He's a Popular, Popular Monster

By M. Paulson

Ronnie Radke of Falling in Reverse has been arrested for domestic violence, has injured his fans at shows, and starts conflict with other stars, but he is an admittedly talented vocalist.

Each TikTok that appeared on my page with Ronnie Radke speaking involved his ranting, crazed, manic, frothing-at-the-mouth comebacks as he responded to people’s criticism.

“The other guy brought a gun, and he ended up dying. There was 12 of them, and only 3 of us. Then I had to go to prison. Then I had to feel bad because someone died.” Cue one of his songs, incoming a joke about how he’s going to personally fight the commenter who called him out for his involvement, punching at the screen with his long rocker-style hair flying everywhere.

I frowned as I scrolled past the video but ended up looking through his accounts across social media, engaging with everything he’s said on social media and everything others have said about him. I had been a casual listener in the past, maybe even a fan. I was starting to doubt my interest.

I came to find that he insulted everyone, including his fans. When Radke cancelled his tour due to being denied entry into European countries, he told a fan via livestream who asked why it was cancelled:

“So go, f*ck yourself. f*ck you. I f*cking hate fans like that. You're not a f*cking fan. You're entitled, spoiled little f*cking brat. Go, f*ck off. f*ck you.”

He had an enormous ego, and that was only fueled by his super fans that would tag him in comment sections so that he could respond personally to whoever was hating on him.

Anger and frustration bubbled up in my chest. How can anyone think saying any of this is okay? When I couldn’t take it anymore, I just blocked him. I clicked “not interested” on the videos that filled my feed praising a man who threw tantrums, who couldn’t take a joke even if it was coming from a fan. 

Unfortunately . . . I couldn’t seem to keep him away. He kept coming back, like a cockroach, no matter how many times I blocked him on social media

In the midst of the COVID pandemic in 2020, when everyone’s significant other had more time on their hands to show they cared, my ex made a playlist for me. Most of the songs were unappealing, until Falling In Reverse popped up as the next one on the list.

“I break down, falling into love now,
With falling apart.
I’m a popular, popular monster.”
— Popular Monster

The music was catchy. The quiet drums that built up to the chorus, the alternative rap style that the lead singer took on during the verses, his voice reverberating and his screams strong with metal influences: all created a song that I couldn’t stop listening to. And the emotion and honesty thick in his voice let me relate to how he felt. I was beginning to understand these feelings the singer expressed struggling with. Okay! I could get behind this.

Then I started listening to the band’s discography. I put on the next song.

“Sorry, girl, if this is quick,
So please just take it in the a** and suck my d***.”
— Good Girls Bad Guys

What was with the demeaning and violent sexual lyrics? When I got to that song—which was one of the most popular of the band’s—Apple Music even censored it for me. I could see why people were drawn to it: even I was drawn to it. His voice was strong, taking on the whiny emo-boy tone that was perfect for the genre. I eventually skipped over it, deciding the song was not for me. Then the next song started playing. I thought it couldn’t get worse.

“She called the cops, and made it seem like I was mean.
She’s not your average lady, she’s fucking crazy.
Spelled C-U-N-T. Bitch!”
— Bad Girls Club

But it got worse. It was catchy, I hated to admit it. The cheerleader-like spelling of the slur, the drummer’s marching band-like beat, all contributed to a song that you just wanted to bop your head to. I hated the misogynistic content. But it was catchy. Sooner rather than later, a playlist that was supposed to mean something to me started to make me uneasy. I progressively grew more uncomfortable and agitated when I listened to the next song:

“Pick yourself up off the floor,
Wipe the tears from off your face
Because the cops are knocking at the door
They’re gonna wanna know what’s up!
Better tell them that you fell.”
— Pick Up the Phone

My stomach churned, disgust sitting in the pit of it. Even this song is addictive, I thought, before I delved into the lyrics. The audio of the phone dialing at the beginning, Ronnie’s fierce vocals, the loud guitars, the quick singing. Who was behind these lyrics? Suddenly, I couldn’t stand it anymore. My head was riddled with guilt when I realized that the songs I found catchy before were not what I wanted to be listening to.

That’s when I began to delve into the world of Ronnie Radke.

Upon several internet searches, I found these titles: Rocker Arrested After Throwing Mic Stands Into Crowds. Ronnie Radke Won’t Apologize for Throwing Mic Stands Into Crowd. Falling In Reverse Singer Ronnie Radke Arrested on Domestic Assault Warrant. Ronnie Radke Talks Getting Out of Prison, Getting Kicked Out of Escape the Fate.

It’s safe to say I was concerned. Matched with his lyrics addressing his exact domestic violence situation (“she called the cops, made it seem like I was mean”), and the fact that his lyrics were obscenely misogynistic (“spelled C-U-N-T. Bitch!”), the dude was foul. But anyway, I thought, separate the art from the artist, right?
I continued to listen to the band, to the songs that I hated to admit were catchy. The guilt didn’t subside, but instead grew stronger, constantly feeding into the guilt while listening. A little voice in the back of my head said, Can you really separate this art from the artist? I tried to keep listening without really listening to the lyrics. I hated that I loved this music, despite his confessions of abuse and hate. I loved Radke’s voice, the drumming, and the guitar solos. I couldn’t stop.

Was I addicted to the bad feeling? So, I needed to put a stop to this.

After I blocked him, acknowledging my hate while listening to his music, he still popped up where I didn’t want him to be. A couple months later, Ice Nine Kills—a band I adored—was invited to go on tour with Falling In Reverse, causing my moral dilemma: do I buy tickets and see the band, or do I refuse in an unnoticed but moral protest? I got on Ticketmaster, but clicked off rather quickly, making my decision.

It was finally then when I decided to remove all of Falling In Reverse’s music from my library. After all of this time, I couldn’t support a band like this anymore. I couldn’t get away from all the pictures and videos being posted online.

Not that it matters: Falling In Reverse is a popular band, after all. They’re huge in the scene, selling out their shows. Even around my college campus, I’ll occasionally see a person sporting a Falling In Reverse t-shirt. Each time, my lip curls up in disgust. Somehow, his off-putting persona has appealed to an audience that wants someone “honest” and “real.” If I’m being honest and real, I hate it.

Each time his face pops up on my screen, I furrow my eyebrows. I thought I blocked him?!? Turns out, when someone creates a new account, those ones aren’t blocked either. So there I went, blocking him again, clicking “not interested.”

No matter how much I want to get rid of him, he kept coming back. But I also kept interacting with each video before I clicked off, feeling a surge of loathing in my chest.

When 2023 rolled around, Falling In Reverse announced that they would be going on tour, titled their Popular MonsTOUR. Around this time, their song Game Over was picking up more popularity and notice on social media.

Every so often, the internet rediscovers how awful Ronnie Radke is. Though his song Game Over was released in 2013, people started talking about it. One individual came on TikTok to simply say, “THIS SONG IS SO BAD.” Another said, “Ronnie Radke is actually insane. Beats women and assaults people. Then continues to sing, ‘MY LIFE IS LIKE A VIDEOGAME >.<‘.” So when Falling In Reverse went on tour in 2024, Ronnie took it to another level to personally take the TikToks and post them up on a screen behind him with faces and usernames while he sang the song and marched around the stage.

The algorithm thought I would like to see the tour, each video coming up while people screamed along with the lyrics and praised the man for calling out the haters. For whatever reason, no matter how many times I click “not interested,” the app just couldn’t seem to take a hint. He’s a pest who torments me every time I get online. It’s been years, Ronnie.

But as I continued to interact with these videos at least for a little before I click off of them, I began to come to a realization. I watched each video with a twisted hatred for each action. He’s a popular monster, a perfect candidate for bad decisions, but I am obsessed with the hate. Ronnie is a place to put my anger when he shows up on my For You Page.

Team Edward or Team Pattinson

The talented Robert Pattinson has done many complex roles over the years but is forever trapped as Edward Cullen. All he wants is to be taken seriously.

By: Mia McDermott

The year is 2017. Robert Pattinson has just broken out with his latest role as Connie Nikas, a criminal bank robber in “Good Time.” A raw, gritty film directed by the Safdie brothers. With a 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and endless praise from viewers and critics, Pattinson is showered with acclaim. “Robert Pattinson has redeemed himself by putting his all into this role. Finally those s*** Twilight films are behind him and he can concentrate on great acting,” one review proclaims. Another fan raves, “Brilliant performance by Robert Pattinson!!!! At first, I couldn’t tell it was Rob Pat. The accent!!! He was so convincing. Non-stop action!!!” It’s clear people are stunned by Pattinson’s unrecognizable character and his brilliant performance of shifting into the criminal. But when interviewers get their turn, the past looms.

“Are you still getting accosted by Twilight fans or have they grown up?” one reporter asks during a press tour for “Good Time.” Smile and nod, Robert. “Um, sometimes,” Pattinson states, ruffling his hair. Five years since the “Twilight” saga wrapped, yet the questions linger. His answers hint at his wish to be recognized for something more.

Robert Pattinson’s career is all about transformation and disappearing into each character. He began as Cedric Diggory, the golden-boy wizard in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” with a clean-cut look. Then came Edward Cullen in “Twilight,” the brooding vampire with a velvet-smooth American voice. In “The Rover,” he played Reynolds, the scruffy drifter adopting a shaky Southern drawl. In “Good Time,” he took on Connie Nikas, the chaotic hustler with a fast-talking Queens accent, bleach blonde hair, and a brown goatee. As Thomas Howard in “The Lighthouse,” he transformed into a grimy lighthouse keeper with a rugged New England tone. In “The Devil All The Time,” he played Reverend Preston Teagardin, a slick-haired, manipulative preacher with a sharp Southern twang. Slipping into the Batsuit in “The Batman,” morphing into the role with a low gravelly voice. Most recently he lent an unrecognizable tone to the Gray Heron in “The Boy and the Heron” proving his talent with only his voice.

Despite his range, “Twilight” trapped Pattinson. Making him into a reluctant idol, plastering his face on glossy magazine covers and the walls of teenage bedrooms. Where many would have capitalized on such fame, Pattinson made a decision few understood: he walked away. “Twilight” remains a ghostly presence, casting a glittery shadow over his attempts to outrun it, choosing to play characters like a bank-robbing criminal or a perverted, gaslighting reverend. He shifts into a completely different person in each of his roles, and each one steps further away from what people expect.

* * *

So, how did Pattinson, a young Brit who stumbled into acting, end up in the role of a lifetime? As he’s shared in interviews, he didn’t know he wanted to be an actor growing up. He joined a theater program to impress a girl, starting as a stagehand. His first role, in 2004’s “Vanity Fair”, where he played Reese Witherspoon’s son, was cut without warning. The director felt so guilty not telling him that she offered up a role in one of the Harry Potter films. This is how he ended up as Cedric Diggory in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” 2005.

Pattinson’s ability to bring overlooked characters to life became evident early on. He took Cedric Diggory and turned him into someone fans rooted for, giving the role more depth. Had Cedric not met his end so quickly (SPOILER ALERT!), he might have been remembered as “the ‘Harry Potter’ guy” instead. But bigger things awaited.

He went in to audition for a role that a casting director said was his to take, but he completely bombed the audition. The next day, feeling like he had nothing to lose, he auditioned for “Twilight.” Though he claimed he didn’t know how to play a vampire, he found it surprisingly easy to slip into Edward when auditioning with surprising ease and putting his grungey take on the character. Robert has discussed many times about his take on the role and how he had his own idea of what he thought was best for the character. With his passion and draw towards unconventional roles, he wanted to make Edward Cullen “emo” and artsy and nearly got himself fired in the process. Pattinson was in for a five-year saga playing someone he couldn’t connect to.

The five-part fantasy romance saga became a phenomenon, grossing over three billion dollars and created a fandom for the ages. This series was never meant to please critics, it did exactly what it intended and was more than enough for its fans. Teen girls got to pick their ideal, swoon-worthy monster–whether that was a hot, pale, and sparkling vampire or a toned, tan, and hot-headed werewolf– alongside a relatable heroine, and an immersive fantasy world that felt safer than facing real-life problems. But for Pattinson, there was his before Twilight era and then the after.

* * *

As the series unfolded, Pattinson’s mixed feelings about his role became clear to fans and media pages. Multiple interviews contained questionable comments from him about his opinion of the films. “The more I read the script, the more I hated this guy,” he admitted. “So that's how I played him, as a manic-depressive who hates himself. Plus, he's a 108-year-old virgin, so he's obviously got some issues there," he told the magazine Empire. Though fans embraced his performance as Edward, others labeled his portrayal as one-dimensional, overlooking the range of his abilities.

In Hollywood, reinvention is the name of the game. For most actors, the challenge is finding a defining role. For Robert Pattinson, the challenge was to outrun the one that did. He turned down mainstream roles, opting instead for the kinds of films that make you wonder whether he’s even trying to be liked. But this, of course, is the point: Robert Pattinson never wanted to be liked, he wanted to be respected. He wanted to reinvent himself as the kind of actor who couldn’t be pinned down, who would always keep the audience guessing. “I always like the idea of subverting people’s expectations.” While his filmography expanded in scope, the narrative surrounding him remained frustratingly consistent: Robert Pattinson, the actor who will always be Edward Cullen.

Fast forward to 2019: Robert Eggers’ “The Lighthouse” pairs Pattinson with Willem Dafoe in a tale of two lighthouse keepers slowly slipping into madness. With haunting cinematography, this film showcased Pattinson’s range – yet critics see it as another invitation to remind us he was once a sparkly vampire. “Robert Pattinson– playing heartthrob vampire, Edward Cullen– strapping Pattinson to a rocket ship of fame that came with an army of Twilight fans, a constant pack of paparazzi pursuing him, and a public prying into the details of his personal life,” a “Today Show” segment noted while promoting the film.

* * *

Critics consistently preface praise for his work with skepticism saying, “I was worried about Robert Pattinson being in this movie, but…” Yet, one by one, his performances win them over. “There's nothing you can do about it," he states in a Vanity Fair interview. "That's the way it is. But it is weird being part of that, kind of representing something you don't particularly like,” he continues, discussing his feelings about being known for his role in “Twilight.”

Pattinson has always been a private person, he was never ready to be shoved into the spotlight. Those around him– fans and critics alike– saw him more as an idea than as a person. They couldn’t (or wouldn’t) see who Robert Pattinson really was. Pattinson has always been unpredictable and usually doubted when cast in new roles. Then came the role of Batman. When it was announced in 2019 that he’d be the next Bruce Wayne, Pattinson faced enormous pressure. “But there is no harsher critic of myself than myself, so I don’t need to worry about anyone else.”

“The Batman,” 2022 grossed more than $770 million making it one of the highest-grossing movies of the year, earning rave reviews and an 85 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Interestingly, looking at the response to this movie, there’s little mention of “Twilight,” Edward Cullen, or vampires. If any role is going to give him a new identity, it’s this one, equally oversized. Finally, it seemed clear to everyone that he’s not just talented, he’s a true Hollywood chameleon. And yet, there are still standouts.

“Our first guest tonight is a very talented actor,” Jimmy Kimmel starts, “who, like a lot of vampires, turned into a bat!” 

* * *

At times, Pattinson has successfully moved away from “Twilight.” Other times, his efforts seem exhausting, even try-hard. Why can’t he just accept it? He will always be a contradiction: the face of Edward Cullen, a brooding vampire whose pale skin and intense gaze became iconic in the “Twilight” saga. Yet he is obviously so much more.

