Wellington College Humanities Magazine
HuMag Unveiling Stories, Inspiring Curiosity Coco Chanel: Fascist or Fashionista? Chanel is a French luxury brand founded by Gabrielle Chanel in 1910. Despite Chanel's iconic features such as the little black dress and Chanel number 5 being introduced nearly a century ago, the chic minimalism held in Chanel's work is still embedded in many elements of modern-day fashion. The brands influence peaked in the post war era when they helped revolutionize the femininity of women's fashion - trading the constrictive figure of the corset for a more practical and accessible sportswomen style, without sacrificing society's desired elegance. This reinvention of the fashion lexicon went on to symbolize the beginning of women's liberation. The cinched waste and wider hips which she incorporated into her designs is a silhouette heavily used today in woman's fashion. The brand represents the work of a glorified fashion icon with a controversial history, posing the question: does Chanel's past impact the modern brand? Recently many people have attempted to rewrite history through removing statues of people who upheld controversial ideologies that don't fit within the modern opinion. Therefore, one can argue that Chanel's history with the Nazis causes for a change in the brand, to separate the fashion from the controversial history of its founder Gabrielle Chanel.
However, many aspects of the brand are heavily influenced by Gabrielle's past. The logo, made up of two mirrored Cs, was inspired by the curves of a window of the Aubazine Church which housed her orphanage. The logo itself symbolizes Gabrielle Chanel's name and her journey, directly linking the brand to Chanel's past.
Some argue that she was an opportunist, taking advantage of the situation for personal gain, while others contend that her actions may have been a survival strategy in a difficult time. After the war, Chanel faced accusations of collaboration with the enemy, and she went into self-imposed exile in Switzerland. When considering whether Gabrielle Chanel should be held accountable for her actions during this period, it's essential to take into account the complexities of the time. The aftermath of World War II saw a complex process of dealing with collaborators and those who may have compromised their principles during the occupation. Chanel, like many others, faced a tarnished reputation.
During the tumultuous period of World War II, Nazi forces invaded France in 1940, occupying the country until its liberation in 1944. The invasion had profound implications for various aspects of French society, including the fashion industry. Against this historical backdrop, Chanel's role during the Nazi occupation comes The modern Chanel brand continues to grapple with its founder's complex history. Professor of fashion studies under scrutiny. Pamela Golbin suggests, "Chanel's legacy is a dual Gabrielle Chanel's connection with the Nazis is narrative—a tale of innovation in fashion and a cautionary a controversial aspect of her legacy. During the tale of personal choices during wartime." This duality German occupation of France, Chanel entered a prompts reflection on how a brand built on innovation and romantic relationship with a German officer, elegance can coexist with the tarnished legacy of its founder. Hans Gunther von Dincklage. Some accounts suggest that she used her connections to the occupying forces to her advantage in business, particularly concerning the Wertheimer family, who were Jewish owners of the House of Chanel. The Wertheimers were forced to flee France to escape persecution, and Chanel sought to gain control of the Chanel brand. Chanel's association with the Nazis has been a subject of debate and criticism.
Godly Greeks by Nathalie P The world of Greek Mythology is complicated and intricate. Many people find the stories difficult to follow due to the enormity and overlapping nature of each Myth. In this edition of Godly Greeks, I will be retelling the story of Athena. In Greek mythology, the character of Athena appears in many different myths. She is one of the 12 Olympian deities and the goddess of wisdom, warfare, strategy handicrafts and reason. She is often likened to an owl symbolising wisdom. Athena is considered one of the virgin goddesses meaning she remained chaste and did not marry. The birth of Athena is perhaps the most compelling story, the unique nature of her birth gave the name of the goddess of wisdom. Athena was known to be the daughter of Zeus and Metis, daughter of the Titans. There was a prophecy surrounding Athena’s birth claiming that if Metis had a son, the son would end up killing his father. Zeus, not wanting to risk the prophecy, swallowed Metis. However suddenly getting a horrible headache, he beat his head on a rock to try and make it go away. His son Hephaestus came to his father's aide and used a mallet to split his head, and from here sprung forth Athena. She then became a goddess of great influence on the lives of inventors who sought enlightenment and judges who sought fair decisions. This story of Athena involves the gorgons who were known to be horrible and monstrous sisters who had once been beautiful women, amongst them was Medusa the youngest of the sisters. Poseidon then sought after Medusa, and Athena with wild jealousy decided to take revenge on Medusa. She did this by turning Medusa into an awful creature, so ugly that anyone who looked at her would turn to stone. Athena was blindly led by jealousy and was also responsible for changing her sisters into horrible monstrosities as they had tried to plead their sister's case. The creation of Medusa led to the birth of the winged horse, The Pegasus, through her decapitation at the hands of Perseus. Perseus then used her head to turn his enemies to stone.
