Lauren Hall

Lauren is a Canadian Writer and Blogger, based in Calgary. In addition to her freelance work, she is an Human Resources professional by trade. Lauren is always hungry for information, and has developed many hobbies in her pursuit for knowledge: she is an amateur archer, avid goldfish enthusiast, zombie aficionado, proud dog owner, and a casual gamer.
#MeToo negative side effects
 Human Rights, World, Editor's Choice

The Accidental Negative Side Effects of the #MeToo Movement

It’s been a banner year for the #MeToo movement, with a now staggering list of men in power facing sexual assault and rape allegations. And in May, media mogul Harvey Weinstein turned himself over at last to the police, and social media exploded with the victorious cries of survivors of sexual violence worldwide. It was undoubtedly a huge step in the eyes of the brave people who finally felt safe enough to speak out after years of silent shame. However, there may have been some unfortunate side effects in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement’s success, despite its excellent intentions. #MeToo was, in part, supposed to break the silence and stigma of sexual violence, and yet it’s possible that for many, it has done the opposite.
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Objectification in advertising
 World

Objectification and Sexism in Advertising

Ah, the 1950s: what a delightful era. It brought us Elvis Presley, hula hoops, poodle skirts, drive-in movies, and of course, the golden age of television. As the television industry boomed, so did the advertising industry, what with the added reach that television allowed. TV also provided a superb outlet for sexism in ads, which had already proven to be wildly popular in print ads for decades. Objectification in the advertising industry is an old hat it would seem, as women have continued to be advertised as everything from the dutiful housewife to the dutiful bedroom partner ever since those first sexist ads appeared in print. But this is 2018, you say! The sexist ads of old simply would not fly in our enlightened age! And yet, here we are.
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Affluenza and Ethan Couch
 Americas, USA

Affluenza, Ethan Couch and the Curse of Being Rich

Moments before affluenza-stricken Texas teen Ethan Couch killed 4 people while driving drunk in 2013, he was brazenly playing chicken with oncoming traffic at high speeds. His souped-up pick-up was full of other teens in varying states of drunkenness as he sped recklessly down Burleson-Rhetta road, where he then caused the devastating collision. Then just 16 and extremely intoxicated, Ethan managed to escape the wreckage with a few scrapes.
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Brazil #LetHerWork Machismo
 Americas, Brazil, Human Rights, World

#LetHerWork – #TimesUp for Brazilian Machismo

In the Fall of 2017, many of Hollywood’s celebrated actresses and artists began to break their silence about sexual harassment in the film industry by posting on social media, using the simple hashtag, #MeToo. Since the day those two little words blew up the internet and millions responded and shared their stories, several other movements have emerged, such as the now famous #TimesUp campaign. Today, worlds away from Hollywood, professional women in Brazil are making a stand as well against the misogynistic culture and machismo in the workplace there, by tweeting and sharing a video with the hashtag, #LetHerWork or #DeixaElaTrabalhar in Portuguese. 
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Easter Bunny Lie
 World

The Easter Bunny Lie: Fuzzy Friend or Enemy?

It’s that time of year again: overpriced chocolate bunnies and colourful chocolate eggs litter the grocery stores, and pastels are the palette of choice for the holiday decor. Easter is primarily a religious holiday, but it’s often overshadowed by that big, unnatural bunny who lays eggs made of chocolate for children to search for and devour. The Easter Bunny is just one of the trifecta of lies that parents tell their children each year, partnered with the Tooth Fairy and Santa, but there are some who believe that, as fun as it can be, the seemingly innocent fibs may actually be harmful to a child’s mental well-being.
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Reality TV Fame
 Opinion, World

Reality TV: The Price for 15 Minutes of Fame

Behind the catchy theme songs, pretty (scripted) words, designer attire and bright lights, reality TV shows harbour some pretty dark secrets. Reality TV stars are exploited to entertain the masses, but what negative effects remain once the cameras, once and for all, stop rolling? Many many reality TV stars regret their appearances on TV, and some have returned to ruined careers and relationships when their silly stints were over. And yet, many find themselves back under those bright lights for the next reality TV trend. Underneath all that glitz and glamour, what are the negative side effects of all this unprecedented fame? What darkness hides beneath all the bright lights and heavy editing that dominate reality TV?
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Trump Twitter Parents Children
 Americas, USA, Opinion, Politics, World

Donald 2.0: How to Avoid Raising the Next Trump

Donald Trump is many things. He is, of course, the President of the United States. He is the mastermind behind “The Apprentice.” But above all else, he’s a child. From Twitter tantrums to name-calling, Trump is easily the most childish 71-year-old president in history. His lack of sensitivity and respect and his self-centered, fragile ego are traits that should have prevented him from becoming the head of the United States of America – and yet, here we are. Something went right for Trump and, subsequently, wrong for America. Parents: it’s on us now to do whatever we can to avoid bringing up Trump 2.0.
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Video Games Sexism
 Human Rights, Science & Tech, World

A Thorn in the Side: The Case of Sexism in Video Games

Contrary to the popular belief that people who play video games are predominantly male, women actually make up nearly half of the world’s gaming population. Since such a large piece of video game profits come from women, it’s surprising that not only are women grossly misrepresented in video games, there is also a shocking amount of sexism and sexualization in the industry.
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Indigenous People Canada
 Americas, Canada, Human Rights, Opinion

Indigenous People in Canada: We Need to do Better

Earlier this month, the Canadian Justice System failed not only the late Colten Boushie and his loved ones by allowing his killer to walk free; they also failed the indigenous population. Gerald Stanley, a 56-year-old farmer in Saskatchewan, was acquitted by the jury of the charge of second-degree murder of 22-year-old Boushie, a young Cree man from the Red Pheasant First Nation reserve. Indigenous people nationwide and their supporters are left to mourn the loss of not only Boushie but the loss of justice for Boushie. Sadly, the Boushie family’s disappointment in the Canadian Justice system is not a new one for Canada’s indigenous people – and that is not okay.
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Valentine's Day
 World

Valentine’s Day: A Hoax, a Scam, a Disturbing Reality

Every year on February 14th, lovebirds around the world scramble to find the perfect gift, the perfect card and flowers, and the perfect venue to woo their partners with on Valentine’s Day. The world will be draped in red hearts and cupids and romance, and love will be, metaphorically, in the air. It may be a comfort to know for those who are not a part of a couple during this love-smothered month that the history behind Valentine’s Day is anything but romantic. From sacrificial goats and dogs to imprisonment and execution, to the eventual mating of birds, the holiday – as well as its namesake, Saint Valentine – has a pretty dark past.
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