Opinion | Columns - The Independent Florida Alligator

OPINION | COLUMNS

Are alligators more dangerous than you think?

Mar. 18, 2018

In 1947, Dr. Ross Allen, founder of The Reptile Institute at Silver Springs, donated an alligator nicknamed “Albert” to the University of Florida. Before kickoff of every home football game, Albert was strapped to a leash and would lead the team onto the field. He was then kept on the sidelines for the rest of the game. A chain-link pen was even built near Century Tower to keep the gator.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Here are some reasons you should care about Student Government at UF

By Zachariah Chou | Mar. 15, 2018

Perhaps you’re just a plebeian, going in and out of the Reitz Union and Southwest Recreation Center, showing up to various general body meetings of clubs and riding the bus. Maybe you’re a power user of Student Government services, taking advantage of our school’s free New York Times subscriptions and subsidized late-night Uber services (Google “UF Safe Rides” if you don’t know what I’m talking about, and thank me later).

OPINION | COLUMNS

Don't be paralyzed by the unknown, but rather inspired by possibilities

Mar. 13, 2018

In a culture that worships people who “have it together,” it seems as though today’s millennials and Gen Zers have been conditioned to fear uncertainty as if it were the plague.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Let's fight for women to be heard — and when the time comes, remembered

Mar. 13, 2018

Charlotte Bronte, Henrietta Lacks and Ida B. Wells: You’ve probably heard these names because of the notable contributions they gave the world during their lives. However, they were forgotten after they died. At least by one of the country’s most widely circulated newspapers.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Trump’s presidency has become reality TV

Mar. 13, 2018

One of the main points of criticisms I hear of President Donald Trump is his unseemly and unpresidential behavior. He is not a smooth talker. He tweets more than a teenager does, gives disparaging nicknames to his political opponents and is drowning in scandal. The list could go on for miles. Trump, a reality TV star who once made an appearance on World Wrestling Entertainment, does not fit the position of president of any country, let alone the United States, people often say. And I agree with them.

OPINION | COLUMNS

We must continue our activism efforts on gun reform

By Mia Gettenberg | Mar. 11, 2018

Two facts. First, last week Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill raising the minimum age for purchasing rifles in Florida from 18 to 21. The bill also expanded the handgun waiting period to cover long guns, ban bump stocks and create a program allowing some school personnel to carry guns (I guess we can’t have it all).

OPINION | COLUMNS

Women of color are fundamental to feminism, which is for all women

By Madisyn Jones | Mar. 11, 2018

As you scrolled through social media Thursday, you probably noticed a post here and there about someone’s mother, sister or best friend. The post likely acknowledged their strength, beauty or any of their characteristics.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Hostage situations happen in real life, not only in books and movies

By Taylor Cavaliere | Mar. 11, 2018

This past Friday, four people died after a hostage situation emerged at a home for veterans just north of Napa, California.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Trump’s infrastructure plan inadequately addresses America’s situation

Mar. 1, 2018

President Donald Trump recently revealed his plan to improve America’s infrastructure. I believe the plan falls short when it comes to solving problems. Infrastructure can be defined as anything from bridges to electrical grids, but I'll focus on three sectors in desperate need of reform: roads, dams and water systems.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Does Trump’s cabinet represent America or just people who are like him?

Mar. 1, 2018

Representation matters. It's almost always clear if an organization is hiring enough people of color or isn’t helping them ascend to leadership roles.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Celebrities’ opinions make or break marketing

Mar. 1, 2018

“So does anyone else not open Snapchat anymore? Or is it just me... ugh this is so sad.”

OPINION | COLUMNS

Don't let the opinions of famous people shape your worldviews

Feb. 27, 2018

I’m not sure there are people who know what they are talking about when talking about politics. Even the experts, the ones who were so sure of a Clinton victory that they would have given you the deed to their houses if she lost, seem to be grasping in the dark at times.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Don’t forget to remember self-awareness in the pursuit of self-care

Feb. 27, 2018

Whether you namaste or “namaste in bed,” the concept of self-care means something different for everyone.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Why are strong female songs written by men?

Feb. 27, 2018

“Something about you makes me feel like a dangerous woman.” These lyrics, sung soulfully by Ariana Grande, have become an anthem for women that transcends age, relationship status and worldview.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Let’s show compassion to those who survive tragedies

Feb. 25, 2018

Last semester, I wrote a column urging stricter gun control measures after the horrific shooting in Las Vegas. Since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School two weeks ago, I have struggled to find words.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Diversity rises in the Winter Olympics

Feb. 25, 2018

This year’s Winter Olympics exhibits more black athletes than we’ve seen in previous years. Not only that, but these games have smashed the stereotype that black athletes solely dominate in basketball or track and field. Black athletes represent less than 3 percent of all Winter Olympians this year; however, their increasing attendance challenges the classic image of a winter athlete.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Stop the conspiracy theories and start showing support for crisis survivors

Feb. 25, 2018

Whenever there’s a big enough crisis, there is a good amount of collateral to follow. The media explodes, and conspiracy theorists fly into the picture from every direction. Was Lee Harvey Oswald the only gunman involved in former President John F. Kennedy's assassination? Was 9/11 an inside job?

OPINION | COLUMNS

Politically fueled late-night TV will not last forever

Feb. 22, 2018

Late-night television is strange. Thirty years ago, it satiated the same need that late-night web surfing does today: mindless entertainment to help you unwind at the end of the day. Despite the exponential growth of other nightly entertainment sources, late-night shows are still chugging along.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Black Panther shows movies with diverse casts can be successful

Feb. 22, 2018

$202 million.

OPINION | COLUMNS

Loving UF takes work, but it shouldn’t be unpaid

Feb. 22, 2018

This time four years ago, I was taking last-minute tours of campuses across the country, and there was something that made UF’s tours different. Was it the orange and blue? Was it that classic, mid-tour Gainesville rain shower? Close, but no — I noticed UF doesn’t pay their tour guides.