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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Melanie Pineda

Melanie Pineda, Opinion Editor

Melanie Pineda is one of the Opinion Editors for WSN. She is a junior in CAS double majoring in Journalism and Latin American Studies. She enjoys going on long rampages about her dog because, well, he’s a good boy. Her hobbies include pretending to have it all together, discussing social justice issues and making obscure Vine (RIP) references. She is more often than not seen calling her mom about everything and anything and drinking absurd amounts of coffee. Follow her on Twitter @meiabean.

All content by Melanie Pineda
Melanie Pineda

Melanie Pineda

Melanie Pineda May 8, 2020

I joined WSN my freshman year as an opinion staff writer. I was at first intimidated and insecure about my own abilities. Over the years, the people in the newsroom turned into...

The Final Staff Rants (of the Semester)

The Final Staff Rants (of the Semester)

In honor of the semester’s final Staff Rants, we have no theme — only pent-up rage.

On Free Space By Ishaan Parmar, Deputy News Editor Look, I get it. We’re all on the homework grind. CAS, Liberal Studies, Stern, Tisch — we all have homework, and none...

Staff Rants: Course Registration

Staff Rants: Course Registration

We have no Staff Raves this week. Course registration is the worst.

On Jumping Through Hoops By Ethan Zack, Music Editor Can someone please tell me why underclassmen have to make an appointment with their advisor before they can register...

Staff Rants and Raves: Apple

Staff Rants and Raves: Apple

Whether you associate “apple” with the fruit or the corporation, our staff has some strong opinions.

Rants On Getting Scammed By Melanie Pineda, Editor-At-Large I remember exactly where I was when I learned my iPhone 6 was due for an upgrade. It was a warm Monday in August....

Staff Rants: NYU Housing

Staff Rants: NYU Housing

Palladium might have a failing dining hall, but it’s not the only residence hall that has issues.

On Uninvited Guests By Calais Watkins, Dining Editor I only lived in NYU Housing for one brief, inglorious year — in Weinstein Residence Hall, to be specific. I expected...

Latino Journalism Deserves Better

Latino Journalism Deserves Better

Newsrooms claim to want more diversity. So why do they keep shutting down Latino voices?
Melanie Pineda, Editor-at-Large September 30, 2019

I grew up watching the news in Spanish. I would walk home to my abuelita’s after school every day, where Univision would constantly be playing in the background. Whenever a telenovela...

Staff Rants & Raves: Textures

Staff Rants & Raves: Textures

Some things are fun to touch, and some things aren’t — it’s not too complicated. Let our staff tell you why.

Staff Rants On Manicures By Lauren Gruber, Deputy Culture Editor Let me preface this by saying I love getting my nails done. I love not being able to use my phone for thirty...

Journalism as a Form of Advocacy

Journalism as a Form of Advocacy

It’s important to recognize how activism and journalism intersect, rather than existing independent of one another.
Melanie Pineda, Opinion Editor May 9, 2019

Last year, student journalist Rebecca Schneid from Stoneman Douglas High School — the site of a deadly 2018 school shooting — gained lots of media attention after claiming...

A poster for the Lizzie McGuire Movie. (via wikimedia commons)

Staff Recs: Best Disney Channel Original Movies

We’ve talked about some of our favorite childhood Disney series, but let’s not forget how one of our favorite channels was churning out classic T.V. movies at this time as well.
We’ve talked about some of our favorite childhood Disney series, but let’s not forget how one of our favorite channels was churning out classic T.V. movies at this time as well.
Stop Sharing Traumatizing Images of Migrant Kids

Stop Sharing Traumatizing Images of Migrant Kids

There is an important line between bringing attention to children in distress and exploiting them.
Melanie Pineda, Opinion Editor April 7, 2019

It’s no secret that migrants entering the United States from Mexico are being treated inhumanely. We’ve seen shoeless children crying at the border. Kids greeting their parents...

The Problem With Colleges Fetishizing POC Struggles

The Problem With Colleges Fetishizing POC Struggles

With the recent attention given to college admissions processes, one question remains: why are universities so obsessed with hearing trauma stories from students of color?
Melanie Pineda, Opinion Editor March 23, 2019

It’s no secret that it is much harder for students of color to be admitted to elite institutions. A New York Times analysis from 2017 indicates that black and Hispanic students...

Staff Rants: Tech Edition

Staff Rants: Tech Edition

To quote Patrick from “Spongebob Squarepants”: we have technology! As the WSN staff will soon tell you, it’s an everyday part of our lives that ends up being more frustrating than not.

On Being Made Fun of for Owning AirPods By Sakshi Venkatraman, Editor-in-Chief I’ll just come out and say it. I own AirPods. I find it’s better to be forthright about it...

Confessions of a Prelaw Student

Confessions of a Prelaw Student

Opinion Editor Melanie Pineda writes about why she wants to go to law school, and why she believes it will — hopefully — be worth it.
Melanie Pineda, Opinion Editor February 25, 2019

As a junior in NYU’s prelaw program, I have never faced anything quite as terrifying as the idea of law school. I’ve known I wanted to be a lawyer since I first interned in...

