Q3: Mini-magazine, Issue 9, Pop Culture

Issue 9: Pop Culture

Contents

1-2 The e-Girl and e-Boy Phenomena

19-20 9-10

The Evolution of Harley Quinn

The Art of the Concept Album

3-6 Pop Culture vs. Remake Culture

7-8 An In-Depth Analysis of TikTok

11-14 A Rough Guide to Popular Aesthetics

15-18 Quarantine Culture

21-22 War of the Streaming Services

23-24 Why Are We Keeping Up with the Kardashians?

e-Girl and e-Boy Phenomena This e-phenomena is not strictly a new look, as anyone who grew up on Tumblr would notice, the long-sleeve t-shirts layered under short sleeved band t-shirts, paired with ripped jeans and chunky shoes was all the rage when we were thirteen and listening to ‘AM’ by Arctic Monkeys on repeat. What have the e-girl/e-boy trend brought that’s new? And where did it all come from? And, how do you become one?

The e-girl aesthetic is an amalgamation of different styles and eras.

The long-sleeve t-shirts layered under short sleeved band t-shirts is a mixture of the emo and skater-boy aesthetic from the 2000s. The cargo trousers and ‘mum’ jeans are inspired by the 90s trends; a tribute to every love song about leaving your ripped jeans on the floor. However, if the e-girl opts for skirt, there are a lot of anime undertones in the pleats, lace stockings and ‘schoolgirl’ plaid. Other accessories include: chains, fishnet tights, chunky belts, studs and Doc Martens.

It should be acknowledged that a lot of the photos and videos are made by underaged children. Not to mention, the fact that even the older girls infantilise themselves through childlike voices, cute poses and the previously mentioned school1

girl inspiration. This is not strictly limited to girls, however, as e-boys are also part of very vulgar videos whereby they emulate sexual activities for the camera. Whilst there is no nudity, the lack of age restrictions and sexualisation for sake of ‘views’ is a major problem of this trend.

This is not to say the trend’s social aspects are all negative. The e-girl look is prominently about being ‘girly’, which is usually looked down upon. As well as this, e-boys are redefining masculinity by wearing eyeliner, nail polish and jewellery.

Femininity is not typically cool, as a pre-teen/teen girl it was more favourable to be one of the boys. Pretty, ‘girly’ girls are typically presented as the villain in most teen movies such as, High School Musical, She’s the Man, Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging.

These films depict the antagonist as ‘girly’, superficial and drenched in pink. Whereas, the protagonist is usually a tomboy, shy and ‘different’ from the other girls in some way or another.

Currently, there is a stigma that means girls cannot enjoy ‘girly’ things which are targeted towards them such as, make-up, fashion and romantic comedies without being basic or boring. Yet, girls who enjoy media targeted towards men such as, video games, superhero movies and football are often labelled as fake. Nowadays, however, ‘girly’ girls are finally ‘cool’ and e-girls have a big impact in that. The entire look is based around a lot of make-up, blush, eyeliner, hearts and pigtails with clips and scrunchies. In a society where, as a woman, it seems impossible to be accepted;

it is empowering to see girls embracing their feminine or strictly for the LGBTQ+ commufemininity and playing with their appearance nity. This embrace of femininity by heterosexon huge platforms. ual men means there is less of a discrepancy between what we perceive as ‘straight wear’ So, what about e-boys? E-boys are character- and ‘gay wear’. The trend also offers a larger ised by very similar clothes, accessories and range of fashion for men because a greater make-up as e-boys. I think the typical e-boy amount of clothes than are not your typical look is characterised by the classic longjeans and t-shirt has become more accepted. sleeve t-shirts layered under short sleeved band t-shirts, cargo trousers, chains, beanies Now you know what an e-girl and an e-boy is, and a single dangling earring. A characterif the concept is still a little unclear, Tik Tok istic that is seen a lot more amongst e-boys, is the best place to research more. Trying the rather than e-girls, is branded clothes; expen- aesthetic is very accessible as most e-people sive layers that trace back to the ‘hype-beasts’ are everyday people online, from the comsuch as, ‘Thrasher’, which is a well-known fort of their bedrooms. Opposed to the emo skater/surfer brand. or punk aesthetic, which negated that they had to maintain a certain image in public. An Whilst the dress is not vastly different bee-person make-up look usually consists of a tween e-girls and e-boys, the content they lot of freckles, eyeliner, blush, eyeshadow and put out seems to be. E-girl Tik Tok’s usually hand-drawn hearts under their eyes. As for consist of ways to achieve this look. The top the clothes and accessories, the trick is to layer videos that come up when you search e-girl and clash colours/patterns. A lot of good piecare look books, make-up tutorials and hair es can be found in charity shops or kilo sales. dyes. Other videos include: miming, lip-syncing and short dances such as As cliché as it sounds, the most ME! ME! ME! based on a Japanese important part is to have fun and song video. E-boys put out similar be open-minded with the way in videos, however, they have another which you approach this aesthettype of popular content which is the ic. In the current circumstancpreviously mentioned sexualised es, a lot of people have enjoyed videos such as, close up’s playing with their appearances captioned “Who would and re-creating themselves to date me?”, shirtless vidpast the time. A big part of eos and hands grasped any fashion movement is at bedsheets in order self-expression, so make to show their veins. sure it represents you and Therefore, e-boy makes you feel good above photos and videos anything else. appear to be more sexual in nature.

