Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University, Author at Study Breaks

The History of Hawaii Tells the Story of a Violent Colonization

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

The beautiful paradise holds an ugly history that's unbeknownst to many on the mainland — and still affects the Native population to this very day.…

May 20, 2021

cop shows - screenshot of Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Here’s How Cop Shows Have Influenced the Way You View Police Officers

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

Your favorite police shows come from a long history of copaganda, and the police holding a tight grip on how they are portrayed on TV. Yes, even 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine.'…

May 7, 2021

Screenshot of Hogwarts Legacy, a Harry Potter game

‘Harry Potter’ Proves That Separating the Art From the Artist Is Impossible

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

Hogwarts Legacy, a new game in the 'Harry Potter' franchise, has been met with backlash due to J.K. Rowling's transphobia — despite efforts to make the game more inclusive. Is it possible to divorce her…

March 17, 2021

The Toxicity of Purity Culture Persists in Both Evangelical and South Asian Communities

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

The belief that women’s sexuality needs to be policed has fallen out of favor in recent years, but in some quarters, the idea still endures.…

March 13, 2021

Loujain al-Hathloul filming a video of herself driving

Loujain al-Hathloul and Saudi Arabia’s Distressing Human Rights Record

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

The release of the prominent Saudi activist — who had been arrested for driving before the ban on women drivers was lifted — marks the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s superficial attempts to improve their human…

March 9, 2021

Screenshot of Gorilla Glue girl's video where she explains her situation

‘Gorilla Glue Girl,’ McDonald’s and the Responsibility of Major Corporations

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

Tessica Brown and her emotional struggles with her hair have opened up a discourse on the responsibility of consumers and corporations.…

February 21, 2021

The Resilience of India’s Farmers: The Protests Explained

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

Despite months of setbacks, Indian farmers have stood strong in the face of oppression. Now, their mistreatment is gaining international attention.…

February 13, 2021

In an article about Larry Stylinson, a portmanteau of Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson, a illustration of figures that represent the two musicians

Larry Stylinson ‘Ships’ Two Members of One Direction, but It’s Not Entirely Harmless

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

It’s on social media and in fan fiction: Many fans of the boy band like to speculate that Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles are in a secret romantic relationship. Is it just fun, or is…

February 9, 2021

Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers License’ Shows the Appeal of Celebrity Voyeurism

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

The renowned success of the track provides another example of the public's obsession with the real-life romantic drama behind many popular songs.…

January 27, 2021

Illustration by Emmalia Godshall for an article on American relations with Iran

Will Biden Be Able To Create Peace Between the U.S. and Iran?

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

While dealing with the current political chaos in America, the president-elect may also need to focus his energy on the tensions rising between the two countries.…

January 17, 2021

‘Crash Landing on You’ Explores the Painful Separation of the Two Koreas

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

The popular Korean drama captures the daily lives of a population shrouded in secrecy and symbolizes the heartbreaking sentiment that still marks the partition of Korea.…

January 14, 2021

Joe Biden’s First Day in Office Will Not Be Spent Saving DACA

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

While one of the major promises the President elect made was to restore Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act (DACA), it seems that he now has other plans.…

January 2, 2021

Illustration by Emmalia Godshall for an article on police abolition

The Debate Over Policing: Reform, Defund or Abolish?

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

While each perspective shares some similar core beliefs, there are huge differences between the three movements.…

December 28, 2020

Illustration by Emmalia Godshall for an article on Olivia Jade

Olivia Jade, the College Admission Scandal and Class Privilege

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

While the young influencer's appearance on 'Red Table Talk' proves that the discussion around the controversy is not over, we must shift the dialogue toward one that addresses class.…

December 22, 2020

Image of a phone screen in an article about the app Muslim Pro

Surveillance on Apps Like Muslim Pro Shows the Reality of Islamophobia

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

Popular prayer and social apps aimed at the Muslim community have been indirectly selling user location data to the U.S. military.…

December 17, 2020

‘A Teacher’ Examines the Subtleties of Grooming and Manipulation

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

The new FX on Hulu mini-series encapsulates the complexities of a predatory relationship with a female perpetrator and a male victim.…

December 8, 2020

Illustration of a book of poetry by Emmalia Godshall for an article on new age poetry

Poetry Has Now Entered a New Age, but Is It a Good One?

