Low Juror Compensation Harms Judicial Process

This article is the first installment of a column dedicated to addressing the problems jury duty both faces and creates. Juries often go undiscussed; when they are, the central theme is that juries are essential despite the associated inconveniences. My column will question why we remain passive about such an extremely flawed institution, especially when […]

The Degradation of Immigrants in America: An Analysis of Dehumanizing Linguistics  

Language is one of the most distinguishable founding elements of humanity. It is a basic principle of human development and existence, determining every interaction and relationship. A well known psychological theory championed by Sapir-Whorf states that language isn’t simply how we voice our thoughts; it shapes our ideas and perceptions of reality.[1] In accepting this, […]

The Thorn in Japan’s Side: Okinawa & The Relocation of the Futenma Base

On August 8th, the governor of Japan’s Okinawa prefecture passed away.[1] A polarizing figure, Governor Takeshi Onaga was well known for leading efforts to reduce U.S. military presence in Okinawa. Most notably, he opposed the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma from Ginowan to Henoko in Nago City.[2] In July 2017, Onaga even […]

Why Inequality Matters

In an adorable experiment known as the “Fairness Study,” two capuchin monkeys in separate cages are tasked with handing rocks to a researcher in exchange for pieces of cucumber. While both monkeys are willing to conduct this transaction, when one monkey begins receiving grapes as the other receives only cucumbers, the underpaid monkey becomes clearly […]

Quit Trying to Escape Identity Politics

Every movement we’ve ever had has sprung from another. I’m taking a freshman-level course in my final semester at Northeastern. Call it what you will, but I’ve found it’s extremely helpful in reevaluating my education and my perspective on more than just books. In week three, we spent the bulk of our time learning foundational […]

What is There to Fear About Social Justice?

The Arizona state legislature introduced a bill, HB2120, in January to limit school activities and courses that, amongst other things, “promote division, resentment or social justice toward a race, gender, religion, political affiliation, social class or other class of people.” This bill expands upon an existing law that banned Mexican-American studies courses in colleges and […]

Trumpian Collective Over Self

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” – Audre Lorde What’s a Tuesday night without curling up in a multi-colored quilt with some chardonnay to watch The Office, before being rudely interrupted by a call to discuss reconciling America’s many divisions after the inauguration? I’m constantly torn on […]

The Chinese Imperialist System in the Asian Century

*This article was originally published on April 30, 2017, at 8:52 PM Almost two decades into the 21st century we’re beginning to see a period of dramatic global political and economic uncertainty occurring concurrently with China’s steady and dramatic rise to superpower status. This will be an Asian century. In fact, it will be a Chinese […]

The Audacity of Coping: Trump’s America

I came to terms with some truths before Election Day, my first presidential election. I voted for Hillary Clinton with few qualms. Clinton is not perfect, but she can be pushed. She is ambitious, but she has a demonstrated history of fighting for the underdog. She is flawed, but she can be and has been […]

Putting “America First” by Recommitting to Global Health

On Monday, November 14th – six days after the presidential and congressional elections – I piled into an Enterprise rental car with a few friends, and we made the short trip up to Nahant, MA. Representative Seth Moulton was holding a town hall meeting at the public library there, and we hoped to speak to […]