HER CULTURE

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[her-culture]

Community Journalism: "The Channels of Untold Stories"

Journalism these days is an attractive career option because there are many news and stories to highlight. From covering breaking news to researching features, journalists have a lot of variety in their day-to-day job. I always had an interest in journalism since I was young, especially in advocating for the stories of women empowerment as I am a feminist myself.

I was searching for the right channel and came across an organization which offers journalism by featuring women in a completely different angle. While I vaguely knew about this organization for months, it was not until recently that I took full advantage of the ‘Global Girlhood’ community based on my experience I had publishing articles in local newspapers as well as online publishing channels when I was young.

I realised how the Global Girlhood community has an entirely different perspective on journalism. The concept of Global Girlhood as a whole is a voice to revolutionize representation. Trying to learn the idea of Global Girlhood, I came to an understanding that this concept started off from the stand that the Founder of Global Girlhood, Pranjal Jain took to break the stigma of ‘journalism’ to cover breaking news and stories featuring high-end stories only. It began from her birth city, Jaipur, when she got inspired by many stories from women around the places knowing their stories are still left unheard.

Being interested in such a revolution of journalism approach that Global Girlhood has initiated, I joined as a journalist myself to explore and interview multiple women around the world as well as highlighting women from my own community. I connected with Global Girlhood through social media (Instagram to be exact) as Global Girlhood began its structure around using social media. They recruit Journalists and Connectivity Contributors to gather stories of inspiring women and react to those interviews to promote intercultural dialogue. Currently, their global community consists of 100 Journalists from up to 95 different cities, 75 Connectivity Contributors from 67 cities, and about 10,000 Instagram followers ranging between ages 14 to 78. Their team of journalists collects stories of women empowerment, and their connectivity contributors react to them. By reacting, they foster intercultural, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary dialogue. As an organization, Global Girlhood aims to cultivate a community where women and gender diverse people can bond, network, and exchange skills and leadership opportunities. Pranjal believes that in this way, Global Girlhood is creating waves of change. “We take most pride in our contribution to highlighting underrepresented voices on otherwise homogeneous social media platforms.”

I liked the Instagram journalism Global Girlhood had initiated with a whole new twist, where beyond just gathering stories, they are hoping to create bonds, connect journalists to each other, to their role models and to one another’s communities. I, myself, have interviewed women from various countries, ages and backgrounds which made me learn and adapt to different bases of knowledge and culture. 

Some of the women I have interviewed are from the UK, Canada, India, Korea, Africa and many other countries away from mine, though I am based in Malaysia. I like to see the power of networking that has been formed and instilled from the Global Girlhood’s motive and mission. It is amazing to see and experience it on my own.

Besides, Global Girlhood seemed fresh and interesting to me as they handle stories and collect them based on unique experiences, not just the big Instagram activist influencers, but covering the unsung heroes in small communities across the world. As for me, I discover this can create a bigger outcome to the world because this is a way to create a huge impact by just covering even smaller news.

I felt that there is hope through Global Girlhood as this organization is able to prove that amplifying voices, representation, and global citizenship are pillars of social change. Every day, I see that Global Girlhood is growing in number of communities as well as collating more responses from women around the world. Fundamentally, the growing community of Global Girlhood is helping Pranjal create a global community she wished to see. “In a world that is constantly surrounded by a retelling of single lens Eurocentric stories, now more than ever, it’s important to create spaces for intergenerational and intersectional conversations on what it means to be human, highlighting stories of love, struggle and everything in between.” Pranjal hopes Global Girlhood can foster a meaningful shift for the future women. I am glad, thatI am now a part of this global community to create a change through a different alignment of journalism highlighting stories globally!

Sharafunnisa Ebramsha is from Malaysia, and currently holds a full time position as a Financial Analyst at IBM, graduated from the Asia Pacific University in 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Finance, and specialised in Forex & Investment. While in school, Sharafunnisa earned the Distinction for Thesis writing. She has quite a high passion towards writing and blogging since the age of 12, varying from interviewing higher officials and inspiring women globally, researching and writing for local national newspapers, owning a blog, and being featured as a professional speaker for multiple stage shows on national television.

Sharafunnisa Ebramsha is from Malaysia, and currently holds a full time position as a Financial Analyst at IBM, graduated from the Asia Pacific University in 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Finance, and specialised in Forex & Investment. While in school, Sharafunnisa earned the Distinction for Thesis writing. She has quite a high passion towards writing and blogging since the age of 12, varying from interviewing higher officials and inspiring women globally, researching and writing for local national newspapers, owning a blog, and being featured as a professional speaker for multiple stage shows on national television.

[her-culture]

Top Four Powerful Female Characters from Books, Movies, and TV Shows

There are many powerful female characters in books, movies, and TV shows that I look up to. In my opinion, some female characters are overlooked, and I am drawn to these characters because they have such extraordinary qualities inside them. These women all have something in common, which is their courage, confidence, and intelligence.

1. ‘Little Women’ by Louisa May Alcott - Jo March

‘Little Women’ is a story that follows the lives of the four March sisters, Meg, Jo, Amy, Beth, and it talks about their journey through childhood into womanhood. Jo March, the second-born March sister, is very individualistic, creative, caring, strong-willed, intelligent, confident, and fierce. Jo puts a lot of hard work into her dream of becoming a writer, and her creativity and individualism show up in her writing and character. As a woman, she doesn’t care about getting married or how she should act in society, and that’s what makes her confident, fierce, and strong-willed. Besides her talent, Jo is a very caring daughter, sister, and person; she always looks after her family. Jo’s character traits are something I always look up to in a woman.   

2. ‘The Hunger Games’ Trilogy movies - Katniss Everdeen, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence.

‘The Hunger Games’ Trilogy, written by Suzanne Collins, consists of three books, the first one turned into a film followed by the other two. The trilogy is about the Capitol and its cruel government, President Snow (Donald Sutherland), and the 12 Districts of Panem, which was once North America. Yearly, each district is forced to send a boy and a girl between the ages of 12-18, called tributes, to fight for their lives in an annual Hunger Games. The trilogy’s main character, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), is known to be very courageous, resourceful, protective, and determined. These traits are evident as the trilogy goes on. Katniss is from District 12; although her younger sister, Primrose Everdeen (Willow Shields), was chosen to be a tribute in the games; Katniss stood up and took Primroses’  spot to protect her sister from getting killed in the games, and that’s where her courageous and protective side shows up. Her determined and resourceful side comes out when she is in the games and skillful with a bow and arrow. She was also determined to win the games and come back home to her family. Katniss’s character traits are very similar to Jo Marchs’ from ‘Little Women.’ 

3. ‘Nancy Drew’ Series By Carolyn Keene  - Nancy Drew

‘Nancy Drew’ written by Carolyn Keene, consists of 56 books published from 1930 to 1979. The books are about the main character, an eighteen year-old girl detective named Nancy Drew, who solves different crimes in each book. She is known to be very intelligent and determined. With her friends’ help, she solves all of the crimes to save her town, ‘River Heights’ in each book. Nancy’s intelligence stems from her detective work, and her determined nature comes hand in hand with her intelligence, meaning she unravels all the mysteries entirely and correctly.

4. ‘Divergent’ Trilogy By Veronica Roth - Tris Prior

‘The Divergent’ Trilogy, written by Veronica Roth, and is set in the future in a dystopian world that is divided into five factions, Dauntless, known for being fearless, and erudite, known for being intelligent; Abnegation, known for being selfless; Candor, being honest, and Amity, being peaceful. As each person enters adulthood, he or she must commit to a faction for life. Tris, the main character, chooses Dauntless, which means she chooses bravery above all the other factions. Soon she realizes she is a Divergent, meaning she is all of the factions combined, which is very rare and understands that she needs to protect herself against invaders from exposing her identity. Tris’s character traits are known to be fearless, selfless, and Intelligent. Even though her identity is rare, she perseveres and fights for her family and life, bringing out her courageous side. Before she chose Dauntless, she was born into Abnegation, and that’s where her selfless side was taken, as she always puts her friends and family before herself.

Khushi Desai is a Junior in a Community College. She is about to transfer to a four-year university to earn her bachelor's degree in Psychology.

[her-culture]

Cococlectic: The Woman-Owned Business that Could

“You will be defined not just by what you achieve, but by how you survive” -- Sheryl Sandberg, COO, Facebook.

Women are the ultimate survivors. We’ve had to endure the limitations of living under the patriarchy until someone stood up knowing enough was enough. Women were once symbols of the domestic, quiet, simple, sedentary life. That age of belittling and subjugating women to being seen and not heard has made its way out of 2021.

In the age of feminism, women - predominantly minority women (BIPOC and LGBTQ) - are becoming powerhouses of inspiration for future generations to come. 