I see Pattinson’s career as a tug-of-war between his past and present. While it is clear he is a talented actor, it seems he’s always trying to prove himself and shake off the “Twilight” label. I can’t help but wonder if this constant struggle is holding him back. It’s easy to understand why he would want to distance himself. The franchise, while immensely popular, can be limiting. Instead of resisting, he should embrace his past as part of who he is.

Batman could be the one that changes his identity, but then what? He is stuck as a bat. He might succeed in reinventing himself through a darker persona, but even in this transformation, he remains tethered to the roles of his past. He will always be marked by Edward Cullen and now by Bruce Wayne. The true challenge is finding peace with these roles as part of his identity. Each attempt at trying to distance himself reinforces his connection with his past. Though he may not know it, his struggle lies in the tension between wanting to break free and accepting that part of him will always be tied to “Twilight.” Robert Pattinson needs to embrace both the man he was and the man he’s become.

Maeby She’s Born With It

Why An Arrested Development Character’s Name Keeps Me Up At Night

By: Feli Badji

Let me set a bit of an absurd scene from a favorite show of mine, Arrested Development. Tobias Fünke is a father, a failing future actor, and someone with the unfortunate knack for confusing everyone with unfortunate wording. He’s arriving at their family’s home, which has, unknown to him, been turned into a trap site for the show To Trap A Predator. Now, Tobias isn’t doing anything wrong, unlike many of the people who appear on this show, but when asked what he’s doing there, what he says next gets him arrested.

“Is this about my daughter?”

“Oh so it’s your daughter you’re here to see?”

“Yes … Maeby.”

And the scene above is not just some one-off incident. Maeby is constantly dealing with situations where she or someone else misunderstands the situation, making for a hilarious running joke in a great sitcom. Now, I’ve rewatched Arrested Development too many times to count, but what stood out to me on my most recent rewatch was how no one finds her name weird, especially considering it’s not even her real name but a nickname. I didn't even realize this until recently when a friend pointed it out during a rewatch, and it really made me stop and think. It’s so easy to miss because her full name is only shown to us in a brief clip in the first episode where she’s introduced as “Mae ‘Maeby’ Fünke,” and then it’s never mentioned again.

Yes, you read that right: Maeby. Not Mary, not Macy. M-A-E-B-Y. 

Of course, when watching sitcoms, I’ve learned to suspend any real-world reasoning while watching. However, the fact that Maeby had a more “normal” name that could have easily been used, but instead, she’s stuck with this confusing and unusual name by choice really started to bother me. Naturally, this realization then sent me down a rabbit hole, not just wondering why fictional parents would choose such a name but why real-life parents do it all the time, like my own.

Even as a kid, I’ve always known Felianna was an unusual name. While it’s not wildly out there, it’s definitely a conversation starter. Most of the time, I end up explaining that while I am half Senegalese, my name is not cultural, as many assume. My father actually made it up from a combination of his parents’ names, “Felix” and “Anna.” But as most kids experience, someone gave me the nickname “Feli,” and I made sure it stuck because it was just so much easier for everyone involved. Less awkward pauses while reading roll call, fewer creatively butchered variations, and no more explanations about its backstory. Because even though my name came with a sentimental backstory that I adored, it was still a tiny burden I felt each time I met someone. Somehow, even as a kid, while I didn’t understand why people found my name weird, I still felt the uncomfortable effects of having an uncommon name. But why is that?

The Rise of Unconventional Names and the Against Fight Normalcy

Unconventional names are everywhere, reflecting a profound cultural transformation in how we perceive individual identity. From parents wishing to honor their cultural backgrounds, those wishing to set their kids apart with a distinct name, to celebrities who, to me, feel like they set out to become the #1 trending topic on Twitter with each birth announcement. And of course, these names come with mixed reactions—admiration, judgment, and curiosity. This is because most recently, the trend was to fit in, not stand out. Watch any movie or TV show from the 90s, and you’ll see it, especially ones where they’re in high school. But recently, people want to be different and praise those who are. And this shift is more than a passing trend. It’s a complete change in societal values.

Historically, conformity was king. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, nearly 5% of babies shared the top common name; today, that percentage has dropped to around 1%. This transformation, driven by two different influences, is a product of a cultural shift from valuing uniformity to championing individuality and uniqueness.

A crucial role in this change comes from our increasing access to the internet. Even though baby-naming and phone books were full of names, it’s just so much easier to search for one now. Online articles listing the top 100 names of the year, parent blogs discussing the dos and don’ts of naming, or just a quick search on social media to see the flood of Annas that come in. And while this can lead to people finding names from different cultures and rediscovering names from the past. This overload of information can also lead to people freaking out that the name they chose is too common. Also, because of demographic shifts, including increased immigration and growing cultural diversity, more naming possibilities have been naturally introduced.

The other major influence in this cultural shift is the changing parenting philosophies. Modern parents are becoming less authoritarian and ditching ideas like "children are to be seen and not heard." Instead, the focus is to nurture and make their children feel they can accomplish anything. This approach spreads directly to name selection, where parents view naming as an initial act of helping their child stand out. So in a nutshell, even if the decision isn't conscious, parents usually choose unusual names to prioritize individual expression or select more common names because they value social integration and more traditional belonging. And while unique names certainly set them apart, the adverse social and psychological effects can often be unfortunate.

What's in a Name? The Psychological and Social Implications of Naming Choices

Names are far more than labels. They are powerful social markers that can profoundly shape an individual's psychological development. Choosing between a common and an unusual name carries significant implications that extend far beyond childhood, influencing personal identity, social interactions, and psychological development.

The psychological impact of a name is complex and can change a person in many different ways. Children with unusual names often find themselves navigating a nuanced emotional terrain. While these names can initially trigger feelings of isolation or difference, potentially leading to anxiety and reduced self-esteem because of the adversity faced, they often develop remarkable psychological strength. Having built better impulse control and emotional resilience throughout the many years of managing positive and negative attention because of their name and navigating social challenges.

On the other hand, children with common names typically experience smoother social integration. The familiarity and acceptance that come with a conventional name can contribute to more stable self-perception and reduced social stress. These individuals often enjoy easier social interactions and face fewer obstacles in establishing their identity within peer groups.

The social implications of naming choices are equally complicated. An unusual name can be both a burden and a blessing. Some studies suggest that distinctive names inadvertently create social barriers, with individuals potentially facing unconscious bias in professional and personal settings. For instance, employers may unconsciously make less favorable assumptions about candidates with unconventional names. Yet, this challenge can transform into an opportunity. Many people with unusual names develop a stronger sense of personal identity, learning to leverage their uniqueness as a distinctive personal brand, and others adopt nicknames to navigate social environments more seamlessly, demonstrating excellent adaptive capabilities. While common names generally provide a more stable social foundation, unusual names can force them to develop more social skills.

Ultimately, a name is neither inherently good nor bad—it's a complex social instrument that changes with individual personality, cultural context, and personal perception. The key lies not in the name itself but in how individuals embrace and navigate their unique identities.

A Name Like No Other

Over the past few years, my relationship with my name has been a journey of acceptance and appreciation. Even though growing up with the name Felianna meant years spelling it out, correcting strangers, and navigating the awkward pauses that followed my introduction. What was once exhausting has become a source of unexpected joy. Where once I saw only difficulty, I now see opportunity—a chance to break the ice, spark a conversation, or give people a story they won't forget. Watching Maeby on the show helped me see this opportunity because her name isn't just a name. It's a brilliant narrative device and a perfect example of the show's comedic genius. It's a pun waiting to be discovered, a joke hidden in plain sight. "Maybe" or "Maeby." The name doesn't just exist; it performs, surprises, and makes you laugh. And now, after diving into the complexity of names, I've realized that it's also shaped my social skills and personal identity in ways I never fully appreciated. Without it, I can't imagine how different my life and social interactions would be. And even though I still go by Feli socially, I make a point now to let people know it's only a nickname and share the story of my name.

How Laufey Is Making Pure Love Cool Again

Laufey: What is it that she does that does not make love not cringey?

By: Jaya Lundy

It’s February of 2021, a few months after the lift of the COVID-19 lockdown. Like other young adults at the time, I found myself doom-scrolling through TikTok with hopes of fulfilling my boredom while stuck in my room. There, swipe after swipe through each video of the “For You” page, a hot, new trending song. But then I saw something that really caught my eye. Not hot like in an explicit sexy way – no. It was lofty, passionate, and filled with an overwhelming amount of pure love that put a dorky smile on my face. It didn’t talk about being infatuated with someone because of their body, but the want of them being the singer’s “valentine.” Who was this artist who seemed to capture the pure essence of love with such grace?

Well, her name is Laufey.

“Dear Soulmate,
Do you think of me
’Cause I do”
— Laufey, "Dear Soulmate"

Within a short span of time, Laufey has exponentially risen to high standings of popularity to the point of winning her first Grammy in 2024 with her album, Bewitched, as the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album of the year. She has made guest appearances with big celebrities like Jimmy Fallon and Kelly Clarkson. Before her fame, she was a college student who created songs in her dorm and uploaded videos of her singing onto YouTube and Instagram with only a couple of hundred followers. Now, Laufey breaks the internet with 4.9 million followers on Instagram and 15 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Many who are fans of Laufey and her music, listen because they are tired of the jaded society we live in, of always being in the “talking stage.” For those who don’t know, the term “talking stage” has been a recent description for the younger generations that is used for two people who are not “exclusive” and are not in a technical couple but have a relationship with each other. They yearn for the feeling of falling in love with someone, and in the absence of the real thing, they have music. Unlike other artists today, Laufey’s connection to her idealistic views of love is woven deeply in her lyrics and songs. But her message feels like almost a thing of the past for listeners of the day. So, the question is, how did she make pure love cool again?


In 2021, Laufey had her first tour in small venues that held a handful of the small community of listeners she had at the time. Within the past year, she has performed at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The venue held 17,500 of her fans as she sang her heart out performing at the venue of her dreams. With her popularity she’s toured across the world as a headliner for festivals and her own tours. She stands beside the current biggest artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan even performing alongside Billy Joel during the Grammys. Laufey has proven her worth of her new found celebrity status.

Mixing together the styles of classical, jazz and pop, with her suave and elegant vocals, she creates melodies that capture the complex feelings that come with love. Her combinations of styles are unique itself with her reviving the music of classical and jazz music to a generation that listens to rap and pop. She describes falling in love as if she is floating on clouds and dancing through streets. On the flipside, she grieves over the heartbreak of a love that left her behind for his “old flame.” She wants her music to appeal to those discovering, losing, and falling in love whether it be with another person or oneself.

The videos she makes are actual art. In the music video of “Bewitched,” she plays the main character as she falls in love with the love interest that had “bewitched” her with their charms. Laufey’s language in her lyric style is metaphorical and has a whimsical tone in every song she writes. Her music videos aren’t flashy but instead capture the essence that warm feeling that love brings. She describes the love interest “casting a spell on her heart” as a way of portraying the feeling of her thoughts and heart being consumed by the love interest. In her other songs, “While You Were Sleeping,” based off the movie with the same name, she does “not recognize herself” as she “smiles to strangers.”

In contrast to other rising pop stars, Laufey is more on the modest side. Laufey presents herself on social media in a clean and refined fashion; she is never seen in the media in a gaudy manner. For her concert presence, she gracefully makes her way on stage with flowy, ball-like gown dresses with her classic ballet flats. She wears bows, a signature. She is never seen in any exposing fashion. She keeps herself in a modest and demure. Her sense of fashion is unique to herself that other artists can’t do the same. Fans have dedicated their time making accounts dedicated to finding the clothing Laufey wears along with the price tags for each for others to buy and follow her style.

There are easy criticisms to make of her approach to music. Some might call her twee or from another era. And yet, there’s something that sets her aside from other pop princesses who croon about teenage love. Laufey seems more erudite and self-aware than them. That’s why her music doesn’t come off as too young or too wide-eyed. I argue that it’s highly self-aware, and that’s her appeal.

“I just want to take you home
Call a taxi in the snow
When the driver can’t see
Steal a kiss from me”
— Laufey, Lucky for Me

Our current pop princesses in the music industry might make songs and sing about the feeling of pure love, but that does not mean she has experienced the feelings of it to the full extent that one could experience. Because of that, the songs come off as disingenuous. Even showing the naïve concepts she has in her head. Writing music like that comes off as corny for listeners. However, with Laufey, her music surrounds her experiences with love. She shows the good and the bad and does not feel obligated to hide it. And yet, she does not let the bad experiences get her down. She continues to write seek and experience the love that is offered to her in this world. She continues to see love in an idealistic way and does not let anything cloud her views. Is that why she fits into this young generation of people?

In the past, society used media and culture to make it seem like love would always end as a fairy tale. However, we all know that finding and falling in love is not so simple. For that, we had a cultural correction of how we viewed love. Within recent years, we have seen the portrayals of love shifted to the complete opposite side by showing the heartbreaks felt. Now, we have become skeptics to falling in love and it is getting too far. It has influenced the way Gen Z feels with love. Gen Z avoids being in a relationship despite wanting the affections with another person. It has become a fear of Gen Z to put themselves at risk of falling in love because of the self-awareness of the potential dangers with the pain of heartbreak that may be experienced. Laufey’s music is an optimistic beacon for this generation by showing that one can still look and love even if it may not end the way we all would want.

“When I talk to you
Oh, Cupid walks right through
And shoots an arrow through my heart”
— Laufey, From the Start

She captures that to be in love is to freely express oneself and to get invested in the thoughts that being in love brings. For Generation Z, she purposefully writes her songs as an outlet for them to relate to. Her fans express their appreciation to Laufey by using their own talent by covering her songs, making animations, and fanning over her song releases. Laufey has taught her fans that there is no shame in falling in love in the sappy ways that movies describe like running in the rain or watching the sunset beside someone. Laufey understands the idea of love perfectly and is the only artist of this time who can openly express the cringe that comes with love in our twisted, jaded world.

Try Not to Go Insane Challenge: Impossible

A Week Without Music: A week in the life of a girl obsessed with music forced to give up her headphones 

By Alanah Cleare

It started as a challenge: one week without music. At first, it sounded simple—just press pause, right? But the silence that followed revealed more than I expected. Music had been my constant companion, filling every corner of my life with rhythm and melody. Without it, I had to confront moments I had always tuned out, distractions I never questioned, and thoughts I hadn’t allowed myself to hear. This is the story of what happened when I pressed mute on the soundtrack of my life.

Day 1: The First Night

2:00 am

The silence hit me harder than I thought it would. Normally, I’d drift off to the playlist of soft melodies, using music to block out the world, and, if I’m honest, my own thoughts. But tonight, I was left alone with the hum of the fridge, the occasional creak of the apartment walls, and the uneven rhythm of my breathing. Each sound was sharper, clearer, and oddly intrusive.

The creaking sounds bothered me in a way they never had before. Each groan of the building felt like a question I couldn’t quite grasp: Why did it sound so loud? Does this happen every night? Why couldn’t I ignore it? I realized that it wasn’t the sounds themselves but the silence surrounding them that amplified every little noise. My mind was in absolute chaos, racing without the familiar musical distraction to calm it. “Should I have said that in my conversation earlier? Did anyone catch the moment I stumbled over my words?

I stared at the ceiling, restless and uncomfortable. The silence wasn’t peaceful: it felt like a spotlight on all the little things I’d been wanting to avoid.

