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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Women shouldn’t have to conform to modesty standards

By Hayley Devitt | April 28, 2013

With summer on the horizon, clothes are shrinking and judgment abounds. While men are told only to keep a neat appearance, women and girls are urged to stay “modest,” as if their bodies are a source of shame and moral deterioration. Some girls really...

Real men can wear makeup

By Hayley Devitt | April 23, 2013

It rubs the tinted moisturizer on its skin or else it gets the hose again. Fans of pop punk bands circa 2005 are undoubtedly familiar with the phenomenon of “guyliner,” but what about average guys wearing makeup for their everyday existence? Typically,...

There’s no excuse for a lack of knowledge

By Hayley Devitt | April 16, 2013

We should know things. As my mother once said, “ignorance is not a valid excuse.” At the time, she was lecturing me about checking the oil in my car, but the idea holds truth anywhere. I feel that with today’s technology, there is even less of an...

Unisex bathrooms are needed in an evolving society

By Hayley Devitt | April 9, 2013

Last week, when I was asking around for “NIU First-World Problems,” someone whose name I didn’t catch offered me what I considered a “Real NIU Problem:” A young transgender man said our campus needs unisex bathrooms. For those who do not know,...

First world problems are not real problems

By Hayley Devitt | March 31, 2013

Many of you are probably familiar with a popular expression which summarizes the spoiled attitude of a comfortable lifestyle: first world problems. I like the Internet meme because it takes common but harmless complaints and subtly puts them into perspective....

Celebrate Women's History Month

Celebrate Women’s History Month

By Hayley Devitt | March 27, 2013

Normally for Women’s History Month, or at least in the past couple of years, I would have compiled a mix CD featuring all female musicians to distribute to my friends and loved ones. However, I am unhappy to report that this year I somewhat slacked...

Classroom etiquette goes a long way

By Hayley Devitt | March 21, 2013

It seems that every day some students seem to forget a very basic thing that should never be forgotten: classroom etiquette. At the beginning of a semester, a class’s instructor will go over a list of guidelines and expectations for each of the students...

Open your mind to new things

By Hayley Devitt | March 3, 2013

Fear of the unknown keeps one from opening up to new experiences. To some, fear of the unknown should inhibit others from experiencing something that is good for them and, oh yeah, requires legal action as well. As of February, a couple in San Diego is...

It is possible to like everyone

By Hayley Devitt | February 24, 2013

You can consciously choose to like someone. It is possible; I have seen it happen. Let me be more specific: Maybe you will not honestly like someone in the very core of your being, but you can tolerate them enough to learn to “play nicely.” Some of...

General education classes are needed

General education classes are needed

By Hayley Devitt | February 20, 2013

General education courses are essential in making well-rounded adults of us all. I mean, there are many relevant things to be learned in all general disciplines, and it will be important in the workplace to be able to view a situation from varying perspectives....

Doodling can be useful

Doodling can be useful

By Hayley Devitt | February 19, 2013

If you had an unhappy childhood, it was probably due to a teacher in grade school who made you feel lousy and embarrassed for doodling in class. Well, there may be other reasons. Nonetheless it is time to break the cycle of guilt. If you still doodle...

Give gratitude to service workers

By Hayley Devitt | February 12, 2013

When you were young, I am sure most of you were taught the golden rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated. I do not know about all of you, but I would like to be treated nicely. If you have not been practicing kindness and respect in your everyday...