That is why it is exciting to introduce a phenomenal businesswoman who started her own chocolate box subscription service - Cococlectic - and her name is Doreen Leong.

Doreen is originally from Malaysia and moved to San Francisco in 2006, where she attended graduate school. The Cococlectic bean-to-bar business was born in 2014. In 2016, she studied the culinary arts, particularly training in baking and patisserie. Combining her love for the chocolate-making craft and her hard-earned business degrees, Cococlectic has gone on to support small businesses and educate communities about the craft. 

In a recent interview with Doreen, I went behind-the-scenes to find out what has made Cococlectic a successful, impactful business and learn more about the ambitious founder of a delicious business endeavor.

Cococlectic in Action: Q&A

Q: Why the name “Cococlectic”? How did you come up with the name?

A: A friend of mine who is a whiz with words came up with the name. He wanted to blend “cocoa” and “eclectic” and create a portmanteau of the two words.

Q: Where/How/When was the idea of Cococlectic born?

A: I moved to California in 2006 to attend graduate school and discovered all these delicious dark chocolates. I started sending care packages of dark chocolates to my sister in Singapore, and friends and family here in the US started asking me to send them chocolates. It sparked an idea in me, and I thought, “Maybe other people would want me to curate chocolate boxes for them too. Maybe this could be a business.”

So, I started Cococlectic in 2014 in just two months. We turned 7 in January, and we are growing fast. I wanted to feature and focus on American chocolate makers – the same types of chocolates that I discovered when I moved to California. 

Q: What does your career path look like? How did you come about starting your own business/service?

A: I have always been an entrepreneur and a business-minded person. I wanted to start a business that meant a lot to me and decided to go to culinary school to get formal training. I wanted to learn the ins and outs of cooking and baking! Combining my business degrees with culinary training, I’m armed with the skills and knowledge to make Cococlectic into something great.

Q: Why is it essential that this is a woman-owned, minority-owned business? What does this mean personally to you?

A: It’s essential that people see themselves as business owners and leaders, especially young people who are still figuring out their place in the world. I’m also grateful that Cococlectic allows me to support other minority-owned businesses by collaborating with them.

Women can do just as much (or even more) than men. We have strong voices, and with our voices, we can do great things for the community, like creating jobs, providing services, and bringing joy through our businesses.

Q: What impact would you like Cococlectic to have on communities and small businesses?

A: I want to help foster a supportive environment for fellow minority-owned businesses. There are so many great small businesses that don’t get a lot of media attention, and I think it’s vital for us to all talk to each other, learn from each other, create communities, and help each other grow our businesses. And, of course, I want to share all the amazing chocolate makers we feature with the world!

I also want Cococlectic’s story to encourage everyone that you can do anything you want with one step at a time. Start small and grow slowly. Don’t be afraid to take risks.

Q: What do you love about the craft chocolate-making business?

A: I love the community of people involved in chocolate making – the farmers, the chocolate makers. It’s a humble craft. It’s not an easy craft. I also love how each chocolate bar’s flavors can taste so different from one region to another. Even using beans from the same region or even those grown on the same farm, other makers can create different flavors in their bars. 

Q:  What challenges did you face, especially as a woman and minority, starting this entrepreneurship/business?

A: It can be hard to get our company’s story and the message about what we’re doing out there, especially without a lot of funding backing us up. I would love to hold more chocolate classes for our local community and provide educational opportunities for rural farmers in Malaysia if we had more funding.

Often, people want to work with businesses that they are familiar with, often run by men or people who may not identify as a minority. Immigrants, women, and POC sometimes have to look (or work) a little harder to find collaborators and funding.

Q: How has Cococlectic dealt with the impact of the pandemic? What measures have been taken to keep customers safe and satisfied?

A:  We’re very fortunate to have an internet-driven business during times like these. In addition to following all California guidelines on health and safety, we ship chocolates to people using USPS mail, allowing for no-contact delivery (and supports our Post Office!). The chocolate makers have stringent guidelines to follow to ensure their staff and food products remain safe. We are thankful that everyone on our team (and the chocolate makers) have been safe! We also offer virtual chocolate tastings so that individuals or groups can have a fun, socially-distant food experience.

Before Covid, we were doing chocolate-tasting sessions in person at companies. Since last March, we had to quickly pivot that part of our business and move it online. Thankfully, it has worked out. Instead of only being able to conduct tasting sessions locally in the Bay Area, we’ve been able to do it for companies in New York, Texas, Budapest, UK, and beyond!

We’ve lost a few customers because they lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and we also had to shuffle the featured chocolate makers around to accommodate makers who were not able to fulfill our orders. We work with many smaller makers, so they need a lot of lead time to produce the chocolate bars in small batches. But we’re still here and grateful for that. 

Q: I saw you mentioned that you offer virtual chocolate tasting. Tell me more about that. How did the idea come to fruition? What has the experience been like?

A: The experience has been amazing. We have people coming back for more tastings, larger teams, different teams, and clients. One of the most extensive tastings we’ve hosted was for a group of 450+ folks.

We also started showcasing the featured chocolate maker for the month in a virtual chocolate tasting with our customers, and they loved it! People love to see who’s behind the chocolates they are tasting and the stories of the chocolate makers. It’s great to know that we are building a community of chocolate makers and chocolate lovers.

Q: What do ethical food and ethical work treatment look like/mean at Cococlectic?

A:  It’s crucial for us to pay a living wage to those who work for us – the chocolate makers, our staff, and farmers. We only source ethically made chocolates for our boxes, which ensures that there are no harmful chemicals present in the production process, in essence, protecting the environment, workers, and customers. We believe in supporting our local communities and international cocoa growers, so as much as we can, we use ingredients and packing products made in the US.

Q: What reaction/experience/thought do you want customers to have when they open a box of Cococlectic?

A: “OMG, this is amazing chocolate!”

“I didn’t know dark chocolate could taste so good with only three ingredients – cacao bean, cocoa butter, and sugar!”

“I love learning about the small-batch chocolate makers.”

“I’ve never heard of this maker and so glad I got to try their craft.”

Q: How would you describe your career/business to other people who are not familiar with the company?

A: Birchbox for dark chocolate, only that we feature all local chocolate makers and full-size bars, not sample sizes.

Q: How do you envision Cococlectic five or even ten years from now?

A: I would envision us being the largest retail store (online and brick and mortar) that carries an extensive collection of craft chocolate from all over the world and small-batch American-made craft chocolate products. I want to increase our support for farmers in Malaysia through education and purchasing. I would also love for us to start making chocolate bars of our own to sell. I did go to culinary school, after all.

Q: What do you want people to think of or remember about Cococlectic?

A: The memories they make with the chocolate bars they get to share with loved ones. And of course, our high-quality chocolates and the personal interactions that we have with our customers and community.

Q: Have you ever considered opening a store, and if so, where would it be located?

A: Yes. Aiming for somewhere in California. It’ll be a part cafe, part chocolate shop. More to come soon! 

Q: Any chocolate dishes you would recommend to first-timers?

A: For savory, I'd recommend mole. It has deep chocolatey flavors in a thick sauce. For sweets, I’d recommend a chocolate souffle. The fluffy, aerated dessert is so decadent when made with chocolate! You can’t go wrong there. 

Q: What advice/tips do you have for anyone looking to start their own business/service or anyone wanting to go into the culinary side of the business?

A: Think twice about whether you want to devote all your time to a culinary/food-related business as it’s a lot of work – but the rewards are endless. The customers are what make my day. We can work long days and experience crazy holiday rushes, but if you don’t mind that, I’d say go for it!! If you have a vision and drive, don’t ever let anyone stop you!

Q: And finally, my most burning question: What is your favorite chocolate and why?

A: I love dark chocolate that’s about 70%-75%.You get the best flavors of the cacao bean in that %. Any darker or sweeter, you lose the flavors from the cacao bean. The darker you go, the flavors don’t pop out. The sweeter you go, the sugary sweetness masks all that flavor.

My favorite origin is Madagascar because it has this unique berry flavor that’s tangy and in your face, but as you taste more of it, you still taste the chocolaty flavor notes. I think it’s the perfect combination of sweet citrus and chocolaty, and I like that I can get a taste for the unique beans used in the bar.

The Final Curtain Call

If you have learned anything from reading this article, I hope it’s the message of perseverance. It is one thing to achieve a goal, whether it be short or long term, but it is different when it comes to surviving and thriving beyond accomplishing your goal. I like to call Doreen’s business “The Woman-Owned Business that Could” (and did!) because, like that story of the Little Engine that Could, it went from possibility to reality. The “I think I can” transitioned to the statement of “I know I can.” 

Despite being in the minority and being a woman, Doreen was able to create a thriving business, not for the sake of economic profit but to educate communities about the chocolate-making craft and recognize small American companies. In a corporate-owned world, it is hard for small businesses to survive, but with determination, persistence, and passion, Cococlectic has set an example for the entrepreneurial world. 

