Blanche Macdonald Centre Fashion Marketing Magazine - Ego

EGO

M AG A Z I N E FOR

PEOPLE

f e a t u r i n g FROM A

CALGARY

STORY

ABOUT

TO

MILAN

DETERMINATION

01 ISSUE 01

MAR 2021

005

Putting Yourself First

06

Letter From The Editor

08

Luxury Or Lame?

10

Not Quite Juicy Enough

12

I See It, I Like It, I Want It, I Got It

16

Quarantine, Cooking & Craziness

17

Crossing New Horizons

18

Are You Still Watching?

20

Table of Contents “Fashion is the armour to survive the reality of everyday life.”

Bill Cunninghakm

From Calgary To Milan

24

Help! Globalisation Robbed My Identity

30

The Future Of Fashion

34

Ooh La La! My Love Affair With Paris

35

Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!

36

Name A More Iconic Duo

40

The Evolution Of House

42

Poetry’s Outkast’s

44

ABOUT ISSUE

EGO Magazine is a collective force of interesting stories written by interesting people. We cover important genres regarding fashion, music, art, film, politics and ideas from today’s everchanging society.

In our first issue, we strip back to the basics. We talk about identity, what influences us, how to look good and feel good while doing it.

US 01

MEET

THE

EGO

WRITERS

Editor in Chief Hayley Hynes Director of Design Rita Yacyshyn

Fashion Expert Ghieann Rayco Wellness guru Elena Kujovic Luxury Travel Advocate Mckenna Giese Grub Father Dylan Smith Rap Historian Quincy Smith Intern Joshua Evers

PUTTING YO U R S E L F FIRST The

only

side

you

practice

effect

you’ll

self-care

is

notice

happiness

when

ELENA

KUJOVIC

Many would say putting yourself before others is selfish, but the truth is it’s what brings the best out in all of us and allows us to live and love to the fullest. You should be able to love yourself just as much, if not then more than you love others. Many think that self-care is face masks and bubble baths, but that can only go so far if you can’t connect with your own emotions and heal them just as much as you do your body.

Of course, this advice is more helpful with some tips on how to start your journey.

Move Your Body

Dear Diary

Everyone has stress, (some people worse than others) and it can start to show in ways we would least expect.

Things like loss of appetite, acne, insomnia and even feeling unmotivated can all be symptoms of stress. Working out is a great way to start feeling better, no matter how you choose to get moving. When we work out, our body releases endorphins which have a positive and energizing effect on our mind and body.

Humans tend to bottle up emotions, which can cause anxiety and depression to worsen. A good way to get your emotions out and off your chest is to keep a journal - this is something that can benefit everyone. It’s like a free therapy session that many people don’t take advantage of. When you allow yourself to vent, your brain registers that you’ve completed a task, and your dopamine levels begin to rise.

Digital Detox A very toxic thing that people do nowadays is compare themselves to others, especially on social media. Apps like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok can be very damaging to our mental health. Being able to take a break from social media can do wonders for your well-being. It gives you a chance to focus on the positive aspects of your own life and helps you deal or find peace with the negatives.

Making the decision to add even just one of these self-care tips into your daily routine can bring about all the good energy and peace that you’ve been craving.

6

The Cambridge Dictionary defines ego as “your idea or opinion of yourself, especially your feeling of your own importance of ability”, and that’s exactly what I want EGO Magazine to push you to think about.

Our first issue, created by a group of Vancouver fashion students aims to show readers what the world looks like right now, through the eyes of Generation Z in the midst of a pandemic.

Despite the chaos around us, we are choosing to boldly step forward and create content that will (hopefully) help make the world a better place. Even if the words found in these pages don’t necessarily resonate with your lived experience, let them inspire you to share stories of your own.

Form your own opinions on the shows we’ve recommended, the recipes we love, or the accessories that we’re obsessed with. Follow along on our personal trips to Paris, Hong Kong and Milan, and learn how to manifest the life of your dreams.

Take a flip through our magazine — inflate your EGO. x

8

LUXURY OR LAME?

BUYERS

BEWARE

THESE DESIGNER ITEMS AREN’T WORTH THE HYPE, BUT WE’VE FOUND ALTERNATIVES THAT ARE!

mckenna giese Never

Buy

A

Neverfull

Many would call the Louis Vuitton Neverfull a classic. I call it overworn. When you buy a designer bag you want it to be special and unique, right? I can tell you firsthand that you’ll see this bag multiple times while walking down the streets of Vancouver. As one of the most duped purses on the internet it’s nearly impossible for this bag to stand out in a crowd.

Some fantastic alternatives to the Neverfull include the YSL and Givenchy totes.

Timeless, classy and not to mention almost $500 less than the Louis Vuitton. These purses look expensive, but don’t scream designer (I like to call this a subtle flex).

The YSL tote is so chic and stylish, but isn’t seen everywhere. It comes in many colourways so it can be perfectly matched to any outfit. Yet another bonus is that it tends to go on sale on Boxing Day and Black Friday! Givenchy’s tote is slightly structured for a sleek and clean look.

This makes it perfect for a day at work, a weekend getaway, or just to use as an everyday bag.

Say

Goodbye

to

Gucci

Next up we have every Instagrammers favourite accessory, the Gucci belt. Designer belts have become a staple in many people’s closets, but this belt has one problem — it has been overused in fashion and adds nothing special to an outfit.

If you’re willing to drop a lot of cash on a designer belt, be open to looking at different brands.

So many luxury names make classier, stylish and even better looking belts than the played out GG. Some fantastic options include the Christian Dior 30 Montaigne belt and the Valentino Reversible V Logo.

The Christian Dior may be one of the best alternatives to Gucci’s. This belt gives off a similar vibe to the GG, but has an undeniably elevated feel. The price is steep, even for a designer piece, but it will guarantee that you stand out in a sea of basic belts.

This versatile Valentino option is easy to style with any outfit, plus it’s reversible and comes in many colourways. The best part of this belt is that it’s essentially two for the price of one. The logo is recognizable but not too flashy, making it a perfect alternative to the most overused designer belt on the planet.

10

Logo

Or

Luxury?

Rubber slides from any designer are a no from me. $500 on a pair of slides? I’ll pass!

You’re paying for a logo, not luxury with these shoes. To make matters worse they are quite uncomfortable, aren’t super stylish and are definitely overhyped.

When investing in a luxury pair of sandals it is important to focus on the shoe itself, not the brand. There are so many different styles and price ranges, so take your time to make an informed decision. Great alternatives include Gucci’s rubber sandals or the Marni Fussbett sandal.

