Net Neutrality

Kevin Jackson

Imagine a world where the Internet is no longer a place to express your opinions or to make/see creative, cool content. A world where your Internet service providers (ISPs) control what you are able to do on the Internet and could control how fast websites load.

In this world it could take forty-five minutes just to watch that three minute cat video you wanted to see on YouTube, or take ten minutes to post that picture of you “putting in that work” at the gym on Instagram. Well bad news if the FCC gets what they want this may soon be our reality.

On May 15, the FCC voted to propose a new open Internet rule that would allow ISPs such as AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast to charge content companies for faster Internet service and relegate other content to a slower tier of service. Under these rules the ISPs would also be able to block sites and apps that go against their views. The ISPs would have total control over what the users are able to view and practically control the entire Internet, just like cable companies control television. So if your favorite site is to risqué for the ISPs it is very likely they’ll make it very difficult to continue viewing the site.

The good news is that this proposal has not gone through yet so your YouTube videos, late night sites, and Twitters are safe, for now. So it is crucial that you voice opinion to keep the Internet a free, creative, open, and slightly a dark/weird place. You can do so by signing the petition on https://www.battleforthenet.com/ to contribute to fight to internet the way it is.

Women Want Sex Too

Lauren Cartwright

From a young age, there are expectations defining each gender’s role and behavior in society. In early childhood, girls are taught to be timid, dainty, and sweet. Boys are taught to be strong, aggressive, and bold. Gender socialization teaches that when a little girl gets in trouble for fighting, she is told that her behavior is “unladylike”. However, when a boy gets in trouble for fighting, people use the phrase “boys will be boys”. Double standards continue to dominate our culture into adulthood.

The biggest standard women and men are judged differently on is the amount of sexual partners one has. Single women are perceived as wanting a monogamous relationship, while men just want casual sex. Men are given high praise for the more women they have intercourse with. Yet women are scrutinized with derogatory slurs such as “slut,” “skank” and “whore” if they engage in casual sex.

Even within marriage, there are double standards about sexuality. Men are seen as the unfaithful sex in a relationship. Studies have shown that is a myth, and women cheat equally as much as men, if not more. According to the Nation Opinion Research Center, a 2010 study shows that women are 40 percent more likely to cheat than men within the last 20 years. Why were men considered the unfaithful sex? Men have a stronger sex drive, and are considered to think about sex every few seconds of the day. When men have a wandering eye in a relationship, they are “just being men” because they can help themselves. It’s a fact that men do have a stronger sex drive, but women have a high sex drive as well.

Women and men should be seen as equal, this includes sexual activity. A woman should not be deemed as “loose” because she explores her sexual desire with various partners. Men should not be pardoned from cheating, because it’s their nature due to a stronger sex drive. Times will continue to change, and people need to steer away from simple gender stereotypes.

Man Crush Monday: Leon McCollum

D'Asia Leathers

Mondays suck. We all know it. However, Mondays give us the chance to showcase “someone special” who has made some sort of an impression on us in a craze made famous through Instagram and Twitter called “Man Crush Monday.” 

Now, your Man Crush can’t be just anyone. This has to be a man of integrity, leadership, potential and of course, good looks. Therefore, who would be a better Man Crush for us this week other than the sophomore English and Screenwriting major; Mr. Leon McCollum. 

Leon is a Cincinnati, Ohio native who prides himself on having “Less than a dollar and a dream.” He has many endeavors and aspirations that he will stop at nothing to achieve. Most of us know him as the goofy, dog-loving kid who keeps us laughing, but are unaware of his many talents and accomplishments. 

Leon is a storyteller- hence the major in Screenwriting. He is a vocal musician and talented rapper who also enjoys playing the drums in his pastime. Mr. McCollum is the president and founder of an up-and-coming organization he titled THOTH. THOTH is the ancient Kemetic god of wisdom and is the origin of where the English language derived the word “thought.” His organization is devoted to black education in vast forms and aspects with hopes of reaching and touching all people on a spiritual, soulful, mental, physical, and emotional note. 

McCollum is a contestant in the 38th Blackburn-Spencer Scholarship Pageant and currently has many projects cooking in the cosmos, so make sure you’re on the lookout! This young man is a clairvoyant free-thinker with infinite amount of potential and possibilities. He is going to take many by storm- starting with Ohio University. 

Leon would like to remind everyone of an important message that he lives by through a quote once said by the rapper, Nas: “Use your intuition. You are tomorrow.” 

Thank you, Leon, for everything you do and for all the inspiration and joy you give to each of us. We salute you; our McCollum Crush Monday.

Ask Flow: Week Two

Back for another week, and it's for sure a treat. This week I was asked about exiting the friend zone, why I am special, and dating up. Look to see what I came up with! 

Q: So there is this guy I like and I know he likes me to. The thing is, we're both too shy to initiate anything like a relationship. So how do I make a move and skip all the extra stuff so we can just be together?

