Mason Cannon, Columbia University, Author at Study Breaks

in an article about picking your major, a book with a lot of different subjects flying out

Don’t Feel Pressured To Declare Your Major Right Away

Many college students think that their decision will set in stone the course of their academic — and post-academic — life. That's not true.…

October 2, 2021

Cycling in New York City Is Both Beautiful and Dangerous

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

There's a certain kind of thrill in taking your bike out on the streets of the city that never sleeps.…

September 22, 2021

Vintage bikes may not match the speed of modern bikes, but they offer a lot of personality and unique history. (An illustration of a vintage bike)

Vintage Bikes Allow for Riding Beyond Speed

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

'As they collect tales with each rider and mechanic, they may not grow in speed but undoubtedly increase in personality.'…

September 13, 2021

Phoebe Bridgers in an article about niche indie music

Why We Gatekeep Niche Music

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

Someone new discovering old favorites doesn't always water them down.…

September 9, 2021

rhye, in an article about separating art from the artist

Frank Ocean, Kanye, Rhye and Sun Kil Moon: Separating an Artist From Their Art

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

'Although they may express it beautifully, sometimes what they have to express from within themselves doesn't come from somewhere beautiful at all.'…

September 3, 2021

A person backpacking is illustrated in front of a beautiful and colorful mountain landscape.

Backpacking Is an Outdoor Balm for Modern Worry

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

For a generation constantly faced with a multitude of stressors, a trip into nature can provide a respite.…

September 2, 2021

A figure is illustrated holding notebooks and wearing a name tag that reads "Hello, my name is: Writer."

The Precariousness of Taking On a Name

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

When can you call yourself a 'writer'? Or an artist? Or anything else?…

August 15, 2021

A stylized illustration depicts three of the four new Olympics sports: athletes surfing, skateboarding and rock climbing.

The Beautiful Games: The 2020 Olympics’ Four New Sports

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

Climbing, surfing, karate and skateboarding are linked by a common thread: an appeal to the inherent beauty and aesthetic nature of athleticism.…

August 7, 2021

To represent an earworm, a young person is pictured listening to music on an old cassette player.

The Earworm, Stimulation and the Reason Behind the Music in Our Heads

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

Research behind this auditory phenomenon has revealed that it is more common than you may think — though we still don't fully understand why it occurs.…

August 1, 2021

Main character syndrome is illustrated by a spotlighted book with blank pages in the place of a movie theater screen, suspended in front of an audience.

Main Character Syndrome and the Beauty of ‘Performance’

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

The popular idea that we are all writing our own stories may seem self-centered, but it can inspire us all to act gracefully.…

July 25, 2021

An illustration of four female indie artists.

Female Indie Artists Are Leading This Generation’s Musical Renaissance

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

There has been a recent wave of fantastic releases from rising and risen woman musicians, and fans of the genre have the pleasure of witnessing this changing of the guard.…

July 17, 2021

In an article about her debut album To Enjoy Is the Only Thing, indie musician Maple Glider is illustrated against two leaves and with a skull near her feet.

Maple Glider’s ‘To Enjoy Is the Only Thing’ Is 2021’s Standout Indie Release

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

In her debut album, this up-and-coming artist explores themes of heartbreak, love, religion and family through beautiful lyricism and stunning soundscapes.…

July 10, 2021

In an article about album Call Me If You Get Lost, a photo of Tyler, the Creator

‘Call Me If You Get Lost’ Is an Exercise in Languishing Beautifully

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

In his newest album, Tyler, the Creator describes recurring themes of heartbreak within a wider exploration of social injustice, sexuality and a sense of stagnation.…

July 3, 2021

An image of a baker in a tasteful white uniform demonstrates the working-class aesthetic.

Why Are so Many People Obsessed With ‘Dressing Up’ as Working Class?

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

Middle and upper-class infatuation with the blue-collar aesthetic boils down to privilege and a need to appear as though we work harder than we do.…

June 28, 2021

An image of a megachurch service, depicting a crowd of people raising their hands in worship before a sign reading "Jesus" and a Christian rock band performing onstage.

A Megachurch Can Provide Community, but Also Profound Alienation

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

After attending a church service, a non-believer shares his thoughts on the power of religion to unite people of faith — but also to estrange outsiders.…

June 18, 2021

An illustration for an article about the overwhelming whiteness of outdoor sports shows a white cyclist biking down a trail, while animals hide in the nature beyond.

Mountain Biking and the Whiteness of the Trail

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

The terminology used by athletes and recreationists reflects an underlying violence and a massive racial divide in participation in outdoors sports.…

June 13, 2021

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

Writer Profile

Mason Cannon

Columbia University
Undecided

Don’t Feel Pressured To Declare Your Major Right Away

Cycling in New York City Is Both Beautiful and Dangerous

Vintage Bikes Allow for Riding Beyond Speed

Why We Gatekeep Niche Music

Frank Ocean, Kanye, Rhye and Sun Kil Moon: Separating an Artist From Their Art

Backpacking Is an Outdoor Balm for Modern Worry

The Precariousness of Taking On a Name

The Beautiful Games: The 2020 Olympics’ Four New Sports

The Earworm, Stimulation and the Reason Behind the Music in Our Heads

Main Character Syndrome and the Beauty of ‘Performance’

Female Indie Artists Are Leading This Generation’s Musical Renaissance

Maple Glider’s ‘To Enjoy Is the Only Thing’ Is 2021’s Standout Indie Release

‘Call Me If You Get Lost’ Is an Exercise in Languishing Beautifully

Why Are so Many People Obsessed With ‘Dressing Up’ as Working Class?

A Megachurch Can Provide Community, but Also Profound Alienation

Mountain Biking and the Whiteness of the Trail

Suggestions

Suggestions

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

Writer Profile

Columbia University Undecided

Columbia University
Undecided