The fatalism of the ‘lucky girl syndrome’ trend
The autonomous-less fatalism of the 'lucky girl syndrome' trope joins the long list of individualising and infantilising trends adopted by privileged women who present themselves as too incompetent and irrational to engage critically with intellectualism, politics, or financial responsibility. Whether you’re willing to admit it, or (like me) you’re not,...
Current in Culture
Podcast industry revenue over double previous estimates
As a global format, the podcast industry reportedly surpassed $7.3 billion USD in revenue last year. The sector is now twice as large as previous estimates initially suggested. Do you listen to podcasts regularly? It seems like many of us gravitate toward long-form audio content, as podcasting has now been...
Opinion – Do we really need another biopic?
From the Beatles to Anthony Bourdain, nobody is safe from the biopic treatment. It’s the symptom of a creative industry high on nostalgia and low on imagination. It was only a matter of time before Hollywood came for Anthony Bourdain. The man who made a career of evading easy...
Why is Gen Z turning to religion?
In the face of digital disconnection, faith is emerging as an unlikely refuge for today’s young people. You’d be forgiven for assuming Gen Z might be the most secular cohort in modern history. They’re famously left-leaning in their politics, fly in the face of many traditional values surrounding marriage and...
Katy Perry says online criticism made her feel like ‘human piñata’
Singer Katy Perry has responded to the comments made against her for tour, music and space stunt with Blue Origin. She posted on Instagram that the experience has made her regard the internet as a ‘dumping ground for unhinged and unhealed people.’ Katy Perry has taken to Instagram to...
Ultra-processed foods could be linked to dying early
A new study across eight countries finds that those who eat lots of ultra-processed foods may be at a higher risk of dying earlier. Ultra-processed foods could be a major contributor to dying young, a new study has found. These include processed meats, fizzy drinks, ice creams and breakfast cereals,...
Opinion – Celebrities have the right to set boundaries in public
Robbie Williams recently admitted to struggling with anxiety during fan interactions. His openness puts our pension for performative closeness under the spotlight. ‘Do you think there should be a limit to how many people can access you in one day?’ asks singer Robbie Williams on a now viral Instagram post. Earlier this week, the singer shared a candid series of notes detailing his experience with fans asking for photos. ‘Is there...
The average adult reportedly spends 88 days a year on their phone
A new global report from Heineken has concluded that the average adult spends an estimated 88 days a year on their phone. Fancy some terrifying tech news to jolt you out of your seat? Of course you do! New global research by Heineken has found that the average adult spends 88 days a year on their phone. 88 days. If that’s not enough to get you to throw your device...
Opinion – Elon Musk’s vision of fatherhood is unsettling
In a world where wealth shapes everything, even the human gene pool isn’t safe from billionaire influence. I’m approaching this topic with apprehension, because in all honesty I don’t want to give Elon Musk more air time. The billionaire has infiltrated almost every aspect of our daily lives, sitting head of the table across the trifecta; capitalism, patriarchy, and politics. This new breed of the ultra rich, seemingly insatiable for power and...
Doctor Who boss pushes back against ‘wokeness’ critiques
Russell T Davies, boss of the BBC’s show Doctor Who, has said that he has no time for complaints from ‘online warriors’ who say the show has gotten too ‘woke.’ The head of Doctor Who, a long-running sci-fi show on the BBC, has said that he has ‘no time’ for complaints from ‘online warriors’ who accuse the show of being too ‘woke.’ Russell T Davies was speaking on BBC...
