Steubenville

OPINION: Power and femininity are not mutually exclusive

During my senior year of high school, I was required to write a research paper on the topic of my choice. I chose a subject regarding the expression of feminism in America. I focused on situations in which women took over a more masculine role than was traditional, such as in the popular musical “Chicago,” where the women murder their significant others. As I reflect on that paper, I realize that I do not agree with my previous viewpoint on what constituted feminism. Being a feminist is not synonymous with acting like a man.

OPINION: Why the perception of sexual assault surrounding the Steubenville rape case should appall you

Sunday morning at 10 a.m. on March 17 two 16-year-old male high school students found out their fate in a case that has captivated the nation and rocked the small town of Steubenville, Ohio.

Trent Mays and Ma’Lik Richmond were found guilty on charges of repeatedly raping and distributing photographs of a 16-year-old female on August 11, 2012 during a night of high school late-night partying. The girl, whose identity has not been released for her protection, was repeatedly raped by partygoers while onlookers did nothing. To accompany her rape, photos, videos and tweets were sent out to document the act.