Words by: Francesca Ionescu However, there is a Photography by: Cai positive element to Vickery and Darcy Serthe e-boy’s and that is vais inclusivity. A lot of the Design by Jasmine Snow elements that are seen as 2

Pop Culture vs.

Remake Culture

Words by: Lafan Hasan Photography by: Craig Sybert, Allie Smith and Mike Von Design by Jasmine Snow

Pop culture is probably one of the least robust things to exist in society, it is ever-changing to say the least.

In my opinion that’s what makes it interesting and worth thinking about. It takes a unique form, depending on contextual elements of a time and is meant to represent what is popular and what it is, we identify as part of our individual culture. A lot of the time you find that previous generations look down on the pop culture of the next because it is simply different to what they’re used to, it’s lost its nostalgic element. What is even more interesting, is that a large part of popular culture today relies on the current generation having to relate to the previous one while maintaining their own original touches, hence the existence of remakes. In essence, 3

we see postmodernism taking form in current-day pop culture. Theoretically, it tries to be a balance between the approval of the previous generation or even an ode to it, and between the freshness of the current generation. A theoretical balance doesn’t always equate to a practical balance and therefore you don’t find an overwhelming contentment with remakes in general. Before we get into the gist of remake culture and how it’s come to be, clarifying what a remake is will be crucial. A remake might sound self-explanatory but essentially it is the recreation of a show, a song, a movie, any creative product for that matter while using unfamiliar elements relative to the original content. A remade film or show will have different actors, a remade song will be a cover by a different artist, a remade game will be made with better graphics for a different console and so on.

Believe it or not, remakes have been more frequent than we might think.

In the late 60s through to the early 80s the popular music industry was characterised by covers, essentially musical remakes. A lot of you reading this would’ve probably heard the song ‘I Love Rock’n’Roll” by the Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, that song is actually a cover of the original song that was created by The Arrows. For those of you who don’t know that song, I’ll give you an example that is a bit more recent, and that is “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston. That song is actually not her original song, Dolly Parton is the original artist behind that track.

This example brings light to something really important. Up until this moment you probably wouldn’t have thought to ask whether it was a cover or not because Whitney’s

voice has already got you hooked in.

Remakes are usually criticised for the lack of originality that a creator displays by partaking in them.

However, creating something great doesn’t necessarily mean creating something original, but I think there can be a profound appreciation or merit in doing something better than the original itself. That being said, remakes can be original to a certain extent. Let’s take a more modern example of a remake. In the current day we have been seeing a rise in film remakes from Disney.

These have ranged from Lion King, to Aladdin and Dumbo. Aladdin featured many new soundtracks in comparison to the original, arguably the creation of new songs to the same plot qualifies as an 4

original creation, or at least I think so. As a creative myself, I feel the need to stick by the creative choices behind remakes. I think the most fascinating thing about remakes is the strategic use of nostalgia as a tool to attract audiences of all sorts.

Although some remakes might not be received well in terms of whether people liked them or not, there is always an anticipation of how they will turn out regardless. People are always eager to go watch the new “Lion King” whether it is to trash it or to be pleasantly surprised by it. I believe that this eagerness is induced by the need to feel nostalgic because generally when we refer to our childhoods, we can always remember that song barney sang, or the way dory just kept swimming.

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Although I am an advocate of all sorts of creativity, remakes have never been my cup of tea. I can admire the attempts that remakes make to delve into my nostalgia, but I always find myself instinctively picking out what makes the remake so different to its predecessor. I cant help but point out that the voices are different, or the fact that characters don’t feel the same, or that my eyes are just unaccustomed to the CGI that makes dumbo look real, when in reality I want him to feel imaginary. I find myself thinking that they are trying to force it on me too much. As I find myself having these thoughts, I begin to realise that this forced differentiated version of my childhood will set the standard of the generation below me and maybe

was never intended for my liking to being with. Instead it becomes the gateway for the new generation to relate to me whilst having something new to themselves. The newer era will think of the live-action Aladdin as the normal Aladdin, the same way that I ignorantly thought that Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” remake was the original entirely. Maybe being oblivious to whether a creation is a remake, determines whether we approach it and judge it fairly.

I can’t mention remakes without also looking at the cynical perspective of them. Many of us believe or are taught to recognise that the material we consume, specifically entertainment is a result of a selfish

capitalist system. Disney has always taken the throne for being the embodiment of capitalist and hegemonic ideology. Skepticism arises about Disney remakes because they are viewed as a scheme to sell something that they already know will sell. Whether it’s because parents want their kids to share similar experiences with them, or because they knew it worked the first time.

Capitalism serves as an abomination for people who are patiently waiting to be bombarded with new content, fresh plot lines and new characters.

Instead they are welcomed with fundamentally new methods of delivering the same content. Remakes then become the emblems of laziness and repetition and leave the anticipatory audiences disappointed.

