#statue of equality inauguration

[sharimpay]

Statue Of Equality: 5 फरवरी को हैदराबाद में स्टैच्यू ऑफ इक्वैलिटी का उद्घाटन करेंगे पीएम मोदी

Statue Of Equality: 5 फरवरी को हैदराबाद में स्टैच्यू ऑफ इक्वैलिटी का उद्घाटन करेंगे पीएम मोदी

प्रधान मंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी 5 फरवरी, 2022 को हैदराबाद का दौरा करेंगे। वह हैदराबाद में 11वीं शताब्दी के भक्ति संत श्री रामानुजाचार्य की स्मृति में 216 फीट ऊंची ‘स्टैच्यू ऑफ इक्वलिटी’ राष्ट्र को समर्पित करेंगे। प्रधान मंत्री मोदी हैदराबाद के पाटनचेरु में अर्ध-शुष्क उष्णकटिबंधीय (आईसीआरआईएसएटी) परिसर के लिए अंतर्राष्ट्रीय फसल अनुसंधान संस्थान का भी दौरा करेंगे और आईसीआरआईएसएटी की 50 वीं वर्षगांठ…

[desertpups]

'Only the first step': Pride Tape's impact felt in and outside of hockey

This article was written as part of the Professional Hockey Writers Association and To Hockey, With Love Mentorship Program. See the bottom of the article for more on the program.

A week before puck drop on the NHL's highly anticipated 2023-24 season - featuring the debut of Connor Bedard against Sidney Crosby - the NHL shared a memo with teams: Players were barred from using Pride Tape on their sticks, on top of the ban already in place on specialty jerseys.

"That was the No. 1 story," said Kris Wells, the co-founder of Pride Tape, which promotes equality and inclusion in sports.

Pride Tape has been involved with the NHL ever since former Oilers defenseman Andrew Ference brought it to the fore after participating in Edmonton's Pride parade years ago. However, after 11 years of solid support between the NHL, Pride Tape, and Ference, things went awry in 2022-23 when multiple players chose not to partake in warmups wearing special jerseys on designated Pride nights.

With the ban in place, fans were left wondering: How would players respond?

To a man, they mostly didn't, accepting the ban. Except Travis Dermott.

Eleven days into the new season, the Arizona Coyotes D-man used a few pieces of Pride Tape near the knob of his stick, sending the league into crisis mode. Three days later, the NHL reversed its Pride Tape ban.

For Wells, what was most important about the entire fiasco was the conversation it sparked.

"We often say that wrapping your stick in Pride Tape is only the first step, right?" Wells explained. "The more important step is hopefully the conversation that it engenders."

Impact on community organizations

The events indeed sparked positive conversations at community organizations like the Steel City Inclusive Softball Association (SCISA) and Queer Hockey Hamilton in Hamilton, Ontario.

SCISA is an organization that creates fun and active environments through slow-pitch softball. For adults 18 and older, the organization prides itself on welcoming all gender identities, sexual orientations, and body types.

SCISA commissioner Jeff Lindstrom decided to focus on softball because it's a sport that can accommodate any skill set.

"One thing I found to be unique about the game of softball is that it's uniquely accommodating for people of all skill sets and experience," Lindstrom said.

And even though SCISA isn't directly involved with Pride Tape, Lindstrom emphasizes the importance of Pride Tape to him and his organization.

"Any of the visual supports of solidarity that make it onto TV screens - onto the big field in front of spectators - really have a lot of power," Lindstrom said. "That's where most eyes are when it comes to mainstream media, when it comes to mainstream sporting events, when it comes to ticketed events."

SCISA started in the summer of 2021 and has seen growth ever since its inaugural season.

Jenelle Lewis, co-founder of Queer Hockey Hamilton, echoes Lindstrom's point about visibility.

"It's very important to show the support for that community when they haven't been so welcomed within the hockey community," Lewis said.

Queer Hockey Hamilton is an organization that's creating an open and welcoming space, as Lewis puts it, "for people to come without fear of the changeroom, without fear of slurs being used on the ice."

Queer Hockey Hamilton is in its first season of play and hosted its first exhibition game in the fall of 2023.

Many members of Queer Hockey Hamilton use Pride Tape. In fact, so do a lot of SCISA members.

"There's lots of other rainbow accessories that people will use," Lindstrom said. "Just being comfortable having that on your equipment and being visible matters."

The future of Pride Tape

After a whirlwind 2023, many have wondered what Pride Tape's future is.

Will it continue with the status quo and provide NHL teams with Pride Tape? Will it expand to other sports?

"If there are athletes out there or teams or leagues that want to get involved, we're more than happy to partner with them," Wells said.

For an organization that's made so many strides since its debut eight years ago, it's in no rush to expand to other sports. In fact, Wells points out a common misconception: Pride Tape isn't about profit.

"Pride Tape is actually not a business at all," Wells pointed out. "Some people believe we were this massive company, but we're just a small grassroots collective, right? Nobody gets paid."

Queer Hockey Hamilton's Lewis can't wait for what comes next. "I would like to see it used during a game," she said.

Like Toronto Metropolitan University's women's hockey team did during its Pride game.

"That's great!" Lewis said cheerfully upon learning the TMU news. "That visibility there is even more important, in my opinion."

For Pride Tape, the impact has been enormous - globally with the NHL and in communities like Hamilton, thanks to Queer Hockey Hamilton and SCISA. The effect has been felt in and outside of sport.

"Pride Tape is now on people's garden tools. It's on their walkers and their canes," Wells marveled. "It's on their water bottles. It's used in physiotherapy clinics. It's on golf clubs and racquetball and dodgeball, and you name it. It's really expanded because, again, it is such a simple yet powerful way to signal you're an ally, right? That you believe in LGBTQ inclusion and human rights."

This article was written by Michael Pagani, who's part of the Professional Hockey Writers Association and To Hockey, With Love Mentorship Program. The program pairs aspiring writers with established members of the association across North America to create opportunities for marginalized people who aren't traditionally published on larger platforms covering hockey. To Hockey, With Love is a weekly newsletter covering a range of topics in hockey, from the scandals of the week to critical analysis of the sport.

[scotianostra]

On 26th December 1449 the first service was held at Crichton Collegiate Church, south of Edinburgh.

The church is one of few remaining pre-Reformation collegiate churches which are still in use in Scotland, Rosslyn Chapel, also in Midlothian being another.

Lying a quarter-mile southwest of the Midlothian village of Crichton, and just to the north of Crichton Castle, the Crichton Parish Church was established as a Collegiate Church in 1449 by Sir William Crichton, laird of the nearby Crichton Castle and Chancellor of Scotland.

Crichton is named after its lords, even though the “Lords” of Crichton were members of the ranks of the lesser mobility, until 1424, when William was knighted at the coronation of James I. His family fortunes were raised by his son, William, the Lord Chancellor of Scotland, who became, during the minority of James II, the most powerful person in the kingdom.

William Crichton spent much of his life quarrelling with the powerful Douglases. Crichton was responsible for the famous “Black Dinner” in Edinburgh Castle at which the Sixth Earl of Douglas and his brother were murdered.

As a consequence of the damage to the castle, William, who became Lord Chancellor in 1447, had to effect repairs. While he was at it, he decided to build Crichton Collegiate Church.

Confirmation of the status of a collegiate church was given by James Kennedy, Bishop of St. Andrews, and the church was finished in time to hold its first service on December 26th 1449, making it just a few years older than Midlothian’s other famous old kirk, the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew, better known now as Rosslyn Chapel.

At its inauguration, provisions had been made for a provost, eight prebendaries, two boys or clerks and a sacrist. The money to sustain this religious community was coming from the revenue of neighbouring churches, and elsewhere.

The Reformation of 1560 swept away the system of collegiate churches in Scotland. By the time the new owners embarked on a major programme to rebuild Crichton Castle in the 1580s, the chapel was already in a state of disrepair. Still, in 1641, the church formerly known as collegiate became Crichton’s Presbyterian parish church.

In the 19th century, the future of Crichton looked equally bleak. In 1822, it was decided that repairs had to be carried out imminently, or, it was suggested, perhaps it was better to abandon the chapel altogether – underlining the desperate state in which the building was found to be in. It was nevertheless decided that repairs should be carried out, which occurred in 1825.

The church, now without its original nave, saw a pulpit placed high on the south wall (a ring in the wall is today the only remnant of it), and with the extensive use of galleries around three walls, as many as 600 people could be seated in what must have been a very cramped space when full.

Despite these renovations, in the late 19th century, further repairs and renovations had to be carried out. In 1898, when all “innovations” were cleared out, only leaving the bare and solid walls. The church reopened on May 11, 1899. The latest series of restoration work was carried out in 1999, to coincide with the church’s 450th anniversary.

[ausetkmt]

Barbados Announces Creation Of A Transatlantic Slavery Museum - Travel Noire

Fresh off the country’s status as the world’s newest republic, Barbados is breaking ground on a transatlantic slavery museum with the largest collection of British slave records outside the United Kingdom.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley announced the creation of the Barbados Heritage District, which includes a “memorial, a major global research institute, and a museum located in Newton Plantation outside the country’s capital, dedicated to accurately recounting the historic and contemporary impact of slavery on Barbados and on the lives of individuals, cultures, and nations of the Western hemisphere.”

