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The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center

The Observer

The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center

The Observer

The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center

The Observer

MONIQUE JOHN, Managing Editor Emerita

All content by MONIQUE JOHN
EdX and CourseSmart products undermine the importance of professors and invade students’ privacy. (Hannah O’Donnell/The Observer)

When College And Technology Don’t Mesh

April 18, 2013
From Kindles to iPads (and even iPhones), students and educators alike have their favorite pieces of technology that make college life easier.
Once known as an off-shore banking paradise, Cyprus is now barely maintaining its status in the eurozone. (Courtesy of CIA/Wikimedia Commons)

Cyprus Shows Dangers of Poor Financial Decisions

March 27, 2013
Can’t place Cyprus on a map? Go and read the headlines; right now it’s one of the most important countries you’ve never heard of.
The incidents at Oberlin College this past month shows that even the most openminded among us are capable of dispelling hatred. (Photo Illustration by Brent Castillo/The Wichita Eagle/MCT)

Liberals Aren’t Exempt from Bias

March 11, 2013
Bigotry doesn’t start with a lynching or a hooded-white costume. It starts with a foolish assumption and an insensitive comment.
In a nation with such extreme opposing views on gun control, compromise is the first step to protecting lives. (Rick Hartford/Hartford Courant/MCT)

Americans Deserve Comprehensive Gun Control

March 6, 2013
A bi-partisan group of Senate leaders is now devising a plan to enforce a universal background check on those purchasing guns throughout the country.
Students are shortchanged with adjuncts and visiting professors that cannot be fully present on campus. (Tavy Wu/The Observer)

Forever a Visitor, Never a Resident

February 20, 2013
When I think about the future I sometimes see myself in a classroom—only this time I’m standing in front of school desks, not sitting in one.
Why is human life negotiated when money is involved? (Gerald S. Williams/Philadelphia Inquirer/MCT

A Woman’s Worth in the Catholic Church

February 20, 2013
I understand why people feel strongly saving young forms of life, but why does it have to be at the expense of the mother?
First Amendment aside, can't we share our views without unnecessarily offending others?

Who Said Jesus Was a Myth?

December 15, 2012
“American Atheists could have easily made their argument without gratuitously insulting a whole religious group.”
Charlie Martin, FCLC ’14, president of Rainbow Alliance holds a meaningful sign for Queer Prom attendees. (Ayer Chan/The Observer)

“Queer” Approved for Campus Social Events

December 12, 2012
“Prior to coming to Fordham, I wasn’t really familiar with the word ‘queer’ and its significance within the LGBTQ community,” Lauren Giangrasso, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’15 said.
Rainbow Alliance Holds its First "Queer Prom"

Rainbow Alliance Holds its First “Queer Prom”

December 6, 2012
On Dec. 4, FCLC's Rainbow Alliance held its first "Queer Prom" after the word "queer" is approved for social programming.
Mo' Problems Season Finale, Episode 7: She Said, She Said

Mo’ Problems Season Finale, Episode 7: She Said, She Said

December 4, 2012
Disturbed by an off-color remark from a classmate, Mo' talks racism at Fordham.
Mo' Problems, Episode 6: Ms. Fat Booty

Mo’ Problems, Episode 6: Ms. Fat Booty

November 20, 2012
Taken aback after hearing a compliment from a close male friend, Mo' finds a new appreciation for her global assets.
Though once dispatched to protect citizens,  stories of police officers and SWAT teams killing innocent victims are making headlines. (Karen T. Borchers/San Jose Mercury News/MCT)

Police Misconduct Needs More Attention

November 14, 2012
I urge my fellow citizens and our country’s law enforcement institutions to pay closer heed to these stories and to enact more severe punishments for police officers’ wrong actions that match the damage they have done.
Mo Problems

Mo’ Problems: Episode V, Operation Paycheck

November 7, 2012

Discouraged after attending an unfruitful job fair, Mo' changes strategies to find work after graduation. Want more Mo? Follow her on Twitter @MoniqueEJohn. 

What do you think you know about this woman without knowing her?(David Trotman-Wilkins/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

Rape, Fraud and the Welfare System

November 6, 2012
Recently revoked Pennsylvania bill reflects stereotypes of welfare recipients.
VIDEO: Mo' Problems, Episode 4: Stupid Mo'

VIDEO: Mo’ Problems, Episode 4: Stupid Mo’

October 24, 2012
In the fourth installment of "Mo' Problems," Opinions Editor Monique John shows the older folks that the younger generation isn't that lost after all.

