Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
Famous Male Feminists
Feminists are among the toughest group of individuals fighting for equality and women's rights — and we need them. They're very passionate in their beliefs and are standing by all women across the world to gain their rights. But did you know that not all feminists are women? It's true! There are male feminists who have the same beliefs and want to gain rights for women. It looks like not all men are non-feminist douchebags, huh?
Jacqueline HanikehPublished 7 years ago in VivaLiving with Endometriosis
For anyone who doesn't know what endometriosis is, let me explain. Endometriosis is a disease that effects 11% of women in the world. It can be a mildly painful to an extremely painful disorder. Having it means the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus grows outside your uterus; it can grow on your other organs as well. There is no cure for it! Endometriosis usually just affects your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining your pelvis. In some cases, it may spread beyond pelvic organs. The tissue that grows inside your uterus continues to act as it normally would; it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. But the tissue that grows outside has no way to exit your body. This causes it to become trapped. Endometriosis can involve the ovaries, causing cysts called endometriomas. Surrounding tissues become irritated, eventually developing scar tissue. That can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other.
shelby LynPublished 7 years ago in VivaThe Elaborate Odyssey of Black Hair
A few days ago, I recorded Chris Rock’s documentary Good Hair on BET. It was a fascinating piece that covered the science behind African-American hair care products, the cultural implications behind why black women put so much into their hair, and the business of weaves and where they come from. I noticed that so many mothers were taking their daughters to the salon to get a relaxer before they even hit puberty. Some of these little girls were under two-years-old. Chris Rock interviewed a six-year-old girl at a shop and asked her if it was important to get a relaxer and why. She said that every black girl should have a relaxer so they can be beautiful. There was something very disheartening about this. To think that so many young black girls are being raised in this mindset; the mindset that anything close to white is better or prettier.
Andie ColombelPublished 7 years ago in VivaThe Resurgence of Witchcraft in Modern American Society
The word "Witchcraft," for most, conjures mental images of pointed hats, broomsticks, and bubbling cauldrons filled with green goo. Witches are thought to be part of the past, and anyone who claims they are one must be delusional, right?
Austyn CastelliPublished 7 years ago in VivaI Was Ousted From Her Campus
I am – I was a member of the Western University chapter for the online publication HerCampus.com for over a year. I’m still getting used to saying that in past tense. Coming to university last year, I really struggled with finding my place and making friends; Her Campus got me through my first year. Because of Her Campus, I made some of my best friends and found a home away from home.
Where to Find Support for Your Ambitions Being a South Asian Girl
Having a specific goal in life requires one to be committed, dedicated and motivated. However, in some cases, the commitment and dedication are present, but the motivation and support are lacking. This is very common, especially in the Southern Asian culture, being a girl in particular. It doesn't matter where you live, whether, in Asia or the West, it still happens everywhere around the world.
Aleesha AhmedPublished 7 years ago in VivaInner Feminist vs. Job
I love my job. Not in the sarcastic sense either. I actually love it. Naturally, there are times I’d rather be watching Supernatural or Rick and Morty or The L Word in my undies at home. Then again, wouldn’t we all?
Lara ScottPublished 7 years ago in VivaRaising Girls, Raising Boys
I'm a mother. I have two girls that I am bent on NOT letting fall for the same bullshit I did. I will not watch them devalue themselves or shoulder the weight of a sexist America. I will encourage their self-awareness and their belief in themselves. I will foster their creativity and willingness to try. They will be soft and strong and see in a spectrum. Convicted, careful, beautiful, and smart. They can be whole people, accomplished and tolerant without being doormats. They will be better than me. They will be better than this mindset, running rampant over my generation and those before.
Johnna LaFaithPublished 7 years ago in VivaDoes Free Will Really Exist?
I was sitting in church this Sunday. This day I was so in tune with just me and the higher power. I was in my own head giving thanks to the higher power for my life and the life of my loved ones. The pastor kept referencing free will. This idea that we all have 100% choice over our everyday actions given to us by god to choose a life that guides you either on a path of destruction or a path to everlasting life. Do I believe that we have free will? My answer is a flat-out no. In my views, no government system that exists on our globe fully gives humans that capacity for free choice because all practices are taught within systems and structures. There are always limits to how we dress, communicate, and exist around each other.
SAYHERNAME Morgan SankofaPublished 7 years ago in VivaWho Has It Easier In Life, Men or Women?
I heard this question during an event in college. It intrigued me so much that I decided to ask some of my classmates and close friends the same question just to see how they would react and answer.
Miguel GarciaPublished 7 years ago in VivaThings Every Grown Woman Needs
For most women, life is stressful and very, very busy. In this age of doing it all, we might overlook some of the things that might make us feel better, help save time, and add a touch of style to our homes without breaking the bank. From essential gear to fun gadgets, check out this list of things that every grown woman needs in her life. They'll save you time, save you money, and make everything from entertaining your friends to parenting a little easier.
Emily McCayPublished 7 years ago in VivaIn Defense Of Minor Characters
We have seen what’s on the road. We’ve seen the drug hazed, beautiful rot that followed a generation of lost boys, straight out of Peter Pan, as they searched a postwar concealer-soaked country for an example–or even just an explanation–of masculinity and what it means to be a man. We’ve seen this trauma, but it would be foolish and a tad bit pig-headed to think that the trauma of the lost boys was the only one out there. Minor Characters is not only important, but it’s essential, because it shows us the generation of lost girls. The girls under glass and in the bell jar.
Destiny SmithPublished 7 years ago in Viva