MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015
PAGE 4
THE UNIVERSITY HARY KANSAN
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opinion
TEXT FREE FOR ALL
Text your FFA submissions to (785) 289-8351 or at kansan.com
FFA OF THE DAY Maybe it's just the theater kid in me, but every time I'm in Anschutz, I want everyone to burst into a musical number about how grades won't define us ... or something like that.
You know it's nice out when our world class quidditch team is practicing. #coatregretz
Do you like fish sticks?
Cats are assholes sometimes. Or all the time.
If you think the elevators in Wescoe are scary, I challenge you to brave the ones in Summerfield. I've been trapped once before.
Full fledged caffeine addiction.
Schmidt (sp?) from New Girl — literally the funniest character
The only good thing about cold weather is that I can use "hat hair" as an excuse for my bed head.
Music majors have by far the biggest gap between credit hours and work.I have a required class that's zero credits. And several that meet three hours a week for only one credit.
Where my Directioners at? OTRA is starting soon! Whoop whoop!
Dear stuck up grad students,
we are in the same class.
Please get over yourselves.
Let's get the Hashing printer fixed! All in favor-cause we-pay-over-$28,000-a year say "yay!"!!!
Dear person concerned with my sick fish, I have a betta and he's going on 2 weeks not eating!
People are so dumb. I almost saw a guy get ran over at a crosswalk #CrowdWalkHaveRightOtWay
P&L has the weirdest demographic...ages range from 21-90.
Police stop a guy in the middle of intersection, bus of students gets hung up for 10 minutes, nbd.
Don't get mad at the bus drivers for taking a break ... they have to pee sometime!
I've got an associates degree, my CNA, and I transferred to KU. Now I'm about to have two degrees. #communitycollegeworks
Having homework on the weekends is THE WORST!
First night alone in a long time and I can hear myself think.
The weekend is for taking naps and not wondering what century it is when you wake up.
'Fifty Shades’ release date blurs lines
EIFTY SHADES OF GREY/UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Valentine's Day is a celebration of romance, togetherness and
horrifying domestic abuse.
At least that's what the movie adaptation of E.L. James' "Fifty Shades of Grey" is telling us. When I found out James' deformed "Twilight"-inspired baby was set to be released on Valentine's Day, I wasn't shocked, but I was still taken aback.
Based on what is considered by one Goodreads commenter to be "the most sensual romance I think you can possibly get your hands on," it only figures that "Fifty Shades" would be released to play into all of the Valentine's Day hype. On the other hand, as a terrifyingly misconstrued tale of violence and abuse, Halloween would seem like a better release date.
Since its 2011 release, "Fifty Shades of Grey" has been the cause of a heated debate. Fans of the trilogy, as well
as E.L. James, maintain that it is merely a dark romance depicting the type of brooding hero seen in Bronte novels. The other side of the debate, which I agree with, believes the relationship depicted in the novels is abusive, violent and glorifies the abuse thousands experience every day.
The "Fifty Shades of Grey" release date only perpetuates the idea that this kind of violence should be taken as romance. Valentine's Day weekend releases are typically of the romantic sort. Nicholas
Sparks adaptations of "Safe Haven" and "Message in a Bottle" were both released around this time, as well as the Channing Tatum tearjerker "The Vow" Movie theaters might as well put up a sign that says "Nicholas Sparks adaptations only." Clearly Valentine's Day moviegoers want something they can cry into their chocolate boxes about later. With its Valentine's Day weekend release, "Fifty Shades" is mismarketing itself as a fluffy, crying into-a-chocolate-box romance.
In reality, "Fifty Shades of Grey" is as romantic as Othello murdering Desdemona in their marriage bed. The relationship portrayed in "Fifty Shades of Grey" is one of emotional, physical and mental abuse. It's a relationship that doesn't recognize boundaries or individuality. Instead of focusing on the negative repercussions of their relationship, the story twists the violent Christian Grey as a lonely soul with "bleak and tortured" eyes. He's portrayed as someone we should all run
to and lovingly hug, rather than run from and report to police.
The release date of this movie is pulling the Valentine's Day wood over moviegoers' eyes in a shameful way. The Feb. 13 release is further perpetuating the widespread belief that the relationship in the novel is something that should be seen as romantic, rather than creepy or unhealthy.
Maddy Mikinski is a sophomore from Linwood studying journalism
How do I tell my roommate/friend that I'm not planning on living with them next year?
