Glamorization of murderers overshadows victims

For anyone who has lost a loved one, it can be a long journey to heal from. Grief never fully goes away. It is a continuous battle that some may want to deal with alone or simply in peace. But for the victims’ families of serial killer Jeffery Dahmer, they didn’t quite have the luxury of grieving in peace during the trial or even now. A drama series about his life has been released on Netflix leaving others talking about it everywhere.

Jefferey Dahmer was a sex offender and serial killer who committed seventeen brutal murders between 1978-1991. The drama series, “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” is yet another series that tells the serial killer's point of view. In the past, other films and shows have been made about him such as “The Jeffrey Dahmer Files,” “Raising Jeffery Dahmer,” “Roots of Rage,” and many others. However, this latest one dives a little deeper into some of the lives that he took. 

A Sonoma State University student that wanted to remain anonymous said, “I knew about the crimes and watched other documentaries about them. I didn’t know it was that gruesome until the show went into some detail about his crimes.”

Alec Padilla, a senior at SSU described his emotions while watching it to be “discomforting” and “creepy.”

“Personally, I find the serial killer and true crime series interesting and I would like Netflix to continue making them as I enjoy the topic of true crime,” Padilla said. “ However, I do understand that some people take these series as a way of  “glorifying” murderers and giving the murderer more spotlight than their victim.”

The glamorization aspect has gone into full effect. With the help of social media, the series has caused its viewers to make numerous TikToks, tweets, and conversations about the portrayal of Dahmer and his victims. Currently, the series is rated number one out of ten on Netflix’s top U.S shows.

Padilla shared what he’s noticed since its release, “I think a lot of people are taking the series seriously to learn about Dahmer and his gruesome murders but I do see lots of people on social media making fun and jokes about Dahmer and the victims.”

Due to the popularity of the show, numerous people have searched for the name Jeffery Dahmer. Dahmer’s popularity takes attention away from the victims and their families.

Rita Isbell, who is the sister of victim Errol Lindsey, spoke out after Netflix recreated her emotional impact statement in the series. She was never notified about this by Netflix. 

According to Insider reporter Kelsey Vlamis, Rita Isbell wrote in an essay, “The episode with me was the only part I saw. I didn't watch the whole show. I don't need to watch it. I lived it. I know exactly what happened.”

Isbell reflected on her emotional growth and where she is now,  “That anger stuck with me for a long time. I didn't have the wisdom back then that I have now. But I had to make this stuff make sense and deal with it. I had younger children to provide for and protect. I still had to go to work every day.” 

Many forget that these crime series are based on events that actually happened. They were not created for public entertainment or to put the killers on a pedestal. Sometimes it is not until victims of families like Rita Isbell speak out that people start to see the bigger picture. While creators of the series aren’t in control of others' reactions and views. The true purpose of crime series should be to inform others about the terrible tragedy that occurred.

California cannabis taxes harm students

When Proposition 64 passed in 2016, legalizing the possession, cultivation and use of recreational cannabis for Californians 21 and older, many celebrated what they thought would mean massive tax revenue, decriminalization, easy access to safe, lab-tested cannabis products, and the beginning of the end for the illegal market, the law enforcement of which disproportionately targets African-Americans and Latinos. But six years later, despite certain gains, the uniquely high taxes that the proposition placed on legal cannabis dispensary purchases have made products prohibitively expensive for those most in need, and the illegal market is still thriving as a result.

According to the Calif. Department of Tax and Fee Administration, $100 of legal cannabis purchased in the city of Los Angeles before tax becomes $115 after the 15% excise tax, $126.50 with a local cannabis business tax of 10%, and $138.52 after a 9.5% sales tax. A tax analysis of this data by Leafly determined that depending on where one lives in the state, total taxes vary from 23% to 38%. 

To put this in perspective, an article for The Mercury News reveals that the heaviest of those taxes, the 15% state excise tax, is on average only 0.25% for wine, and 1.5% for beer. 

Jonah Raskin, former chair of the communications and media studies department at SSU, and author of the book “Marijuanaland,” described the flaws of this current paradigm, and stated, “The tax on cannabis has perpetuated the black market. It has threatened the health and well being of people who want and need cannabis to deal with medical issues.” 

Proposition 64 stipulates that this revenue be used to fund services intended to offset the supposed consequences of legalization, including drug addiction treatment centers, youth groups, child care, police departments, and environmental cleanup. But while these are worthy services, most are unrelated to cannabis, and it’s unclear why revenue generated from cannabis alone has to contribute so much more to these services than tax revenue from other products. 

Raskin believes this revenue could be better spent elsewhere. “The taxes on cannabis should go to programs that educate the public about all aspects of cannabis; history, medicine, myths, laws. I don't think the government has ever had a program to educate the public about cannabis,” he stated

The high tax rates are especially discriminatory towards students 21 and older, who are already struggling financially. And while they can purchase and consume alcohol on the SSU campus, they’re prohibited from even possessing, much less consuming cannabis products for medical or recreational purposes on school grounds, under the Federal Drug-Free Schools Act and University Policy. Now, even if they were allowed to safely consume the products they need and want at school, they’re too expensive for many. 

Raskin experienced these dangerous policies first hand. “When I was teaching at SSU, students who had [medical] recommendations for cannabis had to go off campus to use it. That’s nuts,” he stated. 

For Ana Fingerson, a fourth year communications and media studies major, the inability to access and consume cannabis, due to these high taxes and illogical policies, could’ve been detrimental to her health. “I've known a few people in the past, including myself, that have used marijuana to treat anxiety. When I was coming off of antidepressants I felt like I was fighting for my life, and even the smallest amount of cannabis I used daily helped me get through work and school and just be a normal functioning human,” she stated. 