As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s remember to recognize and give tribute to the exemplary women out there fighting to create a world of equity and justice for all women worldwide.

A special shout out to Doreen and the Cococlectic team members for bringing deliciousness and fond, chocolatey memories to our homes! 

To learn more about Cococlectic and the Cococlectic team, visit: https://cococlectic.com/

Samantha Diaz is an avid reader and loves anything fantasy related!

[her-culture]

Finding the Sunshine

After a year of our world being inundated with COVID-19 regulations and restrictions for our health and wellness, it is clear that there is an aura of darkness clouding our lives that might seem inescapable sometimes.

I know I feel it—I’ve seen it on Twitter threads, on Instagram stories, and elsewhere—living in the middle of a pandemic is absolutely dreadful. It is not ideal, nor conducive of productivity at times. It can feel utterly draining to be alive right now.

Although the clouds of Covid-19 persist as cases rise, the sunshine is always peaking through. This is true for any dark issue or moments of gray: the sun can be found poking out from behind those massive clouds.

There is so much to be thankful for, even when it seems hard to believe. Think about how lucky you are to still be alive right now, breathing and entering each new day and living. That’s a light like no other, although we can easily take that for granted sometimes.

I believe that there is always something to smile about, even when most of our surroundings can lead to our feeling down. Our place in the world is important. You are loved by those around you and even if you feel alone, especially during this pandemic, you are never fully alone. The connectivity of social media, video communication, and cellular technology is able to bring us all closer together even when we physically cannot be at this time.

Take a moment today and reflect on how far you have come in your goals and in your life: mindful moments of gratitude are wonderful to bask in the light when it might appear hidden by life’s clouds. I enjoy writing down positive notes and jotting down moments that have touched me in some way, whether big or small. I think it helps.

Erin Pavlina’s blog post “How To Find the Light When You’re Drowning in the Dark” emphasizes ways to bring light into your situation when it is hard to find. In one section, she discusses a simple way to find the light: just breathe.

“When all else fails, breathe.  What’s the first thing we do when we arrive in this world?  We take a breath.  When you literally feel like your world is falling apart then it’s time to go back to the beginning.  Just breathe” (Pavlina).

Taking the time to pause and breathe in a mindful way can connect us better to ourselves and our place in the universe. We are all beautifully made. Breathing is natural and warm - perhaps that’s the purest kind of light we could look for.

Another technique Pavlina suggests is to find the humor in your situation along with finding amusement through entertainment. I personally love to laugh, as I am sure most everyone does. Sometimes when I am pent up or feeling stressed, a laugh is all I need to redirect my thoughts and bring me back to myself in a sense. The release of serotonin stabilizes our mood and overall sense of happiness (Hormone Health Network).

Life can be challenging. Even when life is piling up and you believe you are drowning in the darkness, there is always room for light. Let it in and enjoy the sunshine around you.

Kayla Ivan is a Junior at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island studying Creative Writing with minors in Psychology and Professional & Public Writing. Kayla loves writing, music, God, and her family & friends!

[her-culture]

9 Songs That Feel Like Healing

Music is healing. That’s something I’ve learned to be true over the last few years. It can make you feel emotions you haven’t even experienced and bring you to places beyond imagination. More than that, music can be the soundtrack to your life, and it has the power to make you feel at ease. These are some of my go-to songs for comfort when I’m feeling down. 

“come out and play” by Billie Eilish 

This is one of my favorite Billie Eilish songs mostly because it sounds like a soft and sweet lullaby. I love the calming melody and the tone of her voice, but the lyrics are beautiful too. They remind me of a quiet winter night. 

Favorite lyrics (I love them all, but this is one of the best lines): 

And I know it makes you nervous / But I promise you, it's worth it /To show 'em everything you kept inside.

“00:00 (Zero O’Clock) by BTS

Despite the song being in a language I don’t understand, BTS has connected with fans all over the world, proving that music and emotions can transcend language. Not only is the song soothing, but the lyrics are relatable and comforting. They describe how the days might blur and feel unproductive or exhausting, but life goes on no matter what, and once the clock strikes midnight, tomorrow is another day. 

Favorite lyrics: When this song ends / May a new song begin. 

“Primavera” by Ludovico Einaudi, Robert Ziegler, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

This instrumental song is beautiful. It’s a classical song and so I’ll often listen to it while multitasking or studying. The piano is stunning and emotional, which makes this song a unique listening experience. Would it be too dramatic to say it feels like being in a movie? I think this is a song everyone should give a try. 

“Should Have Known Better” by Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan Stevens is fairly popular, but this song, in particular, puts me at ease. This song is perfect for a late-night drive or to listen to just before bed. It starts out soft, but then it picks up in the middle, adding an electric keyboard to the mix. 

Favorite lyrics: I should have known better / Nothing can be changed / The past is still the past / The bridge to nowhere / I should have wrote a letter / Explaining what I feel, that empty feeling 

“Heavenly” by Cigarettes After Sex

If you have never listened to Cigarettes After Sex, you’re missing out. Every song by this artist is emotional and alluring, but this one always tugs on my heartstrings. Just hearing it feels “heavenly.”

Favorite lyrics: ‘Cause this is where / I wanna be / Where it’s so sweet / and heavenly 

“Ever Since New York” by Harry Styles

This used to be my number one song to play no matter what mood I was in because it is the kind of track that is perfect in every situation. It feels like the lyrics are speaking directly to you as you listen. It’s a great song to play whether you want to cheer up or cry along. 

Favorite lyrics: And I've been praying, I never did before / Understand I'm talking to the walls / I've been praying ever since New York

“Space Song” by Beach House 

Beach House has a lot of breathtaking music. This song, specifically, feels quiet enough to sound like silence, in the best way possible. It’s the perfect song to listen to on calming evenings, both with friends or by yourself, or to listen to while being creative, which is when I often listen to it. 

Favorite lyrics: Tender is the night / For a broken heart / Who will dry your eyes / When it falls apart?

“Bags” by Clairo

This song definitely got me through exam season. I would play it non-stop when studying or taking a break. Apart from the fact that it’s really pretty, it’s also the perfect song to sing along to. 

Favorite lyrics: Pardon my emotions / I should probably keep it all to myself / Know you'd make fun of me

“4 o’clock” by V and RM 

Last but certainly not least, this is one of my favorite songs of all time. It’s by V and RM of BTS. It captures the feeling of being in the park very early in the morning when it’s still dark and all is quiet. This song helps me fall asleep and eases my mind.

Favorite lyrics: Why are you crying / You and I are the only ones here. 

These are the songs in my playlist that truly bring me comfort. I think that’s what’s beautiful about music: it can make us feel so much better and bring us together. Next time you’re not feeling you’re best and are unsure what to do, I recommend putting on your favorite song. It just might be exactly what you need.

Avani is a Rutgers University student who is passionate about television and bands. In her free time, she can be found reading fantasy books or snacking.

[her-culture]

Pioneering Women in Motorsport

When people think about motorsport or Formula 1, many may conjure up an image of affluent young men, living in Monaco and spending every other day on their yacht. This still might be true for the majority of drivers on the grid, but I am here to say that the motorsport industry is slowly creeping into the twenty-first century. Until now, the only women allowed in a Formula 1 paddock have been the glamorous wives and girlfriends of the drivers, sporting Manolo Blahniks and amusingly over-sized sunglasses. Finally, women are being given equal opportunities to drive alongside their male counterparts. 

Formula 1

Since its conception in 1950, there have been 767 different Formula 1 drivers. Just two of these drivers have been women. Even the most devout Formula 1 fans might be surprised to hear this. Their names, unsurprisingly, are not well known, but not any less note-worthy. Maria Teresa de Filippis competed in three grand prix between 1958 and 1959. Lella Lombardi is slightly more well known, having taken part in a grand total of twelve races from 1974-1976. Not only did Lombardi participate in these events, she is also the only woman to score points in a championship race. Well, that’s only partly true – she scored half a point after the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix was abridged after an accident.

It is, however, worth mentioning that several female drivers have participated in test sessions for Formula 1 teams in more recent history. This means that although they did not compete in the Grand Prix, these women were in the paddock alongside men, and had the opportunity to drive the same car on track during ‘practice sessions’. These sessions provide the teams with vital information about how the car will perform during the race. Susie Wolff (neé Stoddart), married to Mercedes AMG Formula 1 Team Principal Toto Wolff, has led the way for women in the sport in recent years. At the 2014 British Grand Prix, Wolff became the first woman to take part in a Formula 1 race weekend in 22 years as a test driver for Williams Racing. As well as having their race driver, Formula 1 teams employ ‘test’ or ‘reserve’ drivers who are involved in the development and testing of the car. These drivers not only take the place of the race driver if they fall ill, but also gain valuable experience of driving a Formula 1 car, which will eventually put them in line for a promotion to the race seat. 

