Sean Musial, Staff Writer  

Former Philadelphia resident, Matthew Christopher Grau, more prominently known as ‘Matt Ox’, is a young rapper who rose to stardom with his 2017 single “Overwhelming”. The year prior, he collaborated with now deceased rapper, XXXTentacion, on the song “$$$” in his sophomore album. He has even collaborated with artists like Chief Keef, Key!, and Vallee with his debut Album “OX” later on in 2018. 

On April 5, he was arrested in Burbank, California on drug charges following a traffic stop that had two other individuals in the car. According to authorities, they had pulled the Lexus over initially for vehicle code violations. They then found probable cause to search the vehicle because they then searched and inspected the vehicle. Police stated that they found several cups that contained oxycodone, Xanax and a cocktail of promethazine-codeine, also known as “lean.” Ox was released on a citation and ordered to appear in court on April 30. 

Even with these serious charges, the 20-year-old posted his mugshot on social media. The caption reads: “F*** THE SYSTEM! FREE THE KIDS! NEW MUSIC SOON! LOCKED ME UP FOR NUN IM BACK THO!” This controversial post and reaction to something that should scare others adds to Ox’s persona and public image as a rebellious rapper that goes against the system. Not condoning these actions, the young rapper stays true to what he’s trying to convey– an image resemblance of ‘Emenem’ and what has become of the former child star in recent years. Ox has his own demons to deal with, but he’s here to stay to continue his creative form and garnish the controversies he has become known for. 

Ox, just like many other kid stars that came before him, have been affected greatly from everything that comes with fame and fortune. Other former singers that started in their youth, like Demi Lovato and Justin Bieber, got involved with drugs and other scandals later on in life. Micheal Jackson is one of the clearest examples of this, taking the matter that he was robbed of his childhood to a whole other degree once he made it the 90’s and 2000’s. Since they are more in the hip-hop field, rather than rap, it’s a clear representation to see how they got from point A to point B. The lifestyle that comes with ‘rap’ is much different from other song genres, still having remedies of the partying that rock garnished or the beats that Hip Hop has made mainstream. 

A deeper examination into Ox’s career reveals where he went from a young ambitious kid to a full-blown thug rapper. Ox was only 12 years old when he rose to fame, giving the world his catchy beats and music. Due to the amount of time that went into making his music videos, he eventually dropped out of school to pursue his music career more full time but his mom made sure to homeschool him so he could continue his education. As the years progressed and he got involved with more popular rappers in the industry, his craft grew into something new and even darker. Some people labeled his music as “dark trap music,” taking inspiration from some of his favorite artists like Soulja Boy and Lil B. Trap music is a subgenre of rap that explores themes of street life, drug culture, violence and ambition on top of the hard- hitting beats, aggressive melodies and candid lyrics. This music he has become most known for only contributes to the changes he has gone through throughout his early career, for the better or worse. 

The take away from this is to stay true to yourself when fame enters the picture, and money only adds to the individual’s new life. In its essence, music is a form of art that can help individuals gain recognition. People can lose themselves. The best thing someone can do when found in this situation is ask what they would have done in their lives when things were much simpler, rather than going in head first in the situation before thinking it over. Pursue your dreams but don’t lose yourself in the process.

Isabella Teti, Editor

Since late January, students in La Salle University’s “U.S. Foreign Policy & Haiti” class, taught by Dr. Mark Thomas, have spent the semester preparing for the trip of a lifetime. However, not without first understanding the significance behind the reason for our journey.

As participants in this class, we studied Haiti’s political and governmental conditions, which have become nothing short of tragic. The people of Haiti are suffering immensely, living under the constant threat of gang violence, human rights violations and widespread food insecurity. By examining the effects of a full governmental collapse, our class was able to discuss not only what the United States is doing to help, but also brainstorm our own solutions to the overall crisis.

Through both textbook study and in-depth class discussions, we developed a well-rounded understanding of Haiti’s situation, equipping us to advocate for the country during our travel study experience.

