Browsing: Opinion

Editorials and opinions from the Lariat staff and readers.

As an individual who is pretty heavily entrenched in the world of journalism, both personally and academically, I spend a considerable amount of time thinking about the future of journalism and the challenges in it. Any time I am asked about this topic, two issues seem to overwhelmingly dominate the conversation: news bias and artificial intelligence.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not immune to this feeling, and neither are 75% of people. But I have implemented some more positive ways of thinking that have completely changed my perspective. The first step? Realizing comparison is the thief of joy.

With a variety of fast food options at our fingertips, it’s easy to overlook local food options when treating yourself to a meal out. However, Waco has lots of affordable, healthy and delicious food options within a few miles of campus.

America faces a fundamental issue: We lack a place to go that is neither “work” nor “home.” We define this space as the “third place” — a space for recreation where one can simply exist — and its absence is an ongoing problem in how we structure our cities, exacerbated by the rise of phone use.

For about the last six months, Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian groups have been at war along the Gaza Strip. As tensions have ebbed and flowed, it’s been sad to watch the destruction and devastation — but what about the stories we don’t see in nearby countries?

Even though I don’t necessarily want to follow Newton’s advice, building momentum is essential to boosting productivity and getting the hard stuff done. Working very hard in short episodes is one thing, but consistency will keep you afloat in college, yield higher self-esteem and make you feel like a winner.

The pressure of being an influencer is hard to conceptualize. Imagine going viral for a “get ready with me” video and, only a few months later, being asked to share your opinion about controversial topics you know nothing about. As a society, putting this pressure on our favorite influencers does more harm than good and is setting them up for failure.

I know a battle for spice, the “Lisan Al Giab,” riding giant sandworms and a weird, bald Austin Butler may not sound like a classic recipe for success in the film industry, but that combination delivered the best movie of the year in “Dune: Part Two,” and it’s only April.

As Iowa hero Caitlin Clark walked off the court for the final time in Sunday’s women’s NCAA National Championship game, a sellout crowd and a nation of people sitting on the edge of their seats from home experienced the power of a game built on empowerment.

Finding people who can truly accept criticism seems to be increasingly rare. For as long as humans have been the dominant species on Earth, we have been plagued by people who cannot handle being critiqued. They get angry, defensive and dismissive. Where the true problem lies is accepting that you might be one of those people.

Breathing is the alpha and omega of human life. It signifies the beginning and end, and it is a big determiner of our physical and mental problems. Paying more attention to your breathing and practicing deep breathing techniques unarguably improves your sanative value.

When my friends and I are overwhelmed with work and losing motivation quickly, we like to get in the car and take a day trip. It might look like my advice is simply to run away from your problems, but that’s not it at all. Sometimes, all you need is a day of fun to get yourself motivated again and to forget about all the stress for a bit.

Everyone craves friendships that are healthy, two-sided and loving, especially in college, where we are constantly surrounded by people our age. I have found that in order to find friends who are kind and giving, you must be that sort of friend in return.

If your realization is that you really don’t know all that much about journalism, don’t worry — you’re not the only one. Mob mentality spreads like fire on the internet, and it’s all too easy to connect the negativity and offensiveness of what’s happening in our world to the source that reports it. But we ask you, please, don’t shoot the messenger.

While there are definitely movies that warrant tears, some of the movies I’ve cried to are a bit embarrassing to admit — at least according to my siblings. So, here’s a list of the movies I’ve cried to, from least embarrassing to most embarrassing. I promise some of these have gotten to you too.

One of the most important things to remember is that the revival doesn’t only exist in “thin spaces” or events that ignite this passion among our generation of believers. The moments and the time after are what truly matter. It is easy to live stagnant, knowing and trusting God’s plan for you, but there are no limits, and there should never be a point at which you stop actively pursuing your faith.

Our generation loves to hate on iPad kids, when in reality, we’re all just iPhone adults. How many times a week do you sit down on the couch, open TikTok and start scrolling? When you finally snap back into consciousness, three hours have passed — and you haven’t moved a muscle besides your thumbs. It’s an endless cycle known as “doom scrolling,” and I believe this phenomenon is killing not only our time but also our creativity.

The point at which ring by spring becomes harmful is the point at which it teaches students that marriage is necessary for them to live a Christian life — and, further, that marriage is promised. College offers an opportunity for immense personal formation, and we shouldn’t overshadow that opportunity with unrealistic, and frankly unbiblical, pressures to settle down.

There have been countless times when I’ve woken up thinking, “Man, I wish I could sleep longer.” Does that stop me from getting up and doing what needs to be done? No. As mentioned before, it’s a mindset. Don’t dwell on the fact that you’re tired; trudge through when stuff gets tough.

A lot of us may embrace and engage in the large prayer tent on Fountain Mall and various conversations surrounding the three-day Christianpalooza, also known as FM72. There is beauty in having a space for that on a college campus. However, this is one of numerous examples of public, almost performative, Christianity at Baylor.