Bond Street station advertising shows scope of public space commodification
For one week, London’s Bond Street station was renamed ‘Burberry Street’ to advertise the fashion house of the same name. It caused outrage and shows how public spaces are increasingly being used to aggressively advertise. Commuters in London were left confused last week when Bond Street station was changed...
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The case of Doja Cat proves cancel culture isn’t real
The artist’s new single Paint The Town Red has hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100, proving that cancel culture isn’t real despite a huge portion of Doja Cat’s fanbase saying they would stop supporting her. Did you hear? Doja Cat is cancelled. After numerous years of not being taken...
Sha’Carri Richardson becomes the fastest woman in the world
The athlete has proved haters and nay-sayers wrong after winning the 100m at the World Athletic Championships in Budapest. ‘I’m not back, I’m better’. Those were the words of American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson after an explosive win at the women’s 100m final in Budapest. Richardson – with peroxide apricot hair and...
Opinion – Authentic queer representation is still vital
For a community that faces discrimination both online and offline, genuine portrayal of queer joy in shows such as Heartstopper and Red White & Royal Blue deserves to be praised. Given how difficult everyday living is, many of us take to cinema or television to escape. For the queer community,...
Bradley Cooper faces backlash for new ‘Maestro’ prosthetic
The actor’s upcoming portrayal of Leonard Bernstein is drawing criticism for being an exaggerated makeup transformation. Many are suggesting it promotes antisemitic stereotypes of Jewish people. The lengths an actor will go to in physically transforming themselves for a role is often hailed as a testament to their craft. Bradley Cooper's...
Noname addresses Jay Electronica’s antisemitism verse
Last week, rapper and musician Noname released her second studio album, ‘Sundial’. Jay Electronica features on the third track ‘balloons’, spouting antisemitism. Noname has responded saying that listener disappointment doesn’t faze her. Chicago rapper and poet Noname released her second studio album ‘Sundial’ last week. She has received sizeable...
Is the US justice system ‘making an example’ of Tory Lanez?
Canadian rapper Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting fellow music artist Megan thee Stallion back in 2020. His lawyer believes the justice system has unfairly charged him due to his celebrity status. It’s safe to say that our personal lives were pretty stagnant in the year 2020, so when news broke that Tory Lanez had shot fellow rapper Megan thee Stallion at a...
Thinness obsession is shaping women’s socio-economic mobility
Debates around the economics of weight have gone on for decades. But with a return to uber-slim beauty standards and a rise in viral weight-loss medications, the idea that being thin can make you more successful has gained new traction. The ostensible ‘ideal’ of thinness has permeated Western society for centuries. When appearances seemingly dictate opportunities, it is disheartening to witness the profound impact of beauty standards on women's socio-economic...
What’s happening with Travis Scott and his pyramid show?
Travis Scott’s ‘Utopia’ album launch party in Egypt was cancelled, then it wasn’t. Now it is again. Given his recent concert controversies, should he even be attempting such a performance in a country that heavily censors artists and is anti-LGBTQ? After many unclear updates, it is now confirmed that Travis Scott’s ‘Utopia’ launch party in Egypt will not be happening. Several conflicting statements over the last few weeks have confused fans...
Opinion – Reality TV is a breeding-ground for exploitation
X Factor star Lucy Spraggan has spoken publicly about her experience on the reality show, describing it as an ‘abusive relationship.’ Reality TV has been divisive for about as long as it's been on air. Whether you love it or hate it, these shows continue to pull in ratings, luring hordes of wannabe-stars who are ill-prepared for the complexities of fame. Lucy Spraggan, a former X Factor contestant who found overnight stardom...
