WGST305_SP26

Something that may have been brought up before that I have noticed quite a bit recently is the sexualization of characters, specifically women, in video games. Video game creators make these avatars have defined and over exaggerated unrealistic features even when the games are targeted towards children. It is just another way for kids to grow up thinking women are objects and should be sexualized. There is no reason for these playable characters to be presented this way. I just keep seeing videos online of creators playing certain characters that are completely unrealistic and how watching these videos might affect younger people’s view on women. There are some unrealistic standards for men as well but typically it is seen for women. It just bothers me when it’s a fighting game that requires armor and the male characters are fully protected and the female characters are in a bra and underwear.

 I was struggling to come up with a well-rounded topic for this week's discussion, and I know I could've waited later in the week to post but a topic that has been discussed by me and a good many of my friends lately is the mistreatment of bisexuality in media. While all queer representation in media still needs a lot of work, one that I've especially noticed lacking in a personal sense is bisexuality, with there being little to no good representation. I think the best example of representation would probably be heartstopper, Nick's experience accurately encompasses how most people who identify as bisexual are usually shoved into one box or another. I know from personal experience that depending on who I'm talking to at the time I've been told that I must be straight and just exploring or just gay and confused. Bisexual erasure is such a harmful thing, I know personally me and a lot of my friends have felt pressured to just identify with whatever has been projec...

I was curious about what people thought of and heard about Zach Bryan. He has had a few controversies in the past. He has been accused of abusing his ex-girlfriend, but I don’t know much about the details. The recent reason some people haven’t liked him is because he has an anti-ICE lyric in one of his recent songs. I don’t know if that is exactly what I would call it, but he then went on to say he doesn’t agree with either side and critisized both parties in the song and that he loves the USA. I don’t typically keep up with internet things going on, but I was listening to one of his songs and someone said they didn’t like him for something he had done, so I was just curious what everyone thought. I do personally like his music outside of anything controversial that has happened. He also rides a motorcycle that I really like.

I went to the Women’s History Trivia today (March 30 th ). I was lucky to see some people I knew to be on a team with. I was not lucky enough to get a teammate that would carry (we got second to last place). So, today I learned that I have a lot to learn about women’s history. Besides losing (bad), I had a good time. I get nervous going to events without knowing I will have friends there, but it gives me experience doing something new. The trivia was fun and I learned new things. I found out that the women’s and gender studies program at Coastal is way older than I thought it was. I was introduced to many important female figures in history that I hadn’t heard of. I would definitely be willing to go back to a women’s trivia event, but I fear I will only be good at math forever.

The show, "Heated Rivalry" feels like more than just a sports story, it’s really about how guys deal with their feelings and what it means to “act like a man.” The show takes the usual tough, competitive rivalry and adds deeper emotions, showing how the characters struggle with what they’re supposed to be versus how they actually feel. There’s a strong tension between the two leads that goes beyond just competition, hinting at something more personal and complicated. As their relationship develops, you see moments of vulnerability, jealousy, and even care, which makes their connection feel real and intense. The show also quietly challenges the idea that men always have to be tough, emotionless, and straight. It shows how hard it can be to break away from those expectations, especially in a high-pressure and competitive world like sports. At the same time, it keeps things exciting and dramatic, mixing romance, rivalry, and personal growth in a way that pulls viewers in. Fans g...

  Last night, I watched an episode of the rookie where a new rookie came into the station, and he was completely judged from the moment he walked in because there was a false accusation against him for murdering his best friend. Now, obviously, if there was any evidence that he actually did it, he would still be in jail and would not be a cop. Even his training officer was incredibly mean and very biased against him. Did not listen to anything he had to say: she didn't care; she didn’t think he knew anything. Even after being cleared, all these people still judged him and didn’t want to accept him as a police officer. There were still people who looked at him like he was dangerous or a threat to the community because he was a police officer. I personally found this very important as a topic because this highlights how the public perception can shape someone’s identity no matter what. This also connects to real life, how rumors and lies can change somebody’s life for the worst. I re...

There is a specific kind of "acceptable" queerness that mainstream media has leaned to monetize, and right now, Heated Rivalry is that gold standard. It's gritty, it's male-led, and it's safe for the broad audience (two relatively attractive men having sexual intercourse every episode). But Bridgerton Season 5 is doing something that actually challenges the status quo; it is placing a Black queer woman in the lead. The vitriol following Michaela's debut isn't just about a change in the source material; it's a collision of misogynoir, the fetishization of sapphic bodies, and deep-seated discomfort with seeing a Black woman claim a "Happily Ever After" that isn't defined by a man.  Before we dive into this topic, I need to preface that the praise for Heated Rivalry  doesn't mean it exists in a vacuum of perfect allyship. In many ways, its massive success among straight female audiences is rooted in the long-standing, often problematic f...