A: I think you already know the answer to this question. You asked "How do I make a move?" You just make the move. I understand you're shy, but if you want the relationship as bad as I think you do, you have to come out of your comfort zone and tell him your true feelings and that you're ready to take the relationship to the next level when he is ready. Now, let's just say he wants to stay friends. You have to go with that until he is ready. Don't make it awkward when you're around him. This can be a very vulnerable time for the both of you and I hope it works out for the best.

Q: What makes you special?

A: Well for starters I am special because I truly know I am. To be special is to look at your self and be able to accept your differences regardless of other people. Knowing that God gave me certain qualities that only I have, is the best feeling in the world. I have spent much of my life hating my differences and just wanting to "fit in" to what society said I should be. It took one hard fall to realize I wanted to stick out like a sore thumb and embrace all of me regardless of what others said. I am special because I have gone through things in my life that I know no one has ever gone through and I'm actually willing to share my experiences to help other people on their lives. Everyone is special on their own terms. I just use mine this way. 

Q: How do I approach an upperclassmen without looking like a hoe?

A: This by far is one of the most interesting questions I have gotten. Well hoes often come off strong and persistent. If you want to pursue a relationship with an upperclassman, or anyone for that matter, try talking to them and getting to know them. But so you don't get stuck in the deadly friend zone, ask your person of interest questions like what they are looking for in a partner. That gives you the golden ticket to knowing their likes and dislikes. Once you know more about them, show that person through your actions why you fit the position. You would want to flirt a little bit (and I stress a little). Break the touching barrier and give them hugs or touch their shoulder. Remember that upperclassmen are people to. There is no need to be afraid to talk to them. Just don't come off too strong. 

-Flow

Crisis in West Africa

Charlee Cobb

The Ebola epidemic has been in major newspaper headlines since April of this year. With each new article came an updated death toll. First there were 600 deaths, then 1,400, and now 2,630 people as of September 14. The Ebola virus has taken a hefty toll in the countries of western Africa.

Ebola is a filo-virus: a virus that causes hemorrhagic fever. Symptoms of Ebola can start within 2-21 days of being infected with the actual virus. The virus is transferred through body fluids and can survive on surfaces. Studies are being done to see if there is a possibility of Ebola being an airborne virus as well.

Sierra Leone, a village affected by the Ebola virus.

There is no cure. The mortality rate for this disease is 90%. To treat patients who are infected, health care workers provide a supportive treatment to try to regulate a patient’s vitals while ill. However, there are not enough volunteers to battle the rising number of cases, and it is becoming harder to treat patients.

A short supply of health workers is not the only reason battling Ebola is difficult. It is becoming harder to quarantine people that are ill as well. Many families are trying to take their sick relatives out of treatment facilities and some deny that they are even infected with the disease. The government in Sierra Leone has recently issued a nationwide lockdown in order to better quarantine people. However, experts say that the fight against Ebola could last up to 18 months. More than 20,000 cases are predicted to occur within that time period.

The United Nations and Doctors Without Borders have been working to call attention to the situation. After a call for help from Liberian leaders, President Obama said that the United States is prepared to send 3,000 troops to help curb the outbreak. Experts say that in addition to military personnel, approximately 500 doctors and 1,000 health workers will be necessary to effectively assist the fight against Ebola.

The Problem With Dreamers

Haadiza Ogwude

The problem with dreamers is that they are usually not doers.
But what is a doer without a dream?
What is a dream without the work?
What is work without the spirit?
What is a dream without you to fulfill it?
What are you without a dream?
Though at first glance, as easy as it seems, you can achieve whatever you dream.
If your dream is crazier than it seems, and believe me it’s nothing what you think, I hope you have the heart to believe, that one day when you’ve exhausted your effort and your long days make it hard for you to breathe, you’ll become the doer who had a dream.
Because you see, the problem with dreamers is that they are usually not doers.
But all doers had a dream.

ISIS: A New Threat

Erik Threet II

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, ISIS, are a group of rebel Jihadists that are actively conquering countries in the Middle East. Originally, ISIS acquired money for their attacks through robberies and extortion, but once Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi became the new leader of ISIS, their ways of gaining revenue began to change. 

As of now, ISIS carries out large-scale attacks in order to obtain resources to further build their empire. In December 2011, President Barack Obama pulled all but a few hundred United States soldiers out of Iraq, and since their departure, ISIS has grown exponentially in their money and territory. 

In February 2014, Al-Qaeda, a group of radical Sunni Muslims known for violence and unjust towards many countries around the world, cut ties with ISIS after fighting one another. However, several Middle East experts predict that ISIS “has never been dependent on AQ core for resources or direction, so the tangible impact of the decision may not be that significant.” Over the next six months that deemed to be true. In that time, ISIS became very active in their efforts to expand their federation. 

The terrorist group freed 1,000 prisoners, but kidnapped about 140 Kurdish schoolboys and demanded them to learn radical Islamic Theology, took over Mosul, Al-Qaim and Tikrit, and created a new Islamic state that abolished any prior state lines. By September, they had taken control of AL-Omar, which possesses the largest oil field in the country. 