Raskin acknowledged the double standard that exists on SSU’s campus, stating, “Everyone on campus knows that residence halls are named after grapes and wine. This ‘normalizes’ use of wine. The residence halls are not named ‘indica’ and ‘sativa,’ for example, because that would be viewed as encouraging ‘drug use.’

Although these issues are localized, they’re the product of the larger problem of misinformation and dogma surrounding cannabis. One can only vote, and hope that common sense tax rates and institutional policies will be implemented sooner rather than later.

The importance of practicing radical self-care

Self-care is a phrase we hear a lot these days, especially on social media. Images of people taking long hot baths, lighting candles, and eating comfort food immediately floods the mind at the mention of practicing self care. 

This type of self-care can be beneficial but it is only a temporary fix. Instead, we should practice something that will stick with us long term, and that’s what radical self care can provide.

But first, what is radical self-care?

Radical self-care is not drastically different from self-care but there are a few differences.

Radical self-care at its core is about taking care of oneself before satisfying the needs of others. Doing this gives you the strength to heal and move forward with your life, according to Indiana State University. 

“Radical self-care is radical self-love. I feel that the practice of radical self-care is to listen to and validate your wants and needs without judgements,” said Terra Bransfield, fifth year double major in dance and psychology.

While self-care involves simple tasks such as getting a facial, eating a good meal, exercising, or watching your favorite netflix show, radical self-care focuses on making decisions that will help us heal our inner-selves and have a lasting impact. 

Shelly Gomez, the senior HUB program executive, credits Angela Davis for her understanding of radical self-care. She quoted Davis, “Anyone who's interested in changing the world must take care of themselves.” 

It is especially important for those who identify as members of marginalized communities to practice radical self-care in order to deal with everyday social challenges. 

For Gomez, radical self-care became a priority for her once she began her career in criminal justice. “I was working with young folks who had experienced severe trauma in their lives and It was important to me that I was healthy and able to show up as the best version of myself so I can offer the best support for them,” said Gomez.

Radical self-care is an act of self preservation, a way to stay true to your authentic self and to live fully. 

The HUB Cultural Center on campus, aims to encourage students to be their authentic selves. Authenticity is listed as one of the HUB’s core values on their website. “When the parts of ourselves and communities come together in authentic ways we are able to generate more power (energy) and experience greater vitality. When we experience this vitality we increase our capacity to heal, evolve, and act.”

Gomez believes that it’s important for everyone to practice radical self-care, especially students because we juggle many responsibilities while trying to figure ourselves out.

One way students can start practicing radical self-care is by self reflecting. This allows you to identify what you have been prioritizing over your mental health. Once this is identified, you can start practicing prioritizing your wellbeing.

Prioritizing yourself is not always easy. Gomez added, “This is incredibly challenging. Learning to prioritize yourself, without feeling guilty, is a life-skill that I believe is the most valuable.”

Why are Americans fascinated by the royal family?

For most of us, our understanding of the British Monarchy mostly comes from the media’s fascination with the royal family.

Even if you couldn’t care less about which British royal was getting married, you’d have to be living under a rock to not hear all the buzz and excitement surrounding the family. 

Since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, there has been nonstop live coverage of the royal family in the media, including updates on the upcoming events to mourn the beloved queen of England.

While there are millions around the world mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, including many Americans, there are some who question the relevance of the British Monarchy, particularly here at SSU.  

“I feel indifferent with the queen dying because I have no relation or attachment with the royal family. I don’t think she’s relevant because she has not impacted my life,” stated Azucena Ferrusca Lopez, fourth year communications major. 

Nothing the royal family does affect any of us here in the United States. 

Respectfully so, the British monarchy serves as a decoration of the past in the present time. The Monarchy is kept alive for the sake of tradition.  

After all, the American Revolution was basically a rejection of the Monarchy, so why does the queen’s death impact Americans?

According to Renee Graham from the Boston Globe, America is envious of Britain having royalty. “The nation left the monarchy but never fully let go,” stated Graham.

This could explain why when you’re standing in line at the grocery store, there’s always at least one magazine with the latest news on the royals.Since we don’t have royalty in the United States to obsess over, the British royal family is the next best option since once upon a time, we were ruled by the monarchy. 

“Americans like to focus on others. Drama is part of our culture and listening to what the Queen does or doesn’t do intrigues Americans,” stated Lopez.

Since we have no loyalty to the British monarchy anymore, royal family gossip is entertainment for Americans. 

It is also possible that America’s fascination with the British royal family comes from how much we value fairytales.

“It is a common American pastime to read romantic stories about kings, queens, princes, and princesses. We have clearly demonstrated this in our books, movies, and television shows. Even Disneyland showcases all the fantasies of a monarchy,” said Khanh Dao, fourth year communications major. 

While it’s true that Ameicans love drama that doesn’t affect them and fairy tales about kings and queens, there must be a deeper reason for this fascination. Why was Queen Elizabeth II such an icon to the world?

Queen Elizabeth II is the longest reigning monarch in British history, according to Virginia Commonwealth University. Taking the throne in 1953, the queen has witnessed not only the United Kingdom change but the world as well. 

“I do find it quite sad that Queen Elizabeth II died; she ruled for over 70 years. After the    death of her father, King George VI, she became queen. Her life has been full of experience in this world, having met thirteen presidents of the United States. There is no denying the queen's importance. She will always be remembered,” said Dao.

Queen Elizabeth II has been Britain's national symbol for several decades. Although the monarchy doesn’t rule the country anymore, Queen Elizabeth has been by her country’s side for over 70 years through difficult times. In a world that was rapidly changing, the queen served as a consistent and graceful presence not only to the U.K. but to the world. 

The queen’s death is significant to the world because it marks the end of a long era. She is a historical figure who has reigned for many generations, becoming a familiar face to the world.