The first phase of the project will be the Newton Enslaved Burial Ground Memorial. This monument will serve as a tribute to the country’s enslaved ancestors and provide an avenue to remember and honor those impacted by the effects of forced migration. The development is expected to be a catalyst for significant job growth across multiple industries.

“Barbados is authentically enshrining our history and preserving the past as we reimagine our world and continue to contribute to global humanity,” said Mottley in a statement. “It is a moral imperative but equally an economic necessity.”

David Adjaye, who has been commissioned to design the project, shared his vision for the Barbados Heritage District.

“Drawing upon the technique and philosophy of traditional African tombs, prayer sites, and pyramids, the memorial is conceived as a space that contemporaneously honors the dead, edifies the living, and manifests a new diasporic future for Black civilization that is both of the African continent and distinct from it.”

At the inauguration of Barbados’ new president Dame Sandra Mason, who replaced the Queen as head of state, Prince Charles acknowledged the UK’s role in Barbados’ grim beginnings.

“From the darkest days of our past, and the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history, the people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude,” he said. “Emancipation, self-government, and independence were your way-points. Freedom, justice, and self-determination have been your guides. Your long journey has brought you to this moment, not as your destination, but as a vantage point from which to survey a new horizon.”

[rlyehtaxidermist]

Instruments of Power Sample Round

A couple people messaged me about my original test runs of Instruments, and while they don’t exist in written form, here’s a single written-out round here. Parentheses indicate game notes - anything else is text.

(Since I’m playing by myself, nobody picked last; I roll 1d4 and get 3. The Orb of Wisdom sets the first problem.)

excerpts from a speech by Chancellor Turn-All-Stones Bedlamhound, founder of the Wisdom and Development Party

T. Bedlamhound: There comes a time in history when we must face the facts, no matter how grim. And my colleagues and I have thought long and hard about how to say this, to tell the people of this great nation the truth they are owed; to admit to what we have unwittingly facilitated. Let it never be said that any of us bear Crown Prince Bernard any ill will - nor his predecessor, Jolly King Rufus. But at the end of the day, it is this government’s duty to step forward when the king is unfit to rule, as decreed by the Almighty through his Instruments. Or simply due to the inescapable fact that His Highness the Prince is, by every report, an entirely ordinary axolotl.

Problem 1: The late king named his pet axolotl Bernard as Crown Prince.

(I draw a card from each of the decks: the 2 of Spades, 9 of Clubs, 10 of Diamonds, and Ace of Hearts. The Orb gets to solve the problem, the Chalice of Grace gets to make the next one, and the Sword and Sceptre get to yes-and.)

closing remarks from the Inaugural Session of the Parliament of Instruments, on the disinheritance of Crown Prince Bernard Rufusson and the matter of the unresolved succession. speaking for Wisdom and Development is Turn-All-Stones Bedlamhound, Acting Prime Minister; for Grace and Principle, Reverend Clarion Truckerbough, MP West Jute; for Justice and Equality, Wenceslaus Jaundicet, MP Baumkuchen; and for Valour and Dignity, Dame Exorcism Wildweary, MP The Other Hill

PM T. Bedlamhound: It has been a long, cold year in our Divine Parliament. We bid a fond farewell to Crown Prince Bernard, who will live out the rest of his days in pride of place at the restored Royal Amphibian Gardens, which will be open to the public as a monument to the late King Rufus’s love of nature. We have commissioned a grand statue of King Rufus and a young Bernard to stand at the gates of the Gardens, to celebrate the man and the axolotl and welcome the people to Bernard’s paradise. We hope the Gardens will be a source of tranquility for the nation in these strange new times.

Dame E. Wildweary, MP: While Valour and Dignity praises the renovation of the Amphibian Gardens, as well as the decision to open the Gardens to all citizens, free of charge, we remain concerned with the allegations of poor working conditions and compensation for those working on the project - in particular the lack of proper preparations and safety equipment for the handling of King Rufus’s beloved hallucinogenic toads. Will the budgetary and management records of the Amphibian Gardens project be released with the remainder of the records?

PM T. Bedlamhound: We take these allegations very seriously, and all records are being compiled by an internal investigation. I assure you, Dame Wildweary, as well as any of your constituents who worked on the project, that the government is doing its utmost to get to the root of these issues. We also reiterate that any workers who did come in contact with the toads disregard any visions, as despite King Rufus’s personal proclamations, the leading prognosticological consensus is that hallucinogenic toads are not a recognised prophetic catalyst.

--

Rev. C. Truckerbough, MP: While I commend the Prime Minister’s leadership, it remains the position of the Grace and Principle Party that his handling of poor Crown Prince Bernard’s inheritance tramples on our nation’s proud traditions. It was King Rufus, not Prime Minister Bedlamhound, who was anointed by the Instruments - and even though the Instruments did not choose Bernard, we owe him all the honours we do any prince. The Instruments choose a soul, not a body, and we do Crown Prince Bernard a disservice by judging his body, not his soul. Even now the pious dukes of the West look to the capital and see us trampling the words of a king - and yet the Prime Minister does not even speak of the sparks of rebellion. If the Instruments’ blessing of Parliament is to endure, we must respect our traditions, not destroy them in the name of expedience!

W. Jaundicet, MP: Just to be clear, Reverend Truckerbough: is this an endorsement of the New Royalist rebellion by yourself, the G&P party, or the Chalice? What of the claim by Duke Soupstone or Marquis Rangerove that they hold the true Crown Prince Rufus, and the Amphibian Gardens only houses an impostor?

Rev. C. Truckerbough, MP: The Grace and Principle Party remains committed to the principles of Parliament, and I am quite certain that the charming young fellow I met at the Royal Amphibian Gardens is unquestionably Crown Prince Bernard himself; for all that I commend the western dukes’ loyalty to Jolly King Rufus, the False Bernards are another matter. Soupstone and Rangerove must be brought to heel; it is simply the wish of myself - blessed in what small ways I may be by the Chalice - that we respect the western lords’ principles, and roll back this egregious overreach of Parliamentary procedure into the traditional rights of the estates - even if those rights are rarely exercised.

* * *

Problem 2: The nobility are in revolt against Parliament, nominally to defend their rarely-exercised right to disinherit their entire families in favour of semi-domestic amphibians. At least two dukes have brought forth a False Bernard to legitimise their claims.

(I draw a card from each of the decks: the Ace of Spades, 10 of Clubs, 7 of Diamonds, and 9 of Hearts. The Sceptre solves the problem, the Sword makes the next, and the Chalice and Orb get to pick at them.)

(I’ll not do a second round here but if people want I might continue it tomorrow.)

[rabbitcruiser]

National Pink Day

Some may say that pink is for girls and blue is for boys, but both the history of the color pink and how it is perceived today are much more complex and varied than that. Pink, which is celebrated today, is a pale color that falls somewhere between red and bluish-red, usually somewhere between red and magenta. Some shades, like the color salmon, are even orangish. The color was referenced in literature in ancient times, but its name dates to the seventeenth century when it was named for a flower that has the name.

The perception of pink in society has changed over the years. It has long been associated with femininity, and at times has been considered kitsch, erotic, sophisticated, or transgressive. It has also been associated with sweetness, tenderness, charm, sensitivity, childhood, and romance. When paired with white it has signified chastity and innocence, and when coupled with black it has conveyed eroticism and seduction.

During the Middle Ages, pink was used primarily in women’s fashion and in religious art, while during the Renaissance, it was used mainly for flesh color in paintings. Its rise in popularity in the West took place in the mid-eighteenth century. During that time, men and women wore faint, powdery pieces of pink clothing as a status symbol of luxury and class. Both male and female infants and children were dressed in the color—it was often more associated with males because it was seen as a lighter shade of red, which was a color viewed as masculine. Boys continued to wear pink well into the nineteenth century, including pink ribbons and decorations. Eighteenth-century paintings gave contrasting meanings of pink. Some depicted the color as being associated with childhood, innocence, or tenderness, while others showed it as a color of seduction.

In the mid-nineteenth century, pink shifted away from masculinity and was viewed as being delicate. One reason for this was that men started wearing darker colors, and women consequently began wearing and being associated with brighter, pastel colors. Eroticism began being associated with pink during this century as well because the color had a quality similar to nakedness. Lingerie began appearing in pink, and art and literature began referencing the color’s sexual quality, particularly the color’s relation to the female body.

The color had long been related to the higher classes of society, but during the twentieth century, there was a status shift that moved it from luxury to the working-class. This was on account of the proliferation of cheap dyes that allowed the creation of garish takes on the color. The hues became brighter and bolder, and the dyes didn’t easily fade. It was at this time pink entered what is viewed as the vulgar, being associated with prostitutes. But the connotation of luxury was not fully removed from the color. For example, during the first decades of the century, Paul Poiret, a French couturier, made exquisite dresses in shades of pink.

