This Is Myspace.

Lifestyle | Feature | 2016

Who remembers MySpace, throwback of nah?

I was surprised when I was watching television, to see celebrities and socialites celebrating and being playful to see that it was a new campaign for MySpace. MySpace and Facebook were always rivals, until MySpace just finally fell off the face of the earth. Looks like they are coming back full force, and giving Facebook a run for their money. 

Trump Dumps!

Lifestyle | Feature | 2016

​Everyone is shitting on trump, and they don’t give a damn. It use to be, keep your politics to yourself as well as your opinion. With Trump now running for president, and commenting on very controversial topics. Individuals are coming for Trump, whether it’s illustrating him as garbage, or strictly saying “FUCK DONALD TRUMP”. These are the top five trending trump dumps:

Race In 2016.

Lifestyle | Feature | 2016

It’s 2016 and race is still an issue. As millennials, we grew up in an era where we are diverse from sexuality, race, gender, personalities etc. There has been controversy that it shouldn’t be Black Lives Matter, but All Lives Matter. Our generation was the breakthrough and moreso the acceptance of people of all kind. With this phenomenon taking over, we need to unite instead of divide. Who cares, about the title or the color of our skin. Let’s deal with the real issue at hand.

For Artists, By Artists.

Lifestyle | Exhibition | 2016

The 9th Berlin Biennial.

What better way to understand art than curated by an artist. An artistic mind can be hard to crack at times, whether from the creative process to the end product. Collaboration amongst artists allows them to integrate their ideas and work, as well as understand the aesthetic of another artist. As an artist, one’s vision or inspiration behind their work can be hard to convey. But, it’s outcome leaves individuals speechless, wanting more, or leads to additional innovation. DIS magazine is an artistic platform that explores art, fashion, music and culture while creating and supporting the creative process. Founded by a community of writers, photographers, and musicians allows for the exploration between pop culture and out of the box exposition.

The Berlin Biennale has become one of Germany’s most important events regarding contemporary art. The only one of its kind, the Berlin Biennale is shaped by the curators dialogue with the artistic world. The Berlin Biennale is open to the public on June 4 until September 18, 2016 at various venues located in Berlin. The Biennale will begin at one of Berlin’s main attractions, Akademie der Künste on Pariser Platz. Known for their publication, DIS magazine, and diverse interventions, Lauren Boyle, Solomon Chase, Marco Roso, and David Toro collectively will curate the 9th Berlin Biennale.

Purchase tickets today with the link below.

https://www.mus-ticket.de/new/app/Shopping?mod=ShopContent&event=showCategory&ref=shp341397278&cat=1345&cat3=1&cat2=1607&plang=2

Keep up with the Berlin Biennale on social media.

facebook.com/BerlinBiennale
twitter.com/berlinbiennale

DoubleFaced.

Lifestyle | Exhibition | 2016

“Views” is an exhibition that features the work of 50 local and international artists, celebrating the strength of diversity of artistic expression.  The exhibition opened on March 10th, 2016 at the Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa, and has been extended till March 25th due to public demand.

​Sebastian Bieniek is one of the featured artists at the “Views” exhibition, featuring his series of photographs called “Doublefaced No.61”. Bieniek has taken his talent and integrated it into other various platforms, whether it is being an author, film director, painter or performance artist. Bieniek has had his “Doublefaced” series of photographs reproduced in the music video “Marilyn Monroe” by Pharrell Williams. Experimenting with various media formats helps Bieniek grow as an artist.

Local art lovers admire Sebastian Bieniek’s “Doublefaced” photographs displayed at the “Views” Bahrain exhibition.

Bieniek showcases his series of photographs “Doublefaced”. Bieniek sketches drawings on the side of individual’s faces, with an eye pencil and lipstick as his only utensils. His simple illustrations include: one eye, a nose and lips. Bieniek rarely uses the model’s actual facial features, only sometimes revealing their eyes. Bieniek manipulates the model’s hair to hide their face. Even strategically placing the models in front of objects or poses to help mask their faces. Capturing the day to day life of women with two faces; the photographs are taken in a woman’s daily routine, anywhere from drinking coffee, taking a shower, sitting in a restaurant, or smoking a cigarette.

“Views”. 