In conclusion, I think that remakes aren’t terrible, but I don’t prefer them because I am one to get bored of repetition of any sort. To answer the question of whether popular culture has become remake culture, I say that remake culture will always be interweaved within popular culture as a way to introduce nostalgia to the forefront. Regardless of the fact, up until now every era of pop culture has greeted us with more new-makes than remakes and even the new-makes will always be inspired by the old. I do think that there is an art to remakes because as Picasso once said “good artists copy and great artists steal” so if you can make a remake that is better than the original, you have succeeded in creating a work of art.

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agree with or relate to.

A quote from my 17-year-old sister, “TikTok is basically the best thing to happen to this year”, with over one billion monthly active users and the platform constantly dominating the app store across the world, if there was an app to characterise the chaos that is 2020, TikTok is certainly the one. But is it necessary? Does it provide us with much needed beneficial content? Or could we overlook it as simply a time wasting app for kids?

A huge attraction of the app is FOMO; it’s the app of the moment and everybody is talking about it, but are you really missing out? It is incredibly easy to save and share videos back and forth, forging and strengthening connections between family and friends and it is also likely if you don’t stay up to date, confusion will occur about the ever-changing trends, a popular one being the Blinding Lights challenge, everyone from family households to NHS workers all learning this dance to The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’. This new platform has therefore become popular, not only among Gen Z and Millennials using it as a means to cope during social distancing and isolation, but has brought entire communities together, young and old, allowing us to be social in a time when we can’t afford to do otherwise.

A unique feature of TikTok that separates it from other popular social platforms is the ‘For You Page, a personalised feature similar to Pinterest’s home page, where the algorithm’s AI technology recognises videos you’ve watched, liked, hashtags you’ve searched (nobody outside of the app truly knows the magic behind how this works) and in return a page exists with scarily accurate content that is customised to the individual. With this being entirely personalised for you and people you have things in common with – in essence this does unknowingly create the ultimate filter bubble, compared to other platforms, where you often see content you don’t necessarily always

Unlike apps like Instagram, the focus isn’t on celebrities or influencers per say but on seemingly regular individuals with relatable humour often becoming some of the most viral content.

This leads to the catapulting of ordinary individuals into stardom which can be held in popular comparison with Vine, the six second looping video app, which made stars out of characters like Liza Koshy, King Bach and so on. This new app is filling what can be considered a gap in the market since Vine’s departure in 2016. Both have a particularly addicting quality, easily able to spend hours on the app feeling like 15 minutes has gone by, due to the endless array of short and effortless consumption these videos provide us (also taking into account our shorter attention spans with social media). It has to be accepted consequently that the platform is not a perfect one, with the issue of time-wasting and the app coming under fire for news circulating that moderators have had pressure placed on them to hide content from ‘ugly, poor and disabled users’; a highly superficial nature clouding the app and its content.

At the moment, TikTok is at a similar place to where snapchat was in the early days of its creation, seemingly dominated by young kids and teens with advertisers not necessarily taking advantage of monetisation – it will be interesting to see how the app will develop in the future for example, record labels seeing the rise of independent artists going viral and releasing songs fit for the platform. Although the app should make considerable changes in regards to becoming more inclusive for everyone and perhaps give us more insight into how the For You page functions allowing room for personal changes, I would say that TikTok ultimately stands alone in comparison to other apps and is genuinely such a fun time, especially for those bored or looking for entertainment in this current climate, it will be your best friend as well as a procrastinators worst enemy.

Words by Coby Barker Illustration by Jasmine Snow Design by Jasmine Snow

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The Art of the Concept Album

Words by Suraya Kazzuz Design by Jasmine Snow 9

The concept album cannot be defined, this is its power.

pletely different way. With the age of streaming through phones and laptops, it would make sense to assume that there may be more of a disconnect between the story-teller and their audience. However, the story-telling aspects of concept albums led to a natural progression in the creation of these albums with accompanying films and videos. Beyoncé’s Lemonade being a very notable example.

Artists have found ways in which to transform the concept album and create a more interesting album.

All songs tell a story and have a narrative of some kind, no matter how vague. The concept album becomes a more compelling and attractive medium to those who wish to make political statements as it allows for a more in-depth conversation and makes for a more interesting album. From Woody Guthrie’s Dust Bowl Ballads, which many suggest is one of the first concept albums, to almost all of Kendrick Lamar’s catalogue of albums– concept albums are used as a means of making political state- In this new age of creating music, Kendrick ments.

Lamar seems to have become somewhat of the picture boy for the concept album with These two artists, Guthrie and Lamar, seem to the likes of, good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp have very little in common and are separated a Butterfly and Damn. Lamar’s albums have by four generations. However, both artists pro- had a significant cultural impact. Perhaps duced concept albums which share a political the most overtly political album, To Pimp a message to their audience. While Guthrie was Butterfly, is particularly focussed on dialogufocussed on the Great Depression, Lamar was ing the racial tensions within America at a focussed on the discrimination of black people time when people were increasingly aware of in America. Looking at these two artists we police brutality and the Black Lives Matter can see how the concept album has evolved, movement. These topics are extremely combut also the ways in which it has remained plex and weighted down by the nonsensical consistent. discrimination of black Americans. Through the use of the concept album, these mulThe concept album was created at a time when ti-layered stories are relayed to us in a beautivinyl was the only way in which people could ful way both due to Lamar’s lyricism and the listen to music. There were no skipping or medium through which he chose to tell his shuffling albums. There were no mixtapes or story. His videos enhance the narrative and playlists. Albums were created to be listened allow us as an audience to better understand to from beginning to end. Pink Floyd’s The his message.