Our travel study took place over La Salle’s spring break and was nothing short of unforgettable. We visited some of the nation’s most beautiful and significant landmarks, including the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Capitol Building, the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery. We also visited the U.S. Senate’s Hart Building where we met with the staff of Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), and the U.S. House’s Longworth Building where we spoke with the staff of Representative Dwight Evans (D-PA). We discussed the situation in Haiti and learned about their efforts to develop a plan of action. Both offices shared their insights and allowed our class to offer our perspectives and propose potential solutions for U.S. involvement. One of the most exciting moments of the trip was touring the Capitol and receiving passes from Representative Evans’ office to visit the House of Representatives gallery.

Another highlight was our visit to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where we were briefed by Think Tank staff who have been studying Haiti’s economic and political conditions for many years. This experience offered a different perspective than our meetings on Capitol Hill. We also had the privilege of meeting the Ambassador of Kenya to the United States, David Kerich. He and his staff provided detailed information about Kenya’s peacekeeping missions in Haiti, explaining how their country is helping to reduce violence and restore security. We were able to ask thoughtful questions and learn about both the progress and challenges they’ve encountered.

One of my favorite experiences was touring the Pentagon. We explored the history of the U.S. military branches and visited the moving 9/11 Memorial where we heard a touching story about one of the heroes who lost their life that day. It was a place I had always wanted to visit, and I’m grateful to have finally experienced it. Later that day, we visited Arlington National Cemetery where we witnessed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—a rare and emotional moment. I was especially honored to see both a male and a female soldier perform the ceremony. We also toured the Holocaust Museum, a place I had long wanted to visit. Though somber, the museum provided extensive insight into both the origins and the aftermath of the Holocaust, far more than I had previously known.

During the trip, we also connected with La Salle alumni working in various government roles, from lawyers to federal agency employees. We even met alumni currently in law school, who offered helpful perspectives on the law school experience—guidance that was particularly valuable to students like myself.

All in all, the trip was a tremendous success. It was educational in the truest sense, as we applied what we learned in class at La Salle to conversations at some of the highest levels of government. This experience proved that La Salle is not only educating us about global issues like Haiti’s crisis, but is also preparing us—as future lawyers, politicians and public servants—to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. Through this opportunity, La Salle has shown its dedication to shaping the future of our country with integrity and purpose.

Chude Uzoka-Anofienem, Staff Writer

When I first began writing for The La Salle Collegian, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I thought I’d string some sentences together, maybe cover a few events, toss in a joke or two and call it a day. What I didn’t anticipate was how deeply this paper would weave itself into my week, my thoughts and, most unexpectedly, my sense of purpose.

Writing for a student newspaper isn’t glamorous. You’re not chasing Pulitzers or making headlines across the country. But The Collegian was never about that. It was about something much quieter—and in many ways, more important. It was about community. It was about giving voice to student concerns, celebrating achievements that might otherwise go unnoticed and capturing what it feels like to be part of La Salle University.

I remember my first article vividly. It was about Elon Musk purchasing Twitter and turning it into a complete hell site. I agonized over every word, double-checking facts, trying to strike the right tone, writing from my own perspective. When it finally went live, I refreshed the page more times than I care to admit, wondering if anyone would even read it. Someone did. A classmate stopped me after a lecture and said, “Hey, I read your Elon Musk article. That was cool.” That two-second exchange gave me more confidence than a dozen English classes in middle and high school ever could.

From there, I found my rhythm. I wrote about things that interested me, straying away from the typical school newspaper topics related to campus issues and towards more broader stories filtered through a La Salle lens. Some topics were fun and breezy—ranking the best and worst songs released in a given year. Others were more serious, like examining the WWE’s less than stellar reputation. Whatever the subject, I tried to write with empathy and curiosity. If there was one thing The Collegian taught me, it was how to listen—really listen—to people and their stories.

Of course, none of this happened in a vacuum. The editorial team was the engine behind the whole operation—smart, driven, slightly sleep-deprived people who made magic happen on deadline week after week. They held the bar high, but always with grace and humor. I owe every polished article to an editor who pushed me to my best.

Now, as I write this final piece, I feel the kind of bittersweet gratitude that comes with leaving something meaningful behind. I’m proud of the words I’ve written, but even more so, I’m thankful for the experience itself—for the friendships, the late-night brainstorming sessions, the thrill of seeing my byline and the hundreds of tiny moments that made The Collegian feel like home.