HuMag The Resonating Transformation
Echo
Mexico, the land of vibrant culture and profound history, bore witness to a profound transformation in the 1950s, resonating with the ideological echoes of communism. Embellished by the influences of prominent figures like Trotsky, Rivera, and Kahlo, this period etched a narrative of ideological fervor and artistic expression within the nation's fabric. At the forefront stood Leon Trotsky, an enigmatic Marxist revolutionary, who found refuge in Mexico after facing exile from the Soviet Union. His presence catalyzed ideological discourse, infusing a fervent spirit into Mexico's political landscape. Trotsky's teachings echoed through political circles, inciting discussions that challenged the status quo and influenced the socialist movements of the era. Simultaneously, the artistic domain bore witness to a blossoming renaissance,
of
Communism:
Unveiling
spearheaded by the legendary muralist Diego Rivera. Rivera's murals, iconic for their grandeur and social commentary, served as a visual manifesto echoing communist ideals. His works depicted the struggles of the proletariat, the resilience of indigenous cultures, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Rivera's art became a vivid portrayal of Mexico's socio-political landscape, immortalizing the essence of the era. Alongside Rivera, the indomitable Frida Kahlo emerged as an emblematic figure, her art mirroring her tumultuous personal life and political consciousness. Kahlo's paintings were a reflection of her inner turmoil, often delving into themes of pain, identity, and political dissent. Her art not only captured the essence of Mexico at this time but also embedded subtle nods to communist ideologies, amplifying the voices of the marginalized through her poignant imagery.
Top ten 2023 moments: 1.
Israel-Hamas War: A two-week conflict in May 2023 resulted in over 250 Palestinian and 12 Israeli deaths, raising concerns about escalating tensions and the Middle East peace process.
2.
Royal Events: Prince Charles and Camilla were officially crowned King and Queen of the United Kingdom in May 2023, marking a new chapter in British history.
3.
Global Climate Change: 2023 witnessed record-breaking heatwaves, devastating floods, and wildfires, further highlighting the severity of the climate crisis. The COP28 conference in November saw intense negotiations and renewed pledges to combat climate change.
4.
Continuation of the Ukraine War: The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia continued throughout 2023, resulting in immense human suffering and posing significant geopolitical and economic challenges.
5.
Advancements in Artificial Intelligence: 2023 witnessed significant leaps in AI capabilities, with breakthroughs in areas like natural language processing, image generation, and robotics. These advancements raise both opportunities and challenges for the future, prompting discussions about ethics, regulation, and the potential impact on society.
6.
Political Instability in Africa: A series of coups and political unrest in Central African nations during 2023 raised concerns about regional security and fragile democracies.
7.
Artemis 1 Mission: NASA's Artemis 1 mission, an uncrewed test flight, successfully launched in July 2023, paving the way for future human lunar landings.
8.
Entertainment Highlights: Major film releases included "Oppenheimer," "Barbie," and "Avatar: The Way of Water," while popular music albums by Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Bad Bunny dominated the charts. Plus, the critically acclaimed television show, Succession, ended.
9.
Humanitarian Crises: The year saw ongoing humanitarian crises in war-torn regions like Ukraine and Yemen, as well as natural disasters like the Nepal earthquake and the floods in Pakistan.
10. Business and Corporate News: Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition, the collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, and the ongoing antitrust investigations against tech giants like Google and Facebook were among the major business headlines of 2023.
