Explore the ways in which interpersonal conflict is presented, explored, and addressed in popular podcasts like Judge John Hodgman (Maximum Fun) and Conversations with People Who Hate Me (Nightvale Presents). These are shows which address emotional, yet relatively minor disputes in a public, drama-free environment. What is it about podcasts like these that breeds frank honesty and polite empathy at the same time?
Help college students and new writers to navigate in this competitive market.
As as career advisor, I see this all of the time with my students. I'd like to lend helpful suggestions to the writer on this topic. – charisewilson7 years ago
I would also love to read and write more about this topic! I'm currently studying in a professional writing program, and all of my classmates have so much talent but are struggling to navigate the world of freelancing, especially at the entry level. – MeganAlms7 years ago
I would also like to know how to get started freelancing. I am an academic writer and I don't get paid or receive royalties. I would like to reverse that situation.
– jdumay7 years ago
I've recently graduated from college and am currently enrolled in a professional program so this topic resonates with me! It sounds like the topic is pretty broad and general right now. So make sure you narrow it down on specifics! You can address any controversies/stereotypes that new writers have to overcome or focus on what it takes to spout out original work. I know that many other writers my age are constantly working hard to find their voice and personal style - another issue that you can address with this topic. All in all, good idea but needs to be more specific. – jay7 years ago
I just graduated from college and this is a question that I've been asking myself for a while. – larrymlease7 years ago
Writer's Market (most recent year available)
Implement Google Search for contests and more. – denaelerian7 years ago
I would love to know how to get into freelance writing as a current college student hoping to make it as a journalist. – AshTrenwith7 years ago
I would say passion. Any freelance writer must have the drive and passion to write independently. – LucaTatulli7 years ago
There are several sites and companies for freelancing, however the most lucrative and legitimate would be Upwork. You have to be willing to raise yourself above the cometition, but dont get cocky. If you value writing and you're good at the craft, give it a try. – PoweredxJarvis7 years ago
Analyse the concepts of gender and sexism in Gracie Hart's supposed journey ugly duckling to beauty pageant swan, weighing the various kinds of positive and negative depictions of women, particularly beauty pageant contestants. How are common tropes of the though guy/girl, the ditsy blonde, etc. presented? Are the viewers expectations challenged? If so, is that the intention of such a film? How does the film hold up?
I think the film did a pretty great job at representing real-life women with Sandra Bullock's character. I think the idea behind the stereotypical females in the pageant was purposeful but they used Sandra to counteract that. But I do see your point about whether or not that challenges us. – hannahshort7 years ago
I don't think it's worth distinguishing between 'positive' and 'negative' portrayals of women unless you define both definitions. What's a 'positive' depiction of a woman? One who is confident in themselves and how they present their gender? Are these definitions defined on the basis of how the characters see themselves, or how WE see them (as either validating or opposing our ideals of how women should be depicted?) You could talk about men and how they might be the ones constructing these positive/negative depictions of women... But, I would much rather say that these depictions are intentionally stereotypical to serve the wider narrative, which in my opinion, is about women competing for self-empowerment. That's what the Miss America pageant is all about, right? Why antagonist Kathy Morningside wants to crap on everyone's parade, and why Gracie struggles to get her boss (and stylist) to see her side of things. Gender certainly plays a role in these situations, and the movie shouldn't be excused for bordering on sexual harassment at some stages. But I personally think the film sends a good message. I think, on a basic level, the film subverts (or experiments) with what we'd typically associate with a 'strong, confident woman'. A strong, confident woman can be a badass like Gracie, or an attention-seeking maniac like Kathy, or fire-baton twirler Cheryl. The film first uses these stereotypical depictions to distinguish between Gracie and the rest of the contestants, but by the end, it tells us that hey, it's okay to have the best of both worlds. One thing to note is that Gracie didn't achieve self-empowerment by becoming a 'beauty pageant swan', nor did she ever lose that confidence entering the pageant as an 'ugly duckling'. She became empowered through her newfound female friends, the only thing she, a strong confident woman, was lacking. That, I think, is the significance behind 'Miss Congeniality'. Besides world peace. Yeah. – Starfire7 years ago
Miss Congeniality, I think, had a lot of female empowering concepts that they used brilliantly. The idea that a woman who was widely regarded as unattractive to the male population and undermined by her superiors ended up relying on herself to save these women who she, herself, first thought were ditsy and a poor representation of the female population but then came to find that they were real women with real opinions. The idea of the Miss America pageant in the film came across more of a battle for Gracie because of the standardised ideas of what beauty means for the female population and how a woman such as herself overcame these. I'd like to see more of how the movie overcame stereotypical depictions of women and pageants, and even villains. The whole movie is a great girl power movie that can be related, in some sense, to the brilliance of Legally Blonde. – CarlyStarr7 years ago
What is so alluring about the love story between the insane and the manipulated. Why must these two characters continue to be televised as madly in love despite the comic books very clearly outlining how Joker manipulated, tortured, and conditioned Harley Quinn into becoming the villain we know and love. Why has Harley's break from the Joker and bisexuality been ignored throughout the development of her character and why the hell havent we seen any development of her relationships with Catwoman and Poison Ivy?
