Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Viva.

The Decriminalization of Sexual Assault by Hollywood
Thanks to Harvey Weinstein, the past several months have caused Hollywood to talk openly about sexual misconduct against women by powerful men. Despite the great number of women who opened up about being sexually harassed by Weinstein, no legal action has yet been taken against him.
By Tatenda G8 years ago in Viva
The Reflection I See
Each time a loved one tells me I am beautiful, I struggle to understand what they see in me that is beautiful. The worst part is, I can't figure out if they're just saying that because they feel sorry for me, or because I LITERALLY see a different reflection staring back at me in the mirror. Not being able to distinguish between reality and delusion when it comes to your body is soul-crushing. Is what I'm seeing real? Is that really my face? Is that really my body? If that's what I really look like, how could anyone truthfully say I am beautiful?
By Olivia Edwards8 years ago in Viva
Gender and/or Sex
Gender and sex are two different concepts, even though they are often considered the same (Diamond, 2002). The essentialist understandings of biological differences between males and females (ergo sex) have allowed for a patriarchal society that is dominated by men (Nicholson, 1994). Sex created a division of labour due to capabilities that males had that were absent in females, and vice versa (Hartmann, 1976). Females evolved to be suited to nurturing offspring through physical and emotional care, whereas males evolved to be aggressive in order to protect sexual partners and offspring (Bjorklund & Shackelford, 1999).
By D B8 years ago in Viva
“The Nature of the Photos”
"We can't do anything based on the nature of the photos taken," the woman said on the phone, her voice strained. Almost like she didn't want to say it. "I'm sorry."My insides fell to the floor. I had stepped out of a managerial meeting to take this call, this call that would let me know if my rapist would get what he deserved. Instead of reassurance, instead of knowing things were going to be okay, I find out what happened wasn't credible. I had left work shortly after getting that call.
By S.M. Vargas8 years ago in Viva
The Unfeminist Feminist, Or Is Jackie Kennedy a Feminist Icon?
There is no doubt that the word "icon" applies to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She's without question one of the most famous women in history, and remembered for many things, including her bouffant hair, stylish wardrobe, breathy voice, and the legendary bloodstained pink suit.
By Em DiMonaco8 years ago in Viva
Greta Gerwig Is Only the 5th Female Director to Be Nominated Best Director at the Oscars – Is This Only Because of the Golden Globes Snub?
The celluloid ceiling is a phrase used to describe barriers that stop women progressing in the film industry. It's just another word for the glass ceiling. We're no strangers to the lack of females in the movie industry but the fact that no more than five women have been nominated best director at the Academy Awards' 90 years of awards, is catastrophic.
By Katie Burnside8 years ago in Viva
My Favorite Places to Shop Online
Hey babes! I’m in the process of writing part four of my baddie series for you guys, but for now I’m taking a break from it and doing something a little different. After writing part three, I decided to help you guys out a little bit and give you guys some places to shop. Keep in mind that a lot of these stores are online as I prefer virtual shopping over going out and buying things. Hopefully I can spark some inspiration for you guys and introduce you to some new places to shop!
By Sanaa Dowd8 years ago in Viva
The 'F' Word
It is the dreaded 'F' word; the title people scared their sons, and daughters, and wives, and husbands, and friends into staying away from. It seems to be more socially acceptable in this world to tell someone to "F**k Off" rather than someone "I am a Feminist."
By Bethany Hutson8 years ago in Viva
Thank You, Sir
I watched an interview on the morning news today. The subject of the interview was a “friend” of mine. He’s not someone I’d ever meet to catch up over coffee but he would offer me something to drink if we happened to be somewhere at the same time. And he would absolutely saddle up to rescue me from a creeper if the need arose.
By D. Gabrielle Jensen8 years ago in Viva
Unhealthy Kinda Love
It's always a really hard thing, talking about abusive relationships. A lot of people try to hide it and just push it to the side. I know what it's like when you first meet your partner and you fall in love because of how amazing, funny, cute, and exploring they are. It's funny how they like to trap you in a box because you have that hope that, one day, they can actually change.
By Marlyn Torres8 years ago in Viva
Why Men-Only Events?
Since the scandal of hostesses allegedly being sexually abused at the Presidents Club dinner, the question has now arisen as to whether men-only events are acceptable in this day and age.
By Clare Scanlan8 years ago in Viva
How to Be a Baddie: Series 3
Baddies are royalty and that means they have to dress the part. Not literally though. You don’t need to purchase a crazy expensive tiara or super elegant ball gown. However, they are always put together and fashionable. They are very trendy, but also very unique. Take notes, queens, because I’m gonna share with you what it takes to dress like a baddie!
By Sanaa Dowd8 years ago in Viva