Opinions

Communication Studies is a major often chosen by liberal arts students.  For those who don’t know what the major is about, it may seem cushy or just something to do if you don’t really like anything else. I understand where people who think that are coming from: before I started taking the classes I, too, was one of the people who asked “what the hell are you going to do with a Communication Studies degree after you graduate?”  It turns out the major is more than just “communications,” and is...

Editor's note: the article to which this letter responds can be found here: http://trail.pugetsound.edu/2015/03/universitys-research-on-rats-inhumane-usage-of-rat-testing-in-psychology-labs-is-unethical-cruel/ We are writing to respond to the opinion article entitled “University’s research on rats inhumane: usage of rat testing in psychology labs is unethical, cruel” in the March 6, 2015 Trail. The author inaccurately portrayed the course, publically spreading misinformation about it and its practices. As two psychology students who took the class, we would like to share our informed insights about the course and its value.  We will also clarify some of the author’s inaccuracies, and...

Looking at the news, it would appear that we are in the midst of a presidential election. But in reality, the next election is one and a half years away, which is an eternity in election politics. We’re barely halfway through Obama’s second term and he’s already being pushed out the door. This endless election cycle lessens the excitement of electing a president. It also leads to politics that are hyper-partisan, news that is sensational and an electorate that is misinformed. There is no reason to pay attention to the...

I’m voting for Austin and Alissa because I think they combined have the most experience both in broad leadership roles and ASUPS. In addition, I believe they are people of action and not merely talk and their values align with my own. I have faith that they are the best candidates to lead our school. -Caroline Harris I look up to both Alexia and Sergio for maintaining amazing leadership positions. I believe they will carry these titles with them into their positions in office and will only help to benefit...

As someone who is frequently in the midst of many female friends, it is not uncommon to hear the word “bitch” or “slut” thrown around in a casual, joking manner. For some who utilize these phrases, a social movement to reclaim derogatory terms may not be at the forefront of their mind. But the casual, habitual use of these words may be evidence of just that. There is indeed a well established effort in which women deliberately utilize the previously mentioned words, as well as many more—some which are traditionally...

Emojis: the charming, yet limited, illustrations of an already enigmatic text—and, according to Match.com, indicative of better sexual prowess.  Match.com conducted a small study using its big annual Singles in America survey, examining the dating lives of 5,675 American singles 18 and over.  As it turns out, emojis are a turn-on across the board. Among emoji users, 54 percent had sex in 2014, compared with only 31 percent  of non-emoji users.  Additionally, 52 percent of emoji enthusiasts went on a first date in 2014, compared with only 27 percent of...

If you haven’t heard of it, then you’ve been living under a Puget Sound rock. For those of you who don’t know, Yik Yak is a social media app where people can post their thoughts or musings on an anonymous forum. Sounds pretty cool, right? I agree; it sounds cool. All signs point to it being a great way to commiserate with those around you, as the app operates by proximity. It can potentially celebrate and promote a shared campus identity among students that isn’t always acknowledged. But that’s not...

The University of Puget Sound offers many resources to students, including the ability to take part in spiritual and religious life on campus. While the perception is that our student population is not particularly religious, the amount of ongoing support that religious clubs and programs receive is commendable. Alissa Charvonia, co-president of the Jewish student club Hillel, is proud of the work her club has done. “Events have gotten a lot more accessible,” Charvonia said. Dave Wright, University Chaplain and Director of Spirituality, Service & Social Justice, commented on the...

Just by simply walking around the Puget Sound campus, it is easy to see that electronic cigarette use is on the rise. Known as e-cigs, these cigarette alternatives are usually considered fairly inoffensive due to the light vapor that they produce and an odor much less noticeable than combustible cigarettes. Some restaurants and bars even allow them in places that are considered “non-smoking” areas. Studies from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that younger generations are becoming more and more attracted to e-cigs. Their results found that...

Many readers may be surprised to learn that there is a class in the Psychology Department at the University that conducts animal research. The course—the so-called “rat lab”—partners students with rats in order to understand how learning occurs and behaviors form. Students condition the rats to perform tricks, such as jumping through a hoop or shooting a ball into a goal, by withholding water from the animals until the student is satisfied with the result or the rat’s effort. Students typically devote the entire semester to teaching the rat to...

Recently, the events involving the Chapel Hill shooting, Charlie Hebdo, Boko Haram and ISIS have created a nationwide and even a worldwide discussion about Islam as a religion and the overwhelming use of violence in the name of or against Islam. Islamic Extremists Groups committed 6 percent of terrorist attacks on U.S. soil from 1980-2005 according to a study conducted by the FBI. I bring this up because it should be common knowledge that Islamist groups don’t dominate terrorism in the U.S. People of all religions and all backgrounds use...

The pay gap may not be as wide as it was 50 years ago, but it is still a major conversation point today. This infamous issue has been exposed, debated and even determined to be an outright myth by some. However, some states, such as Oregon, are addressing the issue head-on and are proposing bills intended to help decrease the discrepancy. According to the Oregon State Legislature website, two House bills were introduced in order to decrease the gender earnings gap. If approved, House Bills 2006 and 2007 would make...