Alyssa Lochen

OPINION

Abortion debate wrongly focused

By Benji Pierson and Alyssa Lochen | Mar. 10, 2010

The ever-raging abortion debate has made numerous headlines recently because of the near-constant protests by pro-life groups outside the Madison Surgery Center. As an avid proponent of a woman's right to choose, I always react to these demonstrations with anger and disgust. Nothing is more insulting and disrespectful to the women who have made this difficult and emotional choice than crowds spitting misnomers like ""murder"" and holding poster boards displaying pictures of aborted fetuses. Just thinking about it infuriates me.

OPINION

National Eating Disorder Awareness Month highlights need for sensitivity

By Alyssa Lochen | Feb. 22, 2010

February is National Eating Disorder Awareness Month. A variety of different eating disorders (EDs) exist, each with common warning signs. Of course, every individual varies, so this particular list of symptoms is neither comprehensive nor exclusive. However, these habits are typical among those suffering from an ED and increasing awareness of these common signs will hopefully help contribute to continued intervention and treatment of EDs.

OPINION

Female Halloween-wear matter of personal choice

By Alyssa Lochen | Oct. 14, 2009

As any veteran of a Madison Halloween will attest, the most commonly seen costume among female college students is some variation on a ""sexy profession"" theme. Though the costumes themselves are largely a non-issue, the judgment that many young women receive, especially by their fellow females, reflects a society fraught with fear of the expression of female sexuality.

OPINION

Co-op system no more inclusive than Greeks

By Alyssa Lochen | Sep. 24, 2009

Many criticize the Greek system for the exclusive social scene it promotes, often claiming that cooperatives are a more inclusive alternative. However, due to poorly run jury systems for selecting members, it appears that many co-ops are no more accepting than the fraternities or sororities of Langdon Street.

OPINION

Letter to the Editor

By Alyssa Lochen | Sep. 9, 2009

I am writing to respond to Andrew Carpenter's article, ""Prevention needed to combat anorexia."" I certainly appreciate Carpenter's concern with the health of his peers and I commend him for criticizing the unattainable beauty standards our society perpetuates. However, I felt that by making reference to the weight room at the SERF and the ""hottest"" women on campus, Carpenter still suggests that our main goal as young adults is to look good. In an article concerning struggles with body image, this notion of what is ""hot"" and what isn't seems misplaced and inappropriate.

Abortion debate wrongly focused

National Eating Disorder Awareness Month highlights need for sensitivity

Female Halloween-wear matter of personal choice

Co-op system no more inclusive than Greeks

Letter to the Editor

More articles »