Do We Care About the Victim or the Star?

Rashanae Papiane

Recently in the National Football League (NFL), many stories have surfaced of players being accused of domestic violence. A couple of players that have been at the center of these accusations are Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens running back, and Carolina Panthers defensive end, Greg Hardy.

In Ray Rice’s case, a video was released of a disagreement he had earlier this year with his fiancée at the time. The conflict escalated to the point of Rice finding it ok to knock his fiancée unconscious, then dragging her from an elevator like a rag doll. Bystanders who saw him dragging her did not take any action to see if she was alright instead they talked to Rice who obviously made up an excuse for her being unconscious. 

By the looks of the video the excuse worked because no one even came to Janay Rice’s rescue as she finally got up and stumbled to her feet. Ray did not care enough to help his struggling fiancée after what he had done.

Back in July, Greg Hardy was found guilty of 2 counts of domestic violence. He was accused of dragging his former girlfriend by the hair throughout his home and then shouting threats at her saying he would kill her. They had broken up previously and were on again off again, so their arguments happened rather often. 

This particular argument went too far causing Hardy to get himself caught up in in a legal dispute between him and his ex girlfriend. Somehow, after being found guilty, he was still allowed to play the first week with his team, the Carolina Panthers.

It seems as if the main focus of both cases (like a lot of cases) is not geared towards the victims pain and suffering. But more towards getting the accused acquitted from all of their charges so that they can continue playing. This causes many to question what is more important in a high profile domestic violence case. Is getting justice for the victim more important or is it more important for the athletes to be able to play their next game? 

Based on how much time it took for the NFL commissioner to respond to these cases, it appears as if the main concern is for  the athletes to continue to play. Fortunately the pressures from the public caused the NFL to make the decision to take action and penalize both Hardy and Rice.

However, in the midst of all the madness, no one has ever stopped to see how either of the victims are holding up in this whirlwind of unwanted publicity and humiliation. How are they coping with their private lives being so heavily publicized? How will they move forward from this? 

Sadly, no one is asking these questions because at the end of the day, the victim is not the priority in these high profile cases. The money and status of the star is way more important, of course.

Creepy Clowns

Kevin Jackson
What would you do if you were coming home from a long day around 9 p.m.-1 a.m. to see a group of creepy, scary looking clowns just roaming your neighborhood? Would you be scared? Would you call the police? What would you do?

Image from fangirlmag.com

Many people in Southern California and Jacksonville Florida are currently facing this scenario. With Halloween right around the corner small groups of thrill seekers in these areas are going out late at night dressed in creepy/scary clown costumes with the intent to scare and creep out the local residents and get them in Halloween spirit early. When local residents first discovered these clowns, they tried to get the police involved but the police couldn't do anything because the clowns weren't doing anything illegal. So the residents were left to just sit back and embrace the creepiness. Many of them, making a game out of the situation, go out at night to find the clowns and take pictures, thus embracing their fears. That’s a lesson we all should learn, to embrace your fears, and make the best out of situations. Happy Halloween.

Man Crush Monday: Eli Hiller

Charlee Cobb

Happy Monday! Before it comes to an end, we hope we can brighten it a little bit with this weeks Man Crush Monday: Eli Hiller. 

Hiller on the left. Photo Credit: Joshelyn Smith

Eli is studying to be a photojournalist in our Visual Communications department. As a junior, he has already made a huge impact on the Athens community with his photographs. 

He is currently a freelance photographer for the Athens Messenger, an event photographer on campus, and a staff photographer in the School of Journalism. 

Eli has some amazing photos in his portfolio. From pictures of local dancers in their studio to candid shots of Athens nightlife at Dave Rave events, Eli has done a great job at capturing the essence of Athens and it’s people here at Ohio University.  

Recently his work was featured in an article for Al Jazeera America where he photographed people who have been living as nomadic train riders. 

Thanks Eli for all the great photographs and we wish you even more success in the future. Congrats #MCM!

Cheat on Her, Don't Beat on Her

Kevin Jackson

“Cheat on her, don’t beat on her.” This was the phrase used on Power 105.1 The Breakfast Club by the ever so controversial radio personality, Charlamagne Tha God in response to a domestic violence case in Florida, where a man beat and strangled his wife for eating left over chicken.

