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After loading up on a daily dose of Trumpian bile, revisiting President Obama’s speeches, social media posts, and interviews is a breath of fresh air. Of particular resonance is the idea that Obama’s composure, gentle temperament, and oratorical mastery – qualities that President Trump has repeatedly failed to demonstrate – bolstered America’s global standing and […]

One of the many international crises in recent years has been the ongoing devastation in Myanmar. Specifically, we have seen the presence of an authoritarian junta using ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya Muslim minority. For those unaware, Myanmar is a small country in Southeast Asia with a population of 53 million people, well known for […]

“The closet does have a benefit. It provides safety. Which at times is important. But remember, as long as you are in there, two other things will be too. Fear and shame.” This quote by Anthony Venn-Brown, a former Australian evangelist, highlights how queer and trans individuals tend to hide who they are because of […]

Since the moment I stepped on campus as a first-year, the 80s dance was instantly infamous amongst current students. “80s Weekend” is, for many first-years, the first big initiation into the party life at Bates. We all can recount our AESOP leaders making small talk during our trips and hyping up the first big dance […]

For those who have somehow missed the headlines from the past couple of weeks, Nike’s new campaign honoring its 30th anniversary of their slogan — “Just Do It” — features Colin Kaepernick, a former NFL quarterback infamous for kneeling during the national anthem in order to protest racism, police brutality, and a nation that does […]

“The legal battle against segregation is won, but the community battle goes on.” This quote by Dorothy Day highlights how, legally, people have the ability to be in the same space with people who come from backgrounds different from their own. However, due to societal hierarchies, not everyone has the ability to interact in the […]

With President Trump in office, it does not get better until it gets worse. Every time we find ourselves thinking the apogee of indecency, hotheadedness, and disregard for the truth has been reached, Mr. Trump rises to the challenge and proves us wrong. While the mainstream GOP leaders would certainly prefer to have someone other […]