Location:

Marquee at Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa

Open to the public:

Thursday March 10th: 4pm-9pm

Opening hours: 

Friday March 11th: closed
Saturday March 12th: 10am- 9pm
Sunday March 13th to Wednesday March 16th : 4pm- 9pm

Exhibiting international artists: 

Sebastian Bieniek, Damien Hirst, Marc Quinn, Sookoon Ang, Lido Rico.

Exhibiting local artists:

Semaan Khawam, Resmi Al Kafaji, Rashid bin Khalifa al Khalifa, Modhir Ahmed.

Hijarbie.

Lifestyle | Feature | 2016

Barbie got a new make-over, and we aren’t talking about her lipstick. 2016 was the year of a new barbie, a barbie that was no longer one size fits all. Mattel unveiled curvey, petite, and tall versions of its iconic fashion doll. The three body types will be sold in a variety of skin tones, eye colors and hairstyles. Although Barbie is an iconic doll, sales had declined in recent years. This was clearly a new strategy to bring in a wider demographic that had turned away from the Barbie brand. This new “body positive” Barbie landed the cover of TIMES Magazine.

Haneefah Adam, a twenty four year old blogger and medical scientist from Nigeria, took the Barbie look one step further, introducing the Hijab wearing Barbie (more so known as Hijarbie). Adam explains she wanted a doll that dressed in clothes like hers. Simple as that. Adam went to a close by store, purchased a Barbie doll and dressed it up in similar clothing as hers, and documented it from there.

Hijarbie is the first of its kind. Bridging a gap between ethnicities and an icon fashion doll. Adam hopes this will bring more positive awareness. Stating “I want her to be inspired. This is about creating an alternative and having toys that look like you, which, at the end of the day, leads to better self-esteem” (Stansfield, 2016).

Life in the 21st century can be a psychologically challenging, since it seems more and more everyday it’s about one's appearance. Fashion conscious Muslim women have taken center stage on blogging platforms, but there is more to be done.

The response to Hijarbie has been nothing but positive. Hijarbie has over 5,000 followers on social media. Adam hopes that creating hijabs and abayas could one day lead to a profitable business for Barbie.

It’s sad to say that finally in 2016, Barbie is finally getting a makeover. One that any young girl could relate to. Is this the only makeover Barbie is going to get? What about different personalities and clothing? Perhaps a punk rock or tom-boy Barbie. It shouldn’t have taken this long for the Barbie brand to recreate this skinny, white woman doll. But, Barbie’s makeover was definitely a break in the mainstream. Who knows what’s next for Barbie, maybe next is Ken.

I would say this piece read more as a sales pitch. Simply, because they are selling you on a product that anyone can relate to whether it’s you height, skin color, weight or religion. I think the writer succeeded with this piece. He was able to remove himself from his perspective and fully understand Adam’s need and want from Barbie. Ted Stansfield (the journalist) did bring insight and coverage on the new set of 2016 Barbie dolls. However, Adam didn’t see that as enough and pushed Barbie’s image further by covering religion. However, he left the reader wanting to know more on Hijarbie. It was a story waiting for an ending. 

Internships... A Waste Of Time?

Lifestyle | Opinion Editorial | 2015

“We see internships as valuable, but we want to get paid for [them] as well”, said Kevin Williams.

Are there advantages for applying for internships? Are they a waste of time? Why do we need these on our resumes? It seems as though we have fallen victim to impressing companies, but sometimes we forget our own personal goals. Many students hover over their computers, applying to twenty-plus internships in hopes that a company will reply. 
​
It has become routine: Wake up, apply for internships, and hope for responses. We, as students, look to companies to hire us as interns so we can gain skills to begin our careers. I had the opportunity to sit down with several students from different artistic backgrounds and discuss their internship experiences. Though internships can help us in the long run, what exactly are we learning? Students are finding themselves making errand runs and handling paperwork during internships. We, as entry level candidates, are seeking education and guidance. It seems artistic internships are no longer beneficial as they once were.

“I spent [about] eighty-percent of my time applying for jobs and the other twenty-percent on graduate school applications. It was more likely I would get accepted into graduate school before getting a job”, said Kevin Williams.

