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Have fun this Halloween; just remember that culture is not a costume!

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Photo Credit: Quizlet

BY SYDNEE WALCOTT

As Halloween approaches and people are gearing up to go trick-or-treating, go to parties, or enjoy any festivals that cities across the GTA have to offer, people who choose to dress up should remember that culture is not a costume.

Dressing up has always been a significant part of Halloween, as people dress up in a variety of different costumes such as: witches, zombies, princess, mummies, celebrities, or even characters from a favorite show or movie.

While some like to be playful and creative with their costume choices, others take things too far by dressing in a way that is deemed to be offensive as they chose to dress up in attire that is part of someone’s culture.

When people dress up as a person of another race, or culture, they are perpetuating stereotypes, also known as cultural appropriation.

Over the years, while scrolling through social media, I have come across pictures of people dressed in Blackface or dressing up as a person who either identifies as: Indigenous, Asian, Mexican, or Muslim.

Last year, there was an incident that led to an unnamed teacher from Parkdale Collegiate Institute being fired from the TDBS after showing up to the school dressed in Blackface.

To help tackle this issue, schools have been stepping up to remind students that culture and costumes are two different things.

During my time as a student at Humber College, students would always be encouraged to dress up and take part in Halloween festivities that would happen across campus, but they always made sure to remind students that someone else’s culture is not a costume.

Although my time as a student has since ended, I recently thought to myself that it would be a great idea to continue to spread that message outside of school so that everyone can continue to be mindful of, and respect the cultures of other people.

So please, go ahead and have a great time, enjoy yourself this Halloween; just when enjoying remember that culture is not a costume!

Mind | Body | Soul

Why Don’t Relationships in Canada Last Anymore?

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In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the longevity of relationships in Canada. This trend has left many Canadians pondering the reasons behind these fleeting connections. While there are several factors at play, this article will explore some key aspects that have contributed to the transformation in relationship dynamics.

A Culture of Individualism

One of the most significant factors influencing the decline in long-lasting relationships is the rise of individualism in Canadian society. This cultural shift has led to a greater emphasis on personal goals and achievements, often at the expense of romantic relationships. As a result, people may prioritize their careers, hobbies, or friendships over their romantic partners, which can lead to a lack of commitment and, ultimately, the end of the relationship.

The Impact of Technology

The rapid growth of technology has dramatically altered the way we communicate and form connections. With the advent of social media and dating apps, the process of finding a partner has become increasingly easy. This phenomenon, dubbed “swipe culture,” has led to a focus on choice when it comes to forming new relationships. You can find the niche you want and meet a sugar daddy in Canada .

Consequently, people may be less willing to invest time and effort into fostering a deep, meaningful connection, resulting in a higher likelihood of breakups.

Changing Gender Roles

The evolution of gender roles in society has also played a part in the decrease in relationship longevity. As women continue to gain greater independence, they are no longer reliant on men for financial stability or social status. This shift has empowered women to pursue their own interests, which can sometimes conflict with traditional relationship expectations. As a result, some couples may find it difficult to navigate the new landscape of gender roles, leading to tension and, in some cases, the dissolution of the relationship.

The Rise of Casual Relationships

In addition to the factors listed above, there has been an increase in the prevalence of casual relationships, including friends with benefits, hookups, and non-monogamous arrangements. These types of relationships often prioritize physical intimacy over an emotional connection, which can be unfulfilling and ultimately unsatisfying for many individuals. As a result, people may find themselves in a cycle of short-lived relationships, never quite achieving the depth of connection that they desire.

A Shift in Priorities

Lastly, societal expectations surrounding relationships have changed significantly in recent years. There is now less pressure to settle down and start a family at a young age, with many individuals choosing to prioritize their education, career, and personal growth instead. This shift in priorities has led to a delay in serious commitment, with people waiting until later in life to enter into long-term relationships. Consequently, the relationships formed during this period of exploration and growth may be shorter-lived and less stable.

Finding Balance in a Changing Landscape

While it’s clear that the factors influencing relationship longevity in Canada are complex and multifaceted, it’s important to remember that it is still possible to build meaningful, lasting connections. To do so, individuals must be willing to invest time and energy into their relationships, prioritize open communication, and remain adaptable to the changing dynamics of modern society.

Embracing Vulnerability

A key aspect of building strong, lasting relationships is the ability to be vulnerable with one’s partner. By sharing personal experiences, feelings, and fears, individuals can foster a deep emotional connection that forms the foundation for a long-lasting bond. Embracing vulnerability can help to counteract the superficiality often associated with modern dating, allowing couples to create a more meaningful partnership.

Nurturing Emotional Intelligence

Developing emotional intelligence is another critical component in forming and maintaining strong relationships. By understanding and managing one’s own emotions, as well as empathizing with the emotions of others, individuals can create a more harmonious and supportive environment within their relationships. This level of emotional awareness can help to diffuse conflicts, promote understanding, and ultimately contribute to a longer-lasting partnership.

Prioritizing Quality Time

In the face of increasing individualism and technology-driven communication, it’s important for couples to prioritize quality time together. By setting aside dedicated moments for deep conversation, shared experiences, and personal growth, couples can strengthen their bond and build a solid foundation for their relationship. Quality time can serve as an antidote to the superficial nature of “swipe culture” and help ensure that relationships are built on genuine connection.