Darkside of the Moon or The Beach Boy’s Pet Sounds, are two examples of other albums The concept album certainly stands as a which were made for vinyl, and they utilised separate entity within the music industry their medium as much as they could. In order and is evolution has led to some of the most to listen to these albums in all of their entirety, interesting and important albums to ever be the listener would have to get up and turn the created. record around from side A to side B to continue listening. With this physical aspect of listening to music, there was more of a connection between the listener and the artist.

Today, however, we consume media in a com-

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A Rough Guide to Popular Aesthetics Words by Giulya Ionescu Illustration by Jasmine Snow Design by Jasmine Snow

Nowadays, aesthetic seems to be a very vague word used on Instagram when looking for outfit inspiration. But at their basis, popular aesthetics must be adopted by multiple people and just like most other things, very few aesthetics are new.

The three aesthetics that we’ve all noticed at some points are born from sub-cultures, and while these were at their core political, now they’re a lot more about making a social stance.

On a very niche part of the internet, especially on twitter, there was a sort of obsession with skater-boyfriends. As any other sort of generalisation, this dating criteria probably ended up with a lot of people hurt, as despite being part of a certain social group not all skateboarders will be the same- not all of them joined this sort of group for the same reasons. But the interest in them is interesting and explainable. Skater-boys are seen as cool and laid back, usually associated with heavy smoking, casual day-time drinking, not caring about much, and are often shirt-

less. The history of skating is relatively recent and explains a lot of the general culture and aesthetic.

Skating started somewhere around the 1960s, when surfers in California wanted something to do when they didn’t have waves – making skating essentially surfing on concrete, so the general aesthetic is similar to a Californian surfer one. The two groups have common brands targeted to them too, such as Billabong, Reef and VANS. Skating was mostly confined to ramps and the drained outdoor pools of unsuspecting Californian homeowners until 1973 when the first ‘ollie’ was performed, essentially leading to the better-known ‘street’ style through the 80s and 90s up to the present day. The movie Mid 90s directed by Jonah Hill shows how skating was a big thing in this era, while also breaking it down to the essence of the culture- breaking the rules.

Smoking and drinking in public, skating in places where they shouldn’t be, angering members of the public, it’s all part of the idea that skaters don’t exist to please others. The entire movement is based on being independent – there’s little coincidence that this word is also the name of one of the most popular skate brands. So as far as fashion goes, some skaters are against brands such as Nike SB as they don’t think a big mainstream company should be pushing out smaller, independent skater-owned brands.

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Both the sport, and the culture of skateboarding are dominated by men. This is not to say that girls can’t, or don’t skate, but talking to girl skaters showed that it is significantly harder for women to become legitimately part of a ‘skater group’. While the basis should really be the hobby, as a girl the standards seem to be higher, and trying to hang around with male skaters is usually read as ‘trying too hard’ or being a ‘poser’.

Another problem seems to be that girls that aren’t more masculine in behaviour find it hard to be taken serious in a platonic way, so they are being kept away from embracing this group and aesthetic and having to stick to just the physical hobby.

It is worth noting the maleness of skating when addressing what’s the actual aesthetic of it. While Tumblr wants you to think girls would wear short skirts and fishnets, skating is a hobby that means you will go down a lot. Dickies, a brand famous for its style of cargos and work trousers are seen a lot as well as baggier thick denim, to avoid hurting yourself too much. If the weather allows it skater fashion seems to have a lot of overlaying, of short and long sleeves, as well as hoodies and beanies. The skateboard is obviously the main accessory and it is often chosen and assembled to the individual’s liking, with a large focus on the artwork on the underside of the deck, making clear the use of this hobby as a multi-faceted form of self-expression.

If on one side everyone wanted a skater boyfriend, on the other side everyone else wanted a goth girlfriend. In a very similar way to skaters, most people who grew up goth or emo will be upset and probably find the rise in the trend funny.

Emo culture becoming more popular means the actual characteristics become watered down and less 13

about self-expression, more about general fashion. Additionally, being goth would have brought bullying and harassment in the early 2000s, similarly, to how being punk would have pronounced you vulnerable. Cases such as Sophie Lancaster’s murder in 2007 and Brian Deneke in 1997 show that the world wasn’t as accepting of sub-cultures as it seemed. It is to no surprise then that people who grew up being harassed for what they were wearing or the music they listened to aren’t fans of seeing their bullies now adopt the same trend.

Emo started through music, and was originally called emo-core, as a softer side to Washington D. C’s notoriously violent hardcore scene. Emo culture was often associated with depression and forms of self-harm, but that is more of a stereotype due to social media. Emo was mostly about the music and people wanting to belong, and no one used to want to be called that.

Emo aesthetic had a lot of dark black colour and similar to skaters a lot of overlaying.

Make up was very exaggerated with huge eyeliner and thin eyebrows (more due to the trend becoming very popular in the 2000s).