Anissa Fritz
@anissafritz
This is probably one of the most uncomfortable conversations you will ever have to have with your friends in college. There is a lot at stake when it comes to breaking this news to your current roommate because, let's face it, things could go south, and life could turn ugly fast.
The reason why it is such a difficult discussion is because you most likely care about your current roommate. Whether they are your best friend or someone you met at the beginning of the year, it's hard to live with someone and not form a bond with them. It's crucial that when you sit down to have "the talk" with them that you emphasize how important they are to you as a friend. Afterward, you must find a way to explain why it would be best to live separately next year. And after this, they will most likely ask you why. This is the time to be honest with them, but let them know that you value their friendship. Ultimately, it's crucial to your friendship that you don't live together next year. Something along the lines of, "Because our friendship means so much, I don't think it would be wise for us to live together again because I feel like it could damage our relationship."
about being a roommate is being roommates first and friends second. The dishes are piling up, the trash is overflowing and your apartment suddenly has an unwelcoming stench. But you hold your breath and say nothing because it is uncomfortable to ask friends to do something they haven't been doing. Living with friends builds resentment and tension, which is not healthy for any friendship. I have seen several friendships burn out because of this issue.
I'm not sure why you are choosing not to live with your friend again, but let me just say this: Living with friends is hard. One of the first rules
Sit your friend/roommate
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Text 785-289-8351
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down and be direct. The sooner you tell them, the better. They may even respect you more because now they will have an ample amount of time to find a new roommate and/or living quarters. Do not start listing off all the reasons why you no longer want to live with them because, remember, you still have to live with them until the end of your lease. It may be awkward and uncomfortable, but it has to be done. Once it is over you can reel in the semester with some peace of mind and excitement for your new living situation.
Society must be sensitive toward mental illnesses
Anissa Fritz is a sophomore from Dallas studying journalism and sociology
Kanika Kshirsagar @sneakykaniky
An issue with American society is the lack of sensitivity for individuals living with a mental illness. I grew up knowing someone who lives with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. From an early age, I witnessed the challenges someone with a mental illness experienced quite frequently. Stigma should not have been one of them.
Serious Mental Illness in the past year among Persons Aged 18 or Older, by State: Percentages, Annual Averages Based on 2011 and 2012 National Survey on Drug and Health
The most basic day-to-day activities for this individual became a hurdle for anyone involved. Medication made them drowsy, and this made social relationships difficult to maintain. In the slightest chance that I was able to carry some type of slight conversation with this individual, I found they weren't really speaking to me at all. Their attention and thoughts were too focused on the voices inside their own head. I will never forget the confusion, embarrassment and sadness I felt at the time, all due to my lack of understanding. However, as I got older, I began to learn and understand that what was happening was not their fault.
PERCENTAGE OF PERSONS
4.66-5.48
4.34-3.49
4.0-4.33
3.67-3.99
3.05-3.56
SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality
been in my situation know there is no one to blame here. It is difficult to understand what might offend someone who lives with a mental disorder, but we must remember that most of the time, their reactions are out of their control.
We should refrain from using phrases in our conversations like, "you're acting insane," "stop being crazy," "you're acting so bipolar," etc. These types of
"MANY PEOPLE LIVE WITH MENTAL DISORDERS, BUT THEIR ILLNESSES SHOULD NOT DEFINE THEM."
Something I remember vividly is how delicate this person was. The slightest and most innocent gesture, like suggesting an idea or concept they weren't familiar with, could trigger an emotional frenzy of tears and frustration. I had to choose my words carefully, as well as the tone I was speaking to them in. During an argument, simply lowering the tone of my voice could positively change the way this person reacted toward me. Many who have
phrases are used in a negative context all the time. I know this because I was once guilty of using them, too. We must work toward being more sensitive in the way we choose to converse and not only around someone who may live with a mental illness. It seems innocent at first, and someone might say it's not that big of a deal. But to someone who knows firsthand, it might be.
Many people live with mental disorders,but their
illnesses should not define them. About 42.5 million American adults reported living with some type of mental illness in the past year, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's 2011-2012 survey. These people may be our teachers, friends, siblings, co-workers, etc. By having mental illness sensitivity, we can create a more comfortable environment for those around us.
Mental illnesses can be treatable through medication and psychosocial therapies, allowing those who live with them the opportunity to lead full and productive lives. We should not make people feel inferior just because they are struggling with something we do not understand.
America needs to make a conscious effort to become educated and respect those living with mental illness to stop the growth of the stigma that surrounds it. It won't be easy, but it is important in order for our society to progress.
Kanika Kshirsagar is a junior from Overland Park studying chemical engineering
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