Stride & Saunter

As we grow older and explore the world we live in, especially in college and the years beyond, we come to reexamine our relationships and the status they hold. Our values develop, our priorities shift and our definitions of love and friendship might also change. In this process, many of us establish chosen families - those without biological ties with whom we share strong bonds of affection and trust. This week we welcome Qossay Alsattari to discuss our expectations and opinions on the concept of a chosen family and its function in our lives.

With so many factors to manage in our daily lives, many of us might forget about the integral role health and systems of government both play. For the people of Flint, Michigan, deliberate neglect, mistrust and abuse of power have led to an atrocious water poisoning at the hands of politicians. Over the course of the past few years, democratic abilities were withheld from citizens and those who protested water discoloration and taste were told the situation was under control. Only now, after details have come to light, has public discourse taken this issue into consideration. Regardless, certain damage has been done to both the people of Flint and their trust.

With so many factors to manage in our daily lives, many of us might forget about the integral role health and systems of government both play. For the people of Flint, Michigan, deliberate neglect, mistrust and abuse of power have led to an atrocious water poisoning at the hands of politicians. Over the course of the past few years, democratic abilities were withheld from citizens and those who protested water discoloration and taste were told the situation was under control. Only now, after details have come to light, has public discourse taken this issue into consideration. Regardless, certain damage has been done to both the people of Flint and their trust.

With so many factors to manage in our daily lives, many of us might forget about the integral role health and systems of government both play. For the people of Flint, Michigan, deliberate neglect, mistrust and abuse of power have led to an atrocious water poisoning at the hands of politicians. Over the course of the past few years, democratic abilities were withheld from citizens and those who protested water discoloration and taste were told the situation was under control. Only now, after details have come to light, has public discourse taken this issue into consideration. Regardless, certain damage has been done to both the people of Flint and their trust.

A country, like any larger system, group or society, should take the time to reflect on its growth, progress and flaws every so often. That is one of the principles behind the State of The Union Address. The American people (like those watching elsewhere) hear about the status of the country from the standing President. Our conversation this week focuses on the tone President Obama took, the attention he gave to certain issues, those he declined to discuss and the values behind his speech. It should be noted that we do not comment from a place of political expertise but rather social observation.

A country, like any larger system, group or society, should take the time to reflect on its growth, progress and flaws every so often. That is one of the principles behind the State of The Union Address. The American people (like those watching elsewhere) hear about the status of the country from the standing President. Our conversation this week focuses on the tone President Obama took, the attention he gave to certain issues, those he declined to discuss and the values behind his speech. It should be noted that we do not comment from a place of political expertise but rather social observation.

A country, like any larger system, group or society, should take the time to reflect on its growth, progress and flaws every so often. That is one of the principles behind the State of The Union Address. The American people (like those watching elsewhere) hear about the status of the country from the standing President. Our conversation this week focuses on the tone President Obama took, the attention he gave to certain issues, those he declined to discuss and the values behind his speech. It should be noted that we do not comment from a place of political expertise but rather social observation.

While issues of gender take many forms in our society, some more nuanced than others, cultural bias and opinions are particularly evident in performative spaces and professions. This week we welcome Olivia Sanabria to discuss the relationship between female comedians and culture. What are our underlying expectations and pre-conceived notions of femininity and how do they relate to the societal commentary and entertainment found within comedy? How do confidence, personal voice and critical, resistant response relate to the field of comedy?

While issues of gender take many forms in our society, some more nuanced than others, cultural bias and opinions are particularly evident in performative spaces and professions. This week we welcome Olivia Sanabria to discuss the relationship between female comedians and culture. What are our underlying expectations and pre-conceived notions of femininity and how do they relate to the societal commentary and entertainment found within comedy? How do confidence, personal voice and critical, resistant response relate to the field of comedy?

While issues of gender take many forms in our society, some more nuanced than others, cultural bias and opinions are particularly evident in performative spaces and professions. This week we welcome Olivia Sanabria to discuss the relationship between female comedians and culture. What are our underlying expectations and pre-conceived notions of femininity and how do they relate to the societal commentary and entertainment found within comedy? How do confidence, personal voice and critical, resistant response relate to the field of comedy?