op-ed section
Hello everyone! Welcome to another op-ed pitch list. As always, these are some of my ideas for articles in the coming week, but if there is something you really want to write about that I haven’t included, please reach out to me and we can talk about it to see if it fits our publication. If you feel you have something to add to any of the past articles in this section, you are welcome to pitch those ideas as well.
To claim an article or pitch your own, you can reach me at op-ed@carillonregina.com.
Make sure that you mention in your email which topic you want to write on, what your perspective is going to be, the length your article will be (half page articles are 550-750 words, full page are 950-1,150 words), and any support we can offer you such as help finding resources, counterpoints to your argument, or arranging the flow of information in your article. If you’d like to submit your own image to be considered for the article you pitch, please mention that as well.
How much do History students know about Indigenous history? Is it all accurate?
It is the duty of all students to ensure that they learn at least the basics of Indigenous history to give themselves an understanding of current day Indigenous issues and politics.
Think to yourself, do you know WHY we have Truth and Reconciliation Day? All students should have this general knowledge, but students dedicated to studying Canadian history should have a much deeper understanding, right?
I want you to interview History students at the UofR about their knowledge on Indigenous history, politics, and understandings. Cross reference what they have to say with Indigenous Studies professors and Elders at FNUniv to see if what they have learned is really the truth, or a version of history told through a colonized lens.
If you need aid in questions, ask the professors and Elders first what you should ask students, then come back to them with the responses.
Truth and Reconciliation Day. How to be an ally, beyond an orange t-shirt.
Truth and Reconciliation Day is on Tuesday, September 30th. This nationally recognized holiday is one of Canada’s latest, and provided Canadians with the opportunity to reflect on our past, our present, and our future, and how Indigenous peoples have had their role in all of it.
It is a time to remember the atrocities that Indigenous peoples went through, to remember what they lost, and appreciate the actions that they have taken to protect, reconnect, and ensure their cultures, languages, and histories are remembered and given the room the thrive.
It’s always good to show our support for the day by wearing an orange shirt, but what can you do beyond that? How can you be a good ally that goes beyond performative? Interviews Elders, Indigenous students, and faculty about how non-Indigenous people can show their support in meaningful ways. Do research on methods and opportunities in our community to show their support. Highlight community events. Promote the respectful way of approaching Elders for their knowledge (like offering tobacco).
If you don’t know, ASK. People are willing to help.
The male loneliness epidemic. Is it real? Is it serious? What’s the cause?
Nearly everyone has heard about what people are calling the “male loneliness epidemic.” But what is it exactly? What do people mean when they say it? Is it even real? Or a symptom of something bigger. What does it say about how our society views and treats men? What does it say about how men view and treat each other? Who is to blame? The patriarchy? Women? Men themselves? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Dubai chocolate, Lebubu, and exhausting overconsumption.
It seems like every month, week, even day that there is a new trend and must-have for us to keep up with. From trendy food, the latest clothes, music, aesthetics, waterbottles, and random knicknacks.
Some try desperately to stay up with trends. Others are starting to get exhausted with the sheer amount of things that TikTok says that we absolutely need. Overconsumption has hit an all time high. It seems like everyone is constantly buying more and more of the latest “things”.
What does this say about our society? Is it too much? What does it say for our planet? Is this a sign of late stage capitalism? Is it just “not that deep?” What do you think?
Gen Z in the workplace. Are we really as bad as they say?
Gen Z has been given the label of bad workers, unmotivated, and well… a bit dumb. Is this an accurate portrayal of this generation? I don’t think so. But also, I see some truth. Reports show that Gen Z is unmotivated and largely uncommitted to their jobs. But why is this? That is what I would like you to explore.
Share your experiences either as a Gen Z worker, or someone who has worked with the generation. Interview people in the generation to get a better understanding of what drives them, and what doesn’t. Is this a sign of late stage capitalism with nowhere to go, post-COVID symptoms, both? You tell me.
