Whether or not it's "spooky season," the horror genre has hordes of devotees, and well it should. Horror gives us a safe outlet for facing our fears, exploring our inner demons, and pitting our inner heroes against some of the most frightening scenarios ever conceived in creators' minds. Whether in books, in film, on the stage, or in some other medium, horror has earned its place as a revered genre.
However, the 21st century has exposed a particular underbelly of horror: ableism. Many if not most horror villains either have some sort of disfigurement or disability, or can be read or "coded" as such. Frankenstein's monster is a reanimated, grotesque corpse who speaks and acts like a caricature of an intellectually disabled man. The impetus for Dracula and vampires came from sufferers of porphyria, a fairly rare disease still poorly understood. Several seasons of American Horror Story, notably Asylum and Freak Show, paint disabled characters as frightening or grotesque if not outright villainous; at best, these characters are pitiable. The recent TV series Changeling centers on a demonic being whose changeling status has been compared to autism for centuries. Stephen King's disabled horror characters aren't villains, but are stereotypes, and pop up in almost all his novels.
These examples might tempt us to "cancel" horror altogether, and certainly, the ableism within warrants serious discussion. But is there a way to stay true to the horror genre in coming years without sacrificing its conventions (e.g., updating classics to the point of unrecognizability)? Can a form of "new horror" decry ableism while bringing true dignity to coded disabled characters, or characters who are shunned or feared? Discuss.
I'm not sure I'd say that ableism is a problem in all horror genres, but it's definitely a reoccurring issue especially when it comes to monsters - though some also pull on other negative stereotypes, like Dracula as a European foreigner. I definitely think this is an interesting topic! – AnnieEM1 year ago
There's definitely hope for horror, it's just a matter of getting more accurate portrayals of disability on the screen, and that does happen every now and again. Movies like Hush and Sightless are examples (moreso Hush, which was a box-office success). It's just a matter of writers realising that 1. disabilities are not forbidden topics, 2. disabilities should not be used as metaphors or treated as supernatural phenomena, and 3. disabled people aren't superhuman. Sometimes the issue is just plain ignorance (like Changeling) but other times it seems like abled-bodied writers and directors are frightened of getting disabilities wrong, so they stick to the status quo of either mystifying or over-powering their disabled characters. – Ezra Chapman10 months ago
Artificial Intelligence has already caused changes in the way we conduct our lives. Will it change the way we make and perceive art? It has been predicted, for example, that AI will replace many jobs in the film industry. AI has been used in many types of writing and "artwork" already: legal and business documents, advertising, students' assignments … What is your definition of art? Can something created by AI be called art? How would AI affect the creation and appreciation of the arts, especially visual and verbal arts? Would anyone want to explore this topic, philosophically and prophetically?
Can't wait to write about this. I have thoughts. – Sunni Ago6 months ago
The thing about AI art, from my perspective, is that a lot of it is very boilerplate. An AI program can write a story or draw a picture if given a prompt, but there will always be something about it that marks it as computer-generated. I know that, in my experience, if I'm reading an essay that was written partly using AI, I can immediately tell where the AI sections begin and end. This is why I'm skeptical of AI's ability to ever truly replace human creativity. The more rote and repetitive stuff, on the other hand, I can see AI taking over (which I know from experience has many of my programmer friends worried). – Debs4 months ago
Do they follow similar patterns or is one typically more successful than the other? What have you noticed about the reception from fans for each type of adaptation? Why do you think these results have occurred?