To everyone who read, responded or rolled their eyes at my work—thank you. You made me a better writer, and a more thoughtful person. And to future writers picking up where I leave off: write boldly, edit kindly and never underestimate the impact of your words.

Goodbye for now—but the story always continues.

Andrew Noel, Editor

I don’t know why, but as a kid, I used to always think about college. It seemed like, to me at least, a far away place that I may never get to. As I write this, I am three weeks away from graduating. Calling the feeling “weird” would be an understatement.

When I was picking which college to go to, I knew I was making a big choice. I just didn’t realize how big of a choice I was making and how much, for the better, it would impact my life. Given that I am so close to graduating, I’ve done a lot of reflecting on the last four years. It’s perhaps no surprise that I’ve had a lot of mixed emotions this semester, with the main one being thankful.

I’m thankful for La Salle, for challenging me both inside and outside the classroom, and forcing me to grow as a person.

I’m thankful for my professors–namely Dr. Brian Wyant, Dr. Kathleen Bogle and Dr. Caitlin Taylor–all of whom made my experience as a criminal justice major a good one. I always knew that they had my back and only ever wanted to see me succeed. One of the many things I learned in college was how impactful professors can be, and I will be forever grateful for the support and encouragement they showed me along the way.

A few weeks ago, I was watching the NCAA men’s hockey national championship broadcast. The announcer calling the game said that the best part of college is the friends that you make for life. Now that this journey is so close to being over, I can’t agree anymore with that statement. La Salle has given me a lot of good things, but the best thing is without a doubt the friends I will have for the rest of my life.

When I was picking which school to attend, I had a lot of options. Yet, I think it’s safe to say that I hit the jackpot. I can only hope that everyone finds their college experience as fulfilling and life changing as I did.

So that’s it. The quickest and best four years of my life are over. While I’m excited for the future, I will certainly miss La Salle and be indebted for everything it has given me. 

Jamila Robinson, Staff Writer

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! 

You are officially graduating, and for those of you who haven’t worked during your studies, you’re about to step into the next chapter of your life: the workforce. The thrill of the nine-to-five grind will warmly embrace you, and you will be excited to be part of it. However, as you embark on this new journey into adulthood, remember that the lessons you’ve learned in education will be invaluable. All the knowledge and insights you’ve gained will support you, so prepare yourself to take charge and pave the way as a new employee.

Admittedly, this is the time that you are expected to make your mark and hopefully, leave an impression that is positive and memorable. The truth is, the journey ahead won’t always be easy, but with the support of your family, friends and the community that you have cultivated you will be able to survive. 

Additionally, during this period of adjustment try to work on your communication skills, where once you could hide within the classroom during a lecture you will now be asked to participate more and possibly lead; remain calm, this is your time to shine, be clear and concise when communicating and be an active and engaging participant. 

While we are on the topic of communication, your nonverbal communication skills are just as important as verbal communication. Be sure to use good eye contact, and use open body language to show that you are engaged in the conversation. No matter what has been assigned to you, if you are unsure, it is better to seek guidance and direction, don’t be hesitant to ask for help. 

It is also a good time to get better organized so the tools that you used for classes that worked, be sure to enhance them. Be sure to use the technology that you have access to for your advantage. This may include email, chat apps or even video conferencing software. Choose the tools that are most appropriate for the task at hand, and make sure to use it consistently. A caution to the wise, be professional in your use of technology. Your activity might be monitored, and you will be dismissed for inappropriate activity.

This period will be an adjustment, and you might stumble, but you can do it. Take breaks, yes, you will need that time to mentally unplug. It is important to take breaks and rest when needed to avoid burnout and maintain your productivity. Taking regular breaks can help you stay focused and clear-headed, which is essential. Also be sure to also stay flexible, and open to new ideas and approaches. You will need to be willing to adapt as the situation changes. This will help you stay agile and responsive in a fast-paced environment, and allows you to pivot quickly when necessary.

The workplace functions as an ecosystem, where every employee’s actions influence the overall environment. Keep in mind that simple behaviors—such as being considerate of shared spaces, communicating effectively, and expressing gratitude for colleagues’ contributions—can significantly enhance a positive and collaborative workplace culture where everyone can flourish.

