Over 11 queer authors and judges have withdrawn from the UK-based Polari Prize and Polari First Book Prize in protest of the inclusion of John Boyne, a self-proclaimed TERF, due to his anti-trans views, sparking widespread community backlash and ongoing withdrawals. Meanwhile, legal actions and policy changes continue to impact transgender individuals in Georgia prisons and US military retirement policies.
A Reddit thread explores how societal norms and technologies have evolved over the past decade, highlighting changes such as contactless pizza deliveries, AI-generated art, widespread subscription services, AI-assisted homework, and rising fast-food prices. Other notable shifts include the closure of stores before midnight, ongoing political debates like abortion, and the unexpected political significance of media figures. These examples reflect broader changes in technology, economy, and politics that were once unimaginable.
The article discusses the myths surrounding Thanksgiving, highlighting how they serve to erase the violent history of colonization and silence Indigenous voices. It emphasizes the importance of challenging these narratives and recognizing the true history of the United States. Events like the Day of Mourning and Unthanksgiving Day are examples of Indigenous communities reclaiming their history and advocating for justice. The article also draws parallels between the experiences of Indigenous peoples in the U.S. and Palestinians in Gaza, both facing land dispossession and oppression under settler-colonial systems.
The word "huh" is considered a universal interjection, understood across many languages worldwide, as explored by linguists from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics. Their study, which won an Ig Nobel Prize, found that "huh" is used similarly in 31 languages, suggesting it evolved as a minimal, easy-to-deploy signal to indicate conversational trouble and prompt clarification. This universality is attributed to convergent evolution in language, rather than being an innate human sound.
A viral social media post led tens of thousands to participate in a spontaneous bike ride from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng in China, causing significant traffic congestion and prompting bike-sharing companies to restrict services. The event, inspired by four college students' summer trip for dumplings, highlights a trend among young people seeking affordable travel amid a challenging job market. Despite logistical issues and criticism, participants view such events as a way to relieve stress and foster happiness.
Salman Rushdie, in his first major television interview since the 2022 attack on him, discusses censorship in America, noting that it comes from both the left and the right. He emphasizes the danger of suppressing speech, particularly for minority groups, and expresses concern about the growing orthodoxy that views censorship as a positive force. Rushdie, known for "The Satanic Verses," which led to a fatwa against him, also reflects on the attack and his desire to be remembered as a writer, separate from the threats to his life.
A pinup calendar featuring conservative influencers and aspiring politicians has sparked a heated debate within the Christian conservative community, highlighting a shift in public morality and cultural norms. The calendar, published by a "woke-free beer" company, has prompted discussions on the intersection of Christian and secular conservatism, as well as the influence of Donald Trump on evangelical mores. The embrace of vulgarity and raunchy behavior within conservative power circles reflects a changing landscape in evangelical America, challenging traditional norms against profanity and sexual exhibitionism.
Newcastle University's Chinese Independent Film Archive (Cifa) houses nearly 800 indie films and oral interviews with over 100 filmmakers, making it the world's largest publicly accessible archive of independent Chinese films. The archive, located in the UK, was created by Sabrina Qiong Yu and funded by a £1m grant, preserving films that have been censored or banned in China. The films cover a wide range of topics, including historical events and personal stories, shedding light on aspects of Chinese society that are often silenced. The archive provides a platform for filmmakers to share their work and engage in conversations that are otherwise restricted in China.
Dictionary.com has added over 300 new entries, including "girl dinner," "bussin'," and "the ick," reflecting the evolving language and culture. The additions cover a wide range of topics, from slang to economics and health. Some other new terms include "range anxiety," "slow fashion," and "Barbiecore," showcasing the influence of current trends and societal shifts on language. The update aims to support a greater understanding of language's role in shaping thoughts and reflecting society.
In Taiwan, the Indigenous Truku tribe is fighting for inclusion and acceptance, facing discrimination and restrictions on their traditional hunting rights due to centuries of colonial oppression. The Truku people, who suffer from mental health consequences as a result, are advocating for the restoration of their hunting rights as a step toward healing and preserving their cultural heritage, amidst ongoing struggles for recognition and autonomy within the broader identity and political landscape of Taiwan.
India celebrates its 75th Republic Day with a colorful parade in Delhi, featuring an all-women contingent of army, air force, and navy marching for the first time. French President Macron attended as the chief guest, and a French army contingent also participated alongside Indian armed forces. The parade showcased India's cultural heritage and military strength, with the themes of 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) and 'Bharat - Loktantra Ki Matruka' (India - the mother of democracy).
Author Kate Kennedy discusses the stereotypes surrounding millennials, particularly millennial women, and the misunderstood experiences of the generation. She explores the impact of pop culture and female friendships, highlighting the self-editing that women often do to fit in and be seen as legitimate. Kennedy also delves into the complexities of millennial motherhood and the societal pressure to follow a linear path, emphasizing the intense and complicated feelings that come with it.
The crowning of 26-year-old Ukraine-born model Carolina Shiino as Miss Japan 2024 has sparked debate, with some questioning her victory due to her non-Japanese descent. Shiino, who moved to Japan at the age of five, declared herself to be Japanese in "speech and mind" and aims to promote a culture where people are not judged by their appearance. While some expressed dissatisfaction on social media, the pageant organizer emphasized that Japanese beauty exists in the heart, not just in appearance or blood, prompting a discussion on the concept of Japanese beauty and multiculturalism.
British pianist Brendan Kavanagh, known for his boogie-woogie performances, went viral after a clash with Chinese nationals at a London train station over filming rights. The Chinese group demanded not to be recorded in Kavanagh's livestream, citing their right to privacy, but the British pianist argued for freedom of speech and expression in the UK. The confrontation highlighted cultural clashes and concerns about authoritarianism and political correctness, sparking a debate about democracy and communism. Kavanagh expressed shock at the authoritarian tone of the Chinese nationals and the incident's farcical nature, while also addressing accusations of racism and hate speech.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, faith leaders emphasize the importance of understanding and unity, drawing inspiration from Dr. King's message. They highlight the need for God's perspective on relationships and advocate for listening, forgiving, and uniting well in everyday life. They stress that unity requires sacrifice, intentionality, humility, honesty, and kindness, and emphasize that only the love of God can change hearts and bring about lasting unity in marriages, families, neighborhoods, and the nation.
