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REVIEW OF THE HBO SERIES WATCHMEN

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Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who Watches the Watchmen?

Before 2020 the word WATCHMEN, as it pertained to the 1986 graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, had been on the periphery of my popular culture radar. I’d mainly heard of it in passing comments, about how it was so much better than the 2009 Snyder movie disaster that failed to adapt it well and consistently received lukewarm reviews.

I knew of the lone symbol of a yellow smiley face marred with a single splat of blood but knew nothing of the context, character, or meaning, behind the symbol. A neophyte in the truest sense of the word to one of the most popular comic series ever written, I downloaded a free trial of Binge to watch the adapted HBO series; entering this universe of retired vigilantes and mutant space squids for the first time.

Episode 1: ‘It’s Summer and We’re Running Out of Ice,’ sets the tone for a show that addresses the roots of racism that exist in the foundation of modern America. The season opens with the Tulsa race massacre which took place on May 31, 1921 and lasted two days. In his book The Burning, Tim Madigan summarises the incident: “A uniquely prosperous community of African Americans, called Greenwood—thirty-five square blocks and literally thousands of homes, businesses, churches, and schools—had been obliterated by a white mob in Tulsa that numbered in the thousands.” What was one of the worst racial atrocities committed in US history was scarcely mentioned or taught in the decades that followed until the Tulsa Race Riot Commission was formed in 1997 to have the incident formally documented and investigated. Encyclopedia Britannica notes that: “The event never received widespread attention and was long noticeably absent from the history books used to teach Oklahoma schoolchildren.”

In 2019 many viewers of Watchmen experienced a shock at learning of this hidden piece of black history. Having missed the initial Watchmen hype, I began watching the show in 2020 and instead first heard about the incident on the news when Trump decided to hold a rally at the site of the massacre, Tulsa, on June 19th or Juneteenth, the day that commemorates the final freeing of all slaves in America. The show chooses to address this history in the opening scene, and gives us an honest depiction of the black experience in America.

Watchmen uses the superhero genre to reflect on the concept of heroism as it relates to race, exploring how the same act can be framed as white valour and black violence but not black valour and white violence. This is largely done through the character of Hooded Justice who in the comics has no known identity, but is given one in episode 6: ‘This Extraordinary Being.’ With no discernible identity there’s a bias of white

assumption, that he will be a caucasian cisgender heterosexual male, because aren’t all superheroes—bar tokenistic attempts of the one female in a superhero team with her tits out, and recent moves towards diversity like in this phenomenally good series.

We navigate this world of Watchmen through a black female protagonist, Angela Abar otherwise known as Sister Night, played by Regina King. This show skyrocketed to being one of my favourite series of all-time because of how women are represented in it. Angela Abar, Laurie Blake, and Lady Trieu, are all nuanced and extremely compelling characters that never fall prey to being the tired stereotypes of a male-dominated genre. They are all extremely intelligent, stoic, and badass, not there to be romantic interests, trophies, or sacrifices that ultimately provide emotional arcs for their male counterparts. Nor are they young and dressed in thigh high boots and skin-tight leather for the male gaze, each of the three actresses is in their forties or older.

At the core of Watchmen is the question: Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who Watches the Watchmen? This line is scribbled in graffiti across corners, shops, and streets, in the comic book. Phrased another way, the adaptation seems to be asking, who watches the police? An institution that is rife with white supremacy and prone to an abuse of power. Rallying calls to “defund the police,” aren’t at all new. Disdain for the police has appeared in popular music, namely hip-hop, since the birth of the genre in the Bronx of New York city in the 70s. Songs like N.W.A.’s ‘Fuck tha Police’ were recorded in 1988 alongside outcrys to “abolish the police.” This same song was used by Black Lives Matter protestors who this year hacked into the Chicago police radio and played the song. Another song ‘The Message’ by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, released in 1982, similarly highlighted the relationship between black people and the police. In the song’s music video the police see the singing group walking on the sidewalk and arrest them under the assumption that the group is a gang. In an interview with The Guardian Flash synthesises hip-hop’s message and the message in his song: “We matter. We stand for something.”