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Mexico's
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The convergence of these influential figures and their ideologies fueled a period of cultural awakening and political reevaluation in Mexico. The resonance of communism, blended with indigenous Mexican culture, sparked a fervent movement that redefined societal norms and challenged the prevailing power structures. Despite ideological differences and conflicts, their collective influence reverberated through Mexico's socio-political landscape, leaving an indelible mark that continues to shape the nation's identity. The remnants of their legacy persist in the vibrant streets, the spirited debates, and the artistic expressions that still echo the sentiments of a transformative era. As the 1950s faded into history, the impact of communism on Mexico remained imprinted in the collective memory, a testament to the enduring influence of individuals like Diego Rivera.
Socialism in 150 words Socialism is an economic and social system advocating for collective ownership and democratic control of the means of production and distribution of goods and services. In a socialist framework, resources are owned and managed by the community or the state rather than by private individuals or corporations. The primary goal of socialism is to create a more equitable society by reducing economic inequalities, promoting social welfare, and ensuring that wealth and resources are distributed more fairly among the population. Socialist ideologies vary widely, ranging from nonmarket forms like communism to mixed economies that combine public and private ownership. Advocates argue that socialism can address issues of poverty, exploitation, and class conflict by prioritizing the needs of society over individual profit. However, critics of socialism often highlight concerns about potential inefficiencies, lack of incentives for innovation, and constraints on individual freedoms due to increased government involvement in the economy.
HuMag Climate change and the devastating impacts of this man-made monster Climate change is a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth’s local, regional and global climates particularly in the world’s increase in average temperature which leads to further changes in the climate such as the ocean levels. The climate has fluctuated naturally throughout the world's history, but scientists say that there is no doubt that the particularly rapid climate change seen over the past century is caused by humans. It is due to the widespread use of fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas - in homes, factories and transport. When fossil fuels burn, they release greenhouse gases mostly carbon dioxide. These additional gases trap extra energy in the atmosphere near the Earth's surface, causing the planet's temperature to rise. Our planet has been warming rapidly since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. The average temperature at the Earth's surface has risen about 1.1ºC since 1850. Furthermore, each of the last four decades has been warmer than any that preceded it, since the middle of the 19th Century. These conclusions come from analyses of millions of measurements gathered in different parts of the world. The temperature readings are collected by weather stations on land, on ships and by satellites. Climate change has many impacts and effects on areas of our world. However, the most detrimental will be on the environment. According to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, since the late 1950s, the global average surface temperature has increased by 0.6ºC, snow cover and ice extent have diminished; during the past century, the sea level has risen on average by 10-20 cm (about 7.87 in) and the temperature of the oceans has increased. Midrange estimates for future climate change are 3ºC global mean warming and a rise in the sea level of 45 cm (about 1.48 ft) by 2100. The rate of climate change is faster now than in any other period in the past thousand years. Sea level can rise by two different mechanisms with respect to climate change. First, as the oceans warm due to an increasing global temperature, seawater expands, taking up more space in the ocean basin and causing a rise in water level. The second mechanism is the melting of ice, which then adds water to the ocean.
When sea levels rise as rapidly as they have been, even a small increase can have devastating effects on coastal habitats farther inland, it can cause destructive erosion, wetland flooding, aquifer and agricultural soil contamination with salt, and lost habitat for fish, birds, and plants. Higher sea levels are coinciding with more dangerous hurricanes and typhoons that move more slowly and drop more rain, contributing to the more powerful storm surges that can strip away everything in their path. One study found that between 1963 and 2012, almost half of all deaths from Atlantic hurricanes were caused by storm surges. Another impact of climate change is its direct and indirect effects to human health, contributing to air pollution, water quality and food security, all of which have detrimental effects on social stability of global communities. A prominent increase in flooding, due to the disruption of the water cycle, causes large quantities of run-off, often contaminated by chemicals used in agriculture. This pollutes the water and limits water access. However, this poses an increasing threat for developing countries as access to clean and consistent water causes a deep reliance on the polluted natural bodies of water. This results in many waterborne illnesses and other adverse health effects. The WHO estimates that inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene were responsible for 829,000 annual deaths from diarrhoea, which has been escalated by increasing precipitation patterns and higher temperatures. Furthermore, climate change poses an increasing threat to food security, placing the health of communities directly at risk of malnourishment. Climate Change will increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, leaving agriculture-based economies at risk of inconsistent crop production. One example is the Philippines whose unpredictable history of typhoons caused a delay in the tomato and potato harvest, leaving lower prices and wasting crops. This is exacerbated as many lower income countries may struggle to compensate for lack of crops through imports, leaving the population at severe risk of undernourishment.
