Why Does Tech Exceptionalism Exist?

If you were told an industry is directly contributing to an increase in teenage eating disorders or suicide, what would your response be? Perhaps you would feel outrage, or simply confusion over how an industry could've been allowed to have that effect on teens in the first place. Maybe you would wonder, more specifically, how … Continue reading Why Does Tech Exceptionalism Exist?

The Riches of the Small Screen

When examining the popular tv shows of the past few decades a common theme, for a lack of better wording, is “rich”. While the premises of these shows may vary, there is a commonality rooted in wealth. For as long as we can remember, television show makers and viewers have held an infatuation with the … Continue reading The Riches of the Small Screen

Vandalism, Activism, or Both?

Often, we don't take a second look at spray paint-covered walls when we walk down the streets; we avert our eyes or ignore tagged bricks on our daily commutes. Usually, it's a lot easier to look away or only think about it long enough to hazard a guess on gasp hypothetically-effected property values. But the … Continue reading Vandalism, Activism, or Both?

FP Post 1 – Big Brothers Big Sisters

When I transferred to Vanderbilt as a sophomore, I knew I wanted to work with children in underserved communities as I had at my previous school through YMCA. After attending the Org Fair during my first semester, I came across Big Brothers Big Sisters of Vanderbilt. This seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to … Continue reading FP Post 1 – Big Brothers Big Sisters

Plague Art: Danse Macabre Through the Ages

Plagues and other periods of widespread hardship have inspired beautiful, satirical, and haunting artwork throughout history. The Black Death in particular spawned an artistic genre with themes that speak to the sentiments of the affected populace and persist to this day. The Black Death (1347-1351) is the most deadly pandemic in human history, having killed … Continue reading Plague Art: Danse Macabre Through the Ages

Redefining “Normal” During and After the Coronavirus

(Graphic Courtesy of The New York Times) When thinking of American politics and society over the past couple years I think we can all agree there has been a trend of wanting to return to “normal”. From Donald Trump promising an idyllic vision of the past or Biden promising a return to Obama years it … Continue reading Redefining “Normal” During and After the Coronavirus

Colorblindness and The Hate U Give

[WARNING: spoilers for The Hate U Give (2018)] Once upon a time, I really thought racism against African-Americans was a thing of the past. Luckily, watching The Hate U Give opened my eyes to some of the systemic challenges African-Americans still face. The film follows Starr Carter, an African-American teenage girl who navigates between … Continue reading Colorblindness and The Hate U Give

Why Does the American 1% Love Parasite?

[WARNING: spoilers for Parasite (2019)] Chrissy Teigen really loves Parasite. To anyone who's seen the film, this probably comes as a bit of a shock. The Best Picture winner is a pretty clear critique of class hierarchy, capitalism, and the tendency of the rich to systematically exploit the lower classes. Bong Joon-ho presents a dichotomy … Continue reading Why Does the American 1% Love Parasite?