Oh my gosh thank you for this topic!!! I am a HUGE Harley Quinn fan and I absolutely hate the romanticized version of the love story between Joker and Harley. I have always found this relationship breaks my heart more than makes it full. And I hate when girls say they want a relationship like Joker and Harley when they've only seen the romanticized version of this story.. – ChaosMistress58177 years ago
One thing you could focus on is why it took so long for the DC comics to finally make Harley Quinn break away from Joker,and maybe try to identify why the relationship was tolerated throughout the years – tmtonji7 years ago
I'd compare different depictions of this twisted romances. Ironically, the 1992 animated series (wherein she debuted) seems to provide both the tamest and most mature take on their relationship, not reveling in torture porn while having a narrative awareness this is a deeply dysfunctional and abusive relationship, while Suicide Squad ups the ante on the abuse and simultaneously romanticizes their relationship in an objectively unhealthy way. How is it that the cartoon recognizes this is pure abuse and manipulation, while Suicide Squad tries to imply "he really does care"? How is it the film intended for adults is more naive and less realistic than the kids cartoon? Not just these two, of course, but, considering their public profile, I'd consider them first. – Allie Dawson7 years ago
My answer: it's about the Joker. The Joker is a nihilist. He is convinced that nothing matters, that it's all a joke. His goal is to get other people to see the world the same way he does. Harley Quinn is the closest he's ever come (if you don't count the Batman Beyond movie). But because he's, you know, insane, he doesn't love her, and he doesn't want her to love him because that doesn't jive with nihilism. It's a tragic love story, and that's why so many adaptations explore it. – noahspud7 years ago
I get that there's a secret ingredient in the Krabby Patties, but for some reason, this show has remained a consistent, entertaining favourite to a majority of adults who watched it even as children. It would be interesting to take a look at some of the long-standing, rustproof, and robust comedic techniques used in the show that make it appeal to people of all ages.
Maybe expound on this a little bit. What is it about those techniques that we love? Compare it to other cartoons of the day; did those other shows achieve the same effect? Also discuss how those tactics are being employed by cartoons and other shows today. – EmskitheNerd7 years ago
I remember watching Spongebob with my kids. We were all excited when his movie came out, naturally I had to take them. The series is silly but not in an annoying way. The cast of characters is more than just a select few. The storylines are amusing. At times there is wit. I think those things keep it going. – Joseph Cernik7 years ago
O.J. Simpson in the Naked Gun movies, Joe Son in Austin Powers, Jeffrey Jones in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Hollywood films are rife with actors who have found their way on the wrong side of the law. Some are for petty reasons or misdomeanors, though some have been convicted (or at least tried) for truly heinous acts. Though does knowing this take away from the enjoyment of the films themselves? Can an audience enjoy and empathise with a character without seeing the criminal (if not evil) actor beneath? Where do we draw the line in our supposed 'suspension of disbelief'? Are there some films or actors that people just simply cannot bring themselves to look at? Do we boycott or condemn the film, and is that fair towards the other innocent individuals that worked on it?
