Alex Swanson

---

Millennials are not socially stunted by social media usage

It's time to get rid of racist sports mascots

US cannot ignore ongoing gun violence

It is probable people will always strive to adjust to their surroundings. Previously, a large problem with gun violence was that our nation was lulled into a false sense of security between mass shootings. We were appalled by Columbine, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook and too many other mass shootings. But as time passed after each horrific incident, we began to be unconcerned about gun violence until we were again shocked into caring by the next mass shooting. But, it seems to me that we may be moving away from becoming apathetic between shootings and instead, we are becoming apathetic toward the shootings even when they immediately occur. The news is filled with so many reports of mass shootings that it’s tempting to put the information out of our minds and focus on something more cheerful. The shootings today happen so frequently that there is no time to become apathetic between shootings, and we instead become apathetic directly in the face of them. We hear so many reports of shootings, and the reports eventually seem mundane to us.

Protecting your online reputation allows you to remain employable

Stop posting pictures or statuses about illegal activities on Facebook. According to Nolo-Law for All, two thirds of all recruiters and half of employers research their applicants’ online presence. Employers have been known to turn down applicants because of a negative photo, status or “about” page on their Facebook account.

Legislated civil rights for gays will minimize hate crimes

There are far too many issues happening in the world today for us to concern ourselves with who loves whom, and why. There is terrorism, nuclear warfare, global climate change, mass shootings, poverty and hunger, and yet we still have politicians spending their time arguing against gay marriage. The fact is that some men fall in love with other men, and some women fall in love with other women. Why concern ourselves with who people want to love? Love is love.

Documentary filmmakers open conversation about anti-Muslim rhetoric in American media

In response to the horrific Kenyan mall massacre, Fox News’ Bob Beckel recently declared, “No Muslim students coming here with visas. No more mosques being built here until you stand up and denounce what’s happened in the name of your prophet.” Needless to say, the controversial comment started an uproar in the media. One of the people currently pushing back against this comment is Muslim comedian Dean Obeidallah.

Climate change correlates with the times

I threw a piece of paper into the garbage today. Logically, I know that’s terrible for the environment. I understand that average surface area temperatures are projected to possibly increase 3 to 10 percent by the end of the century. I also know that one fourth of the earth’s species are predicted to be on the track to extinction by 2050 according to the Nature Conservatory. But, I didn’t recycle that piece of paper.