So far, the smoke has cleared from the streets of Jakarta, Indonesia (ID) and other major cities but the embers of public anger still glow. The recent wave of nationwide protests, sparked by parliamentary perks and rising living costs, has subsided for now. Yet the echoes of 1998 are unmistakable, raising a profound question: Is […]
Tag: OpEd
Exploring Wrestling Tropes In An Absurdist Lucha Libre Cartoon
The world of professional wrestling is built on spectacle. It’s a theatrical art form of larger-than-life characters, flamboyant costumes, fierce rivalries and choreographed showdowns. But to a generation of viewers, the sport’s greatest lesson was taught not in a packed arena but on a television screen featuring a trio of masked children. The animated series […]
I Don’t Dress to Be Seen– And That’s On Purpose
Here’s a shocking confession from a fashion article: I don’t want you to notice what I’m wearing. Unless, of course, you’re also into anime— then by all means, please say something. I’m a nerd, and I’m not hiding that. But beyond that, if my outfit catches your attention, I’ve failed my mission. My fashion logic […]
Who’s Representing Their Roots?: Neutral Flag, Loaded History
The athlete stands on the podium. A medal is placed around their neck. The cameras flash but no national flag rises, no anthem plays. This is the new reality of the “Individual Neutral Athlete,” a designation that has become a defining and divisive feature of international competition. While born from a need to punish aggressor […]
Airline Employees Face Suspension After Posts on Charlie Kirk Shooting Incident
Major U.S. airlines have suspended employees following social media posts about the deadly shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The posts, which appeared to mock or celebrate Kirk’s death, have gone viral and caused outrage online, encouraging fast disciplinary action from the airlines involved. Delta Air Lines confirmed the suspension of several employees over the […]
The Cracks are Showing: A Flawed System of Justice
The tragic death of the Ukrainian refugee whose life was cut short by a violent act, is a stark and painful reminder of a pervasive failure within the United States (US) justice system. While the news headlines focus on the immediate tragedy, the full story reveals a deeper systemic problem: a critical inability to effectively […]
Why We Buy More Games Than We Play
The digital mountain of unplayed video games sits dormant for many players, a monument to ambition and impulse. On platforms like Steam, PlayStation and Xbox, millions of gamers have accumulated massive backlogs — vast libraries of titles purchased during sales or at launch, only to be left untouched. This phenomenon is more than a simple […]
Tokyo Drifting in the USA: The Influence of Street Racing
The roar of an engine, the scent of burning rubber, a car flashing by. For decades that is what defined a powerful subculture on both sides of the Pacific. American and Japanese street racers had different cars, roads and rules but they shared a common spirit: a desire for community, personal freedom and a need […]
A Helping Hand for Country: The Ethics of Intervention
The principle of national sovereignty is a cornerstone of the modern world. It is the bedrock of the United Nations Charter, and it dictates that a nation’s internal affairs are its own. But what happens when a government turns its might against its own people, perpetrating mass atrocities? At what point does the international community […]
The Trope I’ll Never Get Tired of (and Neither Should You)
I’ve read a lot of books over the years. I’ve rooted for heroines, cried over chosen ones, and lived dozens of lives through the pages. Some stories change your life. Honestly, I’d say quite a few have changed mine in one way or another. Still, there will always be one trope I’ll never shut up […]
Winning A Gold Medal In The Burnout Olympics
We’re obsessed with wellness. Influencers preach morning meditation, companies push mindfulness apps and the spa industry is booming. We celebrate physical and mental health as key to a good life. So why in an age of self-care does hustle culture still dominate? The simple truth is we haven’t replaced the hustle; we’ve just rebranded it. […]
The Problem with the Phrase “You Don’t Need Makeup”
“You don’t need makeup.” It sounds like a kind thing to say. Some people might even enjoy hearing this. Honestly, every time I heard this phrase, I knew the person saying it meant it as a compliment. It’s supposed to be a good thing. I would be inclined to agree if I didn’t notice the […]
