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Gaslighting is a term that has gained greater attention in recent years. It is a form of psychological manipulation where one person seeks to make another doubt their own reality, perceptions, and feelings. What is gaslighting? Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic people use to create confusion, self-doubt, and insecurity in their target. The term “gaslighting” …
In today’s diverse and global society, it is crucial to understand the distinctions between race, ethnicity, and nationality. Increasing awareness of these concepts can lead to a more inclusive and harmonious world. Let’s begin by defining each term: 1. Race: According to the American Anthropological Association (AAA), race refers to the classification of humans into different categories …
Samantha Bee has been the focus of Cancel Culture backlash ever since she made an admittedly poor choice of words while describing Ivanka Trump on her television show, Full Frontal. The 48-year-old comedian lambasted the Trump administration for the “evil immigration” practices on her political commentary show and claimed that Ivanka Trump was “oblivious” after …
Childish Gambino’s “This is America” immediately captured global attention upon its release, opening up conversations around race, gun violence, and social issues in contemporary America. Donald Glover, famously known as Childish Gambino, revolutionised how music engages with difficult topics. The song and provocative video have since been the subject of much debate and analysis. This …
Cultural appropriation can be defined as a dominant group adopting elements of a minority culture without acknowledging the original source. More often than not, this occurs without understanding the historical or cultural significance of the borrowed elements. While some argue that cultural appropriation is a form of flattery or cultural exchange, it’s essential to understand …
Airbnb host Tami Barker, from California, cancelled a guest’s booking on 17 February because the guest was Asian. Law clerk, Dyne Suh, had reserved the cabin in February for herself, her boyfriend and two friends, but was told by Barker minutes before their arrival that, “I wouldn’t rent it to u if u were the …
David Norris, one of Stephen Lawrence’s killers, is suing the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) after he was allegedly attacked by a black inmate. Norris who is serving a life sentence for killing the 18-year-old student, is suing the MoJ for £10,000 claiming he was not suitably protected whilst he was serving time in Belmarsh prison. …
A while back I talked about the pastor who wanted his female congregation to attend church literally butt naked and I wondered at the mentality of his followers. Now we have Pastor Jamal Bryant upseting the interwebs when a brief video taken from his sermon did the rounds. In the 40 second clip the pastor …
Luis John, 22, has made a film about having Asperger’s Syndrome to raise awareness and help others understand how he sees the world. Luis, who lives in Catford, says he wants the film to show that despite having the condition – which causes difficulties with social interaction and nonverbal communication – he can still achieve …
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 realised that as someone who loves history it would be remiss of me not to mark the occasion and say …
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 observing these people but not engaging with them as I don’t have the patience. I learned …
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 waters by trying to change the meaning of racism and who can be racist. When that …
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 mainstream standards. Where does the term respectability politics come from? Professor Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham coined the term politics of respectability in her 1993 book, Righteous Discontent: The Women’s Movement …
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 black woman has received this award in the Emmys 67-year history. Starting with a quote from …
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 calling out Texas State Troopers and the Waller County Sheriff’s department for what it says are “lies”. They highlight conflicting reports of Sandra’s marijuana use and …
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 apparently. Zoë, the daughter of musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet is featured on the front cover of for Nylon Magazine’s August …
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 a trail, be it in entertainment, politics or even fashion and music. Each person on the list is …
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 didn’t watch the show. But I watched this video: West was called upon to perform last minute …
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 in and out of cars selling goods or washing windscreens. Street Boys of Jamaica shines a spotlight on these boys and the …
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 criminal penalties for possession and setting up a Cannabis Licensing Authority, though unlicensed export of marijuana will continue to be illegal. The bill, which will to the …
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 nothing new, I’ve made that same request myself; the difference is I feel like I have a stake in the …
The Red Bull Culture Clash event at Earls Court on 30 October, was the best event I’ve experienced in a long time. The fact that I watched the event on live stream couldn’t take away from the experience of watching veteran DJ David Rodigan school a new generation in the art of clashing. Four big …
To prepare for the Red Bull Culture Clash 2014, Red Bull sent UK Grime crew Boy Better Know (BBK) to Jamaica to find inspiration and to learn more about Sound Clashing. BBK were winners at the Red Bull Culture Clash 2012 and must be hoping to take the title again this year. Watch as they …
Remember Marissa Alexander? She was the woman who was sentenced to 20 years in prison after she fired a warning shot at the ceiling during a dispute with her husband. Marissa’s new court hearing will start on 1 August. To show support from 25 July to the trial date, hundreds of activists will come together in …