Yes you read that right. He abused his wife for eating left over chicken, but that is beside the point.  Due to the climate around domestic violence and all of the high profile cases coming out of the National Football League (NFL) the phrase has sparked a conversation on how people should deal with domestic disputes and find alternatives to violence.

The phrase was created to spread the message that there is never a reason for a man to put his hands on a woman over relationship issues. While many people seem to agree with that statement, a fraction of our society still try to find a way to disagree.

There are always going to be problems within relationships and those people in our society have to learn that there are multiple solutions to fixing the problems and none them include violence. Whether the problems can be fixed through counseling, talking it out one on one, or cheating, each solution depends on each individual situation.

Still there is always the option of just ending the relationship before you cheat or use physical violence against your significant other because not every relationship is meant to work and that’s ok. Whether you agree with phrase or not it has sparked an important conversation about how to deal with the nationwide problem of domestic violence.  

iPhone 6 vs. Nexus

Aneé Allen

It is no surprise, that in our society, technology is constantly progressing. It is also very common for people to want to keep up with these changes. With the release of the iPhone 6, all anyone can seem to ask about is, "How does it compare to the other popular phones on the market?”

The biggest change that Apple has made to the iPhone 6 is the sleek, new design. The phone’s edges are curved and it is made of metal. Not only is the iPhone 6 thinner, but the screen is now more than an inch larger than the iPhone 5. Lastly, the power switch was moved from the top of the phone, to the side, for easier access.

The iPhone 6 has several more unique photography features than the Nexus 6. For example, the cameras have been updated and now include slow-motion videography. 

The price of the iPhone 6 is $649, while the Nexus 6 will most likely be around $500. According to the International Business Times the Nexus 6 has a release date of October 31.

Vikings' RB Adrian Peterson Indicted on Child Abuse

Bianca Long

Minnesota Vikings’ star running back Adrian Peterson may have an incoming hit that he can't even dodge. On September 12, 2014, a warrant was issued for Peterson’s arrest.  A Texas grand jury indicted Peterson for reckless or negligent injury to a child. The incident allegedly occurred in May 2014 while Peterson’s son was visiting him at his Texas home.

Peterson allegedly beat his four-year-old son with a tree branch as a form of punishment. The beatings left severe welts and bruises on the child’s backside, legs and ankles. When the child returned to his mother, she immediately took him to the doctor to find out about the marks. The doctor then told investigators about the unusual markings and deemed them situation as child abuse. 

Investigators proceed to question Peterson about the abuse, where he has been said to be cooperating very well with authorities. He claims that his intent was to never harm his son, only to discipline him. However, there is a fine line between abuse and discipline. The incident has caused uproar across the league and the country. Yes, it is up to the parent to determine how to discipline their child, but how far is too far?

Peterson turned himself in at Montgomery County Jail in Texas earlier Saturday morning on September 13, 2104.  He reportedly posted bond at $15,000 and left a half an hour later.

As of now, Peterson has received little punishment from the National Football League.   The Minnesota Vikings have deactivated Peterson for their upcoming game against the New England Patriots, but he will still receive pay. The league’s reactions to Peterson’s actions off the field have some fans raising eyebrows and questioning the leagues’ policies on violence and abuse. Lately, it appears the league has been taking these types of issues and punishments lightly, and that does not sit well with many supporters of the league.

If convicted, Adrian Peterson could face up to two years in county jail. His next trial date has not yet been announced.

Woman Crush Wednesday: Sydney Martin

Tiffany Bey

The Woman Crush Wednesday of the week goes to Sydney Renae Martin.

Martin is majoring in Health Administration in the College of Health Sciences and Professions. With a cumulative GPA of 3.6, she made the Dean’s List and became a member of both Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and National Society of Collegiate Scholars. After college she wishes to work for a non-profit organization such as the American Heart Association, The Red Cross, or FEMA just to name a few.

She manages to balance classes and extracurricular classes while having a social life. As an African-American woman on OU’s campus, her academic success is an inspiration for the rest of the black community to strive for excellence. Not only does she have the brains, but she’s also a beautiful spirit. Cheers to our #WCW!