In the 1950s, the color became strongly associated with femininity, largely on account of Postwar branding and marketing. This is the era when pink became associated with girls and blue became associated with boys. A few happenings during the decade helped to push pink further into this direction. Mamie Eisenhower, the wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, wore a pink dress for her inaugural gown in 1953, and Audrey Hepburn’s 1957 film Funny Face featured many women wearing pink dresses. The color was often still seen as being frivolous at the time, which reflected a less-than-equal view of women that persisted during these pre-women’s liberation years.

When Jacqueline Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe began wearing it in the early 1960s, it once again was viewed as being luxurious. It was adopted by punk, pop, and hip-hop culture in the following decades. Pink triangles became a symbol of gay activism in the 1970s when they were claimed by gay activists and removed from their dreadful past when they were used by Nazis to identify homosexuals in concentration camps. In general, the color pink is now associated with the LGBTQ community.

In recent years, the color has also been used by women in the West as a symbol of feminist power and protest, where sexual, reproductive, and social rights are addressed. Pink pussyhats were worn at the 2017 Women’s March in Washington, D.C., on the day after the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Similarly, Code Pink is a women’s activist group that opposes war and globalization. The pink of the twenty-first century is both pretty and powerful, both feminine and feminist. Men in the West have even been embracing the color more in recent years. Still, the color is generally more accepted n the East. For example, in India, pink clothes, adornments, and turbans are commonly worn by both sexes.

The color is associated with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, during which Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day takes place. A pink ribbon is the symbol of breast cancer awareness. Other holidays such as Pink Cadillac Day and Pink Flamingo Day—which happens to take place today—celebrate with the color.

Pink can be seen almost everywhere you look. It is used in idioms and phrases such as “give a pink slip” and “tickled pink”; flowers bloom bearing its color; many foods and drinks sparkle with it; clothes and makeup are shaded with its hue; and even the rising and setting of the sun greet us and wave to us with shades of pink. No matter where pink is found, we celebrate it today!

How to Observe

Here are some ideas on how to spend the day:

Wear some pink clothes, a pink hat, or some pink shoes.

Buy something that is pink.

Wear pink lipstick or blush, or dye your hair pink.

Eat some pink colored food, such as watermelon,  peeps, rhubarb, salmon, shrimp, grapefruit, ham, or cotton candy.

Drink some pink colored beverages such as a strawberry shake or pink lemonade. Some cocktail options include the Pink Lady and the Pink Squirrel.

Listen to a song  or watch a film with “pink” in the title.

Celebrate Pink Flamingo Day, which also takes place today.

Have a party and incorporate as many pink things as possible, including pink decorations, food, and clothes.

Plant, pick, or buy some pink flowers, such as roses, hibiscuses, tulips, peonies, or hyacinths.

Look for a pinkish light from the sun early in the morning or in the evening before it goes down.

Read a book about the color pink, such as Pink: The History of a Punk, Pretty, Powerful Color by Valerie Steele.

Source

[dtba]

Fireboy DML: The Nigerian Artist Setting the World Ablaze with Music and Fashion

Photographer: Down To Be Artsy @dtba_

In the world of music, certain artists possess an undeniable allure that captivates audiences and transcends borders. Fireboy DML is one such luminary whose meteoric rise began in 2019 with his chart-topping debut album, "Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps." Since then, he has continued to set the music scene ablaze with his third studio masterpiece, "Playboy," released in August 2022. This album boasts remarkable collaborations with global sensations like Ed Sheeran, Chris Brown, Shenseea, and Asake. With his album "Playboy" surpassing 1 billion streams within its first three months, Fireboy DML's music is striking a resounding chord. Billboard named him March R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie of the Month, and a nomination for Best International Act at the BET Awards underscores his international acclaim. Notably, Fireboy became the first Afrobeats artist to take center stage at the BET Awards.

One of the pinnacle moments in Fireboy's journey was the release of the collaborative rendition of his song "Peru" with Ed Sheeran, which made waves on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and ascended to the second position on the United Kingdom's Official Singles Chart in 2022. His inaugural US tour was a milestone achievement, and his record "Peru" achieved platinum certification in both the UK and the US, boasting over 500 million streams. This chart-topping success saw the track rise on the Billboard Hot 100 and secure the number one spot on the Billboard Afrobeats Chart, with remixes featuring renowned artists such as Ed Sheeran, 21 Savage, and Blxst.

His music has not only garnered millions of streams but also graced the airwaves, earning him the coveted Listener's Choice Award and a Song Of The Year nomination at the prestigious 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival. An accolade that underscores his status as the most-streamed Nigerian artist on Spotify. In the intimate setting of NPR Tiny Desk, Fireboy DML delivered a captivating performance. Furthermore, he lent his talents to Madonna's "Frozen" (Remix) alongside Sickick, solidifying his global influence in the music industry." His performance at Afronation Miami, a live show streamed on his official YouTube channel and the Metaverse, demonstrates his multifaceted artistic prowess.

Yet, Fireboy DML's talents stretch far beyond the realm of music. Armed with a degree in English, he demonstrates a deep passion for poetry. His latest album, "Apollo," draws inspiration from the Greek God of song, music, and poetry. This title symbolizes his profound connection to these artistic forms and mirrors his personal journey of growth, love, and pain. This rising star has been invited to EMPIRE's Africa Writing camp, solidifying his position as one of the most prominent African stars on the global stage.

Not content with merely making waves in the music world, Fireboy is equally celebrated for his innovative fashion sense. His Instagram account, boasting over 4.5 million followers, reflects his unique style and artistic identity. As we look to the future, Fireboy DML has exciting projects in the pipeline. He graced the front row at the Burberry S/S 23 show in London, a nod to his burgeoning status in the fashion world. He made a dazzling debut at Paris Fashion Week and Haute Couture, gracing events like the Marine Serre and Sacai Spring-Summer 2024 Men's Collection Shows.

2023 has been a year brimming with musical gems from Fireboy DML, showcasing his boundless talent. From the alluring 'One of a Kind' to the emotionally resonant 'Someone,' each release adds a unique layer to his musical journey. In May 2023, Fireboy DML dropped his latest single, "Someone," showcasing his unrelenting commitment to his craft. He recently partnered with Clarks for the "Beyond Worlds" campaign, a testament to his ever-expanding influence. His amapiano infused single 'YAWA' brings its infectious rhythm and lyrical charm, setting the stage for what's to come, while the 'Elon Musk - Remix' offers a creative twist that's nothing short of genius. 'Me and My Guitar' takes us on a more introspective and soulful journey, underlining his versatility as an artist. Meanwhile, 'Drink Water' quenches our musical thirst with its melodic brilliance. These songs are not just melodies; they are stories and emotions woven into music, a testament to why Fireboy DML remains a musical sensation.

FEATURE INTERVIEW

Thank you so much for the opportunity to shoot your feature images, you had such a vibrant energy! It was very refreshing to work with you, you were so receptive to the ideas in the room and you were very generous with your Hennessy. Despite having a million things to do in a short amount of time, we successfully shot your images, and your energy remained constant. What keeps you grounded?

Thank you for having me. I had a great time at the shoot. Everyone was nice, everyone was professional, the atmosphere was beautiful and the energy was right. I stay grounded by surrounding myself with the right people and understanding that I’m a human being first before anything else. Treating people with respect is very important to me, no matter who I am or how much success I amass. Going through life and going through this industry with that understanding helps me stay grounded in more ways than one. 

You recently made your debut at New York Fashion Week. How has this experience been, and how does fashion influence you?

The debut at New York Fashion Week was amazing. I had a great time and I learned a lot. Obviously fashion is a different industry than where I started and where I have my expertise, but learning about and joining into a whole new industry is something else entirely and it’s been a really nice experience for me. Working with Michael Philouze has really been helpful and productive, and beyond that it’s just fun because he’s such a great guy. I’ve always been a fashion guy with the way I like to dress up and the way I like to present myself when I make appearances. I like to be edgy because I believe as an artist, you cannot be regular in anything you do, or at least in most of the things you do. You have to stand out and you have to look the part whenever you step out. That’s very key to me. As much as I like to keep things simple and dress comfortable, I understand that as an artist, I have to look the part. That has always guided the way I approach things, the way I dress up, and the way I make music sometimes too. 

What’s something you always bring with you when you travel?

It changes from a range of things, usually it’s speakers but right now it’s my Nintendo Switch. I use it to pass the time when I’m alone or when I just need to relax. You know life on the road can be very demanding and stressful so sometimes I like to just take my mind away from it.  

What is your favorite men’s cologne? 

I am a cologne freak. It’s an obsession I started like a year or two ago. Since then I’ve been collecting a lot of fragrances. I love to smell good everywhere whether it’s my house, my body, my car… A good scent is a way to make people feel comfortable and at ease around you. My favorite men’s cologne has got to be Clive Christian Addictive Arts. It’s such a beautiful, rich, fresh smell. It smells like wealth, comfort and ease. It’s so sexy, I really love it. I only wear it on special occasions. I have a lot of favorites, but that one is just special to me right now.

What’s one article of clothing or accessory that holds a lot of meaning to you?

