2017 Year in Review: Day 5 | Pop Culture (Movies, TV Shows, Art, Literature, and Sports)

6-word Summary of movies and tv shows in 2017: Our discussions and diversity say it all.

• Here's a list of Reboots and Spinoffs that came out this year. Let's just say that some are flops (we're talking about you Dirty Dancing) and some were considerably successful (Will and Grace, you'll suffice).
• Disney has confirmed that a live-action The Lion King movie will be released some time next year and it will star Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Alfre Woodard, and Seth Rogan.
• The Houston Astros have finally become World Series champs, even beating the Dodgers!
• Legendary actors and singers, such as Mary Tyler Moore, Tom Petty, and singer-actor David Cassidy have died this year.
• A Lord of the Rings series will air on Amazon Prime TV next year.
• Hundreds of actors protested and spoke at the women's march. 
• #MeToo movement from vocal victims of sexual assault and misconduct.



Left: Wonder Woman, Right: Beauty and the Beast | Courtesy of Variety

• Multiple actors, politicians, and businesspeople have retired or have been fired for allegations against them. Kevin Spacey, Louis C.K., Ben Affleck, Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer, are just several examples.
• Three UCLA students were found stealing from a Louis Vatone store in China. Trump released them and then accused one of their parents of being ungrateful for his helping them out.
• Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi," his last painting is officially the most expensive painting ever sold, costing $450 million.
• Mean Girls: The Musical
• Greta Gerwig's Lady Bird is getting Oscar and Grammy buzz - female director, a relatable story regarding finding yourself - seems like a reasonable contender.
• Stranger Things 2 and that ending? Hmm.
• March 18, 2017: SNL was live nation-wide for the first time ever and you best believe no one other than Melissa McCarthy hosted.
• Long-time search for the actor who will play Aladdin in the live-action movie of the popular 90s Disney movie of the same title. The movie will also star Will Smith, who will succeed the iconic genie role, originally brought to life by the late Robin Williams.

  

  Left: The Handmaid's Tail, Right: 13 Reasons Why |
  Courtesy of Idobi

• 13 Reasons Why and the controversy associated with it - while many believed the show glamorized suicide, others argue the show accurately depicts assault, depression, high school culture, and suicide. Regardless, the show sparked conversations about teen suicide.
• Fixer Upper, the HGTV home remake reality TV show is ending, according to Chip and Joanna Gaines.
• Apparently, Kylie Jenner is pregnant after MONTHS of speculation following the reality TV show star and fashion icon. How she managed to dodge the questions surrounding this supposed pregnancy is beyond many. In other news, half-sister Khloé is also pregnant.
• Actress Nicole Kidman gave a long, comprehensive speech regarding domestic abuse when she accepted her first Emmy for the HBO mini-series Big Little Lies.
• "Donald Glover became the first person of color to win an Emmy for best actor in a comedy in 32 years," according to Buzzfeed News.

  

  Courtesy of IMDb

• Demi Lovato's documentary, entitled Simply Complicated, delves into the background of her history with drug use, relationships, eating disorder, and acting and music pursuits.
• Riz Ahmed became the first Asian man to win an Emmy in an acting category.
• The Handmaid's Tale received five Emmy's, including Outstanding Drama Series, which is a win for Hulu as the show is the first streaming service to win an Emmy.
• Former engineer Katherine Johnson presented with actresses Taraji P. Henson (who played Johnson in the movie Hidden Figures), Janelle Monaé, and Octavia Spencer at the 89th Academy Awards.
• Lena Waithe became the first black woman to win an Emmy for the comedy writing category, especially for an episode about her character coming out as gay to her family, which she wrote with actor, comedian, co-star, and Producer Aziz Ansari for their show Master of None.
• La La Land won for best movie of the year at this year's Oscar's. Nope, sorry, that's fake news. It was revealed soon after by La La Land producer Jordan Horowitz, who pointed out that Moonlight actually won in that category.
• Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi | The late Carrie Fisher's dog, Gary, reportedly would perk up his ears every time she appeared on the screen.

