How to be an AntiRacist changed my Perspective on Racism’s Impact on Society

Author: Eshwar Cherkuri 📍Las Positas College Racism is an invisible framework of power that may not be visible to people who are ignorant and who are not harmed by it. As a recently graduated high school senior, I think the first step to being a good antiracist is to recognize how the system benefits some people at the expense of others. This process begins with … Continue reading How to be an AntiRacist changed my Perspective on Racism’s Impact on Society

Stalemate in the Mediterranean: Navigating the Complexities of the Cyprus Conflict

Author: Eshwar Cherkuri 📍Las Positas College The conflict in Cyprus has spanned decades, evolving through foreign interventions, economic wars, and increasingly tense relationships between Mediterranean powers. For nearly fifty years, Cyprus remained a British crown colony until it gained independence in August 1960. However, the young nation was quickly thrust into turmoil during the 1963 crisis, known as “Bloody Christmas.” Instigated by the Turkish Resistance … Continue reading Stalemate in the Mediterranean: Navigating the Complexities of the Cyprus Conflict

Harmful Stereotypes Against the Middle Eastern Community: Media Representation and Its Consequences

Author: Eshwar Cherkuri 📍Las Positas College Across 8,885 speaking characters studied in popular movies and TV series, there were nearly 90 non-muslim characters for every 1 muslim character, with no real progress in representation over time (USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative). Even when Muslim characters appeared in popular television, they were often pigeon holed into characters who displayed violent or extremist traits, which made people develop … Continue reading Harmful Stereotypes Against the Middle Eastern Community: Media Representation and Its Consequences

Rhetoric’s Impact on Political Persuasion

Author: Eshwar Cherkuri📍Las Positas College “Mom, why do you always take his side?” I argued. “I know you’re lying; your brother would never hit you on purpose.” “But he did! I swear you have to punish him.” “Stop lying! I’m taking your devices away today!” In this situation, my mom believed my brother over me because she thought he was more trustworthy. People often believe … Continue reading Rhetoric’s Impact on Political Persuasion

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Impacts on People Regarding Their Socioeconomic Status and Economic Opportunity 

Author: Eshwar Cherkuri 📍Las Positas College Introduction Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which include physical and emotional abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence during early childhood, have profound psychological impacts lasting into adulthood, such as preventing people from attaining long-term financial stability. These early forms of trauma greatly increase the likelihood of the children developing chronic illness, substance use, and emotional disorders, which also further systemic barriers … Continue reading Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Impacts on People Regarding Their Socioeconomic Status and Economic Opportunity 

Student Spotlight Series: Athenian EmpowHer

Authors: Grace Li and Vrinda Iyengar I had the pleasure of interviewing Athenian EmpowHer in this installment of our Student Spotlight Series. We are joined by Siri Kelshikar, Isabella Semis, and Natasha Sinha, leaders of Athenian EmpowHer, to discuss women’s empowerment and how they create change within their community.  Q1: Please introduce yourself/your team and the mission of Athenian EmpowHer! Hello! Our names are Siri … Continue reading Student Spotlight Series: Athenian EmpowHer

The Bay Area in Photos: Graffiti

Author: B. Huang Graffiti is illegal. But is it art or a crime? I believe that it is both, and that graffiti is important. In a world where our voices are lost in a sea of fake video content, graffiti is a powerful form of public self-expression and social commentary, giving a voice to marginalized communities. A tag is a stylized signature that literally puts … Continue reading The Bay Area in Photos: Graffiti