In 2016, after retiring from motorsport a year previously, Wolff founded her ‘Dare to be Different’ initiative to make the sport more accessible to women and girls. This foundation later joined forces with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of motorsport, and created ‘Girls on Track’. Wolff commented that Formula 1 is not just about female drivers: ‘there are only 20 drivers, but there are nearly 4,000 people involved in making that event happen, from engineers to mechanics to journalists to physiotherapists - there are so many opportunities.’ There is now a wider recognition that Formula 1 needs to become more inclusive and diverse. In June 2020, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton set up The Hamilton Commission ‘to improve the representation of Black people in UK motorsport.’ 

However, there has been one powerful woman in the paddock for many years now: Claire Williams. As the daughter of Formula 1 legend Sir Frank Williams, she was Deputy Team Principal of Williams Racing from 2013-2020, essentially holding responsibility for the day-to-day running of the team. Notably, Claire Williams made history as the only female Team Principal in Formula 1. Despite this fact, Williams claims to have ‘seen a big shift - a seismic shift - in the nunerbs of women coming in and the attitudes surrounding women in the sport.’ It was Claire Williams herself who signed Susie Wolff to the Williams team, but this landmark decision was met with scepticism. At the time, some considered it a publicity stunt, but Williams argues that this is ‘looking at it from a very narrow-sighted angle.’ The world of Formula 1 can be extremely perilous and drivers, despite modern technology and safety measures, still put themselves at risk by getting in the cockpit of the car. Williams’ response, therefore, is that ‘motorsport is a dangerous sport and you don’t take risks with people like that just for a marketing ploy.’ Williams and Wolff remain close friends, despite both now having retired from the sport.

Women’s Series

In 2019, the W, or Women’s, Series celebrated its inaugural season. According to its website, ‘W Series is a ground-breaking racing championship for women’. It is also explicitly stated that they ‘firmly believe that women and men can race one another on equal terms provided they are given the same opportunity’. Therefore, the championship was created to give female drivers the relevant experience and qualifications to put them in contention for a seat in a Formula 1 car. 

It has been estimated that it costs around €8 million to manage a young driver from the start of their career, most likely within karting, to the pinnacle of the sport, Formula 1. Crucially, drivers in the W Series do not have to pay to race. One of the core goals of the series is to increase visibility of the sport and female drivers. In the UK, the W Series’s races were broadcast to over 340 million households on major terrestrial channels.

In 2019 Williams Formula 1 team signed Jamie Chadwick as their development driver, having seen her success within the British Formula 3 series. Chadwick went on to be crowned champion of the inaugural W Series in August of the same year. In her Williams Academy interview, Jamie Chadwick commented that ‘men and women should be racing against each other’, clearly outlining her hopes for the future of motorsport.

Extreme E Series

In 2021, another series of motorsport appears on the horizon. Thenew series brings ‘electric racing to some of the most remote corners of the planet to highlight the climate change challenges faced by different ecosystems.’ Within the rules of the new stream of the sport, Extreme E teams will have to employ one female and one male driver, hoping to promote gender equality and stay in-tune with the current climate. Among these female drivers is Jamie Chadwick, who will be racing for British Veloce Racing alongside Frenchman Stéphane Sarrazin. In an interview with BBC Sport, Chadwick expressed her excitement to take part in the series, ‘it’s the same for everyone, one hundred percent fair.’

Whilst women now have more access to the male-dominated sport, the motorsport industry has a long way to go before equality is met. Essentially, although a lot is being done to give women the same opportunities in the sport, there’s a lot more left to be done. Having a female Formula 1 World Champion, however, is certainly not as far fetched as it once was.

Lily Squires is currently reading Modern Languages at University College London, UK, graduating in July 2021. After which, Squires is hoping to join the world of journalism, promoting social and political change with her writing.

[her-culture]

Book Review: "The Office of Historical Corrections" by Danielle Evans

Danielle Evans, author of story collection Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self, released another outstanding short story collection in November 2020 that poignantly collides with America’s current political and racial landscape.  In six short stories and the titular novella, Evans portrays memorable heroines who are struggling to find their place in the world in the aftermath of grief.  Evans’ writing is simultaneously piercing, darkly funny, and deeply thoughtful, making this collection a must-read.  Examining overarching themes of racism, sexism, family and belonging, the justice of truth and legacy, and America’s shapeshifting history, these stories reveal the need for not only more accountability, but also more humanity. 

Through seven vivid, distinct stories, the collection offers a wide range of perspectives from which to view Evans’ raw and quietly heartbreaking insights.  In “Happily Ever After,” a young Black woman working at a gift shop in a Titanic-themed museum reflects on her mother’s dying of cancer and her fight for her mother to receive the same medical treatment as a white woman would.  In “Alcatraz”, the narrator’s mother attempts to reverse the inaccurate legacy of her great-grandfather, a Black man who was wrongfully imprisoned and never pardoned.  “Boys Go To Jupiter” is told from the perspective of a white college student who feels alienated after her father’s remarriage and becomes the center of a national controversy for her use of the Confederate flag on her campus.  At every turn, Evans explores questions of passivity and underscores the everyday weights of racism from perspectives that white readers such as myself may never have considered.

What makes Evans such a powerful writer is her ability to unearth deep truths about life in such simple terms.  In “Richard of York Gave Battle in Vain,” a gutsy photojournalist who travels all over the world ironically reflects on the fact that her sister’s white husband shot her in a fit of jealousy: “All of her adult life people have asked Rena why she goes to such dangerous places, and she has always wanted to ask them where the safe place is.”  Our prejudices about what and who are considered “safe” and what qualifies as dangerous are challenged.  In the titular novella, Evans discusses the unspoken privilege that accompanies white people’s fondness for past eras: “I distrusted, in general, appeals to nostalgia - I loved the past of archives, but there was no era of the past I had any inclination to visit with my actual human body, being rather fond of it having at least minimal rights and protections.”  

The stunning novella brings the underlying themes of the collection to a crescendo.  Set in an adjacent American reality, the story follows Cassie, a young Black woman working for a government organization called the Institute for Public History that timidly attempts to correct misinformation about American history.  When Genevieve, Cassie’s childhood frenemy who also works for the organization, begins making more forceful corrections to racist, incomplete accounts of history, Cassie must choose between prioritizing her job, her relationships, her personal beliefs, and above all, the truth.  In a timely story about courage, misinformation and systemic racism, Evans reveals the price of passivity in society today and the urgent need for collective reform and reckoning.      

While extremely relevant today, The Office of Historical Corrections is an excellent short story collection that will stand the test of time due to Evans’ mastery of the craft.  While her unique voice, pacing, and wit make these stories shine, what I loved most about the collection was how much it made me take a step back and think.  If you are in search of a thought-provoking, punchy literary masterpiece to add to your shelf, look no further than this collection.

Allison Boyce is from Arizona and now lives in Dallas, TX. She loves to write about fiction, movies, books, and music in her spare time. When she's not working, she loves to get outdoors to run or hike.

[her-culture]

5 Famous Bulgarians Who Have Gained World Fame

What do you think of when you hear the name Bulgaria? Maybe for the delicious Bulgarian yogurt and the Valley of Roses, where the highest quality rose oil is produced? But in this small country in Eastern Europe were born many popular people who are known around the world. Here they are:

Nina Dobrev - The Actress Who Impressed Hollywood

The beautiful actress was born in Bulgaria but leaves for Toronto as a child. She worked as a model and later appeared in castings for roles in movies. Her most famous film is The Vampire Diaries, where she plays the lead role. She has won the Audience Choice Award three times. Her smile is more than captivating, and her talent cannot go unnoticed. Nina Dobrev has always been proud to be Bulgarian and often returns to her homeland.

Hristo Stoichkov - One of The Greatest Football Players in Barcelona

With his endless energy and passion for football, he became a favorite of Barcelona fans and in 1992 won the European Champions Cup. In 1994, together with the national football team of Bulgaria, they reached 4th place at the World Cup in the USA. At the end of the incredible 1994, Stoichkov was awarded the most prestigious individual award - the Golden Ball. He is also the only Bulgarian awarded with it.

Christo Yavashev - Christo - World Famous Artist, Sculptor, and Avant-Garde

The works of this talented Bulgarian are in the permanent exhibitions of the most famous contemporary galleries - "Tate Modern" in London, the museums of American and modern art in New York, the museum "Stedelijk" in Amsterdam. Packaging became a hallmark of Christo's art. He packed everything from a telephone and a typewriter to buildings and bridges. Among their most remarkable and emblematic works is “The Packed Pont Neuf” in Paris, “The Curtain in the Valley”, Colorado, “The Umbrellas”, Japan and the United States, “The Packed Reichstag”, Berlin, “The Floating Quays” (2016). Christo and his wife Jean-Claude never seek profit from their works. The two artists sponsor their own work. In 2020, Christo died at his home in New York.