  

  Mean Girls: The Musical | Courtesy of Youtube

• Girl Meets World was canceled earlier this year and with much fan-run action to get the show on another channel or service, though Netflix, Hulu, and FreeForm have passed.
• Serena Williams was pregnant when she won the Australian Open.
• Emma Watson won the first ever gender-neutral acting award for her role in Beauty and the Beast at the MTV movie awards.
• Ashton Sanders and Jharrel Jerome who play teen Chiron and Kevin, respectively, in Moonlight, won Best Kiss--the first queer characters to win in this category--at the MTV movie awards.
• An uproar arose around destroying statues and other cultural and national memorabilia displaying offensive historians, most notably a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. This did not sit well with white supremacists.
• On top of being an empowering movie, Wonder Woman set the record for the most earned money at the box office for a female director ($100.5 million), upon debut. Additionally, the movie became the most searched DC character in 2017.

2017 Year in Review: Day 4 | Social + Civil Rights

6-word summary of social rights movements in 2017: Progress and plenty of persistent push-back (one-word)

• Here's a comprehensive list of all of the male actors, businessmen, and politicians accused of sexual assault. It's an exhaustive list, but that comes to show how common sexual assault is, not only in the entertainment and political industries but also anywhere, any industry, any neighborhood. Let's do something about that.
• This arose the #MeToo movement, encouraging victims of sexual assault to share their stories, because their stories are important and justice needs to be served to their assaulters. Very vocal victims of sexual assault were on the cover of TIME magazine and featured as the person of the year in their 2017 issue.
• Australia and Germany voted "yes" on same-sex marriage. Additionally, Taiwan has become the first nation in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. That is so fetch!

  

  Courtesy of Top Draw Inc.

• The number of Syrian children dying or being forced to fight for their country has been the most they have ever been in 2016, according to a UNICEF report.
• Legislation that'd ban LGBTQ+-related discrimination is being proposed by Democrats in Congress.
• The Chechenya government has reportedly lynched gay man, as speculated from the disappearance of gay men. A government official justified this by saying, "You cannot arrest or repress people who just don't exist in the republic," suggesting that the Chechen government doesn't believe in gay men, as if they are Santa or a fairy tale. 
• LGBTQ+ men in Uganda, which had illegalized LGBTQ+ rights, and specifically Tanzania, are being violated by police and medical officials in an effort to forcibly decrease HIV/AIDS.  
• The fight to end female genital mutilation (FGM).
• The body of a female Muslim judge was discovered by the New York's Hudson River. 
• Trump de-funded family planning from Planned Parenthood.

Women's March

• 3 times as many people protested in the international women's march than attended Trump's inauguration, according to the New York Times. Oh, snap!
• The Washington Post estimates that 4,465,169 people protested internationally, with 4,157,894 or 1 in 100 Americans marching. This spanned not only in major cities but also in all states, even red states, and other nations (with about 261 sister marches occurring internationally).
• And aren't the pink pussy beanies cute? 

MY COMING OUT STORY | LGBTQ+ Talks

Okay, this is going to be a dense subject post; I'm just going to start off by saying that. 

TRIGGER WARNING!! 

I do discuss suicide, eating disorder, and several other subjects that you may not be comfortable reading. I want to provide a safe space to you all, but I don't want to leave anything unsaid or sugarcoat anything because this is my reality as a transgender woman and my story as a human being. But first, in order to establish a well-grounded safe space, I need you to trust me, know who I am, what I've gone through, what I am all about and hopefully you can relate, but hopefully you may never have to see anyone go through anything like I have or experience any of this yourself. I will acknowledge that I have faired in better conditions than most trans-women and trans people in general and I am fortunate for not only that but also the fact that I have survived and that I pass, while many of my trans fellows may not. 

