ivyswinski-blog

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Rape Culture; It’s a Real Thing

Rape Culture. These are two words put together that confuse many people as some do not understand what it means. Urban Dictionary defines Rape culture “as a shaming of victims of rape, making women feel bad for having consensual sex, making fun and travailing rape”.  The definition right before the specific one just stated was simple “something that doesn’t exist. Rape culture is a completely made up concept.” These two definitions show the striking problem with the culture around rape.

           Rape culture is a real thing. There should not be a question about the validity of that sentence, however many do not believe in rape culture and victim shaming.  The statistics on rape are staggering. According to the website oneinfourusa.org, “one in four college women report surviving rape, 5% of women and 2.4% of men in in the US Military report sexual assaults or rape, and in cases where men rape female college students 72-81% are intoxicated. Women in sororities are 74% more likely to experience rape, and fraternity men are three times more likely to commit sexual assault.” These statistics are alarming; however some people still do not believe rape culture exists.

Politicians and celebrities have weighted in on rape culture. Todd Akin has probably one of the most well know ideas about rape stating in an interview in 2012 that “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut the whole thing down.” There are so many things wrong with this statement I do not even know where to start. The real problem with the quote is that an older white man is making statements as facts on a topic he clearly does not know much about. Todd Akin does not have a uterus, he has not been raped, and his lack of empathy to the situation is clear.

           Many believe that rape culture is a made up thing. It is not real; boys will be boys and so on. That is not the case. Rape culture is real. When a girl is raped one of the first questions asked is “What were you wearing”. It should not matter one bit what the girl was wearing. The question that should be asked is to the boy and should be along the lines of “what were you thinking, and why did you feel it was ok to objectify and violate a women who did not want to have sex with you.”  The woman’s story is many times brought into question, painting the victim in a terrible light. While there have been cases where women have made up that they were raped, that does not negate the fact that rape is still a prominent issue in society and needs to be treated as the heinous crime that it is.

           My opinion is that rape is something very few people understand or have empathy for. That does not mean that rape culture does not exist, and that does not mean that we as a society should engage in victim blaming and rape culture. Rape is a violation of someone in one of the most animalistic ways. Rape is not something that should be taken lightly and women should feel safe to come forward if they have been raped. But the culture around how we treat women needs to be the start. If we taught boys that women are not objects, then when they grow up they may not treat women as objects.

[ivyswinski-blog]

Tope 30 Break Up Songs to get You ready for your Spring Fling

It is finally spring, and with a new season comes new relationships. Are you trying to figure out how to get over your winter cuddle buddy so that you can move on to your spring fling?

Well here are some of the top 30 break-up songs to help you through this difficult time. Nava Silton, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Marymount Manhattan College, said "Music influences the brain and our mood states in a variety of ways. Different musical tunes and notes can elicit feelings of nostalgia, of elation, sadness, optimism, etc. The brain on music is a stimulated and perhaps a forever-changed brain."  Your brain and heart need time to heal, and music can help you move on.

Even Radio stations switch up their music in new seasons, Peter Silva a radio DJ for 94 HJY said “I work on a station with an AOR format. We don't vary much seasonally. Other formats do, however.” Radio stations have different formats, and they play music for the time, ever wonder why the winter seems to have all breakup songs and the summer tunes are bubbly with a sick dance beat? The radio stations know what you need in your music.          So go and listen to these songs, change your brain and get ready to move on!

1.Lips are Movin’ by Meaghan Trainer

If your other half cheated on you, this is the song to listen to. With the fast-talking lyrics you can call him out on his lying behavior.

2.      Borderline by Madonna

Madonna will always be a Queen, and if this boy is like a revolving door and taking you to the edge and back, it is time to exit the door girl!

3.      You don’t own me by Lesley Gore

Controling ex? Lesley know all about those guys, so croon along with her and sing out “You don’t own me!”