Gucci’s adorable shoes are the same price as the slides but look more luxurious. They come in the cutest spring colours, making them the perfect addition to any closet. They can be worn around the pool (waterproof, yay!) or dressed up for a night out.

The Marni Fussbett sandals are a bit of a splurge but are worth every penny. If you’re looking for luxury, these are the way to go.

With leather criss-crossing straps, an adjustable back strap and gold details there isn’t much more you could ask for in a shoe.

Time

for

Trends

This one isn’t necessarily about the designer, but the style. For those of you looking to up your fashion game, let me introduce you to mini bags, mini bags, MINI BAGS! Along with these adorable accessories comes mini wallets, which give you an excuse to swap out your bulky pouch with a sleek and trendy cardholder.

You can’t go wrong with a wallet, big or small! However, if we’re talking trends, small is the way to go. You can find a card holder from basically any luxury brand, so the choice is yours. Bonus: with a smaller wallet comes a smaller price tag!

The Louis Key Pouch and The Balenciaga Mini Wallet are both great options.

My personal favourite is the Louis Vuitton Key Pouch; it fits all the cards you need, plus a little bit of cash. The fact it can be used as a key chain makes it so much more convenient — attach it to your purse, keys or even a belt loop!

If you’re still one to carry change, there are plenty of options for you too! The Balenciaga Mini Wallet has a change pouch plus more room for cards, making it more favorable for a wallet.

It also comes in endless colours making it easy to match any purse you already own!

Overall, when buying a designer piece it’s important to look at all of the pros and cons. DO NOT make an impulse buy. I mean lets be real here, this is something you’re going to want to keep forever and Gucci slides probably won’t be cool ten years from now. Have fun while doing your shopping because it’s always a great experience, but make sure that you’re in love with the item, not the logo.

11

Not Quite

Juicy Enough Netflix’s the

iconic

latest life

deliver

the

documentary

of

the

late

answers

gives

Biggie

that

we’ve

viewers Smalls, been

a

glimpse

but

it

looking

into

fails

to

for.

Quincy Smith

I Got A Story To Tell makes it clear that Christopher Wallace,

Biggie had a natural ability to connect with his fans, who

better known as The Notorious B.I.G, was born to shine. The

related to his insights on street life and vulnerability

Brooklyn MC is considered by many to be the best rapper

surrounding his personal issues; not only did he sound

of all time. Unfortunately, his life came to an early end when

good over a beat, but it was refreshing for a rapper to be so

he was fatally shot at just 24 years old. Despite this tragedy,

brutally honest during a time when New York rap was strictly

Biggie created a lasting impact on hip-hop that will be

braggadocious.

remembered forever. Although the documentary showcases the late star’s remarkable talents, it ignores other important

The most Juicy (no pun intended) details about Biggie’s

aspects of his life.

life are left out. Lil’ Kim, his ex-girlfriend and fellow Junior Mafia member, is not mentioned at all. She watched his

The film features interviews with the rapper’s family and

rise to fame from beginning to end, yet this story fails to

closest collaborators: Manager Sean “P Diddy” Combs and

include her role in his life. The documentary only touches

Wallace’s mother, Voletta. Biggie’s untimely death is sugar-

briefly on the infamous beef Biggie had with Tupac Shakur.

coated, and for viewers unfamiliar with his fate, the incident

In an archival tape shown in the film, Biggie reveals to an

is painted to be completely random. The lack of disclosure is

interviewer that the two are no longer friends. However,

what makes the film so frustrating.

we’re not informed that the two were once close; only their rivalry is mentioned.

It is evident that although proud of Biggie, Wallace feared for her son more than anything else; at one point, she even

Fans of the rapper know that the relationship between him

passionately expresses the anger she felt towards him when

and Tupac went sour quickly, and they would often insult

she found out he had been selling drugs. Diddy chose

each other in their raps. In the years since the incident, there

to leave out personal details about him and the rapper’s

have been numerous conspiracies and speculations that the

relationship to focus on his powerful legacy, expressing how

two tragic deaths were somehow linked and stemmed from

he always knew Biggie would become a star.

their common goal of revenge. The film’s decision to ignore Tupacs involvement was not only frustrating for curious fans

Certainly, the information provided is still insightful. One

but also left Biggie’s story feeling unresolved as a whole

of the film’s best-portrayed parts would have to be Biggie’s undisputed talent behind the microphone. As a child,

I Got A Story To Tell is like a three-course-meal without the

he spent time exploring various music genres, including

dessert. It provides enough to sate the audience’s hunger

Jamaican dancehall, R&B, and jazz fusion. The diverse

but not enough to satisfy them fully. It is much more a

sounds are translated into Biggie’s one-of-a-kind flow,

coming-of-age story than a full introspection of Biggie’s

which is compared to the drum tempo of Max Roach by the

devastatingly short life and the conspiracies that surround it.

rapper’s neighbor, Donald.

12

I Like It I I Want It I See It The but

world is yours; only if you work

for

Got It

it!

Hayley Hynes

In recent years, the art of manifestation has become increasingly popular. I first discovered this life-changing phenomenon when I was just 15 years old and many of the key principles have stuck with me over the years, helping shape me into the woman that I am today.

In her catchy track “7 Rings”, pop sensation Ariana Grande recites the lyrics “I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it.” To me, these words embody the exact mindset that a person needs to be in when trying to bring the life of their dreams into fruition through manifesting.

It’s important to have a very specific understanding of what it is that you want, and then start living your life as if you already have it — even if actually attaining it seems impossible. With some inspiration from Miss Grande (and some helpful tips from yours truly, of course), you’ll start to feel yourself reaching the goals that once felt so far away.

Get Clear On Your Vision

Detach From Your Desires

Let’s be real, you’ll never feel as though you’ve succeeded if

In my opinion, this is the most difficult part of the entire manifestation

you don’t first take the time to figure out exactly what your

process. After you’ve let the universe know what it is that you want,

goals are. Once you’ve done that, I recommend making a vision

you need to prove to her that you don’t NEED it by detaching.

board that you can look at regularly to remind yourself of what you’re trying to achieve.

When I find myself obsessively thinking about something that I’m trying to bring into my life, I’m often reminded of a quote from the

Remember that there are no rules! You can create your board

late, great Mac Miller — “I let it go, but I never go with it.”

using an app like Pinterest, or go old school and cut images and words out of a magazine. The latter option is my personal

If the universe senses that you’re clinging on to your manifestations,

favourite. I usually cut out words that describe the woman I

I can promise you that you won’t be receiving them anytime soon.

am right now, the woman that I want to be, and any images or

Have you ever noticed that the things you want the most always come

random phrases that resonate with the life that I’m trying to

around when you aren’t thinking about them anymore? That’s no

create.

coincidence.

