Share: Celebrities and social media stars are not the only ones abusing beauty-enhancing filters to escape imperfections–big companies have created eco-friendly filters to avoid their own flaws. This filter is better known as greenwashing. Organizations choose to spend more money on upholding their environmentally friendly status than making it a reality. Greenwashing is a very harmful and lazy business tactic that will only create more damage to our planet. Real change to protect the planet and those in it is being delayed in exchange for …
How to stay compassionate when the world is at war
Share: As the war in Ukraine approaches its 666th day, the conflict in Sudan enters its 4th month, and the world debates the merits of a ceasefire after a month of Israeli retaliation after the November 7th Hamas attack, many living through the simultaneous worldwide crises (and those living through less-reported horrors in the world beyond), beg the world to keep watching. On the heels of a global pandemic, compassion fatigue is a real risk for many who try to follow the news, especially global …
Battle of the sexes, except women lose each time
Share: Myron Gaines, a notable figure in the realms of YouTube podcasting, authorship, and real estate investment, has gained recognition primarily through his podcast, “Fresh and Fit.” This platform aims to guide men in enhancing various aspects of their lives, including dating, fitness, social media, and finances. Gaines’ narrow definition of women and their roles stifles personal growth and limits women to traditional stereotypes. He argues against the notion of women pursuing anything other than a housewife role, failing to acknowledge the importance of diverse …
Western fear of aging is getting old
Share: Aging is perhaps one of the most natural things a human being could do, yet as a culture, we vilify and fear aging, unlike any society before us. As these aging filters once again gain popularity on TikTok for people who are distraught looking at themselves with wrinkles, it’s worth analyzing where this fear of aging stems from. The idea that, as you age, you lose value is a uniquely Western belief. Most non-Western cultures view their elders as deserving of a great amount …
Perils of plastic: The physical and mental toll of perfection
Share: In an era where appearance often takes precedence over substance, the rise of plastic surgery has become emblematic of society’s unrelenting pursuit of an unattainable ideal. While the decision to undergo cosmetic procedures is a personal one, the collective consequences of this growing trend are contributing to a distorted societal landscape that is increasingly fixated on outward appearances rather than genuine human connection and self-acceptance. Heidi Montag, who was then 23 years old, underwent 10 procedures within a single day in 2009. Now, the …
Mainstream media must condemn unprecedented reporter deaths in Gaza
Share: As of Dec. 5, 2023, 63 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. The sheer amount of deaths is staggering and unacceptable in a profession that must report the truth about war. The international community, along with journalists around the world, needs to condemn it and demand that it stop. Journalists are supposed to be on the front lines of very intensive conflicts and are expected to assess and weed out the truth in the fog of war. …
Is Disneyland’s magic fading away?
Share: As a child, my family and I would take our annual trip to Disneyland. At a young age, the park filled me with pure bliss as I believed it was what it was promoted to be: magical. But with age and years away from the park, I began to grow skeptical of its legend, especially its well-kept secrets. Many injuries have come out of Disney’s theme park, stemming from ride malfunctions, violence between park-goers, and general accidents like tripping over something. Disney is also …
Teachers: Decorate for all holidays or don’t decorate at all
Share: Although we have moved on from saying “Merry Christmas” to “Happy Holidays” in schools to be more inclusive of all celebrations, some teachers still focus on one holiday more than others. Students are still being excluded in their classrooms if they don’t celebrate Christmas, and then little effort is put into fixing that after. One teacher posted a TikTok, surprising her one Jewish student with a plush latke because she had decorated the entire classroom in Christmas decorations and thought this would make up …
Influencers don’t owe us their opinions
Share: In the midst of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, more and more people are demanding celebrities/influencers to speak out on the issue. Many are even going as far as attempting to cancel influencers who stay silent. Celebrities/influencers each have their own beliefs and opinions, but they shouldn’t be obligated to voice them. Frankly, some influencers are simply not educated enough on politics to have a stance. If influencers are pressured to speak out on topics they don’t know enough about, there’s potential to seriously misinform their …
Actors don’t need to act like they enjoy their movies
Share: Recently, actor Jacob Elordi, best known for his role as Nate Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria, has been facing backlash online for his comments regarding “The Kissing Booth” series and his comment from a red-carpet interview. During the interview with IndieWire, Elordi was asked about what he looks for in roles to which he responded “I mean, I just play what they give me you know. I need a job.” This statement is very similar to one made by Rachel Zegler during a red-carpet interview …