Author: Rory Wei

Rory Wei (10) | STAFF REPORTER

Although it has been pre-established to celebrate LGBTQ+ representation and accomplishments in the media all year round, June is the preeminent month for preeminent pride! Many would agree that the most influential vessel of minority representation and normalization would be the entertainment industry since billions of people around the world tune into blockbuster films and viral music videos on social media. As a result, these billions of people will be exposed to depictions of the struggles and successes of multifarious kinds of communities. Much to our dismay, LGBTQ+ people in the past were not accurately depicted and were never featured as protagonists in films; they were just there as certain tropes (e.g. the gay best friend) or for comedic relief, rarely as characters central to the film’s thematic, significant message. It has only been a bit more recent that these characters identifying with the community have been properly placed into the spotlight, and here are some milestones in the entertainment history: read more

Rory Wei (10) | STAFF REPORTER

After being cancelled back in 2020, fashion’s biggest night, the Met Gala, was revived on the first Monday in May 2022. Organizers revealed that the theme of this glitzy, long-awaited night was “Glided Glamour,” leading the general public to anticipate themes of celebrating 19th-century opulence and grandeur evoked by the sartorial red-carpet looks. However, viewers were underwhelmed, to say the least. They were disappointed by the rise of social media trendy outfits which were worn by some celebrities and the demise of simply beautiful, chic apparel during these premier fashion exhibitions, affectionately coining this issue with a question, “Who Understood the Assignment?” read more

Rory Wei (10) | STAFF REPORTER

“As it Was” Harry Styles

Harry Styles starts the month of April off on the right foot by breaking the male-artist record for the most Spotify streams globally in a single day; achieved by his release of the single, “As it Was.” Music critics marvel at his transition from 70s soft rock and ballads to 80s synthpop. Listeners are hooked right from the beginning with its catchy percussion, a modern twist on classic pop music, and his tranquil, earworm vocals. However upbeat and pleasing the instrumental may be, Styles’ lyrical artistry is quite a puzzling, sombre one. Some of the hit single’s lyrics allude to his past relationships, such as with Olivia Wilde. His lyrics are used as a method of personal storytelling, demonstrating his yearning for freedom. read more

Rory Wei (10) | STAFF REPORTER

Even without Will Smith galvanizing people to tune into and bash the Oscars 2022, the general public and film fanatics all agreed that this event was an hot, awkward mess.  read more

Rory Wei (10) | STAFF REPORTER

Major twists on classical music are not often executed in all genres of pop, but Red Velvet returns to the 2022 K-Pop scene with an experimental sound for their title track “Feel My Rhythm”. Coincidentally released on Johann Sebastian Bach’s Birthday, March 21, “Feel My Rhythm” incorporates a creative play on a sample of classical music prodigy Bach’s “Air on the G String”. This single was a great joy for all fans, as it displayed the amazing musical production and boasted the unparalleled vocal prowess of all five members. The soulful, orchestral melodies, twists and turns in sound, paired with the ethereal-looking singers and the elegant, dazzling scenery of the music video truly did bring out the best of what Red Velvet had to showcase to the world.  read more

Rory Wei (10) | STAFF REPORTER

The situation continues to escalate. Kanye West has not stopped harassing Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson, leaving a bitter, unpleasant, and salty taste in online netizens’ mouths. Following months’ of enduring Ye’s cyberbullying, Pete has had enough and makes his first public response to the harassment. The diss track “Eazy”, which was released in mid-January 2022, was not even the worst of what the face of the world has seen produced from Kanye’s antics. Yet, this harassment truly got out of hand when Ye released a couple of inflammatory “art” pieces egregiously targeting and even going as far as personally threatening Pete as an individual. The first comprises of an animation of Kanye kidnapping, decapitating and burying an individual who unsettlingly resembles Pete Davidson. The second was a comic strip of sorts that was embedded with an eerie, ominous message: “Everyone lived happily ever after, except for skete you know who.” For those new to the drama, “skete” is the epithet Kanye venomously assigned to innocent Pete Davidson.  read more

Rory Wei (10) | STAFF REPORTER

Last week on February 15th, 2022, Kanye West, who has legally changed his name to “Ye”, made headlines with his ex-wife Kim Kardashian. The rapper has not been using his platform wisely and publicly shared several screenshots of their messaging conversation, heavily offending Kim and invading her privacy. He has also created multiple posts mocking and condemning Kim’s new partner  —the “Saturday Night Live” comedian Pete Davidson. However, Ye revealed later that he has been reflecting and improving his means of communication, deeply apologizing for his actions. He says, “I know sharing screen shots was jarring and came off as harassing Kim. I take accountability. I’m still learning in real time. I don’t have all the answers. To be good leader is to be a good listener.” read more

Rory Wei (10) | STAFF REPORTER

Award show season is finally kicking off! On February 8th, the world-renowned Oscars announced the 2021-2022 94th Academy Award nominations. The Oscars are not just world-renowned for their excitement. Insiders and critics alike are well aware of the popularity contest persona that this acclaimed competition has taken on. Yet, this year’s Oscars are not any less entertaining than its predecessors; there will always be countless surprises and snubs, but here are just a few. read more

Rory Wei (10) | STAFF REPORTER

A drought emerged succeeding the COVID-19 pandemic: a drought of fun activities. People lamented over their cancellation of trips to tropical islands, weddings, sporting events, and concerts. Albeit travel restrictions are vigilantly monitored and enforced, what has resurfaced much to the relief of people are concerts. In 2022, several award-winning artists have broken out of their concert cancellation cocoons like Doja Cat, BTS, and Harry Styles, teasing fans with 2022 world tours.  read more

Rory Wei (10) | STAFF REPORTER

She is ready to share her Korean heritage. She is a skateboard and electric guitar genius. She is ready to bring more diversity and see everyone come together. She is no one other than seven-year-old Ji-Young, the newest, and the first Asian-American, addition to the Sesame Street family. On November 25th, HBO launched a special episode called “See Us Coming Together: A Sesame Street Special”, where Ji-Young was officially featured alongside some other celebrated Asian-American figures like Shang Chi’s Simu Liu, Naomi Osaka, and Padma Lakshmi.  read more