Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series has irrevocably proved that yes, Asian girls can have their own storylines and yes, they do in fact have personalities. Sometimes, however, media representation – particularly when it’s one of the only outlets that appears to properly reflect your identity – can be a little too influential.
Month: May 2021
The Either or Of Blackness and Femaleness in Media Representation
In the English language, we subconsciously place our words in a particular order; articles follow adjectives, with nouns close behind. Perhaps in an example of life imitating art, we order our intersectionality in a manner that mirrors the structure of the English language.
Listening Out for Voices from across the Sea
It was puzzling. Even as I read other works of fiction and academic writing, ‘The Coconut Children’ stood out even more to me. I began to see that my obsession for the book came from a need to continuously re-experience the narrative, because it was the first book in mainstream Australian fiction I had read where I could see myself and my history being reflected.
The Testament of Mary: The Human Behind the Saint
Throughout history, figures in the Gospels have developed their myth, their constant shapeshifting ultimately leading to the deconstruction of their reality. Irish author Colm Tóibín, for instance, challenges the traditional perception of Virgin Mary, the Blessed Mother of God, in The Testament of Mary.
Ambiguity is Not Enough: How Sex Ed in the Australian National Curriculum is Failing LGBTQIA+ Youth
As an asexual activist and a sexual assault survivor-advocate, my personal interest in the curriculum lies in its guidelines on Sex Education. What are teenagers and pre-teens being taught about asexuality, as well as other queer* identities?
Another Emotional Woman
The world needs emotional women – but the fear of failure can often hold them back.
Code Red
Period-related illnesses, conditions, and issues are still a taboo for most despite their relevance and potential severity if ignored.
Same Old Dirty Laundry: Scott Morrison’s Continued Let Down of Australian Women
The Liberal Party has never been interested in women. The last time it was, Menzies was in charge; but even then, it was only the stay-at-home wives who got a look in.
Starry Eyed
Women around the globe are enthralled by rising signs, moon signs, whether they’re a fire or an air sign, whilst men roll their eyes. Why is that the case?