Hmm... interesting subject, but I'd add more explanation as to why this topic is in need of an analysis and reflexion. – Beaucephalis1 year ago
This could be an interesting subject! Though I feel like the fact that anime is episodic and longer than a movie would make the comparison a little odd - in some ways, I feel manga to anime vs book to tv show could be a more apt comparison. While the latter isn't as common, I feel the differences in the length of a single movie vs a series makes comparing the two in a productive way a little harder. It the comparison being more about the mediums for their structural differences in length rather than being about adaption. There's also a lot of factors here that can influence the difference between manga to anime vs book to film/tv show - the strengths and limitations and costs of animation vs live action, the nature of prose vs manga/comics as a medium, and of course cultural differences between the places making these movies and anime. – AnnieEM1 year ago
I think this is an interesting topic. Though I'd argue that these are a very large categories to explore, which could make analysis challenging. – Sean Gadus1 year ago
Fascinating Topic! I feel that in terms of visual aesthetic Manga to Anime is more closely affiliated when compared to book adaptations. With Manga, one is clear as to how a character looks whereas with books oftentimes the cast is completely different from their on-page persona. That difference could be worth exploring within this topic. – Eeshita1 year ago
Since its release in August 2020, "Dynamite" not only marked a significant moment in BTS's career but also played a crucial role in shaping how the group was perceived by the general public. This topic investigates how the song and its strategic release during a time of global uncertainty were key elements in changing BTS's perception. Exploring how "Dynamite" incorporated elements of retro disco-pop and upbeat lyrics, this topic analyzes how the song captured the spirit of the moment, offering a message of joy and hope amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it examines how BTS's decision to record the song entirely in English was a strategic move to reach a broader audience and solidify their position in the global music market. By considering the commercial and critical success of "Dynamite" and its impact on BTS's perception as versatile and innovative artists, this topic offers an in-depth analysis of how the song and its historical context influenced the narrative surrounding the group.
To provide a complete picture of the musical scene at the time, it's essential to understand the broader context in which "Dynamite" was released. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the music industry, halting live performances, delaying album releases, and forcing artists to find new ways to connect with their audiences. Many musicians turned to virtual concerts, live streams, and social media to maintain their presence and engagement with fans.
Amid this backdrop, several notable trends and releases emerged in the music world:
The Rise of Virtual Performances; The Surge of Feel-Good Music: "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd, "Rain on Me" by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, and "Levitating" by Dua Lipa provided much-needed escapism.
The Popularity of Retro and Disco Influences: Retro sounds, particularly disco and funk, made a comeback. Alongside "Dynamite," tracks like "Say So" by Doja Cat and "Physical" by Dua Lipa embraced nostalgic vibes, resonating with listeners seeking comfort in familiar sounds.
Collaborations and Crossovers: The pandemic also saw an increase in musical collaborations.
This topic invites writers to explore the journey of K-Pop from its early roots in the 1990s to its current status as a global phenomenon. The topic covers the rise of influential groups and artists, the blend of musical genres and cultural elements that define K-Pop, and the significant role of social media in its international success. It delves into fan culture, industry challenges, and the future of K-Pop, encouraging a comprehensive analysis of how Korean pop music has captivated audiences worldwide and transformed the music industry.
This topic aligns well with the Hallyu agenda that South Korea has been promoting since the 1990s. However, the term "conquered" might benefit from a more nuanced perspective supported by data. Considering the request for additional sources and perspectives, the expansion of this topic could delve deeper into the socioeconomic factors driving K-Pop's global expansion. It could examine how government support, technological advancements, and strategic marketing have contributed to K-Pop's rise. Additionally, exploring the cultural impact and reception of K-Pop in different regions could provide valuable insights into its global influence. By incorporating diverse viewpoints and empirical evidence, writers can offer a comprehensive analysis of K-Pop's evolution and its significance in contemporary popular culture.
Expansion:
Government Support: Explore how the South Korean government actively supported the K-Pop industry through initiatives such as the Cultural Industry Promotion Law and the establishment of the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA). Analyze the impact of government funding and policies on the development and internationalization of K-Pop.
Technological Advancements: Investigate the role of technology, particularly digital platforms and streaming services, in facilitating K-Pop's global reach. Discuss how platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and social media have enabled K-Pop artists to connect with diverse audiences worldwide and build dedicated fan bases.
Strategic Marketing: Examine the innovative marketing strategies employed by K-Pop agencies to promote their artists internationally. Highlight case studies of successful marketing campaigns, such as BTS' strategic use of social media and collaborations with global brands, to illustrate how K-Pop acts have effectively penetrated international markets.