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

Instapoets like Rupi Kaur have amassed millions of followers who adore their work, but is any of it actually good?…

December 1, 2020

Illustration by Emmalia Godshall for an article on the COVID-19 vaccine

Should We Trust in the Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine?

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

One could be ready for distribution before January 2021, but there's still many Americans who would be unwilling to take it.…

November 23, 2020

Illustration by Xingzhou Cheng for an article on celebrities and politics

Should Celebrities Be Pressured To Engage in Politics?

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

It's become expected of the rich and famous to use their massive platforms to tackle social and political issues, but should they be involved at all?…

November 18, 2020

Image of pro-choice protesters in an article about Amy Coney Barrett

Now That Barrett Is on the Supreme Court, Should Women Start Panicking?

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

The justice's recent confirmation has many women distressed, as future access to abortion and affordable birth control hangs in the balance.…

November 11, 2020

Illustration by Xingzhou Cheng for an article on the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

A Crash Course on the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

The conflict is one of deep-seated ethnic and historical tensions. It's become extremely necessary to spread awareness of the violence.…

November 4, 2020

Illustration by Emmalia Godshall for an article on Alexa Demie

Alexa Demie and the Prevalence of Ageism Against Women in Hollywood

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

The uproar over the revelation that the 'Euphoria' star has perhaps hidden her real age has led to a much-needed conversation on society's troublesome attitude regarding aging actresses.…

October 28, 2020

Illustration by Emmalia Godshall for an article on Rihanna

Rihanna, Cancel Culture and Multicultural Education

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

Should the singer and business woman be de-platformed for her most recent offense against the Muslim community, or is 'canceling' no longer the right path to take?…

October 21, 2020

Illustration by Emmalia Godshall for an article on Ruth Bader Ginsburg

We Need To Stop Idolizing Political Figures — Including Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

While the Supreme Court Justice did a lot of good in her lifetime, she wasn’t perfect. Ultimately, the lionizing of public officials makes it harder to hold them accountable when they make mistakes.…

October 13, 2020

Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

Writer Profile

Kirtika Sharad

George Washington University
International Affairs major, English minor

The History of Hawaii Tells the Story of a Violent Colonization

Here’s How Cop Shows Have Influenced the Way You View Police Officers

‘Harry Potter’ Proves That Separating the Art From the Artist Is Impossible

The Toxicity of Purity Culture Persists in Both Evangelical and South Asian Communities

Loujain al-Hathloul and Saudi Arabia’s Distressing Human Rights Record

‘Gorilla Glue Girl,’ McDonald’s and the Responsibility of Major Corporations

The Resilience of India’s Farmers: The Protests Explained

Larry Stylinson ‘Ships’ Two Members of One Direction, but It’s Not Entirely Harmless

Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers License’ Shows the Appeal of Celebrity Voyeurism

Will Biden Be Able To Create Peace Between the U.S. and Iran?

‘Crash Landing on You’ Explores the Painful Separation of the Two Koreas

Joe Biden’s First Day in Office Will Not Be Spent Saving DACA

The Debate Over Policing: Reform, Defund or Abolish?

Olivia Jade, the College Admission Scandal and Class Privilege

Surveillance on Apps Like Muslim Pro Shows the Reality of Islamophobia

‘A Teacher’ Examines the Subtleties of Grooming and Manipulation

Poetry Has Now Entered a New Age, but Is It a Good One?

Should We Trust in the Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine?

Should Celebrities Be Pressured To Engage in Politics?

Now That Barrett Is on the Supreme Court, Should Women Start Panicking?

A Crash Course on the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Alexa Demie and the Prevalence of Ageism Against Women in Hollywood

Rihanna, Cancel Culture and Multicultural Education

We Need To Stop Idolizing Political Figures — Including Ruth Bader Ginsburg

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Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

Writer Profile

George Washington University International Affairs major, English minor

George Washington University
International Affairs major, English minor