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Culture Archive

Archives for August 2024

Culture
Scott Peterson’s guilt, explainedScott Peterson’s guilt, explained
Culture

The Innocence Project has taken on Scott Peterson. But there are limits to reasonable doubt.

By Aja Romano
What Kamala Harris and Beyoncé have in common 
Politics

Our society demands Black women be “twice as good.” Beyoncé has found a solution that Harris seems keen to copy.

By Jonquilyn Hill
Culture
Why is everyone mad at Blake Lively?Why is everyone mad at Blake Lively?
Culture

On the It Ends With Us press tour, the actor’s persona, side hustles, and career are all in conflict.

By Alex Abad-Santos
Does being a gifted kid make for a burned-out adulthood?
Mental Health

How being labeled “gifted” can rearrange your life — for better and for worse.

By Constance Grady
Culture
The fight over Jordan Chiles’s bronze medal is barely about gymnasticsThe fight over Jordan Chiles’s bronze medal is barely about gymnastics
Culture

The Olympian was asked to give her medal back — and the racist attacks began.

By Alex Abad-Santos
The Gray Area
What George Orwell’s 1984 can teach us about 2024What George Orwell’s 1984 can teach us about 2024
Podcast
The Gray Area

Orwell prized clear communication, so why are people misusing his name?

By Sean Illing
Culture
Industry is the soapy, sleazy spectacle prestige TV is missingIndustry is the soapy, sleazy spectacle prestige TV is missing
Culture

How is a show about banking more fun than anything else?

By Kyndall Cunningham
Culture
The case for pole dancing in the OlympicsThe case for pole dancing in the Olympics
Culture

Pole dancing is basically gymnastics. But the world isn’t ready for it.

By Celia Ford
Culture
Tim Walz is riding the wave of the vibes electionTim Walz is riding the wave of the vibes election
Culture

This moment is all about feelings. Enter a friendly Midwestern governor armed with dad jokes.

By Rebecca Jennings
Today, Explained newsletter
Paris reminded us why we love the OlympicsParis reminded us why we love the Olympics
Today, Explained newsletter

Paris hosted a great Olympics. That’ll probably be the exception going forward.

By Bryan Walsh
Olympics
Who is Noah Lyles? The star sprinter’s Olympics went perfectly — until it didn’t.Who is Noah Lyles? The star sprinter’s Olympics went perfectly — until it didn’t.
Olympics

The Olympian won gold in the 100 meters, then caught Covid and came up short in his signature event.

By Kyndall Cunningham
Culture
Everything you need to know for breaking’s Olympic debutEverything you need to know for breaking’s Olympic debut
Culture

Rule number one: Don’t call it breakdancing.

By Aja Romano
Culture
Why readers love — and love to hate — Colleen HooverWhy readers love — and love to hate — Colleen Hoover
Culture

It Ends With Us is at the center of Hoover’s very polarizing body of work.

By Constance Grady
I’m a Black vegan. Why don’t you see more of us?
Future Perfect

People of color are more likely to be vegan. But the animal rights movement still has a white face.

By Noella Williams
Olympics
Why India’s star wrestler was disqualified at the OlympicsWhy India’s star wrestler was disqualified at the Olympics
Olympics

Vinesh Phogat was just ounces away from a medal.

By Ellen Ioanes