The first scene of Watchmen that takes place in the present day of 2019 begins with a member of the Cavalry—the Watchmen equivalent of the Klu Klux Klan—driving and listening to hip-hop/rap music. This perhaps points to the popular consumption and love of black art with the irony that what the art is actually saying or representing may go unheard by its wider audience. The song being played in this scene is ‘Crushed Up’ by Future. In it the artist boasts to “narcs” of his wealth and success, “I got some’ to say to the pigs, yeah / I just got an M for a gig, yeah / I just blowed an M on my kids, yeah.” An ‘M’ is slang meaning a millionaire dollars.

The first two scenes of the show tackle and reveal so much about the current state of America and the following episodes maintain this same level of critique, observation, and excellence. Sister Night is a superhero unlike any other I have seen on-screen. You can check out Watchmen on the streaming service Binge.

by Jodie Ramodien

PODCAST BUT HOW DOES THE CLITORIS ACTUALLY WORK?

Ladies, We Need To Talk: Podcast Review

There are a lot of things we don’t like to talk about. Often, we’re too afraid, embarrassed or concerned about how people will react. Our secrets stay as secrets, and tricky questions are left unanswered. But what if there was a podcast that dived headfirst into the gooey, complicated realm that is our lives?

Ladies, We Need To Talk is an ABC podcast that isn’t afraid to get its hands dirty. Described as a podcast “for women, by women,” everything is up for discussion including foreplay, body image, discharge, alcohol, abortion and our insane obsession with youth.

I’ve been listening to Ladies since it released its first episode ‘You say Vulva, I Say Vagina’ in 2017. And since then, I have learnt so much. Yumi Stynes hosts the show and, whilst being hilarious, is able to approach sensitive topics in a knowledgeable, kind way.

Yumi talks to experts and everyday women to find the answers to our burning questions. Want to know how the clitoris actually works? Listen to ‘Clitoris 101.’ Worried you’ve moved too fast with a partner you met during COVID? ‘Coronavirus – Are We Panic Buying Partners?’ is your go to. All the episodes are amazing, but some of my favourites have been ‘Being Single and Owning It,’ ‘The Answer’s No,’ ‘The Gender Beauty Gap,’ ‘Footloose and Childfree,’ and ’50-Shades of Erotic Literature’ (you’ll definitely want to listen to this one).

Even though the podcast is designed for women, many men would benefit from listening to the show. In particular I’d check out ‘Foreplay – Getting What You Want,’ and ‘Closing the Orgasm Gap.’ Trust me – you’ll learn so much.

Ladies, We Need To Talk will finally get you chatting about all the uncomfortable, squishy aspects of womanhood. I absolutely love podcasts and if you’re yet to try them, you should. I’m still shocked that the clitoris isn’t just a small nub but is actually a huge sexual organ inside you (google it, it’s insane). So sit back, relax and fill your ears with knowledge – you won’t regret it.

Listen to Ladies, We Need To Talk for free on the ABC listen app, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.

GIRL POWER PODCASTS

Eloise Cansdell reviews two contemporary feminist podcasts that have come into the mainstream in 2020.

The Michelle Obama Podcast

Following the success of her Netflix documentary Becoming, adapted from her best-selling memoir, Michelle Obama has curated a platform to channel her thoughts and worldview in her podcast, The Michelle Obama Podcast. What is enticing about this podcast are the raw and open conversations the former First Lady is having with her guests. From talking about the challenges she faced growing up as a person of colour and the gritting story of her career, to stepping into the lush life of the White House, Obama digs deep and takes her listeners on a meaningful journey into the everyday struggles of women, particularly women of colour.

Notably, Obama went to lengths to break down the taboo surrounding women’s health, menopause and aging in her sixth episode, What Your Mother Never Told You About Health. It’s no secret at this point that women and girls struggle to talk openly about menstrual health and often even have reservations about confiding in others about it. Obama and Dr Sharon Malone discuss the heavy emotions and physical symptoms of menopause and how the work environment can be supportive in order to normalise these inevitable parts of life.

