gay for kristen stewart, gen z book club, doomscrolling, and recent media consumption
Hello.
Last night I dreamt of Spring.
I woke up and decided to eat leftover Valentine’s Day chocolate for breakfast.
At the end of the newsletter I’m going to share some film recs and recent media consumption.
Here’s what we’re covering today in today’s news: Kristen Stewart's bold embrace of her identity in indie films, the transformative power of love on personal habits as seen in a skincare journey, the phenomenon of doomscrolling. There’s some discussion on the joy and environmental implications of snow, the role of conflict in strengthening relationships, encouraging children's independence, the financial benefits of marriage in America, the resurgence of Gen Z book clubs, and recommendations for films and books that explore themes of identity, love, and existential inquiry.
News:
Kristen Stewart Uncensored: 'I Want to Do the Gayest Thing You've Ever Seen in Your Life'
This article SENT ME. I read it yesterday. Happy Valentine’s Day to me.
Kristen Stewart's unwavering authenticity and refusal to conform to societal expectations underscore her journey from Hollywood's mainstream to indie art-house films, reflecting her deep commitment to exploring and expressing the multifaceted aspects of her identity and sexuality. Her fearless approach to her roles and her life, marked by a candid openness about her queerness, positions her as a unique and influential figure in contemporary cinema, challenging traditional narratives and championing a more inclusive and nuanced portrayal of strength and identity.
Rolling Stone
Elizabeth Grace Hand's journey from a self-resigned cat lady to a beloved partner to Jon Folkesson highlights the unpredictability of love and its power to transform daily routines, even extending to skincare habits. Jon's transition from a skincare novice to embracing an elaborate regimen under Elizabeth's expertise not only showcases the personal growth that comes with relationships but also reflects the broader theme of self-care as an integral component of modern masculinity, challenging traditional notions and embracing a holistic approach to well-being.
Into The Gloss
Casey Plett's reflection on doomscrolling captures the paradoxical allure of consuming distressing news, highlighting a compulsive search for understanding in a chaotic world that oddly blends despair with a sliver of hope for redemption. This guilty pleasure, rooted in a desire for control and a flicker of optimism amidst the gloom, underscores the complex relationship we have with information in the digital age, where the quest to stay informed teeters on the brink of self-inflicted torment.
The Walrus
Angela Haupt's exploration of the deep affection many hold for snow uncovers a multifaceted emotional and sensory connection, rooted in childhood wonder, ephemeral beauty, and the playful disruption of routine, yet shadowed by the poignant awareness of snow's fragility in the face of climate change. This layered appreciation speaks to snow's unique power to transform both landscapes and spirits, offering moments of joy and reflection amidst the broader environmental challenges we face.
Time
The Secret To Long Lasting Love? Sometimes It’s Okay To Go To Bed Angry
Embracing conflict as a catalyst for intimacy, the Gottmans' unconventional wisdom suggests that learning to navigate disagreements constructively can fortify relationships, transforming battles into bridges towards deeper mutual understanding and connection.
NPR
Sometimes Kids Need A Push. Here’s How To Do It Kindly
Fostering independence in children is a delicate balance of guidance and autonomy, where parents' empathy and patience play pivotal roles in gently nudging their children towards self-reliance, thereby nurturing their confidence and resilience for future challenges.
Vox
Want Financial Security In America? Better Get Married
The entrenched "compulsory coupledom" in American policy not only privileges married couples with numerous legal and economic benefits but also imposes a substantial, multifaceted cost on single individuals, underscoring a profound systemic bias that necessitates a reevaluation and broadening of policy frameworks to accommodate and respect diverse life choices and relationship structures.
Vox
Inside The Gen Z Book Club Boom
The Gen Z book club boom encapsulates a cultural pivot towards meaningful, in-person social interactions, driven by a generation yearning for connections beyond the digital realm, and signaling a collective nostalgia for simpler, pre-digital social engagements. This resurgence not only revitalizes the traditional concept of book clubs but also integrates them into modern lifestyles, reflecting a blend of literary appreciation with a desire for genuine human interaction in an age dominated by screens and online presence.
Dazed
Media Consumption:
Watching:
Frog and Toad: The Philosphy of Simple Living
Cinema:
The Handmaiden (2016)
A South Korean psychological thriller that tells the story of a young woman hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, but who is secretly involved in a plot to defraud her. The film unfolds with unexpected twists, exploring themes of deception, sexuality, and power dynamics.
Juno (2007)
Juno MacGuff, a witty and confident teenage girl who becomes pregnant by her friend and decides to find a suitable couple to adopt her unborn child. The film explores themes of maturity, family, and love, all while navigating the complexities of teenage life and unexpected pregnancy with humor and sensitivity.
Reading:
When Nietzsche Wept by Irvin Yalom
A compelling narrative set in 19th-century Vienna, where Josef Breuer, a pioneer of psychoanalysis, embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing through his experimental 'talking cure' with the despairing philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, highlighting the redemptive power of friendship.
Being and Time by Martin Heidegger
This book examines the fundamental question of what it means to be. The author introduces the notion of being-in-the-world and analyzes existential themes such as temporality, authenticity, and mortality.
Listening:
This Is Your Brain On Deep Reading (podcast ep)
That’s all for today.
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See you tomorrow.
Bye.