The new HBO Max Harry Potter show has already caused a lot of talk before it even comes out, especially about the character Severus Snape. In the original Harry Potter books, Snape is described very clearly as a pale, thin white man with greasy black hair, a hooked nose, and a very cold and harsh look. This description is repeated in the books, so many fans picture him in a specific way. In the new HBO show, Snape is being played by Paapa Essiedu, a Black British actor, and this has led to many different opinions online. Some fans are upset because they feel the character does not match how he is described in the books. They think that since Harry Potter is such a famous story, the characters should look as close as possible to the original descriptions so the story feels the same. Other people, including me, think differently, where acting skill is more important than matching every detail of appearance. I think that new shows can choose more diverse actors and still tell the same sto...

Recently, I've been watching the show Schmigadoon! with some of my friends. It's a show on Apple TV that came out in 2021 with one season and wasn't super popular in terms of viewership, but was a niche hit with musical theatre lovers and critics. The first season received acclaim and praise from those who did watch the show, and even won an Emmy for Outstanding Music and Lyrics with the song "Corn Puddin'". The first season is a spoof on popular musicals from what is widely known as the golden age of musical theatre (the 50s and 60s) like The Music Man, The Sound of Music, Oklahoma , and many more. The characters are almost replicas of those from that era, as are the songs and plot points. The show was renewed for a season two that came out in 2023, and I haven't finished it yet, but it is a spoof on musicals from the 70s and 80s like Cabaret, Chicago, Sweeney Todd , and even Godspell (which was the spring musical this season at CCU). I've been watch...

  Following along the theme of feminine protest songs, one song that comes to mind for me whenever we talk about this is "Labour" by Paris Paloma. The song blew up on Tik Tok in recent years, and has drawn a lot of attention to some feminist issues. The song itself discusses not only the physical burden that women face, but also the emotional, and mental burdens. For example, a section of the song that really stands out to me is the following lines " All day, every day, therapist, mother, maid  Nymph, then a virgin, nurse, then a servant,  Just an appendage, live to attend him  So that he never lifts a finger,  24/7 baby machine  So he can live out his picket-fence dreams,  It's not an act of love if you make her,  You make me do too much labour".   For me, this one part of the song truly captures a really big part of one of the issues that women face everyday, and I really respect that she included not only this section, but wrote the s...

So a new Dreamworks movie trailer has hit the internet, and it seems to be about the friendship between two Filipino girls! I have never delved into the mythology of the Philippines, but from what has been shown and what some people have said, it seems really fun. I have seen plenty of support for this movie, and the art seems beautiful. It is created by the same people who made Puss in Boots the Last Wish, which was an AMAZING movie. The art and story were so grand and really established a new bar for films. I am excited for this movie and really want to see it. The friendship shown seems like lifelong friends who are about to drift apart, and it shows them trying to work through adventure and magic to be together. Plenty of people (and I) have seen the slight amount of queer coding in it, and the potential it has for a lesbian leaning relationship. I do not think Dreamworks planned on that and wants to show an LGBTQ relationship yet, but if it managed to sit that way, I think there w...

 On March 26, 2026, the Olympic committee announced that transgender women are not allowed to compete in the women's events starting in the 2028 Olympics. The policy uses a one-time screening to determine their eligibility, and this has already created such a debate around fairness and who gets to define the womanhood of their lives. Sports are such a huge part of pop culture, and this is showing how gender is not just known as personal, but now it is something that is also being controlled by society.  People are saying that a policy like this is affecting transgender individuals as well as intersex individuals. But then others claim that they are protecting women's sports. This can also bring up the fact that medical testing, as well as support from the public, is not equal for everyone since they are pursuing this policy for the future.   

I had limited things I could do while out sick, but I was able to watch a few movies and shows. I got to watch Captain America: Brave New World which had been on my list as well as the 2025 Superman movie and others. I didn’t like either movie to be honest. I thought I had watched everything you needed to watch to understand Brave New World, but I was still confused. I may have missed something, but I just did not like it at all. I am not a DC fan, but I still thought maybe I could enjoy Superman. The only thing I liked about this movie was the dog. Feel free to put your opinion if you have seen these movies, but I miss the old Marvel. Something about me has been holding hope every single time they release a new movie, and I continue to be disappointed.