(…)
(...) Cultural Impact: Discuss the cultural influence of K-Pop beyond music, including its impact on fashion, beauty trends, and language learning. Explore how K-Pop's vibrant visuals, choreography, and storytelling have resonated with global audiences and contributed to the spread of Korean culture worldwide. Regional Reception: Analyze the reception of K-Pop in different regions, considering factors such as cultural proximity, language barriers, and existing music preferences. Compare and contrast the reception of K-Pop in key markets like the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia to understand the diverse ways in which K-Pop has been embraced and interpreted globally. By incorporating these additional perspectives and sources, writers can offer a more comprehensive analysis of K-Pop's global expansion and its multifaceted impact on popular culture. – Beatrix Kondo5 months ago
I like this topic; but I think you could provide less conclusive remarks and leave more space for the potential writer - topics are for others to explore after all. – Lydia Gore-Jones5 months ago
Since the genesis of the genre rap beef has been endemic. From the Bridge is Over to Not like us the evolution of rap beef has witnessed numerous escalations. From the legendary tragic clash between Tupac and Biggie to the slanderous and venomous beef of Jay Z and Nas, and even more recently, the heated rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. These conflicts have not only been characterized by intense verbal attacks and lyrical jabs, but have also seen an escalation in the level of slander and even physical violence. Many beefs have ended with the death or deaths of the participants. While the participating musicians have used their music as a forum to air their complaints, they have also engaged in a verbal sparring match that frequently goes beyond simple amusement. What changes have occurred in rap beef? Have fans grown too accustomed to the increasing demise of artists? Beef has captured fans' attention while also illuminating the nuanced relationships within the hip-hop scene. When creative rivalry blends with personal rivalries to produce a spectacle that transcends the music itself, where is the line drawn?
This topic is concerned with the representation of non-human primates, especially great apes, in television, cinema, music, and more. This topic isn't necessarily concerned with the quantity of primate representation as much as it is the quality; how they are represented in relation to humans, in relation to their endangerment, habitat loss, mistreatment, evolution, intelligence…etc. Some examples of primate media representation one might consider are: The chimp in Jordan Peele's "Nope," The Planet of the Apes franchise, meme culture…etc. Writers in this topic would be exploring how the current attitudes towards our closest taxonomic relatives is embedded either blatantly or within the subtext of modern media, or how these attitudes have changed overtime. In the Planet of the Apes example, one might write about humanity's ability to share our planet, or even consider sharing our planet, and what qualities of life are required in a species for us to even begin to consider sharing resources. Just about any example will require writers to discuss the prevalence, or the rare absences, of speciesism in our culture.
More details for the person who will write this topic would be much appreciated ;) – Beatrix Kondo9 months ago
Could you clarify what you're looking for the writer to explore? – Sunni Ago9 months ago
Regarding the Planet of the Apes franchise, one could consider the representation from the 1968 film in comparison to the more modern films as a bit of a possible starting point. – Siothrún9 months ago
This topic invites writers to reflect on the first decade anniversary of BTS, one of the most influential K-pop groups globally. Explore and celebrate their journey, from debut to global stardom, and analyze the key milestones and achievements that have defined their success. Delve into BTS's impact on the music industry, cultural landscape, and fandom culture worldwide. Examine their advocacy work, including social and mental health issues, and discuss how BTS has transcended traditional K-pop boundaries. Reflect on their unique approach to music, storytelling, and the use of social media, and explore the ways in which they have redefined the dynamics of fan engagement. Additionally, consider the challenges faced by BTS and how they have navigated the complexities of fame and global influence over the past ten years.
I know absolutely nothing about BTS but from my general understanding their success in the last ten years has catalyzed a growing awareness and appreciation for Korean
music (even more broadly, Korean culture) in America (and other nations, I'm sure) in a way not too dissimilar to the Beatles era dubbed the British Invasion. I think a comparison of these two influences could be interesting. – Ryan9 months ago