“This is my seventh internship, I did three unpaid and four paid. I did so many to enhance my resume”, says Jonathan Wideman, an Advertising major at Academy of Art.
​
Ordinarily, internships are requirements of a university program. Other internships are based on the individual’s own desire. Artists are more likely to do this to build their portfolio and skill set. Out of these internships, only some are paid, and often in the form of stipends or living expenses. There are internships that are totally volunteer, without compensation of stipends, or scholarships. Internships also vary on the number of hours committed, as well as the duration of the internship. According to HRMorning.com, paid interns get paid an average of $15,000 more on their first job than unpaid interns. Most controversy comes from full time internships, and the exploitation of interns. Wideman thinks the exploitation is more in extensive internships, generally unpaid or college credit.

All internships are not equal. But, employers can be held accountable for how interns are treated onsite. Businesses can take advantage of the younger labor force with unpaid internships. The growth in unpaid internships means a reduction in entry- level positions. Millennials have paid their dues, they have the degree and debt to prove it. “With unpaid internships, employers are essentially saying to millennials, "Times are tough and you are desperate, so we can and will exploit you for profit” (The Great Intern Debate)”. 

In the past, people have worked for free to get their foot in the door. But, where is the line drawn when a student is having to pick up coffee or walk their boss’ dog as an internship? Wideman speaks about his graphic design internship in New York City. On his vacation, he found himself working on logos and brands at a very fast turnover rate. “I was working every night, and it sucked ‘cause I was in Disneyland with my family. It would be nine o’clock at night and they would call me. They didn’t care about my vacation plans - they needed it done,” says Wideman. Even after completing all the logos and brands, he wasn’t paid for his service. A service like this would cost a company roughly $15,000 dollars.

"I'm just a glorified volunteer! The company had me teaching the other volunteers. My boss relies on me to take care of everything, and to get things done", says Williams. Williams speaks of his internship with a non-profit Zoo, that was only staffed with three employees. Williams was in charge of the entire aquatic area, his boss relied on him to work the lab and train the volunteers. The line between volunteers and interns is slowly fading away. Isn’t it ironic that companies, especially in fashion, are more prone to hire interns when there is an upcoming event? It makes you wonder: Are we here to just help or actually have an experience? The only difference between interns and volunteers, is that the volunteers don’t have to work at a specific time. “My work time fluctuated. In the beginning I worked 9am until 4pm. The closer we got to the event, I found myself working from 9am until 11:00pm at night”, Amiah Mims
​
Interns normally work a set schedule. Universities require a certain amount of hours to be completed to receive school credit. Hours can range anywhere from 50 to 300 hours. From a student perspective, we view internships to as a temporary/seasonal opportunity. We, as interns, expect to be treated like a real employee.

“The 'legit' internships, are the ones you find through people you know. The shitty internships are online”, said Jonathan Wideman.

Students are drawn to cities where the best opportunities in their field are located, such as: Washington D.C for business and New York for fashion. Students, who can’t afford to go out of state without compensation, miss out on career opportunities and wind up working a minimum wage job.
​
“To move there, live there, and not get paid: that’s really hard”, says Williams. Williams spoke of potential internship opportunities located in Washington, D.C that would be perfect for his major, Environmental Science. But, Washington D.C is one of the most expensive places you can live. Unpaid internships come at a price. Some universities require students to intern for college credit, which requires payment in tuition.

In case of the fashion industry, one must have experience before applying, and the only way to get the experience is to work for nothing. What’s the purpose of internships? Especially, if at the end of the day we still find ourselves applying to retail establishments and fast food chains just to get a paycheck. Obtaining paid opportunities that are related to our studies puts us in a better position once graduation comes.

“It’s a game. We rely on internships for that experience, so when we apply for the job they can see that experience. Why spend all this money and go to college? Interns need the title and experience, so when applying for jobs they can see the experience on their resume, and have a letter of recommendation”, Kevin Williams.

Internships are supposed to be enlightening and educational. Students look to internships to help better themselves and their future. You have to set up the nature of what you want out of an internship out the gate to get what you truly want.

“Interns need to start setting their definitions for internships. [We] should get paid for [our] thoughts, services, techniques, and experiences to the company”, said Kevin Williams.

Everyone Gets Bullied! Suck It Up!

