*Note* I wrote this blog post for the week of February 22nd-28th, but accidentally saved it instead of publishing it at the time


During the Academy Awards last Sunday, many actors and other figures in Hollywood used their speeches as a platform for reform or to discuss other social injustices.

When Patricia Arquette won the Academy Award for best supporting actress, she discussed gender inequality, and the need for equal pay for all woman. Since her speech, she has received mix reactions. Some have accused her of being wrong -- that woman DO receive equal pay, and the same as men do working the same job. However, there is also evidence that on average, woman make about 30% less than men. So although some men and woman may be paid equally, on average not ALL woman are treated equally in the workplace. Despite the mixed information and responses on the matter, and regardless of who is correct, there is an issue in not just this country, but also the world, of gender inequality, and something must be done to change this.

Another speech that went beyond just thanking people was John Legend's and Common's, who won the academy award for song of the year in the movie "Selma". Their speech discussed primarily race inequality, but also inequality in general for all people. Their speech was very moving, and hopefully eye opening to people who still do not believe in equality for all.

Overall, it is nice to see celebrities use awards ceremonies to discuss important issues for this country and the world, and not just focus on what clothes people are wearing or thank a list of names that have no meaning to a majority of the people watching.

An anti-gun advocacy group have recently come out with a series of ads that show kids playing with various types of sex toys, with the caption "If they find it, they'll play with it" (as seen in the image above). The intent of these ads are to show the importance of gun safety, while using a shock factor to gain attention. While some people find these ads offensive, I think they are very well thought out and effective in promoting their message. Every year there are so many stories in the media about young children finding their parents guns and accidentally setting them off -- sometimes resulting in injury or even death. Obviously is small children are able to get their hands on a firearm, the weapon is not in a secure enough place. If someone decides that they are responsible enough to even need a gun, then the should be responsible enough to not just hide, but secure the deadly weapon.

I am afraid of....
small, dark spaces, and elevators. I am extremely claustrophobic, and feel very anxious about even the thought of being stuck or confined in a small space. When I watch a movie or TV show and someone is stuck in a small space, or maybe even buried alive, it makes me feel anxious and I usually need to look away because it causes me anxiety to watch the character in a situation that is my worst nightmare

I am angry about...
prejudice or close-minded people. When I read stories online that are about racist or homophobic or any group of ignorant people, it causes me to feel so angry. I don't understand how we can live in a world with so much technology and forward thinkers, yet there are still people whose beliefs date back decades or more, and will probably never change their way of thinking

I can do something about...
myself and how I act. It is impossible to control other people, or the outcomes of other thing, but the only thing that any one as control of in this world is themselves. I can only choose what I want to think about something, or how I want to act. Because I can only control myself and my actions.

On Tuesday night, President Obama gave the annual State of the Union Address. Following the address, there have been mixed opinions about it, from both the Republican and Democratic parties. One of Obamas primary themes throughout his speech was that he has only two more years in office, and has no more elections to run. Because of this, Obama intends to do whatever he feels is best for the country, since he doesn't need to worry about focusing on what needs to be done to get votes and higher approval ratings from everyone. I think this is a very smart thing for Obama today, and I also think that this is very good for the United States, because instead of our President worrying about approval ratings and politics, his main focus will be doing what he thinks is best for everyone in this country.

Another very important part of Obamas State of the Union, was in the speech he said the word "transgender," making him the first president to say the word during any high profile or formal speech. Many members from the LGBT community are speaking out in support of the president, and have stated that his acknowledgment of this group has helped to force the rest of the country to acknowledge this community of people. I think that his just goes to show not only what an accepting person President Obama is, but it also shows how much this country has progressed in recent years, and many people of different groups are becoming more and more accepted. It is also important that Obama has acknowledged them because it may force other people that me be closed minded, to become more open minded and accepting of different types of people. Overall, this can be considered a big step towards greater acceptance equality throughout this country, and hopefully the rest of the world.

Of course, not everyone has positive things to say about this years State of the Union. One of the major criticisms of the Presidents speech, is his failure to attempt to unify himself with the Republican majority Congress, in attempt to try to agree with the Republicans in some things. Following several months of disagreement between the President and the Republican Congress, not much as been accomplished with these two groups having very different goals and policies. However, this is exactly the reason that our government was created the way that it was, and I think it is very important for the President and Congress to find a way to work together, and find compromises on some of the important issues that they have so far failed to do.

In recent weeks, Paris has faced several terrorist threats and attacks from Islamic extremists. In recent years, there has been increasing tension between these extremists and other citizens of France. This tension finally escalated to something much larger last week when a satire magazine, Charlie Hebdo, was attacked by three terrorists, which resulted in the death of twelve people.

Ever since this attack last week there has been an increase in tension between extremists/terrorists and the rest of the world, not just in Paris. Many people instantly want to blame everyone that is Muslim for these attacks, but it also important to remember that these actions are done by a small group of extremists that do not reflect the views and desires of everyone else in that religion.

On January 16th, the Supreme Court began a case that would determine if same sex marriage would become legal in all 50 US States. In recent years, several states across the country have legalized same-sex marriage, Oregon included, but if this case is successful it would end the uncertainty and debated and make it legal in every State. It is currently legal in 36 states, and Washington DC for same sex couples to get married.

One of the main judges on the case is Justice Anthony Kennedy, and based on many of his rulings on previous cases that dealt with same sex marriage, as well as rights for same sex couples, many believe that he will rule in favor of same sex marriage.

In recent years many people have compared the rights of gay and lesbian couples to the civil rights movement. Although there is still a lot of work to be done for every one in this country to be treated equal and to have equal rights, there has been a lot of progress in recent years, and I believe that as a country we will eventually reach a point where every one truly is equal.