Non-Black Latinos: We Need to Do Better

Non-Black Latinos: We Need to Do Better

A reflection on the anti-blackness rooted in non-black Latino culture, and why it’s vital for the Latinx community to pull away from its racist history.
Melanie Pineda, Opinion Editor January 29, 2019

If you’re on Twitter, you’ve probably seen the viral video of “Jane the Virgin” star Gina Rodriguez being interviewed about her previous controversial comments that some...

Kids in Immigration Hearings Still Don’t Have Representation

Kids in Immigration Hearings Still Don’t Have Representation

Melanie Pineda, Deputy Opinion Editor November 25, 2018

This past summer, Donald Trump’s administration was met with public backlash after announcing a zero-tolerance policy that separated migrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border....

Northern Virginia Doesn’t Need an Amazon Headquarters

Northern Virginia Doesn’t Need an Amazon Headquarters

As part of one of the richest counties in the U.S., the last thing that Arlington needs is a bigger push toward income inequality.
Melanie Pineda, Deputy Opinion Editor November 15, 2018
As part of one of the richest counties in the U.S., the last thing that Arlington needs is a bigger push toward income inequality.
Hollywood, Latinos Don’t Need Your White Saviors

Hollywood, Latinos Don’t Need Your White Saviors

Melanie Pineda, Deputy Opinion Editor October 22, 2018
In the wake of the debut of the new film "The Curse of La Llorona," Deputy Opinion Editor Melanie Pineda explores the white-savior complex and its omnipresent role in modern cinema.
Masked serial killer Michael Meyers in "Halloween." (via facebook.com)

Staff Recs: Scariest Horror Movies

Halloween is creeping up, so here are our picks for Scariest Horror Movies to terrify you on a dark, lonely night.
We Need to Talk About the Dangers of Journalism

We Need to Talk About the Dangers of Journalism

If violence — and even death — have been tangible threats in the lives of journalists around the world, why do Journalism curricula not reflect that?
Melanie Pineda, Deputy Opinion Editor October 16, 2018
It is our duty as a nation with free speech to pay attention to the violence against journalists occurring internationally.
Jeff Flake Is Not a Hero

Jeff Flake Is Not a Hero

Melanie Pineda, Deputy Opinion Editor October 1, 2018
Though Senator Jeff Flake ensured that there would be an FBI investigation of the sexual assault claims against Judge Brett Kavanaugh, he is far from being our saving grace.
Border Patrol Agents Don’t Protect Anyone

Border Patrol Agents Don’t Protect Anyone

Melanie Pineda, Deputy Opinion Editor September 21, 2018
Border patrol agents are meant to protect us, but they are far too often the ones committing violent crimes.
Graffiti on 13th Street refers to the death toll from Hurricane Maria.

Photo: Hurricane Florence Got the Support Maria Deserved

Paola Nagovitch, Abroad Editor September 17, 2018

Graffiti on 13th Street refers to the death toll from Hurricane Maria.

Screenshots from some of the shows mentioned. From left to right: "Alex Strangelove," "Mudbound," "Ozark," "Nailed It!" and "Sacred Games."

Staff Recs: Best Netflix Originals

Netflix is the future of cinema and here's why.
Netflix is the future of cinema and here's why.
Writing Never Gets Easier — That’s the Point

Writing Never Gets Easier — That’s the Point

Melanie Pineda, Deputy Opinion Editor September 12, 2018
This article explores the value, difficulty, and rigor of what it means to write for a college class - and why writing in college matters.
Taking the Time to Remember the Magic of Museums

Taking the Time to Remember the Magic of Museums

The Brazil National Museum burned to the ground last week. Let's appreciate artifacts before they become fossils.
Melanie Pineda, Deputy Opinion Editor September 6, 2018
In light of the tragic loss of Brazil's National Museum, we must take the time to appreciate the crucial historical and cultural contributions of institutions like these.
Trump Administration Needs To Pay Reparations For Separating Families

Trump Administration Needs To Pay Reparations For Separating Families

Melanie Pineda, Deputy Opinion Editor September 5, 2018
Family separations at the U.S. border have resulted in not only an emotional toll on migrants, but a financial one as well.
Bill Cosby as a Lesson on Accountability for NYU

Bill Cosby as a Lesson on Accountability for NYU

Melanie Pineda, Deputy Opinion Editor August 26, 2018
The length of time it took for NYU to revoke Bill Cosby's honorary degree is indicative of a larger trend of questionable treatment toward assaulters.
Pride and Prejudice: Space for Sexual Diversity and Culture.

Libros Entre Libros: A Look Into Argentina’s International Book Fair

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer April 30, 2018
Check out the background of Argentina's long-lasting love for literature amidst the 44th annual International Book Fair in Buenos Aires.
Street art in Palermo Hollywood.

