Tag: Op-ed

The Transformation of Arcades 

Before the time when everyone had access to gaming PCs and consoles, there were arcades. These gaming hubs were the ideal hangout spots for kids and teens alike, who found comfort in the long line of colorful machines and endless fun. As technology evolved, so did the video game industry, which was increasingly invested in […]

The Infantilization of Male Emotion in Blockbusters

The Infantilization of Male Emotion in Blockbusters

Within this era of billion-dollar franchises and tentpole storytelling, the modern blockbuster has cultivated a perplexing trend: the infantilization of male emotion. From Marvel’s quip-happy heroes to the angst-ridden boys of “Fast & Furious”, male protagonists have increasingly leaned on emotionally regressive tropes — often stuck in cycles of arrested development, catharsis through violence and […]

Navigating the Crossroads of Religion and Government

Earlier this week, the IRS ruled that churches and nonprofit organizations are now able to endorse political candidates without risking their tax-exemption status. Although the Johnson Amendment, a provision in the US tax code which prohibits this from happening, is still in place, they have made an exemption to the policy.  The IRS statement was […]

Labubus, Keychains and Scarves: The Purse Accessories Everyone’s Obsessed With

Purses used to be about, well, purses. Now the newest “it girl” fad is…purse accessories? You heard right. Accessories aren’t just for clothes anymore, but for the accessories themselves. Whether it be a scarf, keychain or the latest Labubu trend, hanging something from your bag is the new cool look. But why do these small […]

The Underlying Meta Storyline the Jurassic World Films Are Following and Why It Doesn’t Work

The modern day “Jurassic Park,” films, no matter how good or bad, have been a huge hit and are a testament to the inherent fascination with dinosaurs that people have. But there’s one thing that the modern “Jurassic World,” films have been getting wrong and that is the meta storyline of hybrid and mutated dinosaurs. […]

Apocalypse Fatigue: Why TV Romanticizes The End Of The World

Apocalypse Fatigue: Why TV Romanticizes The End Of The World

Post-apocalyptic television isn’t just surviving — it’s thriving. From HBO (Home Box Office) Max’s “The Last of Us” as well as its fellow contemporary “Station Eleven”, today’s small-screen storytelling isn’t merely documenting societal breakdown; it’s romanticizing it. But beneath the thrilling spectacle of ruin lies a deeper cultural fixation: collapse as comfort.  What viewers find […]

The Curse of the Highlight Reel

The Curse of the Highlight Reel

From the outside looking in, it appears excellence isn’t defined solely by wins or work ethic — it’s increasingly measured by how fast a clip can rack up likes. From acrobatic dunks to sideline antics, social media platforms have become the unofficial scorekeepers, prioritizing flash over fundamentals. This shift isn’t just aesthetic. It’s reshaping what […]

Trump’s Megabill Is Now Law – How Will This Shape 2026 Midterms?

President Donald Trump’s so-called “big beautiful bill” was signed into law on July 4, 2025. The law, that just barely passed through the legislative branch, will make tax cuts seen in Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, while also increasing spending for security, defense and energy.  The administration claims it will be paid […]

When The Show Plays A Role In The Discourse Shaping Online Identity

When The Show Plays A Role In The Discourse Shaping Online Identity

After examining the current media landscape and the online discussions centered around different interpretations of characters and the stories told about them, it’s plain to see that television is no longer just a medium for storytelling but a catalyst for identity formation and digital discourse. Today’s shows aren’t merely written to entertain; they’re engineered to […]

Umamusume: Pretty Derby Global Release Takes Gaming Community by Storm

Horse racing, especially in Japan, is a very popular sport, with the sport garnering a large audience, high betting turnover and strong cultural relevance would lead to many media being produced around it. “Umamusume: Pretty Derby,” is one such game, with the base premise being that of personified race horses. The game features a wide […]

Hey! Are you enjoying NYCTastemakers? Make sure to join our mailing list for NYCTM and never miss the chance to read all of our articles!