pop culture

The headline rundown: Modern popular culture topics in the realm of politics, legislation and activism.

Why Are You Ranking: Most Significant Moments Regarding Kanye West as Expressed by American Presidents Listed from ‘Good Life’ to ‘So Appalled’
As he has hinted at an award show, rapper, producer, fashion designer, husband, father and omaven Kanye West wants to be President of the United States of America by 2024. But does he know about the Iowa Caucus and the Electoral College? What credentials does he possess that would make him a viable candidate for the leader of the semi-free world? While Kanye contemplates on becoming commander-in-chief, he can reflect on the previous presidents who became piqued, raised ire, or endorsed the Hip Hop megastar. For over a decade, Mr. West has experienced three American presidents mention his name in some form or fashion. Like a clothing factory that stitches together fabric, the words and actions that the presidents exchanged in regard to West brought together an embroidery of derision, dismissal, and admiration. Kanye West, as his debut album, The College Dropout (2004) attests, knows nothing collegial beyond a few arts classes and does not possess a degree. Now, this didn’t stop President Harry Truman from capturing the highest office in the nation. But what does he have to offer that will make America exceptional again? Maybe a MAEA hat would be too awkward. But if West is serious about his intentions to become president, he will have to weigh some serious issues before he even gets a chance to begin a potential run. So, get your Yeezy Boost sneakers and campaign buttons for, Why Are You Ranking: Most Significant Moments Regarding Kanye West as Expressed by American Presidents Listed from ‘Good Life’ to ‘So Appalled.’
By Skyler Saunders8 years ago in The Swamp
Cartoons and Fake News: A Rude Awakening into the Plague of a Digital Society
In an era where peddlers of fake news thrive like flies in a dumpster, people of goodwill may attempt to clean up the mess, but most will still believe the bs.
By Karina Thyra8 years ago in The Swamp
Depictions of Communism in Cinema and Other Media
Communism has always been an ideology that has keenly interested me. As a Democratic Socialist I 'believe that both the economy and society should be run democratically—to meet public needs, not to make profits for a few.'(Qoute taken from Democratic Socialists of America Website, 06/02/18.) I personally do have sympathies towards some of the ideals associated with communism but then also my political opinion is that the ideal only works in principle. It does not and never has worked in practice.
By Craig York8 years ago in The Swamp
When Fashion Makes a Statement... (And Why I Love It!)
In almost every facet of our pop culture today, blunt or not, you can find some sort of social commentary about what's going on in the world. Fashion is no different. Recently, the 13th annual "Fashion For Relief" charity show took place at the Cannes Film Festival. In honor of the show, I'd thought I reflect on some of my favorite moments in fashion that made powerful statements about the climate of today's culture on the runway.
By Saint Writes8 years ago in The Swamp
The Most British Day Ever Isn't British at All
"So what is there to be excited about?" I hear you murmur quietly to the friend next to you, nervous that if you get caught saying such things the Queen will have your head on a spike.
By Lem Binge8 years ago in The Swamp
Most Ridiculous Things Melania Trump Has Ever Said
Donald Trump is not new to the world of controversy, fake news and White House media coverage. In fact, his name and face have most likely appeared in practically every daily newspaper, news telecast, and mobile video ever recorded since his 2017 inauguration. Much to his chagrin, when panning the camera from his overzealous self-proclaimed politics and ideas, one might eventually catch a glimpse of his wife Melania Trump, seen hovering by the corner, looking rather dolled up for an event unnecessarily sanctioned. Assessing President Trump's first year in office is no easy task, but if we take a quick and simple look at the ridiculous things Melania Trump has ever said, we may get a small glimpse into the ways his family operates. To start, I'll give you what I feel is her least ridiculous quote, spoken on the Today Show when asked what habit she wishes Trump would cease:
By Donald Gray8 years ago in The Swamp
Music, Movies, and Video Games
When something bad happens, we often tend to look towards the easiest target. Or as Occam’s razor says, “the simple solution is often the correct one.”
By James Howell8 years ago in The Swamp
Art Analysis from an Art Student
When I reminisce about the years of 2008-2016, I realized that a lot of events happened. Movie stars, writers, artists came and went. I narrowed it down to events in my own life that happened. I graduated high school, I graduated my undergrad, and I became a graduate in that time. Romances for me were discovered and I lost many. I gained more strength in my artwork and my writing.
By Josh Odd8 years ago in The Swamp
George Lucas Did Not Rape My Childhood, but His Sith Informed My Politics
Oprah Winfrey killed it on this year’s Golden Globe Awards. The ovation was staggering. Men and women both were crying. She addressed the #MeToo and #ItsTime movements, and minutes later was touted as our next U.S. President. Those on the other side of Oprah’s fence defiantly, and immediately, posted images of her and Harvey Weinstein—together and looking quite friendly—on social media.
By Joel Eisenberg8 years ago in The Swamp
Eating Tide Pods
With the wonderful Tide Pod challenge amidst our school system and teens, where is the finger pointed? In the video above, lawmakers are calling for the design to be changed. But why? They claim these pods are appetizing to kids and this is the problem. Is it this really the issue, or is it a political ruse to appease the public?
By Real Talk8 years ago in The Swamp
Op-ed from an Avowed Anti-Trumper: If Those of Us on “The Left” Condone an Artistic Blacklist, Will Nazism Be Next? (Or, Why Conservatism in 2018 Hollywood Is the New “Gay.”)
The provocative headline is only partially clickbait. Softening it for effect or to make myself look better won’t happen. I want this one read, and read hard. I want the word “radioactive” associated with this story, and even with my name for the near-future, for boldly stating such “nonsense.” Why? Because I want you all to think, intently, where we’re headed.
By Joel Eisenberg8 years ago in The Swamp
'The Playstation Dreamworld' by Alfie Bown
In his last book, The Playstation Dreamworld (Polity, 2017), Alfie Bown is not exclusively addressing video game players—whether full-time or simply occasional players—but everyone. He understands that video games can be the perfect tool to comprehend the digital media scenario in which we live. So, in the same way that American cinema from the 40s, 50s and 60s left a footprint in several generations' lives, regardless of whether one watched the movies or not, influencing their clothes, haircuts, the music that they listened to, and the way they walked or smoked, Bown's idea is that video games might be doing the same with this generation, regardless of whether we play video games or not. The digital revolution has arrived and former cultural backbones such as theatre, novel, radio, cinema, and television have been swept away or assimilated by the internet. Video games, however, which were also born before the internet, seem to be a means of expression, cultural asset, leisure activity or whatever you want to call them, which adapts and morphs with technology. Advances in computers allowed games to evolve and designs to become more real. The possibilities of games multiplied, as well as the available offer. The consoles, before the mobile phones, became small and portable and gave the option to play anywhere. The development and implementation of the internet make it possible to play online with people from all over the world, and virtual reality (VR) systems seem to be the last frontier between fiction and reality. In addition to this, with the shift of generations of players, video games have ceased to be a market for children, teenagers, or alternative cultures to occupy an important part of the adult leisure market.
By Guillermo Fernandez8 years ago in The Swamp