Being the Change

            The Jubilee Project was the result of three young men, Jason, a consultant, Eddie, a videographer, and Eric, a student at Harvard Medical School, who united over their passion for cinematography and social justice. Through their short films, they aim to raise awareness for a myriad of causes, while also raising money through sponsors who donate an amount of money for every single view garnered for that video. When their project first started out in 2010, their video shot in the New York subway station raised over $700 for Haiti earthquake relief. Today they have over sixty videos (and growing) bringing light to causes they believe in.

           The Jubilee Project is an incredibly beautiful idea for an incredibly beautiful cause. The fact that a common idea could unite people from such diverse areas in an effort to essentially change the world, is inspiring. What’s great is that the videos they produce fit the current generation. They’re fun, emotional, relatable, and uplifting. Recently, they partnered with Harvard’s class of 2014 to create a parody video on “Jizz in My Pants,” raising funds for prostate cancer research. Through watching their videos, hundreds of thousands of people are inadvertently contributing to that cause. When they share that video through their social links, they increase awareness and also the impact of change.

          “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Jason, Eddie, and Eric have wholly embodied Ghandi’s famous quote. If we each could embrace what we each love and add in what we are passionate about, we can change the world. Instead of feeling as if there is so much pain and anguish that is beyond our aid, we can take steps to do what we can. While it may not alleviate the entirety of the global situation, it has the potential to at least impart something that would not have happened without that action. As they say, doing good is contagious; but doing what you love is contagious. Love is contagious. And it has the ability to change the world…one life at a time. 

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Holly Tran, Staff Writer 

Note:  "Peaches," the song used in the featured musical short, can be purchased for a donation of choice (but at least $1). All proceeds go towards the American Society for Deaf Children.

Doctors Make Mistakes

Doctors are humans. Humans make mistakes...however, when you excise the center of those two statements and are left with "doctors make mistakes," the vibe changes. Brian Goldman brings up a prominent point that even those who are not physicians, understand. We have this stigma in society that doctors are omniscient beings that know everything and are supposed to be flawless. It’s as if the granting of a medical degree is a badge that for some reason screams out, “I am perfect.” That stigma is far from the truth.  Mistakes are made every minute of every day in the health care system. Physicians are distracted, sleep deprived, miss symptoms, make a wrong diagnosis, and every day, people die. The passing of a patient, especially one’s first, is something no physician, or any human being for that matter, ever forgets. It’s like a heated metal bar searing a burn on one’s heart. Although with time the pain may alleviate, the scar is always visible, keratinized tissue that never goes away. With that scar, comes the heavy veil of guilt, self-inflicted punishment followed by a downward fall into the belief that one is incompetent or a quickly narrowed vision catalyzed by the belief that if by doing more, studying more, listening more, working more, one can forgo all future mishaps—and sometimes, these reactions are coupled. But even more taboo than making the mistakes, is actually talking about them. Let’s be honest—how many of us would immediately choose to undergo a surgical procedure from a physician who we knew had in the past, operated on the wrong side of the patient? How many of us would instill complete trust in a physician who we knew had made an incorrect diagnosis—not once, but several times? We place physicians on an idolized pedestal that they cannot get off of. There are culturally-built barriers that make it socially unacceptable for doctors to say, “I made a mistake that impacted another’s life, I feel terrible, and I need to talk about it.” 

For some reason, humanity is expected of physicians, but when it comes to the reverse perspective, physicians are not humans.

Humans make mistakes. We accept that.

Physicians make mistakes. Is this the same to swallow as the first?

We need to redefine medical culture. We need to abandon the idea of a perfect system with perfect health care professionals because change and growth cannot ensue in an environment where the two paths are either that of absolute success or absolute failure.

In a study reported by U.S. News in 2009, over 21% of medical students suffer from depression with a 6% prone to suicidal thoughts. The fact that these figures exist indicate a problem in our health care system. When we have the individuals taking care of us at the detriment to their own health, perhaps it’s an indication that maybe something needs to be re-evaluated.

Recent steps to address the topic: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp058183 

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Holly Tran, Staff Writer

The Importance of a Global Perspective

             So often we find ourselves complaining about the status of own health care system. We become severely angry when we wait for hours in order to see a doctor, angry when an individual who just came in, is escorted through the double doors to be admitted. This is not to say that our health care system is perfect—no system is without its flaws—but in comparison that of others, it is exponentially better. In western African in the country of Cameroon, Prudence lost her life because 1) the midwife did not know that sitting and bouncing on her enlarged belly would rupture the uterus, 2) her family did not have enough money to convince the local physician to treat her, and 3) her value as a woman was not enough to be saved. And so for three days she laid while her deceased fetus rotted inside of her. And when the Kristof and WuDunn team by chance saw the young woman and offered donations of their matching blood type (for the surgery) and money (for the equipment and services), the physician left out the back door out of spite for the family (since he was certain they had money to pay up earlier). The attending nurses berated the family for their lack of action and inability to pay. When she finally underwent the operation the the following day, Prudence fell into a comatose state, her insides severely infected from the stretch of time while she lay untreated. Three days following, Prudence passed away.