The hair was a big part of the emo aesthetic, with swept fringes on one side, and usually either a rainbow colour, platinum blonde or deep black. Goth was lot more extreme, the outfits all black, same as the hair and makeup, as well as using light foundation to give the impression of a paler face. Each aesthetics is quite closed, but emo is a lot more common to be worn on a daily basis and more usually seen as a youth sub-culture.

If you ever ask someone for one subculture, they will probably mention the hippie movement first. 1969 is a notable year for the hippie movement due to Woodstock, the peak of psychedelics, rock and the progressive society. The hippies

of the 60s were very much a political movement. In both the UK and the USA, the 60s were a year of protest. The hippie movement is a big part of that, protesting the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights inequality, and in the UK seemingly lead by John Lennon, a huge peace activist.

The progressive society meant the generation gap between the parents growing up in the 40s and the children growing up in the 60s was bigger than the precedent 30s to 50s generation gap. The 1960s in the UK saw legalised abortion and the pill becoming more available, which lead to more sexual freedom, closely tied with the hippie movement.

Drugs were a lot more common, especially marijuana and LSD leading to the psychedelic images often associated with music festivals such as Glastonbury. So, the Hippies our parents would have been or grown up with were a social movement as much as a fashion and art one, targeting the old-fashioned society and wanting to bring some sort of change in behaviour. They were all about peace and communal living and seen less as a clique than nowadays.

Nowadays hippies are associate with Extinction Rebellion and Green Peace, socio-political activists requesting change in the way climate change is being tackled by the government and ordinary people alike.

I talked to some people who were part of hippie groups and this idea that the entire movement is based on peace is contradicted by some, who say that at its core, modern hippie is all about drugs. People who adhere to the hippie lifestyle might be very much about love and peace and enjoying life, opposite to the capitalist dogma of eat, work, die, but a lot of that is under the influence.

Modern hippie also seeps into a new subcul-

ture of ravers, into psychedelic, techno music and massive warehouse parties, raves, festivals and stimulant drugs. While the scene seems terrifying from the outside, ravers carry on the idea of living life to the fullest and using drugs to have visual and auditory experiences. This heavy emphasis on drugs makes this sub-culture dangerous, as casual drug use can quickly turn into dependency.

Subcultures always attract vulnerable people with a need to belong, so making drug use one of the requirements constant drug use is very risky.

All this is being said as a history of the movement, it doesn’t mean being part of a hippie group is a bad thing. As any other social group, a lot of people only adopt the looks or the art side or the music, which creates the aesthetic. Hippies wear a lot of flowy clothes, as part of showing freedom. Baggy trousers and dungarees, clothes with colourful patches and embroidery are accompanied by a lot of jewellery with crystals and symbols attached. Crystals are a big part of the hippie aesthetic as they symbolise healing and a connection to the earth. Make up isn’t as much of a part of hippie aesthetic, and it’s pretty open to interpretation. A lot of hippie specific clothes would be described as both colourful and old, as a lot of them are meant to be recycled and re-used, rather than products of fast fashion.

The main thing about all three of these aesthetics is that they start with a need to belong. All pf the teen movies always show the outcasts as belonging to some sort of sub-culture, and that leads most people to thinking sub-cultures are for ‘weird’ people.

This is untrue, in reality sub-cultures and aesthetics serve more as a way to let people express themselves outside of the ever changing mainstream trends. Not to mention, they serve as a foundation for people to find themselves and grow friendships.

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Quarantine Culture

Words by Ella Hall Design by Nicole Rees Williams

Don’t get me wrong, social life in quarantine is anything but plain sailing…friendships unattended, dating life abandoned. Relationships, well, many couples are forced into long-distance relationships with partners who lives just 5 minutes around the corner.

Yet, while all-natural forms of socialisation seem doom and gloom, surely there’s a way to battle this pandemic-imposed social deficit?

Facetime. Otherwise known as the 21st Century God’s gift to humanity. While not all people are fully behind, educated or comfortable with the idea, most namely your technophobic grandparents or overly confused aunts and uncles, Facetime’s undeniably the closest thing to real face to face interactions during this isolation period.

Despite Facetime’s perceivably bold global presence, little apprehension remains when suggesting that perhaps the world has never 16

quite appreciated its existence as much as we do today. Facetime’s ability to prevent loneliness is one greater step towards reassurance in these volatile times, allowing our loved ones to be not only safe but sociable- helping us feel that our loved ones and their wonderful faces aren’t a million miles afar, but just a FaceTime call away.

choice, accessibility and general simplicity of Facetime…uniting us all, generations wide, during this time of physical separation and divide.

Alternatively, a form of socialisation particularly for us students would be our online lectures and seminars. I know, it sounds preposterous. The proposal of studying as an antidote during such temperamental times Of course, Facetime’s not the only video call sounds crazy when the idea first hits the ears front runner, as the likes of Skype has been and eyes. Believe me, I hear you. However, perceivably dominating the field since its although hard to admit, the socialisation of birth in 2003. Moreover, Facebooks devela lecture is vital to overcome the pandemic opments regarding Messenger and its more recent video abilities only adds to the ever-ex- contrived fear and lack of motivation, therefore certainly not one to be undermined or panding variety of video chatting apps and overlooked. platforms available to all; old, young, far or wide.

