Stories about Arts & Culture from January, 2018
Meet ‘Uyatman’, the Kazakh Superhero out to Stop Women Behaving Indecently
"Uyat in Kazakhstan...can be creative and destructive. In the first instance, it is to educate children. In the latter, it is about harassment and aggression."
Iranian Calligraphy Meets Comic Books and Western Pop Culture in Jason Noushin's Art
"Obviously, the influence of pop culture and traditional Persian calligraphy are at odds with each, but their combined visual impact is harmonious."
Offering ‘Beer, Meat and Oppression,’ A Carnival Group Wants To Celebrate Brazil's Military Dictatorship
The Public Ministry of São Paulo will investigate the organizers of the event which, according to the prosecutors, insults the rights to truth and memory and promotes apology for the crime of torture.
Chaos in the Capital: Photos of Record Snowfall in Tokyo
Heavy snow shuts down Tokyo and provides a chance to snap stunning pictures.
Shifts in Bangladeshi Wedding Culture Bring a Change to the Menu
Although the dishes served at Bangladeshi weddings have started to change, one thing always remains the same -- they are delicious.
Changing Trinidad & Tobago Carnival's Culture Starts With Consent
"Flirting is not a crime. Forcing your attention on someone is." Trinidad and Tobago Carnival may be experiencing "a progressive cultural shift”.
Two Leading Figures of the Arts in Iran. Two Very Different Reactions to the Protests.
A notable writer, known for fighting against censorship, condemns the burning of the flag during protests. A notable filmmaker, however, shows support.
Instagram in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan: A Path to Celebrity and Scandal
"Do not make yourself out to be married and decent! You've made a porridge that is not tasty and full of lumps!"
This Week in the Caribbean: From ‘Shithole’ Comments to ‘Wining’ Laws
This week, Caribbean netizens rail against the US president's "shithole" comment, discuss violent crime in Jamaica and debate the new "wining" law that will impact Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.
‘We Have Entered the World of Adulthood, so We'll Do Our Best!’ Japan Marks Coming of Age Day
Reunions, revelry and motorized mischief mark Coming of Age Day in Japan.
Despite Threats of Censorship, Documentary Filmmakers Show Human Rights Violations in Western Sahara
The film gives audiences a close look at Western Sahara under Moroccan occupation.
What's In a (Nick) Name? Ask the Caribbean!
"Acid". "Leech". "Totee Muff". Caribbean people love to rename things. Check out a few of their most spectacular sobriquets...
A Photo Shows a Boy Watching New Year's Fireworks. Why Do Some Brazilians Assume He's Sad and Poor?
"The people looking at the picture are pre-conditioned to understand that the image of a black person is associated with poverty and abandonment...This pre-condition is structural racism..."
Ancient Pond Reconstruction in Kathmandu Stirs Preservation Protests
Kathmandu Valley activists and locals fight to save a revered pond in the heart of Kathmandu which was drained by authorities to allow the reconstruction of an ancient temple.
‘Offensive’ Soca Song Gets Boost After Ban From Carnival Contests in Trinidad & Tobago
"There is much that we have to talk about in Trinidad and Tobago as regards race, sex, class and even State-sponsored censorship..."
Despite Challenges, Jamaica’s Capital City Welcomes 2018 With a Dash of Optimism
While clouds linger, it appears that Kingston is determined to look on the sunny side of life in 2018.