My personal favourite episode thus far is The Gift of Girlfriends, where Obama is joined by her three closest friends and they discuss the ins and outs of female companionship and the importance of having friends to

get you through the challenges life throws at you. Be it adjusting to life in the White House, balancing children and work or even having a friend to listen to the ups and downs of family life, these ladies express precisely the true gift a girl pack can be.

Michelle Obama also tackles the topic of Black Lives Matter, opening up on the effects that waking up to news stories of continual racial unrest has had on her. Despite her own experience representing progress and hope in a world that was and continues to be plagued by racism, Obama expresses her upset towards the disparities in society that still don’t see people of colour as human beings.

In the eleventh episode, Across Generations, Michelle is joined by three young women from her team as they discuss navigating the pathways to success. The women discuss the self-doubt that comes with being a black woman working in this particular arena. Furthermore, their take on the notion of self-doubt that women often experience when climbing the ladders to successful and enticing careers is relatable. Women too often feel like this and it leads us to withhold reaching our full potential and we succumb to the idea that no matter how much triumph and effort we put in over the years, we are still not good enough or worthy of our positions. Notably, Obama points out how in society men often do not overlook and are not overlooked on the basis of their own capabilities in the same way women do and are.

Overall, this podcast is full of thought, power and curiosity for the listener to learn and grow with. Michelle Obama has provided a powerful platform to share her own personal thoughts and worldviews and invite others to exert their own ideas and opinions on the topics that circle our world today.

It’s A Lot by Abbie Chatfield

This podcast feels totally revolutionary to me. The positivity and goodness that exerts from the details in each episode is an absolute burst of joy and comfort. Set up as a ‘thoughtful conversation with your girlfriends over wine’, Abbie Chatfield covers topics that every vulva owner can relate to. Namely, the focus is on feminism, dating and sex.

Chatfield received a lot of backlash for her time on The Bachelor for being overt and unapologetic about her sexuality. Yet it seems she has attracted many like minded young women who crave this sense of confidence in themselves. Be that our feminism, health or beliefs, Abbie is opening up the conversation on these topics and normalising even the most closeted ideas. A fan favourite is her episode with pal Ellie, founder of Comfortable in My Own Skin, a body positivity project that helps those with a vulva accept their labia despite the notion that there are ‘normal’ and ‘irregular’ kinds of vulva. Did you know that labiaplasty is the fastest growing cosmetic surgery in the world? It’s a shocking and sad fact to unveil when this magnificent part of our bodies is the means by which all human beings came into existence.

Nevertheless, Abbie uncovers the truth behind why women and those with a vulva are often so insecure about their genitalia and how it can completely deplete your self-confidence and ability to maintain a healthy relationship with your body and your partner. The act of accepting your body as it is, particularly the portal from which you came, is ultimately a form of rebellion in this world that profits off us feeling ashamed and disgusted by our own bodies. The information Abbie feeds to her listeners is the kind of thing you hear and think, “I wish I was taught this in school”. Abbie continues to break down the walls of stigmas from STI’s and even the common diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis which most vulva-owners will experience numerous times in their life, to deep-diving into mental health, therapy, modern relationship shenanigans and more. If you are looking for a way to explore topics that are absent from mainstream media, in your social life or even things that are hard to confront on your own. It’s A Lot is the perfect safe place to find comfort. These meaningful thoughts and ideas that Abbie brings to light in her podcast, has the power to make one feel less alone in the quirks we often feel about ourselves but don’t realise others are experiencing too.

Abbie has created a safe space to feel comfortable with these kinds of conversations that are often regarded as ‘controversial’. I especially love and appreciate this because we need women to be more honest and vulnerable about what unifies us in order to create a more equal and accepting world. It’s A Lot encourages this and Abbie sets a prime example of the confidence women should carry in owning every part of our being.

Whether you are feeling weird or uncomfortable about your body, having relationships issues or concerns or you even just want to hear a rant about whatever the media is criticising women for today; It’s A Lot is the pod for you.

by Eloise Cansdell

FEMINISM AND WAP

To all the bad ass women out there, this article is dedicated to you.