Seminars especially allow you to socialise with like-minded people regarding your field Although Facetime’s recognisably a greater of intrigue; comparing ideas, contrasting challenge or fearful adjustment for some, in arguments and building understanding and light of the current situation, it’s safe to asa wider breath of knowledge and skillsets. sume that many will feel empowered by the 17

Moreover, this not only benefits your socialisation, but perhaps your mental health, as well as your artistic or academic intelligence.

Furthermore, the feeling of productivity not only makes you feel your times, it acts as a great distraction and encourages greater normalcy into your daily routine.

On the other end of the spectrum boasts a whole world of sociable gaming apps, such as Ellen DeGeneres’s popular ‘Psych’ app. Psych recreates the enjoyment many students once had at a flat/house pre drinks- having mindless fun, playing iconic games like ‘never have I ever’ or ‘most likely to’.

Despite the bitter reality that nothing can beat the real thing, Psych comes perhaps as close as it gets. It’s more popular feature ‘The truth comes out’ presents a tongue and cheek mode to expose your friends’ secrets- the winner gaining their title due to their most hilarious answers. Moreover, the simplicity of the game and the general smooth running’s of the app itself provides the light-hearted, witty socialisation every university student expects and deserves; even during a pandemic.

Although alcohol or Facetiming during the game may enhance the fun, a sober game is certainly nothing to lower your nose at, as the game provides ample amusement in its own rights-. Moreover, it matters not how one tailors their gaming experience, compared to the next person. Blessed with a variety of choice, DeGeneres’s Psych game is undoubtedly just one of many riveting apps ready and waiting to be played!

Alternatively, some may feel urged to use their overwhelming free time to aid the struggling people, communities and hospitals across the country. The admittedly more far-fetched form of socialisation could come in the form of becoming a supermarket

shelf-stacker, a delivery driver for a company or perhaps independently- providing greater support to those at higher risk within your local area.

Naturally this is not for everyone, especially those live with, or are themselves higher risk.

However, the socialisation with a variety of community members, alongside the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment is an option certainly not to be neglected.

With every mode of socialisation, you chose; check in with the especially vulnerable, your loved ones and even your own mental health.

Yet, also remember to stay safe and sane- this situation is just temporary, and every social interaction reminds us that our love for each other is anything but.

Although we are all isolating, we are absolutely not alone.

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The Fantabulous Evolution of One

Harley Quinn When Harley Quinn cartwheeled onto screens in 1992, she was intended as a one-episode female henchwoman with a crush the size of Brooklyn on the Clown Prince of Crime. Of course, the Joker was only interested in causing chaos, as the writers were concerned a girlfriend would make the Joker too sympathetic. But Harley Quinn was here to stay, and over the years she has become one of the best beloved comic characters of all time. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is the character’s second outing on the big screen, her first solo movie and in typical Harley style has divided fans and critics alike. But how does Harley Quinn, the Joker’s on-again-off-again evolve into a bad ass solo b***? The idea that Harley has always been reliant on the Joker to stand her up has historically surrounded the character almost since conception, and while the Joker/Harley relationship has necessarily been heavily explored both within the comics and on screen, it’s also just one dynamic important to Harley’s character. I would therefore argue that the character has less evolved and more simply shifted focus. ​ arley has always, as Margot Robbie puts H it, done so much better with others to play with. Ever since Harley’s backstory was 19

explored in Mad Love, a comic tied to Batman: The Animated Series Harley has been paired up with Power Girl, Cat Woman, Amazonians to name a few and has consistently been part of multiple groups and partnerships, such as Suicide Squad and Gotham City Sirens not to mention having her own vigilante group, her ‘Gang of Harley’s. Apart from the Joker Harley’s had romantic attachments to Deadshot and Bruce Wayne among others, all proving that when not involved with her ‘puddin’, Harley finds other (often more healthy) sources of affection. At her core, Harley is looking for love and the biggest evolution of the character has always been where she goes looking. Poison Ivy for example.

Even as far back as Batman: The AnimatedSeries and the character’s first incarnation, Harley has always found her way to Poison Ivy and the pair’s dynamic has been reliably queer coded until 2015 where the pair were confirmed to have a romantic attachment.

From their first team up Ivy has often pointed out the Joker’s abuse to Harley and the newest animated series Harley Quinn once again sees Harley leave the Joker with help from her best girlfriend. Ivy is as much a part of Harley’s past as the Joker, and her relationship with her has gone through as many evolutions including marriage. In a post New

52 era, Ivy has been an integral part of Harley’s emancipation from the Joker and a source of support while facing life on her own, something that is only just coming to big screen. In recent years Harley’s reclamation of her past before the Joker has played its own role in Harley’s growth, but it’s not something that has ever been completely abandoned. Like most people I know who have them, Harley is furious if you forget those all-important three letters before her name- that’s Dr. Harleen Quinzel to you.

While often played for laughs, Harley’s PhD is an important facet of her identity and its integral to why people love the character, some part of Harley is still the psychiatrist who educated herself out of her dysfunctional family. Harley retains a level of humanity because she never completely surrenders the person she used to be before becoming Harley Quinn, something that will always be out of reach for the Joker.

