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...
Current in Culture
Is TikTok’s burnt toast theory a solution to rising anxiety among Gen Z?
The viral concept postulates that minor inconveniences could be the universe’s way of averting a more severe catastrophe. Can this perspective alter how we perceive daily mishaps and alleviate stress? When you’ve endured a global pandemic, continue to witness the worsening effects of climate change, and are struggling to navigate...
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...
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...
Why is fan behaviour at concerts getting out of control?
In the last year or so, there has been a rising number of concert-goers throwing objects at artists while they’re performing. Some musicians are starting to retaliate – and can you blame them? A video of rapper Cardi B throwing her microphone at an audience member while mid-performance is...
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...
A congressional hearing on UFOs just took place in Washington
A former intelligence officer claimed under oath that the US government is covering up its knowledge of UFOs and recovered ‘nonhuman’ biological matter. Public hearings on the existence of UFOs and extraterrestrials are actually taking place. No, this isn’t the plot of an upcoming M. Night Shyamalan movie. Conspiracists have long believed that the US government has recovered physical existence of extraterrestrial visitors on Earth, but a former intelligence officer spilling...
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...
How Okutoyi and Jabeur are popularising African tennis
Hailing from Africa, tennis players Okutoyi and Jabeur have become an inspiration for young women, showcasing the power of dedication, talent, and resilience in pursuit of one's dreams. In sport, few narratives are as captivating and inspiring as the rise of young athletes breaking barriers and defying odds. Such individuals are 19-year-old Angella Okutoyi and 28-year-old Ons Jabeur, rising stars in the world of tennis. Okutoyi, born and raised in...
