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A screenshot from tick tick boom shows lin manuel miranda and another person in a bookstore

‘Tick Tick Boom’ Is the Solution to Problematic Movie Musicals

Jacob Puestow, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay

As these popular shows become worse in quality and reception, a fairly recent release may provide an answer!…

January 6, 2023

an illustration of Elvis in front of a microphone

Truly a Jailhouse Rock: ‘Elvis’ Looks as If It Will Ignore the Singer’s Problematic Aspects

Kylie Clifton, Loyola Marymount University

Once again, the rocker's life story takes to the screen in a dazzling biopic trailer that comes up short in honestly addressing his darker side.…

June 11, 2022

in an article about Asian-fishing, a photo of Ariana Grande

Asian-Fishing Remains a Problematic Trend

Alyssa Griffin, Molloy College

The rise of makeup and beauty trends that try to emulate Asian features has prompted discussions about the harmful effects of stereotypes.…

June 10, 2022

Showing off her microtrends, a vibrantly dressed young woman poses as she takes a selfie.

5 Problematic TikTok Microtrends for the History Books

Lena Bramsen, The New School

While these fast-paced trends come to life and then die in record time, fast fashion companies rake in the profit through unethical practices.…

February 18, 2022

in article about problematic books, a picture of the book Eleanor and Park

How To Tell If Your Favorite Book Is Problematic

Tori Barney, Columbia College Chicago

Whether an author downplays serious issues or doesn't write about them appropriately, here's how to tell if novels you loved when you were younger are rightfully controversial.…

November 29, 2021

A still from the controversial Dear Evan Hansen

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and Its Problematic Anti-Hero of a Protagonist

Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

In a film that chooses to make a manipulative and, at times even creepy, character its hero, Ben Platt’s age is the last thing you need to worry about.…

October 8, 2021

In an article about Disney, an art piece of Mickey Mouse holding a sign, silhouetted against an instagram post frame and a red background.

The History of Disney Is Problematic — Can We Still Enjoy Its Work?

Beth Nipper, University of Iowa

The entertainment giant has a long history, filled with both success and controversy. How should an individual enjoy media while engaging with it critically?…

July 1, 2021

male love interests

Why the ‘Perfect’ Male Love Interest Is Problematic

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

While this common trope in media may be idealistic, it causes problems by creating unrealistic models of men.…

November 27, 2020

Illustration by Marcus Escobar for an article on Grand Army

‘Grand Army’ Is Inclusive On Screen But Problematic Behind the Scenes

Haven Worley, University of Rochester

The new Netflix drama focuses on issues like racism, but off screen, the show is facing allegations of racist exploitation.…

November 6, 2020

TikTok on a phone for an article about the use of the Holocaust by TikTokkers

The Holocaust TikTok Trend Isn’t Educational — It’s Problematic and Hurtful

Hannah Reynoso, University of Iowa

Some on the app are roleplaying as Holocaust victims. Regardless of intent, the fad is disrespectful, to say the least.…

September 3, 2020

america's next top model

Behind the Glamour, ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Hides a Problematic Past

Eva Halvax, University of Arizona

Hidden behind the memes is a show that embodied the racism, homophobia and transphobia of fashion and reality TV, and both audiences and former cast members are pushing back.…

August 13, 2020

Billie Eilish in article about calling things problematic

It’s Time We Stop Calling Things ‘Problematic’

Asha MacKay, Wellesley College

The phrase has gone from a term to call out prejudice to overused internet slang that has lost all meaning. There are so many better words.…

April 1, 2020

The "Cool Girl" trope is problematic to women both on and off of the big screen. Megan Fox, pictured avove in a scene from 'Transformers' is one woman who has fallen victim to this label.

Breaking Down Media Tropes: The Problematic ‘Cool Girl’

Rose Younglove, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

What makes the 'Cool Girl' cool? Is it her appeal and convenience to men?…

March 25, 2020

Mixed-ish

ABC’s ‘Mixed-ish’ Could be Both Problematic and Acceptable

Amber Amortegui, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Fans aren’t too happy about the new comedy but, as a mixed person, I see some potential.…

June 10, 2019

extremely wicked, shockingly evil and vile

Why All This Ted Bundy Content Is Problematic

Zailin Peña, Southern Adventist University

It's an obvious point but it seems to fall on deaf ears: glorifying a serial killer will only have negative repercussions.…

June 3, 2019

Pet Sematary

‘Pet Sematary’ Is Mediocre at Best, Problematic at Worst

Ben Garcia, Hope International University

Sometimes, dead really is better.…

April 24, 2019

Billie Eilish

Is Billie Eilish’s New Single, ‘Wish You Were Gay,’ as Problematic As It Seems?

Grace Larson, Ripon College

The title is a clear instance of queer-baiting, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.…

March 18, 2019

Spotify’s Mute Function Feels a Lot Like Ghosting a Problematic Ex

Shannon Robinson, University of Colorado Denver

Just block them and they're gone ... kind of.…

February 3, 2019

20 Years and Several Problematic Premises Later, the World Still Loves ‘You’ve Got Mail’

Michael Wu, Case Western Reserve University

Nostalgia conquers all.…

January 10, 2019

"Sierra Burgess"

‘Sierra Burgess Is a Loser’ Is an Extremely Problematic Netflix Film

Rebecca Crosby, American University

Rather than being a movie for the 'outsiders,' it's really just enforcing stereotypes.…

September 13, 2018

The Kissing Booth

3 Unproblematic Rom-Com Substitutes for ‘The Kissing Booth’

Gabbi Calabrese, Arkansas Tech University

Not trying to shame anyone who enjoyed 'The Kissing Booth,' but I would like to help you refine your rom-com palate.…

August 29, 2018

Jake Paul

Jake Paul Wants to Fight Chris Brown, and It’s So Problematic

Rebecca Crosby, American University

Paul is quickly turning his YouTube fame into a reiteration of celebrity boxing.…

August 28, 2018

Face It, ‘Friends’ Was Super Problematic

Monica Petrucci, Emerson College

It might hurt to admit, but Chandler and Ross basically wrote the book on toxic masculinity.…

August 3, 2018

Love Island- ITV

‘Love Island’ Is Under Fire for Its Problematic Advertising

Jamie Lovley, University of Maine

The British reality show was promoting cosmetic surgery and diet pills to its 16-to-34-year-old viewers.…

July 27, 2018

Stenberg

Why Casting Amandla Stenberg in ‘The Hate U Give’ Is Problematic

Danielle Richardson, Florida State University

Colorism is a subtle, but no less important hurdle for representation to overcome.…

July 21, 2018

Pop culture-Gilmore Girls

Buzzfeed’s List of Problematic Moments in Beloved Media Has Fans Livid

Kate Maxwell, NC State University

Which, as it just so happens, is exactly why what they're doing is so important.…

June 14, 2018

problematic

5 Reasons Why You Should Stop Using the Word ‘Problematic’ So Often

Gabbi Calabrese, Arkansas Tech University

It might be ... unhelpful.…

June 13, 2018

13 Reasons Why

The 11 Most Problematic ‘13 Reasons Why’ Characters

Myah Clinton, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Some characters you've just got to hate.…

June 10, 2018

incel

Is the Incel Rebellion Problematic in Nerd Culture?

Tabitha Prisinzano, Columbia College of Missouri

Incels are making headlines with shocking acts of terror, but where does the incel philosophy stem from?…

May 20, 2018

halsey

Is Halsey Problematic?

Grace John, Rutgers University

Bad at love? More like bad at picking up on social cues.…

May 14, 2018

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