Lastly, air pollution has a detrimental effect on human health as roughly half the world has no access to clean fuels or technologies. The microscopic pollutants in the air, mainly caused by fossil fuels, can penetrate our respiratory system and damage major internal organs such as the lungs, heart and brain. Furthermore, an estimated 3.7 million deaths annually can be attributed to outdoor air pollution, clearly demonstrating the adverse effects of climate change on human health.
Climate Change impacts many economies primarily through two factors: physical and transition risks. Acute physical risks such as severe weather events and natural disasters exacerbated by chronic risks such as rising temperatures, can have local and global impacts on businesses and macroeconomies. The immediate destruction of infrastructure caused by these events not only creates rebuilding costs, but it disrupts transport links, businesses and supply chains, creating further long-term economic impacts which emerging economies may struggle to mitigate. Furthermore, acute physical risks can have short-term impacts on inflation rates and the GDP as they increase food prices, with the severity based on the size of the disaster. Secondly, transition risks (uncertainty created by a global shift towards a more sustainable net-zero economy) can cause harm to the economy as many may struggle to adjust to the carbon neutral policies and net zero economic goals which may amplify any economic impacts of climate change. For example, regulatory landscape and consumer pressures can all produce transition risks to macroeconomies. While the actions themselves benefit climate change, global mitigation could reduce damages in the UK from 7.4% to 2.4% of GDP by 2100, however it creates uncertainty for cooperate government functions. Overall, the impact of climate change is disastrous on all economic, political, social and environmental areas showing its vast impact on every country and person in the world. The economic impact of climate change is that it could wipe out 18% of the GDP off the worldwide economy if the global temperatures rise by 3.2 degrees. Politically, the tensions and differences created by the decisions on how to deal with climate change could cause widespread political instability within countries. Socially the health issues, impact of natural disasters on homes and daily needs for society and fear of climate change could cause societies to have a lower quality of life. Lastly Enviromental impacts will be the worst affected damaging everything from sea levels rises wiping out communities, temperatures rising causing longer droughts and increases in number of natural disasters destroying land. Therefore, no matter where you are or who you are you will be impacted by climate change. Written by Jess J
HuMag
Picture of the issue: Ivan the Terrible and his son Ivan by Ilya Repin. Ilya Repin's masterpiece "Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan" is a captivating and haunting portrayal of a dramatic historical moment. Painted in 1885, it depicts the infamous Tsar Ivan IV of Russia, known as Ivan the Terrible, cradling his mortally wounded son, Ivan Ivanovich, after a fit of rage led to an unintended act of violence. It serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the dangers of absolute power and impulsive actions. Repin's masterful portrayal of Tsar Ivan's emotional turmoil and the lifeless form of his son evokes a visceral response, prompting reflection on the fragility of relationships and the devastating impact of unchecked rage. The painting's enduring relevance lies in its ability to provoke contemplation about the complexities of leadership, familial bonds, and the moral dilemmas inherent in wielding immense authority…
Its timeless resonance continues to captivate audiences, inviting introspection into the human psyche and the ramifications of wielding power without restraint. This artwork marked a departure from the romanticized depictions prevalent in Russian art, embracing a raw, realistic portrayal of historical events. Repin's meticulous attention to detail, emotive facial expressions, and the evocative use of light and shadow set a new standard in storytelling through painting. Its influence echoed across Russian artists, inspiring a shift towards more socially conscious and emotionally charged themes. The painting's dramatic storytelling and psychological intensity became a catalyst for a new wave of realism in Russian art, shaping the course of artistic expression and cementing its place as an enduring masterpiece in the annals of Russian painting.
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