Since 2020 is now no longer a mood, I’ve decided to rename this year the ‘year of WAP.’ Wet Ass Pussy for those who are not yet acquainted with Our Lord and Saviour Cardi B. This song is catchy and it’s entertaining. The costumes combined with the dancing is exactly what we needed this year. Instead of letting women’s rights become silenced due to the global pandemic, this song has brought discussions of empowerment and women’s rights to the forefront of the world’s attention. This is amazing considering how preoccupied the world is with Covid-19.

This song immediately gets everyone’s attention. When it blasts from the speakers in the room next door at the studio, I immediately start singing along. Yet this song did not have the most positive reaction when it first released–in fact it’s still being described as too explicit and vile. When WAP first came out, all of a sudden politicians and public speakers were revolted by the lyrics and claimed that it ‘set women back 100 years.’

Rather, I believe that the way men spoke about Belcalis Almanzar and Megan Pete (the artists) is what sets women back 100 years. People ask me ‘how can women find this song empowering?’ My answer to that is it’s every woman’s choice what they want to do with their body and how they want to make music and perform. That is what is empowering. Women’s rights are being fought now more than ever before around the world. Freedom for women and the ability for them to have a choice over their own body is becoming widely discussed and a global movement. Female empowerment is allowing women to have choices and not live in a world where making a song called WAP leads to widespread negative media attention, countless social media trolls and politicians degrading them. In response, women let’s get nasty.

If you’re playing WAP and there are people complaining about this song who also listen to other explicit music–play it louder. We live in a time in history where we can have such in-depth and prolonged discussions online, yet some people can hide behind anonymity and spread hate on behalf of protecting feminism. Allowing male rappers to create explicit music without any controversy, but when female rappers do the same thing there is an outcry. It’s a double standard. I argue that when you assign double standards to women, you’re saying that ‘women can do whatever they want as long as it’s not something I’m personally against,’ and that completely takes away from a woman’s choice.

There are many benefits to social media- it raises awareness, builds communities and we can stay connected. For example, the #metoo movement. However, what there needs to be more of is mutual support and encouraging other women to be themselves and love themselves. Be each other’s cheerleaders. So, let’s get nasty and freaky…or don’t. But either way support your fellow women in the personal choices they make.

by Daisy Barltrop

horoscopes horoscopes horoscopes horoscopes

by Rayna Bland and Rhys Smith

LIBRA

Equality must be hard for you, never having to share anything. Sometimes your scales can be tipped without you even realising it. Take a moment and check in. Are you in a privileged spot in society? This determines your outlook.

CAPRICORN

Careful not to trample over other people to reach your goals. Your objectives might feel all-important but be mindful that you respect the good and reasonable ideas of others. Other people have a lot to offer you.

ARIES

Oh so you haven’t cried in 3 years? I love my men emotionally crippled.

CANCER

They told you to kill with kindness, but I reckon you were doing well with the spite.

SCORPIO

I know sometimes the world is overwhelming, but just take a deep breath and know that there are so many people in the same situation. Call a friend and see if they are okay. Take a deep breath and enjoy listening.

AQUARIUS

I know you wanna run the world buddy, but it’s time to take a step back. Just know that your ideals aren’t the only reality. Doesn’t mean your hopes and dreams aren’t valid, it just means they are that. Hopes and dreams.

TAURUS

Now now men, I know you don’t want to change, but the world is cruel and will force you to change anyways. Oh don’t frown – you look so much prettier when you smile.

LEO

Get over yourself. We know you’re talented but that isn’t a personality. Let others shine too and know that you are still worthy of love even when you aren’t in the spotlight.

SAGITTARIUS

I know you’re angry but try not to be aloof – discuss your feelings. I know a bit of escapism is what you need from time to time but one day you will have to be frank with your feelings. It is okay to cry.

PISCES

Stop worrying! Everything is going to be fine. Your place in the world is perfect as it is. Take a breather and know that you are safe – she’ll be right.

GEMINI

Slow the fuck down. Take some time to smell the roses – develop that sense of self you crave. You need to reflect on yourself rather than constantly worrying about the expectations of others.

VIRGO

Confrontation is a part of life Virgo, learn how to deal with conflicts. It’s time to discuss your problems before they become too big. Don’t be mad! We are telling you this for your wellbeing.

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