Kevin O'Connell
koconnell@binghamton.edu
8 Articles
Columns
Fictional heroes inspire our humanity
Whether or not you saw this summer’s “Superman,” you likely remember the social media response that followed it. For months, I couldn’t scroll through my TikTok feed without seeing stylized edits of...
Columns
The good and bad of video game remakes
In 2003, Nintendo announced a remake of the 1998 gaming classic “Metal Gear Solid,” originally directed by legendary auteur Hideo Kojima. The announcement shocked audiences — the remake, called “Metal Gear Solid:...
Opinions
Zohran Mamdani has brought new life to the Democratic Party
It would be uncontroversial to say that the current Democratic Party is rudderless. After its defeat in the 2024 election, the party’s approval ratings have plummeted to record lows despite President Trump’s...
Opinions
We still need the American Dream
In 2025, many Americans feel cynical toward the American Dream. For decades, the belief that anyone could succeed in our country regardless of the circumstances of their birth was central to our...
Opinions
Loneliness or community: What's outside your window?
Going to college is commonly cited as a time when one’s life undergoes great change. You finally become an “adult,” you live on your own and you take care of your responsibilities....
Opinions
Be wary of nostalgia
Nostalgia is an emotion I’ve frequently come across throughout my college experience. During such a formative time of our lives, it is easy to revert back to our favorite things from childhood;...
Opinions
Beware of those who 'fight the Matrix'
The other day, I was pretty baffled by a statement Elon Musk made at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Referring to his actions with the new Department of Government Efficiency, he compared...
Opinions
Playing video games and rejecting the end of the world
Over winter break, I spent a significant portion of my time in the same way I imagine many of my fellow students did: doomscrolling. In the wake of the presidential election, my...