  Drew Binksy is a Youtuber who travels the world, but he doesn’t just travel and go to resorts, but he puts his life in danger traveling to even the most dangerous places around the world. I definitely love watching these videos because I aspire to travel the world and see what it’s really for, not just the resorts to see and understand how people live and how it’s so much different from the U.S. He also focuses on meeting local people and learning how they go about their daily lives. His goal when visiting every country he shares his opinion, but also looks at every positive in a situation that may not be an ideal living style. I like how his videos show that traveling is a good way to learn and connect with others and to gain a better understanding of how people live in different parts of the world.

In the landscape of pop culture, only a few rising artists have started as much conversation recently as our pop princess  Chappell Roan . Known for her princess aesthetic, big performances, and unapologetically queer pop music, Chapell Roan has quickly built a really devoted fanbase. However, with increased visibility has come increased scrutiny, if you couldn't guess, and her recent controversy highlights the complicated relationship between artists and the public in the digital age. The discourse surrounding Chapell largely centers on her outspoken personality and the expectations placed on her by fans. Some critics argue that her candidness in interviews and on social media can come across as abrasive, while supporters view it as a refreshing rejection of the polished, media-trained personas often expected of female pop stars. This tension reflects a broader pattern in pop culture, where women, especially queer women, are frequently criticized for behaviors that would be celebr...

  WITHIN the past week, comedian and influencer, Druski and his latest skit featured a parody of Erika Kirk, embodying her not only in his actions, but also replicating spot on makeup that included making himself resemble a white woman. While many took to social media to laugh, Erika Kirk and other right-wing influencers didn't find it so comedic, and Erika even threatened to do black face as a rebuttal to her mockery. For years, there's always been this argument of "reverse racism" toward white people or even trying to address how problematic white face is. There's a complex history of why the implications of white face or even racism against white people doesn't work like people think it does. There's a very dark, and long history of black face and minstrel shows, especially the intent of the shows and what they were trying to communicate. These shows were strictly made to dehumanize, mock, and devalue black individuals. Many of the stereotypes that have...

For this week, I will be discussing the rise of Addison Rae and how she paved her own way to fame. I remember being on now known as TikTok, and seeing Addison Rae get popular online by mimicking popular dances or being reviews of products she was sent via PR. She had close ties with the Hype House/Team 10 house, as they all were mansions full of content creators who collaborated with each other. She was truly pioneering what it meant to be a famous girl on the short-form content platforms instead of Vine. After doing her time, paving her way through TikTok, landing brand deals, creating a life for herself, traveling the world, coming out with her own makeup line, and collaborating with her dream brands, she took time away from the internet to redefine her brand and set herself up for a fruitful future. Addison Rae is now a renowned musical artist traveling the world, touring her own music, and working in tandem with artists such as Kim Petras, Charlie XCX, etc. It is clear to see that ...

Bar culture in America often feels very different for women than it does for men because of safety concerns. When women go out to a bar, they usually have to stay extremely alert and constantly watch their drinks to make sure they are safe. They often stick together in groups and plan exactly how they will get home to avoid being followed or harassed. For most men, going to a bar is a much simpler experience where they can just relax and focus on having fun with their friends. They generally don't have to worry about the same level of physical danger or being targeted by strangers. This shows a big gap in social norms, where one group has to be exhausted by safety rules while the other can just enjoy the night.

 Weight culture in America often makes people feel like their value depends on how much they weigh or the shape of their body. This way of thinking is pushed by social media and advertisements that suggest being thin is the only way to be happy or healthy. It creates a "norm" where people feel pressured to follow strict diets or change themselves just to fit in with everyone else. Because of this, many people struggle with their self-esteem if they don't look like the models they see online. However, more people are starting to challenge these ideas by practicing "body positivity" and accepting themselves as they are. They believe that health and beauty come in all different sizes, not just the ones society usually praises.

Harry Styles challenges social norms by wearing clothes like dresses, skirts, and jewelry that are usually labeled as "just for women." By doing this, he shows his fans that clothes don't have a gender and that anyone can have fun with fashion. He also rejects the "tough guy" stereotype by being very open about his emotions and kindness in his music and interviews. His style encourages people to stop worrying about what is "normal" and to just be themselves. Ultimately, he uses his fame to prove that being masculine can include being soft, colorful, and expressive. I really look up to Harry Styles because he shows his viewers that there can be different types of people all throughout the world and no one has to fit one type of mold. 