Lastly, it’s essential to maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of challenges. This will help sustain high morale and promote a constructive work culture.

Peyton Harris, Editor

Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of the La Salle Collegian Editorial Staff or La Salle University. The views expressed are strictly the author’s own.

Last semester, I wrote an article on the funding crisis that was engulfing SEPTA back in Nov. 2024. At that time, SEPTA was facing over $240 million in budgetary shortfalls and was reaching out to the state legislature for financial assistance. Governor Josh Shapiro had promised the funding needed to keep the agency solvent in his yearly budget, but the measure was blocked by state Senate Republicans.

Each day, the SEPTA is responsible for transporting an average of 750,000 riders containing workers, students and travelers from all across the region. These metrics include all buses, trolleys, Regional Rail and Metro subway services. Hundreds of thousands of our neighbors rely on these services to go about their daily lives. Come this summer, things might look drastically different.

In late Nov. 2024, Shapiro announced that his Department of Transportation would be rerouting roughly $153 million in state highway funds to cover shortfalls within the SEPTA budget for the fiscal year of 2024-2025. While it stopped the planned fare increases and immediate service cuts for January of this year, the state has yet to come up with a more permanent solution. 

“Governor Shapiro has thrown us a lifeline,” said SEPTA Board Chair Ken Lawrence at the time.

And now, barely four months later, we are back in the same situation: SEPTA currently forecasts a budget deficit of $213 million for FY2025-26, with support from Harrisburg locked up in the Senate. On April 10, the agency released a projected budget that would ultimately result in a 45% service reduction. All hiring is frozen, layoffs are expected, fares are anticipated to increase 21.5% and over 60 stations are to be closed. Let’s first lay out the proposed service cuts.

To mitigate the financial strain, SEPTA has identified key areas they say that service must be cut or severely curtailed to keep day-to-day operations manageable. Five regional rail lines are to be cut in their entirety: Paoli/Thorndale, Wilmington/Newark, Trenton, Cynwyd and Chestnut Hill West (CHW). The last two lines, Cynwyd and CHW, are to be cut due to low ridership. The others are an oddity within the network, for these lines are some of the busiest within SEPTA’s operating region, providing an alternative to Amtrak between many points. However, that is where the problem lies: SEPTA does not own these rails, Amtrak does. And because of this ownership, SEPTA must pay exorbitant fees to operate trains across their tracks. On all remaining Regional Rail services, service is to be cut 20% with a 9:00 p.m. curfew instituted. 

On Metro services including the Market-Frankford “L” Line and the Broad Street Line (B1 + B2), riders will see 20% service cuts, meaning less trains and longer wait times at the platform. The Broad/Ridge Spur (B3) will be eliminated entirely. Along with Regional Rail, remaining services will end at 9:00 p.m.. One important note along with this is the complete suspension of special service to the Sports Complex in South Philadelphia. What does that mean exactly? For starters, no more express services from Fern Rock Transportation Center in North Philadelphia to NRG Station at the Complex.

More importantly, in my view, is the impact this will have on any evening home game, concert or events held at Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park or the Wells Fargo Center. Many attendees, myself included, rely on the subway to get to and from the Sports Complex for a late game, and many La Salle students utilized the train to get to the Big Five Championship. If any event ends after 9:00 p.m., there will be no Metro service to get attendees home. 

Prior to their Nov. 2024 corrective actions, SEPTA had conducted studies for what they termed their “Bus Revolution” proposal to revamp the agency’s aging bus network. By December, that plan had been scrapped and traces of the plan had been removed from SEPTA websites. Now, the agency intends to cut 50 bus routes across the city. Some trolley routes are to be converted to bus, and as with Metro and Regional Rail, we will see 20% cuts to their service. These services are not affected by the 9:00 p.m. curfew.

This might seem pretty technical, but let’s break those numbers down. With the 45% total service cuts, SEPTA estimates losing 350,000 daily riders, nearly half their current ridership. On those that remain, a 21.5% fare increase will be levied on them increasing prices from $2.50 on bus/trolley/Metro to $2.90, with Regional Rail zone fares changing proportionally.

