Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
The Future Is Female
On Sunday October 14, 2018, I received the greatest honor of my life so far: becoming a godmother to my six-week-old baby cousin. On Labor Day, the day my baby cousin graced my world with her arrival, my friend Helen and I went shopping, as one does when everything's on sale. I remember looking for the perfect outfit to get her.
Elianor M.A.Published 6 years ago in VivaWhat Should We Do to Fight Sexual Violence?
What is sexual violence? Sexual violence has been very well common in previous generations and is unfortunately still a saddening issue that we are faced with.
Serena BaakliniPublished 6 years ago in VivaDestruction
Before my eyes, everything I once had and loved got destroyed. Everything was taken from me—my pride, my virginity, my trust, my childhood and nothing I said or did could have stopped it. I was only 16-years-old turning 17 when it all had happened. I spent hours sitting in the corner of my room, hugging my knees, with tears flowing out my blood shot eyes as I bashed my head into every single wall in my room trying to figure out what I had done wrong.
Aiyana RomanPublished 6 years ago in VivaCongress Still Cannot Pass a Bill to Curb Sexual Harassment on Capitol Hill
As we reach the end of 2018, everyone should be familiar with the #metoo movement. Although many believe that the movement is based in showbusiness against people like Harvey Weinstein, it has also deeply rooted itself into politics. From former Senator Al Franken even all the way up the President himself, #metoo has put many males in positions of power under fire. For good reason too. Many men have taken advantage of their power, and our government is no different.
What People Don't Realize About Sexual Assault
This is a topic that I've been hesitant to write about for a while. Every time I think of writing this I always talk myself out of it. I'll tell myself that it isn't important or that people already know everything I am going to say. The problem is, sexual assault is not being talked about enough. For something most women have to worry about on a regular basis, it should be a topic talked about daily. That is not to say that men don't have this problem too, but you would be ignorant to think the statistics don't sway more towards females.
Ashlyn HarperPublished 6 years ago in VivaTo Be or Not to Be a Feminist?
For me personally, the brand that modern feminism has been serving isn't my cup of tea. Here is why: 1. Women and men are equal.
Pregnant at Thirteen
It was midnight when my mother and I were watching Look Who’s Talking, snuggled up on our living room floor. I was three years old at the time and my mother was nineteen. Although I cannot remember the entire evening, I remember seeing little Mikey’s first spark of life in the womb of his mother just after she and her boss were kissing up a storm. The baby’s conception was played out through a hilarious dialogue, and just like that, at three years old I had an idea of how babies were made! Notice idea.
Discovering the Feminist Within
Over the several years of accumulated miscommunications among groups and individuals, simultaneous multiple social dynamics playing their parts in the world, and the simple yet understated fact that we are humans with emotions; has ultimately led us into a chaotic mix of endless issues.
Shivani SinghPublished 6 years ago in VivaThe Complexity of Equality and Why It Disrupted America’s Feminist Movement
After its introduction to Congress in 1923, the Equal Rights Amendment illuminated the separation between politically motivated women in America. Two sides of feminism began to emerge afterwards, “one hostile to the blending of feminism with social justice goals, one captured by those goals” (Sklar, “Abstract”). This division lasted for multiple decades after the initial fissure, and was only slightly overcome with the development of the second wave of feminism during the 1960s. The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) presented a wedge between women in America, and exposed the class differences of those women. However, only by studying the decades before and after the ERA’s inception can an understanding of why and how the division amongst feminists came about become clear. Differences of opinion regarding the definition of “equality,” and how such equality should be achieved, ultimately led to the separation within the feminist movement in America.
Chase E.H.Published 6 years ago in VivaBattle Scars
Motherhood. To some it is a blessing; to others a battle. But no matter how many children you have, may it be one or seven, or how many dirty butts and late nights with no sleep there are, mothers endure. So isn’t it about time that we feel like the heroes we are?
Ave RamseyPublished 6 years ago in Viva- Top Story - October 2018
Why the Victims Don't Speak Out
There has been a lot of publicity about historical cases of abuse in the news over recent years and this movement is gathering momentum. That is great to see. Those who commit acts of abuse should absolutely be made to face the consequences of their actions. One thing I can't help but notice is that in every case there seems to be a lot of people in the online space who question the truthfulness of those who come forward to make abuse public on the grounds that those victims didn't speak out immediately after the incident, or during the process of it, if the abuse was long term.
Sarah JanePublished 6 years ago in Viva A Single Tip to Make Your Period a Little Bit Better
When it comes to that time of the month we are often presented with extras alongside the period itself. These can vary from headaches, mood swings, cramps, feeling bloated to my least favourite, loss of appetite. As a serious foodie, not being able to or rather not wanting to eat causes me stress on top of everything else. Yes, I would really love to demolish an extra cheesy burger right now but this loss of appetite tends to have me eating next to nothing during my period and days after that at times.