Sex Education goes against social norms by talking openly about things that are usually treated as embarrassing or "hush-hush." Instead of acting like all guys have to be tough or emotionless, the male characters show that it is okay to be sensitive and talk about their feelings. The show also includes many different types of people and relationships, making them feel normal rather than "weird" or "different." It suggests that everyone deserves accurate health information and respect, no matter who they are. By showing teenagers and parents actually talking honestly, the show proves that communication is more important than following old-fashioned rules. Sex Education goes against social norms by talking openly about things that are usually treated as embarrassing or "hush-hush." Instead of acting like all guys have to be tough or emotionless, the male characters show that it is okay to be sensitive and talk about their feelings. The show also in...

Newt Van Der Rohe subverts the "macho" athlete stereotype by being the sensitive, emotionally expressive, and often physically cautious member of the Bulldogs. While his teammates frequently tease him for his lack of traditional "toughness" or his high-pitched reactions, this dynamic actually highlights the narrow expectations often placed on teenage boys. By remaining a vital, accepted member of the football team despite his anxiety and "delicate" nature, Newt proves that masculinity isn't a monolith. He shows that a guy can be a loyal friend and a capable teammate without having to conform to a loud or aggressive persona, effectively redefining what it looks like to "fit in" with the boys.

  Elizabeth Bennet stands out from other women in her time because she refuses to marry just for money or social status. While most women were pressured to find a wealthy husband to secure their future, she values her own independence and only wants to marry for love. She is also incredibly witty and isn't afraid to speak her mind, even when she is talking to powerful people like Lady Catherine. I really enjoyed this character because she showed me that even though society expects different things from us we always have a choice. A lot of the time I find myself going along with what society says is right and wrong but she chooses to do the wrong thing in society's eyes but it was right for her. 

  Katniss Everdeen isn't like a typical movie heroine because she cares more about surviving and hunting than acting "girly" or finding a boyfriend. Instead of being a soft nurturer, she is a tough, quiet survivalist who uses her physical strength and archery skills to keep her family alive. She also refuses to play along with the Capitol’s obsession with makeup and fancy clothes, which makes her a real rebel. I unfortunately didn't read the books but I did watch the movies and as a young girl I always found myself loving her character because she showed me if i tried hard enough i could beat even the worst of odds 

The Women's Voices Now Film Festival is an annual, women's rights documentary film festival that promotes emerging women filmmakers using social-change films to advocate for women’s and girls’ rights around the world. All the films are made by women about women. Early tickets are on sale for $19 until March 31st.  Check out the list of films.  https://www.womensvoicesnow.org/

 I recently visited the "What Was I Wearing" event in Lib-Jackson, along with many others who have previously shared their thoughts and experiences with the event. I had previously seen events like these specifically through TikTok, and I've always considered them to be both a solemn yet empowering display. Events like these truly help break through the stigma that what a woman is wearing effects rather or not she is raped or not and help to begin breaking these misogynistic stereotypes. It truly highlights how it doesn't matter your age, what you look like, what you were wearing, what you were doing, all that truly matters is that it happened. These acts are cruel displays of trust being broken and women being taken complete advantage of and it is insane that we have dumbed such a tragic event down to simply being about what the effected person was wearing. I'm glad that we had an event like this present and that individuals, rather they paid attention or not wer...

While Chappell Roan is known for a few of her catchy songs, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, she is also known for being rude to fans, paparazzi, etc. A few days ago, the soccer player Jorghino posted an Instagram story describing an experience where Chappell Roan sent her security team to scold his 11 year old daughter and his wife about how they need to be respectful to other guests (talking about Chappell). The daughter supposedly walked by the table, smiled, and then walked back to her seat. Chappell then took to her Instagram and claimed that she basically was not aware of this situation, does not hate children, and had no part in this incident.  This whole thing is kind of a he said she said, but people are very divided on who they believe. Since Chappell does have a past of being rude to others, many people do believe this happened because of her instruction. However, others believe Chappell and find it hard to believe she would send her security to yell at an 11 year ...

This week, I want to talk about something that has filled my whole timeline, and that would be University Campaign season. Personally, I love campaign season around campus mainly because it gives us a chance to hear our student leaders and the plans they have for campus, and it is really where some people experience their first election when it comes to voting.  With this being said, I want to have a little conversation when it comes to HBCU campaigns vs. PWI campaigns for things like SGA, Mister, and Miss elections. As you know, we are at a PWI, and although this is just the start of the campaign season, there hasn't been much creativity, mainly because, as I just stated, it's policies, candidates, etc.  For a PWI, that election rollout could be something simple like a new Instagram account or a change in the profile picture, but when it comes to HBCUs, it's a cinematic production, nothing but the best, candidates release high-budget campaign videos with professional crews...

