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.

Met criticised for not controlling London riots sooner

Greater Manchester Police chief Peter Fahy has said that rioting in Manchester could have been prevented if police in London had acted sooner. The Police chief told BBC Panorama that copycat violence …

American students launch campaign against racist Halloween costumes

A poster campaign has been launched in America by the Ohio University student group Students Teaching Against Racism in Society (STARS) to highlight racial stereotyping in Halloween costumes. Their …

Preview of the new Michael Manley documentary

A documentary illustrating the life of Jamaica’s fourth prime minister, Michael Manly was released on 29 February 2012. The release date also marks the 40th anniversary of the day Manley became prime …

Ministry of Justice releases riot convictions statistics

Statistics published by the Ministry of Justice show that of the many people arrested for involvement in the UK August riots only 13% were identified as gang members. Even in London, where gang …

Rihanna told off for touching up lap dancers

If you’ve seen Rihanna in concert (or in a music video), it’s clear the singer enjoys fondling her own lady parts. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But it’s …

Vybz Kartel launches a line of skin bleaching products for men

Fans of Vybz Kartel were shocked and outraged earlier this year when the Jamaican dancehall artist appeared several shades lighter than his normal brown complexion and exclaimed: “This is my new …

Invisible women: Black women struggle to be heard

When riots broke out in London on August 6, Charmaine Scott watched as a diverse group of people took hold of her hometown, smashing glass windows and setting buildings and automobiles ablaze. Amid …

British Library publishes CD of Caribbean and black British poetry to mark Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, the British Library released a new 2-CD set, Caribbean Roots, featuring some of the most significant Caribbean and black British poets of the past several …

Nobody Canna Cross It – Clifton Brown goes viral

In June 2011, Jamaica experienced some devastating rains. This is not unusual. What is unusual is that the misfortune faced by the people of St Andrew could inspire a viral video. A section of the …

UK riots – everyday life amplified

People have branded the recent UK riots and uprising as senseless violence. For me it has been a highlighted section of our normal life, just sped up and multiplied. Violence, crimes and fear. Those …

More deaths following police arrests

The last time we mentioned someone getting tasered by police we received a threat of legal action on behalf of the police. Despite the fact that we did not mention the name of the officer or officers …

Red verses blue black – WTF!!

Despite the abolition of slavery in the 1800s, the slave mentality has not left black people. Yeah. I said it. Some of us are still trapped in the divide and conquer that was slavery. We are a …