Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
Me Too
I'm encouraged and deeply saddened by the trending, "me too" on social media. I'm encouraged because victims spoke out in an unusual setting but the point is, they spoke out. I cannot stress enough the importance of breaking the silence but it doesn't end with breaking the silence. I'm going to share a little part of my story that I hope helps you see why breaking the silence is so important but going beyond that as well is vital to ending the problem.
By Taylor Carnes8 years ago in Viva
When I Was Pinched in the Mission
Back in school, I had gone to get my dinner, and I was walking down the street at night sticking close to a group of people. Out of nowhere, some idiot pinched me in between the legs. I mean pinched. Right there. Pulled on me, and pinched. This is sexual harassment at its finest. I yelled at him, swinging my grocery bag at his chest three times. I then cornered somebody, a male somebody, yelling at the person to look out for somebody smaller than he was because some idiot had pinched me. I was surrounded but I escaped that situation rather quickly, and I was yelling at them really loud. I had beef, green beans, and cheese in my bag as my only weapon.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez8 years ago in Viva
He's Mean To You?
I've heard it so many times in my life, and I'm sure that you've heard it too. Maybe not in these words, but you've definitely heard it. If he's mean to you, then he likes you... If he treats you like shit, then he MUST be into you. But where the fuck did this come from? When did we develop this notion that if a boy is mean to you, then he likes you. In my opinion, it starts really early on, when we're so small that we are indoctrinated into this bullshit way of thinking.
By Shana Nizeul8 years ago in Viva
How Effective is the Morning After Pill?
The "morning after pill" has become one of the most controversial forms of birth control, primarily because it's been called both ineffective and a form of abortion. However, anyone who's really researched reproductive health can tell you that the morning after pill does not cause abortions, nor is it totally ineffective.
By Mackenzie Z. Kennedy8 years ago in Viva
What to Say Before You Move Out
There were things that never really made sense to me. Just as anyone else, I too wanted to "fly" the nest once I turned 18. I was a poor excuse of a student when I reached my senior year in high school. However, by chance or fate I had managed to get a scholarship at a school that was four hours away from my hometown. When I got the letter in the mail, I couldn't believe it. Growing up in a small town, where everyone was either pregnant, dropping out, or selling drugs, to me this was huge. I still remember the exact words I told my mother, as I showed her the letter. She was proud, the kind of proud that makes her talk about it for hours over the phone to our grandparents, aunts, and uncles in Mexico.
By Ashley Murga8 years ago in Viva
We’re No Angels
Last I checked I have a penis. My name is Joel Eisenberg. I am a writer and television producer based in Los Angeles. I have no record of sexual harassment and, everything being fair, that status will remain unchanged. I was raised well by my parents, I’m happily married, and I respect women.
By Joel Eisenberg8 years ago in Viva
"You Can't Have Male Friends"
All my (albeit, very brief) adult life, I have been very unashamed of my sexuality. Sure, I don’t go shouting from the rooftops, “HEY, I like penises AND vaginas!” to anyone who will listen, but if I am ever faced with a question regarding my sexuality, I will always answer open and honestly that, yes, I am often attracted to people with genders that match my own or otherwise.
By Ella Nobre-Watts8 years ago in Viva
Pride and Prejudice
Marriage has yet to be perfected as it is constantly evolving. This very progression has brought about the digression of how we compare to the 18th century world of Pride and Prejudice inhabits. As this infamous novel makes its way back into societies hearts, it stirs discussion of ideology and cultural differences as they contrast with today. A satirical work, Jane Austen managed to craft a story that evidently stands the test of time. Reaching the masses through movies and shows and plays, Pride and Prejudice has become, yet again, an advocate to the young of today as inspiration to shape your own lifestyle, redefine relationships, and stand for, or against, social issues.
By Kayla Starr8 years ago in Viva
