Study Breaks - Page 251 of 447 - Fresh perspectives on pop culture from students across the United States.

The Surprisingly Complex Virtual Economies of Browser-Based Pet Sims

Online animal avatar games may have been meant for children, but their in-game currencies and markets have a lot going on.

Amy Harris, Utah State University

An article about Disney's fifth first gay character.

Screens

Disney’s Fifth ‘First Gay Character’ Appears in ‘Jungle Cruise’

The action film, though a small step forward for the queer community, is yet another example of a studio trying to gain media attention without any true depth.

Ian Linn, Oberlin College

In an article about being a professional princess, an illustration of a princess

Thoughts

Being a Professional Princess and the World of Party Performances

Donning a tiara and an elegant gown every weekend comes with its own unique set of challenges, but bringing magic to those who need it is an incomparable feeling.

Darby Williams, University of Michigan

A still from Korean thriller, The Housemaid.

Screens

‘The Housemaid’: The Film That Inspired the Groundbreaking ‘Parasite’

After it swept the Oscars in 2020, 'Parasite' became a household name. The same, however, does not apply to its predecessor released nearly 60 years earlier.

Alice Han, Pepperdine University

Thoughts

Salty, Sweet, Savory, Bitter, Sour, Umami and … Q?

A phenomenon throughout Asian cuisine, the flavor profile has yet to make an equivalent impact in the West.

Karen Lu, Yale University

Thoughts

Family Law — Real Life Versus Movies

Once again, the entertainment industry doesn't quite get it right.

Daniel Reed

A creative illustration of the tragic North American wildfires.

Thoughts

North American Wildfires Are Now a Raging Epidemic

While this issue is known to be particularly concerning across the Pacific Northwest, these fires are gradually spreading across the continent. Here's why you should be concerned.

Niall Calvert, Wesleyan University

In an article about Solarpunk, a person wearing jeans with a flower in their back pocket

Thoughts

Solarpunk Marks the Intersection of Sci-Fi, Sustainability and Hope

In the wake of anxiety-inducing news like the UN's climate crisis 'code red,' the genre can offer an aesthetic and a sense of optimism that is actionable.

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

In an article about posthumous albums, a photo of a vinyl on a record player.

Sounds

Posthumous Albums Can Involve Questionable Ethics and Mixed Intentions

Despite allowing unfinished projects to reach the fans who appreciated late musicians most in life, they remain a pressing gray area.

Zach Spangler, University of Michigan

In an article about the Alt-Right Pipeline, an image of a man holding a sign protesting racism.

Screens

The Point of No Return: The Threat of the Alt-Right Pipeline

The YouTube phenomenon starts out with innocuous jokes and memes but can quickly turn into fascist ideologies and bigoted tendencies.

Zach Terrillion, Oberlin College

a photo of The A System in an article about dissociative identity disorder

Thoughts

Dissociative Identity Disorder Is Gaining Important Attention Online

Influencers with the mental health condition formerly known as 'multiple personality disorder' are sharing their experiences on TikTok and YouTube.

Jenna Amore, Oakland University

Illustration of Young Thug. (Illustration by Katelyn McManis, Columbia College Chicago)

Sounds

Young Thug Previews a New Sound on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts

From his generosity toward young hip-hop artists to his passionate performances, this rapper has proven that he deserves the title of hip-hop G.O.A.T.

Nathan Kolodney, Wesleyan University

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