Furries find themselves maligned and stigmatized in communities where people act like relentless activists for self-expression. Xavier Callan PO ‘28 calls out the hypocrisy of this collective consciousness and the superficiality with which we approach such activism. Is it possible that furries are one of the few groups left that actually value authentic self-expression, a kind of expression that doesn’t require cultural validation? Callan argues that, perhaps, furries get a bad rap, that they might have something to teach us, and that they should be treated with more acceptance.
Tag: Identity
OPINION: Contemporary art must put individual before identity
As contemporary art shifts its focus from form to identity, does it still challenge the viewer, or has it become a closed loop of self-referential politics? Elias Diwan PO ’25 argues that contemporary art’s fixation on representation has turned inclusion into a substitute for communication, sidelining quality and meaningful engagement with the work itself.
Dear Roommate: A guide to celebrating Halloweekend with your parents
While Halloweekend is a time for fun, it’s also at the same time as Pomona’s Family Weekend, so the end of October can seem a little scary. Advice columnist Ellie Chi PO ’28 shares how to manage being your hometown self and college self all in three days.
Dear Roommate: Who am I if not my race?
Having recently joined the Asian American Mentor Program, advice columnist Ellie Chi PO ’28 reflects on affinity groups and the nuances of belonging.
OPINION: How America erased my Persian identity
Nowruz, the Persian New Year, usually brings fond memories to Tania Azhang PZ ‘25. This year, especially in light of the Mahsa Amini protests, memories of identity erasure are instead resurfacing.
OPINION: Stop homogenizing the Asian American experience
Hollywood is witnessing a rise in Asian-American representation — but, according to guest writer Zeean Firmeza PO ’26, there’s still a ways to go.
Pomona grants swipe access to SOCA, halts plans to divide lounge amid student organizing
Pomona confirmed they will not build a wall through the SOCA Lounge and that students of color will soon be able to request swipe access.
OPINION: Not speaking your parents’ native language doesn’t make you a bad Asian American
Not speaking our parents’ native language fluently is not a result of our personal failures but rather the result of our circumstances and upbringing, argues Alexander Chao PO ‘25.
OPINION: On chest binding, Pitzer needs to put the privacy of queer students first
Don’t make assumptions about your classmates’ sexual or gender identity just because they bind their chests, writes guest columnist Lila Feldmann PZ ’24.
OPINION: Combating prejudice against immigrants starts with immigrants ourselves
If immigrants want to change the harmful expectations imposed on them, they must first accept themselves, argues Phillip Kong PO ’24.