I’ll say anything that goes on the hands - rings, watches, bracelets. People pay a lot of attention to hands - a lot more than we think. When the attention goes there, just to your hands, it shows attention to detail. Those accessories stand out, no matter what you’re wearing. Also my diamond grills, it’s just such a great accessory when I’m dressing up because I could literally wear anything, and still look like a superstar. I could just be in a tank top, some nice pants and shoes with bracelets and a beautiful watch, but then the grills when I smile, people are like “oh he’s a superstar” and that’s such a vibe. Those accessories mean a lot to me right now when I’m dressing up. They’re important to my look and it’s imperative that I have those on me when I go out.

Your fashion sense has garnered attention for challenging gender norms. What message do you hope to convey through your fashion?

I can be very fluid when it comes to fashion because I believe that there are some outfits that are just not gender restrictive. Anyone can wear them as long as they just give off that vibe. There are some outfits that just look right on anyone no matter who you are. I really don’t care about who should wear this or that. I feel like if I look at something and I think it will look good on me, I will wear it as long as I’m comfortable in it and that’s what matters the most. Sometimes I want to go for the laidback, simple, calm vibe, but I’m a creative. You don’t expect me to just step out looking like a regular Joe you know. One message I like to get across - things like music, fashion, and art, generally, that’s freedom, so just feel free to explore. As long as you’re not hurting anybody, do what you like.   

How is your creativity disrupting culture and pushing boundaries?

Right now Afrobeats is doing it’s thing and its been doing that for the past 3-4 years. I’m just glad that my generation is the one that basically introduced Afrobeats to these new heights it’s been achieving. My creativity as an artist is one thing that keeps me pushing my boundaries all over - beyond Africa, Naija, Afrobeats, and African music. I wouldn’t say that I make Afrobeats all the time. I make pop. I make R&B. I do all genres of music but I always like to make sure that that identity, that Afrobeats identity, is still maintained somehow in the music. I feel like that’s what’s most important - as long as people know where you’re from and who you are, it doesn’t matter what kind of music you make. Your identity is very important and that’s one thing that’s kind of helped keep us in the game and also helped us to break boundaries in the industry. We’re staying true and showing originality in our music. I’m speaking not just for myself, but for my peers as well. It’s been beautiful so far and I’m just grateful.  

How has your cultural background as a Nigerian influenced your artistry and sound?

I was just talking about my cultural background as a Nigerian and as a Yoruba boy from the Yoruba tribe, my identity, staying true, and it’s really the same thing I just mentioned… My background has heavily influenced my artistry and my sound. I grew up in Abeokuta in the Ogun state. It’s a relatively sleepy town in the southwestern area of Nigeria. I didn’t do much - it was just home, school and church. I was just writing music, writing poems, reading books, and that actually really helped me a lot when I was transitioning from a songwriter to an artist. I started as a studio runner, or a studio rat as some people would call us, cleaning up the studios and helping people make music and record. From there I started helping people write. So my background really helped me to stay grounded and just learn to appreciate the creative process. The creative process in music involves a lot of you just being in your zone, locked in, and just doing your thing. Growing up, that’s mostly what I was doing. 

In my music you always hear my Yoruba - you’ll be like okay this one’s the Yoruba boy, this one’s the Afrobeats artist, etc. Even when I’m making R&B, I try to use my local dialect and make it pop. You’ll hear it… We like to exclaim a lot, we’re very dramatic as a tribe. So in our expressions you’ll hear the occasional “Ho!” “Yee!” “Ha!” in between lines and it’s those little minute details that have people wondering - where is this guy from? And then “oh he’s from this part of the world, that’s interesting” and it goes from there. So I think originality is always a good way to maintain your artistry and break boundaries. 

You were on the soundtrack for Black Panther, what significance does this have for you?

Being on the soundtrack for Black Panther was such a huge moment for me in my career. It really solidified all the hard work I had been doing up until that point and it meant a lot to me. Being a part of a movie that is so important to black culture was a huge honor for me. So today and until the end of time, I will always be grateful for that opportunity because that is how you really make your mark in history and make sure that you are remembered for life. 

You have collaborated with artists like Madonna, Chris Brown and Ed Sheeran. Who would you love to collaborate with in the near future?

Collaboration has really helped my career thus far. Working with big artists like Madonna, Chris Brown, and Ed Sheeran has been life changing to say the least. One artist that I would really love to collaborate with, and I’ve said it so many times in so many interviews, is Post Malone. Apart from his music, I just love his personality and I love that he’s such an artist in whatever form or shape he takes and whatever he likes. You can just always tell that he is a genuine artist that has a lot of respect for the art and has a lot of respect for people too. As a fan, I’ve watched a lot of videos of him and I’ve seen how he’s relating with people and that just inspires me. No matter what level of success I achieve, it’s always important to stay true to yourself and treat people with respect. I really really admire that about him. He’s true to himself and a true artist.  

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest album “Playboy” and any memorable moments during its creation?

My last album Playboy - that was an era. That was a ride. It was fun. It was a point where my success had reached that global superstar international stage. I was just living in and loving the moment. And I felt you know what? This is the moment where you get out of your head and stop overthinking and just play, just chill and relax. Play boy. Playboy. That’s basically what that word means. In all honesty it could mean all versions, all forms, all definitions of “playboy” that you have in every urban dictionary in the world. It’s just me coming out of my shell to really enjoy the success that I’ve worked so hard for. 

I have a lot of memorable moments, but the one that stands out for me will always be when I was making Peru in San Francisco after I just flew in from Miami. It was a beautiful time. I was with Ghazi and the entire Empire team and we were just all chilling. I got to the studio, he played the beat, and I was like you know what - this is it. I started popping off. It was such an unusual way of recording for me because I never usually just go in the booth and go hard like that. It’s not my style. I usually like to sit, listen, cook up melodies, and write up some lyrics before I try to do any sort of raw take, but that night I just sort of got out of my head for the first time in a long time. I got in the booth and just started singing. I was singing every melody in my head and the song just happened. In like 40 minutes we were done and everyone in the studio knew we had a banger. It was crazy. Such a memorable moment.    

I hear there is some music in the works! Can you tell our audiences what to expect next from Fireboy DML?

It’s been a while and I’m currently working on my next album. It is exciting for one reason - I’m just really excited for my fans that have been with me from the very beginning. I’m not going to say much about this next album, all I’m going to say is that the fans are really going to enjoy it. It just feels good to not just create for yourself, it’s also important to create for the people that have been there with you over the years. I’m finally getting back in that bag and I’m just really excited for that. 

What advice do you have for talented, young artists looking to gain exposure?

It’s always going to be the same when people ask me this question - take your time to find your sound. Once you find your sound, the rest will automatically follow. I’ve realized that music is a very selfish lover. If you’re in it, you’re in it. Stick to it and make sure that you’re giving it all the time and attention you have and everything you’ve got. Before you know it, you’ve found your sound. Once you’ve found your sound, as long as you keep working, everything else falls in place. That’s how it’s been for me and I feel like as a young talented artist, that’s all you need to do. Put yourself in the right frame of mind, find your sound, and the right people will find you. As long as you continue to put yourself out there, put out music of course, and are sure you have your identity and your sound locked in, you’ll be good for life. 

TEAM CREDITS

Photography: Down To Be Artsy @dtba_

Photo Assistant: Demé Brown @demegawd_

Interview & DTBA Senior Editor: Shirley Reynozo @moyamusic_

Stylist: @starblurleigh

Stylist Assistants: @amberranastudios + @ellaangelinadesign

[thxnews]

Beyoncé's Reign: A Decade of Dominance

Queen Bey

Say the name "Beyoncé," and instantly, images come to mind of powerful vocals, electrifying dance moves, and a stage presence that commands attention. But who is the woman behind the crown? Let's dive deeper into the private life, career, and future of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, the multi-hyphenate artist who's redefined what it means to be a superstar.   From Girl's Dream to Destiny's Child Born in Houston, Texas, in 1981, Beyoncé's love for music blossomed early. From singing in church choirs to performing in talent shows, her talent was undeniable. By the age of nine, she formed Destiny's Child with her friends, launching a journey that would propel them to become one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. Hits like "Say My Name" and "Independent Women" cemented their place in pop music history, showcasing Beyoncé's powerful vocals and infectious energy.  

Beyoncé in concert. Photo By Peter Hutchins. Flickr. Solo Stardom and Creative Evolution But Beyoncé wasn't content to stay in the shadows. In 2003, she embarked on a solo career, releasing her debut album, "Dangerously in Love." The album was a smash hit, spawning popular tracks like "Crazy in Love" and "Baby Boy," showcasing her songwriting skills and artistic evolution. From R&B ballads to hip-hop collaborations, Beyoncé proved her versatility, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with.   Beyond Music and Building Her Empire Beyoncé's reach extends far beyond music. She's a successful businesswoman, launching her own clothing line, fragrance, and Production Company. Her visual albums, like "Beyoncé" and "Black Is King," push artistic boundaries and explore themes of race, feminism, and empowerment. She's also a vocal advocate for social justice issues, using her platform to fight for equality and inspire change.  

Beyoncé Estádio do Morumbi - SP. Photo By Carolina Mendonça. Flickr.