You can update your vision board as frequently as you’d like; I

Know what it is that you want, but know that you will also be

usually change mine around every season, or whenever I feel as

okay if you don’t get it. Like Buddha said, “the root of suffering is

though I’m experiencing a major shift of some sort.

attachment!”

Visualize Your Highest Selfand S tart Showing up as Them

In life, you have two choices — evolve or repeat. If you’re feeling sick and tired of the way that things panning out, then you need to consciously make the decision to figure out why that may be by following the two steps I’ve listed above.

Once you’ve done that, then it’s time to put your thoughts into action by becoming the version of yourself that you’ve always wanted to be.

Want to become a morning person? Start getting up earlier! Want to save money? Set financial boundaries!

The life of your dreams can be yours, but only when you make the brave decision to put all of your distractions to the side and channel the energy of your highest self. If you don’t you’ll spend the rest of your days repeating the same painful cycles over and over until you finally learn the lessons you’re being faced with.

16

Q Cooking u a r a n t i n e and

Craziness

These mouthwatering TikTok recipes will make you question everything you know about cooking.

Mckenna Giese

Feta Pasta

This boundary crossing recipe may have you thinking, “we should leave pasta to the Italians and feta to the Greeks.” Let's be honest, cheese and pasta? How could you go wrong! This baked pasta recipe uses few ingredients, is so simple to make and tastes FANTASTIC!

Our Verdict: Feta Complete!

Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapenos, cream cheese and takis. I guess you could call this a homemade jalapeno popper, but really, takis? Yes! They add the perfect crunch to this easy snack, and if you’re not one to do spice you can swap the jalapeno out for a pepper. Simple, cheap and delicious! (Also if takis aren’t your thing, try everything bagel seasoning — trust me.)

Our Verdict: Jal Of a Snack

Toaster Quesadillas

If you love your panini press like me, this idea may seem plain mad. Why not use the George Foreman or fry it in a pan with some butter? Because of clean up and time, of course! If you’re running late, starving or just need a quick snack, these toaster quesadillas take less than five minutes to make and are extremely tasty!

Plus you can totally customize them with the ingredients of your choice.

Our Verdict: Quesa DO Make It

Whipped Coffee

This recipe turned instant coffee into a hot commodity, making it almost impossible to find. Yes, you read that right — instant coffee. What about our Keurigs? This whipped coffee will outshine anything that comes from a machine. Although it takes a little effort to make those fluffy peaks by hand, it is so worth it in the end.

Most of you probably have the ingredients hidden somewhere in your pantry!

Our Verdict: Whip It Real Good!

17

The Video Game of The Pandemic Unexpectedly Unites The Fashion World

CROSSING NEW HORIZONS Nintendo has sold over 13 million copies of Animal Crossing: New Horizons since its highly anticipated release last March.

The simulation-based game allows players to build their own communities on a newly inhabited island and, more importantly, create their own clothes. Animal Crossing is unlike any game I’ve played. Users are allowed to essentially design their own garments while other games only offer specific customizations. With offered functions such as selecting silhouettes, hemlines and even the ability to create custom patterns, the Animal Crossing craze has been positively adopted by the world of fashion.

Reverence Festival, a Berlin-based fashion organization, took Animal Crossing’s potential one step further by creating a fashion show with avatars dressed in current season looks. The creations were inspired by internationally recognized designers such as Prada, Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga. Kara Chung, owner of Instagram account @animalcrossingfashionarchive, is the one who brought this idea to the forefront with the help of renowned stylist Marc Goehring of 032C. Instead of working with PR to determine the available outfits on the shoot day, Goehring worked with Chung to select pieces that would translate well to the aesthetic of the video game.

18

RITA

YACYSHYN

CROSSING NEW HORIZONS The virtual show amounted to a 3-minute YouTube video featuring background music by Joon that was soundtracked by Michel Gaubert. “I hope it will reach a lot of people from every horizon, and especially people who may only have a vague idea of what a fashion show actually is like,” says Gaubert.

The world-renowned DJ has been recognized as one of the industry’s leading sound directors and has produced shows for an extensive list of clients such as Christian Dior, Fendi and Loewe. His one-of-a-kind first all-digital show required a different approach as it was meant to cater to an atypical demographic; the younger audiences that are using the game to pass time and adjust to the new advances of a deadly pandemic.

“It was important for me that the music remain as accessible as the game,” explains Gaubert. “The show had to have a fun and enchanting spirit as it is a bit of a sweet little parody — just like Animal Crossing itself is an imitation of life which connects a lot of people these days, for the same reasons.”

To find out more about Reverence Festival and their Animal Crossing endeavour, check out the full show on YouTube.

19

ARE

S T I L L W A TCHING? YOU As we find ourselves nearly a year into the pandemic, we reflect back on the best

Hayley Hynes

(and worst) Netflix shows that have kept us entertained through these trying times.

Tiger King

March

Perhaps the most mind blowing piece of content to come from Netflix is Tiger King, a docu-series that tells the unbelievable story of former zoo operator, Joe Exotic. The life of a zookeeper is bound to be an interesting one, but it doesn’t hurt that Exotic is also a gun-toting polygamist with a wardrobe full of sequins either.

If you’re looking for a show that’s going to put your jaw on the floor, this is it!

Too Hot To Handle

April

There’s something to be said about those who are bold enough to broadcast their quest for love on reality TV for the world to see. Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle is quite unlike any other show you’ve ever seen, in that the competitors are forced into abstinence while vacationing on a tropical island filled with other good-looking commitmentphobes. Like most other shows of this genre, it’s missable but provides some laughs and allows you to at least pretend that you’re relaxing on the beach.

Space Force

May

When it was announced that Steve Carell would be teaming up for Netflix for a new comedy series, we were all hoping for The Office 2.0. Unfortunately, Space Force didn’t quite deliver, although it does still have its moments! The starstudded cast includes Lisa Kudrow, Diana Silvers, Ben Schwartz, and the late Fred Willard.

Floor Is Lava

June

We’re disappointed but not surprised that someone out there decided a TV show emulating a popular childhood playground game was necessary. On Floor Is Lava, teams compete against one another to make their way across a tricky obstacle course as quickly as possible. The twist, as you may have guessed, is that the ground is made of “lava” and will quickly swallow up anyone who slips.

