Today in Culture: Edition #34
Culture & Society - DEC. 18, 2024
Welcome to the 34th edition of Today in Culture, your semi-daily roundup of thought-provoking insights, hidden gems, and cultural moments curated from across Substack. Dive into the latest stories sparking dialogue in art, society, history, and everyday life.
1. Stop Supporting Abusers –
This compelling piece takes a deep dive into the pervasive habit of enabling harmful figures in creative industries. It’s a bold call to action, dissecting the intricate webs of influence and accountability. A must-read for those navigating ethical dilemmas in art and entertainment.
2. A Eulogy for Detroit’s Kettering High –
Explore the story of a once-beloved high school in Detroit, a poignant reflection on education, community ties, and the loss of historic landmarks. This is both a history lesson and a heartfelt goodbye, leaving you to ponder the roles these spaces play in our collective memory.
3. Drones in Jersey: Nikki G and Luigi –
Who’s watching who? This witty yet incisive commentary digs into how drones are weaving themselves into Jersey’s suburban fabric. Follow Nikki G and Luigi’s journey through tech-driven adventures, offering humor and insight in equal measure.
4. Towners for Life –
In this heartwarming ode to a small-town community, discover the universal threads binding long-time residents. This reflective piece is both personal and communal, celebrating the vibrancy of local identity.
5. What’s So Bad About Relaxers? –
Unpacking the complex relationship between beauty, health, and societal expectations, this article dives into the debates around hair relaxers. It's an engaging exploration of cultural history and shifting norms in beauty routines.
6. The Binary Ballet –
In this thought-provoking essay, binaries—both digital and cultural—are scrutinized through the lens of dance. The piece weaves technology with artistry, challenging perceptions about structure and expression.
7. Empires Rise and Fall and I Still… –
Blurring the line between poetic introspection and historical commentary, this piece meditates on the fragility of systems and the resilience of small, human connections. A mesmerizing read for late-night thoughts.
8. I Won’t Sacrifice My Life for You –
Raw, personal, and unapologetically candid, Mia writes about setting boundaries and reclaiming personal autonomy. If you’ve ever struggled to prioritize your well-being, this essay will speak directly to you.
9. Stay –
A short but evocative narrative about staying rooted amidst chaos, this lyrical reflection makes you pause and appreciate stillness. Prepare for a blend of poetry and realism that hits close to home.
10. 5 AM Thoughts in Chicago –
Slice-of-life meets poetry in this early-morning meditation. Written from a Chicago vantage point, it explores longing, hope, and fleeting connections that often surface in the city’s quietest hours.
11. The Audacious Roundup #235 –
Catch up on everything bold and unexpected in culture, politics, and media with this week’s Audacious Roundup. Featuring sharp commentary and links you’ll wish you discovered sooner.
Notes Worth Noting
At the very least, don’t make the standard an existing, useless and exclusionary white supremacist system–let it be the reviews and recommendations from the words and actions of one’s elders, peers, mentors, ancestors and role models like you–people who are not afraid to be their authentic selves and who create genuine close-knit communities based on passion, competency, shared experiences and a genuine care for our field and our craft. -
As we wrap up this 33rd edition of Today in Culture, we’re thrilled to share a milestone: we’ve officially reached 200 subscribers! This journey has been nothing short of amazing, and it’s all thanks to you—our brilliant readers and community members.
A special shoutout to some of our incredible supporters who’ve helped make this milestone possible:
We wouldn’t be here without each and every one of you—both mentioned and beyond. Your love for culture, connection, and creativity fuels this newsletter, and we’re excited to keep sharing and growing with you.
Here’s to the next 200 and beyond! Thank you for being part of this vibrant community.
I absolutely love it here!!
!!! Thank you!!