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Marina Benitez

Marina Benitez is a School of Arts and Sciences junior majoring in journalism and media studies and minoring in gender and media. Her column, "Hear me out," runs on alternate Tuesdays.

BENITEZ: Pawns of patriarchy, media manipulation of female celebrities

I was on one of my usual TikTok scrolls when one specific video by the user @simplylillie made me stop in my tracks. The video, which has more than 4.8 million views, features audio of a remix of Olivia Rodrigo's "drivers license" and Sabrina Carpenter's "because i liked a boy."Dec 12 2023

BENITEZ: Female gaze does not exist

In the vast landscape of contemporary discussions on gender, the term "female gaze" has emerged as a compelling and frequently debated topic.Nov 28 2023

BENITEZ: Rutgers never should have closed Brower Commons

As one of Brower Commons' biggest critics and a proud resident of the College Avenue campus, there was no better news for me to hear than the infamous dining hall being replaced. Yet, my happiness could not have been more misplaced. The Atrium, the campus' new dining center, is a disappointment. Oct 17 2023

BENITEZ: Put some respect on Rutgers' name

It was not until I watched the first episode of the TV series "Suits" that I understood the level of "bad fame" that Rutgers has on the East Coast. It bothered me more than it should have.Oct 3 2023

BENITEZ: 'Girl dinner' trend is more problematic than you think

If you are part of the internet world like me, chances are that you have heard the term "girl dinner" over the past few months. Maybe you are even using it yourself when that microwaved bowl of nachos and melted American cheese seems like the perfect meal to finish up your day.Sep 20 2023

Which of these fall menu items are worth your 'star-bucks?'

As a barista and a Starbucks expert, I knew that when the chain's Fall Menu dropped in late August, I had to try all the items available. With two completely new drinks, three food items and three returning drinks, this year's menu delivered more than I was expecting.Sep 15 2023

BENITEZ: Why women should own their imperfections

This summer was the definition of girl power. The women's FIFA World Cup, the "Barbie" movie release and even TikTok"s trend of "girl dinner" were all subjects that made women the season's main characters.Sep 7 2023

BENITEZ: OnlyFans is no better than any other adult content platform

OnlyFans launched in 2016 as a subscription-based platform for "adult content," and since then, it has completely changed the rules of the game. With the pandemic, the app, the content and its creators started to gain immense popularity, heavily influenced by TikTok and adult creators.May 2 2023

Best of 'BookTok': Check out these 4 page-turners

If you're a reader as well as a TikTok user, you're most likely aware of "BookTok" and everything it has to offer. With discussions, debates, comments, reviews and recommendations, the literary side of TikTok is flooded with information about the best (and worst) books to read. Apr 28 2023

BENITEZ: Female rage should not be dismissed

The term "female rage" has gained a lot of popularity in recent years and is often used to describe women who snap and throw an angry fit after experiencing a triggering moment. Not many people put effort toward having a genuine and comprehensive discussion because women are deemed "sensitive and crazy," and angry breakdowns seem to be a part of the norm.Apr 18 2023

BENITEZ: Hookup culture has ruined dating for Generation Z

In today’s age, dating in your 20s is close to an impossible task. Somewhere in the last couple of decades, our generation has managed to normalize hookup culture, separating us even more from each other and creating a whole new world of relationships.Apr 4 2023

BENITEZ: Something must be done about Rutgers’ fraternity party culture

Rutgers is a party school. Being one of the country's most recognized state schools comes from the University's reputation for its abundant parties and the intense nightlife it allegedly offers. Mar 21 2023

Find your next favorite book using your zodiac sign

For book lovers like myself, it can often be a challenge to find a new book to tackle after crossing something off of your "to be read" list. Maybe you're looking for a book to read in between study sessions or something to get your bookworm friend for their birthday.Mar 21 2023

BENITEZ: US college fashion allows for significant expression of freedom

When I was told that American students wore pajamas and slippers to class, I did not actually believe that I would see them wearing loungewear to dining halls and libraries. It sounded so lazy and quite surreal to me, a born and raised Latina that had to dress up to go to school, the doctor's office and even the mall.Feb 28 2023

BENITEZ: STEM field needs to better support women

A while ago, the association between gender and professions was somehow agreed upon. The whole "women are nurses, and men are doctors" discourse has been going steady for years, and although the world has seen an incredible social change in the last couple of decades, some things just seem to stay the same. Feb 14 2023

'Enola Holmes 2' success is no mystery

In 2020, Netflix’s "Enola Holmes" was a hit among crowds because it not only injected a feminist spirit into some iconic, established characters but it also pleased audiences with a mystery in the form of a teen British comedy. Its sequel is no different — perhaps it's even better. The story is taken up a notch with "Enola Holmes 2," which is your classic, lightweight 1800s detective movie.Nov 17 2022

Netflix's new teen comedy 'Do Revenge' fully captures Generation Z humor

Movies targeting Generation Z are extremely easy to mess up, but Netflix managed to positively surprise us with its last dark comedy, “Do Revenge," Starring Camila Mendes and Maya Hawke. This entertaining teen flick manages to capture Generation Z’s humor in a nutshell, even if it’s not what we want to hear.Oct 12 2022