pop culture
Female pop-culture icons, women in the media and the depiction of women in the entertainment and pop culture sphere.
10 Most Ridiculous Products Made "For Girls"
How often do you see desperation in its purest form? In case it's not often, I collected several examples to remind you. While these ridiculous products made “for girls” are somewhat useless, they manage to capture an important societal issue. We have come far in many ways, yet lack in others. These products not only scream stereotypical gender norms, but they also prove how low companies will go when competing for attention and sales. In the end, it is a reflection of us as a whole and the work that still needs to get done. By overcoming certain ideals in consumerism, we empower one another as both the buyer and individual.
By Michelle Estevez7 years ago in Viva
'Baby It's Cold Outside' Becomes Hot Topic in #MeToo Era
"Baby It's Cold Outside" has, thanks to #Glee (and #ErinDavis and #MikeCooper from 98.1 #CHFI in #Toronto), become one of my favorite #Christmas songs of all time. Before I talk about the lyrics, I just have to say that #ChrisColfer and #DarrenCriss looked like they were having a terrific time singing what had been until that point a duet between a man and a woman, and when I heard Davis and Cooper's version on CHFI, it struck me that these two cohosts and friends were having a ball singing it.
By Christina St-Jean7 years ago in Viva
If These Forms Could Talk...
Kristen Roupenian’s short story "Cat Person" published in The New Yorker has gained a lot of notoriety, and for good reason. Besides its immediately evident relatability, particularly to Millennials, it is not a very explicit work. This naturally draws out flocks of self-taught literary critics that archive blog posts recounting easily-digestible interpretations about “what 'Cat Person' does for feminism.” Not to say that no one has deconstructed "Cat Person" in a non-feminist lens, but there is undeniably a large pocket of criticisms working at this angle. However, these types of readings are not only narrow in scope, but sloppy. Form is largely ignored, despite it having just as much to say as the explicit narrative. Roupenian very slyly subverts and combines them to make her larger overall point: a reflection on how millennials now date and interact.
By Nadine Pothier7 years ago in Viva
BeYoutiful
We hear people say beauty is skin deep, but the media is a constantly contradicting that statement. Many of us try to empower others by telling them what is on the inside is what matters the most. Although, it is not easy to empower someone who is being strongly affected by the powerful influences of the media; it ends up becoming difficult to let the important messages shine through all the toxicity. You can hold an umbrella over your head but the rain will continue falling; the media is just like that, even if we try to protect ourselves from its influences it’s still present. Each and everyday, the media goes through extreme lengths to put out content that represents the ideal beauty standard. The content is seen all around us, from music videos to billboards. Unfortunately, most of the content that is put out distorts the public’s perception of beauty.
By Loss of Identity7 years ago in Viva
Fireflies in the Dark
Did you ever catch fireflies when you were younger? Put them in a jar to watch them glow? Did you remember to poke holes in the lid? Did you put them in your room like a nightlight? Until, one by one they fall to the bottom and go out. Did someone tell you to let them go or they would die? Did you keep them anyway?
By Skyler Whitfield7 years ago in Viva
Four Fat Instagrammers You Should Be Following
We all know the web is flooded with influencers trying to gain some followers or get some free stuff. It can be hard to sort through accounts and personalities and blogs to find people in a community that are genuine and have unique, engaging content. This is especially true of the plus-sized community on Instagram, which is growing larger by the day. Don’t get me wrong—community growth is a great part of social media and the plus-sized community needs it. But it can be really hard to figure out where to start if you’re looking to find a community online. Look no further—here are some of the most prevalent, interesting, and engaging plus-sized influencers you should be following.
By Lauren Bowring8 years ago in Viva
Sexism in the Geek Community
Comic books and graphic novels: two of my many favorite things. Two things that I had to keep hidden away while growing up. Two things that I cannot openly talk about unless I am with my husband. I'm 23 years old; I shouldn't have to hide this or be treated like a little girl that doesn't know what I'm talking about when it comes to my dork side.
By Kilyn Wymer8 years ago in Viva
