At first, the sensationalism of press over North and South relations by American news agencies took my by surprise. Back home, the “state of crisis”, as it is so commonly labeled here, is a non-issue. My father has flown between Korea and China several times since tensions rose, and the thought of a potential airstrike attack didn’t cross his mind.

As a graduating Smithie, I have felt honored to be a part of this community for the past four years. For the most part, my experiences here have been valuable and, often, life-changing. Therefore, when I was asked for some commentary on a recent struggle my house, where I have lived for the entirety of my time while at Smith, experienced with hazing, I was willing, excited even.

Just open your Facebook newsfeed, like you do multiple times a day. Or refresh Buzzfeed. Or Upworthy. Or Reddit. Whether an impassioned status or a photoset of kittens, an angry forum post or a video of Good Samaritans, these invariably have the caption: “Events like these make me lose faith in humanity.

On Monday, bombs went off in Boston, three people were killed, over 150 were injured, and many of us scrambled for phones, Twitter accounts, Facebook statuses and anything we could grab to obtain information and establish the safety of loved ones. By Saturday we had all been subjected to a manhunt for a 19-year-old boy with a distinctly “un-American” name and heard blow-by-blow accounts of the entire chase, as the strong and sturdy city of Boston sat under lockdown.

  On Saturday, April 13 I returned to campus for a symposium and eagerly went to the Grecourt Bookshop to purchase Smith swag. I was shocked and extremely disappointed to see T-shirts with the slogan “Smith College – where no man has gone before” prominently displayed near the cash registers.

How the New Proposal is a Sad Indicator of the Current Political Climate

    In a move that has drawn ire and censure from both the left and right, Obama’s attempts to pander to the center have left his proposed budget proposal for the upcoming year a sore subject for his own party. Changes to Medicare and Social Security have been offered up, and the $1.

Iron Lady, Controversial Politician and Feminist Role Model

  As many of you know, Margaret Thatcher passed away this past week. Her death prompted a series of reflections and reminded the public of what a controversial figure she was. Thatcher was the longest serving British Prime Minister in the 20th century, but though she was the first woman to take the position, she has been called an enemy by many feminists.

  The environmental challenges China faces, such as depleted or contaminated water sources and air pollution so thick it shrouds buildings, have undoubtedly taken a toll on both the country’s economy and people’s health.  The World Bank estimates that pollution cleanup and excessive resource depletion could be costing the country a full nine percent of China’s robust 10 percent GDP growth.

  On the last day of March, I deactivated my Facebook account making this past week the first and only block of time since September 2006 in which I was not an active Facebook user. Earlier this year, I also deleted my Twitter and Tumblr accounts and removed all but the most essential apps on my iPhone, a device which, as a result, I no longer carry with me much of the time.

  Saturday, April 6 was the date set for an exciting kick-off to WOZQ’s R.A.W. (Radio Awareness Week). The college’s radio station had been coordinating for almost six months to get artist Mykki Blanco to headline a concert. However, things did not work out quite so seamlessly.