Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Critique.
Twenty Children Sat in the Same Classroom - But Their Futures Were Already Being Written
I wrote this after reflecting on many classrooms I’ve been part of as a teacher. Sometimes the quietest student in the room is carrying the heaviest story. I’d love to hear from others - was there a student in your class who surprised everyone later in life?
By Lori A. A.22 days ago in Critique
Shots fired at Rihanna’s house sparks a bigger conversation about stan culture and celebrity obsession
The way that Internet culture in some sectors has devolved has yet to outshine the wondrous tool. This incident with Rihanna becoming a victim of an attack on her household in Los Angeles is an example of the former. Parasocial activity is a serious condition in the minds of people who wish harm on the famous people they adore allegedly. These individuals see a blurry, murky line between reality and the necessity of boundaries.
By Skyler Saunders22 days ago in Critique
DJ Akademiks' Trolling Backfires After He Said Young Thug Has The "Worst Build"
DJ Akademiks did Thugger wrong. Rather than talk about his music and other projects, he decided to discuss the rapper’s weight. He remarked that Young Thug had possibly the worst build. He mentioned that Thug is skinny with a “Gucci… gut.” This is ironic because Gucci Mane has a six pack now after getting out of prison.
By Skyler Saunders22 days ago in Critique
"You should smile more "
A few weeks ago, I was at the dmv and a random man had the audacity to tell me "why aren't you smiling, you should smile more". I was so appalled by that man, but even more by myself because instead of putting him in his place I awkwardly laughed. This guy probably went home satisfied with himself. Looking back at it I feel sick. He. caught me by surprise but I should have been faster and clap back at him or even insult him.
By Girlygirly23 days ago in Critique
What Is the Difference Between Amusement and Art?
Human beings constantly produce objects, images, sounds and stories that attract attention and provoke reaction. Some of these experiences are described as amusement or entertainment, while others are called art. The distinction between the two has long occupied philosophers, critics and creators, yet the boundary remains uncertain. Both can delight, disturb, inspire or exhaust the human senses. Both are built from the same physical materials: pigment on canvas, vibrating air in music, words on a page, or moving light on a screen. The difference therefore cannot lie in the material itself. The same paint can form a masterpiece or a decorative poster; the same sequence of sounds can be a symphony or a jingle. The difference emerges from how humans use and experience these objects.
By Peter Ayolov25 days ago in Critique
Doechii Will Not Apologize For Disliking Cats
I don’t like cats. I like the idea of them; they’re independent, agile, and selfish. All traits that a human being should hold. However, as domesticated animals, they’re nasty, overbearing, and insolent despite their furry (sometimes), cuddly demeanor.
By Skyler Saunders25 days ago in Critique
Jay-Z's Phone Call With Michael Eric Dyson Is Causing Quite The Stir
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson aka “Soul Glo” jumped on Akademiks live and explained his position on the Drake vs Kendrick Lamar feud. His appearance detailed his conversation with Jay-Z concerning their disagreement with what the battle was really about.
By Skyler Saunders25 days ago in Critique
Misdirection
Ahem... I know that it might seem strange that I am one of the people lifting a glass to wish a toast to the happy couple, but I have been told to do this in order to take up your time and make sure that we are all very much in our cups. They decided that they wanted to hit the road and they needed me to wish them all the best.
By Kendall Defoe 26 days ago in Critique
Do we really need AI videos?
By now, you’ve likely seen what the latest AI video model, Seedance 2.0, can do. If you haven’t, just look around. The videos flooding your feed—the ones with perfect lighting, cinematic depth, and hyper-realistic motion—they’re not real. They were all generated by AI.
By John Zhang27 days ago in Critique
‘We have enough’: Godfrey renews call for Black entertainers to stop seeking white validation after BAFTAs, praises Image Awards
DEI must die. It’s been far too long for Foundational Black Americans (FBA) and tethers to come up and say things like #OscarsSoWhite. So what? NAACP Image awards are about RAH, Representation, Agency, and Honor. Black people have to stop crying about their snubs at award shows that often overlook them.
By Skyler Saunders27 days ago in Critique