Peter Deunov - The Teacher of the Brotherhood

Teacher Petar Deunov is among the brightest personalities in Bulgarian history and spiritual culture. The main topics of his lectures are the place and role of man in the universe, nature, and society. He created Paneurhythmy, which is now played in the United States, Canada, France, Russia, Australia, and other countries around the world. There are people who come to this world with a mission to change it. To remove the darkness and awaken people's consciousness. These are bright personalities, the spiritual teachers in the history of mankind. One of them is Peter Deunov. Over time, Deunov developed his own religious and philosophical teachings. The majority of the followers are ordinary people, but among them, there are also representatives of the upper class. He created Paneurhythmy, a system of elementary physical exercises with musical accompaniment, designed to harmonize human energies with those of nature. He died in 1944, but his teachings have thousands of followers around the world. Designer Paco Rabanne is one of his followers.

Vasko Vassilev - The Virtuoso Violinist

Vasko Vassilev is one of the most charismatic performers the modern scene knows. His concerts invariably arouse great interest, for which he repays with new and new ideas, interesting projects, and sincere cordiality. He started playing on stage only at the age of 10. Between the ages of 19 and 21, Vasko Vassilev was a guest concertmaster of the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic. At the age of 21, he won the title of "Supersolist" at the Lyon Opera - France. At the age of 23, he became the youngest and the first concertmaster of the Royal Opera in London, where he currently works as a creative producer.

[her-culture]

In Between: Growing Up Chinese-Australian

We all have seen the movies, read the coming of age stories like Crazy Rich Asians or Something In Between that talk about a person figuring out their identity as immigrants and aliens in their own countries. Struggling to belong. Wanting to fit in. A restless wandering and desire.

While Australia claims to be a multicultural country, it does not mean that we are perfect by any means. Growing up Chinese in Australia, it felt like I was in between two different cultures. I wasn’t “white” enough to be Australian but I didn’t belong at all in Hong Kong. I found it difficult to carry conversations in Cantonese and all I could do was hear and understand what people were saying. I felt like a child, not knowing what to say and having my parents talk for me, like my mouth can’t wrap around the words I’m trying to speak. My family in Hong Kong knows I have a bad accent, and can’t seem to shake off the fact that I was born in Australia. 

I was reminded of this when I was reading over my writing recently one day and a part of this poem stuck out to me. 

But I exchanged dumplings and noodles instead of words,

Broken Cantonese is all I can afford

The words come out of my mouth in a weird accent,

It never sounded like them so I don’t even try

This poem meant a lot to me because in Chinese culture, food is one of the main ways we share our love and life together. The first thing when you come home or greet each other is “Have you eaten yet?” Food is a love language in itself, a guiding principle for the way we interact with one another. Even if I come back to Hong Kong and I cannot speak Cantonese that well, my relatives will still feed me food and place it on my dish as an act of love without words. 

However, I didn’t realise how important this skill was until my sister’s boyfriend, who is Chinese-Malaysian but can’t speak, hear or understand Cantonese, came to dinner for the first time. My parents are more comfortable speaking in Cantonese and even though they tried to translate words and speak English to him, he might have felt a bit left out of the conversation. It goes to show that language barrier is a part of the ‘in between’ diaspora, the halfway gap where children grow up in another country from their parents and are raised with different cultures, languages and beliefs. 

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately about my Chinese culture, especially as I wrote this during Chinese New Year. I recall this time last year when I spent CNY in Hong Kong. It was the end of January when we visited and Hong Kong had already adapted quickly to the COVID pandemic. People had already started  wearing masks at all times since they had gone through a similar period during the SARS epidemic. So we could even celebrate Chinese New Year normally. It’s tradition to visit each family member’s house on the same day, from waking up early and going from apartment to apartment, greeting each other at the door, taking off shoes and masks, drinking cups of tea and giving red pocket money. Then the cycle begins again. Putting on shoes and coat, put on mask, hand sanitiser. Leaving one apartment and on to the next. It was my first time doing this CNY tradition and let’s just say my sisters and I were exhausted by the end of the day. 

And now 2021 is the Year of the Ox. A new year of prosperity and beginnings. This is a time to gather with your family, and eat dinner that your mother has spent hours or days buying, preparing and cooking.. This year, CNY looks a little bit different but similar in some ways. We weren’t in HK with all the relatives but we were with our extended family. We didn’t have to take off our mask but we took off our shoes at my aunt’s house. Sat and shared a delicious meal together, smells wafting from the kitchen while the kids are running and screaming around the house. 

In Hong Kong, it is quite the opposite. Even though it is CNY, people are still not allowed to go out and eat at yum cha and restaurants (only 2 people are allowed to eat outside). The whole family cannot visit each other’s apartments so freely, people are restricted by harsh lockdown hours (7 pm to 7 am) and mandatory COVID testing by each suburb. 

The Chinese news blast from my dad’s phone at the dinner table. My parents at the number of cases in Hong Kong each day, with a sigh on their lips. Their hearts are heavy and sad at how their country has all gone so wrong, torn by politics, corruption and a virus.

But my relatives are still celebrating Chinese New Year in their homes together. My parents make calls to them over the phone, wishing them a happy CNY and good health and happiness. Yes, Chinese New year looks a little bit different this year but I find love hidden in the smallest places: my mother peeling prawns for me and giving me a spoon of fish onto my rice. I see it with my father cutting the pork belly, while my sisters and I share secret smiles across the table. 

How do I write a love letter to my Chinese-Australian culture? To my mother. To Hong Kong. I hope this is enough. And I wish that wherever you are, may this help you on your own journey of connecting or reconnecting with your culture and identity.

Tiffany is a recent Creative Writing graduate at UTS, based in Sydney. Growing up, she had always loved stories and the power of words to build a connection with an audience. You can find her usually at home curled up with some milk tea or listening to pop/indie music.

[her-culture]

A Story of Social Injustice

As a little child, I lived on a quiet street where most women knew each other and exchanged coffee visits. Some women had nicknames that reflected certain sides of their personality. Sadly, there was a woman known as “Crazy Saniyyah,” who everyone avoided and “decided” that she did not fit in the neighbourhood.

This single-sided story that I grew up “accepting” was that Saniyyah—who always wore black, had a sturdy frown on her face, and lived alone in a small room—was an insane widow who did not like people and hated children. I was warned not to approach her, as she might hurt me; I believed this since she would often come out of her place and start shouting at the children who deliberately threw the ball on her door while wagging her old broom. Moreover, she had been returning the food trucks that were sent to the school where she worked because students did not eat it, and it got dumped in the garbage. 

My mother had a different opinion. She said that Saniyyah was a very sensible woman who spoke politely and in a very rational manner every time they met.

When I matured and heard the true story, I realized that my mother was right. Saniyyah was not crazy at all; she had a very tough life. She lost her parents as a child in the massacres of 1948 in Palestine, fled to Lebanon with some relatives, and was raised in a refugee camp. Later, she married and travelled to Kuwait, but her husband soon died and left her completely alone. At that point, Saniyyah had no option but to live as a single woman in a male-dominated society that bullied or neglected single women. With her limited skills and qualifications and the absence of societal support to non-local women, she decided to work by cleaning schools and hospitals. She also had to neglect her looks and look strict and defensive in order to stand up for herself and survive any harassment. She used to work two shifts and needed afternoon rests, which the children and their parents denied.

Saniyyah was not crazy when she hated wasting good food and sent it back to where it came from, food that she was deprived of during her miserable childhood and which many hungry people around the world wish for. 

Saniyyah was not crazy and did not pose a threat to anyone. She was a victim of a flawed society that neglected some members and failed to accommodate the needs of certain individuals who required community support and sympathy.

Unfortunately, a considerable number of people in many societies get judged by others, which leads to social exclusion and negative treatment. Call it prejudice, discrimination, unjustified gender-based bias, or social rejection; in the end, it is a completely unfair social practice that keeps certain groups of people away from integrating into the society, robs them of their basic survival rights, and deprives them of others’ respect and sympathy. In fact, social injustice is a serious issue that we should all take quality time to reflect on.

Asmaa Younis is a woman who holds multiple responsibilities and roles within her family and society. She wakes up every day with a determination to be successful and helpful in her daily tasks and missions. She is a passionate educator, a cultural speaker, an optimist, and an adventurer who loves sharing stories from her travels and life experiences for inspiring others through writing and talking.

[her-culture]

Khaal, The Tattoo of Afghan Womxn

I started wearing khaal I would mark with henna as a way to get closer to my Afghan identity. Henna is a paste made out of a plant that (temporarily) dyes your skin like a tattoo would, and is used as a common ceremonial and cultural practice throughout South Asia and the Middle East. Permanent tattoos are not so much taboo, more so looked down upon within Afghan culture for a few reasons. 

