Tag: 2019

Categories
Life

The Best of The Tempest: Life edition. Our favorite 7 stories from 2019.

[Image Description: A collage of four images with the word "Life" in the middle and "#BESTOFTHETEMPEST19" underneath.]

2019 was a year. While in the grand scheme of human history it probably won’t register as particularly significant, it was a year where womxn and femmes, and basically anyone who isn’t a cishet white man, started to find words to speak their truth. We talked about deeply traumatic experiences. We shared pain. But we also shared resiliency. So in no particular order, these are the Life Editor’s top picks for 2019.

1. “I couldn’t speak about my assault for years, until now” by

I couldn’t speak about my assault for years, until now

We all know assault sucks, but to describe it and confront it in writing? That’s something special.

2. “We’re all the victims in a world of school shootings” by  

We’re all the victims in a world of school shootings

In an America where shootings seem to happen every other day, a deep and personal narrative describing the effects of such happens is so important. Even if you haven’t been directly involved in a shooting, the PTSD hits us all in its own way.

3. “My neighborhood believes in walls and privacy, but I was surprised how much I enjoyed a week without a wall” by

My neighborhood believes in walls and privacy, but I was surprised how much I enjoyed a week without a wall

Walls are made for privacy but are they hurting human compassion and sympathy? During one week without a wall in the suburbs of Johannesburg, this author discovered an entirely new side to her neighborhood. But at the end of that week, the wall went back up and the camaraderie faded. Is privacy worth it?

4. “I wish people talked more about this depression symptom” by

I wish people talked more about this depression symptom

Brain fog is a real and horrific effect of depression that doesn’t nearly get enough attention. Brain fog refers to a cluster of symptoms that affect thinking, memory and recollection. Moreover, it affects more than just those with depression. Understanding each other is the first step to making this world a better and more accepting place.

5. “What I didn’t know about life after graduation” by

What I didn’t know about life after graduation

Moving from the freeform setup of college into the abyss of the unknown is terrifying for everyone. We think the real world will offer the same freedom but, instead, we take any and all jobs that will pay the rent and offers health insurance.

6. “Here’s why I’m done helping you with your white guilt” by

Here’s why I’m done helping you with your white guilt

It is not up to women of color to make you feel better about your inherent racism. The everyday turmoil of microaggressions and stress placed on the shoulders of POC is simply unfair and exhausting.

7. “I lost my faith in religion. Now I have to tell my Muslim parents” by

I lost my faith in religion. Now I have to tell my Muslim parents

Something changed in this author’s faith over time. Slowly, she began to listen to music, dance and lose her passion for Islam. Is she still Muslim? Why couldn’t she connect?

Life is nuts but when we share our experiences the world gets a little closer and we understand each other a little better. Cheers to 2019!

Categories
Fashion Lookbook

7 fashion trends that need to die in 2020

A foot wearing Birkenstock sandals is perched on a rock.
[Image description: A foot wearing Birkenstock sandals is perched on a rock.] Via Pexels

2020 is just around the corner, which means Christmas shopping, resolutions, and jam-packed stores are well on their way. And while the ‘new year, new me’ mentality is still fresh in our minds, let’s direct that sense of renewal and change towards saying goodbye to some of fashion’s biggest sins from this past year!

I am all for self-expression, but there are some trends that really make me want to scream, “WHY?” and also, “HOW?”. The worst part is that these trends have gotten immensely popular, which is as concerning as it is surprising.

Here’s a recap of 7 fashion trends that emerged in 2019, but definitely should not make it into 2020.

1. Boiler suits

A woman wearing a dark navy blue boiler suit.
[Image description: A woman wearing a navy blue boiler suit.] Via Amazon.
I feel like this trend is having an identity crisis. I don’t even think it knows what it is, let alone what it wants you to be when you wear it.

It doesn’t know whether it wants you to be  a skydiver, a member of a quarantine unit, the latest inmate on OITNB, or an extra on Top Gun whose 4-second appearance got cut out in post-production. Whatever the case, this look does not belong in your closet.

2.  Dad sneakers

Gray, white, and blue colored jogging shoes.
[Image description: Gray, white, and blue colored jogging shoes.] Via Amazon.
I get it, they’re comfortable. They make you feel like you’re walking on air. But – and I hate to be the one to break this to you – they don’t look nice worn with dresses, skirts, or any attire that is not intended for running. They don’t compliment the outfit at all.

