Opinions - The Spectrum

OPINION

UB administrators need to hear black students’ cries for help

By Editorial Board | Mar. 3, 2019

UB says it’s a “diverse” and “inclusive” learning environment. But the number of black tenure-track faculty has decreased 44 percent since 2004. The Educational Opportunity Program’s future is in question. And the African and African American Studies program is struggling and virtually hidden on the top of Clemens Hall. UB administrators need to address and fix these glaring problems instead of pretending they don’t exist or making excuses.

OPINION

My journey back to harmony

By Cherie Jacobs | Mar. 3, 2019

I was under the impression for most of my life that I had to be a “good girl” and that I had to bury myself in order to fit into societal and cultural standards. My parents sent me to an all girls high school under the guise that “all boys were the devil” and I didn’t need any distractions. The funny thing is that I wasn’t concerned with them. I studied, yes, but I was too busy looking at the girls.

OPINION

Letter to the editor

Mar. 3, 2019

Imagine That Last week the Faculty Senate Executive Committee voted down a resolution to support a living wage for graduate assistants. The 12-3 vote was largely based on two objections: that faculty should not tell the administration to fund something they clearly do not support, and that graduate students’ expectations for debt-free education are unrealistic.

OPINION

A hostless award show still perseveres

By BRIAN EVANS | Feb. 28, 2019

People expected little of the Oscars this year. The 2019 award ceremony, although hostless, still found moments of surprise and intrigue, ranging from Spike Lee’s long-awaited statue to one of the more heartwarming –– yet awkward –– moments between “A Star is Born” leads Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper where the two stars nearly kissed. But that wasn’t all.

OPINION

U.S. should offer humanitarian aid to Venezuela without political agenda

By Editorial Board | Feb. 28, 2019

Venezuela is in a state of crisis. Children are dying of hunger. The country’s inflation rate is expected to increase by 10 million percent this year. Food is nearly impossible to afford. Education is an afterthought.

OPINION

Help wanted: a sign for the times

By Isabella Nurt | Feb. 25, 2019

If you’re looking for a job, you’re in luck because help-wanted signs seem to be strewn everywhere these days. I waited in line for 20 minutes at Tim Hortons drive-thru just the other day for an egg and cheese croissant. When I pulled up to the window, a sweaty teenage boy handed it to me in a huff and said, “Sorry, we’re super low on people lately.”

OPINION

My mom thinks my ass is ‘all over the internet’

By CHARLOTTE VALENTINE | Feb. 25, 2019

Leaked nudes and revenge porn are topics I am all too familiar with. 2016 was a weird year for me. It ended with Drug Dealer Dan, as mentioned in my previous column. But it started even worse: my boyfriend of three years cheated on me.

OPINION

Zion’s shoe debacle

By NATHANIEL MENDELSON | Feb. 25, 2019

The NCAA has used a false notion of amateurism as a way to siphon revenue that would otherwise be used to protect college athletes. Duke basketball player Zion Williamson made headlines across the internet, as his shoe literally exploded, and he sustained a mild knee injury.

OPINION

Misgivings at the movies

By SAMANTHA VARGAS | Feb. 21, 2019

Convicted serial killer Ted Bundy returned to public consciousness in light of the 30th anniversary of his death and the controversial biopic premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. John Wayne Gacy, Aileen Wuornos, Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy have all previously been the topic of Hollywood biopics.

OPINION

This column only applies to a select few men

By JACKLYN WALTERS | Feb. 21, 2019

We’ve all seen it before: someone tweets “men are trash.” Women respond in solidarity, sharing their own –– often chilling and life-threatening –– experiences.

OPINION

I deleted my social media

By LEAH HIGGINS | Feb. 21, 2019

After months of deleting the apps on my phone only to re-download them in moments of boredom, I finally deleted my accounts on all but one social media platform. This seemingly inconsequential act has had a profound impact on my life so far.

OPINION

President Trump’s ‘national emergency’ is no emergency; it’s a mess

By Editorial Board | Feb. 17, 2019

On Friday, President Donald Trump announced a “national emergency” at the border. He said immigrants were coming to the U.S. more “than probably we’ve ever had before.” He said most drugs don’t come in from “ports of entry.” He also said immigrants invade the U.S. with crimes.

OPINION

Where’s my cut?

By BRIAN EVANS | Feb. 17, 2019

The Spectrum was denied press for this year’s Comedy Series performance, the first time this has happened in the last few years. But that didn’t stop Mulaney from using Spectrum coverage for material on stage.

OPINION

Can you explain the Dow?

By Isabella Nurt | Feb. 17, 2019

I’m 16 and I’m watching Margot Robbie explain subprime mortgages while she’s taking a bubble bath in the film, “The Big Short.” “These risky mortgages are called subprime, so whenever you hear subprime, think s––t,” she said and tosses back a glass of champagne.

OPINION

5/24/14

By ERIK TINGUE | Feb. 14, 2019

When I first met my girlfriend five years ago in high school, I was rocking the 2009 Justin Bieber hairstyle. I wore snapbacks, dressed in clothes that probably did not fit me and put on high-top Jordan shoes every day. I still do not know what she saw in me, but I am grateful she saw something.

OPINION

UB should make lockdown drills mandatory

By Editorial Board | Feb. 14, 2019

A year ago, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School galvanized the world when they marched and protested for stricter gun regulations after an armed student killed 17 of their friends and schoolmates. The high school students became media sensations as they charged legislators to be “adults” and protect kids.

Ariana Grande’s fifth studio album, “Thank U, Next,” came out last week after the success of the record’s two No. 1 singles.

OPINION

A love letter to her fans

By BRENTON J. BLANCHET | Feb. 14, 2019

It's hard to watch someone you admire suffer. Last year, my favorite musician lost someone she loved and still became the general public’s scapegoat for his death. TMZ then reported she broke off her engagement with her fiancé and she was laughed at for the short-winded relationship.

OPINION

Should I stay or Trivago?

By BENJAMIN BLANCHET | Feb. 11, 2019

We’ve all been there. Looking for the ideal hotel at the best price. For me, a 23-year-old man, I only use Trivago. So does Tim Williams, the grey-fox spokesperson for the online hotel monarchy.

OPINION

What I learned in pole dancing class is...

By CASSIANA ENDERLE and SAVANNA CALDWELL | Feb. 11, 2019

We’ve all heard someone say it. “I’m just gonna drop out and become a stripper.” If you think stripping is an easy alternative to college, we’ve got news for you. It hurts.

OPINION

The night I don’t remember with the drug dealer I wish I could forget

By CHARLOTTE VALENTINE | Feb. 11, 2019

Let me tell you a story about the night I blacked out. The story actually begins the morning after. I woke up in my dorm room in only a bra. My phone, keys, the rest of my clothes and my dignity were nowhere to be found.