Valentine’s Day, something I hope Harley would approve of, and while my date found some of the violence a little much, I was entranced. Finally, my girl was being the bad ass she deserved, not because she knew who she was without the Joker but precisely because she didn’t. Birds of Prey was a wonderful emancipation for Harley because it acknowledged that Harley had never been reliant on the Joker, while recognising she’s not sure who she is without him yet either. Harley’s just making the best go of it that she can, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Where Harley will go on the big screen only time will tell, but however she evolves I’m sure it’ll be absolutely fantabulous.

Words by Saoirse O’Connor Design by Nicole Rees-Williams

Harley’s relationship with Joker has often been accused of glamorising domestic abuse, claims that solidified with Suicide Squad (2016) where a sex kittenish Harley was jammed up against Joker with nary a word spoken about it by anyone. Here the relationship was coded as two crazy people in love, a Sid and Nancy or Bonnie and Clyde kind of love story. But Suicide Squad forgot the same aspect of Harley’s character that Birds of Prey focuses on, she always does better with other people. When she’s treated with respect Harley has often turned on the Joker, something the new animated series has also brought to the forefront of Harley’s story. When Harley knows that she has somewhere else to go, when she has an alternative, she picks herself up again and starts afresh.

I went to see the Birds of Prey film on20

WAR

of the

STREAMING SERVICES

Since the impending pandemic has crashed upon us, there is one thing we have definitely all been resorting to for entertainment: streaming services. With the added pressure of constant entertainment, each service has had to up their game in terms of factors such as amount of content, range of genres, and most iportantly the price. Read on as three of our contrubutors battle it out to find out the question that’s really on our mind. Which streaming service is best?

NETFLIX

By Zoe Williamson With a range of streaming services now available in the digital world, it may be difficult to decide which one to spend your money on.

So, what can Netflix offer you that makes it stand out against its competitors?

Netflix is well known across the globe for its exceptional array of ‘Netflix Originals’ and there is a whole selection of genres to choose from.

Take the Stranger for instance.

This gripping thriller is a binge worthy series and will have you hooked on the edge of your seat. I will say no more, but if this sounds like your kind of show, then I would highly recommend.

Complex narratives and multi-dimensional themes are something that Netflix successfully pulls off time and time again. But, if solving mysteries is not your thing, then how about Sex Education. This well-loved show that was filmed in Wales, has been highly appraised for its celebration of diversity among its characters.

It is set in the modern day, but with a retro twist, and will be returning for a third season. Other original programming includes Stranger Things, The Society and The Witcher, just to name a few.

At the sweet price of just £5.99 a month for their basic plan, you can have access to all of this, plus an incredible range of critically acclaimed films, TV shows and documentaries, all within the palm of your hand. These are put into easily identifiable categories and will make recommendations based on your previous viewing habits, providing you with your very own library of moving image.

This allows you to find something that you might otherwise never have found, and this can be tailored to your own taste. Netflix can also be used on multiple devices and can be used by another 3 screens with the premium plan. Most of its film and TV programming are available to download as well, allowing you access your favourite content wherever you are. All of this is included in the price, making Netflix the cost-effective streaming service to keep you entertained.

DISNEY +

By Anna Whitfield It’s no secret that the UK has always had the worst Netflix options (if you log on anywhere else in the world, you’ll see exactly what I mean). But there are so many streaming services out there these days that you can take your pick on which one is the best for you. However, I’m here to tell you that I think Disney plus is the reigning champion of these streaming services, despite only being live in the UK for little over a month. Disney plus has been available in North America for a good six months now, so I was very excited when I could trial it for a week recently, and I really think that it

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is a treat.

So, here’s what we’re looking at. It’s £5.99 a month. Cheaper than all the streaming services you can get now. Yes, you only get Disney owned and produced content. However, have you forgotten that Disney is one of the biggest companies in the world and owns literally everything? Disney plus is a TREASURE CHEST of things you’d never expect to be on there. You’ve got all the Marvel films, the Simpsons, and Star Wars. That’s just the bonus content. If you are a Disney fan, well you might as well just cough up your money right now.

They have the complete collection of every Disney Channel original movie ever made, most of the series’ you grew up on as a kid, and every animated film you could ever think of, plus their live-action remakes. You don’t have to be a Disney kid to realise that all of this on one platform is an escapists dream come true right now.

PRIME VIDEO

By Lewis Empson Amazon Prime Video is often overlooked in the streaming service game; having its spotlight often snatched by streaming gargantuan Netflix.

However, I would argue it is in fact a dark horse in the war of the constantly changing scene of streaming services wars.

The service offers a wide range of content including some recent critically acclaimed films such as Midsommar, Hustlers and Blinded by The Light as well as having a back catalogue of well-known and loved films (Pan’s labyrinth and Fight Club) and series to binge such as The Office, Parks and Recreations and The Walking Dead. Within this impressive and extensive library are Amazon’s in-house produced collection of “Amazon Originals” and “Amazon Exclusives”, all exclusive to the platform and are a massive incentive to pick this streaming service over the competitors. These Originals/ Exclusives includes: the highly praised Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, the revival of the sci fi classic Star Trek Picard as well as runaway critical success Mr Robot staring Oscar winning

Rami Malek. It’s safe to say Prime Video can stand toe to toe with its rivals in regard

to its expansive video library. However, there is admittedly one caveat; not everything is included with the Prime Video subscription. Only content listed with the ‘included with prime” banner is available with your subscription and content without that banner may require you to purchase or rent before watching. This shouldn’t deter you from using the platform as you still get a stellar video library with plenty of choice for an affordable price.

