• Philosophical Political Climate in America

    Philosophical Political Climate in America

    Painting by Duygu Yalman, 2009 – 70 x 60 cm Ever since its founding, America has been idealized as the “land of the free”, a notion which also resulted in the beautifully elusive “American Dream”. One of liberty, opportunity, freedom, is the dream that has been passed down through generations. Yet today, many Americans find…

  • The Aesthetic Fantasy of Consumerism: Shopaholics as seen in the media

    The Aesthetic Fantasy of Consumerism: Shopaholics as seen in the media

    Imagine working your typical 9-5 and finally getting your check by the end of the month. After paying your bills and groceries, there is something, almost like self-care, in going into a shop just because the mannequin had something you really liked. Maybe a pair of shoes that are perfect for special occasions or a…

  • Histerical Metaphor: The Use of Anthropomorphism in Political Satire

    Histerical Metaphor: The Use of Anthropomorphism in Political Satire

    Political satire comes in many shapes and forms. It’s one of those sides of humor where the author’s bias is most noticeable compared to others. One of the ways creatives have found to make political satire more comprehensible and easier to digest is through anthropomorphism. Anthropomorphism refers to the attribution of human characteristics to non-human…

  • It Was Never About the Bear

    It Was Never About the Bear

    A while ago, the TikTok community was hit with a viral question that has since turned into a literal social case in pretty much all of the Western world: Would you rather be alone in the woods with a bear or a man?  Though it might seem, at first, like a very easy choice, the…

  • Voices Unheard: The Fight to Save Endangered Languages

    Voices Unheard: The Fight to Save Endangered Languages

    Across the world, every language tells a story. These stories are rich with the history, values, and worldviews of the people who speak them. But as globalization stretches its reach and cultures merge, countless languages are fading into silence. What Language Really Means Language isn’t just a way to communicate; it’s the heart of a…

  • The Problem with Exoticism: A Critical Look at Orientalist Paintings

    The Problem with Exoticism: A Critical Look at Orientalist Paintings

    19th Century Italian Orientalist Masterpiece Painting “Four Women In The Harem” c. 1880, in the Circle of Rudolf Ernst. Have you ever looked at an old painting of a lavish palace, veiled women laying on silk cushions, or mysterious desert landscapes and thought, “Wow, so magical”? You’re not alone. Orientalist paintings, especially those from 19th-century Europe,…

  • Beyond the Scroll: Media Literacy as a Tool for Navigating Digital Misinformation

    Beyond the Scroll: Media Literacy as a Tool for Navigating Digital Misinformation

    In today’s vast and complex online world, information is everywhere, but finding the truth can be elusive. With each swipe and scroll, we’re inundated with sensational headlines, misleading claims, and exaggerated opinions. In this age of constant digital noise, being media literate isn’t just useful—it’s essential for navigating the information landscape. What Does Media Literacy…

  • Understanding Our Fascination with Conspiracy Theories: A Psychological Exploration

    Understanding Our Fascination with Conspiracy Theories: A Psychological Exploration

    From whispers of secret societies to debates on the moon landing, conspiracy theories have run through human history for centuries. With the rise of social media usage, these theories can spread at lightning speed. But what draws people to them? Let’s explore the psychological reasons behind our collective curiosity about the unknown. The Desire for…

  • Why People Romanticize ‘Vintage’ Art Styles

    Why People Romanticize ‘Vintage’ Art Styles

    Vintage art styles never truly fade—they always resurface in different forms, reinterpreted by new generations. From the tinted photographs of 1920s, grainy film aesthetics of the 60s to the youthful 90s Y2K style, it seems as if vintage trends remain timeless and people continue to be fascinated by them. But why are we so drawn…

  • Literary Journalism: Adding humanity, empathy and a full point of view to true stories

    Literary Journalism: Adding humanity, empathy and a full point of view to true stories

    At first glance, journalism and literature seem like worlds apart, but when you look closely—adjusting the lens of your loupe—you’ll find remarkable similarities between them. What draws literature closer to journalism is their style of writing. Authors of fiction employ specific techniques to evoke emotion and vividly depict characters and settings, creating a sense of…