Love, Marriage, and Motherhood

In 2008, Beyoncé married rapper Jay-Z, forming a power couple that redefined the meaning of celebrity love. They've weathered storms and emerged stronger, raising three beautiful children together. Beyoncé openly celebrates motherhood, showcasing the joys and struggles of raising a family while navigating the demands of her career. This balance between personal and professional life resonates deeply with fans, making her a relatable role model.   100 Million Albums Sold Worldwide! That’s a whole lot of Beyonce! For example, if you laid 100 million tons of beans down on the ground, they’d reach a quarter of the way around the earth. Makes you feel kind of small right!? (As well as a bit hungry!) But well done anyway Beyonce!   She performed at Barack Obama’s Inauguration! An inauguration is when a president gets the official title of president, so it must have been a huge honor for Beyonce to perform there - even more so because Barack Obama was the first Black US President! Beyonce has spoken a lot about how we need to get rid of racism, so nice one! Feels good to be good right?  

Beyonce Mrs. Carter show. Photo By Koeni Ssey. Flickr. Beyoncé, the feminist! She strongly thinks that boys and girls should be given equal chances to live their lives - and that women should be able to do whatever they want with their lives, which isn’t that much to ask right? Beyonce gives lots to charities that support this work, so she's putting her money where her mouth is, good on her we say!   Pride of Place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! There aren’t many marks of success bigger than that and in 2006 she was invited to put her name down on that famous walk! These fabulous stars are made of brass and set into the floor themselves, but which will last longer, the star of Beyonce’s fame? We think most probably Beyonce!   Beyonce created a stage name called ‘Sasha Fierce’! She says that she did this so that she could keep her stage performer different from who she is as a person at home. It also helps her get over any nerves she has before a show, but she simply goes into ‘Sasha Mode’ - pretty clever!  

Beyonce singing on stage. Photo By Raphael Ribas Lopes. Flickr.

The Ever-Evolving Queen: What's Next?

With each album and project, Beyoncé reinvents herself. Her 2022 single "Break My Soul" marked a return to her house music roots, proving her ability to stay fresh and relevant. So, what does the future hold for the Queen Bey? Whether it's a new album, a world tour, or ventures into filmmaking, one thing's for sure: Beyoncé will continue to push boundaries, entertain millions, and inspire generations to come.  

Beyonce giving. Photo by Neurofibromatosis - Just Ask Foundation. Flickr. Beyond the Glitz and Glamour: Lessons from the Queen Beyoncé's journey is more than just chart-topping hits and sold-out stadiums. It's a testament to hard work, dedication, and the unwavering belief in oneself. Here are some key takeaways from her multifaceted life. Dream big and chase your passions: Beyoncé started young, honing her talent and pursuing her dreams with unwavering conviction. Embrace your individuality: From her powerful vocals to her bold fashion choices, Beyoncé celebrates her unique identity, inspiring others to do the same. Empower yourself and others: Beyoncé uses her platform to advocate for social justice and inspire change, motivating others to find their own voices. Finding a healthy balance: Despite her demanding career, Beyoncé prioritizes her family and personal life, proving that success is multifaceted.   In Conclusion Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply admire her talent and impact, there's no denying Beyoncé's reign continues. As she evolves and pushes boundaries, one thing remains constant: Queen Bey will continue to inspire, entertain, and empower, ensuring her legacy as a cultural icon for generations to come.   Sources: THX News & Wikipedia. Read the full article

[lizzzzll]

Under the Queen's Umbrella

In this entry, I will evaluate the critical questions: What gender/sexuality norm is constructed or undone in this artifact, how is it rhetorically done, and/or how does it promote a dominate ideology over a marginalized group or push back against the ideology or gender norms? Is it productive/unproductive (ethical/unethical)?

To investigate these questions, I examined the 2022 South Korean television series Under the Queen’s Umbrella as my rhetorical artifact. This entry aims to explore how the Queen challenges established protocols, champions female empowerment, and sets a precedent for women to assert their agency within a patriarchal framework. This representation challenges our understanding of gender roles in historical context and resonates with contemporary discussions on gender equality and women's empowerment, which aligns with the more progressive perspectives on gender of today’s society.

"Under the Queen's Umbrella" intricately weaves the gripping tale of Queen Im Hwa-ryeong's journey within the intricate corridors of Joseon-era Korea's royal court. The story begins with the crown prince's critical sickness, which throws the kingdom into a dangerous power struggle for succession among Hwa-ryeong's remaining sons. The customary norms of royalty conflict with the harsh realities of life in this ruthless environment, where merit-based appointment competes with the tremendous challenge provided by the king's kids from several concubines. Once firmly established in the regal comfort of her status, Hwa-ryeong is confronted with the hefty consequences of her previous actions. In the face of this heated war for the crown, her neglect of her other boys' schooling, sometimes pushed to the periphery as 'spares,' proves to be a disastrous blunder. Her tumultuous relationship with the Queen Dowager raises the stakes as the Dowager wants to establish her preferred candidate on the throne, posing a direct danger to Hwa-ryeong's bloodline. Kim Hye-soo's portrayal of Hwa-ryeong is intriguing in its depth. She is portrayed as a woman of measured grace, balancing royal poise with a mother's unfailing affection. When her children's lives are at jeopardy, however, her tenderness and maternal instincts emerge, leading her to make decisions that question her very identity. The series digs expertly into the deep web of royal politics, revealing the cunning tactics of power-hungry personalities such as the Queen Dowager, who defies the stereotype of the wicked mother-in-law. Her swift manipulation and willingness to abandon individuals who no longer accommodate her goals add to the narrative's suspense. "Under The Queen's Umbrella" focuses on the visceral test of maternal instincts in the midst of historical power struggles. The narrative throws Hwa-ryeong into a moral quagmire by comparing her modern troubles with the blood-soaked tapestry of the court's succession history. It makes her rethink the extent to which she is prepared to compromise her convictions for the sake of her boys' survival, all while tormented by the shadow of history's merciless cycle.

In Undoing Gender (2004), Judith Butler discusses the intricate landscape of gender and sexuality, highlighting the transformative process of undoing restrictive norms. They elucidate the nuanced experiences of becoming undone, exploring the duality of these experiences—how adherence to societal norms can erode one's individuality while rupturing these norms might inaugurate a newer, more livable identity. Gender is depicted as an ongoing performance within societal constraints, emphasizing the improvisational nature of its enactment in relation to others. The text also probes the intrinsic link between desire and recognition, underscoring the differential recognition that shapes one's inclusion within the spectrum of humanity. This critical examination extends to the idea of maintaining a distance from normative constraints, seeking alternative norms conducive to sustaining oneself while challenging prevailing paradigms. Butler states that “As a result, the "I" that I am finds itself at once constituted by norms and dependent on them but also endeavors to live in ways that maintain a critical and transformative relation to them.” (p.3) The individual ('I') is intricately tied to and reliant on norms while endeavoring to maintain a critical stance towards them. This paradox forms the basis for critique—interrogating and challenging the constraints imposed by prevailing norms to cultivate inclusive conditions that embrace diverse modes of living. Moreover, it draws from the complexities of the 'New Gender Politics,' emphasizing the coexistence and intersectionality of movements concerning transgender, transsexuality, and intersexuality rather than a linear succession of frameworks, culminating in a rich tapestry of gender discourse and lived experiences. Consider the intersex movement's resistance against coercive surgeries aimed at normalizing bodies with sexually indeterminate features. This resistance challenges the idealized human anatomy and advocates for inclusivity, acknowledging the continuum of human morphology and affirming the livability and flourishing of intersex individuals. This critique exposes how norms governing idealized human forms create differential perceptions of humanity and livability, extending to various disabilities as well.

The first thing we will discuss about the movie Under the Queen's Umbrella is one of the movie's promotional posters (which is also the image I attached to this entry.) In the poster, we can see it is divided into 2 parts. In the above part, there is a woman who looks dignified and serious in a red hanbok, her eyes reflecting the solemnity of an exemplary queen of Joseon. But below is a contrary image, with her hands instead of being clasped together and hidden in the hem of her shirt like the way of noble Korean women in the past, we can see she is holding the hem of her dress, the image has a lot of movement with dust flying everywhere and her shoes are exposed: that is the act of running. Generally speaking, regardless of the empire, in ancient times, noble women were stereotyped as having to walk lightly to show decency, and one had a special status. Like the Queen, she has to try even harder to show it. However, Queen Hwa-ryeong was portrayed as divided into two contrasting parts, which suggests undoing restrictive norms associated with gender and sexuality, highlighting the experiences of becoming undone, both positively and negatively. “And sometimes the very terms that confer "humanness" on some individuals are those that deprive certain other individuals of the possibility of achieving that status, producing a differential between the human and the less-than-human.” (Butler, p.2) In the case of the Queen, even though she has a high status, one thing is certain: she always has to endure negative criticism for her lack of decorum and not aligning with "queen-ness." This concept fully applies to what Butler is trying to point out, that conforming to normative gender constructs can sometimes undermine one's personhood while rupturing these norms may lead to a newer, more livable identity.