           The sad part of this is that it’s not uncommon. In many developing countries, gender inequities exist that allow women to be mistreated by their own husbands. Practices of female genital mutilation (alternatively known as female genital cutting or female circumcision), is a procedure done with intention of keeping women "pure" and more marriage-material. Often times it is done without anesthesia or sterile tools by the hands of mothers in the community when a female is young or right before she goes into labor. There are varying degrees of the mutilation in which the clitoris and sometimes labia, are cut and removed. The procedure is done while the female is forcefully pinned down by family members and requires the female to be tied from legs to hip for about 6 weeks, ensuring that the edges of the cut heal together. Following that stretch of time, a small hole is often formed with a twig or small rock to allow release of urine and menstrual blood from the now fused wall of flesh. The subsequently formed layer of fused genital tissue is then cut open when a woman has intercourse with her husband and at the time of giving birth. Tremendous pain is associated with the entire practice and places the woman at severe risk for infection, psychological detriment, and mortality--especially when she is mutilated prior to giving birth. The resulting loss of blood is incredibly dangerous. 

           Maternal health, or the lack thereof, is attributed to a number of factors--including biology, education, and the social status of women. A step in breaking the cycle of tradition, is to offer equal access to education. Enlightened women have a better chance of staying in school and are able to better defend their health and that of their future generation's. Enlightened men have a better understanding of health and the consequences of their actions. While there are a handful of NGOs and federally-funded programs actively working to change the status quo, there are an equally high number of individuals who, after learning about what transpires in the world, want to be an agent of change.

          WorldTeach is a non-profit organization that is some-what hybrid of the Peace Corps and Teach for America. It provides individuals with an opportunity to volunteer  their time as teachers in developing countries. Its distinct difference is its time commitment. Volunteers may choose to apply for positions during the summer, a semester’s span, or a year. As Kristof points out, WorldTeach provides an opportunity for young adults/college students to make a difference within the constraints of their own academic endeavors. This is not to say that the Peace Corps and Teach for America does not have equally appealing benefits; however, while the Peace Corps requires a 27 month commitment that most students cannot make until after they graduate. WorldTeach is equivalent to a study abroad program offered in many universities and has the potential to provide perspective to those who are willing to open their hearts and minds. Such programs, with great value, should be promoted and supported just like popular study abroad trips or alternative break trips. It’s one thing to read about what’s happening across the globe, but it’s another thing to see and experience it up close, and be able to do something about it—even if it’s a seemingly small contribution.

          World Teach does require its volunteers to offer a certain contribution based on the country and period of their commitment, but the costs associated are about equal to that of a university-based study abroad program. It would be great to see offered funding support from educational institutions for students who wish to support such a cause. It’s programs like this that bridge that knowledge gap between us and the rest of the world.

          For those who are weary for the culture shock, alternatives include literature. Read. Everything and anything that breaks down the walls separating self from external life. We are a species divided only by the divisions we put up. Strive for a life without borders and a constantly changing perspective. 

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Holly Tran, Staff Writer, is currently a junior at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Biological Sciences. 

The Meaning of Valentine's Day

            Valentine’s Day: what a holiday. I feel like that’s the best way I can put it seeing as when I think about this holiday, I just feel this overwhelming feeling of indifference. And no, before you start thinking I’m just one of those people, who “just hatin cuz he ain’t got no Valentine...” Within my limited experience as a young adult, I have experienced Valentines alone, and I have experienced Valentine's while in a relationship. And either way, my feelings are the same and can be summed up easily with an “ehhh.” It feels like one of those whatever days, like if you enjoy celebrating Valentine's, then go right ahead; and don’t let anybody stop you. If not . . . then whatever, just go about your business and continue your living your life like you would any other day. 

            The best analogy I can think of when it comes to Valentine’s Day is it’s like taking a survey. You go down the list, reading questions and filling in those little bubbles based on whether or not the question applies to you. Valentine’s, and all holidays for that matter, is the same thing. You live life day-to-day, just going about your business and “doing you,” and when a holiday comes up that applies to you, you celebrate it. If not, you just continue doing you, living life day-to-day. . . For those who haven’t yet figured out what the term “Doing you” or “Do you” means, it’s basically another way of saying be yourself. With that being said, how ridiculous would it be if every time you were filling out a survey, and came across a question that doesn’t apply to you, you just start flipping out? Think about how many women there would be sobbing with their #2 pencils in their hands. Or how many guys there would be lying to themselves about how they are happy that survey question doesn’t apply to them. Or think about if other countries were just annoyed every time an American holiday was to occur. Like for example, “Damn those Americans, hoggin' all the ground hogs!!! How is the rest of the world going to figure out if there will be six more weeks of winter or not?!?”