What is wrong with Coastal Carolina? Can you tell me? Just some background knowledge: Most of us got an email last Friday around 2pm, it was sent by University Housing evidence-  " Thank you for completing your housing application. While you completed your housing application on or before March 9, 2026—the deadline to be considered for participation in room selection—as a student who is not required to live in University Housing, you will not be able to participate in room selection for the 2026-2027 academic year. This is to ensure that there are enough rooms available to be chosen by required students during the room selection process. What’s next Your application will remain active, and University Housing staff will make room assignments as rooms become available. You can expect that University Housing will notify you of your room assignment or the status of your housing application on or before Friday, July 10, 2026, via @coastal.edu email address." If you don't under...

 A day or two ago a video was resurfaced from couple years ago of a women on "The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives" named Taylor Frankie Paul, who was also chosen for The Bacholrette. The video displayed a chaotic video of her arguing, wrestling/pulling of hair, and chairs thrown at her ex husband. Her season was already filmed and was 3 days away from its premiere this month. Following the drop of the video's viewership, sponsors who funded the ABC pulled out in which led to ABC cancelling it in entirety. The domestic violence video also showed how their baby was present in the living room and was hit in result of the conflict. This made the backlash much worse, and even though this story may have already been known to the public, the video was never posted until this point. I'd infer that the husband was jealous and didn't want to see his ex-wife's love story with another man or men, so he decided to make it all go away. The video shows how media can, and conten...

Tubal ligations and permanent contraception, such as vasectomies, increased sharply in the US following the June 2022 Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe V Wade. Studies show that 70% to 100% surge in tubal ligation procedures among younger adults, particularly in states with abortion restrictions.  Most of the requests come from states that have banned abortion or made abortion unattainable, with a short window for learning of pregnancy. The increase is most notable for childless women under the age of 30. Some doctors refuse to perform a tubal ligation on single woman citing that their future husband may want children or they're too young! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB-m2G1akv4

 An album I have been recently listening to a lot is Daniel Caesar's most recent album Son of Spergy (2025). From a women and gender studies perspective, many songs show him being unsure, reflective, and even apologetic, which challenges the ideas of masculinity in society. This pushes back on gender roles and give more support for men to express vulnerability without societal judgement. Overall in my opinion the album opens up space about masculinity and emotion.  Personally I love this album because of all the emotions you can feel in each song, and the religious elements in some the songs. A lot of the songs are about love and self reflection which many people can relate to. Personally I love this Daniel Caesar is one of my favorite artists and was not disappointed by this album. In my opinion this is a no skip album so if you have listened, are a fan, or was disappointed or did not like the album let me know your thoughts and feelings! 

Because of the time of the year I wanted to shed light on the differences in the Men's and Women's March Madness tournament. While these photos aren't from the current tournament it is from just 5 years ago and it is crazy to believe that the NCAA just 5 years ago thought that these differences were acceptable. These photos show the differences in the food that the players were served, the swag bags that they were given when they arrived at their hotel rooms, and their weight rooms at their hotels.

 While the UDA finals were quite some time ago, with the recent discussion about sports, I feel as though this is still relevant. This past year, Penn State had cut its dance teams annual budget of $70,000. Since the NCAA does not recognize dance as an official sport, they do not receive any other funding from the school besides that money. I find it mind blowing that Penn State would cut $70,000 from a team that shows up to countless campus wide events, as well as positively representing the university at the national UDA competition. The dance team put in just as much practice time and effort as any of the other recognized sports, year round may I add.  Also, the university is in the midst of renovating their football stadium. This project cost about $700 million. Like I mentioned before, the dance team goes to many events on campus but one of their most notable is performing at half time at these football games. I think this situation is a perfect example of how mistreated ...

  Over the weekend me and my friends watched Teen Beach Movie. Through out the whole movie though I noticed that Mack would often advocate and tell the girls from the past that they can be independent and don’t have to do everything for a boys attention. As this movie has characters who are set in the 1960’s while Mack is from the current day. So these people that Mack is telling this to don’t understand what she is saying because they are so used the gender norms that were set in the 1960’s. Overall though what I am trying to say is, Mack is a very influential and impactful character who is always challenging and going against the gender norms that we have created, also it is nice to see a movie created by Disney that includes conversations about gender norms and the problems they create.

