ALEXANDER MUSE / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Koldas calls for both YouTube and its viewers to take a more active role in detecting child abuse in family content on the platform.

YouTuber parents’ exploitation of children has to stop

By BUSE KOLDAS | October 30, 2023

The dangerous side of family vloggers most recently came into global discussion following a scandal involving YouTuber Ruby Franke, who was more popularly known by her family content channel “8 Passengers.” Franke has recently been charged with child abuse and was arrested in August after authorities found a malnourished child with “open wounds and duct tape on their extremities.” This is proof that YouTube’s child protection policies must be improved.

Reflecting on the role of The News-Letter in campus discourse

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | October 26, 2023

The News-Letter published an op-ed last week titled “The Israel-Hamas war is not too complicated for Hopkins students,” which took a pro-Israel stance on the conflict. Following its publication, The News-Letter and the article’s author received backlash for its lack of historical context on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

STIG NYGAARD / CC 2.0
In 2004, an art installment at the Roskilde Festival encouraged attendees to sign the wall to promote peace and protest a wall being built in Palestine.

We have lost sight of the bigger picture in Gaza

By HAMAD HAMAD | October 26, 2023

As the world watches on and argues about who or what to condemn that led us to this reality where thousands have been killed in Gaza with no ceasefire in sight, we must ask ourselves what we would like to happen. Do we just want a world of retaliation and retribution, or do we desire a meaningful solution?

Letter to the Editor 10/18/23

By RAYMOND PEREZ | October 22, 2023

In response to “The Israel-Hamas war is not too complicated for Hopkins students” published October 18, 2023:

DEANS CHARBAL / CC BY-SA 4.0
The New York City community held a vigil on Oct. 9 for Israeli victims of Hamas’ attack.

The Israel-Hamas war is not too complicated for Hopkins students

By CHARLIE MARGULIES | October 18, 2023

If you ask Hopkins students about what is going on between Israel and Hamas, a common answer you’ll receive is, “It’s complicated.” What’s weird is that this refrain is all that so many people have to say, and that doesn’t quite sit right with me.

MARK DIXON / CC BY 2.0 DEED
The Editorial Board hopes that the new School of Government and Policy will increase collaboration between STEM and the social sciences to bridge the gap between policy and research.

Politicians need to get behind the Petri dish

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | October 12, 2023

When we mention to people back home that we go to Hopkins, many of us are asked if we want to be doctors. While it is true that pre-med culture is prominent on campus and Hopkins is renowned for its medical institution, the University is strengthening its reputation of academic excellence in the social sciences.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS / CC 3.0 
Mahto argues that Minhaj’s comedy must take into account possible repercussions for those he falsifies stories about.

Hasan Minhaj’s “Emotional Truths” are just dirty lies

By NEIL MAHTO | October 12, 2023

Hasan Minhaj’s popularity has largely stemmed from his ability to tell jarring truths about being Muslim-American in humorous tones. Heartbreaking realities are much more palatable, especially for non-brown audiences, when told flippantly. It has been well documented throughout history that comedy is a form of social commentary. However, it is clear that some of the Minhaj’s tales that spark chuckles are often only ostensibly true.

C-SPAN / PUBLIC DOMAIN
Daum contends that Kevin McCarthy’s removal demonstrates the inability of the Republican party to effectively govern the nation.

McCarthy’s ousting: Republicans refuse to govern

By NICK DAUM | October 11, 2023

Daum argues that McCarthy’s removal as Speaker of the House demonstrates the chaos and uncertainty of the future of the Republican party.

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Tiwari argues that India and the West could both benefit from strengthening their ties.

India must maintain a strong relationship with Canada and the West

By SHREYA TIWARI | October 10, 2023

Tiwari argues that the Indian government is overreaching in their attempts to curb Khalistan movements and should prioritize maintaining relationships with the West.

MAARTEN COLLEN / CC BY 2.0
The Editorial Board warns readers to recognize when a celebrity obsession becomes unhealthy.

