Ria’s Rhetoric
Understanding the past helps us contextualize the present and envision the future. I hope that the articles will be provocative and cause reflection, discourse, and debate within readers.
Recent Posts
Read about the variety of topics I am interested in and have written about recently.
Neoliberalism in Latin America and the United States
The main difference between neoliberalism in Latin America and the United States is that in Latin America, neoliberalism often occurred under fragile democracies and without a strong economic foundation.
Tell Me How It Ends by Valeria Luisellia: Mobilizing Beautiful Prose Against an Ugly Cause
She fulfills the three goals of activist writing through utilizing real stories, employing evocative and literary-like prose, and directly calling for action.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Redefining Power
Through Elizabeth, the ideal of power shifts from marital arrangements to one that is rooted in autonomy, agency, and the pursuit of happiness.
The Dichotomous American Dream
I can believe in the potential of the American Dream while acknowledging its imperfections. One narrative does not inherently invalidate the other.
A Stand Against Spreading in Debate
The very purpose of debate– expression with clarity, logic, and reasoning.
Capitalism's Grip on American Poverty
Services ostensibly designed to provide relief reveal exploitative undertones, underscoring a more profound structural issue that explains the persistent nature of poverty.
Arguing Against Complete Student Loan Forgivness
While debt forgiveness may be a free gift to some, it would exacerbate the most dire inequalities in this country.
China’s Surveillance State Supremacy
China's extensive surveillance plays a pivotal role in its increase of a repressive state, enabling the government to maintain a sense of nationalism through fear and sustain its authoritarian grip through strict political and social control.
Democratization of Scholarly Research
Scholarly articles hold immense value in the dissemination of credible information.
From Columbus to Indigenous People's Day
Choosing to recognize Indigenous People's Day is not about erasing history but rather confronting the uncomfortable truths that have been obscured for too long.
The Power of Inclusive Language in Shaping Historical Narratives
By adopting more inclusive language and refraining from perpetuating damaging stereotypes, we can foster a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of our collective past.
Facebook and the Ethical Delimma of Value Neutrality in the Digital Age
The concept of value neutrality is essential in the digital realm to ensure fair representation, freedom of expression, and equal opportunities for all users.
Post Truth and Vaccines
In our post-modernist world, truth appears elusive and subjective, challenging our ability to understand pressing issues such as vaccines.
Gender Inclusivity at Single Sex Schools
Times have changed, and the notions of gender and identity have evolved. It is time for single-sex institutes to do so as well.
Rampant Rats in New York
The rat issue stems from systemic problems surrounding sanitation, health, and housing. It is especially problematic for low-income communities that are disproportionately impacted due to limited access to sanitation services and often substandard housing.
Voter Suppression Still Exists. Native Americans Face the Brunt of It.
Millions of Native Americans, especially those living in reservations across the United States, are unfairly and systematically excluded from voting.
Indigenous Appropriation in Football
There are some concerning and outdated practices that still exist in football, namely the appropriation of Native Americans that was brought into the spotlight with the Kentucky Chiefs playing in the Super Bowl this year.
Is It Time For America’s Next Mega-Project: High-Speed Rail
A high-speed rail system has a unique ability to save these lives and make evacuations much more convenient since it is less vulnerable than aviation to most severe weather events and is the only mode of transportation that can operate right before extreme weather.
Exploring Mandatory Arbitration
Arbitration should be a system in which both parties have equal say, yet, the reality is that the system is unjustly favorable to the employer.