  I just got around to watching the movie Enola Holmes for the first time after a few positive reviews from friends. It was a really incredible watch and what made it better was the fact that Enola pushed against stereotypical female norms for the time period the film is set in. It was refreshing to see a well-rounded female character who could defend herself and didn't need the help of a man in order to succeed. If anything, she was having to help the man in the story protect himself most of the time which was a nice narrative switch. I also enjoyed seeing how she continued to defy gender norms and only used the norms as a form of rebellion when she needed to get her way. Also, her continuing to pursue a career that is seen as outlandish for a female to withhold is inspiring. Overall, it was just a really great film, it was very entertaining. 

 Since I am a crime junkie and love to watch crime shows, I thought I would talk about the Monsters series on Netflix. Each season features a different famous serial killer. I do think the show dramatized what happened in history with these killers, since it is a TV show. The first season is the story of Jeffrey Dahmer, who is one of America's most notorious serial killers. It follows his life and crimes over the years. The show highlights the impact on victims and the community. Season 2 shifts the focus from a serial killer to a very famous, controversial murder case of the Menendez Brothers who were arrested for the murder of their parents. This season depicts their upbringing, family, and abuse. Season 3 is the newest season to come out and this season was about Ed Gein whose real -life crimes in the mid-20th century. He has also inspired many famous villains in movies. If you don't like gore i wouldn't recommend this show but the crime backstories of all the seasons i ...

As we were discussing St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo in class on Thursday, I couldn’t help but think about the irony behind some of the people celebrating these days. The same people supporting ICE and backing the way immigrants, especially Mexicans, are treated are often the first ones showing up to Mexican restaurants on Cinco de Mayo, turning the day into a party. They wear sombreros, take pictures, drink margaritas, and act like they’re suddenly appreciative of Mexican culture. But that “appreciation” feels surface-level at best. It’s hard not to roll your eyes, because it follows a familiar pattern: Mexican culture is embraced when it’s fun, but Mexican people are criticized, stereotyped, or pushed aside when it actually matters. Cinco de Mayo isn’t just an excuse for themed outfits, food, and social media posts. It represents a real moment in Mexican history, the Battle of Puebla, and symbolizes resistance, pride, and identity. Reducing it to a party strip away that meaning ...

The backlash against Sabrina Carpenter ’s music says a lot more about our culture than it does about her artistry in terms of her lyrics. When critics dismiss or degrade her work as “shallow,” “overly sexual,” or “manufactured,” they often are repeating long-standing patterns of misogyny in the music industry where women’s expression is policed far more harshly than men’s. Male artists routinely explore themes of sex, confidence, and ego without being reduced to those traits, yet women who do the same are labeled unserious, attention-seeking, or blatantly disgusting. Sabrinas playful and more self-aware lyricism breaks the narrow expectations placed on female pop artists. Instead of being allowed complexity, she’s often boxed into contradictory standards like: "be confident, but not too bold; be relatable but not too revealing." This double standard reflects a broader discomfort with women owning their narratives on their own terms. The criticism isn’t just about music taste,...

Recently, I saw that the new season of The Bachelorette on ABC with Taylor Frankie Paul was canceled, and it really surprised me because it is not normal for a full season to be canceled right before it comes out. Taylor Frankie Paul is also known from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, so a lot of people already knew who she was before she was picked. This made the season feel different from the beginning because she was not from The Bachelor like most leads are. It showed that ABC was trying something new by choosing someone from social media and reality TV instead of someone from the usual show. This also shows how people can become famous today through apps like TikTok and then get big opportunities like being on TV. At the same time, being famous online can be risky because people can easily find things from your past. In this case, past problems involving Taylor came back up and caused a lot of backlash, which led ABC to cancel the season. That is a big decision because the show w...

  At a St. Patricks day parade in Ireland, an Epstein float, which depicted rape, stirred up much criticism. One journalist stated that this occurred on St. Patricks day, with many children and families watching the parade. The same journalist continues to state that the people on the float had the women laying down on the bed while men surrounded her and held her down. Over all this float is very disheartening to see. It minimizes sexual violence, misogynistic culture, and rape culture, by "showcasing" rape during a time of celebration. This float reinforces victim blaming, potentially making it harder for victims to search the help they need. Also, with many children in the presence who saw this float, now has existing thoughts about how men treat women, and how women should be submissive to men. This continues rape culture generationally. We need to end this cycle and bring awareness across the world. 

