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

What THE INVISIBLE MAN (2020) Tells Us About Gaslighting

If you're anything like me, seeing the word "gaslighting" makes you want to throw your phone into the nearest body of water. Over the past few years (chiefly, since the 2016 election), we've seen the term continue to pop up in the realm of politics and everyday life. I think this rise in frequency is … Continue reading What THE INVISIBLE MAN (2020) Tells Us About Gaslighting

Health at Every Size?

In what light does society view a binge-drinker? What about a Juul user? A tanning booth user? Someone who doesn’t use a seatbelt, or use sunscreen? Most notably - what about a “fat” person? Binge-drinking, Juuling, tanning, and other unhealthy behaviors are arguably normalized (and perhaps even culturally praised). People put their health at risk … Continue reading Health at Every Size?

Fashion: More than just a statement?

In November 2019, Tan France, the fashion expert from Netflix’s beloved series Queer Eye, visited Vanderbilt University and shared how fashion has shaped his identity. As someone with minimal interest in the world of fashion, I was intrigued by France’s wholehearted emphasis on fashion’s ability to empower. Sure, we may all find ourselves feeling especially … Continue reading Fashion: More than just a statement?

A Modest Proposal for Babycakes

How would you solve world hunger? Jonathan Swift’s 1729 essay “A Modest Proposal” has an answer, but it might not be one you’d expect. In what is one of the most renowned and outrageous works of satire in the English-speaking world, Swift modestly proposes that for Irish babies to be “beneficial to the publick,” 20% … Continue reading A Modest Proposal for Babycakes

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

Safety or Strength: Body-Regulating Policy in America

What are Steroids? Androgenic anabolic steroids are hormone supplements that can boost one's athletic performance, significantly increasing his or her odds of building muscle. According to a study by the International Journal of Sports Medicine, anabolic steroids can speed up the rate of muscle growth by a factor of up to 16. Accelerating muscle growth … Continue reading Safety or Strength: Body-Regulating Policy in America

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?

Identity vs. Ideology in Modern American Politics

http://pmd.cdn.turner.com/cnn/big/politics/2019/01/21/kamala-harris-presidential-2020-announcement-lah-pkg-vpx.cnn_1280x720.mp4 You don't have to watch the full video above but the first half highlights the identity-focused dynamic of modern political news Last year CNN was running on my living room tv and while I wasn’t paying particular attention to their usually breathtaking and earth-shattering reporting one thing caught my focus: 2020 Democratic Power Rankings. … Continue reading Identity vs. Ideology in Modern American Politics

Feminism and Grand Theft Auto V

TRIGGER WARNING: Violence, Sexism and Misogyny Michael drives into a dark parking lot. On his passenger seat sits a girl that he ‘purchased’ for $10. After a 10 minute ‘service’ the girl opens the door and leaves the car. Michael approaches her from behind and pulls her hair backward. She screams as Michael assaults her … Continue reading Feminism and Grand Theft Auto V