Good Girls: Season 3

july

Good Girls follows a group of three close friends who have known one another since childhood. As they find themselves drowning in the difficulties of motherhood and marriage, they decide to pursue a career in crime in hopes of picking up some cash. The show’s latest season hit Netflix over the summer, and it was filled with endless twists and turns.

Unfortunately, the abrupt ending left us feeling confused.

Dirty John: The Berry Broderick Story

august

If the name Betty Broderick sounds familiar to you, it’s not a coincidence! The housewife was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder back in 1991. The second season of Dirty John tells the tale of how Broderick murdered her ex-husband and his second wife after enduring years of mental abuse at his hands. This series is captivating from start to finish; Amanda Peet makes being scorned look pretty damn glamorous.

september

Ratched

Ryan Murphy is known for creating some of the most iconic shows in recent TV history — Glee, American Horror Story, Scream Queens, and now Ratched! The easy 8-episode binge follows Nurse Ratched, a character borrowed from One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, prior to the events of the original film. Murphy casts fan-favourites from his other shows like Finn Wittrock and Sarah Paulson, and his eerie storytelling will send shivers down your spine.

20

ARE

S T I L L W A TCHING? YOU As we find ourselves nearly a year into the pandemic, we reflect back on the best

Hayley Hynes

(and worst) Netflix shows that have kept us entertained through these trying times.

Emily In Paris

October

Hands down the best part about Emily in Paris is that it features the work of legendary Sex and the City costume designer, Patricia Field. The Netflix original takes us along with Emily as she embarks on a new life in the city of love, eager to make a name for herself in the Paris marketing world.

Along the way, she collects plenty of Instagram followers (and handsome suitors).

The Crown: Season 4

NOVEMBER

Seeing someone as iconic as Lady Diana Spencer come to life on camera is an experience you don’t want to miss, and Emma Corrin does a fantastic job of portraying her. The Crown is a show that moves slowly, but if you have the patience for it, and can keep up with the clever British wit, it’s worth checking out!

Bridgerton

DECEMBER

Keeping with our theme of royalty, we would be remiss not to mention Bridgerton. The Shonda Rhimes produced series that takes place during England’s Regency era, where eight siblings find themselves on the quest for love. Bridgerton is scandalous, to say the least, but like most things Rhimes produces, it is filled with nuggets of solid gold.

Fate: The Winx Saga

January

If you spent any of your childhood on winxclub.com, you’ll remember that the cartoon fairies were known for being stylish af. Unfortunately, the costume designer of Fate: The Winx Saga let us down; these are not the characters we know and love!

Thankfully, the show has some redeeming moments, and it’s filmed in beautiful Ireland, which is a refreshing change of scenery.

February

Firefly Lane

Filmed right here in British Columbia, Firefly Lane stars Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke as two life-long best friends who have experienced endless ups and downs together over the years. The show touches on emotional but important topics but maintains a light-hearted tone that makes it easy to binge in a day or two.

The Perfect Pairing

My favourite snacks are sure to make your #NetflixAndChill a 10/10!

21

f r o m Ca l g a ry You never know where life will t ake you!

With a few months of hard work and determination, I was able to t ake my styling career from the conservative city of Calgary to magazines in Milan.

Ghieann Rayco Fashion styling was never something I thought about when looking into future career paths. I always thought, let’s fulfill my parents’ dream of becoming a doctor, nurse, or maybe even a dentist. Not only was it a fight between my wants versus that of my parents, but also the fact that my GPA didn’t agree with the idea as well. A couple of years down the road, I found myself thinking more and more about how I looked. Not necessarily my face, but about how I presented myself and what I wore. I found a passionate love for style and truly believed in its power to build confidence.

Out of the blue, an opportunity hit me. As my social media presence began to skyrocket, going from 300 to 3,000 followers, a close friend of mine asked me if I had ever styled someone before. “Me, style someone?”, I thought. It had never occurred to me that helping people get dressed was a real job!

my first photoshoot Summer 2019 was when my friend recruited me to style a photoshoot that she was directing. At the time I had no idea what my job was, what measurements were or anything I was doing for that matter. The phrase “fake it till you make it” had never been more relevant in my life, yet something felt right about the whole situation.

In January of 2020, word had gotten out that I had started styling. Living in Calgary at the time, fashion stylists were hard to come by. My cousin was a makeup artist who worked with the agency Mode Models International and asked if I was interested in working with one of their models.

Still not knowing the basics about being a stylist, I thought “maybe it’s time to take things more seriously.” I call this my first real photoshoot because afterward, I knew that fashion styling was what I wanted to pursue.

24

t o

M i l a n my first cover story Unfortunately for me, I found myself at peak creativity right when the COVID lockdown began. One week before restrictions were put into place, I had the chance to work with The People Management agency. This was a photoshoot I put together and directed.

Being new to styling, you can imagine that not everything went as planned. The makeup artist cancelled the night before the photo shoot, the model ran late, and yet I still managed to keep a positive mindset.

Two months post-photoshoot and midlockdown, I received an email from the photographer I had worked with. To my surprise, we ended up landing the cover story of “Faddy,” a magazine located in Italy.

25

f r o m Ca l g a ry my first test shoot

After getting the hang of styling and understanding the job at hand, Jian Von, an amazing local photographer reached out about styling an agency’s test shoot. There were six models, all in need of four looks each. At this point in my career, I knew what I was doing, although I’d never done a photo shoot with multiple models.

This was my first agency paid photoshoot, so the standard was higher. The models were 13-17 years old. I had to seat each of them, speak with their parents, and pave the way for what the industry would look like for them moving forward. I felt nervous, but it gave me a great rush. There was a feeling of warmth being in a room of talented beings, working together to reach the same goal. After an excessive amount of collaborations, it finally felt like my passion was truly coming to life.

26

t o

M i l a n Ghieann Rayco

These images were taken the day of my test shoot; never in a million years would I have thought they’d end up in Vogue.

A couple of months after my test shoot, I had already moved to Vancouver for school. At this point in my life, with the stress of moving to an entirely new city to pursue fashion, I fell into a negative mindset. Two months post-photoshoot I got an email from the photographer with a link to Vogue Italia, stating we had been published. I was astonished and felt emotional. I told myself that I came to Vancouver for a reason, and that with my passion for fashion, I could pursue my dreams of becoming a successful name in the industry.

27

HELP! G L O B A L I S AT I O N

STOLE

MY

IDENTITY!