These are all very interesting questions to ponder, since I have thought about them myself. Maybe choose a specific film and actor to talk about, and try to answer those questions. – Gabby7 years ago
It might be interesting to take a look at this topic from a political/historical perspective, as well as 'homages' to them (i.e. Leni Riefenstahl (propaganda filmmaker during Third Reich) and George Lucas (almost exactly copying one of Riefenstahls frames in Star Wars)). – Charly7 years ago
Depends on the crime, people's individual values/morals, but it's a shame as you say that other innocent actors can feel repercussions, – per2217 years ago
One question you can ask is do we boycott everything about said actor or only stuff that comes out after they became problematic. He’s not an actor but let’s say Kanye West, a lot of people who I know decided to no longer support him because of all his controversy but they still listen to his old music. While as others have decided to completely “unstan” him and anything associated to him from past to present. I think the question of time could be something interesting to target. – tmtonji7 years ago
Netta Barzilai from Israel's Eurovision entry was voted #1 for her Asian inspired performance and song 'Toy'. Many commentators have argued that the performance is cultural appropriation – using Japanese Motifs such as maneki-neko cats in her set and Asian style costume elements. The performance has also been accused of using traditional drum elements from Palestinian culture which in the current political climate can be seen as extremely disrespectful. Others see the performance as a celebration of cultural diversity and the inclusion of Asian culture into a European competition. Why is this performance so dividing throughout commentators? What are the main arguments for and and against the inclusion of Asian culture in this performance?
An excellent point to make! i understand how it might be considered a celebration of diversity in culture, but ultimately the maneki-nekos don't serve a purpose and the song isn't really about cultural diversity. It seems to be more about bullying, sexism, and equality. It does certainly feel like the nekos were used without any thought or purpose other than someone thinking "oh they look cool, lts add them in." This isn't inherently mean-spirited, but it's certainly questionable... – Dimitri7 years ago
I'm sitting in a public metropolitan library as I type this, something I haven't done since before I attended college. There are tens of thousands of books wrapped in clear protective plastic on metal shelves. Those walking around me and sitting near me range from young students to elderly men and women. In a time of advanced technology and "doing-it-yourself" mentality, they all came here to do their own private work.
I'm curious as our culture changes, how do we continue to grow and learn? Why do the age-old mediums, like libraries and communicating with each other, stay relevant.
I would love to hear what others think. Please consider this is me throwing some ideas against the wall and seeing what sticks!
Great topic. I know that professional librarians have discussed it a lot, and libraries today are often community resource centers (with computers and internet, with workshops, etc.) as they are book collections. – JamesBKelley7 years ago
First and foremost, it's important for one to have an open, clear mind. A mind in which does not discriminate and hold prejudice. With an open mind, one can gather knowledge through personal experience. Through personal experience, you are most likely to obtain the most meaningful knowledge, something that you understand and you can relate to. – paigethai7 years ago
As our cultures continue to change, we grow and learn because of our innate curiosity. The age-old mediums, like libraries and communicating with each other, stay relevant due to our longing to meet others, share, change and pass on our knowledge. Humans cannot help but attract to each other like magnets to share personal experiences, et cetera and then from these smaller or larger human groups, they repel like magnets to share and reshape the new knowledge they have accumulated. The pattern of accumulation and dissemination of information from one book or person to many others crosses the boundaries of time and space to advance our civilisations. – RipperWriter7 years ago
Love this topic. I think it may be interesting, even important, to also explore how these mediums change with us in this 'time of advanced technology'. A pre-internet, pre-screens metropolitan library would differ from the modern library. However, something like the 'snail mail' letter is much rarer and more highly-valued now than when it was simply the best and fastest way to communicate. It's fascinating to see how things have evolved in either their use or value as we continue to embrace technology more and more. The growth is exponential now, so we have the opportunity to see history change before our very eyes in a way that is more apparent than ever before. – Analot7 years ago
As someone who works in libraries, this is a vital question to me. What makes libraries remain relevant? I would say community. Libraries are increasingly becoming community hubs - bookable group rooms, author readings, playdates for kids and new moms, etc. They are the places where we make connections. Sometimes it's technological - helping older people learn Facebook to connect with family - other times it's "real life" connections - book clubs, etc. Fascinating topic! Thanks for sharing! – nathanl7 years ago
Libraries are inspirational. My favourite library is the 5th Avenue Library in New York City. I go there whenever I am in New York and write... It inspires me to be productive, and creative. – jdumay7 years ago
As a former library assistant, I can attest to the fact that learning in libraries is still a huge thing! I love the environment, it's a place for learning and getting work done. I'd love to read and write more about this topic! – Kendra7 years ago
Both Ozu and Mizoguchi were excellent film directors in Japanese cinema history. In their films, they pictured various kinds of people and their lives. Through the cinema, we could see the living situation of people in that period. I would like to see an analysis of how the two directors pictured the personalities, lives, and/or struggles of modern girls. Are there any similar traits of their films? What are the differences considering the cinematographic techniques and styles they used? The examples can be narrowed down to two films.