 “Given the dramatic impact that these measures will have on ridership, the reality is that we would start the dismantlement of public transit for our city and region as we know it today,” said former COO, now-interim SEPTA general manager Scott Sauer.

Southeast Pennsylvania has relied on transit for centuries: the Pennsylvania Railroad and Reading Railroad both were headquartered within Philadelphia (3175 JFK Blvd., and 1136 Arch St. at the current Reading Terminal Market, respectively). The first trolley service began in 1883 in the Fairmount neighborhood, and the Market Street Subway launched by 1907. Transit has characterized the region. “The Main Line” area quite literally is in reference to the old PRR main line between Philadelphia and Harrisburg. Philadelphians have come to depend upon these services for their survival – to get to work, to visit with family, to make it to medical appointments and more;and now we face the grim prospect of losing them. 

The loss of the SEPTA service we know today isn’t just inconvenient for some; it is life-altering for many. The local economy will be in shambles. Many Philadelphians do not own a car or other personal form of reliable transportation. With less service, or none altogether, this potentially means that some must reconsider how they get to their place of work, or whether they can even continue at their current job without a way there or home. In 2021, The Urban Institute compiled studies out of New York where lack of transit options correlated to a 4.5% increase in unemployment and need for public assistance than those who lived near reliable transit options. Center City advocates note that these cuts will drastically impact the resurging nightlife around City Hall as partygoers will not have rail access to the city after 9:00 p.m. And still, the impact to the sports scene in Philadelphia is enough to cause worry.

“The Phillies, Flyers, 76ers, and Eagles collectively share deep concerns about the potential impact of SEPTA’s proposed budget cuts,” said a Comcast spokesperson to The Inquirer. “Ensuring the best experience for our fans, employees and the surrounding South Philadelphia community starts with sufficient access to public transportation to and from our venues,” they said.

SEPTA is vital – point blank period. The area cannot survive as it has without the reliability SEPTA provides. Not to mention, Philadelphia is set to play host to some major events next year: America250, celebrating the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence; the MLB All-Star Game; FIFA’s World Cup; NCAA Men’s March Madness; and the PGA Championship. Are we really expecting to welcome millions to our city and not have transit options for our residents and visitors as well? As Sauer said recently, “On the eve of welcoming the world, SEPTA would go from driving Philadelphia’s economy to holding it back.”

The Pennsylvania House has passed a budget proposal with funding for SEPTA three times. Each time, Senate Republicans have blocked the amendment from passage. Sen. Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R) says that since this does not affect all Pennsylvanians, the state should not be obligated to act. However, does hamstringing the largest economic area in the state not affect us all? The logic doesn’t make sense, forn equitable solution benefits everyone.

Our officials need to hear from us on what these changes will mean and how they will impact us. Contact SEPTA directly. Get in touch with your city councilmembers. Make sure our lawmakers in Harrisburg hear your concerns. Consider signing on to a letter to urge the Senate to act. Do what you can do to protect the way of life for your fellow neighbors. It’s time to act.

Lucas Alven, Staff Writer

WATCH THE BACKSTAGE PASS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW FOR THE TRIP HERE!

TOKYO- This past spring break I visited Tokyo, Japan as a part of the travel study for La Salle’s Japanese Pop Media class. Now that the jet lag has subsided, I would like to reflect on the many years it took me to finally travel to the country.

For as long as I can remember, visiting Japan was always my biggest dream. When I was very little, my Dad would often put on Japanese professional wrestling and I would watch in amazement as each athlete told a meticulous story in the ring. Even at this young age I remember having an interest in Japanese culture’s entertainment, someday aspiring to visit the country to experience it myself.

Despite childhood, my true love for the Japanese arts did not really form until I was older. When I was in middle school, my close friend introduced me to the anime “Sword Art Online,” which at the time was a medium of storytelling that intrigued me with its uniqueness. However, in a full-circle moment, it was me learning and getting into New Japan Pro Wrestling, the current top wrestling promotion from Japan, which really sparked my interest in Japanese media. After that, I would seek out anything I could about Japan and its culture. This ranged anywhere from getting into Japanese music, to reading books about Shinto and even successfully teaching myself how to read the Japanese alphabet.

