Pop Culture
A Candle in the Darkness
As a child, I did not possess the knowledge and vocabulary around social structures I have today but I was able to perceive differences in treatment, consideration and respect. Children can tell who belongs to the “in crowd” and who stays out. The signs are clear as day and the messaging is constant. Early on, I integrated the notion that certain people were celebrated and others were not. A specific few were even despised and erased whenever possible—that is, when they were not ridiculed.
By Lily Séjorabout a year ago in Pride
Finding My Ruling Identity
The television screen is dark, with the outline of a performer standing on stage emitting through. Amongst the quiet cheers, popping sporadically, the iconic organ chord pours out of the speakers. “Dearly beloved,” the opening two words of the song greet the audience. They respond with a frenzied cheer. He goes through the whole speech talking about how life and crazy and the afterworld. One minute later, after instructing us to “punch a higher floor,” he dives into a guitar riff accompanied by the synthesized sounds of an electric keyboard. Purple lights flood the stage. He is majestic. Purple jacket, white laced bloused and high heels. Though the beat it rhythmic, I reach for the remote and quickly change the channel.
By Iris Harrisabout a year ago in Pride
Thank You, Sailor Moon. Runner-up in Represented Challenge.
When Sailor Uranus, a tall, cute blonde girl who wore suits and drove fast cars like a badass, strut onto my television screen for the first time, twelve-year-old me immediately had a new favorite Sailor Moon character.
By angela hepworthabout a year ago in Pride