Lifestyle | Opinion Editorial | 2015

In our culture of 24/7 news cycles and social media connectedness, we have a better opportunity than ever before to bring attention to important issues.  In the last few years, the world has collectively paid attention to the issue of bullying like never before; millions of school children have been given a voice, all 50 states in the U.S. have passed anti-bullying legislation, and thousands of adults have been trained in important strategies to keep kids both physically and emotionally safe in their classrooms and schools.  These are significant achievements. 

At the same time, however, gratuitous references to bullying have already begun to create a bit of a “little boy who cried wolf” occurrences.  When kids and parents improperly classify impoliteness and cruel behavior as bullying, we all run the risk of becoming so sick and tired of hearing the word that this critical safety issue among young people loses its perseverance as quickly as it rose to importance. 
Adolescents are often under fire for bullying because of their appearance, sexual orientation or loner status. But not all bullying victims fit that profile. Research suggests that as students become more popular and climb the social standings of middle and high school, they are at increased risk for gossip, pestering and even physical attacks from enemies competing for prestige.

So how do we prevent bullying? A clear definition of bullying and a policy that prohibits it and lays out the consequences is one means to arm a school or school district against this problem. For one thing, when bullying is clearly well-defined, then it can be more easily acknowledged and separated from constructive criticism, discipline, and motivation, all of which are neighboring areas. It is significant that the policy be clear and research-based in order to not be so comprehensive that students and teachers are fearful of being alleged as bullies at every turn when what they say is not praise. And it is different, though still hypothetically painful, if a child is picked last for games because he or she has an objectively poor skill set as opposed to being picked last due to an unambiguous campaign to exclude him or her.

Policies to prevent bullying may openly mention major types of bullying, including verbal, social, physical, pack and cyberbullying, and racist, religious, homophobic bullying, along with bullying of people with disabilities. But it is important that policies should be phrased so as not to exclude the bullying of typical victims, nor victims who are teachers, staff, administrators, or school board members, rather than students.

By: Miche Smith

White People: An MTV Series.

Lifestyle | Feature | 2015

First and final episode.

MTV’s controversial documentary on white privilege was only broadcasted earlier this summer but it has already accomplished the director’s aim of making people “uncomfortable”.

The documentary, White People, aims to start a dialogue about race and perception of racism by placing white Americans in communities where they are the minority. It asks them and its viewing audience to consider what it really means to be Caucasian in a country where the average person’s friends are more than 91% white. While many supported the program, others expressed a discomfort - or vehement denial - of the claims and depictions of white people and racism shown as #WhitePeople trended on the social network.

Throughout the documentary, Vargas speaks with an audience full of young people about race, with white people bravely saying what we already know — “I can walk to a convenience store and back without getting hassled by the police” or “I’ve never experienced systemic oppression.” It’s clear the white people in attendance are trying their best to be honest and open, and even to learn more about their own privilege, but Vargas doesn’t spend enough time with them to make these conversations seem any deeper than just casual acknowledgements.

Traveling to predominately white areas, including rustic areas in Washington, South Dakota, North Carolina and Arizona, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and filmmaker Jose Antonio Vargas spoke to young white people about race. Vargas has said that the only thing he fears is “not having these conversations” as opposed to public response. The journalist identifies himself as an undocumented immigrant from the Philippines, inviting frank discussion about the issue by saying to a young group “let’s get uncomfortable” before starting debates.

Feeling uncomfortable is an inadequate and frustrating reason to ignore racial injustice and in such deep contrast to the lived understandings for so many people of color, particularly Black and brown folks, who face a unpredictable amount of violence at the hands of the state. Criticism of the film has ranged from noting that it didn’t get uncomfortable enough, to saying it was too simplistic and heavily edited to really delve into whiteness and racism in America, to acknowledging that even if this documentary felt like “White People 101” it is necessary because large populations of white Americans really just don’t think about what it means to be white.

Racial justice in America can’t stop with the plain acknowledgement of whiteness, or even of white privilege. If we’re going to talk about this, let’s not walk on eggshells. The conversation needs to move the idea of “white supremacists” away from outlying groups with white hoods and to look at how white supremacist policies and legislation pervade our daily lives.

Watch the full video.