by kwheele4 on February 25, 2021
Opinion
Convert to Cold Showers
Other than going to bed, a hot shower is one of the small things that people often look forward to at the end of each day. This welcomed event takes anywhere from five to possibly even 45 minutes, depending on how stressful of a day you had and how long you have before you deplete your hot water tank and end up with angry family members.
It is considered heresy to speak out against hot showers, given their almost sacrosanct status in everyone’s lives. Hot shower’s long forgotten brother—the cold shower—is therefore left only for those who are insane enough to wish themselves pain and misery as the cold water droplets bombard their skin.
It is unfortunate that cold showers have gotten this bad reputation, especially given that most of the people who speak out against cold showers have never actually taken one themselves.
Hot-shower-takers would be surprised to hear that cold showers carry with them many benefits: increased blood circulation, expedient recovery after workouts due to a phenomenon known as vasoconstriction, and better looking hair and skin.
All of these benefits, and many more, can be had by adopting cold showers as part of your nightly routine. So come and be a defector, or even heretic against the tyranny of hot showers. Your skin and hot water boiler will thank you.
—Joseph Kulesza ’22
Just Stop Using the “R-Word,” Please
One of the most disturbing and common practices in today’s society is using slurs to degrade someone, particularly when used by educated, “morally righteous,” Christian students at Providence College. More than ever, the “r-word”—one of the most outdated, outwardly malicious words—has been notably prevalent recently.
The “r-word” is never acceptable to use. Period. Obviously the same goes for any other slur. The use of slurs simply serves to harm people.
Utilizing the idea of a person with a disability who holds the exact same dignity as oneself to make fun of someone or something opposes the very nature of Christian ethics. It degrades an entire group of wonderful and capable people that bring beauty and honesty into the world.
Not only do people offend the entirety of the world’s disabled population when they use the “r-word,” but they also offend those who have people with disabilities in their lives. The use of this word stings them to their core and creates resentment within relationships. It makes one re-evaluate the very nature and character of the offender. This word also nullifies the Catholic concept of inherent human dignity.
It simply makes no sense. Feeling the need to use this word should serve as a call to action to reevaluate oneself and what one is trying to say. Before using this word, perhaps think about how using it only serves to show more about oneself than it does the person the word is directed towards.
—Olivia Bretzman ’22
Normalcy Via Viewing Friars Athletics Virtually
One of the biggest benefits of Providence College is the sense of Friar pride at sports games. Whether it’s a basketball game at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, a hockey game at Schneider Arena, or a field hockey game at Lennon Family Field, students always show up excited to cheer on the Friars.
Amid a pandemic, it is still important to watch sports games, even virtually, in order to maintain the sense of pride and normalcy that students experienced at PC in the pre-pandemic world.
Some believe that watching these games virtually is not worth it because it is not the same as being there in person. However, watching these games online can still foster a sense of pride and community when you watch them with your roommates.
“Even though it feels very different, I still love to watch all of the basketball games with my housemates,” Madeline Guth ’22 said. “We stream them on our TV and make food, so it is still a very fun experience even if it isn’t the same as it was when coronavirus wasn’t a thing. I love cheering on PC sports teams because it makes life feel slightly more normal.”
Students can still feel a sense of Friar pride by tuning into the virtual sports games and watching them with roommates or housemates.
In a world that does not feel very normal, it is important to adapt to this new reality and to do things that make life feel as close to the pre-pandemic reality as possible.
—Emily Ball ’22
