Open Space: Saviour complex isn’t helping AfricaI can’t count the number of blog and Facebook posts I’ve seen of the same ilk: some white, middle-class college kid takes a “voluntourism” trip to a developing country (usually in Africa), snaps a few photos of themselves with children in an inspirational T-shirt, and swings a hammer a few times over a week. World […] Continue Reading |
Open Space: ESL cuts privatization of English trainingIf anyone thinks the recent ESL cuts are the result of budget worries, they’re sadly mistaken. The problem of English language training and how it should be delivered in British Columbia is a decade-long debate. Taken from a sociological standpoint, a critical constructionist believes that social problems are constructed, conceived, and presented to the public […] Continue Reading |
Open Space: Encountering federal leaders, encountering hopeThings changed when Justin Trudeau came to town. The past few months have been an exciting time for members of the political science club at Camosun College. The club’s Facebook group saw some action in disputing municipal amalgamation, protests against the Canadian Federation of Students in Montreal, and controversial implications of Rob Ford antics in […] Continue Reading |
Open Space: God as man contributes to gender inequalityThe most powerful entity in the universe is god, and he’s a man. This belief has indirectly aided in the creation of a gender imbalance due to its monotheistic principals and has left me asking myself, “What, or who, represents women in Christianity?” Is there any valid point for god having a distinct gender? This […] Continue Reading |
Open Space: Motherhood is the unfinished work of feminismWhy is it that after all the work feminists have done it’s still thought that it should be women who give up their jobs to be stay-at-home parents while the men go to work? Here’s why: motherhood is the unfinished work of feminism. After all that feminism has done, it still has so much to […] Continue Reading |
Open Space: It’s not as easy as just givingEvents like the World Day of Giving portray that things are changing for the better. You know, as though the world is becoming a better place because people from countries around the world are making small donations to help those in need. I’m a little skeptical. Isn’t this just a Band-Aid? Think about it: sitting […] Continue Reading |
Open Space: Canada’s future in our hands, not looking goodWhat does it mean to be Canadian? If you’ve ever asked yourself that question and thought about it, I’m betting you found there’s no good answer. Individually, it’s hard to define what my identity is as a Canadian. Pancakes? Beavers? Maple syrup? Economically, Canada is the globe’s resource prostitute: it’s always there, ready to provide, […] Continue Reading |
Open Space: United Canada or American takeoverQuebec is one of my favourite provinces. It’s our country’s leading example of passion and Frenchness, two things I love deeply. Whether it’s through cultural preservation, students protesting tuition costs, or general indignation about goodness knows what, Quebec represents much of our nation’s vivre and spirit. It’s a riot! However, sometimes we err in thinking […] Continue Reading |
Open Space: The naked truthI went to my first nudist parade last year. It was a naked bike ride in Victoria protesting carbon gas emissions… at least I think that’s what it was for. The truth is, I just thought yelling in front of our government legislature completely nude was a great idea, no matter what it was for. […] Continue Reading |
Open Space: Gay Shame not all rainbowsThis year, in a haze of rainbow flags and sparkly confetti, I participated in my very first gay pride parade. With a big smile and a multicoloured parasol, I hid my urge to vomit while waving to all the people lining the streets enthralled in the extravagant floats and outrageous costumes. I was uncomfortable, and […] Continue Reading |