Steven Universe is often praised for its diverse cast of characters and positive depictions of LGBT rights and issues. However, I feel one central theme has been mostly been ignored throughout analysis of the show, aspects of colonialism present via the Gem Homeworld's invasion of various planets, including Earth. The characters on the show often mention Earth as a Gem colony yet I feel that there is a lack in addressing the ramifications of what this means. Historically there are many examples of cultural influence and knowledge imparted by colonists to the inhabitants of their colonies, (The French and Haiti, England and India, and others for example). Yet, there seems to be little impact of Gem colonialization on the Earth or the human inhabitants, most of which seem to be totally unaware of Gems. I think there is some interesting stuff to explore in this unexamined theme.
What would be interesting to analyze is how the growing trend of killing off major characters in TV seemingly out of nowhere in TV season finales makes a TV show "amazing" and "unexpected". What also might be intriguing is the buzz that comes about when a TV finale is about to air and, more specifically, the fans' speculation on "who's going to die" instead of "what's going to happen". Game of Thrones depicts this perfectly; the countless deaths of its beloved characters has made the show extremely popular, where the high death rate in its season finales brings in many viewers and, subsequently, many dazzling reviews.
(Spoiler alert for Riverdale, Avengers Infinity War, the Divergent series, and the 5th Wave series) While I'm not too familiar with GoT, Riverdale just recently left their viewers on a cliff with the possibility of Jughead being dead. And, of course, if you've seen A:IW, you know that half of the main characters are "dead" at the end of the movie. I've always been a person to respect this choice--like, a lot! In the concluding book to the Divergent trilogy, the main character dies, and the same happens in the last installment of the 5th Wave series. As long as the deaths are dealt with in a realistic way for those universes, I always thought it was great. This would be a really fun analysis to read. Like, why do I like it so much? I don't even really know. – mkkeane977 years ago
I think the expectation of who is going to die might and its popularity might leave any other events as less impactful as they become overshadowed by the deaths. Something to consider. – ZanderTJ7 years ago
This is a very interesting topic. I think with finales of any kind, we're primed to expect a culmination of a character's arc, one whose significance is ultimately encapsulated in how they die, why they die, etc. Death has a finality to it. I think, in expecting death, we become more inclined to appreciate whatever happens in the moments prior to it. Also, I think fan speculation on 'who's going to die' is a preemptive coping mechanism. Again, speculation might prompt extra awareness on how characters act in the finale, thus greater appreciation for their martyr's death, tragic death, etc. I'd argue that the 'who's going to die' and 'what's going to happen' are mutually linked—what really gets lost in the death-hype is how the finale's events will affect future seasons (if any). We'd become so focused on the 'dying' that the 'mourning' aspect of the story, the 'what'll happen after', doesn't immediately come to mind. Especially when there's a break between the finale and the next season. (I think The Walking Dead's S6 finale and S7EP1 is worth examining. Spoilers tho) – Starfire7 years ago
In the manga, Golden Kamuy, the Ainu people and their culture is a major theme throughout the series. The way they eat, hunt, dress, and go about their lives are explored and raise awareness of this group of people. Should we, as readers, show more support towards authors and artists such as these to spread awareness and attention towards ignored cultures? Is this one of the first in a long trend of authors providing a spotlight towards more obscure cultures?
There have been a lot of changes to the adaption/re-make of the classic series Lost In Space. The women now hold the most power, including a female version of "Dr Smith" and it has also introduced multiculturalism into it's episodes, by re-creating the eldest daughter as a mixed race child, from a previous marriage. I would be very interested in reading an article based on the changes and how they represent the positive changes in societal and individual perception.
