Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University, Author at Study Breaks

in an article about the female gaze, a man and woman staring at each other

You’ve Heard of the Male Gaze, but What About the Female Gaze?

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The discussion is gaining traction on TikTok: How do the two concepts compare and how can we identify them in media?…

February 4, 2021

After an Extended Break, Dan and Phil Are Back With a Life Update

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

After a long hiatus, the YouTube duo returned with a new video — and some hints about a few upcoming projects.…

January 25, 2021

Honey Boy film and Shia LaBeouf allegations. (Illustration by Marlowe Pody, Rhode Island School of Design)

‘Honey Boy’ Takes on New Meaning in Light of Shia LeBeouf’s Alleged Abuse

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The 2019 film tells a compelling narrative of the actor's childhood and gives insight into the history of abuse behind the recent allegations against him.…

January 19, 2021

Different Attachment Styles Can Impact Your Relationships

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Deciphering how you bond with others can help you understand your current romantic connections.…

January 10, 2021

An image of newspapers in an article about Dr. Jill Biden

A Sexist Wall Street Journal Op-Ed Argued for Jill Biden To Drop the ‘Dr.’

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Wall Street Journal writer Joseph Epstein’s recent opinion piece was incredibly flawed and misogynistic.…

January 1, 2021

The Problems With Fast Fashion and the Problems With Hating On It

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The efficient business model may not be environmentally friendly, but it’s unrealistic to expect everybody to shop slow fashion.…

December 27, 2020

Settle culture. (Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash)

Don’t Settle for ‘Settle Culture’

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

It’s time to change the narrative that you’ve got to go through a lot of duds before you find ‘the one.’…

December 18, 2020

Recharge. (Illustration by Marlowe Pody, Rhode Island School of Design)

9 Ways To Recharge and Prepare for the Next Semester

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Here’s a bit of advice to make sure you feel refreshed before school returns.…

December 11, 2020

Men; toxic masculinity; maid costume, (Photo by Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash)

The Maid Costume TikTok Trend Makes Room To Discuss Toxic Masculinity

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Is the newest social media fad a role-defying gender transgression or just another reinforcement of machismo?…

December 4, 2020

Noel Miller. (Illustration by Marlowe Pody, Rhode Island School of Design)

On ‘Push,’ Noel Miller Makes the Transition From Comedian to Artist

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Known for his funny YouTube videos and being one half of comedy music duo Tiny Meat Gang, the entertainer is stepping out with some more serious music.…

November 29, 2020

Trisha Paytas. (Image via Google Images)

Are We Seeing a New, More Positive Trisha Paytas?

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Are we actually witnessing this controversial social media influencer’s changed self, and will she have an internet redemption?…

November 21, 2020

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Is Video Gaming Her Way into Young Voters’ Hearts

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The congresswoman is connecting with younger generations in unprecedented ways, most recently with a round of the popular online game Among Us.…

November 14, 2020

‘Ratched’ Offers a Stark Portrayal of Mental Health and Gender in the 1940s

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The show provides a captivating history of what it meant to be a woman in the middle of the 20th century.…

November 7, 2020

The Disturbing Obsession With Billie Eilish’s Body Needs To End

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The singer and her fashion choices have always faced criticism, but now the internet is objectifying her body.…

October 31, 2020

Illustration of Joji. (Illustration by Melchisedech Quagrainie, Columbia College Chicago)

Joji’s New Album, ‘Nectar,’ Reminds Us of His Filthy Frank Roots

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

With the release of his latest album, a reminder of the singer-songwriter’s internet history may be one his greatest marketing tactics.…

October 23, 2020

Should the Media Be so Obsessed With Claudia Conway?

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

She's the daughter of Kellyanne Conway, former counselor to President Trump, and the teenager's familial connection to the White House has caused the public to fixate on her outspoken TikToks.…

October 16, 2020

"Wordslut" and language. (Illustration by Mel Quagrainie, Columbia College Chicago)

‘Wordslut’ Teaches Us How We Can Change the World Through Language

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Amanda Montell’s 2019 book examines how adjusting the words that we use can alter how gender and sexuality are considered in today's society — for the better.…

October 10, 2020

‘Glee,’ While Forward-Thinking at the Time, Feels a Little Outdated Now

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

While the show has approached many serious themes throughout its six seasons, it hasn't always addressed them properly.…

October 8, 2020

main character illustration by Veronica Chen

Why You Should Live With Main Character Energy

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The phrase is popular on TikTok and it's a good concept — here's why you should start romanticizing your own life.…

September 29, 2020

Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ Feels Even More Relevant in 2020

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The 2015 hip-hop concept album has a renewed importance because of its social and political commentary on racial inequality, institutional discrimination and African American culture.…

September 21, 2020

Illustration of popular television figure, Willy Wonka.

What’s the Deal With Willy Wonka TikTok?

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

He’s everywhere. TikTok Willy Wonka is infiltrating the internet and he’s not slowing down anytime soon.…

September 2, 2020

These three albums tell a story throughout.

3 Albums That Masterfully Balance Storytelling With Musicality

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Here are three amazing universe-building concept albums that you need to add to your Spotify queue. …

August 30, 2020

Illustration of "One of Us is Lying" novel poster.

‘One of Us Is Lying’ Provides a Fresh Take on ‘The Breakfast Club’

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Karen M. McManus’ young adult mystery novel both upholds and defies the tropes of the classic '80s movie.…

August 21, 2020

Billie Eilish drops her new single "my future" during the pandemic

‘My Future’ by Billie Eilish Is an Optimistic Song About Self-Love

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The young singer songwriter dropped her first single during the pandemic and its sound masterfully reflects its contemplative lyrical content.…

August 14, 2020

Love languages can let you know how to best serve your partner of friends.

The Five Love Languages Provide a Framework for Healthy Relationships

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Knowing how your significant other likes to give and receive affection is the key to good communication and a lasting partnership. …

August 9, 2020

Illustration of how one might feel while experiencing creative burnout

How To Be Original When You’re Experiencing Creative Burnout

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

Here’s how to find inspiration and rekindle the desire to create for any artistic endeavor, whether it's writing or painting or playing music, after you’ve hit a creative roadblock. …

August 2, 2020