Viewpoints

There’s always room for debate on topics ranging from politics to philosophy to culture at USC. Join the conversation on both the big-ticket news items and local goings-on!

Both Democrats and Republicans should fully invest in resolving the Hillary Clinton email controversy


By
 1 Comment/in ,
A week ago, The New York Times reported that Hillary Clinton, during the time that she served as secretary of state, corresponded exclusively through a personal email rather than through the government provided system. The extent of her usage of a personal account for government business is unheard of for her position, and should be […]

Five regrettable but inevitable things you will do during midterm week


By
 in ,
This week, I’m finally taking a break from my usual life stories in lieu of a special occasion that takes place once a semester: midterm season. Despite spending the whole first half of the semester in classes, I have come to realize just days before the tests that I don’t in fact know very much. […]

Suicide prevention on social media is a big step forward


By
 in ,
Facebook just recently implemented a new suicide prevention plan that aims to identify people who may be feeling suicidal. Friends can report whether someone has written a concerning post, and that will generate an automated response to direct that person to available options for help. The new tool has great potential to save lives, and demonstrates that […]

House of Cards and real world connections


By
 in ,
**SPOILER ALERT** For those coping with severe withdrawal symptoms, Friday was a fabulous day for the House of Cards addict. After that brief tease a few weeks ago, Season Three is here to stay. When Season Two wrapped up with that breathtaking scene of Frank in the Oval Office, a lot of viewers were probably […]

This title is a lie


By
 in ,
This sentence is false. If the preceding statement is true, then it is false, and if it is false, then it is true. The paradox is a twist of logic and language that contradicts itself, ultimately rendering itself meaningless. For the aspiring philosophy major, the statement is a reminder of just how easy it is […]

Netanyahu, Boehner’s political agenda deals a blow to the nation


By
 in ,
Tomorrow, the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, will be delivering a controversial address before Congress about policies affecting Iran’s nuclear program. The subject of the address, however, has nothing to do with the controversy. What makes this meeting odd is that Netanyahu was invited by Speaker of the House John Boehner who failed to […]

The standard for A’s needs to change


By
 1 Comment/in ,
Anne Hall, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, was quoted last week in The New York Times as saying over the years, “the student [has] bec[o]me the customer who’s always right.” To a large extent, she’s right. I came to college expecting challenging courses and I definitely heard about them — in the science […]