Art by Chris ChenWhen I first entered the Pepperdine bubble as a freshman this past fall, I quickly realized how little sarcasm was appreciated and how I’d have to leave my playful banter habits back in New York, a land of blatant self-expression. In an attempt to maintain the cheery and positive attitude that exuded from most of the students I encountered, I tabled the … [Read more...] about Acknowledge Diverse Beliefs of the Real World on Campus
culture
Understand the Real Kanye
Art by Peau Porotesano Somewhere deep in my soul lies an affinity for people with personalities that the general public loathes. Kanye West is one of those people. Doused in controversy, fresh off stealing the Grammy spotlight from Beck, Mr. West still holds my affection. From “College Dropout” to “808s & Heartbreak” to “Yeezus,” he can do no wrong. From swiping … [Read more...] about Understand the Real Kanye
International Students Gain a Voice – But Is That Enough?
Art by Christopher Chen The number of international students in the United States is on the rise. This increase creates potential for more diversity and opportunity for cultural awareness, but it also brings many challenges and issues with welcoming international students into college communities. According to a study by the Institute of International Education, there are … [Read more...] about International Students Gain a Voice – But Is That Enough?
Charlie Hebdo Shootings Revive Cultural Questions of Old
Art by Sacha Irick I am not Charlie. I don’t expect Muslims to be either. We rightly regard the massacre of 10 journalists as a monstrous tragedy, but our reaction to it betrays a disconnect from the worldview of about two billion people. If the offices of the Westboro Baptist Church were blown up by a lunatic, no one in this country would claim solidarity with them and … [Read more...] about Charlie Hebdo Shootings Revive Cultural Questions of Old
Education without Borders
It's not that there are no creative types in higher education. It's that the ladder of modern education requires a level of organization and type-A memorization that often purges the system of the purely creative mind. Think back to high school. Perhaps this is a fallacy, but I remember far more artists, musicians and drama geeks — people who, while they tested poorly and … [Read more...] about Education without Borders