Firstly, Afghanistan is an Islamic country, and many believe that the tattoo ink doesn’t allow you to be fully cleansed for namaz (prayer). Islamic countries also see tattooing as a sin, which I will explain more about later.

The other is that Afghan culture is rooted in reputation; what someone else will perceive you as. You represent your whole family, so people try to avoid anything with a negative connotation out of fear of what others may think.

Khaal is different, though. It has a long history that stems from the villages in pre-Islamic times. This remains popular in tribes and small villages today, specifically in the Pashtun region where my family is from. 

Khaal literally translates to dot because khaal is mainly done in the form of green dots and circular shapes. It’s most commonly done on one’s face on their chin, cheeks, foreheads, and even on the back of the hands. Tradition has it that elderly womxn of the tribe or village will use a method similar to stick-and-poke to mark the younger girls (around ages 14-20).

As mentioned earlier, Islamic societies see permanent tattoos as sin since many scholars believe and teach that altering God’s creation in any form is haram (forbidden). However, it is worth noting that there is no explicit verse or chapter within the Qur’an that states that permanent tattoos are haram or a sin.

Because of the consistent back and forth on the topic, it has caused some dangerous repercussions for Afghan womxn with khaal. This practice has mainly continued within the villages, where access to Islamic schooling and teachings is rare to come by. Most womxn don’t realize that this process could possibly be a sin, so for those who don’t decide to keep it, they often remove the tattoos with acid—a dangerous practice that leaves permanent scarring. There is little to no proper medical tattoo removal services in Afghanistan, and for most, they cannot afford it; acid removal is their only option.

However, the narrative around tattoos has been shifting in the recent years. Afghanistan gained its first female tattoos artist, Soraya Shahidy, in the past year. Shahidy studied her practice in Turkey and Iran, and she decided to bring her talents back to Afghanistan to offer space for folks to express themselves creatively through the art of tattoo. Her shop in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital city, also offers lash extension and manicure services which were previously outlawed by Taliban rule.

Slowly but surely, khaal is reowning its mark of tradition within Afghan society. Maybe in the coming generations, we will also see different forms of tattooing become common practice within the country as a whole.

Farial Eliza (she/her) is a twenty-one year old Bay Area native, occupying unceded Chochenyo Ohlone land. She is a writer, poet, creator, storyteller, self-proclaimed healer and educator to the communities she serves.

[her-culture]

Nina Simone: A Retrospective of a Brilliant and Committed Artistic Journey

The first time I heard about Nina Simone was, believe it or not, in a French novel (one of my favorite books by the way) called En attendant Bojangles, the title deriving from Nina Simone’s beautiful song “Mr Bojangles.” It throws me right into Simone’s unique and intemporal universe. Watching What Happened Miss Simone? (which I recommend) allowed me to discover the dark backstage of her success and of her civil rights engagement. In addition to my passion for this artist, my desire to cover Nina Simone’s career will echo the resurgence of the Afro-American Civil Rights Movement in the US thanks to the Black Lives Matter Movement. 

A Musical Genius

Nina Simone’s grandeur can only be fully appreciated by looking back at her talent as a musician. Before starting off as a singer, Simone aspired to become a classical pianist. Indeed, music was a part of her life from her birth and until her last breath. She learned the piano at a very young age and sang in her church’s choir. She dreamed of becoming the first Black classical pianist but did not get the chance to obtain a scholarship to join the Curtis Institute, most likely because of her skin color. This significant failure did not stop her, though, and even gave her the impetus she needed to become one of the greatest jazz singers of the 20th century. Her career as a singer began in Atlanta’s night clubs and bars where her talent was recognized by Bethlehem Records, who recorded her first song. From thereon, her career kicked off and shed light on the peculiarity of her bewitching low-tone voice, her charismatic way of performing, the richness of her texts, and her varied style that straddles jazz, blues, and soul. Among her biggest successes are her versions of “Feeling Good” and “I Put a Spell on You,” which are two pure-jazz jewels. 

A Political Activist 

Listening to Nina Simone is not only a marvelous musical trip but also a poignant entry into the reality of racial injustice in the United States in the 1960s. Her powerful texts notably testify for her engagement in favor of civil rights for Black people. Three of her songs, which range amongst my favorites, are worth presenting.

“I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free” 

This song was written in 1967 and denounces racism while particularly emphasizing freedom as a key human right claimed by the Afro-American community. Although the title and the whole text of this song are rather hard and serious, its musicality does not follow the same trend. The melody is rather catchy, joyful, and full of life and hope. It is indeed punctuated by finger snaps, a rather jazzy and dynamic piano, and trumpets. It conveys a strong message but tinged with positivity, which in my opinion is the strength of this song.

“Ain’t Got No (I Got Life)” 

This song was written in 1968 and is one of the songs that purely embodies her fight against racism. Through an extensive use of the anaphor “Ain’t got no,” she denounces the dehumanization of the African-American community rooted in the United-States’ past. The low-key music accompanying the first part of this song contributes to the severity of the subject in question and contributes to its denunciation. Progressively, though, the song evolves towards some form of hope and when she starts using “Got” instead of “Ain’t got no” to remind listeners that she is, indeed, a human being who deserves respect and freedom. 

“Why? (The King of Love Is Dead)”

This song was also written in 1968, as a tribute to Dr Martin Luther King’s death. This text embodies, to me, the sadness and despair of the entire Black community at that moment. The simplicity of the accompaniment and the stillness of her voice make it truly powerful. It may be the most poignant and touching song she ever performed. 

Reflection on Artistic Genius 

That being said, it is worth highlighting that Nina Simone was an artistic genius by the paradox she embodied. Simone was just as much a tormented, rebellious, tortured, unhappy personality as a soothing, bewitching, sensitive artistic soul who was endowed with a form of delicacy. When thinking about it, it may finally be this paradox, this ability to communicate emotions that are not hers and to give birth to heartwarming emotions from suffering, that could be the source of artistic genius. 

Nina Simone was and will remain hope, perseverance, immoderation, non-conventionalism, and perhaps what best defines jazz.

Louise is currently a Second Year interdisciplinary student enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (BASc) at University College of London, and is highly interested in current affairs, politics, and law, and is passionate about music and cinema.

[her-culture]

Achilles and Patroclus in Greek Mythology: Friends or Lovers?

If you are familiar with Greek mythology, I am sure you’ve heard of Achilles and Patroclus, two close men who fought in the Trojan War. The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is a pretty common debate: were they friends, or lovers? Based on the material we have on them, it’s clear that their bond is intimate. But with many different variations and interpretations, it’s hard to say for sure what kind of connection the pair has. Let’s break it down and see what the most popular ideas are, and why their relationship speaks to so many people. 

To start, we should definitely take a look at Homer’s Iliad, which is where many people look for information about Achilles and Patroclus. Although the piece details their lives, the nature of their relationship is unclear. This ambiguity may not be done on purpose, but it has led to a large number of divergent conclusions. 

Homer never explicitly depicts a romantic relationship when it comes to Achilles and Patroclus, nor does he allude to anything sexual between them. Yet it’s impossible to deny that they are very close to one another (such as how Achilles acts gentler around Patroclus, and how the two are constantly together). They almost seem like partners in life, even if you just examine their connection in a platonic context. 

One of the most substantial moments in the Iliad that many use to support the idea of a romantic relationship is how Achilles reacts after Patroclus dies. His death occurs because Achilles refuses to fight to protect his honor, so Patroclus dresses up in Achilles’ armor and goes out to the battlefield. The Prince of Troy, Hector, kills him thinking he is Achilles. Once Achilles finds out, he erupts with rage and murders Hector. Achilles knows this act will bring upon his own fated death, but he still carries it out. Achilles’ strong reaction to Patroclus’ death is often taken as a sign that their relationship was possibly deeper than it may seem at first glance. Those who believe they were lovers often cite lines where Achilles says that he loved Patroclus as his own life (Book 18). Another popular piece of evidence for the argument is that Patroclus requests that their bones be buried together, which indicates the strength of their bond. 

After this, other writers such as Aeschylus and Plato have depicted the two of them in a sexual or romantic relationship, although in many Greek works they are considered to have a large age difference. These writers also go back and forth between which of the pair is the erastes, which is the older one in the relationship. 

Following these mainstream portrayals, many have continued to debate the nature of their relationship. Different versions that came out depict Achilles and Patroclus in very distinct ways, such as Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida which shows them as lovers, whereas the Hollywood film Troy portrays them as cousins. Yup, you read that right, cousins. 

