Popular Culture: Conversations that matter

A popular culture hub for the issues, events, and cultural moments shaping our world right now. In this category, we delve into the deeper aspects of popular culture, examining the impact of fast fashion, the effects of over-tourism, the significance behind global awareness days, the release of influential books, and evolving narratives within Black culture and beyond.

From headlines to hashtags, Popular Culture dives into the conversations that spark change and reflection. Here, you’ll find thoughtful commentary, critical reviews, and stories that connect the personal to the political — because culture isn’t just what we consume. It’s what we live, question, and carry forward.

Timing of Beyoncé’s Formation is marketing genius

I wasn’t going to comment on the release of Beyoncé’s video Formation on Saturday 6 February because there are already thousands of think pieces out there on the subject whether for or against. Then I …

5 things that will continue to divide black people in 2016

In life, I try to avoid being around negative ignorant people who are too set in their ways to be enlightened. Sadly, I buck up on these people every day on social media. I spent a lot of time …

Racist: What it is…

I can’t believe that a discussion on what a racist is, still needs to be had in 2015. The meaning used to be clear cut but as more Black people speak out against injustice racists seek to muddy the …

How respectability politics hurts Black people

Respectability politics believes that conformity to established mainstream standards of appearance and behaviour can protect people who belong to marginalised groups if they conform to prescribed …

Viola Davis makes history at the Emmy Awards

On 20 September 2015, actress Viola Davis made history at the Emmy Awards when she won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama for her role in How to Get Away with Murder. This is the first time a …

Sandra Bland conspiracy: Anonymous release video calling out Texas police

Hacktivist group Anonymous has released a video where they claim to ‘expose’ Texas police over the death of Sandra Bland. The chilling voiceover, which has been digitally disguised, is …

Zoe Kravitz was ‘too urban’ for The Dark Knight Rises

Zoë Kravitz was denied an audition for a small part in the critically acclaimed Christopher Nolan-directed The Dark Knight Rises. Why? I hear you ask. Because of the colour of her skin …

Kanye and Kim on Time’s “100 Most Influential People” list

Time Magazine has released its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world and Kanye West sits in the number one spot. The list is comprised of a selection of people who are blazing …

Kanye West shows the Brit Awards that Britain’s got black talent

Whenever Kanye causes a stir in the media I’m one of the first to side eye and question his bad decisions but his performance at the Brit Awards has to be applauded. This is coming from someone who …

Street Boys of Jamaica

Jamaica has a population of 2.7 million people and 1.1 million people live below the poverty line. It’s no wonder then that some young children are the breadwinners for their families, often weaving …

Jamaica looks set to legalise ganga

The Jamaican cabinet has approved a bill to legalise the possession of small amounts of marijuana. The bill appears to be full-on decriminalisation and legalisation: The country is eliminating …

Piers Morgan sticks his nose into the N-word debate

Piers Morgan wrote an article for the ‘Daily Fail’ suggesting that if Black Americans want the N-word to die, they will have to kill it themselves. Asking black folks to stop using that word is …