Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

Why ‘Paris Is Burning’ Is Essential Viewing, Now More Than Ever

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

The modern interest in drag culture can be traced squarely back to Livingston’s documentary.…

April 22, 2019

Lil Nas X Is a Torchbearer for the Yeehaw Agenda

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

And nobody can tell him anything.…

April 20, 2019

‘Kim Kardashian: Hollywood’ Is Still Shockingly Popular. Why?

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

The mobile game is nearly five years old, but still nets tens of millions yearly.…

April 18, 2019

Why Do People Like Watching Pimple-Popping Videos?

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

They’re disgusting, but the world can’t seem to get enough.…

April 1, 2019

Diet Prada Is the Watchdog the Fashion World Needs

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

The popular Instagram account has taken on everyone from Dolce and Gabbana to Kim Kardashian.…

March 27, 2019

Why Dua Lipa’s ‘One Kiss’ Will Always Be a Timeless Pop Classic

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

The song's narcotic catchiness is no accident.…

March 18, 2019

Will Country Radio Finally Embrace Kacey Musgraves?

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

She might be an award-winning musician, but country fans are hesitant to embrace the left-leaning songwriter.…

March 15, 2019

Author Magdalene Burger Is a Genre All to Herself

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

Her new short-story collection, ‘You’ll Never Believe How These Kids Get Murdered and Other Clickbait Tales,’ is obviously macabre, but subtly stunning.…

March 8, 2019

Why Do We Idolize El Chapo?

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

He's a billionaire, yes, but also a murderer, rapist and drug pusher.…

February 19, 2019

Why the Chinese Government Doesn’t Want You to Know About Shen Yun

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

The dance troupe has a more surprising backstory than its innocent posters suggest.…

February 18, 2019

Why Don’t the Oscars Take Horror Movies Seriously?

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

In the Academy's 91-year history, of the 546 films nominated for best picture, only six have been horror movies.…

February 4, 2019

Is Tabloid Culture Officially Dead?

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

‘Lindsay Lohan’s Beach Club’ may be the final nail in the coffin.…

January 24, 2019

Alexis Stone Made the World Think He Ruined His Face, but Why?

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

He changes his face every day, but his fans weren't so happy about his New Year's transformation.…

January 15, 2019

20 Years and Several Problematic Premises Later, the World Still Loves ‘You’ve Got Mail’

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

Nostalgia conquers all.…

January 10, 2019

Behind the Rise, Fall and Revival of the Ugg Boot

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

How the company turned its signature drab boot into an enduring status symbol.…

January 2, 2019

How Nardwuar Became One of the World’s Best Interviewers

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

His insane interviewing style has scored him sit-downs with everyone from Mikhail Gorbachev to Cardi B.…

December 29, 2018

God-Willing, the Itsmaysmemes Instagram Is the Future of Fashion

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

Giant jackets are the new wave.…

December 23, 2018

As Cyberpunk Goes Commercial, It Risks Dulling Its Anarchist Edges

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

What use is rebellion when it's sponsored by your overlords?…

December 16, 2018

What Are Lofi Hip Hop Streams, and Why Are They So Popular?

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

Head-bobbing background noise has never been so in.…

December 2, 2018

Inside the Rise of Charli XCX, Pop Music’s Most Subversive Star

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

From pop purgatory to sold-out stadiums, the English superstar has created a musical niche that has fans obsessed.…

November 28, 2018

Is VH1 Inadvertently Ruining ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’?

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

The network has a track record of overexposing its brightest stars until they dim and burn out.…

November 18, 2018

How Rich People Took Over Yet Another Industry: CBD

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

Cannabidiol is all the rage, but not everyone can afford it.…

November 11, 2018

How Lil Miquela Is a Threat to the Fashion Industry

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

She might be a novelty, but she's taking jobs from people who aren't.…

November 3, 2018

Does Normani Have What It Takes to Become a Pop Superstar?

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

Camila Cabello has already made it to superstardom. Now, it's Normani's turn.…

October 28, 2018

Almost Two Decades Later, the y2k Aesthetic Is Making a Comeback

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

’90s kids: Get ready for a few blasts from the past.…

October 21, 2018

Can You Support Kim Petras Without Supporting Abusers in the Music Industry?

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

Before you buy a 99-cent song on iTunes, make sure you know who’s pocketing the money.…

October 13, 2018

How China Made Its Biggest Movie Star Disappear

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

Fan Bingbing, one of China's most famous movie stars, vanished for three months. Who was to blame? Her government.…

October 9, 2018