Luke Combs is one of the biggest names in country music within the last few years. From releasing six studio albums to covering Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car", Combs has managed to stay atop music charts for quite some time now. In a new interview with GQ, Combs talks about one of his songs off his 2024 album titled Fathers & Sons. Track 5 titled "Whoever You Turn Out to Be" is a song about Combs' two sons (at the time). The song is about unconditional love towards his boys emphasizing that they do not need to follow in his footsteps and as the song is titled, they can be whoever they want to be. In the interview with GQ, Combs dives deeper into the meaning of the song. The interviewer asks Combs if he hopes his song "Whoever You Turn Out to Be" resonates with parents of queer children. In response to that question, Combs wasted no time saying that was part of the design for the song. He says "I'm a firm believer that you don't get to ...

 I do not have a lot of information on what has been shown lately, so I wanted to come onto this blog for a discussion and analyze what I have been hearing. A new documentary has come out called The Manosphere, by Louis Theroux, on Netflix. So far, what I know is that it critiques and points out the misogyny within male influencer groups. I do think this is a very good topic to critique and point out, as the rise of male "red pilled" and conservative podcasters and influencers has reached younger men in the worst way. But one of the critiques I have seen is that this documentary comes from a man. I have seen a couple of shorts and TikToks about this where women have pointed out the problems and issues, only to be belittled and put down for saying anything, but the second a man comes around to say something is then that it gets attention and acknowledgment. Unfortunately, I do understand where this comes from, as many men are already biased when seeing the information given by...

  MrBeast videos which are popular videos for creating entertaining and challenging videos. I usually watch his videos when I need to watch something while I eat or like a background video for when doing work. They are highly interesting videos. Sometimes I wish they could be a bit longer, but still good videos to watch. When watching the videos I think about how crazy it is, like how much time and effort it took to make the videos and set them up and then the prizes while also picking out random people to be in the videos and then editing them. MrBeast videos also are good for people coming together to help themselves and others and you get to see how people play the game whether they let themselves lose to others or only think about themselves and the bigger picture and more. I also like the idea of going through all these games and even if people do lose they still usually get something out of just participating. 

 For this week‘s blog, I wanna talk about the way the show Euphoria is so prevalent in Gen Z. A lot of younger people like to watch the show because at least one of the characters, if not multiple, have some aspects that they can relate to, for example, the main character who struggles with mental health issues like anxiety and self harm, as well as a drug addiction. While the boy she's in love with has really really bad depression. Everyone and her friend group is going through their own thing that Gen Z can find a lot of similarities in with their own lives for example, one of the girls Maddie, her best friend was secretly hooking up with her boyfriend on the side while her best friend knew they were going through a rough patch. I feel like Euphoria Emphasizes the relevance of mental health issues and just the things that we go through on a daily basis that not everybody talks about there’s also scenes that go viral on TikTok all the times so as soon as someone is scrolling on Ti...

 I feel like social media is transforming our beauty standards in both good and bad ways as of lately for example on TikTok and Instagram, you’ll see a bunch of different body shapes a bunch of different races a bunch of different genders so it’s very diverse however I feel like these “BBL” bodies are being normalized because of TikTok and Instagram and all these celebrities and influencers getting them. As a woman I’m all for you wanting to be comfortable in your own body. It’s what you choose to do however, I feel like if you go get your body done solely because you want to fit these beauty standards and look like these Instagram models or TikTok influencers. I think that is ridiculous. We’re all beautiful in our own bodies at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how much a way with your body shaped like none of that. I feel like as a woman we should all be very confident in ourselves and not let society shape these beauty standards. Everyone in their own way is beautiful in som...

  For this blog I wanna talk about the way women put other women down on social media. Even if it’s not on purpose, sometimes women will just comment whatever they have come to mind about another woman’s body or looks or outfit or body hair or appearance or the thing she says in her videos and overall that’s us as women putting each other down and I feel like with the way we’re already expected to act and look in three others in a specific way because we’re women, I feel like this is wrong. Most of these platforms were created to make connections with each other and make friends and create larger platforms for yourself to get yourself out there, but I found that a lot of these platforms are getting used negatively like there’s some women (and men) who get on the Internet just to make fun of other people or roast them or troll them. These negative comments could be so much as just judging someone for the way they may look or act which isn’t fair because most people don’t get to deci...

I complete believe in my heart of hearts that the Oscars will never truly have an appreciation of black art. Yes, Ryan Coogler’s 2025 vampire film, Sinners is currently the most Oscar nominated film (with 16 nominations) in Oscar’s history which is an accomplishment within itself, but to only take away four of those awards still shows the bias the Oscar’s have with black films that don’t showcase slavery or other traumatic situations for black people. Sinners break the mold of what can be a black film, especially with black art. To showcase the beauty of the dark skin actors, to center the story around our roots in terms of music, and to even feature vampires as the antagonist pushes the mold to the extreme. Coogler had been open to say that he doesn’t create his films for the sake of the Oscar because had the ending of Sinners featured a white savior trope, or even featured elements of slavery throughout, I believe they would’ve taken home best picture. However, for the sake of the...