Day 2: Cooking Without Headphones

5:00 pm

Dinner prep felt awkward. I stood at the stove, stirring pasta sauce in complete silence. Normally, I’d wear my headphones, losing myself in a playlist that turned chopping vegetables into something almost cinematic. But without them, the kitchen became a stage, and every sound took center.

The sauce bubbled softly, the pots rattled when I moved them, and the knife’s steady thuds on the cutting board echoed in the quiet. The spoon scraping the saucepan sounded almost grating, and I could hear the faint murmur of a TV show playing in the living room.

Without music, my thoughts had nowhere to hide. “Did anyone hear my stomach rumble in class today? This is a very strong onion…why is this onion so strong…AM I GOING TO DIE?!?!” Normally, I’d rely on music to drown out these ridiculous thoughts, but in the stillness, they came through loud and clear, demanding my attention like static on an empty radio station

As the minutes passed, something shifted. The kitchen sounds weren’t just noise—they were rhythmic and grounding. For the first time, I noticed how the bubbling sauce seemed to sync with my movements, how the clinks and clatters formed an accidental melody of their own. I didn’t need music to fill the space; the sounds around me were enough.

Day 3: At the Gym

9:45 am

Working out without music was weird. Usually, I’d blast an energizing playlist to push me through every set, matching the beat to my movements. Today, all I had were the clinks of weights, the faint pop songs playing over the gym’s speakers, and the sound of my own breathing.

It felt harder to stay motivated without the driving force of a beat. I noticed things I never had before: the uneven rhythm of my breath, the creak of the gym floor beneath my shoes, and the muffled conversations around me. Each rep felt heavier, each moment longer.

I couldn’t help but wonder if the music had been more of a crutch than I’d realized. Without it, I had to tune into my body—the tightening and relaxing of muscles, the way my heart raced. It was uncomfortable, almost too raw.

I thought about how often I drown out the sounds of life, not just at the gym but everywhere. Was I pushing through the day without really feeling it? Without the music, would I move more slowly, breathe more deeply, or let myself simply be?

Day 4: Walking to Class

11:30 am

Walking to class today without my headphones, I felt exposed. Usually, I’d use them as armor, a signal to the world that I wasn’t available for interaction. But today, there was nothing between me and the people around me.

I heard the crunch of leaves beneath my shoes, snippets of conversations from students passing by, and the never-ending sounds of the construction on campus in the distance. Without my headphones, I couldn’t avoid the friendly nods or waves from classmates. I even stopped to chat with someone I hadn’t spoken to in weeks.

It wasn’t all bad, but it was strange. I’d spent so much time using music to shield myself that I didn’t realize how often I’d avoided connection. The silence made me feel vulnerable but also opened up space for things I hadn’t expected—like the possibility of being seen and the challenge of seeing others.

This experiment didn’t just change my relationship with music; it changed my relationship with myself. I learned that silence isn’t just the absence of sound—it’s the presence of everything we’ve been avoiding. In the quiet moments, we hear the world and, maybe, ourselves.

Protective Equipment In Contact Sports

The crack of the collision echoed across the field before the whistle even blew. My best friend Ian crumpled to the turf, clutching his side, gasping for air. The crowd, the players, the refs, everything froze for a moment as he lay there. I sprinted to his side, my own heart pounding as he struggled to speak. His breaths were shallow, panicked, and uneven. 

"Stay down," I told him, though it felt meaningless in the face of his obvious pain. 

After the game had finished, my mother found out what the diagnosis was; it had been a collapsed lung. He was going to be fine. However, it could have been a broken rib, a spinal injury, or even permanent damage. I couldn’t stop thinking about how something as simple as a rib guard might have prevented it. And I remember what he used to say sometimes: “I don’t need them.”

A hit like that was brutal, but it wasn’t uncommon in lacrosse. The truth is, none of us thought much about rib pads. They weren’t required, and most of us shrugged them off as unnecessary or uncomfortable. They were bulky, restrictive, and, frankly, uncool. Wearing them made you look like a beginner or someone afraid to take a hit. At least, that’s what we told ourselves. It was easy to think that way until that day. 

But as I started to see then, there’s a culture in sports, especially lacrosse, that equates toughness with playing without extra padding. It’s a badge of honor to feel the bruises the next day, to wear the pain like a trophy. This attitude isn’t unique to lacrosse. Across sports, there’s a strange, stubborn resistance to protective gear, even when it’s proven to prevent injuries. Will it ever change? When will we put our safety first? 

Across a range of sports, protective gear has sparked debate, not just among athletes but also within governing bodies, fans, and even medical communities. In hockey, for instance, the debate over mandatory face shields raged for years. By the 1980s, junior leagues required full-face cages, but professionals resisted, citing limited visibility and discomfort. Even after a ton of facial injuries, broken jaws, shattered teeth, and career-threatening eye damage, many NHL players refused to wear them. It wasn’t until 2013 that the league-mandated visors for new players, but veteran players could still opt out, and most still do. 

Football tells a similar story, though the stakes are arguably higher. Helmets, once flimsy leather caps, evolved into high-tech shields against brain injuries. Yet concussions remain uncontrolled, and studies suggest helmets are only part of the solution. The bigger issue? Players often resist changes to tackle technique or new padding systems, fearing they’ll lose their edge. A 2021 study showed that even with improved equipment, more than 40 percent of college players admitted to hiding concussion symptoms to stay on the field. 

Rugby players, known for their rugged image, often shun scrum caps and mouthguards, even though studies have proven their effectiveness. The culture values endurance and raw toughness, a mindset that leads to higher concussion rates compared to other contact sports. And the worst of it all, in combat sports like boxing or mixed martial arts, the resistance to heavier gloves or additional headgear is tied to preserving the "purity" of the sport, despite the obvious risk of traumatic brain injuries. 

This isn’t just a professional problem. At youth and collegiate levels, the same attitudes trickle down. Coaches push athletes to “toughen up,” and players worry that wearing extra padding will make them stand out, not as strong but as weak. It’s a toxic culture that prioritizes pride over protection, creating a dangerous environment where safety is seen as secondary to performance. And it wasn’t until the accident that I, personally, decided to create some change for myself. 

In lacrosse, rib guards are a textbook example of this tension between safety and tradition. Unlike helmets or shoulder pads, rib pads are not mandatory at any competitive level, leaving the decision entirely up to the player or, in some cases, their coach. The reasoning behind this decision isn’t fully clear. Some argue that requiring rib guards would add another layer of cost for players in a sport already seen as expensive and equipment-heavy. Others suggest that rib injuries aren’t as common as concussions or knee injuries, and therefore don’t require a mandate. But that doesn’t mean rib injuries are rare or insignificant. 

A sharp blow to the ribs can result in fractures, internal bruising, or, as in my friend’s case, a collapsed lung. Despite this, rib guards are often seen as optional, their absence justified by the same cultural narratives found in other sports. The lack of mandates also raises questions about liability and regulation. If a school or league doesn’t require rib guards and a player sustains a serious injury, who is responsible? This is particularly relevant in lawsuits over sports injuries, especially those involving head trauma or other serious injuries. The debate over whether rib guards should be mandatory mirrors larger questions in sports about where to draw the line between personal choice and institutional responsibility.

Overall, The experience of seeing my best friend injured on the field was a turning point for me, not just as an athlete but as someone who cared deeply about the sport and the people who play it. In the days and weeks that followed his injury, I couldn’t stop thinking about how preventable it all was. Rib guards aren’t a revolutionary invention, they’ve existed for years, providing simple yet effective protection. So I started wearing them. 

The thing was, I already had them. I play box lacrosse, which takes place within a rink and mandates rib pads. But others didn’t, so they continued to take the risk. It must have been somewhere at the back of their minds. But it was in the front of mine. When my friend got back onto the field, he wasn’t the same player. You could tell how scared he was and how much confidence he had lost when dodging toward the goal. 

Once I got to college, I continued to wear them. And others continued not to. Occasionally, I’d tell the story of what happened to my friend, but I know it’s not going to convince anyone. It’s sad to think that they might have to witness a serious injury themselves before they understand the risks. As I reflect on my journey and prepare for future challenges, I’m reminded of my friend’s resilience and the second chance he got to play the game he loved. I don’t want other players to have to learn these lessons the hard way. 

 In lacrosse, as in so many other sports, the choice to waive protective gear is often rooted in misplaced priorities: appearance over practicality, tradition over safety, and ego over well-being. But what’s the cost of these choices? A preventable injury can sideline a player for weeks, months, or even permanently. Worse, it can take away their confidence, their passion, and in extreme cases, their mobility or their life. When we ignore safety measures, we aren’t just risking bruises or minor setbacks, we’re risking futures.

The change has to come from the top. Individual players will never be able to create it. Coaches, players, and even parents need to understand the risks of playing without proper protection. Leagues and governing bodies need to take a stand, introducing policies that require essential gear like rib guards. This isn’t an impossible goal. We’ve seen similar cultural shifts in other sports.

Helmets were once optional in hockey; now, they’re non-negotiable at every level. Rugby has made strides in promoting mouthguards, and even the NFL has introduced stricter helmet protocols in response to rising concerns over concussions. Still, policies are only one part of the solution. We need to shift the narrative around protective gear. Instead of seeing it as a sign of weakness, we need to reframe it as a mark of commitment. Athletes who wear rib guards aren’t just protecting themselves, they’re setting an example for younger players, showing that it’s possible to play hard and smart at the same time. 

There’s a culmination of many factors that lead to such changes, however. Some of it is the timing and the right person in leadership. But some of it has to do with technology. I believe protective gear is at an all-time high right now, and theoretically, as materials and technology advance it can only get better. 

Lacrosse is a beautiful, dynamic sport, but its intensity shouldn’t come at the cost of its players’ safety. By advocating for protective gear and looking past outdated norms, we can create a culture where athletes are empowered to take risks on the field, not with their health, but with their skill, creativity, and passion. Mandating protective gear like rib guards isn’t about coddling athletes or making the game “soft.” It’s about recognizing that strength isn’t just about enduring pain, it’s about making smart choices that ensure you can keep playing the sport you love for years to come.

From Gridiron Genius to Booth Breakou

A Legendary Quarterback Redefines Sports Commentary

By: Matthew DiGiacomo

Tom Brady’s career has always been a tale of dualities: beloved by Patriots and Buccaneers fans, yet a polarizing figure for many others. Revered as the NFL’s most decorated quarterback, his success on the field was undeniable, even if his persona invited strong opinions. Drafted 199th overall, Brady defied expectations, transforming himself from an overlooked prospect into the face of a dynasty and the greatest quarterback of all time. But as he transitions from the gridiron to the broadcast booth, the conversation shifts. Can the man who redefined the quarterback position now revolutionize how we experience football from the booth? With an unmatched football IQ, a knack for empathy, and an ability to connect with fans on a deeper level, Brady has the tools to set a new standard for sports commentary, and perhaps, once again, redefine the game.

Now that he’s retired, he’s in the position again of having to prove himself, this time as a sports broadcaster. Tom Brady brings an impressive array of qualities that could make him an exceptional sports analyst, starting with his football IQ and deep understanding of the game’s ins and outs. His ability to read defenses, anticipate plays, and articulate strategies could provide fans with unique insights. Additionally, his empathetic approach and connection to players and fans alike may humanize his commentary, bridging the gap between the field and the audience. However, there are potential drawbacks to consider. Brady’s notoriously intense and highly competitive personality might make it challenging for him to critique players or coaches without bias. Also, his reserved demeanor and polished public image may limit his ability to deliver the bold or controversial takes that often drive engagement in modern sports commentary. Whether his strengths outweigh these limitations will define his success in this new role.

 At first glance, skepticism is fair. Tom Brady, a man defined by precision and control, entering a world where quick wit, relatability, and impulsiveness reign supreme? What could this famously intense, methodical quarterback bring to the table that we haven’t already seen from personalities like Tony Romo or Peyton Manning?

As a Tom Brady fan, surrounded by those skeptical of his sports analysis abilities, I firmly believe he’s poised to win everyone over once again. Just as he silenced doubters throughout his career, rising from a sixth-round draft pick to the most decorated quarterback in NFL history, Brady has a track record of thriving under pressure and redefining expectations. His transition to the booth is another chapter in his relentless pursuit of excellence. With his seven Super Bowl championships as a testament to his elite knowledge and leadership, he’s proving that greatness doesn’t end with retirement; it evolves. Brady’s unique ability to connect with audiences, analyze the game’s intricacies, and bring fresh perspectives will not only engage fans but also set a new standard for what sports commentary can achieve.

Still, there’s more to Brady’s transition than meets the eye. While his style may initially seem at odds with the spontaneous and playful nature of modern sports broadcasting, it’s precisely his methodical approach that could set him apart. Brady’s football IQ and experience as a leader on and off the field offer a depth of analysis that few can replicate. His ability to break down complex plays, anticipate strategies, and convey the mindset of a quarterback in high-pressure moments could elevate the way fans understand the game. Yet, this analytical depth also raises potential challenges for Brady as he steps into this new role.

Critics might argue that this depth risks alienating casual fans. Of course, Brady’s entry into broadcasting isn’t without controversy. Critics questioned whether he can be unbiased, particularly when analyzing teams or players he’s competed against. Can the man who spent two decades tormenting the Jets offer fair criticism of their quarterback? Will his seven Super Bowl rings make him reluctant to praise quarterbacks who fall short of his standards? 

Here’s the counterargument: Brady’s empathy might actually be his strongest asset. Unlike some analysts who revel in harsh critique, Brady critiques with the perspective of someone who’s lived the game’s highs and lows. When a quarterback throws a game-losing interception, Brady doesn’t pile on criticism like some analysts have in the past, with statements like “What a horrible throw!”, or “Who was he planning on throwing to?” . Instead, he contextualizes the mistake, offering insights into what might have gone wrong and how the player can recover. 

The argument for Brady as the next transformative voice in sports broadcasting begins with one word: perspective. For 23 seasons, Brady didn’t just play football; he thought football. His success wasn’t rooted in raw athleticism, he famously ran the 40-yard dash like a refrigerator on wheels, but in his ability to outthink and outmaneuver defenses. Where most quarterbacks react, Brady anticipated. Where others improvised, Brady executed a plan three steps ahead. That mindset is exactly what makes him a unique presence in the booth.

Take Tony Romo, often praised for his ability to predict plays before they happen. Brady offers something different: an explanation of why those plays work (or fail) in real-time. It’s not about guessing the next move; it’s about teaching fans the decision-making process behind it. Similarly, while Peyton Manning’s humor has carved out a niche in the media world, Brady’s approach is more cerebral, a reflection of his methodical playing style.For example, during a recent appearance on a broadcast, Brady dissected a rookie quarterback’s misstep in a pivotal game. Instead of the usual “he should’ve seen that blitz coming” analysis, Brady took viewers through the mental checklist the QB likely missed—how a linebacker’s subtle pre-snap movement was the key giveaway. In moments like these, Brady doesn’t just tell you what happened; he pulls back the curtain on why it happened. This ability to unpack football’s chess match elevates his commentary from surface-level critique to genuine education. 

In a recent Browns vs Cowboys game that Brady was announcing, they were going over a touchdown pass from Dak Prescott, and instead of just saying the quarterback made a great play, Brady talks about the way the offensive line had set up the perfect pass protection block for him, as well as the other receivers on the field running their routes correctly, moving the defenders all around the field. His analysis of this play really breaks down how complex each successful play in the NFL really is, which is what sets him apart from other analysts in a positive way.

