Opinion - The Daily Cardinal

OPINION

Karl Lagerfeld's controversial legacy

By Kisa Sow | Mar. 17, 2019

On Tuesday, February 19, various social media platforms were flooded with supermodels, celebrities and mundane users paying tribute to one of haute couture’s most iconic designers, Karl Lagerfeld. The prolific designer created his own namesake brand all while hoisting Chanel out of its lowest point and revolutionizing Fendi for a consecutive 51 years. Although he was considered one of the kings of fashion, I would describe him as more of a tyrant. What are your thoughts on Karl Lagerfeld and the fashion industry? Send all comments to opinion@dailycardinal.com.

OPINION

College admissions scandal sparks national debate over opportunity in education

By Izzy Boudnik and Kavitha Babu | Mar. 13, 2019

Some students grow up dreaming about how they will spend their college years: studying on the quad, proudly wearing their school colors at football games, and eventually walking across the stage at graduation. They wonder if will they go to college in their hometown, where mom and dad did, or if they will go somewhere out of state. But for many students, these thoughts will remain dreams forever.

Recent months have seen an explosion in antisemitic incidents, with the latest happening in Newport Beach, California. In order to prevent these horrible acts from happening, students must be taught cultural sensitivity along with history.

OPINION

Students posing with swastika demonstrate need for mandatory Holocaust education in schools

By Ashley Obuljen | Mar. 9, 2019

Last week, photos of Orange County, California high school students posing with a Red Solo Cup-constructed swastika went viral. As someone who was born and raised in Newport Beach, California, a city in Orange County, this did not come as a shock to me. But when I read in the Los Angeles Times that students at my alma mater, Newport Harbor High School, were involved, I felt sick to my stomach.

OPINION

Your spending habits have global implications

By Dana Munro | Mar. 9, 2019

I strive to be a Good Samaritan and member of my community. I try to help out the homeless on the street, recycle and vote. But there is one area in which I definitely miss the mark: my spending habits. And I do not believe I am alone on this. Many of us don’t know what our money really goes to.

OPINION

Matthew Mitnick: Prioritizing safety on campus

Mar. 9, 2019

**TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information regarding sexual assault that may be difficult and upsetting to read for some audiences.** Two years ago, I was serially raped. I was seventeen at the time — a junior in high school. I had never experienced such terror, shame, and humiliation in my entire life; I felt as though it was my fault. Inevitably, this brutal and traumatic event reshaped how I viewed every aspect of the world.

OPINION

Cardinal View: Time to expand, improve the Ethnic Studies requirement at UW

By The Daily Cardinal Editorial Board | Mar. 7, 2019

The Wisconsin Idea, according to UW-Madison’s website, seeks to “influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom.” It is the state’s application of what the world calls a liberal arts education.

Associated Students of Madison host distinguished campus organizations to talk about diversity on campus.

OPINION

Without government action, threats to campus will become more common

By Mia Gifford | Mar. 6, 2019

Being from a large city like Minneapolis, Minnesota and a student at a large and well-known university, I have sometimes wondered how I’ve gotten lucky enough to escape a terrorist attack by domestic or international assailants. This wondering usually turns into anticipation as I know attacks on university campuses will only continue and rise without any type of prison or gun reform.

OPINION

The Green New Deal: Admirable but flawed

By Sam Jones | Mar. 1, 2019

I'm just going to say it: Americans have no idea what the “Green New Deal” calls for. With the snazzy new name that holds the same connotations of the mainstream environmentalism movement, how could it NOT be the perfect gateway to renewable and clean energy?

UW-Madison is infamous for its drinking culture. Is it too late to turn back?

OPINION

Why alcohol consumption continues to be a problem for UW-Madison

By Mike Sungurtekin | Feb. 28, 2019

So you go to your first party as a thrilled freshman, buy a red party cup for $5 and have a great time with your friends. Congrats! You just took your first step into the “Wisconsin Experience” and are on your way to becoming a full-fledged UW-Madison student.