The novel The Song of Achilles, which is one of my favorites, depicts the entire relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. They are shown as lovers, using the source material of the Iliad to back up the events that occur. Their relationship is very beautiful and intimate in the novel, and author Madeline Miller does a great job of capturing the emotions they have for one another as the story unfolds. She has previously said the biggest piece of evidence that they were lovers goes beyond how deep Achilles’ grief is following Patroclus’ death; it is also how he grieves the death. This is something many others have picked up on, as I mentioned previously, which contributes to the idea that Achilles and Patroclus may have been lovers.

Numerous other Greek stories depict possible same-sex relationships. Sappho, the Greek poet who is often compared to Homer, often expresses love for women in her work and her sexuality has long been debated. These are just a few examples of why Achilles and Patroclus being lovers may not be so far-fetched as some people may claim. Then again, we do not have anything explicitly leading us to that conclusion. 

At the end of the day, the stories and characters are mythological and we cannot know the intentions of Homer for certain. But many members of the LGBTQ+ community take pride in the fact that Achilles and Patroclus may have been lovers because, in many ways, it seems as though it could be true. 

What do I think? I think that their relationship is certainly intimate and can be perceived as romantic. I am not saying that is what Homer intends or that is what everyone may believe, but I believe it is not difficult to understand why people see it that way. Ask yourself: if it were a man and a woman who acted the same way, would you possibly be more inclined to believe it as romantic? And to those out there who disregard even the possibility that it could be more than platonic without giving the idea consideration, I think that your attitude speaks for itself.

Avani is a Rutgers University student who is passionate about television and bands. In her free time, she can be found reading fantasy books or snacking.

[her-culture]

Fitness Begins Within Yourself

I am not the most active or fit person in the world. I will admit that. As the new year has surged forward and 2021 has come into full swing, however, I have made a conscious effort to try to improve the way I view myself, especially in relation to others. I am taking steps to stay active and healthy in the midst of a worldwide pandemic.

This isn’t always easy—it never was. If you’re anything like me, you enjoy snacking on chips and kicking back to watch reruns of your favorite sitcom on Netflix or Hulu (for me, that would be Full House at the moment). The good news is that you can still do these things you love while also making decisions about how to remain active and healthy with what you are choosing to consume. Moderation and low-carb options aside, I believe fitness and health truly begins within yourself.

There is a sense of urgency to be your “best self” in this day and age. It can feel like you aren’t reaching the standards set in motion by social media and influencers sometimes. These fit people always seem to be doing what is best for them. Truth is, nobody is perfect. We all have our struggles, insecurities, and self-doubts. That is part of being human. We look to others and think “if only I looked like that” and “that won’t ever happen for me.” To put it bluntly, stop doing that to yourself. Be kind to yourself by making lists of gratitude and positive elements that you see in yourself. Set smaller goals for yourself in the direction of your bigger ones. Write out exactly what it is you want, making sure to be direct and honest with yourself. Create changes by replacing unhealthy habits, whether in eating or in refraining from working out, with better ones that still leave room for you to be happy. Perhaps that means limiting your sweet treats through controlling the portion, or maybe starting to speed walk daily if running is not your thing.

Through all of these suggestions, I would emphasize one key aspect to you: you are beautiful and worthy of all the wonderful things in this world, including eating and taking care of yourself. There is so much beauty strung into who you are. Once you start to value yourself and accept your imperfections for what they are, you can start to feel deserving and capable of making healthy steps and changes towards fitness and wellness. You can do it, but you have to start within yourself first to find the motivation and drive to get going towards your goals.

I am by no means completely there yet with myself—I am trying to make better eating and workout decisions for myself while still being patient with my shortcomings in both of these areas. And that is perfectly okay, whether you’re right there with me or anywhere else on your health and wellness journey.

Kayla Ivan is a Junior at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island studying Creative Writing with minors in Psychology and Professional & Public Writing. Kayla loves writing, music, God, and her family & friends!

[her-culture]

Cultural and Historical Monuments Left by the Thracians in Bulgaria

Even before the New Era the lands of Bulgaria were inhabited by Thracians. Years later, they were conquered by the Romans, but their heritage is preserved in numerous tombs and treasures, revealing the amazing culture. Now I will tell you about the most popular ancient monuments left in Bulgaria.

The Thracian Tomb in Kazanlak - Exquisite Frescoes of 40 sq.m.

The Kazanlak tomb was discovered accidentally on April 19, 1944 by soldiers who were digging  for asylum for the war during the Second World War. The great popularity of the Kazanlak tomb is due to its unique frescoes, typical of the early Hellenistic era. Some of the best-preserved frescoes of their time. In the tomb, they spread over 40 sq.m.

The walls of the corridor and the burial chamber are covered with exquisite and sparkling colors and scenes, representing separate moments from the earthly, military, and after lives of the man and woman laid in it. According to historians, it dates from the IV -III century BC. No valuable artifacts have been found there because it was looted in antiquity. In 1979 it was included in the UNESCO list.

Unfortunately for those who want to visit the tomb today, it is now closed to visitors. But next to it is a copy of the tomb, which will completely immerse you in the world of the Thracians.

The Thracian Tomb in Sveshtari - A Unique Thracian Monument

The Thracian Tomb was discovered in 1982. It was built in the first half of the 3rd century BC. with impressive dimensions.It has a length of 7.5 meters and a width of 6.5 meters. The decoration of the burial chamber is extremely beautiful and interesting. It is generally built in a Hellenistic style but is refracted through the beliefs and culture of the Getae. There are also interesting decorations in many places in the tomb,  polychrome half-human, half-plant caryatids and painted murals.

The Tomb’s chamber is truly unique because figures of women were used instead of columns. The mastery of their creators is evidenced by the fact that each of them has a different face. Due to its unique architecture and decoration, 3 years after its opening (1985) Sveshtari Tomb is included in the UNESCO list of World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

The Thracian Sanctuary Tatul - the Last Home of Orpheus

The complex consists of an ancient pagan sanctuary and a medieval fortress. Unusually for burials in this era, which took place in mounds underground, the sanctuary was built on a high hill near the sun. This fact suggests that a very important person was buried there - a king or a demigod, such as Orpheus. Or this monument could have been a center for monitoring the sunrises and sunsets on certain days of the year. The sanctuary of Orpheus was known throughout the world both before and after Christ. The newly arrived Romans continued to worship the old gods and heroes, whilst preserving and beautifying the places of worship.

This is a small part of the cultural and historical heritage of Bulgaria, which proves the existence of the Thracians in these lands and tells of long-extinct customs, religions, and ways of life. If you decide to visit Bulgaria, visit one of these places and be moved to the time of Orpheus and the wine god Dionysus.

[her-culture]

Oscars 2021: Predictions of the Nominations

Hollywood’s biggest night, the Academy Awards, informally known as the Oscars, is a prestigious awards ceremony that recognizes artistic and technical merit in the film industry. Initially scheduled for February, the awards ceremony was delayed until April due to coronavirus restrictions. Although the global pandemic presents some challenges, the organizers hope to hold an in-person ceremony as they have done years prior (the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, where the ceremony traditionally occurs, has 3,400 seats, and the organizers are still considering the number of people that will be allowed inside the theater).  

The predicted nominations for the 2021 Oscars are:      

Best Picture:

Nomadland

The Trial of the Chicago 7

Mank

Da 5 Bloods

Judahs and the Black Messiah

Soul

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Minari

One Night In Miami

 The Father

According to critics and media, Nomadland won four awards at this year’s National Society of Film Critics Awards, including this category, best cinematography, best director, and best actress. Thus it is most likely that it will win this category. However, David Fincher’s Mank is full of glamour; for many others, it is the early frontrunner to lead in the Oscars race. A one-third major contender in the race is, One Night In Miami, with the film being tapped to compete in several major categories.  

Best Director:

Chloe Zao — Nomadland

Aaron Sorkin — The Trial Of The Chicago 7

Regina King- One Night In Miami

Shaka King — Judas And The Black Messiah

David Fincher — Mank

Chloe Zao is the frontrunner in this category as she has won various awards for best directing on her film Nomadland and her movie has swept prizes from award shows during this past year. However, Regina King’s leading of her film One Night In Miami was fantastic, as her adeptness at capturing the compelling performances while keeping the film cinematic and powerful was striking. Known for his ability to direct influential movies, David Fincher is the third contender in this race for leading Mank. This is one of his many nominations throughout the years in this category.

Best Actress:

Andra Day — The United States vs. Billie Holiday

Viola Davis — Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Frances McDormand — Nomadland

Carey Mulligan — Promising Young Woman

Vanessa Kirby —Pieces of a Woman

Viola Davis is taking the lead in this category for her performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. If she grabs the award for best actress, she will make history the most nominated black actress in Oscar history. However, Carey Mulligan is the second leading contender for this category for her performance in Promising Young Woman. In my opinion, she played such a powerful character that could give her an Oscar. The third runner-up is Frances McDormand, for her acting in Nomadland. She has received rave reviews for her performance in Nomadland, as she connects to material in a way not many actors can express. 

