Stories about Culture
8 December 2018
Massive farmers’ march highlights India’s stark inequality
In 2018, Indian farmers staged two big protests to draw the Central Government's attention to the deepening agrarian crisis and resulting farmer suicides. Will these really change their future?
3 December 2018
This epic poem describes the grief of Yugoslavs over the death of John F. Kennedy
An epic poem titled “Death in Dallas” reflected the popularity of United States President John F. Kennedy in the former Yugoslavia.
1 December 2018
South Sudanese singer Nyaruach calls out ‘boring man with no plan’ in feminist hit
"You are such a bastard guy, I just want to say goodbye. May God bless you where you are. You boring man with no plan. With no plan!"
Terrifying folk rituals from Japan added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list
The demons enter homes to scare children until being placated with sake. In other variations of the ritual, the demons will chase children through the streets to scare them.
28 November 2018
‘The Little Prince’ now speaks Tsotsil
"Ch’in Ajvali" was released in November 2018 by the independent Argentinian publisher Los Injunables, which published an Aymara translation of the same book in 2016.
27 November 2018
Russian rapper arrested and unexpectedly released after alleged Kremlin intervention
Husky is no liberal minstrel, but fellow rappers rushed to his support when he was arrested. Then a state TV executive bragged about the Kremlin's efforts to release him.
26 November 2018
Despite threats of arrest, rap song criticizing military rule goes viral in Thailand
As a response to the 40-million-view music video, the Thai government launched its own rap song celebrating innovation and progress (it flopped).
On contemporary art in the Balkans: An interview with Jon Blackwood
"When so many citizens have to focus so much of their effort on just survival, it’s little surprise that people have lost the habit of going to art galleries..."
24 November 2018
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan sets the ‘war on terror’ record straight on Twitter
The "record needs to be put straight on Mr. Trump's tirade against Pakistan," said Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan in a Twitter spat with the U.S. president.
22 November 2018
How Bangladesh's airport authorities are using YouTube to change public behaviour
Thanks to innovative efforts using YouTube and Facebook, airport authorities have begun to decrease crime and help passengers in Bangladesh's biggest airport.
21 November 2018
Winning Taiwanese director calls for independence at the Chinese Oscars
"I really hope one day our country will be regarded as an independent entity. This is my biggest wish as a Taiwanese."
19 November 2018
Netizens reflect on 100th anniversary of Czechoslovakia
Slovakia and the Czech Republic mark 100 years since the establishment of Czechoslovakia.
16 November 2018
Dissident novelist’s close call casts a shadow on Hong Kong's once-vibrant cultural scene
Since the 1950s, Hong Kong has had a proud tradition of exile literature and art. Recent events suggest they're under threat.
How do non-native residents of the Netherlands view Zwarte Piet, St. Nicholas’ blackface servant?
“I understand Dutch affection for Zwarte Piet is born out of a warm, and well-meaning Christmas tradition. But I cannot excuse it.”
14 November 2018
Jamaican dancehall artist hits a nerve by ‘bleaching’ her skin — did fans get the message?
"I wanted to create awareness of 'Colorism' and it was ... done intentionally to create shock value so that I could ... deliver the message in my music," Spice said.
10 November 2018
Is Jair Bolsonaro another Rodrigo Duterte? It's more complicated than you think
As Brazilians prepare for a Bolsonaro presidency, they’d do well to look at the Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte’s two and a half years in office.
8 November 2018
Life after Manus: Talking to Iranian cartoonist Eaten Fish about life in and out of Australia's detention camps
"I had to steal papers from workers and it took me more than two years to send my drawings out. It is the only reason why I am still alive."
Africa uncovered: an interview with Aida Muluneh
"[...] being African is really more complex as well and it’s not just one thing. There are different definitions and different interpretations and I just happen to be one of...
7 November 2018
A conversation with Nicky Nodjoumi on the power and politics of his art
"Choosing power as one of the main topics of my work is rooted in the desire to drag it down to the ground and make fun of it."
6 November 2018
Political cartoonist Badiucao abruptly cancelled his Hong Kong exhibition — and then went silent
The event was seen by many as a test of the limits of free speech in Hong Kong.