Brady’s transition to broadcasting is still in its early beginning. He’ll need to refine his timing, adapt to the fast-paced nature of live broadcasts, and develop a distinctive style that sets him apart from his peers. And there’s a good reason to think that these are skills that are inborn and that can’t just be learned through practice. 

But if there’s one thing Brady has proven over two decades, it’s that he thrives on challenges. Brady has the knowledge, charisma, and competitive drive to become a defining voice in sports media. And in doing so, he might just transform how we watch, and understand football. 

Brady’s very presence in the booth signals a broader shift in sports media. Fans are no longer satisfied with commentators who rely on clichés and broad strokes. They crave nuance, strategy, and analysis from voices that truly understand the game. Brady’s entry into the field raises the bar, challenging other analysts, former players or otherwise, to step up their game. 


Is the Life of a Diva Worth It?

What started as a baby hippo basking in the water has spiraled into something much bigger. Moo Deng has made a splash.

 

By Sophie Hubbard

A new celebrity is making headlines, not only stealing the paparazzi’s attention, but our hearts. Residing in Thailand, this adorable new icon possesses soft, pink, rosy cheeks, along with slippery skin and belly rolls hugging her. From sassing her caretakers by refusing bathtime, temper tantrums that involve a gentle chomp to the leg, moonwalking away, and soaking up the water hose, she keeps her fan base on the edge of their seats, waiting for her next big move. 

Who is this diva sliding around and taking the crown? It’s the one and only, Moo Deng, who rose to fame at only two months old. Moo Deng, translating to “bouncy pork,” has successfully filled phone screens across the globe. Various users of TikTok have commented on Daily Mail’s videos on the app, saying that the reports of her glossy looks and dramatic attitude are said to be “real journalism” and “monumental” by commenters, indicating that this is the kinds of news they want to see covered.  

Her appearance doesn’t stop online— her radiant cheeks have a glow that fans want to copy for themselves, leading to makeup lines that are “Moo Deng Coded,” TikTok profiles comment. Thai Sephora even has their specific blush guide, “Wear Your Blush Like a Baby Hippo,” linking products to grasp her pink and peachy tone, along with her fresh gloss. Sephora’s infatuation with Moo Deng has increased the boom of her looks. TikTok makeup influencers have taken the trending hippo and run with it, turning her natural looks into a lifestyle choice of their own. Beauty experts have said that the “Moo Deng glow” is about looking “young and fun,” giving the same energy that the little hippo expresses, without even trying. 

People have even taken their love for Moo Deng and pressing this affection onto T-shirts, pajamas, mugs, and memes. A trending post is: “Which Moo Deng are you today?” Fans connect to this icon by relating to her several moods she expresses. Feeling lazy? Social media users can relate to a sleepy Moo Deng image. Feeling frustrated at the world? Don’t worry–-there is a Moo Deng image for that too. This is where the ethical question takes its place—Is the obsession of Moo Deng truly raising awareness for pygmy hippos, or is this spotlight damaging the rehabilitation progress of zoo animals, and simply just normalizing a form of animal cruelty? Are these displays of affection benefitting the celebrity and others, or exploiting her?

Moo Deng is a pygmy hippopotamus, a smaller species of hippo native primarily to the forests and swamps of West Africa. These pygmy hippos are less than a fourth of the size as a true hippopotamus, but still weigh from 400 to 600 pounds in adult form. These pygmy hippos love warm water and temperatures ranging from 80-86 degrees Fahrenheit, filling their days soaking and sleeping.

In the wild, there are less than 2,500 of these cute creatures—while the Nigerian subspecies is found to be extinct. In the tropical forests in West Africa, their sacred oasis is being taken away from them, attacking the numbers of pygmy hippos. This is due to human logging and pollution, turning their safe haven into a small sliver of destruction, labeling this species as endangered. Opposed to the wild, Moo Deng is sheltered in Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where solar panels keep her warm and her caretakers soothe Deng and her mother all day long.

Crowds wait at the gate, longing for a catch of a glimpse of her movement or her sassiness reflecting off her glistening skin. However, this zoo is still a zoo. It remains true to its original purpose: a public exhibition. In Thailand, there has been many previous incidents of this country’s zoos being unethical. Many of these animals used in tourist attractions and zoos have been mistreated and abused. Although, Khao Kheow Open Zoo only posted a short video of the baby animal at their zoo, displaying the new addition to the family with love.

However, with the social media boom of this slippery, bouncy creature, this Thailand zoo has been flooded with tourists who beg to get their own time with the world’s princess. This VIP hippo has surveillance cameras surrounding her enclosure, as well as her own security guard, as a celebrity does. Her fame is so large that visitors only get five minutes with her, and visiting days have moved to weekends only. However, some people have put their own interests above this hippo, choosing to forget that this icon is still a living animal, as well as a baby. There have been reports of visitors throwing water and shellfish at the rosy-cheeked creature to gain her attention. In efforts to protect her, the zoo increased her security due to this incident. 

Additionally, multiple videos of upset fans have been posted, annoyed that Moo Deng was sleeping instead of putting on a show during their short visit. To gain more exposure for this celebrity, Deng’s caretakers film themselves poking her and slapping her bouncy skin, even when she is in beauty sleep mode. This is posted on TikTok, creating adorable, yet questioning, content of Moo Deng’s reactions, such as her running to her mother. 

Some argue that this baby hippo is being exploited and needs to be sheltered from the public, while experts back up these thoughts by warning that such intense exposure could lead to stress and behavioral issues for Moo Deng. 

With the viral videos of Moo Deng consuming the feeds of various social media platforms, darkness accompanies our bright screens. With the more views, more visitors, and more money, the less of a hope there is for Moo Deng to be released into the wilderness, where she truly belongs. The truth is, however, given her upbringing so far, she’d be unable to survive there.  

Not to mention that since baby hippo habitats are being destroyed by logging and pollution, it may be safer for Moo Deng to be sheltered in the zoo with an immense amount of care rather than the wild. But can this care amount to the life she was intended to live in the wild?

As fans reflect on Moo Deng’s journey from a cute baby hippo to a global figure, it’s essential to consider the broad lessons and meanings of her fame. While her upbeat bursts of energy, relaxing slumber, and minor tantrums bring joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging to millions, they also highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts and responsible tourism surrounding wildlife. 

Overall, I still think the exposure of Moo Deng has had a positive effect. Although this exposure keeps this hippo in the zoo, Moo Deng has successfully alerted the world about her fading species. Zoos such as the Edinburgh Zoo in the United Kingdom have partaken in breeding programs for pygmy hippos, recently giving birth to baby pygmy hippo, Haggis, in November. With the following of Moo Deng, the donations to save these hippos have increased. Organizations like Fauna & Flora have been raising money to support teams in Liberia that use DNA and cameras to pin the locations of pygmy hippos to help protect them and their habitats. 

But we also can’t let this individual pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, be a casualty of a bigger cause. We have to care for her too. She has told the world who she is–a star. A hippo you can’t just find anywhere, but a hippo we need to find everywhere. A celebrity that has already made an impact, but hopefully continues to make an impact on her species, and other animals. As a whole, we can continue to embrace sassy stars who moonwalk away and squeal, but we need to go about it in a way that becomes less invasive.

When visiting stars like Moo Deng, it is important to remember she is a living creature, who can also feel stress. And if there is one thing we know about Moo Deng, she knows how to steal the spotlight, all while reminding us that true stars shine brightest when treated with respect, showing the world that fame and dignity can go hand in hand.

Instead of solely consuming content for entertainment, viewers and fans should be encouraged to take action and support organizations that protect the natural habitats of pygmy hippos and other animal species. Awareness can lead to action if fallen into the right hands, and if Moo Deng’s large fanbase can inspire a group of her followers to come together and unite as advocates of her species, then possibly others will follow, and change can be made. 

What can be easily forgotten, is that behind the screens and relatable memes, lies a living creature whose well-being should always be above our entertainment needs. Moo Deng’s rise to the top opens a conversation about ethical workings of zoos in a world of social media and intense publicity. While zoos can play a huge role in education of animal species and conservation and care, in today’s age, these institutions must navigate the thin line between entertainment and exposure, and the ethical treatment of their animals. 

If the public works together to press on zoos like Khao Kheow Open Zoo for a change, these zoos can serve as learning examples and models for how to navigate the balance of public obsession while maintaining ethical laws, ensuring that adored divas like Moo Deng are not only adored—but treated with dignity. 

The Trek Back

I didn’t expect the panic. Sitting on the bench, sidelined by an injury, I felt a wave of uncertainty crash over me. My chest tightened as I watched my teammates sprint across the field, doing the drills I had done countless times before. I didn’t know what life would be like without lacrosse once I had played for so many years. The game wasn’t just a hobby—it had become my purpose, my structure, and my identity. Without it, I felt like I was unraveling.

An image showing the thoughts of a lacrosse player dealing with an injury on the sideline.

This panic isn’t unique to me. Injured athletes often experience heightened anxiety and depression, not just from being unable to play but because their sense of self feels threatened. A study in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology highlights how the sudden loss of routine and structure leaves many athletes struggling to cope. “Athlete transition from sport to non-sport endeavors has important implications for the lifespan health and well-being of collegiate athletes.” The mental toll is often greater than the physical one. For me, the challenge wasn’t just healing my knee—it was redefining an identity to myself off the field. 

I decided to use the experience to grow, rather than to sulk. I also talked to other athletes who’d been similarly sidelined and used the experience for self-discovery. Their experiences and mine show that, while injuries can be a setback, they’re also an opportunity for growth. While it’s not fun to watch teammates continue on as usual, there are unexpected gifts to the experience of sitting it out. 

Lacrosse has shaped my life since the fourth grade, when my older brother introduced me to the sport. I grew up loving competition. Basketball and football were my first passions, but when I picked up a lacrosse stick, something clicked. From that point on, my world revolved around practices, games, and training. By high school, lacrosse wasn’t just a hobby; it was the foundation of my goals and dreams. I pushed myself to earn recognition and eventually a spot on a college team. Now, as a third-year student-athlete, the stakes felt higher than ever. It was either you do it, or you don’t.

Second step in the recovery process was hearing other athlete experiences.

I reached out to athletes from other schools. A football player from the University of Virginia shared how tearing his ACL in high school completely upended his world. “When you’re playing, you always know what you’re working toward,” he said. “But when that’s gone, you lose your direction.” He described how he eventually channeled his energy into mentoring younger players, which not only gave him a new focus but also transformed his mindset. “When I came back, I played with my swagger again,” he told me. “But it came from a different place. I was more grounded.” 

Another story came from a swimmer at East Carolina University. She tore her ACL and PCL playing volleyball, which took her out of the pool and away from the sport she had trained for her entire life. “It’s like hitting a brick wall,” she said. “Your whole routine is gone, and you have to figure out who you are without it.” Like me, she struggled with tying her self-worth to her athletic achievements. “I started asking myself, ‘If I’m not the best swimmer on the team, then who am I?’” she said.

These stories gave me hope. They reminded me that injury isn’t just about physical recovery—it’s about discovering new strengths and perspectives.

I started asking myself questions I’d avoided for years: Who am I if I’m not an athlete? What else do I love? It wasn’t easy to answer at first, but I decided to lean into the uncertainty instead of fearing it. I had to find new things to do, but give up the physical fitness because that is what athletes struggle with the most when they’re pulled away from sports. I also decided that I needed to dive into my academics in a way I hadn’t since arriving on campus.

And as I reconnected with those parts of myself, I began to realize something powerful: Lacrosse wasn’t my whole identity. It was a piece of a much bigger puzzle.

My injury also forced me to confront the pressure I’d put on myself. Growing up, I felt an unspoken responsibility to carry on my parents careers. Both my parents were All-American athletes, and I wanted to prove I could live up to that standard. My siblings didn’t stick with sports past middle school, so I felt like it was on me to carry the torch. That drive pushed me to excel but also made it harder to see myself as anything other than a lacrosse player.  

One of the most impactful conversations I had was with a fellow lacrosse player from Mary Washington who had been through a similar challenge. He tore his ACL during his sophomore season, a devastating injury that kept him off the field for nearly a year. “I didn’t know how to cope,” he told me. “Lacrosse was my escape, my outlet. Without it, I felt stuck with all these emotions I didn’t know how to handle.” As his recovery progressed, he discovered strengths he hadn’t tapped into before. “I learned to see the game differently—more strategically,” he said. “When I returned, I wasn’t just playing harder; I was playing smarter. I saw openings I wouldn’t have noticed before, and my decision-making improved.”

Off the field, the injury became an opportunity for growth in ways he hadn’t anticipated. He visited the coach often to discuss his injury but more so to study the game, which helped him develop skills he carried back to the team. He took physical therapy very seriously, going three times a week sometimes four to get back to full strength.

By the time he returned to play, his mindset had shifted entirely. “I realized I’m more than just a lacrosse player,” he said. “The injury made me realize to not take it for granted, and that everything works out in the end. It made me a better teammate, a better leader, and honestly, a better person.”

His story stuck with me, not just because of the adversity he overcame but because of the way he transformed his setback into a springboard for growth. It reminded me that challenges, while painful, can also uncover strengths we didn’t know we had. 

By the time I was cleared to play, I wasn’t just physically stronger—I was mentally tougher. I walked back onto the field with a new perspective. I still wanted to win, still wanted to push myself, but I wasn’t playing to prove anything anymore. I was playing because I loved the game.

When I return to lacrosse this spring, I’ll do so with a new perspective. I’ll still compete, still push myself to be the best I can be, but I’ll also recognize the importance of balance. I’ve realized that the qualities that make me a good athlete—determination, resilience, passion—are the same qualities that make me a good person.

Lacrosse has been a huge part of my life, but it’s not the only part. There’s more to me, and there’s more to life.

The question isn’t whether I’ll face setbacks again—it’s how I’ll use them to grow.

To finish out, I had the chance to sit down with two fellow injured athletes who have had major surgery in the last few months and here’s what they had to say:

Miley Cyrus’ Breakdown and the Shocking Rebirth of a Pop Icon

An exploration of Miley Cyrus’ emotional breakdown behind her bold transformation, the pressures of fame, and how she reinvented herself in a quest for authenticity. A story that resonates deeply with a generation grappling with identity, self-expression, and the cost of societal expectations.

By: Daelyn Gregory

As a 9-year-old girl watching my idol shave her head, I was filled with a whirlwind of emotions I couldn’t quite process. There was Miley Cyrus, the star I adored, the one whose catchy tunes had soundtracked my childhood as Hannah Montana. And then, in an instant, she transformed. She posted the transformation on Instagram. Some praised her bravery, while others recoiled in horror, their reactions swirling at me like a storm. It was as if she was tearing away from the perfect princess, we all knew.  

I felt a jolt of disbelief, a mix of shock and thrill. Was this really happening? It felt like betrayal of the glittery image I had once cherished. This felt like the beginning of a chaotic journey and unlike the Miley I loved. And most of the professional media seemed to agree with me. “Miley Cyrus Goes Bald: The End of an Era!” screamed one tabloid, while another blared, “Shocking Transformation: Miley Shaved It All Off!” Websites buzzed with headlines like “Miley’s New Look: Cry for Help or Artistic Rebirth?” and “What’s Next? Miley’s Bold Move Shakes up Hollywood!” It was a whirlwind of reactions, capturing the world’s astonishment at her radical departure from the pop princess we once knew.  