4.      You Oughta know by Alanis Morissette

No one does angst like Alanis, if this list is not enough then go listen to her album and you will be fine. So go wail on this one and feel the angst.

5.      Un-Break my heart by Toni Braxton

6.      Set Me free by The Supremes

Tell him to get out of your life; the Supremes understand how frustrating men can be!

7.      You’re so vain by Carly Simon

If you want to get drunk and do a karaoke song about your ex, this one is perfect.

8.      If I could Turn back Time by Cher

Feeling regretful about what you did to cause the breakup? Well Cher understands.

9.      It’s too late by Carol King

What to get back together? Feeling like a fool? Carol can relate, but it is ok to understand that sometimes it is just to late to save a relationship.

10.  Paint it Black by The Rolling Stones

Feeling depressed after your break up? Asking your self why the world is so happy? Then you and Mick have a lot to sing about in this song.

11.  Smoke get’s in your eyes by The Platters

It’s ok to cry it out after a break, and if anyone asks, just tell them; Smoke got in my eyes.

12.  Take it all by Adele

Hit those high notes with Adele knowing that after her break up she wrote an album and won a Grammy, you can come back too!

13.  It’s Over by Roy Orbison

It’s over, simple as that.

14.  Walk on by Dionne Warwick

While creating this list I was introduced to some new songs, this has got to be one of the saddest songs I have ever heard. Listen to this when you have time to fix your make up after.

15. You’ve lost that loving Feeling By The Righteous Brothers

Sometimes you just need to listen to two gorgeous men sing to you and cry.

16. My Heart was set on You by Sutton Foster

           Did you think he was perfect for you? Well you weren’t the only one.

17. Don’t think Twice, It’s all right by Bob Dylan

18 Total Eclipse of the Heart By Bonnie Tyler

           Felt like you were falling in love, only to find that you were actually just falling? Bonnie knows that feeling too, so turn around bright eyes and pay attention to what she has to say.

19. Take another little piece of my heart by Janis Joplin

Janis can wail like no one! Feel like he took your heart? Well cry out in pain while singing this number

20. I want to come over by Melissa Etheridge

           And now to the stalking side of a break up, just do not actually go to their house.

21. Blow Me (one last Kiss) by P!nk

P!nk is perfect, and he can blow you one last kiss while you walk out that door.

22. Go Now by Moody Blues

23. It Ain’t me Babe by The Turtles

24. Trouble By Taylor Swift

           T-Swift always knows what we are feeling.

25. It’s Not Right But it’s Ok by Whitney Huston

           Personally I would listen to the Darren Criss’s version. But Whitney is amazing. (FYI you’re gonna make it any way)

26. Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac

Go your own way girl! Walk away.

27. These Foolish Things by Bryan Ferry

28. Red Rubber Ball by The Cyrkle

           This was just too silly not to include.

29. Since You Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson

           You are free now, so go out in the spring air and take a deep breath!

30. Single Ladies by Beyoncé

           You are single!!!!! Queen B is telling you to go out and have fun! Get ready for the spring months and get back out there.

[ivyswinski-blog]

The Newest High School Comedy; The Duff sweeps theaters and entertains audiences

I’m the Duff, and so are you. That is the sentiment one gets when leaving Hollywood’s newest take on a high school romantic comedy, The Duff. As someone who thinks Nora Ephron walks on water and When Harry met Sally is one of the greatest movies ever made, I had high hopes and expectations for a movie that looked as good as The Duff, and was not disappointed.

               The setting is your all-American high school, senior Bianca (played by Mae Whitman) has the startling realization that she is the Designated Ugly Fat Friend or the Duff. What ensues is a coming of age tale where she tries to un-duff herself with the help of her next door neighbor and most popular guy in school Wesley (played by Robbie Amell).  

               Now is when you may be asking yourself, haven’t we seen this before? How is this different from any other High School Comedy?  Why should I go see another drawn out High School movie of the supposed best time of my life? The answer is simple; Josh A. Cagan.