When I enrolled at La Salle as a Communication major with concentrations in media & journalism and advertising, I made it my personal goal to apply the skills used in my field by promoting Japanese media to the world. By my first semester I began producing for La Salle TV’s entertainment show Backstage Pass, where I have since highlighted my favorite Japanese celebrities, musicians and films.

This goal of mine also expanded into my academics. In my sophomore year, I surprised my advisor by allegedly becoming their only advisee to ever want to intentionally take Japanese 101. When I heard there was an opportunity to take a travel study to Tokyo with the Digital Arts department, I jumped on it as quickly as I could.

Fast forward to March 15, 2025 around 4 p.m. Japanese Standard Time, and there I am living my childhood dream. I had the opportunity to visit so many amazing places that I have dreamed of experiencing since I was little. Amazed, I stood in front of legendary venues like the Tokyo Dome and Nippon Budokan where some of the world’s most famous concerts and pro wrestling matches took place. My early childhood self finally got what he wanted when I stepped into Korakuen Hall, one of the world’s most popular pro wrestling venues, to watch Pro Wrestling Freedoms. I also traveled by subway to be a stereotypical tourist by visiting places like Akihabara, Shinjuku and Shibuya. Then in the blink of an eye, we were boarding a plane back to the United States. After take off, my mind caught up to my body as tears began to flow down my cheeks, I processed that I had truly accomplished my dream.

My biggest takeaway from this journey is that there is nothing more beautiful than chasing a dream. Life is strange and will take you down paths you never anticipated, but these unpredictable moments give you an opportunity to truly discover what your dream may be. While some interests and desires fadeaway, nothing compares to having a dream or massive life goal. Some dreams are reached by luck, others after years of waiting and there are many who not will never reach their dream. However, the true joy comes from the chase because when that dream is reached, the years of chasing will make everything about it feel greater than anything else.

I would like to extend a very special thank you to Professor Zhifang Li for helping to make this trip possible. Additionally, thank you to Professor Jo Anna Van Thuyne and Connor from Walk Japan for both of your contributions during the trip.

Work by the Japanese Pop Media travel study class will be on display April 29 at the third annual Communication and Digital Arts Showcase and Awards Night that takes place at 5:30 p.m. in the Holroyd Hall Atrium.

Chude Uzoka-Anofienem, Staff Writer

No doubt, you are all familiar with the name Hulk Hogan. Even if you’ve never watched professional wrestling in your life, or you think it’s stupid, Hulk Hogan’s name is synonymous with the industry. The face of what was once known as the World Wrestling Federation in the 80s and 90s, Hulk Hogan became a household name. The man who was credited with reviving the New World Order (nWo) storyline after WWE purchased WCW, was fired in 2015 (he was rehired three years later) after a taped conversation in 2007 containing an incredibly racist diatribe that came to light years later.

One could debate whether somebody should lose their job for things they say off-the-cuff in their own personal lives, but that’s not a discussion I’m interested in. I’d prefer to discuss a favorite topic of mine: hypocrisy. The WWE has a long and storied history of racist and bigoted behavior. Does that excuse Hulk Hogan? No, of course it doesn’t. However, for a company that has spent decades profiting from racial stereotypes and degrading portrayals of Black wrestlers, it’s telling that this is the first time they acted like they cared.

Wrestlers always have a gimmick; an in-ring character or persona. Even not having a gimmick is considered a gimmick in and of itself. Hulk Hogan was the real American and savior of the United States. Meanwhile other wrestlers had some kind of job, like a garbage man or a prison guard. Black wrestlers, however, were always saddled with some sort of questionable gimmick. 

In the 80s and 90s, you had Bad News Brown, a scary Black man whose finisher is named the “Ghetto Blaster”, named after a portable stereo or a boombox, primarily used in ghettos. Flash Funk had a ridiculous outfit and had “Fly Girls” accompany him to the ring. Moe and Mabel, or the Men on a Mission, rapped during their entrances.