The era that came afterward was just as divisive. The wild antics that shocked parents and critics alike- her provocative performances, bold fashion choices, and candid social media presence seemed to serve as a desperate attempt to break free from the constraints of her childhood image.  I thought it was a bit much and maybe a sign that something was wrong, that she was having some kind of mental breakdown. I believed what people around me were telling me..

Lately, I’ve started to see it differently. Each bold gesture was a declaration that she was more than the perfect princess we had all adored, as she sought to reclaim her narrative and explore the depths of her own identity. Miley has spoken out about what she was trying to achieve back then too. Disney’s polished image and strict expectations were a double-edged sword for her. While they provided her with opportunities beyond her wildest dreams, they also confined her to a narrow identity that stifled her true self. As the pressure mounted, she found herself craving validation beyond the carefully crafted narrative Disney had created.

I’m a Miley fan, and even for me it was hard to come to see this truth about her experience. It might take longer for the rest of the world to give her witness.  

*** 

Just months after her dramatic hair transformation, Miley shocked the world again with her infamous performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. Dressed in a nude latex outfit that left little to the imagination, she provocatively danced with Robin Thicke, shaking her hips and sticking out her tongue in a performance that felt more like a declaration of independence than an act of entertainment. This event was polarizing; some hailed it as a bold statement of self-empowerment, while others criticized it as a desperate ploy for attention. For Miley, this was not just a performance; it was as embodiment of the wild, rebellious spirit she was embracing – a stark contrast to the polished image of her Hannah Montana days.  

Following this provocative moment, Miley released the music video for “Wrecking Ball,” a visual representation of her emotional state during a turbulent period in her life. The imagery was striking, Miley swings naked on a wrecking ball, tears streaming down her face, as she grapples with themes of love and loss. The juxtaposition of her vulnerability against the harshness of the lyrics resonated deeply with fans but drew heavy scrutiny from the media. Many argued she was becoming unhinged. At this point, a new narrative about Miley took over. No matter what she said about her intentions and her artistic purposes, she was labeled as crazy.  

Miley’s personal life continued to unfold in dramatic fashion. Her whirlwind romance with actor Liam Hemsworth captivated the public, with their on-again, off-again relationship becoming a tabloid fixture. They were first linked in 2009 while filming “The Last Song,” and their connection was both intense and tumultuous. After years of ups and downs, the couple married in a private ceremony in December 2018, a moment many believed signaled a newfound stability for Miley. However, just eight months later, they announced their separation, leaving fans devastated and Miley reeling.  

The emotional fallout was palpable, as she navigated the pain of a public heartbreak that felt like a crushing blow to her already tumultuous journey. In a cruel twist of fate, the house she had shared with Hemsworth in Malibu was consumed by devastating wildfires in November 2018. This loss was emblematic of her struggle to find a place where she truly belonged amidst the upheaval of her personal life.  

It might forever seem to some people like she was on a negative tailspin, about to reach rock bottom. But I don’t see it that way, not anymore. I may have viewed her decision to shave her head negatively at first. But then, just as I changed my view about that, I also saw a young woman who was thrust into the limelight at an early age taking messy steps, as we all do, to find her place in life. To me, it became clear that her personal evolution, messy and public as it was, mirrored the process of finding oneself amidst the pressures of fame and expectation. 

*** 

The significance of Miley’s transformation went beyond her personal journey; it resonated deeply with a generation that had grown up alongside her. As she navigated the treacherous waters of fame and self-identity, she became a mirror for many young fans grappling with their own transitions into adulthood. The upheaval of her image forced us to confront our feelings about growing up- about the pressures of conforming to expectations and the struggles for individuality. Watching someone we once idolized as a role model morph into a figure of controversy was jarring, yet it sparked vital conversation about self-expression and the cost of fame.  

I feel frustrated sometimes when I hear comments about the downfall of Miley. Why can’t they see it the way I’ve come to, I wonder. But then I realized that Miley’s story is the same as so many in my generation. It’s a story of exploration, of pushing boundaries, and of rejecting the rigid labels society often imposes. For many older critics, her choices might seem reckless or alarming, but for us, they resonate as a reflection of our own struggles for identity and authenticity. Instead of viewing her journey as a downfall, we should celebrate it as a testament to the complexities of growing up in a world that demands conformity.  

Miley’s relationship with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, has evolved, mirroring much of her own journey. Just as Miley navigated her shifting identity, Billy Ray has also transformed, adapting to the changing landscape of fame and personal growth. At times, their bond has faced tension, particularly as both dealt with the pressures of living in the public eye. Miley has spoken openly about how her father’s support was vital, though complicated, as he, too, wrestled with his own struggles and the weight of his career. Through misunderstandings and moments of distance, their connection has endured, showing that, despite the challenges, their love remains a foundation in Miley’s life. Billy Ray’s evolution alongside Miley’s highlights how, as they both grew and faced the pressures of fame, their relationship deepened and adapted, a testament to their shared journey through the complexities of identity and family.

In a world quick to judge, Miley remains an enigma, a figure striving to define herself beyond the glitter and glamor. Through it all, she has shown resilience, using her music as a vehicle for expression and healing. In many ways, her journey mirrors our own: a constant quest to find ourselves amidst life’s unpredictability. The importance of her story lies not just in the spectacle but in its ability to reflect universal struggles and growing up and seeking acceptance. With each new chapter, Miley continues to evolve, reminding us that the path to self-discovery is often as turbulent as it is transformative.

Rapping about Buttholes

From bold lyrics to unexpected brand deals, Sexyy Red is shattering expectations and carving out a space for herself in places no one saw coming. While she’s managed to claim her spot in the spotlight, not everyone’s cheering her on.

In 2024, vulgarity and promiscuity might not seem all that shocking anymore. Huge names like Ice Spice, Nicki Minaj, and Megan Thee Stallion are all celebrated for their undeniable talent and boldness. Remember Nicki Minaj’s song “Anaconda”? The gasps and eye-widening reactions when people realized exactly what those lyrics were truly about?

My anaconda dont want none unless you got buns hun.

〰️

My anaconda dont want none unless you got buns hun. 〰️

Now, everyone's up in arms over a new celebrity sensation, but her music? It's nothing we haven’t heard before. Sexy spells it all out for you. She gives you the shade, hue, and tint of her private areas like a walking, talking, rapping anatomy lesson. But here’s the thing, she’s not the first to do it, and I’m sure she won’t be the last.

Janae Nierah Wherry, aka Sexyy Red, was born on April 15, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri. Her career kicked off in 2018 with a fierce diss track after finding out her boyfriend cheated. She was furious, so she did what any self-respecting woman would do—she dropped a diss track. She found she had a knack for rapping. From there, she kept going, releasing one track after another, pouring her heart and soul into her art, until she finally hit the jackpot.

In 2022, Sexyy broke the internet with “Poundtown,” her first platinum record. Now she’s everywhere—on every TikTok scroll, blasting from every phone speaker, and echoing through every party playlist. Her unmistakable raspy, raw, playful, explicit voice has become her trademark. With her unfiltered lyrics and larger-than-life energy, she’s climbed the charts like nobody’s business, making it onto huge stages, rubbing shoulders with influential people, and even racking up nominations for Best Female Hip Hop Artist of the Year.

Im outta town thuggin with my rounds. My coochie pink, my bootyhole brown

〰️

Im outta town thuggin with my rounds. My coochie pink, my bootyhole brown 〰️

Despite all her success, she still faces backlash for her promiscuity, even though other rap artist use similarly explicit language. But why? That’s what I set out to figure out.

By October 2023, Sexyy Red already had a platinum record, a growing fanbase, and a few high-profile brand deals. But she was still far from a household name. That all changed when she appeared on stand-up comedian and former reality TV star Theo Von’s podcast, This Past Weekend, and dropped a comment no one saw coming.

“Once Trump started getting Black people out of jail and giving people that free money, aww baby, we love Trump,” she said. “We need him back in office. We need him back because, baby, them checks. Them stimulus checks, Trump, we miss you.”

Cue collective shock.

Fans were floored, not just because Sexyy Red expressed support for Trump, but because she was speaking about politics at all. Known for her unapologetically wild, outspoken persona, politics wasn’t exactly something people associated with her brand.

Yet, her army grew, even as others questioned the boldness of her claim.

It looked to me like a strategic move. Sexyy Red knew exactly what she was doing. By stepping into political territory, she stirred up conversation, grabbed attention, and expanded her reach. Suddenly, her fanbase wasn’t just her core supporters; it included curious conservatives and people outside her typical audience.

Prominent performers like Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift have dipped into politics too, but in a different way. Their actions were more calculated, guided by PR teams, and felt like deliberate attempts to align with their fanbase's values. Sexyy Red, on the other hand, went for the shock factor. What she did was more like bomb-throwing. Bold, unexpected, and even alienating to some. But you couldn’t look away from it.

As the buzz grew, so did her game plan. Sexyy doubled down, proudly flaunting “Make America Great Again” gear and showing her support for Trump, ensuring her name stayed in headlines. It was a bold play to keep the spotlight on her and draw even more diverse crowds into her reach.

Ironically, by 2024, it became clear that Sexyy Red doesn’t truly support Trump or anyone else for that matter.

Over the summer, she made her stance known with a bold post on her X account, proclaiming, “It’s Sexyy Red 4 President 🇺🇸 I’m my own candidate. I’m not endorsing anybody, period.”

At the time, Joe Biden was still campaigning for re-election. But just weeks ago, she turned heads again by showing support for Kamala Harris.

“I just voted!!! Don’t tell us what to do with our coochies!! #Kamala4President,” she wrote, sending fans into a frenzy.

Sexyy Red’s shifting stances on political candidates reveal one consistent truth. She isn’t deeply invested in politics or endorsements. But by keeping her opinions unpredictable, she ensures that she remains relevant and steadily grows her audience. She has cracked the code to fame and success in the music industry and continues to climb the charts everyday.

While some might see it as wishy-washy, to me, the move felt completely authentic to her. No PR team was swooping in to clean up the mess. Each political statement was just as bold and baffling as the last, leaving everyone wondering: Was she crazy? Was it intentional? Nobody really knows. But one thing’s for sure. It was entirely her, unfiltered and unapologetic.

Politics wasn’t the only surprising foray she was making. While other performers with more universally accepted images have makeup brands in major stores, I never would have expected that for Sexyy.

Through Sexyy Red's sharp marketing skills, she’s managed to break out beyond music and make her mark on platforms that connect with all kinds of audiences. Picture yourself walking through Sephora or Ulta and spotting a bold display labeled NORTHSIDE PRINCESS. The shades? Bootyhole Brown, Gonorrhea, and Coochie Juice. Yep, that’s Sexyy Red’s brand.

Sure, the names are a little in your face, but it’s not like we haven’t seen this kind of suggestiveness before. Yet, as soon as she released her makeup line, once again criticism came pouring in. If you think about it. Names like NARS “Orgasm” blush or Too Faced “Better Than Sex” mascara are practically staples in the makeup world. Nobody bats an eye at them.

Who says, who says you're not perfect, who says you're not worth it, who says you're the only one that's hurting

〰️

Who says, who says you're not perfect, who says you're not worth it, who says you're the only one that's hurting 〰️

Brands have been using suggestive names for years. So what makes hers different? The truth is, it’s not just about the music, the makeup, or even the provocative names. It’s that they’re just so Sexyy. It doesn’t feel manufactured in a boardroom or crafted by a high-priced marketing team. What makes it provocative is that someone like Sexyy Red, unpolished, unrefined, and unpredictable, has continued to push herself into different spaces. Typically, rappers, especially those as unapologetically bold as Sexyy Red, don’t get the chance to dominate beauty aisles or be taken seriously in broader contexts. Those spaces have been long reserved for the pop princesses of the world.

2023 BET Awards Best New Artist. 2023 XXL Awards Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Multiple 2024 nominations for Viewers’ Choice Award and Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. Sexyy Red isn’t just climbing the charts. She’s redefining them. She’s stepped into spaces far beyond awards shows, and while that reality unsettles some, it’s an important push toward true diversity.

People make a big deal about how provocative Sexyy’s lyrics are, and they definitely are. But it’s not just the words that are getting to people. It’s that an individual like her, bold and unapologetic, someone who’s willing to stand out on her own and not bow to a powerful industry, is carving out her place in spaces that have long been dominated by others.

Artists who make music for different audiences, who challenge norms, and who express themselves authentically deserve to be in all spaces. They should be able to discuss politics, expand their brands, and present their ideas on platforms that aren’t confined to the explicit or provocative music they write. They deserve professional recognition without constant scrutiny or dismissal. Representation matters, and in many ways, Sexyy Red is a step toward a more inclusive and progressive future in the music industry for all artists.

So, it’s a good thing she’s continuing to thrive. At this point, if she ran for office, who’d be surprised? As she said herself and I might just be onboard, Sexyy Red for President!

From Plate to Debate 

The journey towards a healthier lifestyle came to an unexpected halt, prompting him to question everything.
By: Reece Stone

Tonight’s menu featured fried chicken from the local gas station, my mother said when she got home. “Ugh,” I muttered. My father had made the call on what to eat once again. My father, 61, was sitting across from me at the dinner table, and I decided to use this as an opportunity to educate him on the importance of nutrition. My father, ever the skeptic, brushed aside my earnest attempts at conversation.  

“Why do you continue to push this freak diet upon us?” 

Yet I refused to back down.  

A recent doctor visit with alarming lab results prompted me to overhaul my diet. Specifically, I’d gotten the read of a cholesterol level of 240mg/dL, which is considered extremely high. I cut out all fried foods and foods with tons of sodium. The most crucial changes involved eliminating processed foods and avoiding seed oils. My father and his side of the family have a history of these health problems. I thought that once I shared my news and my concerns with my dad, he’d have a similar desire to get healthy. But he was not pleased. He just kept taking his blood pressure and cholesterol medications and kept his food habits the same.  

 I couldn’t fathom watching my father deteriorating in front of my eyes. I must impose change to help my father. Why couldn’t he listen to me? Every conversation felt like a battle. It was as if he was clinging to something he could never let go of. I tried to be patient and understand his perspective, but the situation's urgency gnawed at me. Time was slipping away, and with it, the chance to make a difference. So much conflict led me to places I could never imagine.

* * * 

According to the National Library of Medicine, over 60 percent of adults in the United States are overweight or obese. With both parents increasingly working, fitting dinner into a busy schedule has become more challenging. Anne Marie Kuchera, Director of Community Health at UPMC Children's Hospital, said: "Parents are their children’s No. 1 role models, and their lifestyle practices significantly influence their children, especially young ones, whose choices and behaviors are heavily guided by their parents." Multiple factors play a role in family habits, but starting to understand the root cause of these issues leads to a change. 

Many studies blame parents for their children's poor eating habits, but that's not necessarily accurate. Kids can significantly impact their parents' lives by altering various eating habits, such as eating at different times due to extracurricular activities and influencing food preferences. Could my dad’s eating habits be influenced by me?

So, when I decided to exert influence over my parents’ food habits, I was, in many ways, disturbing the natural order. My family members have had mixed opinions since starting this diet nearly a year ago. My mom understands my diet to an extent and will sometimes go out of her way to make me feel included during meals. She once proposed to make grilled chicken with couscous and a side house salad. My father quickly shut down this idea since he was craving fried chicken and wanted to eat it as a family. What ended up happening was that I brought my meal. 