   Best Actor:

Chadwick Boseman — Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Anthony Hopkins — The Father

Delroy Lindo — Da 5 Bloods

Gary Oldman — Mank

Riz Ahmed — Sound of Metal

The leading contender in the Best Actor category is Riz Ahmed, on his Sound Of Metal performance. Enthusiasm for his performance increased as general audiences started seeing it. The second leading contender is Anthony Hopkins for his performance in The Father. Hopkins is a strong Best Actor contender for his poignant portrayal of a struggling man with dementia. The third leading contender, aside from Ahmed and Hopkins, is Delroy Lindo for his Da 5 Bloods performance. Lindo captivated a fantastic performance as Paul, a Trump-loving Vietnam Vet, leaving critics clamoring for more.

Best Supporting Actress:

Amanda Seyfried — Mank 

Olivia Colman — The Father

Ellen Burstyn — Pieces of a Woman

Maria Bakalova — Borat: Subsequent Movie film

Youn Yuh-Jung — Minari

This category has many talented groups of actresses. The leading contender in the Best Supporting Actress category is Maria Bakalova for her performance in Borat: Subsequent Movie Film. She was a frequent target of praise when the film premiered last month. The second leading contender in this category is Amanda Seyfried for her performance in Mank. As the most prominent female in David Fincher’s biopic about writer Herman Mankowitz’s time in Hollywood, she has emerged as a compelling choice for Best Supporting Actress. The third leading contender is Youn Yuh-Jung for her performance in Minari. If nominated, she would become the first Korean nominee for an acting Oscar in academy history. Currently, her scene-stealing performance in Minari is building Oscar Buzz.

    Best Supporting Actor:

Daniel Kaluuya — Judas and the Black Messiah

Sacha Baron Cohen — The Trial of the Chicago 7

Leslie Odom, Jr. — One Night in Miami

David Strathairn — Nomadland

Paul Raci — Sound of Metal

The leading contender in the Best Supporting Actor category is Leslie Odom Jr. for his One Night In Miami performance. According to GoldDerby, twenty-six experts have Odom pegged to receive his first Oscar nomination for the performance. Aside from his acting performance in the movie, he could also land a nomination for Best Original Song for his singing performance. The second leading contender in the race is Sacha Baron Cohen for his performance in The Trial Of The Chicago 7. Like Odom, Cohen plays a real-life figure and engages in a number of philosophical debates and the best way to affect progressive change in the face of racism, fascism, and authoritarianism. The fact that Cohen has multiple award-worthy contenders on his resume this season likely dings his front-runner potential. The third leading contender is Daniel Kaluuya, on his performance in Judahs and the Black Messiah. Kaluuya has the structural Oscar bones of an acting winner, as he would make history becoming the youngest Black actor to receive two acting nominations if nominated. 

      Best Original Screenplay:

The Trial of the Chicago 7

Da 5 Bloods

Mank

Minari

Promising Young Woman

The leading contender for the Best Original Screenplay category is Promising Young Woman, written by Emerald Fennell. The film is about Cassandra, a medical school drop who is cunning, smart—and secretly living a double life by night, which is given a chance to right her wrongs after meeting someone. Fennell’s biggest competition is Minari, however, which was written by Lee Isaac Chung. Minari is about a Korean-American family who moves to an Arkansas farm to search for their own American dream. The third leading contender is Mank, written by David Fincher. The film is set in 1930s Hollywood and set through a screenwriter’s eyes, Herman J. Mankiewicz, who races to finish his film Citizen Kane.

 Best Adapted Screenplay:

Nomadland

The Father

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

First Cow

One Night in Miami 

The first leading contender in the Best Adapted Screenplay category is, Nomadland, written by Chloe Zao. Nomadland has gotten much praise overall; consequently, it is predicted to score a nomination. The story follows a widowed woman who lost everything from the Great Recession who embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad. However, Nomadland’s biggest competition is One Night In Miami, written by Kemp Powers. One Night In Miamiis a fictional account set in 1964 that depicts a night where four cultural icons—Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke—gathered and reflected on the state of their lives. The third leading contender is Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, written by Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Based on Pulitzer Prize-winner August Wilson's play, the film is set in Chicago in 1927 and explores the challenges of being in the music industry as a Black person during the time period.

Khushi Desai is a Junior in a Community College. She is about to transfer to a four-year university to earn her bachelor's degree in Psychology.

[her-culture]

Why Do We Love Music So Much?

For the longest time, I thought that my music-filled childhood--cello and piano lessons atop of music theory classes and so forth since I was four--were the reason behind why now, many years later, music still holds such a profound power over me. When I’m upset, I turn to my curated playlists on Spotify with slow melodies and lyrics that seemingly encompass the hurt rippling through my body. When I sit at my desk trying to write in the midst of another round of writer's block, I turn to the beautifully written scores for some of my favorite movies in hopes that their creative energies will flow through the sounds coming from my speakers and into me. 

Prior to the COVID pandemic, when I used to sit in front of my mirror putting on a full face of make-up prior to going out with my friends on the weekends, I would play the songs that generated an adrenaline rush that would prep me for the night of dancing. It wasn’t till I moved in with my new roommate almost six months ago that I realized, through listening to her old record player as we laid on the floor and stared at the ceiling in silence one night, that I wasn’t the only one in this apartment that was under the control of the rhythmic melodies flowing from the speakers on the shelf.

While music affects every individual on this planet differently, I believe that we all share the same experiences that music can cause—no matter what genre. A close friend of mine started a playlist at the start of our college career and would only add songs to it when a song resonated that much with her. Until we graduate, she has not looked at or listened to it once, saying instead that when she does finally graduate she wants to listen back to all the songs that at some point in her life meant something to her. 

While I have no such playlist, even though I really wish I did, I have a collection of songs that unlock a hidden compartment of emotions and memories that had since been stored away. For instance, “Never Be Like You (feat. Kai)” by Flume unlocks the memories of me riding the bus in the mornings on the way to my summer music camp, and “505” by the Arctic Monkeys reminds me of the time my roommate and I drove with the windows down. There are even other songs, such as “Heat Waves” by the Glass Animals, that bring about an indescribable feeling that have me sitting in awe. I’m sure I’m not the only one with a collection of tunes that just hits a little differently.

When I found a particularly small teal-toned book on one of my mother’s coffee tables when I was home on winter holiday titled How Music Can Make You Better, the curiosity got the better of me. Written by opera singer and PhD professor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Indre Viskontas, How Music Can Make You Better is a short but in-depth book about music and its effects on our species. It is broken down into three major sections that encompass how music affects us as humans--how our brains interpret sound into music, how music heals us, and how music heals or breaks societies. Written in the grey text on odd blue-colored pages, Viskontas manages to explain why music affects us the way it does. We can listen to music as a distraction—a filler for empty sound—or we can listen to music. Either way, Viskontas believes that “listening to music lets us work through our emotions in a safe environment and walk away if the feelings get too intense” (Viskontas 20). We find meaning behind the notes, the shifts in rhythm and tempo, and in the lyrics if they are provided. Listening to sad music when we’re not feeling all too great about ourselves allows us to “evaluate ourselves and the world more accurately” simply because when we’re sad “we tend to see life more clearly” (Viskontas 65). Yet we can also use music to motivate ourselves through a hard workout since “music can make your energy consumption more efficient… [and] some studies show that people are more motivated when listening to music” (Viskontas 63), which may also explain the need for music when cleaning your room or studying for your next exam. 

The experiences we generate from listening to music aren’t always finite, but rather music can affect us from birth till old age. Music has the unique ability to help medically with pain management following invasive procedures, as well as reduce anxiety prior to and during procedures (Viskontas 55). It can sing infants to sleep while simultaneously reducing anxiety and improving sleep in their mothers (Viskontas 61). Music therapy can help stroke or traumatic brain injury patients regain their abilities to communicate and speak (Viskontas 52), and help Alzheimer patients regain a sense of themselves when listening to music from their twenties (Viskontas 58).

So whether you are my roommate listening to her alternative playlist while cleaning dishes, or me listening to cinematic classical compositions while writing this article, or even someone who has to have no noise in order to focus—for even silence can be music—music brings something into each of our lives that is entirely our own. 

We have personalized experiences and reactions to every song we hear, we love one song that another may dislike, either way music is entirely our own. Through music,we heal, bond, share experiences, and have a safe space to feel and explore our emotions all while still maintaining a sense of individuality.  If you’d care for a more in-depth view on the science behind music and our brains, please check out Indre Viskontas book How Music Can Make You Better.

Isabelle Mohr is a junior college student studying Nursing, but has always valued writing and story telling as a true passion. Outside of school and writing, Isabelle enjoys painting landscapes (specifically Grecian temples), long walks listening to newly-created themed Spotify playlists, and annoying her cat when he wants to be sleeping.