Prime video has a plethora of subscription options: it’s included with a standard yearly Amazon Prime subscription (£79/year or £7.99/month) or the standalone Prime Video memberships for £5.99 (both of which offer 30-day free trials). Prime Student also offers a £39/year or £3.99/month membership which includes your first 6 months for free. This makes it cheaper than its main rival Netflix’s £8.99/ month standard membership. With a wide range of content for a pretty affordable price – I think it’s time Prime Video should get the recognition it deserves in the streaming game.

Design by Nicole Rees-Williams

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Why Are We Keeping U The Kardashians may just be the most infamous family in popular culture right now. In fact, the Kardashians have always been shrouded with controversy. Whether it’s starting feuds with Taylor Swift, advertising appetite suppressants or starring in a very controversial Pepsi ad, the Kardashians have had their fair share of bad press and public backlash.

Now, I’m not going to defend the Kardashians against any of the backlash that they have received. To be quite frank, the ways in which they have used their influence and large platform in the past has been nothing short of irresponsible.

Whilst I do find it easy to criticise the Kardashians, I am embarrassed to say, I find it equally as easy to become engrossed in their long-running reality show Keeping up with the Kardashians.

I’m obviously not the only one who finds the show so engaging. KUWTK is now on its 18th season, drawing in viewers globally. There is obviously something about this show that people love. For me, as with many others, the show has become one of my guilty pleasures. The drama, the humour, the mansions, the family ‘vacays’- all of it- is just so entertaining. But what is it exactly about watching this family, that I so often criticise, that is just so enjoyable?

A criticism that I often hear of Keeping Up with the Kardashians is that the show largely focuses on ‘rich people problems’. To be honest, I can see where this criticism comes from. We all remember the iconic Bentley fight and Kim crying after she lost her $75,000 earring in the ocean in Bora Bora. Whilst it’s difficult to relate to these exact problems, I think it’s these seemingly petty moments that make the show more relatable. I don’t know about you, but I have definitely cried over smaller things than losing a $75,000 earring. I’ve definitely had arguments with my siblings over smaller things than buying a Bentley. We’ve all had silly arguments and meltdowns that we laugh about after- it’s human nature. Keeping Up reminds us that no family is exempt to these little spats and feuds no matter how rich and famous you are. We can watch and laugh as we remember the many times we too have had these silly little arguments.

Not only have the Kardashians had their fair share of petty dramas, they have also tackled some very serious issues. We have seen Scott’s alcoholism and trips to rehab, Kim’s notorious 72-day marriage and Khloe’s many heartbreaks. We have seen these women at some of their lowest points. In a strange way, I think pain is something that unites us.

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Up with the Kardashians?

There is an odd sense of comfort in knowing others, even the most privileged, experience the same pain as you do.

In my loneliest times, I have taken comfort in being reminded that others have been through the same struggles and successfully made it to the other side. The Kardashian girls have triumphed over many of the setbacks they have experienced. We have seen Kim find love again after an unhappy marriage, we have seen Kourtney establish her boundaries and we have seen Khloe gaining her own independence. In that way, Keeping Up with the Kardashians not only presents us with real-life pain, it also presents us with real-life healing. In that way, Keeping Up becomes a testament to the human ability to overcome and restore.

The Kardashian’s ability to overcome is unparalleled. In between all their drama, one thing is immutable- the Kardashian family bond. Although Kim may have called Kourtney ‘the least exciting to look at’, or Kourtney may have slapped Kim so hard it left a foundation mark on Khloe’s pristine white bedroom wall, the girls have always found a way to apologise, forgive and reconcile. They throw each other lavish parties, go on girls’ holidays when one of them is heartbroken and are always communicating even when they’re not together. The Kardashian sisters really are just a group of best friends. Their drive to support each other, even when they may be arguing behind the scenes, really is something admirable and heart-warming to see.

In conclusion, whilst many believe the Kardashians to be air-headed and completely detached from reality, I would have to disagree. I think the realness of them as a family and most importantly, as human beings, is the main appeal of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. We watch their real-life drama for the same reason we watch soaps and fictional dramas: to be entertained whilst sharing in the

emotions of others. Despite all the glitz and glam of their Hidden Hills lives, these women have their fair share of real-life problems and by documenting these so publicly, we can laugh and cry along with them as we are given an insight into the close-knit, controversial, notorious family that are the Kardashians.

Words by Victoria Bond Design by Nicole Rees-Williams

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Editor-in-Chief: Jasmine Snow Deputy Editors: Nicole Rees-Williams Eduardo Karas Contributers: Francesca Ionescu Lafan Hasan Coby Barker

Suraya Kazzuz Lewis Empson Ella Hall Saoirse O’Connor Zoe Williamson Anna Whitfield Lewis Empson Victoria Bond Illustration: Jasmine Snow

Photography: Cai Vickery Darcy Servais Joshua Coleman Craig Sybert Allie Smith Mike Von Design Design: Jasmine Snow Nicole Rees-Williams