*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.