Latest Stories
Most recently published stories 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.
Lexi CowiePublished 5 years ago in VivaDeafening Silence
The door closed and that was it. It was done. No more yelling. No more fighting. No more hatred, at least not from him. After years of manipulation and control I was free, or so I thought. I set about filing for divorce as though that would fix the trauma I had endured. This is not a story so much about being a victim but rather an emotional outpouring from someone that was a victim of domestic violence.
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.
Hadley FrancesPublished 5 years ago in VivaPink Tax
This was actually my English Final Paper my first semester of college. I wanted to write this in a way everyone would understand.
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.
Sarah JanePublished 5 years ago in Viva- Top Story - November 2018
An Open Letter to Roseanne Barr
Dear Roseanne, The new season of The Conners has spurred me to write to you. I've been so upset with you ever since the reboot of your self-titled show. You see, I grew up with you as a secondary mother. Your television family was a reflection of my family, and your parenting lessons echoed my mother's. You were the first feminist woman I saw blazing a path with no regard to those she upset. You were revolutionary to girls of my age.
Diane NivensPublished 5 years ago in Viva The Fight For Equality In A 'Pretty' Work Place
Has your boss ever told you that you ‘had’ to wear makeup to work? Or that you ‘have’ to wear heels? Sadly for many women in Britain today, in non-uniform working environments, getting told they have to wear certain clothes is a very real issue.
Anna-Roisin Ullman-SmithPublished 5 years ago in VivaFinding Out I Have PCOS
I have always known there was something wrong with me... I started my period at 9-years-old and would suffer through excruciating pain and extremely heaving bleeding EVERY SINGLE MONTH. My Mum thought I had endometriosis, therefore took me to the doctors; however, they brushed it off and sent me on my way. Eventually when I was 14, I went back to the doctors because I couldn’t take it anymore... They put me on the pill. Thinking back, I wish I had put up more of a fight for more answers but I was given my Microgynon 30 and went on my way.
Jodie DennyPublished 5 years ago in VivaThe Black Female Body as Art
Throughout my time taking Art-History courses in college, a lot of the dialogue that accompanies the great artists in their religions, class systems, landscapes, themselves, and women are generally white, or with the "borrowing" of an exotic woman whether that have been Asian, Tahitian, or of African-Descent. That is why I have such a deep interest when I see images of black people in art, and their relationships to the artist, or to the other objects, or scenes depicted in the work. When I found Mickalene Thomas, through doing work in an Women's Studies course, she was the first Queer Black artist that struck my interest. For me, when a black artist interests their images, flavor, and their politics onto a work of art, this is such a powerful act. For me, painters & drawers strike a fascination and wonder.
SAYHERNAME Morgan SankofaPublished 5 years ago in Viva'The Handmaid's Tale' Analysis: Chapters 3-5
Link to 1st part. Chapter 3 One motif you’ll see recurring throughout the novel is Offred’s descriptive prose about Serena Joy’s garden, specifically her flowers. The Commander’s Wife dutifully dotes on her garden, which symbolizes her desperate want for a child. The flowers are her children, the only life she can fertilize and raise to adulthood. Note also of Serena Joy’s introduction, that she is the Commander’s Wife, not her own identity. This represents that even elite women of Gilead are oppressed and owned by men. Offred is reminded of how she also had a garden in the past, a way to pass time, something she isn’t permitted now.
The Future of Feminine Hygiene
Let me begin by saying (ranting) that I’m going to discuss the content of this article in pretty candid detail, so if women’s bodies make you uncomfortable, I might suggest putting this article down and stepping out of the 7th grade. It’s about time women everywhere feel they’re able to talk about their periods if they so choose. Some people don’t want to talk about their periods because it makes them uncomfortable to do so (or for whatever reason), and that’s totally valid. That’s okay, and it’s really none of anyone’s business. However, the women who do want to talk about it should be able to without feeling “gross.”
Stripes JoplinPublished 5 years ago in VivaNext Wave Feminism?
Women have been fighting for their rights for the last 200 years. In many ways, we have progressed by leaps and bounds. We can vote, own property, have a job, make our own money, go to school, and are no longer sent to a looney bin for saying no to our dads or husbands. However, when it comes to domestic abuse, there is still a long way to go before the law and society catches up to where we should be.