audience on their own views and attitudes (Goodhall, 2012). Women are underrepresented on television compared to men (Sink & Mastro, 2016), even in this golden age for women. Women are usually represented in a sexual manner for the desires of men (Farvid & Braun, 2006) or of the proposed stereotypes of women and the roles they are supposed to uphold (Coltrane & Adams, 1997) due to the instated social roles (Eagly & Steffen, 1984).
By D B8 years ago in Viva
The Decriminalization of Sexual Assault by Hollywood
Thanks to Harvey Weinstein, the past several months have caused Hollywood to talk openly about sexual misconduct against women by powerful men. Despite the great number of women who opened up about being sexually harassed by Weinstein, no legal action has yet been taken against him.
By Tatenda G8 years ago in Viva
The Reflection I See
Each time a loved one tells me I am beautiful, I struggle to understand what they see in me that is beautiful. The worst part is, I can't figure out if they're just saying that because they feel sorry for me, or because I LITERALLY see a different reflection staring back at me in the mirror. Not being able to distinguish between reality and delusion when it comes to your body is soul-crushing. Is what I'm seeing real? Is that really my face? Is that really my body? If that's what I really look like, how could anyone truthfully say I am beautiful?
By Olivia Edwards8 years ago in Viva
Gender and/or Sex
Gender and sex are two different concepts, even though they are often considered the same (Diamond, 2002). The essentialist understandings of biological differences between males and females (ergo sex) have allowed for a patriarchal society that is dominated by men (Nicholson, 1994). Sex created a division of labour due to capabilities that males had that were absent in females, and vice versa (Hartmann, 1976). Females evolved to be suited to nurturing offspring through physical and emotional care, whereas males evolved to be aggressive in order to protect sexual partners and offspring (Bjorklund & Shackelford, 1999).
By D B8 years ago in Viva
“The Nature of the Photos”
"We can't do anything based on the nature of the photos taken," the woman said on the phone, her voice strained. Almost like she didn't want to say it. "I'm sorry."My insides fell to the floor. I had stepped out of a managerial meeting to take this call, this call that would let me know if my rapist would get what he deserved. Instead of reassurance, instead of knowing things were going to be okay, I find out what happened wasn't credible. I had left work shortly after getting that call.
By S.M. Vargas8 years ago in Viva
The Unfeminist Feminist, Or Is Jackie Kennedy a Feminist Icon?
There is no doubt that the word "icon" applies to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She's without question one of the most famous women in history, and remembered for many things, including her bouffant hair, stylish wardrobe, breathy voice, and the legendary bloodstained pink suit.
By Em DiMonaco8 years ago in Viva
Greta Gerwig Is Only the 5th Female Director to Be Nominated Best Director at the Oscars – Is This Only Because of the Golden Globes Snub?
The celluloid ceiling is a phrase used to describe barriers that stop women progressing in the film industry. It's just another word for the glass ceiling. We're no strangers to the lack of females in the movie industry but the fact that no more than five women have been nominated best director at the Academy Awards' 90 years of awards, is catastrophic.
By Katie Burnside8 years ago in Viva
My Favorite Places to Shop Online
Hey babes! I’m in the process of writing part four of my baddie series for you guys, but for now I’m taking a break from it and doing something a little different. After writing part three, I decided to help you guys out a little bit and give you guys some places to shop. Keep in mind that a lot of these stores are online as I prefer virtual shopping over going out and buying things. Hopefully I can spark some inspiration for you guys and introduce you to some new places to shop!
By Sanaa Dowd8 years ago in Viva