Chinese blockbuster Her Story sparks feminist discussion globally
The last week of November saw an unexpected champion at the Chinese box office. But beyond the numbers, βHer Storyβ has ignited debates about feminism, representation, and the global lens through which Chinese culture is often viewed.Β Itβs unusual for a comedy drama, no less a feminist one, to smash...
Current in Culture
The power of swearing in positions of powerlessness
Is being explicit how we cope with how out of control things are β and how out of control we feel? Recently, internationally acclaimed Irish popstar CMAT (Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson) posted an Instagram story responding to someone who criticised how much she swears on social media. She explained that, sometimes, when...
Opinion β it’s time to abandon our ‘always on’ culture
While smartphones have granted humans the remarkable ability to stay in touch from anywhere in the world, we need to acknowledge the consequences of never getting a chance to properly 'shut off'.Β Throughout history, no other group of human beings have lived the way we do, that is, completely immersed...
Exploring Mexico’s tradition of the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe
When culture, tradition, and religion meet From October 13th to December 12th, the streets of Nuevo Leon, Mexico are painted with colors, street vendors, and food stalls in preparation for the hundreds of pilgrimages arriving at the sanctuary of the Virgin of Guadalupe. When we think of Mexican celebrations, what comes...
Musicians could lose β¬4 billion to generative AI every year
A first-of-its-kind economic study predicts that, in just four years, a quarter of music artists could see their earnings sabotaged by the rise of AI generated tracks. Itβs getting harder and harder to trust the authenticity of βleakedβ songs from our favourite artists these days, and thatβs all thanks to...
Manchester City launch AI design competition for 2026 third kit
Manchester City have launched a competition where fans can submit AI designs. The winning entry will adorn the clubβs third kit in the 2026/2027 season. Is this a good idea, or perhaps worthy of charge 116? Itβs safe to say Premier League fans, generally speaking, arenβt totally loving Manchester City...
Exploring how cultural traditions encourage violence and sexism
To what extent can violence be justified by cultural tradition? Traditions are bits of knowledge, beliefs, or customs that are passed down through generations. They help children form their identity and create a sense of belonging within a community, while keeping alive the cultural heritage of our regions. However, many traditions of the past β some of which have been handed down to our present generation β have sexist and violent...
How to navigate family politics this festive season
For many of us, awkward conversations have become a mainstay of winter gatherings.Β The festive period promises a lot: turkey, tinsel, and a soundtrack of perennial arguments. For a large portion of us, the season has become something other than a celebratory get-together and more of an endurance test, especially in recent years marred by political polarisation. So how do you survive these annual interactions without severing ties or weaponizing a...
Opinion – stop letting men get away with silence
The belief that another person will complete us means that many people are settling for the bare minimum in relationships, rather than taking the time to get to know themselves as an individual. For modern dating to work, we need to recognise the importance of reciprocal communication between partners and an equal distribution of all kinds of labour. Before the evolution of the internet and international travel meant that you...
Why Miss Universe has triggered a βwokenessβ debate
The beauty pageant is being hailed as the death of wokeness, and the result of the βTrump effectβ.Β Victoria KjΓ¦r Theilvig, a 21-year-old Danish woman, is Miss Universe 2024. Sheβs blonde, blue-eyed, and undeniably beautiful βΒ a fact that should been met with applause and little more. Instead, her win has ignited a cultural skirmish on social media, where far-right commentators have seized the moment to proclaim the supposed βend of...
