The Optimist
You are here: Home / Opinion

A note on Valentine’s Day, after the fact

by

"Look at all the things no one will be buying us," I said to a friend as I gestured to a table full of stuffed bears and candy hearts. That was only a few days after New Years, but alas, the omens of Valentine's Day have vanished faster than Abilene's winter weather and just in time to make room for shamrocks and green tinted foods. I am not ... [Read More…]

Tough majors are a gift

by

Last week Brittany Jackson wrote a column titled "Why college journalism is the toughest thing I've done." That week she spent countless hours working on the 24-page, Sing Song edition of the Optimist. You too may feel like you're drowning in your major, or maybe your loans, and you also have a list of why it's so hard. But whether you think ... [Read More…]

Apple is right to deny FBI demand

by

The ongoing fight between the government and technological companies has blown up with the recent FBI demand that Apple create a software to hack into a dead criminal's iPhone. Apple denied the command and made the right decision in doing so. The repercussions could be too big if they help the FBI crack the phone's code. The iPhone belonged ... [Read More…]

Barbie: a new ally in the fight for body and race representation

by

Barbie steps out of the Dream House and into reality as Mattel releases a new line of dolls in various skin tones and body types. Mattel's decision is the latest addition to a trend among major companies producing body positive images and products for young girls and women. Diverse body and race representation is finally being implemented by ... [Read More…]

I wasn’t meant to be a Westerner

by

My hair extends about five inches in all directions from my scalp in a rounded, curly afro. Since Sunday night, I've been trying to figure out what I'm going to do to make it fit under my foam cowboy hat for the senior Sing Song. I've thought of putting it in a bun, but it's not long enough in the back to put on top of my head. I've thought ... [Read More…]

Sing Song tradition key part of who we are at ACU

by

If anyone were to walk on campus this week, they'd most likely leave covered in glitter. If they stood still long enough, they might end up with rosy red circles and exaggerated painted eyelashes on their face. Slap a bow on their head, and they are ready to roll. If said hypothetical individual has never encountered such phenomena, they are likely ... [Read More…]

Lost in the Election

by

I WAS GOING TO CRITIQUE THIS, BUT IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE FINISHED, RIGHT? Election season is one of the most complicated, divided and stressful times within our nation. Red, white and blue hang around our necks and stand on our yards in proclamation of new order and corresponding rulers. Voices leak through the TV and radio screaming "VOTE! ... [Read More…]

Bernie Sanders campaign captures the promise of youth

by

Eighty-four percent of Iowan democrats under the age of 30 just voted for a gruff grandfatherly socialist from New Hampshire. The unpolished aura of the self-proclaimed democratic socialist captivates our youngest voting bloc, 18-24 year olds, and inspires millennials across the nation to "Feel the Bern." Sanders' unexpected dash to the top of the ... [Read More…]

What is Zika and how did we get here

by

The Zika virus seems to be a case of déjà  vu for many. We all remember hearing about the Ebola virus on the other side of the world. Many of us at ACU also remember the powerful, terrifying experience alumnus Dr. Kent Brantly recounted in the fall of 2014. Just like Ebola, we in America are just now hearing about this incurable virus. We should ... [Read More…]

You are here: Home / Opinion