Additionally, I have never come out, but I also come out almost on a daily basis to strangers that I meet around campus. Though I did not feel that it was necessary to reveal to my family about my transgender identity and hopefully the future generations will follow. I mean, most people don't have to come out as cisgender or straight, so I feel I didn't have to reveal that I'm transgender.

Well, here we go. 

"What are you? Where are you from?" + Song of the Month | September 2017

Hello, Nurds!!!

I wanted to address an important issue regarding identity, multi-ethnicity, and ethnic ambiguity.

What do you think of when you see me?

Lemme guess. You probably thought that I look Indian.

Here's the problem: The problem is not that I not Indian; it's more so the fact of how people ask me what my ethnicity is.

Before I include a couple of the most questions people frequently ask me, I think it's important to note the differences between ethnicity, nationality, and race.

Ethnicity refers to a localized group of peoples that share cultural traditions, beliefs, values, etc. For example, African American refers to people who are from Africa or are descendants of African immigrants that are American citizens.

Nationality refers to one's country of origin. When I say I am American, it means that I am from, well, America.

Race has a lot to do with biology and the biological characteristics that people are inherently born with. For example, Asian people are most likely born with black, straight hair among other qualities.

Where are you from?

This question is pretty vague, This question is common, too. Many people are from different parts of the world and travel about. Understandable. It's also semi-insulting to me because my appearance makes it seem that I'm somehow foreign or not from here. By here, I mean this country. I half-expect people to think me from another nation. That is not the case; I've been born and raised in Southern California. In fact, I have never left Southern California, which makes it seem all the more frustrating to hear this question. 

What are you?

I find this question especially offensive. If there is any way to ruin someone's self-esteem and de-humanize them, this is the simplest thing you could ask them. This is the question I get asked the most and even random strangers approach me, saying, "I'm sorry, I can't stop trying to figure out what you are." I'm a mystery to others, a question mark. And just because you apologize for going out of your way to ask me such a disparaging question does not make it any more appropriate to do so. I'm sure people mean well and I 100% know what about me they are referring to, but I think this question arises from ignorance, so I simply tell them "I'm human," as if assuring that I was not human before they asked me what the hell I am.

Haha, no. I mean what's your race?

This feels very true. Race and ethnicity were never
anything I saw or cared about in a person; they weren't
noticeable until people started noticing and pointing
out my differences.

I know what they mean. I do. I just proceed to tell them patiently that the way they ask them is considered impolite and that if they would like to ask for someone else's ethnicity, the should ask What do you identify as ethnically? because most of the time (even when people as for another person's race), people respond in terms of ethnicities. Or, say, Do you mind if I ask you what your ethnicity is?

But seriously, What are you???? What the hell! This question is so ambiguous, probably as ambiguous as my ethnicity, that it alienates me and makes me feel like the "other".

This is the struggle of being a minority--not only as a transgender woman born in a big, multigenerational, lower-middle class family, but also as a multi-ethnic person. And by the way, I am Hispanic, Caucasian, and African-American.

If you have any questions regarding my ethnicities or if you disagree with anything I said, feel free to let me know in the comments!

Click below for the Song of the Month

Milk | Review Revolution

Rated R | 2008 ‧ Drama film/Romance ‧ 2h 8m

Starring: Sean Penn, James Franco, Josh Brolin, Emile

Hirsch, and Alison Pill

Hey Nurds,

I wasn't expecting to do a movie review, but I have planned on watchin this movie for awhile and it just so happened to be an extra credit assignment for one of my classes (read more about my summer plans and classes here), so I thought why not? Nonetheless, here is a little impromptu movie review with a scoring scale! I don't know about you, but I've always wanted to do my Review Revolution book/movie review scale, so check out my scoring guidelines here for more on that!

The movie began with the end: the tumultuous outlook of post-assassination. The streets, the riots, and public outrage against Dan White (Josh Brolin) and his assassination of Harvey Milk (Sean Penn), who had been loved, supported, and admired, gaining the trust of the people--straight and gay.

