Welcome to The Rival American, a university-unaffiliated media publication run by students, for students. We produce opinion editorials, culture critiques, student journalism, and even silly jokes.
In all likelihood, my peers growing up could probably pick up on the deep insecurity that sat in my ribcage at all times. I was unsure of essentially every step I took, trying desperately to both stand out by just being myself while avoiding any infamous attention for being the weird “other.” In reality, I think I blended into the background just fine, from which feeling like the “second choice” was born.
Read MoreSo, you’ve done it. You’ve crossed to the next step of your relationship with your next door neighbor and now you want the whole world to know. We’ve all been there. But what’s the best way to shout it from the rooftops without actually doing so? An Instagram post might work, but that’s one and done. You’ve tried your dorm, but your roommate keeps saying that it’s “making them uncomfortable” and you’ve “ruined the vibe of the floor.” What’s a person to do? Never fear, because we’ve compiled a list of the best places to mack with your floorcest relationship.
Read MoreFor these “open-minded” closed-hearted individuals, friends are just like their internships: stepping stones for a greater scheme. The slightest infraction from friend group policy is often totally unforgivable and must be punished, even by so-called prison abolitionists. Maybe I have an idealized view of the past, but I feel like during the Vietnam War, radical politics were about loving human life and connecting with your like-minded peers (and smoking weed). Now, it’s about getting mad at people for hanging out with someone that didn’t say hi to you once.
Read MoreAsk yourself: has the university admin already chosen a side?
Considering the death threat sent to a Palestinian faculty member and how there was not much done to protect Palestinian members of our community after this. Also consider how the admin has rarely mentioned the Palestinian community in their emails, while almost always, the Jewish community was mentioned at least a few times per email. Admin has already chosen a side. A side they cannot say out loud because they’re supposed to be “inclusive.” They even have chosen to reinvent the curriculum of AUx 2, and even getting the FBI involved. Has anything happened? Not that I’m aware of. Previously, it was all about racism and teaching us students at this PWI about what intersectionality is, to a point where we know what it is and it feels like they are covering their asses by saying “we force everyone to take a class that teaches them to be inclusive.”
Read MoreOn December 4th, 2023, the Antiracist Research and Policy Center hosted a panel titled Student Speech, Education Policy, and College Campuses Today to discuss the recent infringements of student activists’ free speech. As anti-genocide and pro-Palestinian activism have surged on college campuses due to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, A.R.P.C. invited scholars Thea Abu El-Haj, Lara Schwartz, Miriam Durrani, William Youmans, and Dwayne Wright to share their expertise with the A.U. community, hosted by A.U.’s own Aamarah DeCuir. This transcription is intended to be used as an archive for those who are interested in the topic and were not able to attend.
Read MoreAmerican University’s Antiracism Research and Policy Center hosted their first Lunch and Learn of the semester on November 1st. The event was focused on educational equity in the era of “anti-wokeness” and the Supreme Court’s overturning of affirmative action.
The event was hosted by the founder of AU’s new club Brave Spaces, Gabriella Hoard, who interviewed the three panelists: education professor Dr. Kenjus Watson, law professor Dr. Leah Epperson, and student Josiah Carolina.
Read MoreHere at the Rival American, we promote safe partying! Always go with a buddy, keep track of your drinks, don’t scooter drunk, and never go to a frat party. Halloweekend (the weekend before Halloween) is a notorious party weekend at AU, and colleges around the country. Halloweekend is usually a defining moment for people- tears are shed, eyeliner is smudged, and costume headpieces end up in the gutter. The Rival Staff has collected the 14 Commandments of Halloweekend, so you can learn from our mistakes and make next year the best Halloweekend ever!
Read MoreTwo days ago the world was blessed with the release of 1989 (Taylor’s Version). Obviously, this has caused the Swifties online to continue to post their theories and easter egg discoveries, which reminded me of my favorite unhinged Taylor Swift related theory: The Haylor Committed Vehicular Manslaughter Theory. It also happens to be based around the time that Taylor Swift was writing the original 1989, so I figured I would revisit this insane sect of Swiftie theories with you all today.
Read MoreLast year, Disney+ released the sequel to the 1993 cult classic, cleverly and originally titled 2 Hocus 2 Pocus. Just kidding, it’s titled Hocus Pocus 2: Electric Boogaloo. Kidding again. It’s just Hocus Pocus 2. Other than the slightly bland title, I loved it! While I was majorly disappointed not to see more cameos from the first movie, I still had fun. The musical number (One Way or Another), however, can never live up to the first one. A lot of reviews were complaining about the movie’s lack of seriousness, but if you went in expecting a Top Gun: Maverick level of sequel, that’s on you.
Read MoreWhenever Halloween rolls around I am reminded of the many years I’ve spent in trashy costumes and house parties asking strangers “what are you supposed to be?” Only to be met with an incredibly obscure or equally obvious answer (I should’ve known the guy double fisting Marlboros and a Natty Light was Bojack Horseman). I’ve come to appreciate the jankiness of college Halloween antics, but that wasn’t always the case. In honor of the worst best holiday we’ve all come to lovingly dread, here’s my list of reasons why Halloween isn’t for the faint of heart.
Read MoreAre you obsessed with the color forest green? How about frogs? Do you ever find yourself spending a little too much time in the warm lighting section at home depot? Or have you ever been glued to the couch watching HGTV? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then – like me – you may be the bisexual child of two granola liberal parents!
Read MoreYou’ve been sexiled. Welcome to a key pillar of the college experience! Here at The Rival, we feel your pain and want to help you figure out what to do now that you can’t relax in the comfort of your own bed. Here are a couple ideas of how to kill the next few minutes hours while your roommate gets it on.
Read MoreSo. You’re one of many who does not have a place to live on campus. Well guess what? That is entirely your fault and not American University’s.
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