I felt defeated about my family's dinner choice, knowing that I couldn’t enjoy the same meal as them. I didn’t like feeling so separate from them by bringing a meal myself. The difference in priorities often leads to clashes over what should be such a simple weekly task as grocery shopping. This issue presented itself when I moved home temporarily and took over the family’s grocery shopping and dinners. The tension during these moments makes me question how we could bridge this gap. How could we balance our differing preferences and find common ground?  

* * * 

That’s when I decided to take the approach of education. It’s also when my argument with my dad over the fried chick erupted. It probably took me too long to figure out that knowledge and statistics were not the most powerful tools for persuasion. I’m embarrassed to admit now that I created a 20-slide PowerPoint presentation filled with persuasive statistics from various primary sources and data from his medical examinations. My goal was to use this information to change his mind and encourage him to adopt healthier eating habits. I also hoped that my journey would showcase positive changes, inspiring him to join me on this path. This strategy ended horribly. My father shut my case down in a heartbeat. 

My next strategy involved subtly switching ingredients without my father’s knowledge. For instance, when we had French Onion dip, I would buy chips cooked only with olive oil instead of seed oils like soybean or canola. Additionally, I would buy pure Irish butter with no added oils instead of spreadable butter containing canola. This was easy to execute if I was the one responsible for grocery shopping that night.  My father, unaware of the ingredient swaps, wouldn’t even notice the switches we made. However, when he found out about my strategy, these moments became tense. His suspicion grew with each discovery, leading to uncomfortable confrontations. Despite my initial optimism, I ultimately consider this technique a failure due to the growing mistrust and tension it caused.  

Dinners became a source of anxiety for me. The anxious feeling of bringing my meal was isolating me away from my family. I couldn’t fathom the thought of not being able to enjoy meals with my loved ones any longer. I realized that it might be best to step back from aggressively pushing my agenda for a while. The constant pressure I was exerting was beginning to take a toll, not just on me but on my family as well. I didn’t want to risk causing any disarray within our household, so I decided it was time for some serious self-reflection.  

During this period, a spark of insight was ignited within me. My rigid approach to my diet was making our shared meals less enjoyable and more of a battleground for my struggles. My pushiness wasn’t helping; instead, it was driving everyone’s way. This realization was humbling. I understood that in my quest for personal health, I had overlooked the importance of family love. I decided to relax and simply enjoy family dinners, regardless of whether we were all eating the same thing. By doing this, I hoped to rebuild the connection we once had and cherish the moments we spent together, creating lasting memories.  

* * * 

It didn’t take long, maybe two or three weeks, for this approach to unexpectedly work. As the sun set in the west on this hot summer day, it was time for another dinner. I decided to take a new approach to our family dinners, one that balanced my strict diet but also incorporated my family for a joint meal. On the menu was a ham slice and frozen mac and cheese, my favorite from when I was 4. I made a separate meal for myself: broiled salmon with white rice and steamed broccoli. My mother was the first one to notice my lovely creation, asking for a bite. I gladly consented. Soon, my father followed. He was impressed.  

As we prepared for future dinners, I felt a surge of excitement about what was to come. Had we finally reached the breakthrough I had been hoping for? As the afternoon wore on, my phone buzzed with a text message from my father. “Would you like to head to the grocery store?” I replied with a simple “yes,” curious about what this might mean. Fortunately, there was good news waiting to be heard. My father called me into his office. “Can you pick up some veggies and make sure you avoid all seed oils at the store.” I was stunned.  

My father, who had always been set in his ways, was now willing to make a change. I agreed immediately. As dinners continued, I kept a low profile about my agenda. My focus was on enjoying our time together rather than wanting them to endure a journey that was for me. Change only happened when I stopped pushing and simply focused on my happiness. My father noticed the positive transformation in me, which sparked his curiosity and desire to try what I was doing. It was my genuine contentment and improved well-being that inspired him rather than any pressure or insistence.  

By leading by example and showing the benefits of my new lifestyle, I created an environment where he felt motivated to make healthier choices on his own. This internal motivation was far more powerful and sustainable than any external pressure could have been. It reinforced the idea that true change is most effective when it is self-driven and comes from a place of personal desire and realization. My journey became a testament to the power of leading by example and the impact of inner transformation on those around me. 

The Tone Deaf Lin Manuel Miranda

Lin Manuel miranda:His writing is brilliant but he needs to stop singing

Madison k Ashby

August 5th, 2015. In the heart of Manhattan amongst all the lights, honking horns, and bustling tourists, a new musical premiered on Broadway. At this time, the country was an open forum for modern, progressive, and arguably controversial topics. It was the peak of the Obama administration. Nothing screamed 2015 American pop culture like Hamilton did.  


Shows were consistently sold out. It was a national sensation. Since tickets went for an arm and a leg, I first heard Hamilton from the backseat of my mom’s four-door sedan. Listening to the soundtrack for the first time playing out of the car’s speakers, I was only 10 years old, but I wasn’t dumb. You would have to have been living under a rock to not immediately recognize the creativity and intelligence poured into every line in every song. Goosebumps scattered my arms, a chill ran down my spine, and yet there was something off about it all. Someone was incredibly off-key. “Mom, who is that singing right now?” 




She told me it was Lin Manuel Miranda, the brilliant mind who not only wrote each lyric but composed and cast the entire musical. He cast himself as the main character, “Alexander Hamilton.” Resembling a dying bird undergoing a robotic conversion surgery, Miranda’s voice plagued the whole soundtrack. He ruined his own beautiful creation. Herein lies the unbreakable curse of Lin Manuel Miranda.


1999. Lin Manuel Miranda was just a sophomore in college at Wesleyan University but he wasn’t spending his free time being a sexually rampant fraternity brother. He was writing his first big musical. Miranda spent nearly a decade perfecting In the Heights. As a Puerto Rican American, he put his heart and soul into the show, interweaving his personal experience growing up with an immigrant family with a broader humanities issue. He composed a musical masterpiece. In 2008, In the Heights took on Broadway. With an all-Latino cast, this musical commemorates the struggles of Latin American immigrants living in New York. Immigrant alienation and gentrification were not topics America was itching to confront. 

But this is Lin Manuel Miranda we are talking about so there was something off about the show or better yet off-key. He cast himself as the main character “Usnavi.” He would take center stage sporting a bright crimson shirt and an unsettling smile that reached past the apple of his cheeks. The audience was then forced to listen to his choppy and congested version of “singing.”  Miranda’s overwhelming vocal presence tainted his very own work yet again. His voice would strain as he attempted to increase his volume almost as if he was trying to drown out the voice of anyone else singing. 




December 19, 2018. Lin Manuel Miranda was a household name at this point but his career was far from over. He took his writing expertise to Disney, collaborating with other talents to compose a sequel to the cherished classic, Mary Poppins. Mary Poppins Returns, serves as a musical continuation to the beloved 20th century movie. It brought back memories for older generations and created new memories for younger generations. It was nostalgic, heart-warming, and due to his presence sounded like someone’s cat was trying to cough up a hairball. There he was again, playing “Jack” the chimney sweeper and starring alongside Emily Blunt as “Mary Poppins.” He took on a comically bad British accent, threw on a newsie's cap, and sang his heart out, completely off-pitch.   

It goes like this. Lin Manuel Miranda creates this innovative, amazing composition. He then proceeds to cast himself as the main character, squeezing himself into roles where he doesn’t really belong. Since his voice equates to a small child pinching their nose to impersonate Voldemort, he’s the worst part of his own work every single time. 


Millions of people have pointed out Miranda as the “weak link” in his very own compositions. YouTube and TikTok are both flooded with bad reviews of his singing and humorous reaction videos with people physically cringing at his voice. One post on a public blog sparked a thread where hundreds of anonymous users bashed Miranda’s singing, questioning why he continues to cast himself in these main roles. On a public blog called DC Urban Moms and Dads, a post made in January of 2022 brought Lin Manuel Miranda to the stage. “So can we talk about how bad Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music (his voice) is?” It immediately blew up, with countless others responding with their own thoughts. “I find his voice a little grating,” an anonymous user said. “I think it's annoying that he casts himself in roles instead of giving them to good singers.” Another anonymous user replied, “I also dislike his voice and thought it was ridiculous he kept himself cast as Hamilton for so long when his singing is just so awful.”

Though mainstream social media platforms host a compilation of Lin Manuel Miranda hate, news outlets seem to dance around the topic, not fully confronting the monstrosity that is Miranda’s voice. One article published, talks about how Miranda almost cast himself as “Aaron Burr” in the Hamilton musical, instead of allowing the very talented and deserving Leslie Odom Jr. to play the role. “Miranda is an incredibly talented performer, but Odom Jr. certainly has a greater vocal range,” said the Screen Rant article. It’s like they are trying not to hurt Miranda’s feelings, saying he is bad without really describing how horrible he is at singing. 

Lin Manuel Miranda is an exceedingly talented writer. There is no denying his incomparable ‘it’ factor when it comes to musical composition in addition to his performance-directing genius. However, he’s addicted to casting himself in these main feature roles that are well beyond his vocal ability. You don’t need any musical talent to recognize he is a horrible singer. So why does he keep doing this and more importantly, why is no one telling him to stop? Why is the media protecting his ego? 


Well, Lin Manuel Miranda actually answers it for himself. “If I want to play the main guy, I have found, I have to write it,” Miranda said in an interview with Screen Rant. “I get to be cockier than I really am; I get to be smarter than I really am; I get to be more impulsive than I really am - it’s taking the reins off your id for two and a half hours." He is placing himself in these main roles not to make a better experience for the audience but to make it a better experience for himself. I would argue it demonstrates a certain level of self-obsession and narcissism. He continues this maddening cycle because he doesn’t know how bad he is. He craves this limelight that he truly believes is inaccessible to him unless he is starring in these feature roles. I think Icarus flew too close to the sun. 

As to why the media continues to avoid addressing the elephant in the room, people aren’t attracted to the vocalist Lin Manuel Miranda, they are attracted to the writer Lin Manuel Miranda. Since the two are currently one and the same, news outlets cannot bash Miranda as a singer without wounding his pride as a writer. The world truly loves the screenplay writer and composer to such an extent they are willing to look past his lack of vocal ability. He began creating these masterpieces to have his 15 seconds of fame as a performer. If the media had critiqued Miranda early on in his career, I speculate he would have stopped performing and writing altogether. While that may have been true in 1999 as a sophomore in college writing his first Broadway musical, he is a household name at this point. Miranda is a globally renowned figure that will go down in musical history. 

 It's time to rip the bandaid off and tell it as it is. As amazing as Lin Manuel Miranda is, he is the weak link in his performances. He doesn't need to fulfill his fantasy of fame through his characters anymore. He doesn't have to write things just so he can be in the spotlight. He is already a big deal. The world knows his name as a writer, which is a good thing. Now it is time to face the facts, acknowledge he is a horrible singer who should never perform again, and stick to what he is good at. 









Unapologetically Flawless: When TikTok Questioned Beyoncé’s Greatness

Why Society Struggles with Beyoncé’s Perfection

By Reagan Makfinsky

I kept seeing the same mashup of clips pop up on TikTok. In 2011, while accepting the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the VMAs, Britney Spears praised Beyoncé as a fellow artist who started her career around the same time. She expressed genuine affection by saying: “Just like all of her fans, I fell in love with her.” Then, there was Adele at the 2017 Grammys, saying: “The way you make me and my friends feel, my Black friends feel, is empowering. I love you.” Adele, who has 16 Grammys, delivered this heartfelt tribute while accepting Album of the Year. It wasn’t like Adele didn’t deserve the award. This was the album that included such beloved hits such as Hello, Send My Love (To Your New Lover), and When We Were Younger. And yet, there she was on stage praising Beyoncé. I’m not sure anyone would have thought twice about that aside, except for the fact that Britney had done the same thing years earlier. And then, in 2023, Lizzo, while accepting Record of the Year, confessed, "Beyoncé, you changed my life. The way you made me feel, I was like, I want to make people feel this way with my music." Beyoncé was not nominated that year, but the clip showed her watching on, smiling.

There is an ominous nature to the montage. TikTok conspiracy theories popped up, suggesting these stars were acting out of fear. Was there something more sinister behind it? Beyonce's connection to P. Diddy only added more fuel. Before that, I never gave thought to Beyoncé aside from her unforgettable 2013 Super Bowl halftime show and knowing some of her biggest hits and that she was incredibly talented. Of course, she was called the “Queen B." Yet, I too felt like I was being convinced of her badness as I watched person after person bow down to Beyoncé. It seemed strange, like a shadow hanging over the queen herself. In fact, I became quite convinced there was something that I was missing, that she had to have done something wrong.

I did a deep dive on the Internet, convinced I would uncover something hidden. But here’s the thing: I found nothing. No scandals, no secrets. It turns out the truth is much simpler, yet far more powerful. The truth of the matter is she deserves the crown and recognition. With 32 Grammys to her name, a career that began at the age of seven, and years of demanding work leading Girl’s Tyme, then Destiny’s Child, and finally building a solo empire. It is clear her success didn’t happen overnight. Yet, instead of celebrating her accomplishments, people are quick to create narratives that suggest her perfection must hide something darker. How did it happen?

The main thing that I learned about Beyoncé is that she’s extremely hard working. Some of her most popular songs, such as Sweet Dreams, Diva, and Halo were from her 2009 I Am... tour. What I learned through my internet sleuthing was that Beyoncé rehearsed for 11 hours a day during it, perfecting every detail of her 108 performances. Each show featured elaborate choreography, over-the-top costume changes, and intricate lighting designs. The tour required a massive stage setup that included moving huge platforms. Beyoncé even traveled with a team of over 100 crew members, including dancers, musicians, and designers, to ensure every aspect was flawless. Her dedication paid off, as the I Am... tour thrilled millions of fans worldwide but solidified her reputation for delivering unforgettable live performances that set a new standard in pop music.

She did not stop building her empire. In 2013, Beyoncé’s self-titled album marked a pivotal moment in her career. Breaking industry norms by being released without any prior announcement or promotion, no interviews or anything. The album featured 14 songs paired with its own music video that were recorded in secret. She redefined how music could be delivered and consumed. Nobody had done a release like she did before. She highlighted her creativity and tackling themes of feminism, love, and self-empowerment. It wasn’t just a musical success but a cultural phenomenon, setting a new standard in the industry and elevating Beyoncé’s status as an innovator.

Her Ivy Park collaboration with Adidas emphasized inclusivity and empowerment. She also uses her platform to highlight black designers to show underrepresented voices in the fashion industry. She shaped culture in her Formation performance at the 2016 Super Bowl, which made powerful statements about black culture, activism, and social justice. The performance along with the song and its accompanying video highlighted issues of police brutality and brought attention to the Black Lives Matter movement. Beyoncé is not just a pop star. She is the pop star of the generation. One of a kind. She’s a cultural icon, a businessperson, and a symbol of excellence. Her influence extends far beyond music, by shaping fashion, culture, and even politics.

These are the facts that tireless work, the dedication to her craft, and the empire built from the ground up is what she represents. But what detractors endlessly discuss is how inaccessible Beyoncé is. Beyonce has not done a sit-down interview since 2013 because she lets her work speak for her. People fill in the gaps with their own stories, projecting their doubts or insecurities onto her success. Is that really fair? After spending years her whole life in the public eye isn’t she allowed to protect a part of herself? People still demand access into her life as if her perfection owes them an explanation.

