Archive: Pop Culture Critique
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May 27, 2011
No CommentsAwesome Role Models on TV Mythbuster’s Kari Byron
“My favorite explosions always involve some kind of fuel. I love when you add gasoline, I love when you add propane, I love when you add coffee creamer!” -Kari Byron The Mythbusters aren’t your stereotypical nerdy scientists with over-sized horn-rimed glasses, pocket protectors, high squeaky voices and awkward social skills–they are a special kind of nerdy. Passionate...
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Jan 11, 2011
No CommentsJon Stewart: On Arizona Shooting–No Idea How to Process
“It would be really nice if the ramblings of crazy people didn’t resemble the way we talk to each other on TV”. I admire Jon Stewart more and more everyday. His opening monologue about the tragedy in Arizona is genuine and comforting. Everyone should watch this. The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs...
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Oct 20, 2010
5 CommentsSex Sells: Breast Cancer Awareness and the Commodification of Women
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in full swing and the town is sufficiently painted pink. The exuberance expressed in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month far out weighs that of any other cancer supporting campaign. Sex sells, and breasts being the quintessential embodiment of male desire for the female body, must be saved (!). When...
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Jul 12, 2010
No CommentsDevoting Herself to Her Country: Elizabeth Hanson Undermined by Marie Claire
An article in this month’s edition of Marie Claire caught my attention, not for its superficiality, bur for its derogatory attitude towards a hero, a fallen comrade in the war on terror. “Confidential, The Spy Next Door“ (July 2010) by Gretchen Voss highlights Elizabeth Hanson and her experience as a CIA operative. The article does not praise...
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May 05, 2010
4 CommentsThe News Media on Immigration: Fact vs. Opinion
The recent Arizona immigration law (SB 1070) and subsequent media storm objecting to the law has really highlighted the way supposedly unbiased “news” media outlets manipulate facts. The new law has been dubbed the “papers please” law and likened to Nazi Germany. What commentators neglect to report is that Federal law from 1940 states that any...
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Apr 24, 2010
2 Comments“Save the ta-tas” – Sexualizing Breast Cancer
I was surprised and a little dismayed when the “Save the ta-tas” campaign made it all the way to the window of my local pharmacy. While I absolutely support breast cancer research, the slogan “Save the ta-tas” sexualizes breast cancer reducing the serious disease to the realm of popular trends and reducing women to the...
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Jul 30, 2009
No CommentsSo You Think You Can Dance, Tackles Breast Cancer?
Season Five of So You think You Can Dance featured a performance by Melissa and Ade that the promoters, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe in particular, touted as bringing breast cancer awareness to the forefront. The dance, a contemporary routine choreographed by Tyce Diorio, depicted a woman’s struggle with disease and the strength of her partner....