DEAREST READER, As an English Literature major, I am the first to admit that scholarly research can be tedious,
impersonal, and often frustratingly inconclusive. It can also change the world. During the 19th
century, Darwin officially challenged everything we thought we knew; anthropologist Margaret
Meade influenced the sexual revolution of the 1960’s through her controversial analysis of sexual and gendered perceptions of the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia. At this very moment, a
professor of WWU, Laura Laffrado, is working tirelessly to exhume the life and work of PNW
poet Ella Higginson – sharing the story of a once forgotten local artist with the world. These are just a few examples of research that has and will have lasting impact.
Scholarly research – especially the controversial – had been praised, insulted, even banned;
however, no matter our opinion on what we read, we must admit that it makes us think. This
is why the intellectual discussion should be supported, and why we can all participate simply through reading.
On behalf of the Occam’s Razor staff, I am proud to represent a platform where WWU
undergraduates can share their research. The majority of the essays published in this issue share a theme of social activism; each work asks us to question our perceptions of society, hierarchy, and consequent world-view. I implore you to analyze and challenge what you read – through doing
this, you are partaking in a discussion that would not exist if it was not for our readership. Also, you and I must not forget to consider what we as individuals can do – the research is here to inform and motivate, dynamic action is up to us.
Most importantly, I must close by thanking our Lead Designer Anna and her volunteers
Katie and Kerry for the physical manifestation of this magazine; after witnessing this complex and detailed process, you have my utmost respect. To our editors Cassie, Grace, Chris, and volunteer Ana: the amount of effort and time you were able to commit to this project is
something for which I cannot thank you enough; by selecting and editing these essays you
became agents for change, bravo. Lastly, a special thank you to Christopher Patton and Megan McGinnis for their constant advice and support.
SINCERELY,
PAOLA MERRILL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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