my year in lists: coming into spring
first quarterly review! the happenings, what i’ve been reading, watching, listening to… feat. a love column??
I’ve definitely been getting a lot more burned out lately, so it’s either been some form of constant work or being slumped, only slightly better than full on bed rotting. However, the sun's out! Or at least it was out for a week or so, leaving me to remember that effort is not pointless if my SPF isn’t.1
I’ve also been doing some intense planning for the next quarter, so look forward to, at the very least, a collaboration and an interview! We’re approaching the latter half of my Spring semester, so if I survive that, the next quarterly review I will be freshly 16 and with a lottt more free time on my hands!
READING RECOMMENDATIONS
Aina Marzia and her writing have been a new love of mine, incredible nonetheless. In this article for Business Insider, she speaks of her own experiences being accepted into an elite university and the intricacies and pressures that come from not only acceptance, but the application process.
But the truth is I didn't have to beat out other poor kids, other POCs, or other minorities. I had to beat the majority. My competition was never the people from my background or tax bracket. I had to beat out the system that went against me, the larger injustice — even though some of my peers couldn't.
The Great (Fire)Wall, Asisa Kadiri
Of course I can’t go a recommendation post without mentioning Asisa Kadiri! This piece is so perfect at tackling the sinophobia flare ups post discussion of another TikTok ban. To me, it feels like another iteration of the Red Scare, if only slightly less overt.
Somehow, positive news about China is conspicuously absent from global media outlets, overshadowed by a deluge of negative stories that often lack substantive evidence and rely on unfounded beliefs portraying China as a global threat. Media outlets frequently intertwine China with various global events, painting the country in a negative light and stoking fear among Western nations, and in walks "yellow peril" narratives.
There exists a prevailing sentiment in Western media that China's ascendance must be restrained by any means necessary, in a similar way to which the progress of other rising nations has been impeded because of necessary restrain, disregarding their rights and aspirations. Entrenched in a hegemonic worldview, Western media demonizes China while legitimizing Western dominance, and this dual approach would prove extremely successful.
Looking Beyond The Flesh, Aliya Trovoada
I’ve recently heard around that viewing reality TV these days might as well be a form of cultural anthropology, and based on Aliya Trovoada’s article–I couldn’t agree more. Trovoada examines the impact of creating an entire show, an entire spectacle purely around looks and little effort for actual connection.
But in this dystopian world of dating apps, TikTok, and trends rapidly changing beauty norms, it has become impossible to destroy this construct. I’ve spoken about it within love, but it’s also an internal problem. It can genuinely turn into a sickness the way one can make their external beauty their all and neglect the fact that they’re a human being.
LOVE COLUMN: FURTHER NOTES
I haven’t actually gotten to watching Sex And The City, but I imagine Carrie Bradshaw’s columns are similar enough
Modern love has grown old. Between new language of “situationships,” “talking stages,” and “bops,” I’ve found it increasingly difficult to see value in an even half-romantic relationship in my generation. Intentions are ever-blurred, and actions even moreso. After getting out of a true “situationship” for the first time, it’s redefined my view in a lot of difficult ways. Unfortunately, a lot of teen boys in this day and age, at least the ones that I know of, are preoccupied with the new Fornite season and “having fun” regardless of commitment. Which is unsurprising, but hurtful nonetheless.
Trying to stay focused, academic weaponing2, etc is hard when you walk by someone as if you didn’t meet their entire family. Responsibilities begin to pile, and right about that time you’re seeking a distraction. Don’t fall for it! Proceed with caution, validation is not so easy as you may think, earn it from somewhere reputable.
WATCHING RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are an AP History student of any kind and you haven’t heard of Heimler’s History, LET ME PUT YOU ON! He is absolutely incredible at going through every chapter / unit and effectively summarizing it. Remember, specific details are great, but only the most important when they’re super big events, such as when Constantinople fell (1453). Heimler’s History is amazing for getting viewers to think about concepts and their impact, which are skills needed for the analysis sections of the exam aka pretty much most of it.
https://www.youtube.com/@heimlershistory/videos
A Deep Dive into DAMN. - Kendrick Lamar's Darkest Opus, TennisThom
I’ve been a Kendrick fan for a while, but this video essay truly brought a new appreciation, connecting dots within just a single one of his albums. I first fully listened to DAMN. on a 7 hour car drive down to Southern California, on loop. Now, I have a 13 hour train ride to the same place, and best believe this run through will be even more keen. The editing in particular for this video is superb, gorgeous without being overwhelming. In light of the rap “civil war” primarily for Future, Metro Boomin, Kendrick Lamar VS Drake, J. Cole–I think this essay serves to bring even more recognition for Kendrick’s lyrical abilities. I forever love bragging that DAMN. is the first (and only) rap album to win a Pulitzer Prize.
painting Kiki’s Delivery Service scenes 🐈⬛ 🧹 Gouache, daixykaren
Probably the most relaxing thing I’ve ever watched. I did indeed fall asleep to an entire playlist of her painting earlier this month.
How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (2003)
One of the most perfectly executed rom-coms of a lost generation. And no, I’m not super biased because it features a journalist pursuing her dreams.
LISTENING RECOMMENDATIONS
Like That, Future, Metro Boomin, Kendrick Lamar
Take a wild guess what side of the war I’m on. Only hurts a little bit because I still adore J. Cole.
Ghost In The Machine, SZA, Phoebe Bridgers
Probably the most addicting song I’ve heard in a long time. SZA is a lyrical genius no questions asked, the production on this song (and SOS as an entire album tbh) is absolutely perfect.
Before, NIKI
Despite what my sister who introduced me to NIKI in the first place says, I love NIKI’s album Nicole, but maybe that makes more sense when you consider some songs were written in her high schools. I initially was thrown off by the production within the album and the alterations on her vocals, but they grew on me as everything does–when I listen to it nonstop until I finally realize how well the lyrics apply to my own life.
Language, Paperboy Fabe, Brent Faiyaz
She know I been out here working nine-to-five lately 🗣️ And baby 🗣️ gets on my fucking nerves 🗣️ ‘bout the same shit 🗣️ We don’t speak the same language 🗣️
California Love, 2Pac, Roger, Dr. Dre
West Coast Best Coast!
Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You - (I Love You Baby), Ms. Lauryn Hill
Like the last song, this is indeed on my birthday party playlist because you best believe I’ve been planning it since January when it’s in June. Slightly pandering to my Lauryn Hill and 10 Things I Hate About You obsessed best friend.
That’s all for this quarter, I look forward to posting more!!! (Pinky promise this time) Thank you so much for reading this far, if you would like to support me directly, please subscribe if you haven’t already! Or, share with your favorite rock in roll band (á la Oasis), tulip-lover, and/or your second-cousin!
- Alaïa xx
note: wear SPF, even when it’s cloudy!
AP exams are coming up for the Americans!
thank you for the mention!! and i 10000% agree w the 2pac rec 😋😋