The truth is, she has built an empire that allows her to speak directly to fans through her music; she no longer has to play by the rules of the media machine. Maybe that’s why people feel the need to poke holes in the narrative she’s created for herself. But perhaps the real truth is that Beyoncé simply worked harder than anyone else to achieve what she has Maybe it's because her flawless performances make her feel too perfect for some people to accept. Even though perfection is what all artists strive for.


Why are so many people so open to seeing Beyonce as a villain? Now, I’m even shocked at how quickly I came to accept that version. It comes down to the fact that we, as a society, have a complicated relationship with women's power. On one side we admire it, the other end we distrust it.  We expect our heroes to be flawed, to show their imperfections, and when they don’t, we create our own narratives to explain their success. It’s as if we’re more comfortable with the ordinary because it feels closer to our own reality. But when someone like Beyoncé achieves extraordinary things. It forces us to confront our own lives and what excuses we can make why we can't achieve our goals. Beyoncé represents something almost unattainable. It is easier to believe there’s a hidden damage that allowed to achieve her success rather than accepting that someone truly worked harder and smarter to reach the top. The clip below, without the music, focuses solely on the sincerity of the artists’ words, highlighting that they are simply expressing genuine gratitude to Beyoncé. Stripped of emotional cues or fanfare, the tributes stand as heartfelt acknowledgments of her influence, free from any ulterior motives or hidden meanings. This simplicity reinforces the idea that these moments are nothing more than talented peers showing respect for an artist who has profoundly impacted their lives and careers.


This level of power in the hands of a woman is particularly unsettling. Beyoncé has risen to fame in an industry that not only demands perfection from all its stars but demands it even more intensely from Black women. Society often insists on flawless excellence for a Black woman to succeed, and when Beyoncé achieves it, people turn on her for it. It is as though her excellence challenges society to confront biases and expectations we place only a few in our society. Rather than celebrate her brilliance, many look for flaws, projecting insecurities onto her success.

Yet Beyoncé continues to rise above and breaks the molds. She constantly is raising the bars, embodying strength in a world that often resents her for doing so. I keep thinking of the clips that went viral that fueled the narrative of Beyonce controlling everyone. The clips show the need for society to make sense of greatness to fit our expectations. For all of her “power”, these short videos showed how easily the narrative can change. Her success makes her vulnerable to the stories people can create with no real facts. This brings to light the harsh truth that Beyonce, like anyone else, is powerless against how the world interprets us.

No one is ready for the Swifties To Take Over

The Unwavering Devotion of Taylor Swift's Fans"Swifties' passion and dedication have turned them into a powerful force in the music world.

By, Madeline Legum

During her sold-out Eras tour at Lumen Field in Seattle on July 22nd and 23rd, Taylor Swift's performances caused seismic activity equivalent to a 2.3 magnitude earthquake. Seismologist Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, a geology professor at Western Washington University, attributed these tremors to either the fans or the sound system. This "Swift Quake" surpassed the infamous "Beast Quake" of 2011, which was triggered by Seattle Seahawks fans celebrating a Marshawn Lynch touchdown. Dr. Auerbach reported to CNN that while the difference in magnitude was only 0.3, the "shaking was twice as strong" at Swift's concert. It seems that Swifties are proving that no force is more potent than fandom, as their screams and cheers quite literally move the earth. This extraordinary display of fan power begs a deeper inquiry: what drives these fans to such extremes?

As early as I remember growing up, Taylor has been all over the headlines, being a role model for many young girls. In the spotlight at an early age, she was open publicly about her challenges regarding heartbreak and personal struggles and often discussed them through her music. I was never a Swifty, though, maybe because I was a tomboy; I played with trains rather than dolls and Hot Wheels rather than playing house. I resonated with sports and other traditionally seen as more masculine areas of interest. Unlike many women my age, I never had a personal relationship growing up and listening to Taylor's music. It was very, well, girly.

I can recognize that Taylor Swift is undoubtedly one of our generation's most influential and successful celebrities. Unsurprisingly, she was the most Google celebrity of 2023, the third most listened-to artist ever on Spotify, and second in the world of monthly listeners. Taylor has built up a legacy that is difficult to match. Although, with such a mass following, it comes with a high level of devotion that sometimes crosses the line from admiration into obsession. As I hear and watch the erratic behaviors of these fans (the "Swift Quake" is not the only example highlighting Swift's fans' extreme behavior.), I developed a mild irritation about her fandom. As I got older, I started to wonder: is it them, or is it me?

Few fandoms are as passionate and diverse as the Swifties. Originating in the mid-2000s with Taylor Swift’s debut, this dedicated group spans all ages, genders, and nationalities. Known for their creativity and camaraderie, Swifties have cultivated unique traditions, such as exchanging friendship bracelets at concerts—a practice inspired by Swift’s lyrics. Beyond concerts, Swifties engage in decoding Easter eggs in Swift’s music and videos, creating fan art, and organizing charitable initiatives. To me, it’s a little corny. But in another light, I can see these as signs that the Swifties make up a united community bound by shared experiences and mutual respect. Or so it seems.

In the whirlwind of Taylor Swift's global tour, where each show rakes in an astonishing 14 million dollars, ticket prices have soared to astronomical heights, and Swifties seem to have no problem paying up. With non-pre-sale tickets starting at $1,000 and climbing to an eye-watering $10,000, one can't help but question the sanity behind such expenditures. Sure, if you have the money, then why not? But there are better things to spend money on, and I'm concerned for those who don't have the money to spend but are doing it anyway. Fans celebrate receiving pre-sale codes as if they've been accepted into their dream university, capturing their reactions on video, opening their laptops, and even having their parents hug them. Some fans at her Eras Tour have even worn adult diapers to avoid missing a single moment of the show. Yes, all celebrities have their fans, but this behavior is a little culty to me. This extreme behavior raises an eye for what this says about our society.

And then, some aren't just spending excessive sums but are also engaging in stalking. On a balmy August evening, what should have been an intimate celebration for newlyweds Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley turned into a chaotic scene from a paparazzi playbook. Hundreds of Swift's admirers, driven by an insatiable desire to glimpse their idol, descended upon the New Jersey wedding venue like a swarm of overzealous locusts. The air crackled with excitement as "Taylor!" chants echoed through the streets, camera flashes illuminating the night sky like an impromptu light show. This display of unbridled devotion crossed a line, necessitating police intervention to maintain order.

On social media, you can find Swifties showing off their new tattoos on every album cover and even portraits of Taylor herself, transforming their bodies into walking tributes to their musical idol. What drives someone to make such a lasting commitment? The psychological motivations behind these extreme displays of fandom are complex and fascinating. Is it a desire for a tangible connection to the artist, a way to showcase one's unwavering loyalty, or perhaps a form of self-expression that goes beyond mere admiration? Or do all these fans just relate so much to Swift that they see her as part of them? As these permanent tributes continue to make waves in the Swiftie community, it's clear that for some fans, their love for Taylor is more than skin deep—it's etched into their very being.

Swift's fans range from sweet and harmless to seemingly deranged. What I discovered over time was that my disinterest in her music eventually turned into mild irritation as the obsession surrounding her grew. I catch myself rolling my eyes as the media consistently discusses Taylor and when she posts a new album, and that's the only thing you see on social media for the next few days. It's not that I dislike Taylor herself—her talent is undeniable—but the behavior of her most devoted fans feels overwhelming. And yet, aren't so many fans this way? There are musicians whose fans will travel the world to see them and sports fans who tear apart streets, seeing their teams fail. So, what about Swift's fans bugged me so much? That's what I wanted to figure out.

Music has always uniquely united people, transcending barriers and forging connections that defy explanation. The enthusiasm surrounding Taylor Swift and her devoted Swifties serves as a testament to this phenomenon, showcasing the raw emotional impact that music can have on individuals and communities alike. While some may view the extreme behaviors exhibited by Swift's most ardent fans as bewildering or even concerning, it's crucial to recognize that this level of devotion speaks to a more profound human need for connection and belonging. Humans always tend to find ways to make their need for connection go sideways.

While others clamor for a connection to Swift, I have always valued standing apart from the crowd and appreciating art without losing myself in the mania. Then again, I also realize that this approach has its costs. I don't have any artists I resonate with. This epiphany hit me like a ton of bricks—maybe my disdain was just a knee-jerk reaction, a way to set myself apart from the crowd. And you know what? That realization was humbling. Here's the kicker: I realized my judgment said more about me than it did about them.

Additionally, Swifties frequently engage in charitable activities, such as supporting causes like education, disaster relief, and LGBTQ+ rights. My shift didn’t stop there. I admire  Swift’s influence beyond her music—she encouraged voter registration and rallied her fans for social causes— which sparked a different kind of admiration. It wasn’t just about her artistry but the impact she wields responsibly. When used for good, that level of influence is hard to ignore. I began to see her not just as a celebrity but as someone capable of mobilizing positive change.

At the same time, I started to notice something else: there is a significant disproportionate criticism of Swift's fans, especially given that similar behavior from other fanbases, particularly male-dominated ones, rarely endure the same level of criticism. Think about how passionate football fans get—flying across the country, buying expensive tickets, and even engaging in rowdy behavior. This devotion is often seen as "normal" or "exciting." But when it's Taylor Swift's fans, many of whom are young women, the narrative quickly shifts to obsession and excess. Why is it so easy to mock a group of passionate young women while overlooking the same behavior in other fandoms?

After reflecting on my initial viewpoint towards Taylor Swift and her reality, my stance has shifted in ways I could never have predicted. About a month ago, when I was with my friends, I turned on the song Blank Space. It wasn’t a conscious effort to embrace her music—it was more of a spontaneous curiosity. While singing and listening to the lyrics, I realized how the words were once distant but now are surprisingly relatable. The experience wasn’t just about the music; it was about letting go of my thought process, that I always need to stand apart from the crowd and allow myself to enjoy something that millions of others find joy in and accept.

A Balancing Act: Is Alix Earle the Relatable Girl We Think?

Alix Earle starts her TikToks the same way a lot of us do: a messy bun, a cup of iced coffee in hand, talking about her latest daily struggles. She's there, sitting in front of a mirror, confessing how "overwhelmed" she feels by work and life, or how much she’s been running on empty after a busy week of events and parties. We’ve all been there—scrolling through the app, nodding along, thinking, yeah, I get it. But as she spins the camera around to show off her outfit for her night out—an effortlessly chic dress from Mugler or some exclusive designer brand—you start to notice that the “relatable” vibe is starting to fade.

Her apartment, too, it isn’t the average 20-something’s cramped space; it’s a sleek, high-rise loft with a view of Miami that screams luxury. And then, there’s the vacation footage. She’s not booking last-minute trips on budget airlines like the rest of us; she’s jet-setting to private islands or five-star resorts in places most people can only dream of. Despite her relatable persona, there’s an undeniable air of glamour and privilege that sets her apart, creating a complex duality that keeps audiences both intrigued and fascinated. As we dive into the phenomenon that is Alix Earle, a girl just like us who’s navigating the complexities of life, it’s not long before we run into the other: someone living a life most of us could only dream of.

So, why do we watch her? Because she’s accessible or unattainable?

When Alix Earle first went viral, she appeared to be just your typical University of Miami party girl, casually documenting her life while juggling school. However, as her social media presence grew, so did the revelations about her life, which were far from ordinary. Alix comes from a blended family, and her background is anything but typical. Her parents divorced when she was young, but it was her father’s marriage to Ashley Dupre—a former escort and singer who became infamous in 2008 for her involvement in a scandal with New York Governor Eliot Spitzer—that thrust Alix into the public eye. This connection, along with her father’s success in the construction industry, gave Alix a lavish lifestyle from an early age, embodying the “rich girl” persona. Alix frequently showcases high-end fashion, luxury travel, and exclusive events, elements that may heighten feelings of inadequacy for those in more typical financial situations. During her time at the University of Miami, she dated NFL player Braxton Berrios.

Given this background, it’s fascinating to consider how Alix has managed to connect so deeply with her audience. While she shares snippets of her life that seem “relatable”—talking about personal struggles, self-care routines, and juggling work with life—her privileged upbringing and glamorous lifestyle can create a disconnect for fans facing financial or personal challenges. While she talks about everyday struggles, they’re not the same ones as most of her followers have. While her candidness on certain topics resonates with viewers, a closer look at her life raises questions about whether she’s truly the relatable girl we once believed her to be or if her social media persona is a curated version of reality that masks the distance between her world and the one most people experience.

One of Alix’s most relatable topics is her struggle with acne. Most influencers use beauty filters and cover any sort of blemish from the light of day. Not Alix though; she suffers from severe acne. She has opened up many times about the products she uses and the medication she has taken to help ease the breakouts. Alix told her viewers she had gone on Accutane twice before and was now on it for her third time in college. Each month, she provided viewers with detailed updates about what it was like to balance being on an intense medication while still living the life of a college student. Accutane can have several side effects, including dry skin, lips, and eyes, as well as increased sensitivity to the sun. Some people experience joint and muscle pain, nosebleeds, and changes in mood or mental health, such as depression or anxiety. Through her heartfelt updates and personal anecdotes, Alix not only sheds light on the physical aspects of her acne but also the emotional toll it can take.

This authenticity continues to shine through in one of Alix’s most viral “get ready with me” videos. Set in her childhood bedroom, she’s joined by her younger sister and best friend as they choose an outfit for a night out at a hometown bar during Thanksgiving break. After a full glam look in her previous video, Alix now faces what she describes as every girl’s hardest battle: picking out an outfit. She emphasizes the importance of this outfit because she’s seeing everyone from high school. As every college student can relate, the night before Thanksgiving is a highly anticipated occasion, blending nostalgia, excitement, and a hint of nervousness as many students return home to reconnect with old friends and relive cherished memories. Through the screen, you can feel all of those emotions with Alix. First, she showcases her best friend Sally’s outfit and asks the viewers what shoes she should wear. Next, Alix pulls out a “very booby” top from Princess Polly, and the clip jumps to her wearing the revealing top as she states, “Is this too much for a little bar in New Jersey? Definitely.” After trying on a few more outfits, she ultimately returns to the white top, noting that none of her high school classmates have seen her new boobs, which she got done earlier in the year. This GRWM video exploded, racking up 1.1 million likes, with comments filled with reactions to her New Jersey line and many users clipping the video to create a viral TikTok sound.

Anyone can relate to being nervous to see old friends again. But a new boob job doesn’t play into those feelings for most people. Alix Earle is the modern-day embodiment of something we've seen before on TV—especially in shows like Gossip Girl, where teens from New York’s Upper East Side live in lavish penthouses, wear designer clothes, and navigate a world of privilege that most viewers could only dream of. Yet, despite the distance between their glittering worlds and our own, audiences still related to their dramas: the backstabbing, the crushes, the family problems. We tuned in, not necessarily to see how the other half lives, but to watch how the "other half" struggles with the same emotions we do. It’s easy to see Alix Earle in the same light—her life is filled with private jets, five-star vacations, and clothes most of us could never afford, yet she still talks about the same pressures and insecurities that plague the average person.

Despite not fitting the mold of the typical college experience, Alix has cultivated a persona that resonates with many, earning her the “relatable” title from fans who admire her authenticity and approachability. She has a knack for presenting herself as incredibly relatable, sharing her struggles with acne and the ups and downs of college life, which resonates deeply with her audience. This contrast between this narrative and her lived experience doesn’t take away from thinking of her as a friend, someone I have a sort of parasocial relationship with. It’s honestly perfectly okay with me that she isn’t entirely relatable—her experiences and glamorous moments serve as a reminder that everyone has their story, even if it doesn’t always look the same.