The second thing I want to comment on is the scene at minute 18:08 of episode 12 of the drama, which is a scene in front of a jewelry store, a man trying to pay a very low price to buy a woman’s brooch made of gold. The reason he gave for paying a ridiculous price for the brooch was because the woman was kicked out of the house by her husband because she could not have children. A young noble lady saw the discontent and stood up for the woman. The young lady used the act of rubbing the golden brooch on the ground to the astonishment of the onlookers, and then asked if anyone wanted the brooch. The crowd expressed that if they were given it, they would all want a gold brooch, because after all it is still gold and gold has value. That is also what the young lady wants to prove, that even if the woman cannot give birth, she still has her own value and that cannot be changed. Butler also addresses this issue at the bottom of page 2: "This means that to the extent that desire is implicated in social norms, it is bound up with the question of power and with the problem of who qualifies as the recognizably human and who does not.” Gender is depicted as an ongoing performance situated within societal constraints. It involves improvisation within limitations and is not crafted in isolation but in relation to or for others, real or imaginary. This depiction of gender as an ongoing performance within societal constraints suggests a fluid and dynamic interplay between individual identity and social constructs. It's an improvisational act, not confined to a static mold, but rather adapting and evolving within the limitations imposed by societal norms. This perspective of the noble lady from the scene challenges the notion of a fixed or inherent gender identity, highlighting instead the ever-changing and dialogic nature of how individuals navigate and negotiate their gendered existence within the fabric of Joseon’s society, as well as the current society.

Continuing with that scene, the incident in front of the jewelry store was fully witnessed by the Queen while wearing civilian clothes to find a fiancee for her crown prince's son. That girl turned out to be the daughter of a war official. So the Queen drank tea with the girl to get to know her. They discuss the so-called "Seven Valid Causes of Divorce" law, which are the reasons that Joseon men can legally divorce their wives, including cases where the woman cannot bear children. The Queen also pointed out that besides the 7 reasons men can divorce, there are also "Sambugeol" - Three Exceptions, which are 3 cases where a man cannot leave his wife even if she violates the other 7 rules. The Three Exceptions are likened to the 3 shields given to women by society to resist the 7 spears that threaten her. The noble lady expressed the opinion that this was still not fair, because compared to 7 spears, 3 shields were too few for a married woman to defend herself. The discussion around these laws, particularly the "Sambugeol" or Three Exceptions, parallels Butler's notion of The 'I' and Paradox of Norms (p.3). Societal constraints being countered by limited shields granted to women to resist the multitude of spears threatening their marital stability. This dialogue becomes a poignant reflection of societal inequities, as the noble lady rightfully points out the inadequacy of three shields against seven spears, highlighting the imbalance of power and protection afforded to married women. This expression resonates with Butler's concept of maintaining a critical stance towards norms, as it unveils the inherent imbalance within the societal framework, calling for a reevaluation of these norms to establish more inclusive conditions that empower and safeguard diverse modes of living.

The portraying of Queen Hwa-ryeong and her rhetoric serves to shed light on the discrepancies and imbalances present in the legal framework, advocating for a more equitable system. This discourse can be empowering for women by validating their concerns and encouraging a reevaluation of societal norms that disproportionately disadvantage them. It prompts a reconsideration of established norms and may lay the groundwork for future reforms aimed at providing better protection and rights for women. However, while the Queen's message is progressive and aims at advocating for gender equality, it may not lead to immediate change or systemic transformation. Regardless of the Queen's rhetoric being reinforced by the young noble lady we have learned about, in a deeply entrenched patriarchal society like Joseon, challenging long standing norms can face resistance and might not translate into immediate societal shifts. Moreover, her discussion might be perceived as challenging the existing power structures, potentially inviting backlash from those vested in maintaining the status quo. Additionally, the Queen's efforts, while well-intentioned, might be limited in their effectiveness due to the constraints of her own position. Her ability to directly impact systemic change might be restricted by the hierarchical and conservative nature of the society she resides in, where entrenched norms and power dynamics hinder swift reforms. While the Queen's rhetoric and message serve as a catalyst for dialogue and awareness about gender inequalities, the actual impact on societal change might be gradual and limited due to entrenched power structures. Nonetheless, her efforts contribute to a broader conversation on women's rights, laying the groundwork for potential future advancements in gender equality within the society.

In Butler’s same work, she states “Gender is the apparatus by which the production and normalization of masculine and feminine take place along with the interstitial forms of hormonal, chromosomal, psychic, and performative that gender assume.” (p.42) Gender operates as a framework that constructs and normalizes notions of both masculinity and femininity, encompassing a wide range of factors such as hormonal, chromosomal, psychological, and performative aspects. However, limiting gender exclusively to the binary of "masculine" and "feminine" overlooks crucial variations. This oversimplification disregards the contingent nature of this binary, neglecting the diverse permutations of gender that exist beyond its confines. Gender encompasses a spectrum that extends beyond the normative binary, acknowledging and validating identities that don't conform to traditional standards, highlighting their integral place within the broader concept of gender. This aligns with the ideas discusses above by highlighting how societal norms shape gender within a binary framework of masculinity and femininity. However, it also challenges this binary view by acknowledging that gender extends beyond these norms, underscoring a paradox where individuals both conform to and seek to expand these limitations. This resonates with Butler's concept of gender as performative within societal constraints, while advocating for the undoing of normative conceptions to embrace a more inclusive understanding of gender diversity.

To sum up,  "Under the Queen's Umbrella" and the interweaving with Judith Butler's concepts offers a comprehensive understanding of the series' complex portrayal of gender dynamics in Joseon-era Korea. The narrative challenges normative constructs through Queen Hwa-ryeong's actions, unveiling societal inequities and advocating for women's empowerment within a patriarchal framework. Butler's ideas on the paradox of norms and gender as performative align with the series' depiction of gender complexities, emphasizing the struggle between conforming to societal expectations and seeking to expand gender boundaries. The scene at the jewelry store exemplifies this struggle, echoing Butler's discussion on norms that confer humanness while simultaneously depriving others of recognition. The discourse around divorce laws and gender inequality further parallels Butler's notion of challenging norms to create more inclusive conditions. While the Queen's rhetoric empowers women and prompts dialogue, the entrenched societal structures might hinder immediate systemic change. However, her efforts contribute to the ongoing discourse on gender equality, setting the stage for potential advancements. The series' portrayal, intricately woven with Butler's theories, sheds light on the multifaceted nature of gender and the ongoing quest to challenge and redefine normative conceptions.

-----

Butler, Judith. “Undoing Gender.” Routledge, New York and London, 2004, 1-4, 42.

[vsuped]

𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆. 1947-1984.

1947 cont'd --- "Captain Vought" attends the president truman signing the national security act of 1947 into law, creating the central intelligence agency, the department of defense, the joint chiefs of staff, and the national security council, as a representative of vought previously vought labs proposed military compound v program, along with frederick vought and another unnamed vought representative it is excluded from the department of defense. the compound v program continues but slows considerably. leon still retains his military status, despite denial of vought's compound v program becoming part of the department of defense.

1948 --- in early 1948, the united states, united kingdom, and france secretly began to plan the creation of a new german state made up of the western allies’ occupation zones. on january 1, the united states and united kingdom unified their respective zones and formed bizonia, which caused tensions between east and west to escalate. "Captain Vought" was rumored to be among troops to oversee the unification, unconfirmed. the berlin blockade begins; the crisis started on june 24, 1948, when soviet forces blockaded rail, road, and water access to allied-controlled areas of berlin. the united states and united kingdom responded by airlifting food and fuel to berlin from allied airbases in western germany, "Captain Vought" was seen helping unload supplies.

1948-1951 --- leon "Captain Vought" spent majority of his time going back and forth between helping rebuild europe, vought tower, press interviews, filming, and going wherever he was needed. he proposes his ideas for herogasm, his ideas of unwinding with tensions rising all over the globe. plans are drawn up, and construction begins in miami, florida, on a vought bought out huge island property. the construction completes in 1951.

1952 --- the first official herogasm is held. and annually every year hear-after, a week long event featuring many amenities other than sexual intercourse-- renovated as new discoveries are made. vought makes a lot of money off of it.

1952-1961 --- leon "Captain Vought" continues to go back and forth between europe and the united states, attending various events and press interviews.

1955 --- warsaw pact, which establishes a mutual defense treaty subscribed to by eight communist states in eastern europe (including the USSR). "Captain Vought" rumored to be in warsaw, poland / somewhere in europe during the signing, unconfirmed.

1960 --- john f. kennedy elected president. 1961 --- us breaks diplomatic relations with cuba. john f. kennedy becomes the 35th president, "Captain Vought" attends kennedy's inaugural address. bay of pigs invasion, "Captain Vought" was on board an escort ship that is sunk, he watches from the water as many others are too, before he gets picked up by a retreating ship. "Captain Vought" is sent to berline once more, berlin crisis of 1961, on october 27, 1961, the provocative games took a serious turn as another probe prompted the soviets to deploy 10 tanks on the eastern side of checkpoint charlie. the us had been using tanks to support their escorts of vehicles into East Berlin, and now was met by equal force. the soviet and american tanks stood a mere 100 yards apart from each other, and both sides readied for battle. the showdown of tanks at the wall became a visual emblem of the dangerous situation these world powers were locked into. "Captain Vought" was in berlin to aid if it escalated into a battle. they mutually agreed to pull back from the standoff, and the confrontation eased. "Captain Vought" returns to the united states shortly after.

