Opinion

Op-Eds

Little Barbershop of Horrors: The Bosses Revolt
By
Cameron Noble
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April 16, 2021
In this op-ed, Cameron Noble tracks the rise of anti-mask, anti-vax, anti-lockdown mobilization in our city -- including how local business owners are working together to 'end the lockdowns.'
Slander in Cinema
By
Aimée Anctil
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April 15, 2021
In this article, Aimee Anctil explores the oft-overlooked racist and homophobic tropes in 'Mean Girls' (2004) and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010). Anctil reminds us that "we can appreciate art, we must also criticize it for what it is. No art is without flaw, and no film is without its biases."
The 140 Billion Dollar Personality Cult
The 140 Billion Dollar Personality Cult
By
Katie Pedlar
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April 14, 2021
Katie Pedlar critiques the ethics and efficiency of high budget environmentalism. How does our fascination with technology convolute the priorities of environmentalism? And how are we to resist the charms of a handsome billionaire genius who claims to know what’s best?
Has City Hall Failed the Transgender Community?
Has City Hall Failed the Transgender Community?
By
Robert Gibson
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April 14, 2021
In this article, Robert Gibson explores the debate about change rooms at the Peterborough Wellness Centre--diving into whether or not transgender and non-binary folks are being heard by the City of Peterborough. In addition to pointing out some of the transphobic rhetoric being espoused by community members, Gibson interviews a transgender man to provide insight on the developing situation.
Why Now is the Time to Talk About Tuition
Why Now is the Time to Talk About Tuition
By
Maggie Piper
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April 13, 2021
In this op-ed, Maggie Piper explains how COVID-19 has exacerbated the unaffordability crisis in post-secondary education in the province of Ontario, and how legislators and administrators alike have failed to respond to students needs. Piper asks, "Is our educational funding model prepared for the next crisis?"
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The 140 Billion Dollar Personality Cult
The 140 Billion Dollar Personality Cult
By
Katie Pedlar
and
·
April 14, 2021
Katie Pedlar critiques the ethics and efficiency of high budget environmentalism. How does our fascination with technology convolute the priorities of environmentalism? And how are we to resist the charms of a handsome billionaire genius who claims to know what’s best?
Has City Hall Failed the Transgender Community?
Has City Hall Failed the Transgender Community?
By
Robert Gibson
and
·
April 14, 2021
In this article, Robert Gibson explores the debate about change rooms at the Peterborough Wellness Centre--diving into whether or not transgender and non-binary folks are being heard by the City of Peterborough. In addition to pointing out some of the transphobic rhetoric being espoused by community members, Gibson interviews a transgender man to provide insight on the developing situation.
Why Now is the Time to Talk About Tuition
Why Now is the Time to Talk About Tuition
By
Maggie Piper
and
·
April 13, 2021
In this op-ed, Maggie Piper explains how COVID-19 has exacerbated the unaffordability crisis in post-secondary education in the province of Ontario, and how legislators and administrators alike have failed to respond to students needs. Piper asks, "Is our educational funding model prepared for the next crisis?"
The Environment is Under Attack
The Environment is Under Attack
By
Robert Gibson
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March 24, 2021
Robert Gibson outlines the challenges faced by the public in recognizing issues of environmental concern in Ontario. Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) in particular, he says, threaten the public’s ability to challenge new developments put forward by the province and municipalities. Additionally, Bill 245, he calls “a clear bombardment of environmental rights” as it weakens citizens’ right to appeal environmental decisions.
Laurentian's Tensions
Laurentian's Tensions
By
Katie Pedlar
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March 17, 2021
Katie Pedlar dives into the dire financial situation at Laurentian University and questions if these circumstances could arise at Trent University. This article touches on administrative redundancies, international tuition and post secondary funding.
A Better Way to Talk About Crime
A Better Way to Talk About Crime
By
Alexia Kambanis
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March 16, 2021
In her second article of this series, Alexia Kambanis introduces a counter-example to her initial criticisms of local crime reporting: Arthur Newspaper! She explores how crime has been covered in Arthur's pages, and argues for crime reporting that accounts for context and empathy.
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On Trent Land: An ED-ucation
On Trent Land: An ED-ucation
By
Francene Francis
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March 3, 2021
Francene Francis interviews Edward (Ed) Smith, of the Society for Ecological Restoration, a student group at Trent. They discuss his views on the recently approved Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan, its environmental implications and what is says about Trent's future. Ed shares some of his environmental passions and the great work SER-TU has been up to in the past few years.
‘Video Killed the Radio Star?’ More like ‘The Network Killed the Lesbian Co-Star’
‘Video Killed the Radio Star?’ More like ‘The Network Killed the Lesbian Co-Star’
By
Aimée Anctil
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·
February 24, 2021
Aimee Anctil argues for the importance of high quality, complex, and realistic queer BIPOC representation in media. Pulling from shows like 'The Legend of Korra' and 'She-Ra and the Princesses of Power' Anctil underscores the impact queer BIPOC representation has had in her life. On the other hand, shows like 'The 100' and 'Riverdale' and basically everything produced by Netflix fail to give queer characters the story arcs they deserve. Tropes like bury your queers and queer-coding evil characters are harmful; “Children internalize it all, regardless of if they are aware of it or not.” Stay critical, Anctil implores, and demand better from the networks.
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