Op-Eds
The Indian Woman
They judge a woman who chooses to prioritize herself because her worth is somehow measured by how much she sacrifices for others. They think of her as intimidating and scary because she is “too strong” or “too rebellious”. In reality, she just wants to live for herself and not give in to unreasonable judgement. So if someone says you’re intimidating even though you’re just being yourself, it means you’re doing it right.
The Broadway Community Vs. Scott Rudin
Although I always knew Broadway wasn’t all fun and games, I never could have imagined the truth of what has been going on in the wings.
The Trouble With Trying
We can preach self-acceptance all we want, but every time we label one choice as “effort,” we’re labeling everyone who makes a different choice lazy, or careless. The decisions one makes with one’s appearance should be intrinsically motivated, because the activity brings genuine joy and fulfillment, not to prove our characters.
Personal & Creative
Internalized Sexism: My Experience Getting Botox for Migraines
I was desperate for some relief, but upset at the prospect of getting Botox. And it wasn’t because I was scared of having 20 needles stuck into my head, face, and neck, although I wasn’t thrilled about that either. My real issue was the stigma I had attached to Botox.
To a Mom
I ask you why you never became a U.S. citizen. “I wouldn’t mind going back home sometime,” you say, vaguely. Within that statement lingers regret, longing, and conviction that the United States isn’t truly your home. It hurts me to understand that.
Honey, I Shrunk My Tits: My Experience with Breast Reduction Surgery
My experience with cosmetic surgery has taught me two big lessons: repairing your body image requires more than changing your appearance, but making the choice to change your body should absolutely not be stigmatized.
Expose
The Period Product No One Asked For
Recently, a German team consisting of two men came out with a period product that is meant to make the female experience much easier in the eyes of men. It’s baffling that they were able to gain so much funding and successfully launch the product without stopping to think for one second about what someone who has a period would think about this.
Nonconsensual Pornography in the Modern World
In the era of high-speed internet, 5G, and social media, things can and often do go viral, fast. In the best cases, sweet little dogs and fun baking videos gain 15 million views. In the worst (and most terrifyingly common) cases, intimate pictures meant for one’s partner circulate the internet without consent.
The “Dynamite” Experiment: A Music Industry Case Study
While many artists of color and global artists are recognized by music fans, there is still a long way to go towards institutionally recognizing them in the incredibly diverse world of modern music.
Reviews
Defining Foreign: What “Minari” Says About America
The country that is home to the largest film industry in the world fails to recognize the inherent Americanness of its own movies. Instead, it resorts to arbitrary numbers to define what counts as “foreign enough” and therefore disqualified from competing against English-language films in a country that does not have an official language.
Four Indigenous TikTokers You Should Know
TikTok now provides a platform for many young indigenous activists who are helping to educate others on their cultures as well as the issues they face. I highlight four North American Indigenous TikTokers who I personally have learned a lot from.