I am not Canadian, yet not fully Brazilian. Born and raised

I went to a private British school in Hong Kong at a time

in Hong Kong, I was caught between these three places

where the city’s autonomy remained ambiguous and

in a nebulous third culture. As rare as the situation might

lingerings of an ex-British colony were demonstrated

sound, the isolation and identity crises that come from

through its socio-political freedom. However, the

being a Third Culture Kid (TCK) are not uncommon. The

traditional and cultural values continue to enforce a

truth is that many people have a similar story to mine,

dangerously competitive learning environment. Imagine

especially those in military families or with businesses

growing up with the ideologies of excelling beyond

overseas.

expectation rooted into your schooling system,

A study conducted by psychologist Antonio Morales

As a result of these academic pressures, Hong Kong

(2015) reveals that the TCK demographic is growing

consistently places in the top 30 highest suicide rates in

because of an increase in families moving from their

the world, with one-third of its teenaged population (ages

homes to foreign countries for job opportunities,

10-14) deemed at high risk for self-harm and suicide. I

education or military. This results in a challenging feat for

feel the remains of society’s expectations regarding high

students and the education system. The enrollments for

academic performance deeply rooted in my understanding

international schools ensue and the need for transitional

of self-worth; I often become self-deprecating in times

programs only becomes more demanded. As we evolve

where I feel I could’ve done better. As I grow older, I

into adulthood, common themes such as adopting the

realise that it’s imperative to translate that into a glazing

voice of the outsider and silencing it, finding value in

fire — to wake up every day and be the best version of

establishing independence and the necessity of a future

myself. My daily mantra, you ask? Always compete with

international lifestyle become pervasive.

who you were yesterday.

Third Culture Kids develop a sense of relationship to

Hong Kong has a large population of expatriates, so

closely affiliated cultures while not having full ownership

growing up truly felt like I was a part of a like-minded

of any. Since we’re accustomed to living a transient

community that endorsed boasting an international

lifestyle, our relationships are gravely affected by

lifestyle. When I was 18, I moved to Australia in pursuit of a

difficulties in formulating solid and lasting connections, as

Bachelor’s Degree majoring in Psychology at the University

well as our never ending desire for a change of scenery.

of Queensland. I hoped to gain a better understanding

Although elements from each culture assimilate to create

of myself and the world around me, but it was from

our own experiences, a sense of belonging lies with others

that moment onwards I felt the draining symptoms of

of similar backgrounds.

“lonerism”. I was living in a new environment where I was often misunderstood and my cultural learnings were

A vast majority of Third Culture Kid studies conducted are

placed under judgement through damaging stereotypes

rooted in themes of identity and transition, both deep and

and misconceptions. Consequently, I began to belittle my

dynamic subjects. My sense of identity has been greatly

authentic self to fit in and silence my emotions, choosing

formed through my childhood education and academic

to only speak about past experiences in terms of facts and

experiences in different cultures, which allowed me to

remaining neutral while sharing anecdotes.

partake in community and service trips to rural Thailand, Borneo and Cambodia.

30

Women define themselves by their relationships, and as a result, psychological crises happen when disconnection occurs. Brown and Gilligan (1982) uncovered that there is a silencing amongst women of an adolescent age, which occurs as a result of gender-based norms surrounding submissive females, making us appear more desirable. Tying this into the anxiety of absorbing a new environment, I felt I was sacrificing my voice in order to be palatable and pleasing to others. At the time, my parents were still living in Hong Kong and I certainly didn’t want to worry them with my struggles... Typical Aries behaviour, but I digress.

Another important component of identity development is the ability to establish personal independence. I find comfort in new situations, meeting new people and getting around on my own. In a study conducted by Pollock and Van Reken (2001), findings suggest that non-TCKs possess lower levels of independence at an early age. This is meant even in the context of exploring personal identities apart from their families when making their own choices.

I was born an only child to two aviation professionals, so amongst the business trips and long workdays, independence was almost forcibly bestowed upon me. This allowed me to explore my hobbies and interests, one interest was wanting to explore the world of boarding school at the ripe age of 12. Exercising that decision to go to boarding school was reflective of my desire for a change of scenery. As a half-Canadian girl yearning for a fresh start, I found myself living out my Wild Child dreams but unfortunately lacked the reallycute-son-of-the-principle aspect. Thanks for nothing, Emma Roberts.

The positive characteristics that I have developed as a result of my lifestyle have left me with a profound desire to pursue a career that will take me around the world. My identity development showcases openmindedness, cultural understanding, compassion, observance, adaptability and, of course, the determination to continue educating myself through experience. I see purpose and meaning in my background, helping me establish my voice and find confidence in my quirks. As a trilingual woman living in the 21st century, I’m multifaceted and have a great willingness to help others and give back.

In the same cited work by Pollock and Van Reken (2001), the most prominent traits of TCKs are their highly mobility and cross-culturalism. In some ways, my identity development has been hindered in coping with change, but in retrospect I’ve gained important skills such as independence and flexibility. I’ve learned that there is great value and emphasis in associating with others who have had similar experiences or possess internationally minded behaviours.

My background has allowed me to feel comfortable in raising my voice as a woman of multiculturalism in a time where silence often feels like the one and only option. It’s beyond crucial that the coming female generations are supported so that they may explore their views and beliefs, cultivating the permanent destruction of gender-based discriminations.

31

The Future Of Fashion Up-and-coming about

what

creative

it’s

really

for

Vanessa

Fajemisin

like

try

yourself

to in

to

opens

make

a

up

name

2021.