ISIS has beheaded two American journalists and a British aid worker, along with broadening their territory by almost 1,000 square kilometers. Some say Obama has been hesitant and passive in many views about the situation. He sent 300 more troops into Iraq at the end of June, but they had already expanded vastly. ISIS is being called “the biggest threat since Saddam Hussein” and Americans are waiting on a solution.

Ask Flow: Week One

Welcome to Ask Flow, Ohio University’s online advice column. I’m Flow and I want to thank everyone for asking questions for the September 14-20^th week! I’m so excited to answer these questions based on my experience as a human being and a student at the greatest university in Ohio. So, here you go.

Q: How do I become a leader on campus?

A: To be a leader you must first become a follower. Join organizations that are affiliated with your interests. While there, provide input, volunteer, and ALWAYS STICK TO YOUR WORD. Watch other leaders and take note of what you like and don’t like in their leadership and apply it to yourself. When it’s time for elections, don’t be afraid to run for the position that suits you best no matter what year in school you are. Leaders take risk and make themselves known. But most importantly, be yourself and do you boo!

 Q: I really want to become an outgoing person but I’m not sure how?

A: Having an outgoing personality is something that just comes natural to certain people. And those are the people who are blessed by the Holy Trinity. I know what you mean about wanting to become an outgoing person especially when you’re typically reserved. But, to step out of your shell, maybe you should engage people in conversation about themselves to get to know them as people and find things you have in common. Smile or say hi to people as your walking past them. Acknowledging someones presence can go a long way. Don’t be so selfish that you can’t compliment someone else. If you see edges that are on fleek, let them know, if you see some waves on swim, don’t hate on him, compliment him! These things will help you be known as the nice girl or guy on campus and help people be more open to you. You will also become more outgoing and comfortable talking to people.

Q: My boyfriend cheated on me with 5 different people… should I stay with him?

A: I’m so sorry to hear that you have to experience this. I know this can be a very depressing time for you and you’re probably questioning a lot of things right now. But, let me be the first to tell you to drop this man like a hot potato. He clearly doesn’t value you as his partner. Since you said he cheated, I know you guys aren’t in some sort of polygamist relationship. So it comes a time in your life where you have to start to value and love yourself. Once you start to realize that you deserve to be loved, you wont settle for anything less than what you want. You will start to attract guys who not only value you, but also guys who you have a lot of things in common with. But it starts with the man in the mirror. Remember, God created you in his image and he makes no mistakes. Love yourself or nobody will.

-Flow

Life of A College Athlete: Tajah Smith

Tajah Smith

Full-time student. Journalist. News anchor, reporter and writer for WOUB Public Media, Gridiron Glory and Bobcats Sports Showcase. Writer for The Flow. Member of the Ohio University Women’s Track & Field team. Daughter. Sister. Best friend. Confidant. Gossip girl. Messy roommate. Occasional wing-woman.

You could say I have a lot on my plate.

I have been running track for approximately 13 years, so it’s a big part of my life. But I am also very passionate about writing and media in general. After completing my first year of college I am happy to say it wasn’t easy, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

I had to jump through many hoops to accomplish everything that I wanted. From telling my friends I couldn’t go out because of homework, early practices, or just pure exhaustion.

Reading and writing has always been a passion of mine so my mother was not too surprised when I told her I did not want to be a trauma surgeon anymore but instead wanted to be a member of the E.W. Scripps of Journalism at Ohio University. Track has always been a large part of my life breaking three schools records in middle school and two in high school. After my senior year I had decided to close that chapter of my life to focus more on journalism so that I could do everything I could in hopes of one day reaching my goals.

As fate would have it I had a phenomenal senior year on the track team and decided to see how well I could do on the collegiate level. Becoming a part of the Ohio University Women’s Track and Field team was one of the best decisions I have made thus far. I love my teammates and they have become like a second family to me. I look forward to practice everyday. It is exciting seeing us grow as a team not only getting closer but also getting stronger and stronger as the weeks go by leading up to our first meet December 5. There is no better feeling than when you are down in the blocks waiting for the official to blow the gun, or when your body is flying through the air anticipating hitting the sand underneath you. I look forward to it every week.

I won’t lie and say it is easy because it isn’t. In fact it is very difficult balancing school, track and a social life. Two practices almost every day plus meetings and news shifts takes a toll on a person. We begin practice in September and do not finish until after school is over in the spring. During the spring semester we usually aren’t here on the weekends due to traveling for meets. I was behind in most of my classes spring semester and I was thankful that most of my teachers were very understanding.

For many athletes there comes a time when you have to become the CEO of your life and decide what is more important, getting a great education and getting involved in organizations geared toward your major, or practice. There has been times when I have practiced later than usual in order to attend something journalism related, and there have been times when I have not attended something journalism related because of practice/competition.

Slowly but surely, I am finding a balance between it all. I go to practice fulfill everything that is needed of me and schedule journalism related things around it all. Some nights I may miss dinner going to a meeting but that’s okay because I know that in the end it’ll all be worth it.

As John Wooden once said, “The most important key to achieving great success is to decide upon your goal and launch, get started, take action, move.” At the end of the day I know that all my hard work and dedication will pay off; I hope.