For most people, both within Turkey and outside, the military coup attempt on the night of July 15th was the last thing anybody expected….Continue Reading A View From the Turkish Coup
A View From the Turkish Coup
Archive
Facebook Activism: Beyond the Like
During the summer, a recent Amherst graduate shared an article on Facebook about the black rights movement. As usual, I read the accompanying quote, skimmed the article, and tossed the post a like….Continue Reading Facebook Activism: Beyond the Like
Clash of the Coasts
In the weeks leading up to my move from California to Massachusetts, my parents continuously asked if I was at all nervous. And every time I simply thought, why would I be? I’m just going to school on another coast with students from all over the place? I thought I wouldn’t be in for any…Continue Reading Clash of the Coasts
Crohn-sitioning
The transition to college, a rite of passage for many, represents the final shedding of the vestiges of childhood. Teary parents deposit their progeny in an alien environment teeming with ice cream socials and deluges of information sessions. These teenagers, equipped with their smartphones and freshly minted student IDs, must navigate a novel social atmosphere…Continue Reading Crohn-sitioning
Letters from Tyler
Dearest Companion, I have received your most recent correspon- dence and I regret to inform you that I am unable to attend your formal gathering— which you have so delicately titled “Getting Hammered”—at your domicile, located so conveniently within the veritable confines of Amherst College campus. I’m afraid, dear friend, I am somewhere far far…Continue Reading Letters from Tyler
Day-breaks
so gather up the dust that dwells below bed, the real stuff of dreams;…Continue Reading Day-breaks
I found ideas of madness at your door
He howled against the stupidity of paper walls. Letters never swelled with lips or chest, Like a mind wholly mind, perching Its gooey wings; but still its shit Hit hard ground, hardly a ground That was mine to understand, Although inhuman, always of the world….Continue Reading I found ideas of madness at your door
Cherry Pie
In this star-spangled, god fearing country the orange-clad are granted a final meal before they’re offed….Continue Reading Cherry Pie
The Jerry Springer Show
As I grow older, I appreciate villainy more and more. I appreciate it not only because superheroes bore me (Superman=Jesus), but because doing good is its own reward. The motivation for doing bad things is fundamentally more interesting….Continue Reading The Jerry Springer Show
Nausea
They told me to Celebrate William Shakespeare’s birthday by eating dessert before dinner! I’m confused. What could Shakespeare possibly have to do with breaking the dinnertime rules that my poor hardworking mother drilled into my head? I can hardly begin to consider how Ma would feel—they’re already telling me to Come for the food and…Continue Reading Nausea
A Jog Down Main Street
Though I’d like to say I’m creative when it comes to where I jog, this isn’t the case. Wherever I run, I stick to a few favorite paths. I have three in my hometown, one at my grandparents’ in Philadelphia, and four in Amherst. Known to most runners are the Norwottuck Rail Trail, the Emily…Continue Reading A Jog Down Main Street
The Sickening
“Feminism is cancer. Thank you very much.” With those words, Milo Yiannopoulos sat back down in his chair, not thirty seconds after walking to the podium and beginning the talk….Continue Reading The Sickening
Let’s Get Married
We sat on the couch in front of the TV, in our Friday night spots. Lazy six’o’clock pink leaked in through white condo slits. Beautiful, but at the wrong angle—blinding….Continue Reading Let’s Get Married
Exploring Environmentalism with Wolves
As I am falling asleep in my room back home, I occasionally hear the wolves howling on the other side of our lake. I know these mournful cries belong to the wolves because, unlike coyotes, their notes are sustained across a single legato wail….Continue Reading Exploring Environmentalism with Wolves
Introversion
Before I was old enough to know the word “introvert”, along with its societal implications, I was its embodiment. …Continue Reading Introversion
The Value of Philosophy
“What are you possibly going to do with a philosophy degree?” I’ve fielded this question and others like it more times that I care to recall. The inquirer usually raises an eyebrow, then casts me a pitying glance as they envision my inevitably unemployed future. Then, with a conspiratorial wink, they’ll lean in (often so…Continue Reading The Value of Philosophy
His and Hers, Abroad
It all started with Tpain. On a night damp with rain and cheap beer, we “met.” The time following spring concert was bound by the hyperspeed that is true of Amherst spring. In what seemed like a week, we shared phone numbers, then time, then hopes….Continue Reading His and Hers, Abroad
Non-Profit and Government Trek 2016
Finding our way in a chaotic post-undergraduate world “Do you need any help?” I ask the group leaders in front of me. We’re at a busy intersection, waiting for the crosswalk to turn white. It’s a welcome reprieve from all the walking we’ve been doing the past few days. Our days on the trek are…Continue Reading Non-Profit and Government Trek 2016
In Defense of Frost First Floor
While I was waiting to fill up my water bottle on the first floor of Frost at the Brita station that is always mysteriously and troublingly slow, I began to look at the Frost comment cards posted to the bulletin board. Most of the comments addressed how wonderful the library and its staff are, yet…Continue Reading In Defense of Frost First Floor
The Life of Pablo
The legend of Kanye West is as well substantiated as it is disseminated: in the barren post-gangsta era of the early 2000s, Kanye revitalized the genre by introducing soul-infused production and quality lyricism defined by bold juxtaposition of genuine introspection with tremendous braggadocio. Kanye continued to rip holes in the fabric of Hip-Hop for the…Continue Reading The Life of Pablo
In-Betweeners
During my freshman year, I wrote an article for the Indicator about cultural assimilation. I discussed coming to terms with being half Mexican-American and half white. With a topic so large, I didn’t necessarily come to a conclusion. The piece was more of a reflection on identity. I expressed the need/desire for second and third generation…Continue Reading In-Betweeners
(Very) Short Stories
Rich Words His grandmother sends him a book called The Thinker’s Thesaurus. The book is in its expanded third edition. It promises to provide sophisticated alternatives to common words. On the back cover, a white male linguist praises it: “This magisterial reference work is clear and authoritative. It will help you preserve the highest layers…Continue Reading (Very) Short Stories
On Self-Love
Today, I am a confident female with active goals and dreams so big that I tend to become uncomfortable telling others about them. I am of African-American, Indian, and Caucasian descent. I consider myself a child of God, who happens to be my Heavenly Father. Thus, I am royalty and entitled to the desires…Continue Reading On Self-Love
Reflections on Amherst Uprising
Wake-Up Call When I woke up on the morning of November 12th, 2015, grudgingly emerging from beneath my warm blanket, my first thought was of a phone interview scheduled for later that day. My second thought was wondering if I’d have enough time to grab a quick breakfast. My third, whether I could find any…Continue Reading Reflections on Amherst Uprising
Coming Out
Sitting in the Snow “There’s one more thing you better understand. I have taught myself to sew, cook, fix plumbing, build furniture – I can even pat myself on the back when necessary – all so I don’t have to ask anyone for anything. There’s nothing I need from anyone except for love and respect. And…Continue Reading Coming Out
Bye Bye Socials
The future of Amherst social life looms before us– a nebulous, half-formed vision, at best. The pending demolition of the Socials stirs mixed emotions in the community. And the most we can do is speculate about what lies ahead. I would describe my relationship with the Socials as “ambivalent”. I don’t invest too much hope in my…Continue Reading Bye Bye Socials
Volume XXXIX, Issue 2
April 3, 2015 XXXIX Issue 2 Full Issue PDF…Continue Reading Volume XXXIX, Issue 2
Volume XXXIX, Issue 1
February 27, 2015 Volume XXXIX Issue 1 Full Issue PDF…Continue Reading Volume XXXIX, Issue 1