Elena Kujovic

To get started in the fashion world you have to be willing

Fajemisin loves to work in fashion and is passionate about

to give your all and work to the best of your ability

the opportunities that have come her way. There are great

consistently, which is something that Vanessa Fajemisin

people to meet and endless things to experience, but with

does every single day. The Vancouver native is the co-

that being said, there’s always room for improvement. “I

founder of a local creative group called Madebywe and a

think there’s a lot of exploitation that goes into fashion, in

contributor at NGBA (No Basic Girls Allowed) Magazine.

terms of POC workers globally. I think there needs to be more genuine and tangible support for the Black folk in the

In her spare time, she also helps run a media/news

industry.”

company called Daily Dose of Blackness. With so many commitments, anyone can see that Fajemisin has a lot on

Fajemisin also mentioned that global warming is currently

her plate. “I’ve always been someone who wants to wait

a big issue and that unfortunately, fashion has a hand

until I’m ‘ready’, but I’ve realized that the best way to live

in that. “To be able to move forward in this industry, we

and grow is to seize as many opportunities and experiences

need to keep our planet safe and slow down the pollution

as you can, no matter the outcome,” says Fajemisin. This is

and waste being created from fast fashion. We have to

easier said than done, but being able to step out of your

remember we only have one planet.”In the future, the

comfort zone can allow you to create some of your best

budding writer says that she wants to continue to build her

work and learn from any mistakes you make along the way.

career in journalism and fashion. “I’d like to continue to

Just like many people, Fajemisin tries to keep her days

work on my craft and style. I have a handful of writers that I

organized.

look up to, for their perspective and talent and I use them as a way to grow.” Fajemisin explained.“I want opportunities

“I wake up, shower, help my mom and grandma then get

to write about my interests like art, anime, and food. I

straight to work. I go through all my emails, check my notes

find writing has helped me during the pandemic when

and do my best to get organized.”Starting off her mornings

everything’s been a little (or a lot) more tedious. But I’d say

like this helps her get a head start on starting her next

the next ‘professional’ goal I’m working towards is a junior

projects and dreaming up her big plans. Just a few months

editor position. Wish me luck!”

ago, racial tensions were running high all around the world.

At this time, Madebywe released a controversial t-shirt in

Starting in any career can be difficult, especially when

support of the Black Lives Matter movement reading “tame

your goals require you to challenge the norm and step

the police”.

out of the box each and every day. Always remember that

The killing of George Floyd left many people feeling heartbroken and disgusted, particularly those in the Black community.

To them, this t-shirt was more than just fabric — it represented a system.

34

with enough determination and perseverance, anything is possible!

Ooh La La! My Love Affair With Paris

Mckenna Giese

Spend a perfect day in the French capital with your significant other.

The city of love! It isn’t just a random nickname given to Paris, it truly is a perfect description. Paris stole my heart the moment I stepped off my flight into the Charles de Gaulle airport. A city beaming with romance, adventure and culture. It is difficult to decide what to do in a city filled with so much, but here’s my suggestion on how to create a perfect day in Paris with your lover.

4p.m.

8 a.m.

There’s no need for a hotel breakfast in Paris, there are beautiful bakeries selling delicious pastries on every corner. Enjoy a pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) as you sip your coffee — the perfect way to start the day on a very sweet note.

In a city filled with fashion, it’s impossible to not go shopping. Take a walk along the Seine River towards Champs-Elysees and visit some famous fashion houses. The Louis Vuitton is a can’t miss, with beautiful window displays and a stunning interior it’s worth the visit — even without a purchase. With dozens of stores to get lost in, this

10 a.m.

grand avenue is the perfect way to spend an afternoon (and some

can beat the crowds if you visit in the early morning. Known for its

6p.m.

The Notre Dame is one of the many iconic must-sees, and you

architectural style and rich history, you need to add this cathedral to your bucket list. Although you’re unable to explore the inside at this time, even staring at Notre Dame’s outstanding towers and stained glass windows will take your breath away.

money).

As you reach the end of Champs-Elysees, grab dinner at Victoria Paris. The stunning views of the Arc de Triomphe make this dinner worth every penny. The food is a wonderful combination of Mediterranean cuisine, and each bite will taste better than the next.

12p.m.

Sneak into one of the side streets and pick up a baguette, cheese, a bottle of wine and a lock. Walk hand-in-hand over the Pont-des-Arts.

Here, you’ll take a moment to write your initials on the lock, attach it to the railing and throw the key into the river (a perfect moment to steal a kiss). Continue your stroll across the bridge until you reach the Jardin des Tuileries. You can’t go wrong with any location in this stunning garden, so pick a spot and have a lovely picnic lunch.

8p.m.

After dinner, walk over to the Arc de Triomphe and make your way to the top; here you can find one of the most stunning views of Paris.

If your visit happens to be at sunset, you can revel in the beauty of a glowing Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur.

10p.m.

What Paris trip is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower? By night you can easily see why it’s still one of the most visited places in

2p.m.

Take a short walk to Louvre and experience one of the most famous art museums in the world. Although it would be easy to spend a whole day here, we guarantee that you’ll see some amazing art in

Europe. Grab some ice cream and a bottle of champagne to enjoy as you watch the tower put on a dazzling light show. It’s the perfect end to a perfect day in Paris!

even just a few hours. Take a good look at the map and pick a few exhibits that stand out to you. Be sure to visit the Denon wing and see the Mona Lisa (don’t be surprised when you see how small it is).

There are endless things to do in the city of lights and love, and it can feel nearly impossible to escape the romance.

When I returned from my trip to Paris, I realized that I was more in love with the city than I was with the guy I went with...

But that’s another story.

35

Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner!

The

next time you grab a bite

get hit with a craving, be sure from one of our city’s best.

to

Dylan Smith If there’s one thing Vancouver has no shortage of, it’s fried chicken spots! Seeing as it’s one of my favourite meals, I’m more than happy to share where I’ve found the best chicken that the city has to offer.

All the restaurants mentioned are available for your convenience on at least one delivery app, which means that you can get a hot and tasty chicken dinner delivered right to your doorstep — what more could you possibly ask for?

Downlow Chicken Shack is easy to spot due to the long lineups that make their way down the nearby alley. It’s by far the best fried chicken spot in Vancouver, and can be found at 905 Commercial Drive.

Their menu consists of juicy chicken served with your choice of mild or hot spice, as well as creative sandwiches and sides. If you’re not down to wait in line, they offer a take-out service where you can order online or over the phone.

My personal favorite item on the menu is the chicken and waffles. It comes with two crispy and juicy boneless thighs, a cheddar scallion waffle, and smoked jalapeno honey mayo on the side for $12 (with no sides). Each meal comes with a side of their signature pickles, which are so popular they even include an option for extra on their menu.

Downlow is also known for their unique take on coleslaw — a one-of-a-kind sweet and sour flavour with cumin and pickled red onion, classic fries dusted with spices and a side of DL sauce (Down Low Signature Sauce), macaroni salad with pimento cheese, dill and celery.

This local treasure has a 4.7 out of 5 star review on Google with tons of positive reviews.

They’re open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., but at this time they only offer window service with no sit down dining.

“Even when the day, I mignon.”

36

I get the fried-chicken special of have to dig into it like it’s filet

Viola

Davis

Juke is the second best that Vancouver has to offer. It has a loft-like space where you can dine in, and a separate take out building next door for when you want to grab a bite on the go. You can also order ahead of time online or through the phone.

