by Aanya Mittu (’25)

“The People Problem” is a column dedicated to sparking new conversations about underlying issues in society, from internal bias to social stigmas. It aims to create more open-minded discussions (through analyzing social psychology, public policy, and more) about the way our privilege can come between us and an educated, respectful society.

People Problem: how ableist language perpetuates discrimination

by Aanya Mittu (’25) | March 22, 2024 The power of language often goes unnoticed in our daily lives, especially in casual conversations with our friends and family. Unfortunately, many words and phrases commonly used in colloquial exchanges carry harmful histories, ranging from the racial to the ableist. For instance, using the words “dumb” or…

The People Problem: crude comments about curly hair

by Aanya Mittu (’25) | March 1, 2024 Growing up, I absolutely hated the idea of going to get my hair cut. No matter how many times my mother tried to explain the importance of cutting off dead ends or keeping my hair healthy, I remained staunch in my decision. The thought of sitting in…

The People Problem: the “rustic” charm of farmers’ markets

by Aanya Mittu (’25) | February 2, 2024 In the heart of Berkeley, California, Alice Waters’ world-renowned restaurant, Chez Panisse, has attracted various customers since its opening in 1971. Waters, an award-winning chef, is mainly known for pioneering the farm-to-table movement, a more sustainable approach to farming and harvesting. Farmers’ markets began to pop up…

The People Problem: the harms of collateral damage in war

by Aanya Mittu (’25) | November 17, 2023 As news headlines flood with recountings of battles fought across the world, the term “collateral damage” seems to keep popping up—specifically in reference to lives lost in war. The word “war” itself can be a battlefield, as words often conceal the grim realities they attempt to describe.…

The People Problem: social impacts of antihomeless infrastructure

by Aanya Mittu (’25) | October 6, 2023 Casual remarks made in passing can have profound effects on how we view the world, and they simultaneously speak volumes about our privilege. Based on the rising homelessness rate, many feel tempted to blame the people themselves. However, taking a deep dive into anti-homeless infrastructure and policies…