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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…
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TYT’s Shift to the Right: A Betrayal of Progressive Values and Its Impact on the Left
The Right Wing Grift and Its Impact on TYT’s Image The emergence of Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian giving platforms to right-wing figures marks a significant shift in TYT’s stance and public perception. TYT, once seen as the epitome of progressive, anti-establishment media, has slowly started to mirror the dynamics of the very platforms it…
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Challenging the Stigma: Why Sex Work, Including OnlyFans, Deserves Respect and Recognition
“If I don’t pass this test, I will become a stripper.” “If gas doesn’t go down, I am going to start and OnlyFans.” Nobody else is telling you, so I will – your view on OnlyFans is stigmatizing. This stigma is one reason why Sex Workers are discriminated against. The Mainstream Culture: What Shifted? Prior…
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From the Tea Party to the Alt-Right: How a Decade of Populism Reshaped American Politics
The rise of the alt-right in America did not occur in a vacuum. Instead, it was the culmination of years of growing right-wing populism, which can be traced back to the early 2000s. One of the key movements that laid the foundation for the alt-right was the Tea Party. Originally a grassroots reaction to economic…
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From “Big Red” to Intersectionality: The Changing Face of Feminism
Feminism. To the right wing, it is one of the scariest words out there. No one likes a feminist. The character of the feminist, according to those who do not like feminism is this: If you lived through the “Anti-SJW Era” of YouTube (as well as the “Atheist Era”), which would be 2013-2019 (the Atheist…
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From The Handmaid’s Tale to The Jewel: Dystopian Novels Forewarning America’s Battle Over Reproductive RightsThe Handmaid’s Tale
As America faces increasing threats to reproductive rights, dystopian novels like The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and The Jewel by Amy Ewing feel more relevant than ever. Both explore themes of forced pregnancies, patriarchal control, and government oppression — issues that mirror real-world concerns in post-Roe America. By examining these powerful narratives, readers can…
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Understanding On Tyranny: Lesson 2’s Call to Defend Institutions
Lesson 2 in On Tyranny takes us to “Defend Institutions.” It is institutions that help us to preserve decency. They needour help as well. Do not speak of “our institutions” unless youmake them yours by acting on their behalf. Institutions do notprotect themselves. They fall one after the other unless each isdefended from the beginning.…
Be My Valentine
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Understanding On Tyranny: Lesson 2’s Call to Defend Institutions
Lesson 2 in On Tyranny takes us to “Defend Institutions.” It is institutions that help us to preserve decency. They needour help as well. Do not speak of “our institutions” unless youmake them yours by acting on their behalf. Institutions do notprotect themselves. They fall one after the other unless each isdefended from the beginning.…