Study Breaks - Fresh perspectives on pop culture from students across the United States.

Cowboy Bebop—An Enduring Animated Classic

Cowboy Bebop is a show that has stood the test of time. Let’s look back and see what made it such a landmark in the industry.

Kyle A. McLaughlin, Elizabethtown College

May 10, 2024

Lisa Frankenstein and Jennifer Check standing in front of pink background.

Screens

‘Lisa Frankenstein’ & ‘Jennifer’s Body:’ Female Empowerment Through Murder

Diablo Cody’s “Lisa Frankenstein” and “Jennifer’s Body” creepy female protagonists feel the most alive through death.

May 9, 2024

Screens

Past Lives: Portraying Authentic Love in Film

Many romance films often celebrate the grand gestures in love, but Celine Song’s “Past Lives” brings light to the quiet moments of intimacy that often accompany authentic love.

May 9, 2024

A golden French horn shines against a glossy purple background, flickering in misty streams like the northern lights. A forceful, shining beam of energy erupts from the horn's head, contrasting against the muted tones of the background with its glittering hues. The word "JAZZ" floats out from the horn, into the float, rendered in a phosphorus, cloud-like texture.

Jazz And All It Can Do

A crash course in the all-American art form, its various forms and variations and its compelling presence in recent films.

Album Review: Victoria Bigelow bares her soul on ‘Songs For No One, Vol. 2’

The singer-songwriter’s latest EP captures the sweeping sounds of the West while grappling with hard truths

David Attenborough with prairie dog on shoulder.

David Attenborough: A Birthday Celebration

Turning 98 years of age this May, Sir David Attenborough has inspired many and continues to change the world through his work.

The Wickedly Cool and Extraordinary Spirituality of the Afro-diasporas and Latin America

Black magic is not evil magic, but rather, the empowerment of Black and Brown communities. Here are some of their most captivating spiritual practices.

A woman with blond hair and a white coat stands in from of a background coated in foggy textures of orange, white and pink. The background is dotted with orange stars, and to the woman's right hangs a speech bubble, containing letters that look scribbled in pencil-mark black, except for the bottom word, which is boldly highlighted in the colors of the background.

If Someone Says She’s a Lesbian, She’s a Lesbian

Audiences doubt lesbian identification, often venturing into harsh scrutinization of individuals’ dating lives.

FEATURED

Women wearing Latine fashion with colorful filters.

Latine Streetwear Fashion: An Evergreen Vogue and Indigenous Resistance to Whiteness

Latine swagger is timeless in the world of fashion. From 90’s Cholas in lowriders to modern-day streetwear and even “Hot Cheeto girl” aesthetics, Latine styles certainly make their mark.

Emily Diaz, DePaul University

Faded art of foods on decorative plates set out on a table with bright green, red and yellow colors.

More than Struggle: Palestinian Cuisine

An ode to the flavors of Palestine, a culture exemplified through their soulful cooking and heartfelt social traditions.

Farah Shah, University of Central Florida

In this article, about the importance and impact of listening to indigenous voices in 2024, an orange analog radio against a blue background is shooting out lightning bolts as its dial is being torn by light brown hair draped in a blue, embroidered sleeve. Half of the background is blacked out, with jagged edges running diagonally up the center.

The Impact of Listening to Indigenous Voices in 2024 America

What changing museum guidelines and a push for more representation of indigenous voices in award shows means for the present moment.

Archie Wagner, University of Iowa

Illustration of woman floating with luxury items and a long receipt around her.

Debt and Dior: South Korea’s Advancing Debt from Luxury Purchases

Designer products in South Korea have led to a rising debt crisis, especially among young people.

Finlay O'Connell, Minerva University

The Latin Lover Is Back and He Has A “Mustache Goatee Combo”

Your crush is a dud with a good barber and colonizer genes and your interest in him is based on a hollow perception of Latinidad. Oops!

Roberto Soto

The Brilliance of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s Leading Ladies in Television

Insights into two of TV’s most beloved female leads, Lorelai Gilmore and Miriam Maisel.

Noah Hernandez, University of Texas at San Antonio

Shakespeare, ‘Coriolanus’ and ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’

How “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” draws from the ill-fated hero of Shakespeare's play “Coriolanus.”

Noah Hernandez, University of Texas at San Antonio

It’s Time to Talk About Filipino Food

An introduction to an underrated Asian cuisine.

Sydney Chastain, Florida State University

Dark Cafes and Big Yellow Taxis—The Everlasting World of Joni Mitchell

Now in her 80th year on earth, Mitchell’s work continues to influence young generations of fans.