1962 --- thomas godolkin, an understudy of frederick vought had proposed a subsidiary of vought and godolkin "university" is established. "Captain Vought" escorts an elderly frederick vought to the red ribbon opening. october, 1962, cuban missile crisis, "Captain Vought" infilitrated cuba and 'persuades' vasily aleksandrovich arkhipov to dismantle the nuclear missiles, unconfirmed, potential vought involvement.

1963 --- assassination of john f. kennedy in dallas. late 1963 --- frederick vought dies of a heartattack, he's found in his office in vought tower by leon who proceeded to do cpr but it was far too late. he attends his funeral procession carrying his coffin.

1963-onward --- leon mourns fredrick vought. 1964 --- "Captain Vought" was aboard the uss maddox when they came under attack of vietnamese torpedoes, since the passing of frederick he sought to be away from vought for a while.

1965 --- president johnson escalates the united states military involvement in the vietnam war. "Captain Vought" only served in the battle of ia drang valley, until vought pulled him out, seeing a lost cause in the war efforts.

1963-1970 --- leon marshall "Captain Vought" has his reawakening and spirals with extended drug use.

1968 --- the U.S. signs nuclear non-proliferation treaty to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament. vought puts stakes in united states and secretly russia. "Captain Vought" attends the medal award ceremony by president johnson to honor soldiers from vietnam.

1970 --- vought leans into the media-based superheroes farther. kenneth baker is brought in, as a stand-in for "Captain Vought" when leon refused or wasn't present. leon immediately hates him on principle but he's also relieved. stan edgar is brought in on contract.

1971 --- payback tryouts are held. "Captain Vought" leon attends the event with coercion that he's gets to pick his team. kenneth baker, plain clothing, and stan edgar also attend.

1972-1979/1984 --- leon spends majority of his time away from vought as he can, its not always successful and this is when legend really ramps up his distaste for leon, at his refusal to cooperate with a lot of vought events and filming. leon proposes retirement for himself. retire "Captain Vought" and his suit. his contract would've ended in 1980, they somehow convince him to renew it for another five years, with their scheming plans.

1980 --- jonah vogelbaum, a member of voughts science team brings leon "Captain Vought" in to collect 'semen specimen(s)' "Captain Vought" takes one look at the cup, throws it to the ground, laughing as he walked out of his office. he refused, but it's taken against his will anyways. he's drugged by novichok and they extract it by force.

1981 --- april of 1981 homelander is born, in a vought lab, to a redacted mother who dies during child-birth. they begin their attempt at grooming him to be their perfect little hero. we all know how that one plays out.

1984 --- the events of this year are tentative, depending on how I branch off for the different verses. "mission in nicaragua" --- disguised as an effort to develop more relations between the military and vought, was a mission but its primary goal was to secure the asset "captain vought" the entirety of payback is in on it save for captain vought. he's secured by russian forces as part of voughts ever present pact with russia. his new contract from 1980 would've ended two months after this "trip".

from here it diverges depending on verse and everything.

[delhidarshan1]

Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial in Delhi: A Tribute to the Architect of India's Constitution

The Ambedkar National Memorial in Delhi stands as a testament to the life, work, and legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, one of India's most visionary leaders. This iconic monument, situated in the heart of the nation's capital, is a place of reverence, reflection, and remembrance. Dr. Ambedkar's contributions to social justice, equality, and the crafting of India's constitution are celebrated and honored at this magnificent memorial.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: A Brief Overview

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was born on April 14, 1891, in a small village in Maharashtra. His life was marked by relentless dedication to eradicating the deep-seated discrimination and social inequalities prevailing in India. Dr. Ambedkar, himself a victim of caste-based discrimination, overcame immense odds to become a scholar, lawyer, and a prolific writer. His academic achievements earned him scholarships to study abroad, where he gained expertise in economics and law.

Contribution to India's Constitution

One of Dr. Ambedkar's most significant contributions was his pivotal role in drafting the Indian Constitution. As the chairman of the drafting committee, he played a vital role in shaping the nation's governing document. The Constitution, adopted on January 26, 1950, enshrines the principles of justice, equality, and freedom for all Indians. It abolishes discrimination based on caste, creed, gender, and religion, and guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens.

The Memorial's Significance

The Ambedkar National Memorial, located at 26, Alipur Road in Delhi, is housed in the iconic 26, Alipur Road bungalow, where Dr. Ambedkar lived during his later years. The memorial was inaugurated on April 13, 2018, marking Dr. Ambedkar's 127th birth anniversary. It serves as a symbol of his life's work and his relentless fight against social injustice and caste discrimination.

Key Features of the Memorial

Architecture: The memorial is a stunning example of modern architectural design. Its clean lines, simple yet elegant structure, and serene ambiance create an atmosphere of reverence.

Exhibition Hall: The memorial houses an exhibition hall that showcases the life and achievements of Dr. Ambedkar. Visitors can explore his personal belongings, rare photographs, and an extensive collection of his writings and speeches.

Ambedkar's Study: Dr. Ambedkar's study room has been meticulously preserved, allowing visitors to glimpse into the intellectual world of the visionary leader. His books, writings, and the desk where he worked are displayed with great care.

Statues and Artifacts: The memorial also features statues and artwork depicting Dr. Ambedkar's journey, ideals, and contributions to Indian society.

Meditation Hall: A meditation hall offers a peaceful space for visitors to reflect and pay their respects to Dr. Ambedkar.

Library and Research Center: For those interested in delving deeper into Dr. Ambedkar's work, a library and research center provide access to a vast collection of books, research papers, and resources related to his life and philosophy.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

The Ambedkar National Memorial is not just a monument; it represents a living legacy. Dr. Ambedkar's teachings and ideas continue to inspire movements for social justice and equality in India. His relentless pursuit of justice for marginalized communities, his emphasis on education as a means of empowerment, and his vision of a casteless society continue to guide the nation's progress toward a more inclusive and egalitarian future.

Conclusion

The Ambedkar National Memorial in Delhi is a fitting tribute to a man whose tireless efforts transformed the course of Indian history. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's life and work are celebrated at this remarkable memorial, which stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all those striving for a more just and equitable society. It reminds us of the importance of upholding the principles of justice, equality, and social harmony, which are at the core of the Indian Constitution that he helped shape.

[nexthlive]

NEXTH Season 4: The best is yet to come. [https://nexthchic.live/] [https://nexth.city/runway]

LIFESTYLE - [NexthChic] 138. Valentino: A Legacy of Italian Elegance and Creative Vision.

Valentino, the illustrious Italian fashion brand, stands as a testament to the creative genius of its founder, Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani. From a young age, Garavani's innate passion for fashion and art set the course for his remarkable journey. His early fascination with style and design led him to pursue formal studies in fashion sketching, laying the foundation for what would become an enduring legacy.

In 1959, Valentino unveiled its inaugural collection, marking the birth of a brand that would captivate the hearts of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Yet, it was the year 1962 that witnessed the true ascent of Valentino into international acclaim. This pivotal moment was propelled by an auspicious association with Jacqueline Kennedy, an icon of style. Her patronage not only launched Valentino onto the global stage but also solidified his position as a preferred designer among the elite.

Valentino's reputation has been meticulously crafted through its exquisite ready-to-wear lines, consistently resonating with fashion connoisseurs. Alongside this, the brand's leather collection has garnered equal admiration, synonymous with unparalleled quality and style. The assortment includes a wide array of leather shoes, jackets, bags, and accessories, each characterized by meticulous craftsmanship and an unwavering attention to detail.

However, Valentino's creations are more than mere fashion items; they embody a unique fusion of sophistication, luxury, and artistic expression. Each piece reflects the brand's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of design while preserving an enduring allure. The enduring popularity of Valentino's creations bears witness to their timeless appeal, captivating both the fashion-conscious and those with a discerning eye for elegance.

In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, Valentino has masterfully retained its iconic status by seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary flair. This ability to reinvent while staying true to its core values has firmly established Valentino as a trailblazer in the industry. As the fashion world continues its dynamic evolution, Valentino remains at the forefront, setting trends and standards that ensure its legacy remains an integral part of the sartorial narrative.