               If you have no idea who that is do not feel bad. Josh A Cagan is the screenplay writer of The Duff; his other credit is the 2009 movie Bandslam. Cagan’s involvement in this movie is a game changer. The script is funny and engaging. The characters are unique while falling into the stereotypes of high school. Bianca who could have easily gotten on people’s nerves with her pessimistic attitude  does not. The dialogue is so funny, but also heartfelt. The script touches on feelings everyone one has, that they are the outsider. I am the one who is different. I am the Duff. The movie has a message of being one’s self, but not in a cheesy and cliché way, which is not always the case with High School movies.

               The narrative is overdone but this version is new and inventive.  The Duff gives some surprises while conforming to the script of high school comedies. There were some scenes that went on, or might have been able to cut, but overall everything enhanced the story. The use of social media with in the movie is well done and shows realistically how news is spread in a high school. Performances from Allison Jennings and Ken Jeong are great as supporting characters to the two leads, Mae Whitman and Robbie Amell, whose chemistry, rivals that of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

               High School Romantic Comedies are a category that divides movie goers. Some love it, others hate it. The Duff manages to be heartfelt and a breath of fresh air in this category, it is an instant classic that will satisfy all in the crowd and will be around for years to come.

           The Duff is currently in theaters.

[ivyswinski-blog]

New Dean of Students and Diversity Officer Christine Gregory is formally welcomed to Marymount Manhattan College

Christine Gregory the new Dean of Students and Diversity Officer of Marymount Manhattan College was formally welcomed into the college’s community by way of a reception in the Regina Peruggi room on Wednesday, February 25, followed by a screening of the movie Dear White People.

Carol L. Jackson, Vice President for Student Affairs and the Division of Student affairs hosted the event. The purpose was to welcome Gregory and have a chance for students, faculty, and staff to get to know her better. Gregory arrived at Marymount about a month ago, and has hit the ground running.

During her remarks Gregory thanked the college community for making her feel included and a part of the community, stating it felt like she was still in the Midwest, and that she had not expected such a warm welcome. While it has only been a month, Gregory said it felt like six, in a good way, and that she was enjoying her work.

Gregory has worked as a consultant on diversity for various organizations such as The Urban Alliance Foundation, and Neighborhood Legal Services Program. She specializes in designing and implementing diversity and inclusion focused programs in businesses, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations. She is currently coming from a six-year post at the University of Michigan Law School, where she was the Dean to Students. At University of Michigan she led numerous diversity and inclusion initiatives and was awarded the University of Michigan’s Distinguished Diversity Leaders Award in 2012.

One concern during the interview process was if Gregory would be able to transition from working with graduate students to undergrad students as their needs are different. However Gregory has transitioned smoothly according to Jackson. Gregory was said to be first choice throughout the interview process. She was interviewed by a board of people made up of students, faculty, and staff.  

“She is my new Supervisor, and has been open, welcoming, and ready to get down in the dirt, while being open to students” said Briana Fitzpatrick, the program Assistant in the Department of Student Development and Activities, about Gregory while at the event.

With the new edition to the Student Affairs department, rumors started that Carol Jackson may be leaving. Jackson quickly shot down those rumors, and simply stated that she and Gregory are going to be sharing the workload and the amount of students both are responsible for.

Gregory spent most of the evening trying to talk with as many people as possible; she said to end her remarks “It’s always nice to know where you fit in and it feels like this little perfect spot I just stepped into here.”

[ivyswinski-blog]

UPDATE: Still tied, Run- off election MArch 3; Paul Johnson and Rebecca White Tie in presidential race- SGA to recount

UPDATE: The SGA recounted and the result is the vote is tied,  run-off election for president on March 3. Presidential election this morning between two seniors end in a tie with White calling for recount.This is the first tie in the school's history.

Contentious Election