Category Archives: Culture
A bad week for Islam in Europe
On Friday, France passed a ban on praying in the streets. The ban came in response to the two thousand Muslims that had been gathering regularly in northern Paris, and … Continue reading
Oktoberfest opens to six million visitors
The world famous beer drinking festival, Oktoberfest, has just kicked off in Munich. It is being held on 84 acres of land, and will be running for 17 days this … Continue reading
NY graphic artist campaigns against “me, myself and I” culture
You’ve probably seen young men wearing their pants — if you’re in the UK, that would be trousers — hanging down beneath their underpants, on show to the world. Here’s … Continue reading
President Obama’s 9/11 address: “we preserved our values, and our character.”
Something of a religious controversy had been brewing in the lead-up to the 911 commemorations. Former Deputy Mayor of New York Rudy Washington and some Christian groups were dismayed that … Continue reading
British artist commemorates 9/11 with comic art
In a recent defense of fantasy art, British graphic artist Liam sharp reminds us that this genre is more than a collection of pretty pictures. “It empowered us, emboldened us … Continue reading
Fashion House pays homage to “French way of living”
If you thought traditional style was going out of fashion, think again. High glamor, decadence, and European culture form the backdrop for the latest advert for Dior’s perfume, J’Adore Dior. … Continue reading
University study: UK more fearful of immigrants after riots
A recent study funded by the University of Nottingham’s Integrating Global Society group has found that the British public feels significantly more threatened by “minorities” since the four days and nights … Continue reading
Beauty: it’s the new hate crime
According to some legal experts, ”lookism” is the new racism. A number of court cases in the US are drawing attention to discrimination facing unattractive people, and some experts are now … Continue reading
English historian: “hands off our land.” But what about the people?
There is an interesting article on the concept of Englishness, the English countryside, and England, in the Telegraph by historian Sir Roy Strong today. He reminds us of the importance of the … Continue reading
Freedom Tower is being built for the “next thousand years”
Freedom Tower, which is being built at the site of the 9/11 attacks in New York, to replace the World Trade Center, is now the tallest building in the city, … Continue reading
The politically correct hero: fact, fantasy, or propaganda?
You might remember the comic book hero as a muscular crime fighter taking down the enemies of the American people, but Superman appears to have undergone some reeducation over the … Continue reading
Gaga’s alter-ego: rebel without a thought
Have you heard? Lady Gaga has a male alter-ego. A redneck by the name of “Jo Calderone,” he swears, drinks, and wears a leather jacket (what else?). Perhaps it’s a … Continue reading
Channel 4: suicide bomber comedy to commemorate 9/11
Channel 4 will commemorate the 9/11 attacks on the USA by showing a “mix” of programs, including Chris Morris’s comedy movie Four Lions about British Islamist terrorists. The announcement was … Continue reading
Author attacked for being fabulous
I’m using the word “fabulous” for a reason. In certain contexts it infers glamorous, frivolous, and a little campy. I think that may sum up author Paris Dipersico, 24, and his … Continue reading
Levi’s exploits riots for jeans ad
“Your life is your life,” so the voiceover of Levi’s latest ad announces in a husky, somewhat frothy voice. We’re supposed to believe that we’re listening to someone wise; someone who’s … Continue reading
Crème de la culture, July-August
Two exhibitions not to miss: Vienna 1900 at the Neue Gallerie, NY, and Tracey Emin at the Hayward Gallery, London. Neue Gallerie, New York; Vienna 1900: Style and Identity (until … Continue reading
Crème de la culture, July
I have been planning to write more on contemporary culture. This article was written a couple of weeks ago for the Westminster Journal, but has only just been published there … Continue reading