[hardynwa]

BBOG tasks Buhari to rescue remaining 96 Chibok girls

As today marks the ninth anniversary of the abduction of 276 students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, a coalition, the #BringBackOurGirls, BBOG, has tasked President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure the 96 girls still missing are rescued before he leaves office on May 29, this year.This is also as the group frowned at the non-release of 16 rescued girls to their families many months after, this it noted, is akin to escaping from one form of captivity and being held captive at another end.This was contained in a statement released by a member of the coalition, who is also the Founder of Enough is Enough, EIE, Yemi Adamolekun, in Lagos yesterday.The group charged the President to remember what he said on the day of his inauguration on May 29, 2015 where he said, “We can not claim to have defeated Boko Haram without rescuing the Chibok girls and all other innocent persons held hostage by insurgents,” and do the needful before leaving office.“As we approach the tragic ninth anniversary of the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State – April 14, 2014 – our hearts remain broken at the failure to close this shameful chapter in our country’s history as promised by President Muhammadu Buhari in his address to the nation in 2015 and various times subsequently.“The last report we received on the status of the Chibok Girls in October 2022 is as follows:276 abducted, 57 escaped, 107 released, 16 rescued (by the Military) and 96 still missing.“We are equally distressed to learn that after a successful campaign by our gallant military in the last two years when they liberated thousands of people including over 12 girls – now women – and handed them over to the Borno State Government, our daughters and sisters remain in the custody of the state and have not been properly reunited with their families or back in control of their lives now that they are out of the hands of the terrorists. “Have our girls escaped one form of captivity only to spend 6 months to one and a half years in a different form of captivity? What crime have they committed? Why are survivors of unimaginable trauma being treated this way?“We appeal and demand that the President fulfils his promise to his daughters from Chibok, to Leah Sharibu, his daughter from Dapchi and other victims of insurgency, bandits and kidnappers and rescue them before his term of office ends on May 29, 2023. The rescue and rehabilitation of our daughters whose education was interrupted and the restoration of peace in their communities will be an undeniable legacy of President Buhari’s administration.“Our demands on the occasion of the ninth anniversary of the ugly incident are: Bring back our girls before May 29, 2023. A push to finally defeat Boko Haram, ISWAP, and liberate all our citizens. Accountability from the Borno State Government. A full report and debriefing for the parents on the status, academic plans and wishes of the rescued girls, women and children in their custody.“Provide closure for parents on the fate of their daughters who they have reason to believe are dead. Psycho-social support for Chibok and other conflict-affected families of abducted students to address the trauma to families; equipping and completion of their education, shelter, and empowerment to earn a living.“Equip and motivate the police and armed forces and see to their welfare and proper care for the families of officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Reinvest in the Victims Support Fund (VSF) to care for the practical needs of all returned and rescued girls, siblings and family members of girls. The federal government has seemingly abandoned VSF to the management of one generous citizen.“Public statement on the Missing Persons Register and immediate reopening of a properly resourced and staffed Missing Persons Desk at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Report on the coordinated provision of security for schools – primary, secondary, and higher education at local, state and federal levels. Status report on the Safe Schools Initiative and adequate financing to ensure its effectiveness.” Read the full article

[rabbitcruiser]

National Pink Day

Some may say that pink is for girls and blue is for boys, but both the history of the color pink and how it is perceived today are much more complex and varied than that. Pink, which is celebrated today, is a pale color that falls somewhere between red and bluish-red, usually somewhere between red and magenta. Some shades, like the color salmon, are even orangish. The color was referenced in literature in ancient times, but its name dates to the seventeenth century when it was named for a flower that has the name.

The perception of pink in society has changed over the years. It has long been associated with femininity, and at times has been considered kitsch, erotic, sophisticated, or transgressive. It has also been associated with sweetness, tenderness, charm, sensitivity, childhood, and romance. When paired with white it has signified chastity and innocence, and when coupled with black it has conveyed eroticism and seduction.

During the Middle Ages, pink was used primarily in women’s fashion and in religious art, while during the Renaissance, it was used mainly for flesh color in paintings. Its rise in popularity in the West took place in the mid-eighteenth century. During that time, men and women wore faint, powdery pieces of pink clothing as a status symbol of luxury and class. Both male and female infants and children were dressed in the color—it was often more associated with males because it was seen as a lighter shade of red, which was a color viewed as masculine. Boys continued to wear pink well into the nineteenth century, including pink ribbons and decorations. Eighteenth-century paintings gave contrasting meanings of pink. Some depicted the color as being associated with childhood, innocence, or tenderness, while others showed it as a color of seduction.

In the mid-nineteenth century, pink shifted away from masculinity and was viewed as being delicate. One reason for this was that men started wearing darker colors, and women consequently began wearing and being associated with brighter, pastel colors. Eroticism began being associated with pink during this century as well because the color had a quality similar to nakedness. Lingerie began appearing in pink, and art and literature began referencing the color’s sexual quality, particularly the color’s relation to the female body.

The color had long been related to the higher classes of society, but during the twentieth century, there was a status shift that moved it from luxury to the working-class. This was on account of the proliferation of cheap dyes that allowed the creation of garish takes on the color. The hues became brighter and bolder, and the dyes didn’t easily fade. It was at this time pink entered what is viewed as the vulgar, being associated with prostitutes. But the connotation of luxury was not fully removed from the color. For example, during the first decades of the century, Paul Poiret, a French couturier, made exquisite dresses in shades of pink.

In the 1950s, the color became strongly associated with femininity, largely on account of Postwar branding and marketing. This is the era when pink became associated with girls and blue became associated with boys. A few happenings during the decade helped to push pink further into this direction. Mamie Eisenhower, the wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, wore a pink dress for her inaugural gown in 1953, and Audrey Hepburn’s 1957 film Funny Face featured many women wearing pink dresses. The color was often still seen as being frivolous at the time, which reflected a less-than-equal view of women that persisted during these pre-women’s liberation years.

When Jacqueline Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe began wearing it in the early 1960s, it once again was viewed as being luxurious. It was adopted by punk, pop, and hip-hop culture in the following decades. Pink triangles became a symbol of gay activism in the 1970s when they were claimed by gay activists and removed from their dreadful past when they were used by Nazis to identify homosexuals in concentration camps. In general, the color pink is now associated with the LGBTQ community.

In recent years, the color has also been used by women in the West as a symbol of feminist power and protest, where sexual, reproductive, and social rights are addressed. Pink pussyhats were worn at the 2017 Women’s March in Washington, D.C., on the day after the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Similarly, Code Pink is a women’s activist group that opposes war and globalization. The pink of the twenty-first century is both pretty and powerful, both feminine and feminist. Men in the West have even been embracing the color more in recent years. Still, the color is generally more accepted n the East. For example, in India, pink clothes, adornments, and turbans are commonly worn by both sexes.

The color is associated with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, during which Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day takes place. A pink ribbon is the symbol of breast cancer awareness. Other holidays such as Pink Cadillac Day and Pink Flamingo Day—which happens to take place today—celebrate with the color.

Pink can be seen almost everywhere you look. It is used in idioms and phrases such as “give a pink slip” and “tickled pink”; flowers bloom bearing its color; many foods and drinks sparkle with it; clothes and makeup are shaded with its hue; and even the rising and setting of the sun greet us and wave to us with shades of pink. No matter where pink is found, we celebrate it today!

How to Observe

Here are some ideas on how to spend the day:

Wear some pink clothes, a pink hat, or some pink shoes.

Buy something that is pink.

Wear pink lipstick or blush, or dye your hair pink.

Eat some pink colored food, such as watermelon,  peeps, rhubarb, salmon, shrimp, grapefruit, ham, or cotton candy.

Drink some pink colored beverages such as a strawberry shake or pink lemonade. Some cocktail options include the Pink Lady and the Pink Squirrel.

Listen to a song  or watch a film with “pink” in the title.

Celebrate Pink Flamingo Day, which also takes place today.

Have a party and incorporate as many pink things as possible, including pink decorations, food, and clothes.

Plant, pick, or buy some pink flowers, such as roses, hibiscuses, tulips, peonies, or hyacinths.

Look for a pinkish light from the sun early in the morning or in the evening before it goes down.

Read a book about the color pink, such as Pink: The History of a Punk, Pretty, Powerful Color by Valerie Steele.

Source

[freeopinions]

3- The Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory

             As a part of my trip, I decided to attend a concert at The Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. This is a beautiful Hall in a great location in the city of Moscow, which has been the venue to important music and other arts performances. The building was inaugurated on April 7th of 1901. The architecture is very detailed as it is predominately in the city of Moscow, Inside, in daylight, the bright lights that come in from the big windows on the walls of the hall feel refreshing. There are many rows on the bottom, as well as the top floors. The very expensive seats, where the people with the special vouchers sit, are the best view of the stage. 

            Here, I have heard people say that it is very hard to find things, but if you know the right person, you can. Seems like things are only accessible to the people that can afford them.  The elite and government have special passes to get high-end foods, but the concept of socialism is that everyone is equal. Seems like, along the years, the system has changed and is no longer so equal when it comes to economic status. The Performance we came to see was Romeo and Juliet and other Sergei Prokoviev compositions. I personally love Russian Romanticism,  but the another reason why it was decided to come to the theatre instead of the club (discotheque) is that in 1985 the government banned Heavy metal and Pop bands were blacklisted from clubs because of their anti-communism content, Black Sabbath, Nazareth, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest. If the police found someone violating that law, the person would be prosecuted. Some laws here are very strict. For example people can be prosecuted for being gay. According to the tour- guide in 1933 Stallin passed a law where male homosexuality was added to the criminal code, serving up to 5 years of hard labor. Gay men are considered pedophiles and fascists.

           Overall, the music was amazing, musicians are great here because they do not have the resources to have new instruments so they acquire great skills with older instruments that require more effort.