Digital Commons Network^™

Commodifying Diversity: The Danger Of Racial Capitalism On Student Growth In Higher Education, Jewel Evans

Dean James E. McLeod Freshman Writing Prize

“In what ways do you contribute to our diverse student body?” This is a question I was asked countless times during the college admissions process. As a Black woman I fit into two minority groups, but do I really want to spend 350 precious words explaining only these physical aspects of my identity? I have other interests: my aspirations in the medical field, love for cooking and curiosity in monotheistic religions, which happen to intersect with both my race and gender. All the question asks, however, is what makes me “diverse” enough to be a student at X University.

Dean …

Cool Kids, Camp, And Keeping Calm: Taylor Swift’S Attempt To Address Homophobia, Zoe Levin

Dean James E. McLeod Freshman Writing Prize

Taylor Swift has been a pop culture icon for well over a decade. She is known and loved for her narrative songs about relationships, so her new album Lover was monumental for being her first to address social politics. Most notably, the song “You Need to Calm Down” actively addresses Swift’s progressive position toward LGBTQ rights. A scathing critique of homophobic individuals, “You Need to Calm Down” was released on President Trump’s birthday as the second single from Lover, with its music video following shortly thereafter. Featuring a whirl of colors and playful celebrity cameos, the video promotes a lifestyle …