Out of the Spotlight and Into the Voting Booth

October 24, 2012

After a frustrating debate season, I found the fourth and final presidential debate on Oct. 22 to be somewhat of a relief. I’m sure the setting of the debate had a lot to do with it: this time, the...

My Problem With Violentacrez, Reddit and Freedom of Speech

October 18, 2012
The banning of these subreddits is a direct response to the controversy surrounding Michael Brutsch.
VIDEO: Mo' Problems: Episode 3, Food Hangups

VIDEO: Mo’ Problems: Episode 3, Food Hangups

October 8, 2012
Think you have food issues? In the third episode of OBS TV's series, Mo' Problems, Opinions Editor Monique John talks about her unusual and frustrating food cravings due to stress and a million other things at once.
Chelsea’s Avenues: The World School is offering its students the most extravagant education money can buy. (Rex Sakamoto/The Observer)

Education is for the Elite

October 4, 2012
With a tuition priced at almost $40,000 and a neighborhood filled with chic condos, galleries and high-end retail shops, the K-12 World School is definitely for big shots only.
VIDEO: Mo' Problems: Episode 2, Lost in Textsation

VIDEO: Mo’ Problems: Episode 2, Lost in Textsation

September 19, 2012
In her second installment of Mo' Problems, Opinions Editor Monique John tackles miscommunication by way of text messaging between young couples and the way to deal with it.
Never fear! You’ll find your Prince Charming eventually. Just don’t expect him to be perfect. (Photo illustration by Sara Azoulay/The Observer)

From Disneyland to Cosmo Life

September 19, 2012
Many of us women start creating our own special image of him when we’re young. By “he,” I mean ‘the one,’ our Prince Charming.
VIDEO: Mo' Problems: Episode 1, Hair Grief

VIDEO: Mo’ Problems: Episode 1, Hair Grief

September 5, 2012
Meet Mo. She writes, she talks, she loves. Most importantly, she thinks. A lot. Sometimes too hard...Watch your favorite Observer editor solve everyday issues in her debut web series, "Mo' Problems."
Blacks supporting Chic-fil-A betrayed a group that has faced forms of discrimination similar to their own. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Pres/MCT)

Discrimination is Discrimination

August 22, 2012
“Adam and Eve NOT Adam and Steve!” is a line my pastor has bellowed in the sanctuary every now and then on Sunday mornings.
Chester French’s racy music video for “Black Girls” wrongly glamorizes black women as a sexual fetish. (KarmaLoopTV/YouTube.com)

“Black Girls” Music Video Missed the Mark

May 2, 2012
How sweet. Someone wrote a song just for me.
Fordham College at Lincoln Center’s construction site has reached new heights on the outdoor Plaza. (Charlie Puente/The Observer)

New Lincoln Center Library Building Plans Progress Quickly

February 15, 2012
Fordham’s plans to rebuild the Leo T. Kissam Memorial Library in the law school have reached new heights. The architectural firm Kevin Hom PC has recently been contracted to design the new library for all students at the Lincoln Center campus to be located in the current law school.
The Vagina Monologues will be held in the 12th floor lounge of the Leon Lowenstein building on March 24.  (Photo courtesy of Isis)

Counseling Services Now to Facilitate Vagina Monologues Debrief

February 4, 2012
This year, Counseling and Psychological Services will be present at the debrief following this year’s Fordham College at Lincoln Center
(Clarence Williams/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

Don Cornelius, 75, Dies of Gunshot Wound to the Head

February 1, 2012
Don Cornelius, producer and host of the television show “Soul Train,” was found dead today around 4 a.m. in his Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, home.
The new movie, "Red Tails" celebrates the heroic impact that African-American Tuskegee Airmen had during World War II.  (Lucasfilm/MCT)

A Lack of Female Leads in “Red Tails” is Historically Accurate, Not Sexist

January 28, 2012
The film “Red Tails” has two of my favorite things—one, it has a fantastic tribute to unsung black heroes that played a major role in American history.
Streets were crowded with scantily clad protestors, similar to the woman above, at the New York City SlutWalk in Union Square. (Katherine Fotinos/The Observer)

FCLC Students Join Protestors in NYC SlutWalk

October 5, 2011
Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) students joined thousands of protestors at SlutWalk NYC on Oct. 1.
Although the film version of “The Help” may merit critics’ remarks, the original novel successfully addresses race in 1960’s Jackson, Miss. (Courtesy of Dreamworks)

Misguided Criticism on Race Relations in “The Help”

September 21, 2011
“I refuse to see ‘The Help,’” one of my co-workers vehemently told me. He continued, “It’s an insult to black people and it suggests that black stories
Aimee Cox, a dancer-turned-professor, is one of Fordham’s new additions to the African and African  American Studies department. She will be teaching a new course, Black Feminism, this fall.  (Courtesy of Aimee Cox )