Proceed with caution: Parasocial relationships can be parasitic

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | October 5, 2023

If you’ve been following the news this week, you’ve likely seen Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s rumored relationship front and center. Following her appearance at his football game, fans have been analyzing short clips of the two interacting in an attempt to piece together the details of their relationship. Even senators are speculating on how well-matched the two are.

Bob Menendez owes it to his constituents to resign

By SAMHI BOPPANA | October 4, 2023

Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey was federally indicted in New York for taking thousands of dollars in bribes on Sept. 22. Menendez is accused of extortion, specifically of using his position on the powerful United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to obtain favors of value.

Senators went straight from business to casual. Should we?

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | September 28, 2023

Don’t be surprised if you flip on C-SPAN and see Sen. Mitch McConnell wearing Levi’s and a T-shirt on the Senate floor.

GAGE SKIDMORE / CC BY 2.0
Koldas argues that, despite former U.S. President Trump’s indictment, he will not lose the support of his fans.

Trump’s indictment will probably not reduce his impact (again)

By BUSE KOLDAS | September 20, 2023

Despite the allegations made against Trump, his past indictments and his current flippant attitude toward the situation, a poll from The Wall Street Journal found that 59% of Republican voters named Trump as their first choice, up from 48% prior to his indictments. This is political fanaticism, and I am used to seeing it because I come from a country where it’s the norm.

JOHN RAMSPOTT / CC 2.0 
Swindle and Cherki argue that we have an obligation to actively remember American and African American history.

We must fight against attempts to erase our history

By YUVAL CHERKI and LANA SWINDLE | September 19, 2023

History is not solely a record of our mistakes. It is also a record of the greatest of humanity, of all the people before us who did the impossible — the people who did not get discouraged by how impossible change seemed and set out to make change happen despite knowing it would not be seen in their lifetimes. History shows a vital strength and a stubbornness that, in a world too focused on reality, we need to regain.

GAGE SKIDMORE / CC BY-SA 2.0
Mahto argues that Vivek Ramaswamy appeals to conservative audiences on hot-button issues but lacks policy proposals.

Vivek Ramaswamy has no platform

By NEIL MAHTO | September 18, 2023

A Schrodinger's douchebag is someone who says offensive statements and contrives their level of seriousness and whether or not they were joking based on other people's reactions. A new politician has given the old-fashioned Republican Party a brown face, but when you strip away his Obama-esque charisma, all you're left with is a controversial pundit who stirs culture wars. Vivek Ramaswamy picks and chooses his identity, affiliations and views based on his audience.

Is democracy alive and well? Vote around and find out

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | September 14, 2023

Being politically active doesn’t seem as meaningful as it used to. For those of us who were excited to finally turn 18 and bubble in a ballot, voting may now feel more symbolic of our civic power than actually capable of enacting change. If you feel disillusioned with the political sphere, we’re in the same boat.

PIXABAY / CC0 BY 1.0
Through the lens of Grapes of Wrath, Pollard demonstrates why engineers must become aware of the social consequences of AI.

Engineers must consider the societal implications of their work

By CATHERINE POLLARD | September 8, 2023

Popular concerns around AI, while hyperbolic, betray a deeper current of unrest surrounding the recent advances in public-facing AI. I believe that by looking at our past, engineers and automators can understand these concerns and plan for a not-so-distant, remarkably different future.

Blue Jays, don’t get the LinkedIn blues

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | September 7, 2023

If you have scrolled through LinkedIn recently, chances are your feed has been filled with posts from fellow students reflecting on their summer 2023 internships, announcing summer 2024 internships or showing off full-time job offers alongside the logos of Fortune 500 companies.

Can our small wins be stepping stones to real change?

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | August 31, 2023

As freshmen are adjusting to campus, so are we. For returning students, this isn’t the Hopkins we’ve always known (though that’s not necessarily a bad thing). With new physical changes and new policy changes, our ever-evolving campus looks a bit different this semester.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS / CC0 1.0 
Oji highlights the problems with Baltimore’s infrastructure and considers the contributing role of Hopkins.

The road to Hopkins must be repaired

By CHRISTAL OJI | May 10, 2023

Oji discusses the failing infrastructure in Baltimore and highlights the role of the University.

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