Besides, they’re called ‘dad sneakers’ for a reason. Pass them on to your old man and move along.

3. Bike shorts

A woman standing with one knee bent wearing a white top, white sneakers, and gray biker shorts.
[Image description: A woman standing with one knee bent wearing a white top, white sneakers, and gray bike shorts.] Via Forever 21.
I don’t even want to know why anyone thought these would be okay to wear as an everyday look. They are not complimentary at all. Say it with me: in 2020, we save gym-wear for the gym!

4. Puff-sleeves or power shoulders

A woman wearing a pink puff-sleeved shirt with a python-printed pleated skirt and black open-toed heels.
[Image description: A woman wearing a pink puff-sleeved shirt with a python-printed pleated skirt and black open-toed heels.] Via SaksFifthAvenue.
Hi, the 80s called, they want their unnecessarily dramatic shoulder silhouettes back.

I never understood why or how the padded shoulder look made its way into the fashion world, both in the 80s and now. I also don’t understand why anyone would want their shoulders to look so puffy. It makes everything look so disproportionate!

 5. Birkenstocks

A woman wearing black jeans and tan Birkenstock sandals with orange nail polish on her toes.
[Image description: A woman wearing black jeans and tan Birkenstock sandals with orange nail polish on her toes.] Via Flickr.
Why are we even having this conversation? When did this become fashion? I feel like 2019 has turned into the year of wearing anything and everything that’s in your dad’s closet. Stop it!

6. Puffy, fluffy, or pom-pom sandals

A woman with toenails painted bright white is wearing sandals covered in fluffy yellow pom-poms.
[Image description: A woman with toenails painted bright white is wearing sandals covered in fluffy yellow pom-poms.] Via IvyRose.
Unless you plan on auditioning for Sesame Street as the newest Muppet, don’t do this. I don’t care how comfortable they are, these better be the first trend to die in 2020.

7. Cargo pants

A woman stands against a white wall wearing dark cargo pants with a white shirt.
[Image description: A woman stands against a white wall wearing dark cargo pants with a white shirt.] Via Flickr.
Yet another item we’ve taken from dad’s closet! One we should have left there. This style never belonged in any year or decade unless you were a member of the armed forces. May it die in 2020 once and for all!

Which trend is your most hated, and which is your – dare I say – favorite?

Categories
Tips & Tricks Food & Drinks

15 times you realized being vegan didn’t suck

A woman in a yellow swimsuit lies in a lilo in a pool, happy with her arms spread out.
[Image Description: A woman in a yellow swimsuit lies in a lilo in a pool, happy with her arms spread out. ] Image by Bruce Christianson via Unsplash

Veganism has been around for ages.

Ancient Indian and Eastern Mediterranean societies partook in the lifestyle choice that avoids all product that comes from animals. Veganism was even mentioned by Pythagoras in 500BC. Five centuries ago African culture also was largely dependent on the traditional foods of leaves, roots, tubers, corns, rhizomes, bulbs, seeds, buds, shoots, stems, pods or edible flowers.

In Western society, Veganism has only caught on recently.  2019 has been dubbed the Year of the Vegan, so here are 15 reasons why being vegan is great.

 1. Ben and Jerry have their own vegan flavors. 

A white man lying down on a bed, licks two ice creams in his hands.
[Image Description: A man lying down on a bed, licks two ice creams in his hands.] Via GIPHY
Ben and Jerry just released 12 non-dairy flavors. Should we be excited?

I’m too busy knee-deep in almond milk creamy loveliness to remember what we’re talking about…

2.  Apparently, it’s mainstream now

White boy looks up at a white man and smiles
[Image Description: Boy looks up at a man and smiles ] Via GIPHY
Gone are the days when people just thought you were crazy.

Now, people think you and all the hipsters are crazy. You can now eat your plant-based meal in peace without having to explain that, no you don’t miss meat and, yes, you can eat chocolate.

 3. …though you still have to have answers prepared just in case. 

A white girl in an orange outfit sits down onto the floor holding a black gun.
[Image Description: A girl in an orange outfit sits down onto the floor holding a black gun.] via GIPHY
People understand the concept but not everyone is willing to let it go. It’s good to brush up on facts just in case someone tries to argue you out of your beliefs.

4. Oreos are vegan.

Young white girl in a yellow coat, clutches a candyfloss. She is grinning.
[Image description: Young girl in a yellow coat, clutches a candyfloss. She is grinning.] Via GIPHY by Demic
YES. YES. YES.

