Online Only: Reproductive rights: bound and gagged no longer

By Deepa Sury

The much-anticipated result of the Nov. 4 U.S. presidential election brought to many a great sense of hope, most notably for an end to the divisive, reactionary policies of outgoing President George W. Bush. The transitional team of President-elect Barack Obama compiled a list of several of these policies dealing with various issues with the… Continue reading Online Only: Reproductive rights: bound and gagged no longer

Online Only: All I want for Christmas is a Thingamaboob

By Kristina Waldmann

The only reason I would want a Thingamaboob is so I could tell people that I have one. A Thingamaboob is an exclusive product, offered by the Canadian Cancer Society, that is not only an educational tool, but a fundraising gimmick. It’s an overpriced keychain with a couple of pink beads strung together. More and… Continue reading Online Only: All I want for Christmas is a Thingamaboob

The truth of feminism

By Deepa Sury

Thanks to popular culture, the mere mention of the word “feminist” can conjure up many images. We imagine the jackboot-wearing bra-burner of the 1960s, with a profound hatred of all things masculine. We hear U.S. Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin hailed as an exemplary feminist. We think of the Spice Girls-induced “girl power” craze of… Continue reading The truth of feminism

The incorrect response to HPV: jeopardizing the health of young girls

By Kristina Waldmann

If you had the chance to save a young woman from dying from cancer, what would stop you? The Calgary Catholic School District recently passed a motion refusing to offer the human papillomavirus vaccine to young girls in their schools. The trustees voted six to one to opt out, claiming they feel it would unintentionally… Continue reading The incorrect response to HPV: jeopardizing the health of young girls

Sex sells

By Sharla Swanson

I am not sure what upsets me more, the Back Alley advertisement on the back cover of the 2008 University of Calgary agenda or the support of women for the way female sexuality is portrayed in advertising. First of all, without question, the ad is offensive. It features a topless woman, photographed from behind and… Continue reading Sex sells