OPINION
Women and Assertiveness
by L’Asia Brown
It is an ancient philosophy that women should be
patnpered, and silent. In the recent centuries, women have
fought for every right imaginable. They’ve lost some and
won many. From the right to own property and vote in the
United States or to have pre-marital relations in Ethiopia
to the right to drive and attend school in Saudi Arabia,
women have always desired to live as proper or prepos
terous as their male counterparts. It has been debated
in both political and religious terms, argued in English,
French, Spanish, and German, and discussed everywhere
from BBC to CNN. Unfortunately in the United States,
women still earn about 82 cents to each dollar that men
earn. Men are promoted 6% more than women. Women
hold approximately 22% of the administrative positions in
the top 500 corporations in the world. Women still have
a little to go before they can call themselves completely
equal to their male counterparts.
Society can never aim to change the mindsets of its
entire populous through rhetoric. Instead, it should attempt
to demonstrate change through action. Women, now more
than ever, are quite active in the workplace. From your lo
cal McDonald’s to the corporate headquarters of Apple-
Bee’s, women can be seen navigating entire companies
through both financial hardships and successful growth.
At Fayetteville State University, women play a significant
role in the University’s function. From Dr. Janice Haynie’s
role as Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs to Monica
Carson’s position as President of the Student Government
Association, the female sex has proven itself to be no less
efficient than men. One key trait to career advancement
for a women, is knowing exactly how, when, and where to
assert the necessary aptitudes required for receiving the
due respect you deserve.
There is a fine line between aggressiveness and as
sertiveness. Women can also fall victim to passiveness.
An assertive woman hplds a strong self-image, practices
direct, honest, appropriate communication and leads by
example. She is direct, but considerate, flexible with guide
lines and punctual with deadlines. She is able to stand up
for her own rights while remaining sensitive to authority, is
respected by her colleagues, and builds others up, creat
ing a positive aura in the workplace. It is also important.
that women choose appropriate attire. Women are more
easily subjected to “attire discrimination”, a new type of
corporate prejudice that prevents individuals who do not
dress accordingly with company standards from receiv
ing deserved promotions, praise, clients, etc. Women are
naturally more emotional than men, meaning they must
work harder to separate their family and social lives from
their careers.
Sexual harassment and verbal abuse from male and
female counterparts should never be tolerated. If a woman
is made to feel uncomfortable because of suggestive,
inappropriate, or mean comments, she should immedi
ately act to resolve the situation. If she feels comfortable
approaching the perpetrator, she should do so privately
and professionally, keeping a steady tone and express
ing a sincere want to end the hostile circumstance. If she
doesn’t feel comfortable, report to a trusted supervisor.
For veteran CEOs and new secretaries alike, positivity
and professionalism are key to keeping a level playing
field...and still scoring the touchdown.
I’m Addicted to YOU!
What's Your Cyber Addiction?
by Monique Vaughn
It’s more addictive than any drug on
earth; and the funny thing is, it’s legal.
When you have a project due, but can’t
seem to pull away, when something new
pops up and you leave your friends wait
ing, or when you have class, but haven't
logged off yet; you have a Cyber Addiction.
There are many social networking sites; to
name a few Facebook, MySpace, Twitter,
BlogSpot, OoVoo, and Skype all cause
cyber addictions.
A few famous questions inquired by not
so “internet savvy” adults are: What draws
people to spend numerous hours on these
sites? Why can’t people just meet in per
son? What happened to the good old days?
Surveys revealed these answers: Facebook
allows freedom and comfort, you can say
things that you normally wouldn’t in person,
some people create a different identity on
the internet, and the “good old days” are
gone; this is the technology generation.
Whether it is for entertainment pur
poses or just to liven up your life, college
students enjoy these sites; maybe even
live by them. Most cell phone devices come
with Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter ap
plications so you can access it at anytime.
FSU Student Janae Majette stated “I’m ad
dicted to reading people’s statuses, it tells
a lot about a person." FSU student Keirra
Smith stated “ I’m not what you would call
addicted, however I keep the website up
all the time, and if someone sends me a
message or IM’s me, I respond; nothing too
serious.”
Although many college students find
it appealing to spend numerous hours on
these sites, there are some students who
do not spend much time. They just log
in, check email, and catch up on funny
statues. FSU student Tia Evans stated “I
am not addicted to Facebook or any site
because these sites can cause unneeded
drama, and I simply don’t have time for
that.” Another student FSU scholar JuLisa
Williams stated “I mean it’s just a social
network, I get on when I’m bored and need
entertainment.”
These websites where created for
people to spend extensive time on them.
There are many applications and pro
grams that these sites hold, to keep the
average teenager/adult’s attention. If you
are snowed in, it’s raining, or just stuck in
the house with nothing to do, these social
sites are there waiting for you. You do not
have to be addicted to get caught up in the
hype. One attention grabbed can have you
restricted to your computer unknowingly for
hours. If you are going to have an addic
tion, it might as well be a legal addiction;
one that won’t harm you.
In The Zone!!
The Lady Bronco Basketball team plays in pink uniforms to support Breast
Cancer Research.
photos by Tia Gilliam
#34 Larry Ross, center, guards a VSU player as he plays in pink shoe strings to
support Breast Cancer Research