In a way, it's not such a stretch to see Alix as relatable. Unlike the drama-filled, fictional world of Gossip Girl, which centers on a mysterious figure spreading gossip about privileged teenagers, Alix's presence on social media is grounded in authenticity and relatability. In contrast to the scheming characters of Gossip Girl, Alix maintains a genuine, down-to-earth vibe, connecting with her audience through transparency and humor rather than fueling sensational gossip. While her life may not necessarily feel more attainable, it certainly feels less distant and less perfect—and in that sense, it's perhaps this authenticity that keeps us coming back. Alix is a real person with real moments, while Gossip Girl creates a fictionalized world where every interaction is designed to intrigue and scandalize.

 

Cringe or Cute? The Pookie Dilemma

It all started at a wine bar in Philadelphia and now years later Campbell (“Pookie”) and Jett have blown up the internet.

Campbell Hunt Puckett, also known as “Pookie” on social media has grown to be a trending influencer this year. Campbell is a 32-year-old who started her journey to be an influencer in 2017 after being a flight attendant. When she started to be an influencer she started to share her fashion, travel vlogs, nail vlogs and more, but this was only the beginning.

Just like almost all other influencers, Campbell’s husband became her co-star, and they blew up. They did OOTD before college game days, date nights at their favorite restaurants or sometimes just what they wore around. In January of 2024, Campbell posted a video of a date night OOTD, and Jett called her “Pookie” when he was describing how beautiful she looked that night. “Pookie” soon took over their brand.

Most of us have heard of Kaylee and Taylor Dudley, Dani and Nico, Alix Earle, and all of the other famous influencers, and Campbell and Jett may seem different than all of these other influencers but in reality there not all that different.

This one word makes Campbell and Jett stick out compared to the rest.

“Pookie”.

And this is what makes them divisive.

Why did this trend take off so rapidly? What about him calling her “Pookie” is so appealing to other people? Is it because other people think this is how their love life and relationships should be? Or do they just think the trend is funny and enjoys Jett’s comments he makes?

I began following them after their most famous video came out when the pookie trend started. Campbell gives recommendations on food items, her famous fall Starbucks iced shaken espresso, nail ideas, hair ideas and even though she gets paid for this- her product recommendations. I’ve tried most of her recommendations and honestly I do love them all. I find myself watching her tik toks, Instagram posts and stories on my free time. I say I do it for the content, for the mindless distraction. But there’s possibly something else at play. After watching them for a little, I was not finding it as funny. It's sometimes hard to watch.

They will always start the video and open it up by saying where they are headed to and then Jett will praise her for how good she looks. In May she posted a video of them heading to a date night at Le Bilboquet for a nice dinner outside and to sip on some rose. This video Campbell is sponsored by the company Lulu’s which is quite affordable compared to most of her outfits. She is wearing a gingham patterned yellow two piece set that includes a long skirt with pockets, and a sinched shirt to match. Her accessories include a clutch from Lulus which she quotes “Its giving designer”. Jett then goes on to describe his outfit which is a green striped summer cotton button up shirt, Hermes belt, Vuori pants, and Loro Piana blue suede shoes. In between them describing their outfits, Jett says things like “The Pookster is looking like a ray of spring sunshine”, “Babe this outfit is so hot, I think you may bring summer in early”, “uh I absolutely love this outfit, it's so sexy but also classy.”

For me, its just sometimes hard to watch. I feel like its very over the top and it feels unnatural. Maybe I don’t see what other people see but it just makes me a little uncomfortable.

Before they were influencers, Jett and Campbell met in Philadelphia at a wine bar where she was a flight attendant at the time, and he was getting his law degree at UPenn and his business degree at Wharton. And here was when their love story began. Jett quotes in an article by people.com “I walked up to the prettiest girl at a wine bar in Philadelphia [and] just started talking to her.”

Now, even large companies are even inspired by their love story. Company's such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Taco Bell, Dunkin Donuts, Chick Fil A, Bio Oil, St. Tropez tanning lotion will all send her their products for free if she posts for them. They will get flown out to colleges and company seminars to be keynote speakers. These companies will post on their own social media accounts and make the caption about how good “Pookie” looks (their new menu item). These big companies just love this internet couple together.

Fans of Pookie and Jett go crazy over their videos and their relationship. They have plenty of fans and supporters, but they also have some people making negative comments and questioning their relationship on their posts and videos. Some comments under her posts are “This is ridiculous”, “This crap can't be real”, “This is Comedy right.” But their fans on the other side- started to make these outfit of the day videos with their significant other calling them Pookie.

While I might have been sitting uncomfortable on the fence about it, I came to the realization that I do think it’s cringy, and I don’t think it’s real. Jett is always saying that everything he says is true and adores his wife. I doubt Jett is doing this when the camera is not on. But is there anything wrong with doing it for all of your fans while making money? And this is where I don't see the problem. I think it was and still is a great business decision for the two of them.

Campbell and Jett are using this to their advantage to visit companies and colleges that want them to sponsor their programs. They even started a brand that is just as cringy as you could imagine. When Campbell and Jett post their videos, you will see Campbell softly giggling when Jett says something about her outfit and how she looks. But they can't stop this trend now. There stuck and everyone is just kind of in on their joke.

They announced this brand on a recent business trip to the University of Mississippi.

“Quintessential love”.

Jett started to describe what she is wearing, and Jett said “And Pookie’s hat is looking absolutely fire, in fact it’s as adorable as Princess Pookie. He goes on to describe their new brand saying, “We’ve chosen the name Quintessential Love because everything Campbell and I do on social media is about putting love into the world and putting positivity in the world and we want our brand to be a continuation of that.”

The reason why they came up with the name of this brand just doesn't feel natural either. It was just another clever business decision that they made. Of course, they first released two hats which included the word “Pookie” because that's what they are known to say. They are using their popularity to their advantage like they should. This now almost feels like this is so connected to them they can’t get out of it.

I keep going back on social media to keep up with Campbell and Jett. I watch every instagram story she posts, I rewatch all of her highlights she has on instagram, I watch all of her Tik Toks and follow her on every social media platform. If I don’t like watching their videos where he calls her pookie. What do I like about them?

Ive thought a lot about this and why I may like them so much even though I think when he calls her Pookie its cringy.

But, the truth is……..

I still haven’t found out why.

If I don’t like when he calls her Pookie, why do I keep coming back to all of their social media platforms and continue to watch their videos?

I’m just not sure.

Maybe I have something that I want to fulfill through watching her videos, or that she inspires me to do certain things, or maybe again, just the mindless distraction it brings to me.

I find myself all caught up scrolling through her social media platforms and finding videos that I’ve never seen before. Everytime I start to scroll I find something different.

But I still cannot find out why Campbell is my favorite influencer on social media.

Learning to Love My Family Shrub

Most people have family trees that go back decades and decades, generation after generation. Me? I have a family shrub.

By: Abby Knowles

I looked across the pancakes doused in maple syrup at my family members. I was sitting across from my mom and sister, who were digging into their stacks of blueberry pancakes. My dad was next to me, preparing to dig into his french toast. I stared at my stack of chocolate chip pancakes and a sudden wave of sadness came over me. This wasn’t how I had pictured our Thanksgiving. 

Most people travel to visit family during the holidays, vacations, or reunions, however mine does not. I don’t talk to my cousins. I’m not close with my aunts or uncles. I often long for a large extended family, though I’ve never had one. Our group of 4 doesn’t always feel celebratory, at least not on holidays. And definitely not under the fluorescent lights of an iHop. 

I lost my grandfather on my mom’s side when I was just 6 months old. Growing up, I had my Nana who was my mom’s mother, and my grammie and grampie who were my dad’s parents, who both had passed by the time I was 12. Since then, it has just been the five of us. My mom’s brother and his family live overseas, as they moved there when I was a child. I am a complete homebody and family-oriented person, so not having that “big family” has really affected me, until now.

Over time, I’ve started to question why. Many people have small families, but why am I so bothered by it? This got me thinking even more, do other people feel this way? If not, what do they feel? Do they think having a small family is actually beneficial to them? I decided to do some research to see what I could find on the “small family” stereotype, and dive deep into the history. Maybe there could actually be benefits to a small family. 

In an article from Population Matters, who campaigns to achieve a sustainable human population, to protect the natural world and improve people’s lives, claims that “the benefits of having a smaller family are experienced by children”, meaning that actually having a small family is extremely beneficial to a child because of lack of travel, more attention given, and less stress from family members.

A lot of large families will spend hundreds if not thousands to travel to see family for reunions, holidays or vacations. On top of the expenses, they are having to take time out of their schedule to make these trips happen, and in a lot of cases, children are taken out of school to attend these events. This causes children to miss out on learning and developing social skills with their peers.

Another important aspect of having a small family was that I think it was easier to individuate. In the “Differentiation of Self” concept, the family systems expert Murray Bowen explains “the less developed a person’s “self,” the more impact others have on his functioning and the more he tries to control, actively or passively, the functioning of others.”

Absorbing that information, it helped me realize that having a smaller family has actually allowed me to have more self-development, because of having my parents primary focus be myself (and my sister), and not on other siblings, cousins, and extended family. I have experiences with my family that I wouldn’t get otherwise if I had, say 5 siblings, or 30 cousins.

Concluding my research and studies on smaller families, I have come to appreciate my small family, and all they can offer. I am able to attend school events I may not have had the chance to attend, I would not have the same social skills as I have now and overall would not be the person I am today, had I had a larger family.

I vividly remember Christmas 2021, my mother’s brother and his wife and 3 kids were visiting for the holidays. It was 10 of us in total, when usually it's just 5. I remember feeling so overwhelmed with all the chaos going on, the little kids running around making a mess, and conversations happening left and right. Of course I love my extended family, but part of me wishes I was back at iHop with my parents and sister, having a quiet, relaxing dinner laughing about the most random things.

So here I am, four years later sitting at my Nana’s dining room table, her homemade stuffing to my left, turkey to my right. My mom to my left, sister to my right, and dad across from me, all laughing with each other while talking about what makes them grateful. When asked what I am grateful for, with no hesitation, I say not my small family, but my family. I find myself wanting to be back in that iHop ambiance…no chaos, stress, or awkward conversations—surrounded by the people I love most in the world, eating delicious pancakes covered in warm syrup and powdered sugar.

Will Sophia Bush ever not be Brooke Davis?

Sophia Bush can’t escape the conflation she faces from her role as Brooke Davis on the the hit television series ‘One Tree Hill’.

By: Abby Knowles

Sophia Bush was cast as the character of Brooke Davis on the CW show One Tree Hill when she was 20. Her character was 16. It was about two half-brothers, Lucas and Nathan Scott, basketball players in the fictional town Tree Hill, North Carolina. Bush’s character, cheerleader Brooke Davis, was your typical mean girl - outgoing, sassy, and confident. She was written to be the anti-hero of the show, falling for Lucas Scott, played by Chad Michael Murray, early on in the series but then getting cheated on by him with her best friend, Peyton Sawyer, played by Burton. 

As they say, life imitates art, and Bush and Murray fell in love off screen. After two years of dating, they got married in 2005 but got divorced a year later. Following their split, there were rumors swirling that Murray cheated on Bush with Paris Hilton, which led to a media frenzy. In an interview after the split, Bush said "It devastates me now that I have been reduced to a Hollywood statistic — another joke marriage. I never expected to be married more than once … because I knew what I was getting into and will always believe in love." 

Even though the reports said Murray cheated, Bush received backlash regarding the divorce, with social media claims that she was ‘dramatic’ and that she was the problem in the failed marriage. I believe that the public couldn’t see Bush as anything besides the anti-hero Brooke Davis, a snotty cheerleader. They conflated her on-screen persona with her off-screen life, as fans tend to do. On the show, they watched as her character was pitted against her best friend, desperately fighting for Lucas’ attention. However, the men in the series were portrayed as heroes, and could do no wrong. 

But the problem with One Tree Hill was that it was a show rife with sexism. And the rants about Bush off-screen were equally sexist. While today, she is working out the environment of the show, especially the toxic work environment created by Mark Schawhn, the show’s creator, and is on a new TV show, she’s never been able to drop the image Brooke Davis the character gave her. The production team on the show happens to be all men (Mark Schawhn, Brian Robbins, Joe Davola, and Mark Perry).

The difference in portrayals of the men and women on set caused a stir with the female cast members. Bush claimed that "we [female cast members] were kind of treated like the early 2000s character versions of small dogs and purses. We were accessories for the boys," and stated that she, along with costars Burton and Lenz, were “manipulated psychologically and emotionally” during their time on the show, especially by the creator. 

“The producers did not behave appropriately; ads began to circulate on TV to take advantage of the situation [her divorce from Murray]; they made practice of taking advantage of people’s personal lives and not just for me and for my ex — for other actors on the show who would share, like as you do when you get close to people, deeply personal things that were happening in their lives and they would wind up in storylines. It wasn’t OK.”
— Sophia Bush

In November of 2017, in the midst of MeToo, Schwahn was accused of sexual harrassment by multiple women – with harassment stretching from being manipulated to having inappropriate comments made towards “them while they worked on The Royals or One Tree Hill.” After these strong allegations were made, Schwahn was then fired from working on his Netflix show ‘The Royals’. Also in 2017, cast members of One Tree Hill came together to talk about Mark Schawhn, and the sexual harassment during their time on the show. 

These cast members included Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Bethany Joy Lenz, all who were leads in all nine seasons of the show. Eighteen female cast and crew members of ‘One Tree Hill’ stated in a letter that “Many of us were put in uncomfortable positions and had to swiftly learn to fight back, sometimes physically, because it was made clear to us that the supervisors in the room were not the protectors they were supposed to be.”

She, along with Burton and Lenz, have been trying to change the media’s perception for years since Schawn’s allegations and speaking out about sexual harrassment in the entertainment industry. They currently have a podcast titled “Drama Queens'' where they talk about the show episode by episode, which seems to be a coping mechanism to remember the good times they had on set so their experience is not completely shattered by the treatment they received during filming, but also as a way to gain power back. (see left)

“But I don’t want to. Why do I want to talk about this anymore? And I get why you asked, but it’s like people won’t let it go.”
— Sophia Bush with Sirius XM

But, even as they have been open about the toxicity of the workplace they faced, what the podcast hosts still are missing is that a show written entirely by men - men who are sexist - can’t possibly get women right. 

The show made the men out to seem like heroes, even if they were cheating, or treating their love interests poorly. The writers are at fault for this issue – it ultimately was their decision and by having an all male production team, Bush felt as though she was powerless in standing up for herself. In an interview, she explained how she never wanted to marry Murray in the first place – she felt pressured by producers; “she believed producers thought she was a good influence on Murray and if they got married, it would help straighten up his life.” 

By not disavowing the drama queen character, along with the creator, she’s perpetuating old, tired stereotypes. What’s the benefit? The continued popularity of the show? Residuals? Maybe it’s not worth it for her to completely separate herself from Brooke Davis either. 

Bush has since married entrepreneur Grant Hughes, and is currently starring in her new medical drama, ‘Good Sam.’ She is an activist for many fundraisers including Fuck Cancer, Run for the Gulf, and Global Green Gulf Relief. Her blog, ‘The Work in Progress Pod’ is a website where Bush has conversations with people that inspire her about where they are going, what they are doing, and what their passions are. 

That’s probably because she doesn’t want to let go of that role either.