Culture

The Complexities of Queer, Caribbean Identities, and the Dangers of West-Centric LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Introduction As of 2020, nine Caribbean countries criminalize same-sex relations. Beyond legal discrimination, queer Caribbean people face increased threats of violence, abuse, and oppression. In 2006, Time magazine went as far as insinuating that the Caribbean region is “the most homophobic place on Earth.”  But despite this environment, queer Caribbean communities have continued to resist […]

Musical Artists Against the Brazilian Military Dictatorship: Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Chico Buarque

The Brazilian military dictatorship—a politically tumultuous period lasting from 1964 to 1985—is mostly known for the government’s numerous crimes and many artists’s countless peaceful protests. The oppressive government lacked democracy, suppressed basic human rights, pervasively censored arts and literature, and persecuted those who opposed the dictatorship, including musical artists.  Singers, such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto […]

Episode 14: “Christians, Court, and Coffee Cups” with Hannah Nivar and Dennis J. Wiebolt III

Listen and subscribe to our podcast: Via Spotify | Via Apple Podcasts Hannah Nivar & Dennis Wieboldt join Max & Bryan to discuss on Christianity in American public life. They speak on the variety of Christian experiences in the US and share their views on the proper role of Christianity in America. The guests also join Ariana for […]

Episode 10: “Who’s Winning the War on Christmas?” with Noah Colbert

Photo by Cuttlefish Listen and subscribe to our podcast: Via Spotify | Via Apple Podcasts Noah Colbert joins Max and Bryan to discuss the “War on Christmas” and its 2020 incarnations. They discuss the history of the “War on Christmas,” who’s winning, and what that means in 2020.  Finally, Noah joins Ariana for another installment of “Class Struggle.” […]

A Positive from 2020: The Overdue Modernization of American Theatre

What comes to mind when you think of going to the theatre? It might be dazzling lights, a show-stopping dance break, or the plush velvet seats of a Broadway house. Maybe it’s a more intimate setting, with a smaller space and cast. Regardless, you probably do not imagine yourself sitting alone on your couch, watching […]

Live Art in a Pandemic: The Federal Government’s Responsibility to Theatre

For as long as we have existed, humans have created theatre. There is no universal definition, but the word “theatre” comes from the Greek verb “theasthai,” meaning to behold. It’s a place where an audience comes together to watch a live performance. This storytelling tool has been present in every country and culture throughout history.  […]

Transnational Hip-hop: A Lens into Social Protest

From the heart It’s a start, a work of art To revolutionize make a change nothing’s strange People, people we are the same. Public Enemy, “Fight the Power,” Fear of a Black Planet (1990) When people first heard those lines from the unparalleled baritone of Chuck D., the frontman for the hip-hop group Public Enemy, […]

Traitor: A Study in Pakistan’s Cognitive Dissonance

Renowned filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy added another Oscar to her CV on February 28th for her documentary A Girl in the River, which highlights the issue of rampant honor killings in Pakistan. Many Pakistanis, including myself, see this as an important step towards breaking down the taboos surrounding violence against women. According to multiple sources, including […]

And Now, This: How John Oliver Is Changing the Television Landscape

An important moment happened on a recent episode of Last Week Tonight With John Oliver. Let me back up a bit. The first time I saw John Oliver on television playing an obnoxious, possibly alcoholic professor in Community, I hardly thought that a few years later he would have a weekly late night show featuring […]

Spread the Word to End the Word

Every year on the first Wednesday in March, thousands of people across the country take part in “Spread the Word to End the Word,” a national campaign to raise awareness about the use of the r-word. The word “retarded” was once a diagnosis for people who are mentally delayed or intellectually challenged. However, in modern […]