My personal favorite menu item is one of the sides — the all dressed fries. They’re twice-cooked, hand-cut local Kennebec potato fries, topped with spicy garlic mayo, house pickles, parmesan cheese and crunchy fried onion.

Popular menu items are the buttermilk marinated local free range chicken and the slow cooked sticky and tender local pork ribs covered in house made BBQ sauce.

You can find the restaurant at 182 Keefer St in Chinatown.

Of the three chicken joints on this list, Church’s would have to be my least favourite although there’s no doubt in my mind that it’s an upgrade from KFC. Church’s Chicken has the superior crunch, flavour and tenderness.

As you can imagine, their menu offers items like chicken thighs and drumsticks, as well as classic sides like crispy fries, coleslaw and macaroni salad. If you’re looking to switch it up, they also have chicken sandwiches and wraps.

What sets Church’s apart from the other two options is that it has a drive-thru, you don’t have to worry about long lineups throughout the day and it’s more affordable. Unfortunately, all these benefits come at the sacrifice of incredible taste.

Winner Winner, Dylan Smith

Chicken Dinner!

37

Name a More Iconic Duo In

recent

fashion one

years,

have

occasion

the

merged to

worlds together

create

of on

anime more

incredible

and than

Ghieann Rayco

content.

Anime has influenced the fashion industry in many different ways, becoming a form of inspiration for designers, stylists, influencers, and the community as a whole. In Japan, street style is commonly elevated by taking inspiration from one’s favourite character. This can be done by wearing anime merchandise or putting your own twist on a character’s style.

Other countries have seen anime’s impact within their streetwear communities as people have begun to share their creative outfits on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Anime has also gained popularity as various brands continue to use it as inspiration for marketing, advertisements, and clothing lines.

Here are three animes that have heavily inspired the fashion community and the rest of the world:

(1992-1997) Although Sailor Moon is best known for its cheerful themes of friendship, love, and empowerment, the anime also features some incredible fashion. Diehard fans know and love the show’s transformation scene into the iconic Sailor Senshi outfits, and the creator of Sailor Moon, Naoko Takeuchi, also built an identity for each character through their style.

The series takes place in the ’90s, so denim jackets, overalls, board shorts, high-waisted skirts, and trousers are worn frequently.

Sailor Moon, unlike many other animes, had gained its recognition in the fashion industry because of each character’s unique vibe. Takeuchi played on the classic styles of the era and took inspiration from high fashion designers, like Christian Dior and Thiery Mugler while animating. One of the most iconic shows of the ‘90s, Sailor Moon paved the way for new stylistic choices and creativity in both the anime and fashion industries.

Louis Vuitton Spring 2016 Ready-to-Wear Collection Nicolas Ghesquière’s Spring show took inspiration from multiple animes, and the collection’s first look created a clear vision of what he wanted to portray. Through the use of pink hair and the iconic Sailor Moon tiara, the “Anime Girl Aesthetic” provided a playful take, sprinkling some magic over the show.

40

(1998-1999) This science fiction series introduced a new generation of anime, going beyond the stereotypes built around the genre at this time. Cowboy Bebop was introduced back in 1998, but takes place in 2071 and was designed to present a futuristic Western world. As the first anime to air on Cartoon Network, Cowboy Bebop led Japanese animation into hearts all around the world.

Below, our characters can be seen wearing their signature costumes that they never change out of. What makes Cowboy Bebop so great is the connection between each character’s persona and their outfit. Women in anime are often portrayed as soft and weak, but Faye Valentine is a sarcastic ass-kicking bounty hunter with a badass outfit to match. She pulls away from that stereotypical style by being the show’s femme fatale. Despite being over 20 years old, the series continues to inspire others by being a top cosplay choice while also gaining popularity in the streetwear community.

BAIT x Cowboy Bebop Collection On October 30th of 2020, BAIT, a California-based brand teamed up with Cowboy Bebop to release a streetwear collection. The collaboration includes t-shirts, long sleeves, and sweaters featuring Spike and the whole Bebop crew.

(1993 - 2002)

Through the course of Hirohiko Araki’s career as a manga artist, he was able to create distinct and iconic illustrations that would, later on, welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the high fashion brand Gucci and the Louvre Museum. Araki’s wild designs and stylistic choices were inspired by classical art and fashion illustrations.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure was designed with avant-garde animations to leave a cultural impact. Elements that have become widely affiliated with the series are the poses and character outfits which come together through Araki’s love for art and the fashion industry. He takes inspiration from artists such as Paul Gauguin and designers like Gianni Versace.

Gucci x Hirohiko Araki x Spur In 2013, Gucci collaborated with Araki to promote their 2013 Spring Cruise Collection. They created a manga spread for Spur, a Japanese fashion magazine that featured JoJo characters wearing the looks.

41

The Evolution of House Disco

didn’t

die,

it

simply

Joshua Evers

rebranded.

I was caught by surprise when I found out that house music was actually born from disco. The beloved genre from Saturday Night Fever became a root of bitterness in Steve Dahl, a radio talk show host who lost his job due to disco. He was so enraged that he organized a Disco Demolition night at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois back in 1979. That night, the White Sox stadium held 50’000 people dead set on destroying disco; the damage sustained was so bad that the baseball team ended up forfeiting their next game. The hatred that had built up within young Americans had succeeded, but it wasn’t long before music began to evolve and adapt into something better.

In the same city that disco died, Frankie Knuckles would pioneer a new sound using DJ Kool Herc’s turntables and old disco tracks played on a continuous loop — this was the birth of house music. The influences that Knuckles, better known as the godfather of house, and DJ Kool Herc, the godfather of hip-hop, would have a lasting impression on the next few decades of music.

This list outlines the most influential house songs that would shape the decades following its inception. The best years of house were right at the beginning of the millennia; I find it very hard to listen to the hard old school synth

1

at times, and newer house music has become so refined it seems that it has lost its innovation and luster.

1980’s Your Love by Frankie Knuckles It took me a while to get into this song,

but that synth just pulls you in. With a carefully

overlaid voice track in-between, Knuckles takes

you on a total trip. The remastered version of the song doesn’t sound the same as the vinyl (duh!), but listening on YouTube is probably the closest you’ll get to the authentic experience. In the remastered version, the sound of an overbearing snare distracts from the rest of the song.

1990s Gypsy Woman by Crystal Waters House music started to develop its form in the nineties. Crystal Waters’ “Gypsy Woman” was a masterpiece that came to shape the genre’s sound for the decade. It’s one of those songs that fill you with hope despite its dark undertone. It carries a weighted hope of moving forward even in the worst situations and brings the realization that we are all the same.