Dragon Ball Super contains a numerous amount of scenes where the Z fighters are maintaining their fitness levels. The belief that a Saiyan has no limits seems to be true as Goku and Vegeta constantly go beyond their limits that were set for them. This is also true with humans and the human limit, correct? No one believed a man could ever climb Mt. Everest or break four minutes for the mile. Well both of those were obtained by humans… multiple times. Is their Saiyan pride deep down in every human?
This will be a great article if you could incorporate the phenomenon of "hysterical strength" which I believe will tie-in nicely with a saiyan going beyond his limits. – Joestar6 years ago
Joe Russo, co-director of Avengers: Infinity War, recently stated that other major film studios should avoid trying to establish cinematic universes like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although Russo said that audiences crave new methods of storytelling, he stated that some things simply cannot be "sustained through a cinematic universe." Do you agree with Russo?
I think that no other studio simply has the resources to create such an in-depth and comprehensively filled out universe quite like the MCU. I think more takes on this interesting idea would be fascinating, but the reality is that I don't know who could really keep up with Disney's high standard that's been established. It might be best for other film-makers and studios to explore new ways to tell stories, like Russo suggested. – Dimitri7 years ago
The MCU has managed to prevail even when it has released some less triumphant movies (by MCU standard) in its line of released. I think more than several factors go into a successful cinematic universe. I recognize a sense of difficulty now to become immersive in another cinematic universe, when the MCU has been relatively successful in capturing my attention for the past ten years. I personally find it difficult not to compare a new cinematic universe to the MCU because I've become accustomed to the MCU as a sort of figurehead for a successful, engaging cinematic universe. Then again it could all be boiled down to fan expectations and taste. I think I would like to see film studios try to establish a cinematic universe, but with Disney's influence with the MCU I believe it'd be rather difficult to set a new cinematic universe apart as a new, original method of storytelling without the obvious comparison. – pinkofthemoon7 years ago
Every studio has the freedom to express their own cinematic style and I wholeheartedly accept that, but there are many characteristics that the Marvel franchise possesses that it wouldn't hurt other studios to strive to as well. While I deeply love DC comics, the DC Cinematic Universe is, to me, beginning to lag as of late. The casting in some of their recent features is less than stellar; some actors are failing to embody the characters we've come to know and love. And the plot of many recent films, "Wonder Woman" being the exception, seems to be rushed and severely lacking. While Marvel films run long, it is because their plot is well thought out and perfectly paced to ensure that their are no holes or pointless scenes. Every bit of humor or drama that they add has point to it and adds to the big picture; they don't add a five minute long joke just for laughs or to fill time, which ends up taking away from the main plot line. Their films are also thoroughly planned and expertly cast. – EmskitheNerd7 years ago
I think that one of the main reasons that no other studio can do what the MCU can do it because the majority of their content is based on comic books that have been sucessful for decades and already have a huge fanbase even before the movie is made. – NikkySalvatore7 years ago
I am still waiting for the next installment of the Avatar Universe. I think that there is huge potential, and last I heard there are supposed to be at least 4 movies total once it is completed. One of the more interesting universes out there is the Alien universe. It includes crossover movies like Alien Vs. Predator, and well as the unofficial prequel Prometheus. However, this universe isn't very cohesive, and could use some tying of loose ends. – TPA977 years ago
Probably something interesting to note is how DC's cinematic universe pales in comparison to MCU's, but its television-based Arrowverse does quite well. Perhaps the difference in time constraints, air times, even the medium of television itself play a role? In an attention economy, you'd struggle to hype up movies in a cinematic universe, what with trailers, interviews, other promos your only main ammo. TV shows, though. They can leave a trail of breadcrumbs towards a bigger banquet. – Starfire7 years ago
Speculative Fiction is an umbrella genre for stories that are other-worldly. For example, fantasy, science-fiction, dystopian fiction, paranormal fantasy and more. I think it would be interesting to discuss the genre as a whole, in terms of story dynamics. A lot of speculative fiction has one foot in reality and another in a fantasy-like setting. Often speculative fiction has a lot to tell us about our reality, whether this is reflecting our reality or subverting reality to reveal new truths about the world. It would be great to look at the varying degrees to which this occurs in speculative fiction.
