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  • The Me(dia) Generation: The Takeover of Digital Influencers

    Miquela Sousa, also known as Lil Miquela, is a modern, 19-year-old influencer who has captured the fashion industry’s attention. She’s the epitome of cool with her unique style blending high fashion, vintage, and streetwear. The only catch – Miquela isn’t real.

    Lil Miquela is a CGI creation. She has a strong following of over 1.1 million loyal Instagram fans, challenging our understanding of reality and social media. She recently released an Instagram post revealing she is not a human being. Miquela claims her “managers” are a Los Angeles-based startup called Brud, who supposedly stole her technology from Cain Intelligence, a company that doesn’t exist.

    Miquela’s purpose remains unclear. Is she an art project? A social experiment? A marketing strategy? Or something more dystopian, straight out of a science fiction movie?

    Creating CGI models is one thing. Operating them as humans, complete with friends, enemies, and drama, is another. And let’s not forget the money they earn from brand sponsorships.

    But Lil Miquela isn’t alone. CGI model Shudu, portrayed as a dark-skinned black woman, recently caused controversy. Fenty Beauty reposted an image of Shudu wearing the brand’s lipstick, which led to backlash as critics argued that a real woman of color was denied an opportunity.

    These digital models not only exacerbate beauty standards but also raise questions about what we’re doing to our understanding of reality. What happens when the female bodies featured in magazines, on billboards, and across social media are not even partially natural?

    Despite this, digital influencers like Lil Miquela can have a positive impact. Miquela’s Instagram bio advocates for Black Lives Matter and links to the charity Black Girls Code. But is her very existence doing more harm than good?

    These perfect digital images make us feel that our real lives are not glamorous enough. People should have genuine role models with honest consciences and actual problems. CGI creaturcan’tn’t make mistakes because thdon’tn’t exist past the screen.

    Perhaps Miquela is here to teach us to be mo”e “r”al” on our own social media feeds. Make our social media lives more like scrapbooks than sophisticated digital marketing machines. Mayit’st’s time to connect real-life people living in real places worldwide. Perit’s it’s time to be human again.


    This article was cited in a blog post by Inyoung Choi ti”led “My embarrassing love story (Here we go, F”OTQ),” published on Jan. 15, 2019. In her post, Choi discusses her approach to love and relationships, the idea of emotional connection, and the concept of care in human relationships. She also shares some interesting articles by her peers, including JuliYonis’sn”s’s “The Me(dia) Generation: The Takeover of Digital Influe”cers,” published in MINT Magazine.

  • Why Femme Male Models Matter: Shattering Stereotypes in Fashion

    In an enlightening editorial on the roles and stereotypes in the fashion industry, “Why Femme Male Models Matter” explores the growing trend of gender fluidity in fashion. Siena Fay delves into this topic with personal experiences and industry examples. You can find the complete article and corresponding photo collection here.

    Siena Fay and her brother Blue Fay models for the editorial, which Jessica Yeung beautifully photographs. Their explorations into fashion and its impact on their own lives present an illuminating view on how gender roles and stereotypes are being challenged.

    Siena’s brother, Blue, himself a model, defies traditional gender norms with grace and style. Not alone in this endeavor, the fashion industry has begun to blur the lines between femininity and masculinity. Designers such as Marc Jacobs, Stefano Pilati, Gucci, Vetements, and Palomo Spain have challenged these conventions, showcasing their collections on mixed-sex models.

    The fashion world is progressively diluting the stark boundaries of traditional masculinity. This allows individuals to express their identities more authentically. For instance, Louis Vuitton cast Jaden Smith in its Spring-Summer 2016 womenswear ad campaign, described by Vogue as cyberpunk bohemian chic.

    “I consider myself gender-fluid, and (modeling) is interestingly enough one of the few spaces where I really get to explore that part of my identity in a celebrated way,” said Blue Fay. Despite the progress, gender-fluid individuals still encounter resistance, making their bravery in expressing their identity all the more commendable.