Fostering Mutual Support

As gender roles continue to evolve, it’s essential for couples to adapt and provide mutual support to one another. This means recognizing and valuing the unique strengths and contributions of each partner, regardless of traditional gender expectations. By creating a partnership based on mutual respect and understanding, couples can navigate the changing landscape of gender roles and maintain a strong, lasting connection.

Cultivating Trust and Commitment

Finally, trust and commitment are fundamental to any successful long-term relationship. By demonstrating reliability, consistency, and dedication to one’s partner, individuals can cultivate a strong sense of trust within their relationship. This foundation of trust is crucial for fostering a sense of security and commitment, which can help ensure the longevity of the partnership.

Embracing the Journey

While it’s true that relationships in Canada may not last as long as they once did, this does not mean that meaningful, lasting connections are unattainable. By focusing on building emotional intelligence, embracing vulnerability, and fostering trust and commitment, couples can navigate the shifting dynamics of modern society and cultivate relationships that stand the test of time. Ultimately, the journey of finding and maintaining love is a deeply personal and transformative experience, one that requires adaptability, patience, and an open heart.

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Mind | Body | Soul

Rejection may hurt, but it’s not the end of the world

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Photo Credit: snbc13.com

BY SYDNEE WALCOTT

While some people can handle rejection well and will move on to someone who will reciprocate their feelings, others resort to being disrespectful, because they do not know how to handle rejection well.

Occasionally, there seems to be a news story on someone — usually a girl or woman — getting attacked or killed because they did not reciprocate someone else’s feelings towards them.

The most recent case happened on January 15th, 2023, when Jamea Jonae Harris, a 23-year-old mother, was shot and killed for rejecting the romantic advances of 21-year-old Darius Miles, a University of Alabama student and basketball player.

Harris, her boyfriend, and a cousin, who is a student at the University of Alabama, stopped to get some food as they were on their way home from a night with friends when another car pulled up beside them, and Miles began to flirt with Harris.

Harris turned down Miles and let him know she had a boyfriend. Miles did not take too kindly to the rejection and handed a gun to his friend Michael Lynn Davis, 20, who walked up and fired shots into the other car killing Harris.

Harris’ boyfriend (the driver), shot back in self-defence. One of the suspects was struck and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Miles and Davis were arrested shortly after the shooting and charged with capital murder.

Upon learning of Miles’ involvement in the shooting, both the school and its athletic department released a statement saying he is no longer a student and athlete with them.

Harris’s story is one we have seen far too often. Some boys and men have issues with taking “no” for an answer, and think their needs and desires are more valuable than those of girls and women due to their patriarchal mindset.

This mindset can make boys and men think they can: insult, assault, or kill a girl or woman for turning down their advances.

In response, some girls and women may lie about their relationship status to avoid

getting victimized for rejecting an advance. It may not be kind to lie to others, but it’s a step many have resorted to for safety reasons.

Boys and men need to understand that no one is obligated to be with them just because they show interest, and if rejected by someone, they need to move on instead of resorting to verbally or physically attacking a girl or woman.

There are a lot of fish in the sea. If one person doesn’t show interest, someone else will.

Everyone deserves love. However, people must accept that rejection can happen as you search for love.

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Mind | Body | Soul

Kids are supposed to be off limits; Negative comments about celebrity children getting out of hand

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Photo Credit: Rihanna's TikTok

BY SYDNEE WALCOTT

As an adult, you should never disrespect a child in any way, shape, or form, but some adults need to be given that reminder.

On May 19th, 2022, Rihanna gave birth to her first child with her boyfriend, ASAP Rocky. Since the birth of their son, fans have been curious to see how their firstborn looks. The wait was over on December 17th, 2022 when Rihanna posted a TikTok of their seven-month-old son.

When a celebrity shares a picture or video of their infant child, many will show excitement and share positive messages when they finally see the first glimpse of a celebrity couple’s infant child, but there will always be people who will take their negative opinions to the internet to speak about innocent children instead of just keeping their hurtful comments to themselves.

History repeated itself once again when Twitter users appeared to show no remorse as they made tweets — that have since been made private, about the couple’s infant son’s appearance and even called the child ugly.

These comments have reminded many of what people have said about Beyonce and Jay-Z’s oldest daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.

Since Blue Ivy’s birth, we have seen memes and posts about her hair and features. We have seen: a petition urging Beyonce and Jay-Z to comb their daughter’s hair, Karruehe Tran making a joke about her hair on BET’s 106 & Park, two journalists mocking her appearance, and Saucy Santana’s old tweets on her hair have resurfaced.

It’s already bad enough that one innocent child has endured so much negativity at a young age. We don’t need to see the same happen to any more children.

It is sickening to see adults speak negatively about a child who cannot defend itself. When these children grow up, they may come across negative comments and posts that were made about them when they were small.

Just imagine how hurt those children will feel when they come across those tasteless posts.

What I find to be mind-boggling is that some of these people who have made negative comments about a celebrity’s child also happen to be parents.

For parents who have said something negative about someone else’s child; imagine how you would feel if that was your child came across a nasty post another person made about them.

No one should ever be subjected to mistreatment in that fashion or any other, especially when they are children.

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