A Short Discussion About Object Permanence

(Image retrieved from Wikipedia) If you’ve ever played a game of peek-a-boo with an infant, you probably understand the concept of object permanence. Object permanence is the ability to recognize that objects still exist, even if they are not in our view. The reason why we are able to play peek-a-boo with babies is because … Continue reading A Short Discussion About Object Permanence

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

Freedom: The #1 American Priority

Image, courtesy of CDC I am sick of hearing about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Not because I'm afraid of it or because it's getting old (though it certainly is), but because it makes me lose faith in humanity. Hearing about the dumb things that people are doing even in the midst of this pandemic makes me … Continue reading Freedom: The #1 American Priority

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

The True Cost of Live Music

Image Courtesy: Billboard What would you give to see your favorite band in concert? How much would you cash out to see their songs performed live, rather than just played full blast on your car stereo? If you are a Beyoncé fan, her average ticket prices usually don’t dip below a hundred dollars The same … Continue reading The True Cost of Live Music

What’s the Deal (or no deal) with Nashville’s New Soccer Team?

How corruption may be at the heart of Nashville's new soccer team and what it says about the culture of entertainment in Music City

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