Buzz
Adults often find reasons to be upset about children’s films, and this week’s uproar over Pixar’s heartwarming tween movie Turning Red is as absurd as intentionally dressing as a clown.
For some reason, Pixar’s Turning Red is stirring up unexpected controversy
Since its release on Disney+ on March 11, Pixar’s Turning Red has unexpectedly become a focal point in cultural debates. The animated film, a coming-of-age tale, uses the metaphor of the protagonist Mei Mei transforming into a red panda to symbolize puberty. While it’s endearing and somewhat reminiscent of Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, Mei Mei’s father doesn’t mistreat her, nor does her sister subject her to cruelty. Critics and young audiences have praised the movie for its themes of family and community, its honest portrayal of adolescence, and its heartwarming embrace of the awkwardness of teenage years. However, some individuals have taken issue with Turning Red. For starters, it centers on a Chinese girl, leading one (now retracted) Cinemablend review to claim the film might “alienate viewers who can’t connect with the story.” Others argue the movie is too mature for children, as it addresses topics like menstruation and teenage crushes, which one RottenTomatoes commenter deemed “wildly inappropriate.” Menstruation? Someone fetch the smelling salts.
What causes seventh graders to feel embarrassed?
If you’re brave enough to reflect on your own awkwardness, take a look at 7thGradeChronicles. This TikTok account, run by a middle school teacher, poses deep questions to his students. One viral video asks, “What do your parents or guardians do that makes you cringe?” According to 13-year-olds, it’s embarrassing when parents say “that’s tight,” take selfies in the mirror, listen to Katy Perry, or watch NCIS. Additionally, parents should never dab, display “Live, Laugh, Love” signs, or refer to themselves as “gangster.” While I mostly agree, I’d like to remind seventh graders that their own kids will have plenty to laugh at in a couple of decades.
What exactly is clowncore, and why is it so incredible?
Every generation has its own questionable fashion trend, from ‘70s disco style to the ‘90s grunge look. I hope “clowncore” gains even more traction so today’s youth can claim a truly absurd trend of their own. It reinforces my belief that they surpass previous generations in every way, including their outlandish fashion sense. As the name suggests, clowncore features bold, vibrant colors and dramatic makeup—just like clowns. Oversized shoes are optional, as is squeezing dozens of friends into a tiny car for a mall trip. Explore the TikTok tag to see a bunch of clowns in action.
Paris Hilton: Fury in the Metaverse
After much contemplation, I’ve concluded that it would be best for everyone if some supernatural force removed all oxygen from the atmosphere, allowing us to peacefully suffocate in our sleep. Many events have reinforced the idea that humanity is a mistake—debates over Turning Red, seventh graders mocking my love for Katy Perry’s “Firework”—but Paris Hilton was the final straw. The semi-famous Hilton performed a DJ set at a South by Southwest event sponsored by Sandbox, a platform involving cryptocurrency, NFTs, and Web 3.0 in the Metaverse. I might have tolerated the barrage of jargon, but when Hilton urged the crowd to “Rage in the Metaverse!”, that was it. Humanity, we’re finished. Ideally, those would have been the last words ever spoken.
Viral video of the week: Space telescope alignment
Perhaps wishing for humanity’s end over Paris Hilton’s DJ set is a bit over the top. There’s always a positive force to balance things out, right? This week’s viral video, a live-stream by YouTuber Dr. Becky, reignited a sliver of hope. The astrophysicist’s infectious enthusiasm over the James Webb Space Telescope’s mirror alignment reminded me that not all technology is wasted on NFTs and cryptocurrency. Space telescopes that capture infrared light to uncover the universe’s origins are a worthy use of innovation. Thanks to YouTubers sharing this, I’ll let humanity persist—for now. But consider this a warning.