Film adaptations of Wuthering Heights often reshape the story to fit modern audiences, but in doing so, they sometimes erase one of its most important elements, being Heathcliff’s racial ambiguity. In Emily Brontë ’s original novel, Heathcliff is repeatedly described as “dark” and treated as an outsider, which many scholars interpret as obviously suggesting he is a person of color. This aspect of his identity is crucial because it deepens the social barriers between him and Catherine, making their love story not just tragic, but shaped by the times exclusion and prejudice. However, many film versions cast Heathcliff as white, stripping away this layer of meaning. By doing this, adaptations simplify the narrative into just a toxic romance, rather than a story also rooted in power, race, and belonging. This erasure reflects a broader issue in pop culture, where complex identities are often flattened, ultimately weakening the emotional and social depth of the original story.

The growing presence of politicians on TikTok has turned political discourse into something that often feels more like stupid entertainment than meaningful conversation. Members of both Democratic Party and Republican Party have begun posting short, I guess somewhat witty videos that mock or attack each other (more so attacking always), usually designed to go viral rather than inform, which I can't say I'm surprised by considering the political climate we are currently in. While social media can be a powerful tool for engaging and mobilizing younger voters, this kind of content often reduces complex political issues into crazy, oversimplified, sarcastic short clips. Instead of encouraging thoughtful discussion, it creates more division and reinforces existing biases. Watching elected officials participate in what feels like online drama can make politics seem OVERLY less serious and even undermine citizens trust in leadership. At a time when many important issues require nua...

When Zendaya appeared in a reworked version of her 2014 Academy Awards look, it was more than just a fashion moment, it was a fashion statement. Back in 2014, Zendaya faced criticism and racist commentary about her locs on the red carpet, which sparked a larger conversation about respectability politics and beauty standards, which honestly no one is surprised by. By revisiting that look years later, she reclaimed the narrative and highlighted how far conversations around race and representation have come, in somewhat of a short time in her career, while also reminding audiences that these issues still exist. In today’s pop culture moments, where red carpet appearances are instantly analyzed and shared across platforms like TikTok , this moment resonated deeply with me especially. It showed how fashion can carry cultural memory and meaning, not just an aesthetic value. Zendaya’s choice wasn’t just about nostalgia per say, it was about power, growth, and rewriting a moment that once ca...

The release of Dune Part Three's trailer  has kept the Dune at the center of pop culture conversations today. With its massive scale, detailed scenery and setting, and super popular cast, the film has been heavily praised for redefining modern sci-fi. Actors like Zendaya have become central to its cultural impact, especially as fans analyze character development and representation. Beyond visuals, the film has sparked discussions about power, colonialism, and environmental themes, issues that feel especially relevant today more than ever. Its success shows that audiences are still drawn to complex, really immersive storytelling, even in an era dominated by fast content. Dune proves that newer films can be both visually stunning and intellectually engaging.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller has experienced a major resurgence thanks to TikTok , where readers share emotional reactions and favorite quotes to the popular book. Even years after its release, the novel continues to trend, showing how social media can revive literature. The story reimagines Achilles not just as a warrior, but as someone defined by love and vulnerability through his queer relationship with Patroclus. What resonates most with modern audiences is its emotional depth and tragic inevitability. In a pop culture landscape dominated by fast content, the lasting popularity of this book highlights a desire for stories that feel meaningful and human. Kind of similar to the rends we are seeing with Heartstopper, XO Kitty, and Heated Rivalry. Its revival proves that powerful storytelling can transcend time when rediscovered by new audiences.

 I'm sure many of you have seen the viral Japanese monkey that is bullied by the other monkeys in his exhibit. Many clips of him being attacked by the other monkeys have been circling all over the internet, even making it to some news sites. He was abandoned by his mother and carried around a stuffed monkey that he took everywhere, and looked to it for comfort and support.  The main reason that I write about this is because it truly shows how when something goes viral on the internet, how many people it can reach. Like I mentioned, this monkey is from Japan and his story is reaching people from all over the world. Many people are trying to rally together to get him removed from his habitat because not only is he being attacked by the other monkeys, the exhibit itself is just not fit for animals. It's practically all cement with rock structures, there is no greenery or things to keep the monkeys happy and entertained. It is also really disappointing on the zoo because they have...