2

Other special mentions to this decade include “Show Me Love” by Robyn S and “Music Sounds Better With

42

You” by Stardust.

5

2020s None yet...

It’s still early in the decade and COVID has kept a tight lid on the music industry. I haven’t heard any

new house music that really grabs my heart the way the other songs on this list do. My hope is that once things go back to

normal that will all change; with all this spare time and isolation, the

creativity that has been spiralling in our minds is bound to lead to some groundbreaking new art.

The lingering bits of disco that exist within house music have changed considerably due to digitalization. The genre remained consistent throughout the first two and a half decades but once it became

2010s

mainstream the sounds became simpler, less rhythmic, and

Levels by Avicii

more repetitive. This shift provides listeners with a

4

The song carries a lot of nostalgia — it brings me

happy, upbeat tone that will never let them

back to the first time Avicii came to Vancouver, shortly

down.

after releasing “Levels”. He played at the Convention Center in Coal Harbour, and it was sweaty, to say the least. COVID wasn’t even a thing so we were all jammed as close to the rails as possible

3

having a rowdy time.

When the song dropped, the crowd went nuts. Everyone was jumping along and going HAM, but Avicii managed to hype us up even more by switching over to fellow artist Skrillex’s remix.

The song “Levels” carries a lot of weight for many people and 2000s

there’s no denying that the Swedish artist touched the

Lady (Hear Me Tonight) by Modjo

world with this song and other projects during

I can listen to this song on repeat endlessly and

his tragically short life.

it never fails to give me the same feeling. The euphoria and desire that take over my soul when I hear Modjo makes me feels as though I’m in heaven. There were so many amazing songs that came out during the first half of the decade, “It Feels So Good” by Sonique and “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” by Kylie Minogue (Banger Alert).

As the decade continued, house music took a huge turn. Raves and festivals were becoming more popular and less controversial. House music started to change as it became more mainstream. At this point, the genre had grown exponentially and took on many forms. Progressive house artist Deadmau5 and big room artist Swedish House Mafia began to take the world stage, changing not only the culture but house music as a whole right before our eyes.

43

Poetry’s OutKast’s

Joshua Evers

J. Cole and John Milton have more in common than you’d think!

Poetry is everywhere, no matter where you look. Everything moves and is, just as gravity, we cannot see it and don’t consciously perceive it all the time, but it is there. The same can be said for words. As Shakespeare once said, “this our life, exempt from public haunt [place], finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.”

Through words, we can understand the nature that is around us. We can feel, imagine, and even romanticize a life for ourselves filled with something more, something greater. Words can also bring us back down to earth, allowing us to be humble and meditate on the truth.

Rappers are modern-day poets; using 808s and snares they string words on top of a beat to create a story. Just as the poets of the past wrote about some taboo topics, so do today’s rappers. I chose a few examples that perfectly highlight these unique juxtapositions.

“On Time” by John Milton vs. “A Tale of 2 Citiez” by J. Cole “Fly envious Time, till thou run out thy race, Call on the lazy leaden-stepping hours, Whose speed is but the heavy Plummets pace; And glut thy self with what thy womb devours, Which is no more then what is false and vain, And meerly mortal dross; So little is our loss, So little is thy gain.

For when as each thing bad thou hast entomb’d, And last of all, thy greedy self consum’d,…”

“Since a youngin’ always dreamed of gettin’ rich…

Fantasize about a white picket fence…

Used to want a pathfinder with some tints…

Small town n***a Hollywood dreams I know that everything that glitters ain’t gold I know that s**t ain’t always good as it seems But tell me till you get it how could you know How could you know? How could you know?”

“On Time”, written by John Milton, describes life in a solemn way. The poem opens on the topic of vanity, and the greedy desire (glut or gluttony) that exists deep within mankind. Milton alludes to riches when he uses the word “dross” (the impurities that rise from purifying metal, such as gold), and couples it with the mortality in life when he writes “so little is our loss, and so little is thy gain.”

J. Cole is a bit more blatant about his meditations; within his words, he poses a discerning question of innocence and guilt. As he comes to a realization of the vanity he’s uncovered within the world of riches he asks, “how could you know?”

44

“The Mask of Anarchy” by Percy Shelly vs. “13th Floor/Growing Old” by OutKast “What is Freedom? -- ye can tell For its very name has grown To an echo of your own. `’Tis to work and have such pay As just keeps life from day to day In your limbs, as in a cell For the tyrants’ use to dwell.”

Some issues need to be addressed like envelopes I mean Oh like Liberty Bells yes them bullets keep on ranging On fire like the Georgia mass choir we keep on singing Bringing our folks closer together cause they severed us from the get green Light and we ain’t gon’ stop until we hit the big screen Psych because no one is free when others are oppressed So, we hit the stage and then we fly back to our nest Growing old

This next example has a theme of the freedom that we collectively seek as a people. Both OutKast and Shelly saw the tyrants that sat high upon a seat of riches and power.

Though Shelly wrote this poem just over a century ago, the subject matter has a very modern cultural significance, especially when one considers the power of movements like BLM and #MeToo. He is straightforward with his delivery and meditations, but OutKast on the other hand speaks in metaphors, creating a deeper image within their music. The duo draws inspiration from the story of Babel, then connects it to their own experiential realizations.

A juxtaposition is created between the two white poets from England and few Black rappers from America, who come from two very different points in history. Within both examples, we see questions and observations surrounding the human condition that has always enveloped mankind.

Those that lived decades before us have still endured similar life experiences; the sorrows, joys, loss, gains, and oppression.

It’s as OutKast’s Big Rube once said, “Conceive true deception multiplied a million fold Visualize the yin and yang in a battle so intense That we get em confused The resident evil specialize in misconstruing We wanna be at a presidential level, what are we doing?

Fooling our self, clowning our self, playing our self By not being our self We can’t babble no more than we can bob our head offbeat Nimrod by the time we forty cause we can’t get our meat While we ask no reason for the misplacement of the season Look at the picture that’s painted Tainted as the mind who’s blinded to the point Where Sodomites get all the rights We fall for fights with fisticuffs Get pissed enough to miss the bus It disgusts me to see my folks run up on I say stand up on deception of time all of Revelations And recognize this mind on the reality of horror Known as mankind.”

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01

Ego

MAGAZINE FOR

ISSUE 1

PEOPLE

MARCH 2021

005