5. Instagram is filled with supportive pages with pictures of grateful animals. 

A baby calf dances and plays happily in a field.
[Image Description: A baby calf dances and plays happily in a field.] Via GIPHY
Nothing says ‘thank you’ better than a meme that claims this calf is smiling because you chose not to eat it. You can go on with the rest of your day on cloud nine after a few of these life-affirming posts.

6. Fake leather is infinitely cheaper than real leather. 

A bald black man lifts up the bracelet of a black woman to inspect it.
[Image Description: A  man lifts up the bracelet of a woman to inspect it.] Via GIPHY
The animals may be happy, the planet may be happy, but what’s most effective is seeing how happy our wallets are. Fake leather has the same feel with less of the excess blood.

7. KFC now has vegan options.

A white man comes out of his office and follows a group of panicking employees.
[Image Description: A man comes out of his office and follows a group of panicking] Via GIPHY
Welcome aboard, Colonel.

8. Pizza hut and Pizza Express now do vegan cheese. 

A white man in a brown suit holds his hands up in the air, celebrating.
[Image Description: A man in a brown suit holds his hands up in the air, celebrating.] Via GIPHY
Family dinners are now less awkward because there’s finally something you can eat – wherever you go.

9. No one’s expecting you to be perfect.

A white man in a cowboy hat smiles in the sun.
[Image Description: A man in a cowboy hat smiles in the sun. ] via GIPHY
Let’s be honest, people who eat meat used to accuse you of ‘being up on your high horse’ or a goody-two-shoes. With the documentaries and material available, more and more people have educated themselves on why people are vegan.

You can slip up and not get battered for it.

10. Netflix has your back 

A blue mermaid with a purple tail lies under the sea, watching NETFLIX off a laptop.
[Image Description: A mermaid with a purple tail lies under the sea, watching NETFLIX off a laptop.] Via GIPHY
If you want to remind yourself why you passed up on the Hershey’s chocolate you can turn to any one of a number of Netflix documentaries. What The Health, Earthlings, and Cowspiracy are just three that will boost you up again on your mission.

11. Greta Thunberg. 

Two white men bow down to someone. One has long blonde hair, the other a black baseball cap.
[Image Description: Two men bow down to someone. One has long blonde hair, the other a black baseball cap.] Via GIPHY
With spokespeople as young as Thunberg taking to the streets, suddenly veganism seems a lot more doable. If she can do it, I bloody well can!

12. Beyond Meat exists.

A yellow bear ties a bib around his neck, and then picks up his cutlery excitedly.
[Image Description: Winnie the Pooh ties a bib around his neck, and then picks up his cutlery excitedly.] Via GIPHY
This brand is revolutionary. Their burgers sizzle and fry, and melt in your mouth ‘apparently’ like the real thing. All I know is they’re the best goddam vegan burgers I’ve ever tasted.

13. Benedict Cumberbatch was just voted PETA’s most beautiful vegan.

A white man in a suit sits down and talks to someone
[Image Description: A man in a suit sits down and talks to someone] via GIPHY
Mmmm. Not only do we get to look great doing it, but we get to look at others who look great doing it.

14. There are hundreds of ‘vegan challenges’ if you’re not quite ready to commit. Beyonce created one. 

A white man in a suit jumps up and down and claps his hands
[Image Description: A man in a suit jumps up and down and claps his hands] Via GIPHY
That’s right, the queen of pop created her own 22 day Vegan challenge. Now all you single ladies can put a fake chicken ‘wing’ on it (sorrynotsorry).

15. Wagamama are cranking up their vegan options. 

A white man in a yellow polo neck top brings down his hand and says, 'Yes'.
[Image Description: A man in a yellow polo neck top brings down his hand and says, ‘Yes’.] via GIPHY
This International brand just paired up with vegan chef Gaz Oakley to create an awesome new menu. With fake eggs made of coconut cream and sriracha, the new dishes are definitely something to be excited about.

Whatever reason we’re pursuing veganism, 2019 has our back.  Vegan ice cream party anyone?