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

What’s the Obsession with ‘Bluey’?

The fun-loving blue heeler and her sister, Bingo, have taken the hearts of millions across the world.

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

For an article about sonification of space data, a person sits cross-legged with head phones on staring off. A blue background with musical notes around them.

By the Way, the Universe Is Always Singing

How sonifications of space data are broadening horizons for interpretation and interaction between humans and the cosmos.

Farah Shah, University of Central Florida

An illustration of Bridgit Mendler standing in front of a 30th birthday cake

Bridgit Mendler: Where Is She Now?

Despite never matching the fame of other Disney Channel stars, she left an undeniable impact on our childhoods.

Paul Hoskin, Weber State University

For an article on the Weeki Wachee park, a woman in a bathing suit on a floating device while in water while mermaids swim below her.

The Wonders of Weeki Wachee

A roadside attraction brought mermaids, Hollywood and Elvis to Florida.

Sydney Chastain, Florida State University

For an article on the obsessed artist trope in film, a figure sits criss crossed while writing in a journal in blue wash.

Exploring the “Obsessed Artist” Trope in Film

We all have something that we might go to extremes and obsessive lengths to achieve.

Karla D. Galvan, The University of Texas at San Antonio

For an article about the Percy Jackson Disney Plus series, two young boys stare into the sky. A young girl with braids stares off in a suit of armor. A lightning storm goes on in the background and a beast carries a figure by its neck.

TV’s Future Golden Boy: Percy Jackson, The Hero You’ve Been Waiting For

After almost 20 years, Percy Jackson and the series' long history of neurodivergent representation is getting the adaptation it deserves.

Havilah Sciabbarrasi, Florida State University

Who Are P1Harmony?

K-Pop Group P1Harmony Enters the Music Scene With Their Single "Fall In Love Again

Emma Troise, Manhattan College

LATEST

Screens

Cowboy Bebop—An Enduring Animated Classic

Cowboy Bebop is a show that has stood the test of time. Let’s look back and see what made it such a landmark in the industry.

Kyle A. McLaughlin, Elizabethtown College

Screens

‘Lisa Frankenstein’ & ‘Jennifer’s Body:’ Female Empowerment Through Murder

Diablo Cody’s “Lisa Frankenstein” and “Jennifer’s Body” creepy female protagonists feel the most alive through death.

Mariana Vaca, Lake Forest College

It illustrates the key aspects of different types of dog insurance plans, including Accident-Only Coverage, Illness Coverage, and Wellness Plans. The design is friendly and approachable, using calming colors and images of different dog breeds to make it relatable to a wide range of dog owners

Thoughts

Dog Insurance Guide: What You Need to Know

Imagine how happy you would be to bring home a new furry friend and look forward to all the adventures and unconditional love that lie ahead.

Daniel Reed

aphic designed to accompany your article on dog insurance. It illustrates the key aspects of different types of dog insurance plans, including Accident-Only Coverage, Illness Coverage, and Wellness Plans.

Thoughts

Dog Insurance Guide: What You Need to Know

Imagine how happy you would be to bring home a new furry friend and look forward to all the adventures and unconditional love that lie ahead.

Daniel Reed

Screens

Past Lives: Portraying Authentic Love in Film

Many romance films often celebrate the grand gestures in love, but Celine Song’s “Past Lives” brings light to the quiet moments of intimacy that often accompany authentic love.

Mark StenbergandFinlay O'Connell, Minerva University

Music

Jazz And All It Can Do

A crash course in the all-American art form, its various forms and variations and its compelling presence in recent films.

Santiago Rivera, Washington University in St. Louis

Music

Album Review: Victoria Bigelow bares her soul on ‘Songs For No One, Vol. 2’

The singer-songwriter’s latest EP captures the sweeping sounds of the West while grappling with hard truths

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

An engaging infographic that highlights key moments such as early identification of learning gaps, preparing for academic transitions, preventing summer learning loss, and addressing specific academic needs.

Thoughts

Finding the Optimal Time: When to Start Tutoring for Academic Success

Tutoring has become an increasingly popular option for students seeking additional academic support and enrichment.

Daniel Reed

Thoughts

David Attenborough: A Birthday Celebration

Turning 98 years of age this May, Sir David Attenborough has inspired many and continues to change the world through his work.

Finlay O'Connell, Minerva University

Thoughts

The Wickedly Cool and Extraordinary Spirituality of the Afro-diasporas and Latin America

Black magic is not evil magic, but rather, the empowerment of Black and Brown communities. Here are some of their most captivating spiritual practices.

Emily Diaz, DePaul University