    While fashion provides an avenue to challenge gender stereotypes, the struggle for acceptance outside the industry remains real. “Sometimes I worry when my brother goes to the bank or Target with his pointed blue acrylic nails and red lipstick. But mostly, I am proud,” shares Siena.

    In a time when political dynamics and societal norms seem more regressive, fashion is striking back with a strong message of inclusion. Icons like Jaden Smith and Pharrell Williams have championed the cause, normalizing what wasn’t expected before their time. The movement isn’t just about the inclusion of femme male models or gender-fluid individuals. It is about pushing for a broader representation beyond the traditional molds.

    The fashion industry is striving towards this goal, but there is still a long way to go. As Siena Fay beautifully puts it, “Fashion still has a long way to go before all genders and identities are represented, but the space being carved out is promising. Perhaps we will witness fashion change the social construct of masculinity. Perhaps we already are, one skirt at a time.”

    To understand the full depth of this conversation, explore the original article. It’s not just about fashion. It’s about identity, acceptance, and the courage to challenge societal norms.

  • The Golden Standard: Redefining Beauty through Diversity and Inclusion

    In an engaging showcase of the changing beauty norms, “The Golden Standard” editorial visually complements an enlightening discussion on the representation of people of color in the beauty industry. Be sure to explore the captivating images here.

    As societal definitions of beauty continue to evolve, one seemingly immovable constant has been an inherently unequal standard of beauty. With its global influence, the beauty industry has historically followed the interests of its dominant buyers. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a beauty standard that favors lighter skin tones.

    Recently, however, this narrative has begun to shift. The September 2017 release of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, with its wide range of 40 foundation shades, challenged the industry standard. With a commitment to creating for “all skin colors, all undertones, from all countries,” the line has been a game changer in beauty norms.

    In response, other makeup brands such as L’Oreal, Estée Lauder, and Kylie Cosmetics have started featuring models of darker skin tones in their campaigns. This shift promotes a broader definition of beauty, a much-needed change in the industry.

    Yet, while this shift towards inclusion is promising, it raises important questions. Are these companies genuinely committed to embracing diversity, or are these actions simply responses to market pressures? As consumers, we must scrutinize the intent behind these new inclusive lines and ensure they are more than a passing trend.

    To dive deeper into this conversation, delve into the original article where Stanford’s women of color discuss their experiences with the changing face of the beauty industry. The piece, written by Esther Omole, explores the impact of the evolving beauty industry, from the release ofRihanna’ss Fenty Beauty to the response of other major makeup brands.

    Explore the dynamic photo collection, taken by Jessica Yeung and modeled by Alexa Davy, Krithi Reddy, Tricia Monte, and Naya Yassin, that illustrates the depth and beauty of the new standards being set in the industry. Discover the essence of this change through the following images:

    These images and the enlightening conversation they accompany give us a glimpse into a more diverse future for the beauty industry. But the journey is far from over. If we hope to witness a true revolution in beauty standards, we must persist in challenging an excluding standard of beauty and continue to demand diversity and inclusion.

  • Give Face: Youthful Exuberance Shines in Ms. White’s Celebratory Drag Show

    Give Face, Stanford’s locally renowned drag show, is once again ready to hit the stage, featuring the vivacious Ms. White. As an artist based in the cultural hub of New York City, Ms. White has used her music to bravely document her personal journey, encapsulating everything from her relationships to her gender transition.

    This event, co-hosted by Stanford Concert Network and The Freeks, promises a high-energy, youthful introduction to Ms. White. An artist well-known for her vibrant personality and praised by Out Magazine for her “bright personality,” Ms. White brings a youthful exuberance and fresh perspective to her performance.

    Ms. White’s debut EP, named Jade, is an empowering testament to her self-discovery and the affirmation of her womanhood. With a tribute to the late Amy Jade Winehouse, Ms. White beautifully intertwines her exploration of femininity with the influential women who have inspired her.

    In an industry often characterized by patriarchal structures, Ms. White’s music boldly challenges these norms while celebrating the power and resilience of womanhood. Her unique blend of critique and celebration gives her music an edge, making it an exhilarating experience for the audience.