Good topic! The author might want to consider the main elements of speculative fiction, and discuss and give examples. You bring up the mesh of reality and fantasy, so there's a good start. I personally think the best example of speculative fiction is Black Mirror. Maybe the author could even use Black Mirror as the article focus, then break down how it is, in fact, speculative fiction from there. – Christina Legler7 years ago
An interesting topic: another contentious element of speculative fiction is its exact definition. I briefly remember Margaret Atwood and Ursula K. Le Guin (very respectfully) contesting each other's definitions of speculative fiction, and what they considered science fiction and by extension fantasy. The lines are blurry and constantly redrawn, so perhaps that is something you might want to address. – Matchbox7 years ago
In short, what Le Guin means by “science fiction” is what I mean by
“speculative fiction,” and what she means by “fantasy” would include some
of what I mean by “science fiction.” So that clears all up, more or less. When it comes to genres, the borders are increasingly undefined, and things slip
back and forth across them with insouciance." This is the exact quote. You might want to investigate further. – Matchbox7 years ago
Looking forward to reading an article about this. – Stephanie M.7 years ago
Sounds like a great topic - I would consider the differences between speculative genre and other genres.We use the realist genre to reflect our reality in a 'believable' way. However, speculative fiction can often offer a depth to this reflection that simply isn't possible in realism; speculative fiction is valuable in its capacity to reveal truths about society in 'unbelievable' scenarios. – louisemiolin7 years ago
Third-person Omniscient is something that many authors and readers have moved away from. But why? Extremely popular once, it has seemed to fall away in the last hundred years. perhaps a deep dive into this topic would be of interest.
I agree! It seems as though immersivity within many art forms (i.e. books, games, music, etc.), is becoming a central role in their creation. Looking into what are the first-person and third-person books' defining characteristics/tropes would be a good start. – gabbymb7 years ago
This would be very fascinating to look into! Such an interesting way of writing that would be nice to see more of in the modern world narrative writing. – inkski7 years ago
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog is an internet short film in three acts created by Joss Whedon and starring Neil Patrick Harris as the titular Dr. Horrible, Nathan Fillion as Captain Hammer, and Felicia Day as Penny. This was project was created in 2008 amidst the writer's strike, the Great Recession, and Election Season. What political themes exist and how might they have changed in the decade since the release of the work?
Addressing the success and failings of the FX series "Legion" regarding its representation of mental illness. While it is an exceptional psychological thrill ride, is its representation of mental illness accurate and respectful?
I think this sounds like an excellent topic! As designers and creators of media such as TV shows and comics, we have the power to help influence society at large. This means that creators have a responsibility to portray topics like mental illness in a way that is respectful and accurate, helping society to begin to develop an understanding of how life is experienced by those experiencing these conditions. – susannah7 years ago
One of my biggest issues with "Legion" is that, in the comics, David genuinely has schizophrenia, and his powers are just an extension of that. In the show, it's just, "No, he doesn't have a mental illness. He's just a mutant." – JaredTaylor947 years ago
In Season 2, we get to hear some of the voices in David's head. They sound like David, they argue with each other, and they convince him of things. He's still clearly unhinged, in addition to his mind-reading powers. But it's also clear that after fighting the Shadow King, he isn't that debilitated by mental illness, so far anyway. – noahspud7 years ago
Altered Carbon is an American dystopian science fiction television series created by Laeta Kalogridis and based on the 2002 novel of the same title by English author Richard K. Morgan.
The premise of the show centers on a society that has been transformed by the invent of a new technology that allows for the transfer of the mind into a clone or another persons body. This has effectively created a wealthy class of near-immortals. A warrior, Takeshi Kovacs, who fought against this very intention is brought back to solve the "murder" of Laurens Bancroft by Bancroft himself.
What makes the show so interesting is the inclusion of a number of key philosophical questions about how we define humanity, the role of the body, the value of mortality, and more. All of which would make an interesting discussion.
Perhaps, the writer can add some reference to the film Cloud Atlas, (2010) it has the same premise of one soul, reincarnating into different 'sleeves' - just a thought. – Jacque Venus Tobias7 years ago