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.

Bookshelf: Exploring the depths of identity and trauma in Derek Owusu’s “That Reminds Me”

2021 list “That Reminds Me” by Derek Owusu is a thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of identity and trauma. That Reminds Me is a debut novel by …

Issa Rae to teach Creating Outside the Lines Masterclass

MasterClass, the streaming platform that lets anyone learn from the world’s best in virtually any subject, announced today that Issa Rae will teach a class on creating outside the …

Donald Trump’s legacy of white supremacy

Donald Trump is a racist. This isn’t a new revelation, but it has been reiterated and confirmed throughout his presidential campaign and subsequent time in office. From the very beginning, Trump …

Air pollutions was a factor in the death of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah

Ella Addo-Kissi-Debrah is the first person in the UK whose death certificate lists air pollution exposure as a cause of death. The inquest into her death comes after her mother, Rosamund …

Adele blasted for wearing Bantu knots

In August 2020, national treasure, Adele got herself into hot water when she posted a picture on her social media channels, in honour of Notting Hill Carnival. The caption read “Happy what would …

Exploring the meaning and implications of the controversial term “New Black”

The term “New Black” has generated intense debate and controversy in recent years within the African American community. Often used to describe a specific group of African Americans, this …

BAME TV Task Force set to meet with Netflix and Amazon following letter for change

The UKs Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic TV Task Force has held talks with the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, and is preparing for meetings with Netflix and Amazon just days after publishing a letter …

JK Rowling gives sexual assault as the reason for her views on trans people

JK Rowling has spoken out after being criticised for recent remarks about transgender people. In an extended essay posted on her website, the Harry Potter author defended her recent tweets …

How to beat the boredom blues: 10 new hobbies to try

The lockdown has been hard on all of us. We are used to going out and seeing our friends, family, and colleagues, but now we are stuck at home with only ourselves for company. This can lead to …

Choosing new activities when isolating

In the wake of the global Coronavirus pandemic, people are being told to stay at home and practice ‘social distancing.’ It can be strange being in lockdown and having to change from your …

Mastering the art of the clapback: Insights from Elijah Lawal’s guide to calling out racist stereotypes

2021 list As a society, we still struggle with the issue of racism. Even though we have made significant progress in the last century, we still encounter racist behaviour and stereotypes in …

How to throw a virtual party

When you have family spread across the globe, meeting up in person can be expensive. Not everyone can take regular trips to see family members. Thankfully we have the internet, so distance should no …