Why do we care so much about women smiling?

For International Women’s Day, Gemma Hudson reflects on the social conditioning of gender in society and advocates for substantive change. We like it when people are nice, but we especially like it when women are nice. We like it when they’re accommodating, respectful, diplomatic. We’re told that no matter what happens, there is nothing to…

ByGemma Hudson8 March 2022

Opinion

The perfect playground of Parliament: Can it be populated by imperfect people?

Gemma Hudson reflects on her childhood and her struggles identifying with politicians. Like most kids, I would, on occasion,pretend to be sick to stay home from school. But my motivation for this was rarely to get out of a test or avoid an activity I didn’t like. I generally enjoyed school as a kid, I…

ByGemma Hudson26 November 2021

Opinion

Manifestos: A Genre of Paradox

Emily Hewitt-Park talks all things manifesto, taking a deep dive into the genre and its evolution into the present day. “Every page should explode. Either because of its staggering absurdity, the enthusiasm of its principles, or its typography.” Tristan Tzara, Manifesti del dadaismo (Dada Manifesto) Throughout history, conflict and literature have remained inexplicably tethered. …

ByEmily Hewitt-Park25 November 2021

Opinion

An Open Letter To My White Friends

Nina Friars reflects on her heritage and her story in an emotional and poignant letter to her friends for the Drew’s News Lockdown Writing Competition. “Cradled in one culture, sandwiched between two cultures, straddling all three cultures and their value systems, undergoes a struggle of flesh, a struggle of borders, an inner war.” - Gloria…

ByNina Friars23 November 2021

Opinion

“The rest is silence”: the death of vaping in Australia

Jules Vahl looks into vaping and analyses the new vaping laws. The tobacco industry is the scummiest, most disgraceful institution known to humankind, which is why it gave me great pleasure to read that the use of vapes has finally been restricted to their only productive purpose: to help smokers quit smoking. From October 1 2021, vapes…

ByJules Vahl4 November 2021

Opinion

How a Nation Fails

Alex Malouf reflects on his cultural heritage and the political situation in Lebanon. There’s a saying in Sydney’s Lebanese community; “Anyone with the means or money to get out, did so a long time ago”. Whenever I used to meet with my grandfather’s side of the family for a celebration or big get-together, conversation would…

ByAlex Malouf21 September 2021

Opinion

Do you find girls kissing girls attractive?

Netra Hankins has a message for those who find girls kissing girls enjoyable (and are not queer). You see two girls are kissing at a party. It’s natural, easy on the eyes, perhaps you even think it’s hot. They may not even be in a relationship. It may be a couple showing affection, but it…

ByNetra Hankins20 August 2021

Opinion

Menstrual products should be free, period.

Alice Litchfield discusses periods and the lack of accessibility around menstruation. Let me take you back to Saturday morning sport. You’ve sat and watched your little sibling’s game, done your umpiring duty for the Under-10 Blues, and now you’re waiting for your turn to hit the court. A few red frogs and a blue Powerade…

ByAlice Litchfield13 August 2021

Opinion

The UK is the world’s COVID Petri Dish. That should scare Scott Morrison.

Rob Abadee discusses the vaccination roll-out and the COVID-19 lockdown, postulating that Australia may not be as safe as everyone thinks. “We’re going to have to generate what we call herd immunity…and the only way of developing that, in the absence of a vaccine, is for the majority of the population to become infected.” -…

ByRob Abadee7 August 2021

Opinion

Don’t Forget about Disabled People: 3 Ways to Make Events More Accessible

Gemma Hudson discusses the practicalities of living with a disability and the need for increased accessibility. Author’s Note: Throughout this article, I have elected to use identity first language (disabled person) rather than person first language (person with a disability). I have done this because my disability does encompass many aspects of my life, and…

ByGemma Hudson18 July 2021