Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Author at Study Breaks

In an article about Guillermo del Toro's film 'Pinocchio,' the marionette and his father roam through the forest.

Guillermo del Toro’s Imaginative Adaptation of Pinocchio: A Sentimental Review

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

This animated feature is beyond the acclaimed director's comfort zone, but exceptional nonetheless.…

March 14, 2023

In the TV show 'Wednesday,' lead actress Jenna Ortega dances solemnly at a high school gym.

How ‘Wednesday’ Highlights the Addams’ Latino Heritage

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

Netflix's hit show highlights the spooky family's ancestry in a subtle yet effective way.…

February 20, 2023

In an article about musicals, a theatre usher in a red uniform does a jazz square in front dancers in muted colors during the 2022 Tony Award performance for the musical 'A Strange Loop.'

There’s a Musical for Everyone!

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

While it is often characterized as too snobby and inaccessible, the diversity of the genre makes the art form impossible to dismiss.…

February 14, 2023

In an article about how Latinas experience eating disorders, a picture of a woman staring at her own reflection.

Don’t Call Me Gorda: How Latinas Experience Eating Disorders

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

When cultural and societal pressures converge, it becomes increasingly difficult to recover from an ED.…

January 4, 2023

In an article about Fiestas Patronales, dancers perform a traditional Puerto Rican. dance on the street.

An Informal Itinerary of Puerto Rico’s Fiestas Patronales

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

Take a quick look at the festivities and foods that are central to the end-of-the-year celebrations in Puerto Rico!…

December 23, 2022

In an article about Latina representation in media, a portrait of Frida Kahlo

Latina Representation in the Media

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

How are Latinas portrayed in the media, and how do those viewpoints affect how Latinas are seen and treated in real life?…

December 15, 2022

in an article about classic literaturean open book with work spilling from the pages

It’s Time To Redefine Classic Literature

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

The literary 'canon' is dominated by dead white men. It's time to change that.…

December 8, 2022

As gender neutral pronouns become more commonplace, how will gender grammatical languages keep up?

Gender-Neutral Pronouns: How Do You Say ‘They’ in Spanish?

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

With inclusive vocabulary becoming more prevalent in English, the question now becomes how to translate such to gendered languages.…

November 28, 2022

In an article about adult animation, a screencap from 'Bojack Horseman'

Adult Animation is Trying to be Taken More Seriously

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

Animation is often regarded as for kids, so what makes adult animation different? And how is it evolving as a medium?…

November 15, 2022

Jack Stauber posing with his album Pop Food

Jack Stauber: The Man Whose Art Went Viral

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

The artist's music has enjoyed a recent spurt of TikTok fame, but exactly what kind of music does he make? And why should we be interested?…

November 1, 2022

In an article about corporal punishment, a young girl lies down sadly

Is Corporal Punishment Intrinsic to the Latino Experience?

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

Violent corrective behavior is widely, and often incorrectly, characterized as a culturally specific practice. What danger arises from conflating identity with behavior?…

October 31, 2022

in an article about the effects of hurricane fiona on Puerto Rico, two trees caught in high wind

A Portrait of Life on the Island of Hurricanes

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

There are thousands of small stories of people in Puerto Rico who have made due in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona.…

October 18, 2022

Bad Bunny’s ‘El Apagón’ Music Video Honors Puerto Rican History

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

The video has yielded an astounding level of success that has allowed his message to reach international audiences.…

October 8, 2022

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

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