These are pretty tame, but then you had Papa Shongo, a voodoo priest/witch doctor. The man who portrayed him also portrayed “The Godfather,” a pimp who is accompanied to the ring by prostitutes. A pretty egregious example is Kamala, a savage tribesman who was very confused about everything and spoke in grunts. He was managed by his “handlers,” one of whom was named “Kim Chee” (named of course after the Korean food) who beat and abused him if he did something wrong.

Then there was Virgil, billed as the bodyguard of the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase, he was practically a modern slave forced under the beck and call of a rich white man. DiBiase has even said that he owns Virgil. Virgil eventually beat DiBiase in the WWE and broke free of “servin’ his’ massa.”

Some of the more racially questionable moments revolved around Ron Simmons, who played professional football before joining WCW. The WWF called him Faarooq, gave him a Black Power angle and led a Black Power group called The Nation of Domination. This group included Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. They all saluted before matches kind of like The Black Panthers and feuded with redneck bikers (The Disciples of the Apocalypse) and a Latino gang (Los Boricuas).

The NOD was the target of several racially insensitive storylines from their opponents including blackface (Generation X-themed group called DX) and having their locker room vandalized with things like “We hate you,” “Stay in your own country,” “Uncle Tom,” and KFC and Malcolm X crossed out (Canadian group The Heart Foundation). This all happened in the late 90s. Not the 30s, the 90s. 

The WWF didn’t necessarily need a Black wrestler around in order to be insulting to African Americans. Take Akeem, The African Dream. His gimmick is that he’s a large white man from South Carolina who spoke in an exaggerated “Black Accent” and donned something resembling traditional African garb…I guess. His manager was The Doctor of Style, Slick, a Black man whose original gimmick was that of a pimp in a 70s blaxploitation film, until he renounced that role and became a stereotypically Black Southern preacher. 

Let’s not forget about all the other minorities and ethnicities they’ve insulted. The talented Tito Santana was El Matador – a Spanish bullfighter – even though he was Mexican and not from Spain. Similarly, Razor Ramon was a greasy, gold-chain-wearing Cuban thug who adopted a Tony Montana wannabe gimmick, but he wasn’t Cuban at all. He was played by Scott Hall, a white guy from Maryland.

In order to take advantage of the turmoil going on in the Middle East at the time, they had Sgt. Slaughter, an American military man who adopted a traitor gimmick, turning on the USA to join the side of our Middle Eastern enemies. Slaughter was paired with the Iron Sheik (then known as Colonel Mustafa) and General Adnan–both of whom were Iranian-while the U.S. was at war with Iraq, but details don’t matter apparently.

Hulk Hogan would defeat the foreign enemy of the day. Along with Sgt. Slaughter, Hogan defeated the Iron Sheik, Nikolqi Volkokai, (a Russian fighter who was Croatian) and Yokozuna, a Japanese Sumo Wrestler who was played by a large Samoan man who looked “kind of Asian.” The US hasn’t even been enemies with Japan in years but he’s foreign, so that makes him a “bad guy.”

When Samoans were allowed to be Samoans, they were usually depicted as uncivilized tribesmen. For example, The Headshrinkers were a pair of wild savages that chewed on turkey carcasses before matches and their manager would carry around the shrunken heads of their enemies. A quick Google search reveals that tribes in the Amazon are the only documented tribes to practice head shrinking, but Wikipedia didn’t exist in the 90s, so it was easier to fool the audience.      

I’d also like to point out that in the history of the heavyweight championship, there have been nine visible minorities that have ever held the title: Pedro Morales, Antonio Inoki, The Iron Sheik, Yokozuna, The Rock, Eddie Guerero, Rey Mysterio, Albert Del Rio and Jinder Mahal. If you count the secondary title that they had for a while, that includes a few more: Seth Rollins, Booker T, Mark Henry, Roman Reigns, The Great Khali, Bobby Lashley, Kofi Kingston and Big E. There have been over 50 championships and this history dates back to the 1960s. 

Wrestling is scripted, the outcomes are predetermined. It’s not about who’s better, someone just decides who will win. For the longest time, that someone was, but will no longer be, Vince McMahon. He’s the same man who would’ve likely given the order to remove Hulk Hogan from the company and erase his bio from the website. The same man who likely oversaw, approved or directed every racist gimmick and storyline I’ve mentioned – along with plenty of others that I didn’t mention. 