“It’s not just about winning,” Penn says in the movie; he wanted to start a conversation, addressing issues regarding gay rights, including, but not limited to the gay working class, bigotry, and just the gay lifestyle in general. A businessman of sorts, he gained attention with his charm and promise. Although he was a Republican man, he became politically active, despite scorn, death threats, and constant push backs. He gained the support and trust of straight and gay people alike by understanding people’s stories on a personal and individual level and taking to heart the stories of those who nearly took their lives out of fear of being in the closet. With that said, near the end of the movie, he takes an emotional toll when his own lover commits suicide.

I like the documentation format of Sean Penn’s character recording his journey and encounters should he be assassinated, in such a format that, as the audience, we experience dramatic irony, because we know that he was assassinated and even Milk could predict it himself. The historical exigence of Cleve Jones going to Spain and his account of experiencing a memorial riot while in Spain that was at the center of supporting gay rights and gay individuals who were essentially persecuted for being queer, despite the totalitarian reign of communist Franco at the time, was a particular effort at providing context as supplement to the 70’s style of clothes, home, vernacular, and architecture. Additionally, there were actual primary sources of interviews and footage from the actual time era at which the events of the movie had depicted, including footage of Anita Bryant, Dan White, riot after riot, and yes, Harvey Milk himself. Anita Bryant and many others opposed him and his allies on a religious perspective, which is still common of an argument to this day.

Milk and White agreed to work together on an initiative White was supporting; however, when Milk disagreed with the effects of the initiative, White voted against a gay ordinance regarding limitations on anti-gay discrimination in the workplace out of retaliation. The movie depicts Dan White perhaps as homosexual himself and resented and murdered Milk because of that.

Harvey was not only a beloved man, leader, and activist, but also a groundbreaking man who pushed barriers and was okay with being controversial so long as he was starting a conversation about what affects everyone--heterosexual or not. It is really important to understand that the efforts of Milk and his allies as well as the push-backs from his opposers are a foundation to modern efforts at achieving equality. Even today are we still struggling for the same goals and initiatives and experiencing the same disapproval and religious intolerance that sparked more prominently when Milk arose as a leader. As a young activist myself, I feel that Milk’s efforts were inspiring and integral to what I feel still needs to be achieved and discussed.

There was a fine discrepancy between feeling emotionally aligned with Penn and understanding that Milk was a real person and that the events that the movie depicted actually happened more or less, but the movie kind of crossed that line, I would say. Penn’s portrayal of Milk and the supporting cast were impeccable; the performances were authentic and the ensemble convincingly resembled the people they were meant to portray (so props to the casting director). And of course, Dustin Lance Black, the screenwriter for his impeccable script that conveyed the exigence and emotional resonance of the film incredibly well. Plus, he’s a UCLA alum, so I’m kinda biased here.

Collaboration, passion, and sentiment. That was all there; however, and I do like how the cinematographer incorporated this, it seemed that Milk started the campaign and running for office for the mere purpose of filling a void in his life. Either that was true or this was one hell of a pre-mid-life-crisis. Despite this, he was loved, raining in a candlelit vigil of supporters and even those who regret disagreeing with him. His purpose and dedication to gay rights live on! That's #PRIDE right there.

Cover Girl Ad: #GirlsCAN

Feminism according to:

Wiki/Google: the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.

 I am a feminist, but I won't be barging on your door imposing my ideas and beliefs because I'm actually a descent person (at least I'd like to think so). I guess that's why people give the word a bad connotation. At first when I heard it, I thought all hell would break loose, to be honest. Well, then I was much more naïve and didn't understand the word as extensively as I do now, which is still not a whole lot!

People think that to be a feminist, you have to have an opinion, an opinion that would just about strike someone in the face. An opinion that is just that hard to understand that a conference and election day are necessary for the occasion. Well, I, however, believe, in fact I know that everyone has an opinion that can get out of control sometimes. I can't count how many times I've shared my opinion with someone that went out of control on just 10 of my unnaturally long fingers. I can try but there's just not enough to time in the day, you know?

