Winter 2012
New Years:
BEST TIME TO MAKE A
RESOLUTION?
HELP END
SUICIDE
By Xiomara Lara Guest Writer
Images courtesy of Google Images.
In the wake of the suicide death of Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi, the nation’s attention has been focused on what many have called an epidemic of gay suicides. Within the past few months at least five recorded gay suicides have been reported. The most recent of these was Seth Walsh, who hanged himself after his family says he was bullied for being openly gay. However, the focus is always on the actual “Bully” who caused this to occur; and never on the other issues that may have also led to many of these suicides. Suicide never has one singular cause. The reality is that the true “Bully” comes in many other forms such as uncaring teachers, homophobic classmates, churches, anti-gay politicians, numerous hate groups and the most hurtful form - family members. We need to understand that suicide never occurs due to just one issue, but many Continued on Page 9
Image courtesy of Google Images.
be an advocate,
By Carley Wyche Staff Writer It is 10 a.m. on January 1st, 2012 and you’re slowly rising from your party induced coma. There are two ways this story could go. You wake up alert and refreshed, prepared to face the first and every day of 2012 with an arsenal of resolutions to improve your life. Or you continue to sleep in, confident in the fact that New Year’s resolutions have no bearing on your behavior today, tomorrow, or the next day. The celebration of New Years can be dated as far back as the Babylonians in 4000 BC. But our more modern understanding of the tradition stems from Rome under the rule of Julius Caesar in 153 BC. Inspired by the mythical god Janus (namesake of January), god of beginnings and guardian of doors and entrances, Roman citizens began to make resolutions at the beginning of January. Building upon its historical significance, the beginning of a new year is a tradition celebrated in almost every culture.
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