Hanif Kureishi, a renowned novelist and screenwriter, continues to produce creative work despite being paralyzed from a fall in 2022. His recent memoir, 'Shattered,' details his experiences, while his adaptation of 'The Buddha of Suburbia' for the stage has been well-received. Kureishi's work, including his groundbreaking screenplay 'My Beautiful Laundrette' and controversial novel 'Intimacy,' explores themes of multiculturalism and identity. His memoir 'My Ear at His Heart' and various short stories and essays offer further insight into his literary contributions.
Ukrainian-born Carolina Shiino, who was crowned Miss Japan, has sparked a debate over what it means to be Japanese in a country where homogeneity and conformity are valued. Despite facing criticism for her non-Japanese appearance, Shiino, who became a naturalized citizen in 2022, expressed gratitude for being accepted as Japanese and hopes to promote a society that respects diversity. Her crowning reignited discussions about representation and acceptance of individuals with multicultural backgrounds in Japan, echoing similar controversies involving biracial individuals like Ariana Miyamoto and tennis star Naomi Osaka.
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.
The author argues that the multiculturalist approach of embracing all cultural practices equally fails to recognize the conservative and Christian elements of the Mexican cultural practice of the Day of the Dead. While secular celebrations focus on celebrating life and remembering the deceased, the Christian underpinnings of the holiday emphasize the belief in the unity of the living and the dead, and the conquering of death through God. The author suggests that this unity and love for the past are consistent with a holistic view of the human world and should be recognized as a valuable aspect of the Day of the Dead celebration.
Barni, the son of a cruise ship doctor, has spent most of his life living on a cruise ship, allowing him and his family to explore new places together. The lifestyle has provided unique educational opportunities, exposing Barni to different cultures, languages, and cuisines. Despite the challenges of balancing school and travel, Barni's teachers have recognized the value it adds to his life. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted their travels, but Barni's longing for the cruise life prompted his family to resume their adventures as soon as possible. Barni has been to 43 countries and counting, with his next destination being South America. His parents hope that their family time and adventures will provide him with emotional security and adaptability for whatever the future holds.
The number of Indians migrating to Australia has been increasing rapidly over the past few years, with Indians now the second-largest migrant group in Australia, having overtaken the Chinese and second only to the English. The new wave of Indian immigrants has largely been driven by the tech sector, as the country has a high demand for skilled workers. Soft power exports, such as cricket, films, and TV shows like MasterChef Australia, have played a powerful role in uniting the two countries. The frequent meetings of the prime ministers and ministers have deepened bilateral ties that were not seen in earlier days.
The executive producer of Netflix's Queen Cleopatra docu-drama, Jane Root, has defended the casting of Adele James, an actor of mixed heritage descent, in the title role, stating that it reflects the "multicultural nature of ancient Egypt." The series has faced criticism from the Egyptian government, which insists that the ancient queen was likely of Greek descent and would have been fair-skinned. Root said academics have "long debated Cleopatra's exact parentage," and the show decided to depict her as of mixed heritage to reflect these theories and the multicultural nature of ancient Egypt.
Cape Town, South Africa, is a city with a vibrant and fascinating past, shaped by its multiculturalism and the ongoing struggle with environmental issues. The city offers incredible food and drink scenes, access to wild landscapes, and a thriving opera scene. Despite the dark history of apartheid and ongoing challenges, locals are invested in working for change and preserving the unique African spirit and culture that drives the city.