My point is, take a stand, and if you're willing, support your fellow feminists (men and/or women, dogs or cats) or join a campaign, but don't feel obligated to do anything if you're not willing. Again, there's just not enough time in the day.


You can absolutely stay you. Don't be too hasty as to change you're entire personality! And another sliver of advice: don't change yourself for anyone because you are different. Diversity couldn't have ever been the best without matter. Matter, that topic that failed you in chemistry because it's well, everything! Some people are compatible with some and inconclusive with others. That's the beauty of life! You're never going to get everything, but it's a heck of a lot better to have everything that you have. It may no satisfy you now, but maybe one day. Sure my siblings can be irks, but that's because they are! And I am, and you, and so forth. We can't be anyone, but our selves, because if I was Joe Shmoe for six seconds, then where's the diversity. There's no diversity in compatibility. Like I said, I may want to slap my brother one second and never love his individuality the next! With individuality, we have debates, fist fights, coffee, and good laughs (on occasion). Without it, we would be Joe Shmoe looking at himself in the mirror, think about how much he wants to be Cameron Diaz (whose white with a Hispanic last name! What? Shocker!).

That whole paragraph up there is just me being realistic! I'm sorry I had to go all Jane Austen and Mark Twain on you. (But why would I want to be, right? Right.)

To contradict myself. (I know, it's like a big slap in the face. Just bear with me. Please), I do encourage you to actually have an opinion. To just care a bit. I mean it wouldn't be called feminism without wanting to enforce women's rights. Whether it be in your head, in front of your neighbor's dog's face, or in your community.

Personally, I believe women deserve more than they are accredited for. Again, bear with me and if you won't than just don't. Leave, because it's my blog and I have much to say about this subject! In addition to that whole "diversity" topic that was longer than a frogs tongue catching a resting fly, but everyone is unique. No one deserves to have anyone define them as a person, because we are all just that important and different!

So basically, don't let anyone, ANYONE, tell you what you are and what you are not. Don't let anyone make you feel lesser than  you are, because no one knows you better than yourself, don't doubt it! When it comes to media, it's okay to have a role model (I mean, heck, I have a good ten fingers of them!), but don't feel pressured to be exactly like that person. In conjunction, don't deny that you aren't trying to be exactly like someone. I get it. I really do! But now, I'm in a place where I'm comfortable enough to like in good skin! I almost didn't survive! I'd hate to parade my life, which is not what I'm doing at all, because I am not a glamorous person you'd want to be. You ARE, don't forget that. If you want what someone has, then that's cool, just don't want the whole package! K?

Be proud for what you have! You have what you have. Don't be a sleazy fool without reading the fine print (both literally and metaphorically). This is not limited to sex either! (I hate saying that word more than I have to ) Remember, some guys are douchebags! Well, I guess everybody is a douchebag sometimes.

I'm not trying to turn anybody against anybody! I just want to teach what I have learned in some of the craziest of times!

Don't take the crap men give you! And if they persist in giving you trouble, either fight for your 1st Amendment (Remember that thing still exists?) or realize that they were never worth fighting for. Personally, I would demand for what I deserve NEVER GIVE UP!!!

"Have women not proven themselves yet? How arrogant can men be? To not give them a chance. Well, clearly they don't like surprises, an undoubtedly fantastic one. Men are still pretty neat creatures, but they are not world dominators. Humans IN GENERAL are!"

 ~Anonymous Interviewer



"Women are in the army, and are more than just teachers and housewives. They are much better than what media says they are. Give them a chance. Because change is good. Why not try it?"

~Anonymous Interview

 Reference: WikiHow: which is a bad source! Check it out! I pretty much disagreed with all of their suggestions, which were unconvincingly in the form of commands!  http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Feminist