            I am currently in a relationship, and my girlfriend loves Valentine’s Day, which is basically the only real reason why I celebrate it. I mean she knows how I feel about the day, but if it makes her happy, then why not? But I’d think if we didn’t celebrate it, my feelings for her wouldn’t come into question. And even if they did, there’s fifty-million other holidays (birthdays, New Years, ChristmaHannuhKwanza, etc.) on which I can express my feelings for her or whoever I choose. Aside from every other day, which I’d say are much better, because then it comes as a surprise and shows you authentically wanted to do something special for that person. But I don’t know, that’s really just how I see it or interpret things, and what do I know? I mean I’m sure there’s an army of females out there who were brainwashed before they entered elementary school into believing that they have to find their Prince Charming if they ever want to be happy who probably disagree with me.

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Stefan Correia, Staff Writer, is currently a junior studying Public Relations at the University  of Rhode Island.

The Tube's Effect on Women

This is an amazing monologue from the movie film, The Network. This speech was revealed to me on twitter by a very enlightened young woman named Ann. The character speaks on the power of the “Tube”, and its effects on society. The “Tube” is television, but I’m speaking of the media, in general. One thing I think we all are guilty of is not considering how much the media has shaped us. The way we talk, what we eat, what we wear, even our mannerisms are not original, but things we subconsciously took from television, movies, music, family and friends, who have also picked up traits from these media outlets. We’ve pretty much become reflections of what we see on TV, and it has even altered the way we think and interact with one another. Sadly, we all think we’ve reached a level of enlightenment where the media doesn’t effect us, which is erroneous (my favorite word).

The worlds in films and television are not reality, where everything is seemingly perfect. The hero always wins. The guy always gets the girl. Men & women are always handsome and beautiful. I think “Reality” TV is the worst thing that has ever happened to black women especially, because of the way black women are portrayed. I was wondering, one day, why women seem more susceptible to the media. Some people might say “it’s the fundamental difference between the two sexes physiologically”. That fundamental difference being: women are “weaker minded” than men. I would disagree, because males & females are exactly the same, in terms of brain function and learning ability. The physical disparities between males & females are where the differences end. All the differences we see and complain about now, regarding the opposite gender, are differences taught to us by society. Women, through the media, are taught to be inferior; weaker minded & subordinate to men, while men are taught to exude a certain level of machoism & superiority towards women. Masculinity & Femininity are social constructs perpetuated by the media and reproduced by us, putting women at a subordinate position to men. Black women are the most oppressed people in the world, facing oppression by white men, who oppress everyone, and black men who oppress their women. African sisters have been attacked mentally by the system of white supremacy we all live in, and, sadly, have been physically attacked by black men. In terms of domestic violence, our promiscuity and lack of participation is a potential failure at raising the next generation.

Shows like Love & Hip-Hop and Basketball Wives are portraying black women in such a negative way, yet we all tune in to watch. These shows do entertain, but they also give off the illusion that all black women act like the characters we see on these shows. Some black women on reality TV are rude, inconsiderate, materialistic, self-centered and famous, because of their celebrity husbands. This perpetuates the misconception that only women with rich or important husbands can be important themselves. The media has made black women see themselves as inferior; from their naturally curly hair, to their fuller lips and their darker complexion. The media has given us the idea that all these things are negative and unattractive. Sadly, black men feed into this by preferring lighter skinned women to darker sisters. The standard of what we have considered to be “beautiful” was established by white men. The black man’s attraction to lighter skin, or straighter hair, is not natural, but a result of our time living under white supremacy. The constant attack on the female psyche and body has left women mentally wounded and susceptible to all the negative images of themselves on TV. This gives us an opportunity to gauge how strong black women are, even though they have been oppressed for hundreds of years, still thrive and do their best to raise good children under seemingly impossible circumstances.

Women must break this mold of subordination. Men & Women are partners on this earth, and neither one is better or worse than the other. I only ask that women try not to adopt more “masculine” traits, in an attempt to break this mold. Masculinity is not the “correct” behavior to embrace for anyone, especially a woman. I know men are not perfect. We are fifty percent of the problem. Understand, though, that this is a vicious cycle. Men continue their behavior because women allow it and vice versa.


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Kabir Lambo, Guest Contributing Writer
Visit his blog via: http://sorry4theblog.com/