It doesn’t help his case that there’s a very famous video of Vince McMahon being racist in an attempt to look “cool” in front of John Cena—a white guy who, let’s be honest, kind of appropriates hip-hop culture himself. The moment was played for laughs.

So, Vince McMahon, who casually dropped the ugliest word in the English Language on live TV in front of millions and has been part of the decision-making process for decades of racially insensitive, characters, gimmicks and skits, fired a guy for saying the same slur in a private conversation. Again, not saying he shouldn’t have been fired–just saying that Vince McMahon’s moral compass might require a little recalibration. Uttering a racial slur to your friends is an unforgivable sin, but creating a slave or African Tribal character or having people perform in blackface and profiting off racist caricatures for decades? That’s just good business. Glad we’re on the same page.

Ring the bell! This match is over! Here is your winner….HYPOCRISY!!

Chude Uzoka-Anofienem, Staff Writer

The internet is a strange and unpredictable place—a massive arena where people joke, argue, and try to figure out where the line is between free expression and responsibility. Some see it as a playground for humor and unfiltered speech, while others believe it should be held to a higher ethical standard. That tension fuels ongoing debates about what’s acceptable, what’s offensive, and who gets to decide. Most of us have encountered those two groups of people that we’re all familiar with. Offenders (extremist trolls looking to provoke by being purposely offensive) and offendies (extremist whiners looking to get attention by acting like everything, everywhere is an insult). Usually, we laugh at these people and pay them no mind, but the combination of these two extremes have led to an interesting issue being addressed: our humor.

Humor plays a huge role in shaping online culture, from memes to satire to dark comedy. But what one person finds hilarious, another might find deeply offensive. This clash is even more apparent in diverse online communities, where people of different backgrounds, values, and sensitivities collide. Some argue that humor should be completely unrestricted, while others believe certain jokes reinforce harmful stereotypes or normalize discrimination.

Then there’s the battle between those who push buttons and those who push back. Some people deliberately stir the pot—trolls, provocateurs or just people who enjoy getting a rise out of others. On the other side are those who call out offensive content, believing they’re fighting for justice and accountability. These conflicts can spark meaningful conversations, but they can also spiral into online harassment or full-blown social movements, with each side convinced they’re in the right.

Are either of these sides right?

Well, some of you may not be shocked to know that offensive comedy is nothing new. Comedians have censored, harassed and even been locked up for jokes today. George Carlin, one of the world’s most beloved rulebreakers once said of comedy that “it doesn’t work unless someone’s getting offended.” In a way, he’s right. Someone’s pride does have to be challenged in order for it to work. But I think what most good comedians realize is that the more truth in the pain that you can get across, the more impactful the humor is. 

Accountability is another thorny issue. Anonymity can be a shield, allowing people to speak freely without fear of real-world consequences. But, it also gives cover to bad actors who wouldn’t say certain things if their names were attached to them. That raises a big question: Should platforms enforce stricter rules to curb harmful content, or does that cross the line into censorship?

Social media, in particular, has become the main battleground for these cultural and ideological clashes. Some people worry that heavy-handed moderation stifles creativity and humor, turning online spaces into overly sanitized echo chambers. Others argue that without rules, misinformation, hate speech, and harmful rhetoric can spread unchecked. But who should draw the line—tech companies, governments or the users themselves? The answer could shape the future of online interaction.

And then there’s “cancel culture,” a divisive issue in and of itself. Some see it to hold people accountable for problematic behavior, while others view it as a knee-jerk, mob-driven form of punishment. Should people lose their careers or reputations over things they said years ago? Is there room for growth and redemption, or is the court of public opinion unforgiving?

At its core, the internet reflects all the messy, complicated dynamics of the real world—just amplified. It’s a place where humor and offense, freedom and boundaries, anonymity and accountability all exist in a delicate balance. As online communities grow and evolve, so will the conversation about where to draw the line. The challenge is finding a way to encourage open dialogue without sacrificing mutual respect. There are no easy answers, but how we navigate these issues now will shape the future of digital discourse for years to come.