    While the show contains explicit content and is recommended for mature audiences, it encapsulates the spirit of youthful rebellion and the quest for identity. Mark your calendars, and prepare to be captivated by Ms. White’s dynamic charm and youthful spirit. Witness her powerful declaration of femininity in all its splendor at the Give Face drag show.

    For more behind-the-scenes content, delve into Give Face: Part 1 – Behind the Scenes on Stanford Mint.

  • A Conversation with Mesro Coles-El: The Power of Education and Resilience in the Prison System

    Introduction

    Every so often, we encounter an individual who can illuminate the profound impact that education and personal resilience can have on one’s life, even in the most challenging circumstances. Mesro Coles-El is one such individual. An inmate at San Quentin State Prison, Mesro, is currently graduating from the Prison University Project. He shares a few insights about his life, education, challenges, and aspirations with us. His story serves as a reminder that opportunity and potential can thrive anywhere – even within prison walls.

    Education and Legacy

    Coles-El champions the transformative power of education. He views it not merely as a stepping-stone to employment but as a life-changing journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. “College courses are not engineered to change your minds about your life completely. What if the class teaches you something right that you thought about wrongly? Make it a point to welcome the change in your life that comes with education,” he advises.

    The Prison University Project

    Grateful for the dedicated volunteers who have chosen to invest their time in inmates like him, Mesro believes the Prison University Project provides a much-needed platform for interactive learning. “Hearing ideas from teachers and students simultaneously is the best way to learn, in my opinion,” he shares.

    Challenging Assignments and Personal Achievements

    While unable to pinpoint a specific assignment as his favorite, Mesro reflects fondly on the collective experience of learning in prison, an environment far from conducive to intellectual growth. Among his proudest accomplishments are a poem titled “Human Element,” inspired during a chemistry midterm, a piece named “The Rock, the River, and the Tree,” published in OpenLine, and a series of film boards he created for Introduction to Film.

    Advice for Incoming Students

    To future students, Mesro’s advice is simple but impactful: take education seriously. He implores them to embrace the chance of a lifetime and not to squander the opportunities that come with it. “A chance for an education is not given to everyone the way some think it is,” he says, emphasizing the role of professors as supportive and enriching figures in this process.

    Future Aspirations

    Beyond completing his AA Degree, Mesro has set his sights on teaching and furthering his education, specifically in computer-based skills such as CGI, video games, films, websites, and programming. He also aspires to use his writing to effect social change and engage in creative pursuits in the digital world.

    Challenges and Misconceptions

    For Mesro, time management is one of the most significant challenges of being a college student. He candidly discusses the often misunderstood reality of prison life and the need for changes in the criminal justice system. He hopes to dispel the stereotypes surrounding incarcerated individuals and foster an understanding of their journey toward self-improvement and societal contribution.

    Influential Figures

    While he can’t single out one tutor or instructor, Mesro attributes his success to the collective impact of all the teachers and tutors he’s interacted with. Their open-mindedness and dedication have inspired his aspirations to become a teacher one day.

    Liberal Arts Education

    To Mesro, a Liberal Arts education signifies preparation for more specialized areas of study. He sees the reflection of Liberal Arts as instrumental in gaining a broad understanding of the world and serving as a foundation for further educational pursuits.

    Passions and Extra-curricular Activities

    Mesro has many passions, from literacy, gaming, mathematics, and social change, to hip-hop, science fiction, and astrophysics. His upcoming book, Triumph, combines several of these passions, presenting a science fiction narrative inspired by his commitment to literacy and education. Besides writing, he also engages in gaming, applying its techniques to his life and educational pursuits.

    Support System and Words of Wisdom

    Mesro credits his success to the Prison University Project volunteers, his encouraging parents, supportive friends, and classmates. He offers congratulation and encouragement to his fellow graduates, urging them to keep fighting for a better world.

    Coles-El’s story shines a light on the power of education and resilience, reminding us that it’s never too late to change our life trajectory, irrespective of where we find ourselves. His narrative embodies the possibilities of growth and transformation, even within the confines of the prison system.