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May 20, 2024 | 
psuvanguard.com | Macie Harreld |Cameron Rodriguez |J.J. Christensen
This piece is part of an issue with a content warning regarding police violence. For a full acknowledgement of the content warning and source anonymity, please visit our article: About this special issue. The occupation of Branford Price Millar library at Portland State, affiliated protests around campus and the administrative responses to those protests have affected nearly everyone in the PSU community in some way.
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May 6, 2024 | 
psuvanguard.com | Cameron Rodriguez
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is receiving more public attention these days. April marked Autism Acceptance Month, dedicated to celebrating the diverse experiences of individuals on the spectrum. While the month has passed, our journey of learning and understanding should persist throughout the year. It’s essential to reflect on our appreciation for those with autism, acknowledge the positive strides we’ve taken, and actively work to dispel harmful stereotypes and narratives.
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May 6, 2024 | 
psuvanguard.com | Cameron Rodriguez
Like mold in a house, once you notice it, you can’t ignore it. The feeling of seeing something which can cause problems—not only to the structure of your home, but also to the health of all the inhabitants—requires swift action to cull it, diminishing the possible harm. But imagine mold spread in a home for years, covering the walls and furniture. Walking into this home, what would you feel? The problem with mold is its obvious safety concerns and the lack of understanding of its spread.
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Apr 22, 2024 | 
psuvanguard.com | Cameron Rodriguez
The quick passing of House Bill 4002 is an action by the Oregon legislation to recriminalize minor drug possession, and it is not only an attack on the vulnerable populations that are susceptible to drug use, but also a slap in the face to the democratic process and voters who passed this measure into law. Measure 110 was a 2020 voter-backed policy change, and now it is the scapegoat for inept politicians.
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Apr 15, 2024 | 
psuvanguard.com | Cameron Rodriguez
The United States prides itself on being an independent society, championing individuals’ ability to carve out their own path and narrative in life. However, while we espouse the rhetoric of self-actualization, are we truly fostering it or are we merely romanticizing a hyper-individualistic society which is increasingly dysfunctional? The pandemic has heightened awareness of isolation.
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Apr 15, 2024 | 
psuvanguard.com | Cameron Rodriguez
People in positions of power often prefer selective voting participation. This is evident from numerous instances of voter disenfranchisement, which often conveniently aligns with politicians’ avoidance of accountability and compliance with their lobbyist backers. Following the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, lobbying became a constitutional right, which allowed super political action committees (PACs) to purchase political influence and sway elections with their campaign funds.
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Feb 8, 2024 | 
psuvanguard.com | Cameron Rodriguez |Nick Gatlin
When almost any holiday approaches, there will be a considerable increase in ads and promotions which are hoping to make money from the celebration. During Valentine’s Day, the theme of love often leans towards traditional romantic relationships, emphasizing partners expressing affection for one another. The marketing strategy revolves around the desire to impress or dazzle one’s significant other, serving as a means to prove one’s love.
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Feb 1, 2024 | 
psuvanguard.com | Cameron Rodriguez |Hanna Anderson |Justin Grinnell
As we see an increase in political activism—especially with younger people taking to the street and demanding not to be ignored—the people who want to ignore them will be angry. We see that across the internet with comments like, “This isn’t how you get support,” and, “What happened to peaceful protests?” There are usually a variety of different messages trying to tear down a movement, because they honestly don’t care and don’t want to see it. Criticisms of these movements are not new.
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Jan 18, 2024 | 
psuvanguard.com | Cameron Rodriguez
After eight years of driving experience, it’s hard for me not to appreciate the most innovative style of transportation, especially for mass populations. Just the bustle of the city, traffic on the road and the smog of the morning rush is how I’ve always wanted to start each and every day.
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Nov 30, 2023 | 
psuvanguard.com | Cameron Rodriguez
Victim-blaming is pervasive across various societal arenas, creating an environment that empowers the privileged while stripping power from everyone else. This perpetuates a cycle that hinders personal empowerment and reinforces a damaging narrative, ultimately undermining the well-being of those who have experienced harm. A culture of victim-blaming not only diminishes individuals’ self-worth, but also stifles their ability to advocate for themselves.