Getting to Know Dr. Aimee Cox

August 26, 2011
Aimee Cox, a dancer-turned-professor, is one of Fordham’s new additions to the African and African American Studies department. She will be teaching a new course, Black Feminism, this fall.
Politicians seem more concerned with attracting attention to themselves rather than the issues at hand. (Jeff Wheeler/Minneapolis Star Tribune/MCT)

A Congressional Circus: American Politics Turn Farcical

August 25, 2011
Parties’ Focus on Humiliating Each Other Leads to Downgraded Credit Rating
Courtesy of MCT

Tips for Staying Safe During Hurricane Irene

August 25, 2011
Fordham University is closing school on Sunday, Aug. 28. With the forces of Hurricane Irene still unseen, the people of New York need to be prepared! Here are some safety tips and precautions suggested by officials of the Fordham College at Lincoln Center’s Office of Residential Life and Office of Student Leadership and Community Development:

FCLC Enters a New Phase in Construction

August 25, 2011

Renovation of the Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) campus has reached a new phase of construction. Excavation for the new building that will house the Fordham Law School as well as student dormitories...

Black and Feminist Shouldn’t Be Mutually Exclusive

July 23, 2011

Published: April 13, 2011 “Feminism...ewww,” my 16-year-old younger sister uttered. Her voice struck an odd pitch, her spine quivered violently and as they squeezed together, the muscles in...

Students Picking Up Where Their Parents Left Off

July 20, 2011

Published: November 17, 2010 Almost three years into the economic recession, experts have recently found that American marriages have stayed strong in spite of the financial conflict that has plagued...

Facebook and the Lost Value of Privacy in Today’s Youth

July 19, 2011

Published: October 5, 2010 Video-sharing and social networking sites such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook are so widely used that they are becoming hallmarks of today’s world. Millions of people...

A New Way to Define Yourself During Your Defining Years

July 16, 2011

Published: September 22, 2010 “Well, what are you waiting for?” my blank piece of paper whispered to me as I stared at the professor’s assignment for the class. Another couple seconds passed before...

Study Finds Increased Hiring Trend for Spring 2011 Graduates

July 13, 2011

Published: April 20, 2011 Students at Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) reacted to recent studies revealing that there is a 21 percent hiring increase for spring 2011 college graduates. These...

Safety Abroad: Student Talks of Evacuating Egypt During Political Protests

July 12, 2011

Published: March 2, 2011 “At one point you could smell the tear gas from our apartment,” said Raquel Colon, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’10. “A lot of people were wounded. When...

Studies Find Clinical Depression on the Rise Among College Students

July 12, 2011

Published: February 2, 2011 More than half of students surveyed at Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) said their mental health affects them academically at least weekly, according to Counseling...

Fela: The Man, the Music and the Legend

June 28, 2011

Published February 4, 2010 Step inside the Eugene O’Neill Theatre and it will take you on a funky, psychedelic ride you could never have anticipated. The time is the summer of 1978. The place is musician...

Finding Middle Ground: FCLC Students Balance Personal Beliefs and the Catholic Policy of a Jesuit University

June 27, 2011

Published: October 22, 2009 From Manhattan’s racy billboards advertising the latest fashions from world-renowned designers, to the heart pumping beats flowing through iPod headphones blasting suggestive...

“Good Hair:” Not All About Weaves, Perms and Extensions

June 27, 2011

Published: November 5, 2009 “[M]y nappy hair isn’t worth anything?” asks a downtrodden Chris Rock in his recent film, “Good Hair.” In the film, Rock explores the hair culture within the black...

Black Actresses Struggle to Defy Set Stereotypes

June 25, 2011

Published: September 24, 2009 In 1939, Hattie McDaniel was the first African-American to win an award for her performance in the Hollywood Classic, “Gone with the Wind,” breaking the glass ceiling...

The Lost Value of Privacy

May 24, 2011

Video-sharing and social networking sites such as YouTube, Twitter and Facebook are so widely used that they are becoming hallmarks of today’s world. Millions of people across various age groups and...

Conference Held on Human Trafficking of Young Women

May 24, 2011

Activist Rachel Lloyd, founder of  Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS), spoke along with two other panelists at a conference addressing domestic human sex slavery and trafficking of young...

Students Discuss Latinas’ Status in the Workforce

May 24, 2011

“As Latinas, we bring a lot to the workplace,” Dr. Eglí Colón said. “We are leaders in our own homes and we need to believe in those skills.” Colón was speaking on March 8, International Women’s...

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