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Ethics of Sophia Lamb in BioShock: A Deeper Look
Sophia Lamb, a character from the BioShock video game series, particularly BioShock 2, serves as a compelling antagonist with a complex set of beliefs and ethical frameworks, especially regarding psychiatry and the treatment of individuals. Her practices and the ethical principles that guide her actions present a disturbing exploration of how mental health treatment can…
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Fundamentalism Unveiled: IFB and IBLP Insights
What Do IFB, IBLP, and Fundamentalism Have in Common? A Look at Radical Christian Sects You may have come across the abbreviations IFB and IBLP and wondered, “What do these scrabble letters have to do with fundamentalism?” Let’s break it down. These terms represent different branches of a much larger and often misunderstood movement: Fundamentalist…
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The Impact of Ryan Walters on Oklahoma Education
I like to think of myself as relatively well-read in history and sociopolitical matters. I definitely have better media literacy than the average American. Being well-read and having better media literacy, the current state of the United States is, well, concerning. I live in Oklahoma, which is “Texas Lite.” We have a caricature of a MAGA educator as…
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Social Inequality in Persona 5 Royal: A Deeper Look
Persona 5 Royal, developed by Atlus, is a critically acclaimed Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) that explores themes of justice, societal corruption, inequality, and the struggle for personal and collective freedom. The game is set in Tokyo and follows a group of high school students, the Phantom Thieves, who use supernatural powers to alter the hearts…
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Understanding On Tyranny: Lesson 3 on One-Party States
The third lesson, “Beware the One-Party State,” serves as a cautionary reminder of the fragility of democratic systems and the ease with which they can be subverted. As we navigate the political landscape of 2025 under President Donald Trump’s administration, this lesson resonates profoundly, urging vigilance against the consolidation of power and the erosion of…
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Exploring Fascism Through Niflheim in Final Fantasy XV
The Final Fantasy series has long explored themes of power, oppression, and resistance, often crafting intricate political landscapes within its worlds. In Final Fantasy XV, one of the most prominent forces of oppression is the Niflheim Empire—a massive, militaristic nation that seeks to dominate the world through conquest and technological supremacy. Niflheim exhibits many characteristics…
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The Political Message of Thief (2014): How the Game Critiques Power and Corruption
Released in 2014, Thief, developed by Eidos-Montreal, is a reboot of the classic stealth game series that originally debuted in 1998. While the game’s emphasis on stealth mechanics, exploration, and player choice remains, Thief also explores deeply political themes related to power, class, and corruption. Set in a dark, Victorian-inspired city teetering on the brink…
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The Politics of Final Fantasy VII: Parallels Between Shinra and U.S. Propaganda
Since its release in 1997, Final Fantasy VII has remained one of the most influential RPGs of all time, not only for its compelling storytelling and innovative gameplay but also for its deep political and social commentary. At the heart of the game’s narrative is the struggle between the oppressive Shinra Electric Power Company and…
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The Rise and Fall of the YouTube Skeptic Community: How It Fueled the Alt-Right
The Crossroads of the Alt-Right and the Skeptic Community on YouTube Over the past decade, YouTube has played a critical role in shaping political discourse online. One of the most significant ideological intersections to emerge in this digital ecosystem is between the so-called “skeptic community” and the alt-right. While the skeptic community originally gained traction…
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Is Technocracy a Path to Authoritarian Rule? Exploring Its Impact on Civil Rights
Technocracy and Its Racist/Nazi Origins: A Comprehensive Examination of Its Impact on Civil Liberties in the United States Technocracy, an ideology that advocates for governance by technical experts rather than elected representatives, emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the failures of capitalist economies, especially during the Great Depression. The central premise…