Culture and media
Taking our cue from Raymond Williams’ ‘culture is ordinary’, we explore how politics works through old and new media, books, film, stage and screen, music and sport.
We cover a breadth of themes, from representations of class, race and gender in the arts, to progressive and reactionary uses of nostalgia, to the grassroots voices democratising the channels of communication.
Taking our cue from Raymond Williams’ ‘culture is ordinary’, we explore how politics works through old and new media, books, film, stage and screen, music and sport.
We cover a breadth of themes, from representations of class, race and gender in the arts, to progressive and reactionary uses of nostalgia, to the grassroots voices democratising the channels of communication.
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Will the beat go on?
Gerry Hart reports on lockdown, gentrification and the face of Newcastle’s live music
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The rise of comedian politicians
As more and more comedians find success in the political arena, Rhian Jones lists some of the most prominent examples of satirists turned statesmen
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Woke jokes and right-wing comedy
There’s nothing radical – or funny – about right-wing comedy, says Jake Laverde.
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How Corbyn unmasked comedy
Juliet Jacques argues that the way comedians treated Jeremy Corbyn demolished their anti-establishment credentials
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Gender, class and cliché in Normal People
The BBC hit drama shows the complexities of class mobility, but can’t avoid class and gender stereotypes, says Frances Hatherley
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Live debate: Can video games change the world?
Globally, 2.5 billion people play video games. Is the left in danger of overlooking their immense power and influence?
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The spoils of playing war
Video games play a key role in sustaining the global military-industrial complex, writes Marzena Zukowska