Day in the Life: Buenos Aires

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer April 27, 2018
Did you ever wonder what is it like spending a semester at NYU Buenos Aires? Find out about a typical day at the abroad site.
Cochabamba, Bolivia, by night.

Photo: Spring Break All Abroad

Carine Zambrano, Abroad Editor April 9, 2018

Cochabamba, Bolivia, by night.

Mental Health: What Buenos Aires Has That New York Needs

Mental Health: What Buenos Aires Has That New York Needs

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer February 25, 2018
What can the United States and NYU learn from Argentina’s positive attitude towards a healthy mental wellbeing?
Legislative Day Is Another Stress We Don’t Need

Legislative Day Is Another Stress We Don’t Need

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer December 5, 2017
NYU’s annual Legislative Day, however, has placed an abrupt and unexpected change to those schedules, and is ultimately more of an inconvenience rather than the blessing that NYU attempts to pass it off as.
Universities Need to Speak Up on Harassment

Universities Need to Speak Up on Harassment

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer November 28, 2017
Students have every right to have their claims heard and to feel safe; rather than try to put their reputations first, universities must take every allegation seriously for the sake of their students’ well-being.
It’s OK Not to Go Out Every Weekend

It’s OK Not to Go Out Every Weekend

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer November 10, 2017
There is no need for students to have to burn themselves out every single time Friday night comes along.
Immigration Is a Local Issue Too

Immigration Is a Local Issue Too

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer November 6, 2017
If Democratic candidates want to see immigrants consistently turn up at elections, they need to dedicate themselves to stronger stances on immigration against the toxic threats that the Republicans in office have forced upon millions in this country.
Multi-Factor Authentication Will Do More Harm Than Good

Multi-Factor Authentication Will Do More Harm Than Good

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer October 27, 2017
Multi-Factor Authentication is a waste of time that is bound to disrupt class times and study sessions, as well as create a new level of stress on the student body that could easily be avoided.
Opinion Pieces are for Opinions, Not Fabrications

Opinion Pieces are for Opinions, Not Fabrications

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer October 20, 2017
In these dangerous political times, news sources must be held accountable in making sure that opinions stay just that, without attempting to invoke twisted falsehoods to a vulnerable general public.
Democrats Calling for Unity Isn’t Enough

Democrats Calling for Unity Isn’t Enough

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer October 3, 2017
By not taking a strong stance on border patrol policies, and on race-driven issues such as police brutality, the Democratic Party is practically begging for division rather than the ‘unity’ they have been desperately calling for since the 2016 Presidential election.
Trump is Wrong on DACA

Trump is Wrong on DACA

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer September 11, 2017
It is irresponsible to view DACA recipients as merely statistics more than anything else.
Social Justice Is a Movement, Not a Marketing Strategy

Social Justice Is a Movement, Not a Marketing Strategy

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer April 17, 2017
Even though Pepsi is by no means the only company guilty of using social justice in their product tactics, this ever growing trend of abusing activism for companies’ personal gain needs to be called out and stopped.
No More LGBT Character Tragedies

No More LGBT Character Tragedies

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer March 6, 2017
The media as a whole should be held accountable for enforcing stereotypical representation and must instead be pressured into inciting more fleshed out, accurate LGBTQ portrayals.
Emails Aren’t Convincing Electors to Change Their Votes

Emails Aren’t Convincing Electors to Change Their Votes

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer November 28, 2016
Electors are not in any way impressed by the thousands of emails they're receiving, and bigotry will not magically disappear even in the case of a political miracle.
Plus-Size Representation Still Lacking in Modern Media

Plus-Size Representation Still Lacking in Modern Media

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer November 16, 2016
The ignorance surrounding shaming curvy women can be seen everywhere we look.
Vine’s Death Has Broad Social Consequences

Vine’s Death Has Broad Social Consequences

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer November 7, 2016
Losing vine means losing a part of what makes us human.
Ken Bone’s Notoriety Is Indicative of American Politics

Ken Bone’s Notoriety Is Indicative of American Politics

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer October 19, 2016
Ken Bone, like the U.S., slowly developed into one colossal Internet joke with endless amounts of ugly history and, oddly enough, no punch line.
‘Thoughts and Prayers’ Aren’t Helping Anyone

‘Thoughts and Prayers’ Aren’t Helping Anyone

Melanie Pineda, Staff Writer October 17, 2016
Sure, social media helps us connect to a worldwide audience far quicker and easier than any other platform, but thoughts and prayers don’t mean much if they reach those in actual need too late.
Meme Obsession Has Reached An Unhealthy Peak

Meme Obsession Has Reached An Unhealthy Peak

Melanie Pineda, Contributing Writer September 28, 2016
While we may be laughing at the current state memes have placed our most important communication tool in, we can’t keep pretending that this joke is funny forever, and we definitely can’t keep ignoring when the joke goes too far.