Most of the time, social media offers only the highlights of a person's life. This can lead to unhealthy comparisons between ourselves and others.

OPINION

Social media is more unhealthy than it seems

By Tyler Gavinski | Feb. 19, 2019

Imagine there was a drug that caused depression and anxiety, enabled narcissism, killed your confidence, took away hours of your precious time, and caused you to walk around staring at the ground all day.

OPINION

UW, please pass the (sidewalk) salt

By Dana Munro | Feb. 17, 2019

I think we all know the feeling. You’re walking to class and minding your own business when you find that you’ve lost your footing, your phone has slipped out of your pocket and is taking your earbuds and ears down with it. Suddenly, you’re facing the sky and praying you didn’t break a bone.

OPINION

Everyday experiences of students of color should be discussed, not shied away from

By Chelsea Hylton | Feb. 15, 2019

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a PWI, which means this school is a Predominantly White Institution. It is not hard to conclude that the majority of the students at UW-Madison identify as being white.

OPINION

More funding, support needed for campus mental health services

By Jeremy Swanson | Feb. 14, 2019

On Monday, February 11, the Associated Students of Madison Student Services Finance Committee (SSFC) unanimously voted against the University Health Services’ (UHS) $18.9 million budget for the 2020 fiscal year. The budget and SSFC recommendations will be presented to Chancellor Rebecca Blank in March for a final decision.

OPINION

Gillette commercial addresses timely issue of toxic masculinity

By Ashley Obuljen | Feb. 10, 2019

Critics of the controversial Gillette razor commercial, which discusses toxic masculinity and the importance of teaching children empathy, equality and strength, claim the advertisement is anti-men.

OPINION

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: A pioneer in politics

By Kavitha Babu | Feb. 7, 2019

As the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has been a pioneer advocating for racial justice, tuition-free public universities, healthcare for all, abolishing ICE and mass mobilization against climate change. She is a bold example of what a new Democratic Party might look like.

OPINION

Letter to the editor: Sometimes climate change is a good thing

By Dr. Lori Reesor, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs | Feb. 7, 2019

Dear students, On February 11, you’ll receive an email invitation to participate in the Association of American Universities (AAU) Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct Climate Survey to gauge UW-Madison’s environment of sexual violence. Sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence impact our campus community and—with your input—we can work together to make UW-Madison a safer space.

OPINION

Avra Reddy will bring progressive representation to Madison City Council

By Avra Reddy | Feb. 4, 2019

Madison is unique in the fact that it has a history of youth activism and engagement with politics. There are so many opportunities afforded to students and young people that help them get involved in the political process, and I’m lucky that I have been able to take part in them and help push for change.

OPINION

Mitnick will bring dedication, empathy to Madison City Council

By Spencer Johnson | Feb. 1, 2019

It goes without saying that college is a balancing act. Students have to cram classes, coursework, jobs or internships, extracurriculars and some semblance of a social life into a 24/7 schedule. For most, it’s ultimately manageable, but nonetheless a massive headache. Of course, everyone has that one friend that somehow goes the extra mile. For me, that friend is Matthew Mitnick.

OPINION

A message to young people: Get back in the driver's seat

By Jack Armstrong | Feb. 1, 2019

The greatest fear of the Ancient Roman government for much of its existence was popular revolt. To keep the people docile and controlled, the Roman government would provide entertainment in the form of gladiatorial combat and rations of free bread. This solution, commonly referred to as the “bread and circuses” tactic, distracted the public from a pressing sense of civic duty.

OPINION

A treatise on jackets

By Molly Mapstone | Feb. 1, 2019

As temperatures continue to drop in Madison, students seek warmth from harsh Midwest weather conditions, unsurprisingly, in winter jackets. For many students this means wearing the same jacket they’ve had since high school, for others it means buying their first winter jackets and for some it’s a chance to purchase a really expensive jacket that, knowingly or not, serves as a visual reminder of their privilege at this university.