Categories
Press Pop Culture

Best of The Tempest 2018: 9 Stories from Pop Culture

[Image description: A collage of four images from The Shape of Water, Crimes of Grindelwald, The Bold Type, Chris Brown overlaid with 'Pop Culture 2018 #bestofthetempest18']
[Image description: A collage of four images from The Shape of Water, Crimes of Grindelwald, The Bold Type, Chris Brown overlaid with 'Pop Culture 2018 #bestofthetempest18']

It’s been a peculiar year in the realm of entertainment. We’ve had such big, progressive victories and such big setbacks and anachronisms in terms of representation, transparency, and inclusivity. Many LGBTQ+ artists thrived, and 2018 was dubbed 20GAYTEEN by singer Hayley Kiyoko. It was the year of Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, and yet big name studios are still out there producing films that are imbued with racism, sexism, homophobia, and fatphobia as well as often promoting rape and hate.

We’re still light years away from consuming the egalitarian entertainment we deserve. I knew that very well when I became Pop Culture Editor at The Tempest. I understood that I would have to look closely at many media products that would make me mad, which I would rather ignore and avoid at all costs, but I gladly accepted the challenge. I believe our mission is to shed light on everything that is going on, and that includes denouncing the many injustices that occur in the entertainment industry. We can’t possibly stay silent about the things we deem wrong, because silence is complicity.

But we also don’t like to only see the glass half empty, and we love to admit that there are many things to praise and to celebrate. Without further ado, I present to you 9 of my favorite Pop Culture stories we published in 2018, a mix of the good and the bad.

1. Why are blockbuster films pretending that lesbians and bisexuals don’t exist?

Why are blockbuster films pretending that lesbians and bisexuals don’t exist?

Despite the good representation that television and the music industry gifted us with this year, blockbusters are still actively promoting the erasure of female queerness as well as employing queer bait. This is a trend that needs to stay in 2018.

2. What time is it, Hollywood?

What time is it, Hollywood?

What about what happens behind the camera? This article explores some trends of the entertainment industry from the inside out, because actresses are not the only people we need to protect. Let’s say #TimesUp to all kinds of discrimination.

3. Dislikeable female characters aren’t inherently feminist – but that’s okay

Dislikeable female characters aren’t inherently feminist – but that’s okay

There is a big misconception in fiction and in critique: that a female character who dares be different and dislikable is automatically a great feminist heroine. She’s not, and that’s okay.

4. Why I’m boycotting J.K. Rowling and her “Fantastic Beasts”

Why I’m boycotting J.K. Rowling and her “Fantastic Beasts”

We are tired of people giving J.K. Rowling a free pass for everything just because she wrote a beautiful book series 20 years ago. For a while now, she has been twisting things to appear “woke” instead of honestly admitting that as the times progressed, she also wants to be more inclusive. There is no need to say that she was planning plot twists all along when in reality the implications of that make her way more problematic. Read why in this piece!

5. Bollywood item numbers are more dangerous than we think

Bollywood item numbers are more dangerous than we think

If you don’t know what an item number is, you need to read this piece. If you do know, you need to read this piece. It’s eye-opening and I will never look at a Bollywood film the same way again.

6. This director’s approach to diverse female characters completely changed my movie-watching experience

This director’s approach to diverse female characters completely changed my movie-watching experience

Contrary to what some haters will have you believe about feminists, we do celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of men, when they deserve it. This article is a clap on the back of an Oscar-winning director for an amazing film that contributed to making 2018 better.

7. Yes, The Bold Type is unrealistic… just not for the reasons you think

Yes, The Bold Type is unrealistic… just not for the reasons you think 

You may or may not know this show, which was a true revelation for its honest representation of working (and woke!) millennial women. However, the show has been accused of portraying a utopistic world of equality (but it really doesn’t, the protagonists deal with misogyny, racism and homophobia every day). This article cleverly responds to that claim, contextualizing it particularly within the journalism world (where the main characters spend most of their time) that we know too well.

8. Karma has finally come for Chris Brown, and we can thank women for that

Karma has finally come for Chris Brown, and we can thank women for that

Abusers deserve to be held accountable for their actions. After the tidal wave that was the #MeToo movement, it’s good to see that celebrities are still being taken down after abusive behavior.

9. My mind tells me to read, but my body is overwhelmed and overworked

My mind tells me to read, but my body is overwhelmed and overworked

A constant struggle in the transition to adulthood is that we are burdened with too many responsibilities and we have too little time to do the things we actually want to do out of sheer pleasure, like reading. It does not help that books have gained a very strong competitor for our time and attention, the “monster” that are streaming services.

We’re ready to kiss 2018 goodbye. In the hope that 2019 will be a more satisfying year for women, people of color, and all oppressed minorities, happy new year from the staff of The Tempest!