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Art & Music 

Winter Edition

Top Five Christmas Songs

by Emily Lopez

 

1. "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey: Released in 1994, this song has become a modern Christmas classic. It's known for its catchy melody and festive lyrics, making it a staple during the holiday season.

 

2. "Last Christmas" by Wham!: This 1984 hit is a bittersweet Christmas song about unrequited love. Its memorable chorus and nostalgic feel have kept it popular for decades.

 

3. "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms: First released in 1957, this upbeat and rock-and-roll inspired song has been a holiday favorite for generations. Its lively rhythm and cheerful lyrics embody the festive spirit.

 

4. "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby: Originally recorded in 1942, this song is one of the best-selling singles of all time. Its dreamy lyrics and Crosby's smooth voice evoke a nostalgic and cozy Christmas atmosphere.

 

5. "Feliz Navidad" by José Feliciano: This bilingual Christmas song, released in 1970, combines English and Spanish lyrics. It's simple, joyful message and catchy tune make it a beloved holiday classic around the world.

Cold War Echoes and Cultural Identity: Jacqueline de Jong and More at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

 

by Takhia Cobb 

 

The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is a dynamic space where history, culture, and art converge. One of its current exhibitions, featuring works by Jacqueline de Jong and other notable artists, offers visitors a powerful reflection on Cold War tensions, cultural heritage, and artistic diversity. Through a variety of mediums and perspectives, this exhibition creates a thought-provoking dialogue about the lasting influence of historical conflicts and the celebration of identity.
 

Cold War Reflections

Jacqueline de Jong’s art takes center stage with bold and evocative pieces inspired by the Cold War era. Her works highlight the fear, uncertainty, and power struggles that defined the period, using surrealist techniques to delve into the psychological and societal impact of global tensions. Through her art, de Jong captures the enduring relevance of the Cold War, reminding viewers of the fragile balance between peace and conflict. These reflections resonate deeply in today’s politically charged environment, drawing connections between past and present challenges.
 

Exploring Cultural Heritage

In addition to Cold War themes, the exhibition explores questions of cultural heritage and identity. The featured artists draw from diverse traditions and histories, offering perspectives rooted in their unique backgrounds. This element of the show celebrates the richness of cultural diversity while addressing issues of displacement, belonging, and preservation. Whether through de Jong’s European lens or the contributions of other artists, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the ways cultural identity shapes and connects us across time and borders.
 

A Hub for Artistic Diversity

The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale serves as a vital platform for showcasing artistic voices from around the world. By bringing together works that tackle both global and personal narratives, the museum fosters a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of history, culture, and art. This exhibition underscores the institution’s commitment to promoting artistic diversity and making space for critical conversations about the past, present, and future.
 

Through the lens of Jacqueline de Jong and her contemporaries, visitors to the NSU Art Museum can engage with powerful themes that continue to shape our world. The exhibition is a must-see for those interested in the intersection of history, culture, and creative expression.

The Representation of Black Diversity in Modern Cinema
By Ciara Perry
 

           The representation of Black people in modern cinema has evolved significantly by showcasing a wider range of characters and social experiences. However, challenges still remain when achieving full inclusivity and authenticity in Cinema. Some notable films and television shows have explored diverse themes and stories, such as “Moonlight” (2016), which highlighted Afrofuturism and complex family dynamics. “Moonlight” has garnered critical acclaim and expanded the scope of Black representation on screen. 

 However the industry of Hollywood still faces criticism for perpetuating stereotypes and underrepresentation. A film such as “Birth of a Nation” (1915) was originally the first blockbuster hollywood film, and the longest profitable film of its time. But, it has long been hailed for its dramatic innovations but condemned for the racism inherent in its script and its positive portrayal of the Ku Klux Klan. The Film depicts Black men as unintelligent, sexually aggressive towards white women, and prone to violence. It uses untrue and discriminatingly hurtful stereotypes with blackface to further dehumanize and ridicule all black characters. 

           


 

           The film portrays the KKK as heroic saviors of the south, defending white women and restoring order. That romanticizes a white supremacist terrorist organization and its violent actions.  “The Birth of a Nation” had a significant and damaging impact. It helped revive the KKK and normalize racist ideologies. Its influence on popular culture and perceptions of history continues to be debated. “The Birth of a Nation” is a cautionary tale about the dangers of racist propaganda and the importance of critical media literacy. 

      But now, in modern times, while progress has been made, there is a need for more Black voices behind the camera, as well as greater diversity in roles and storylines. The ongoing conversation about diversity in cinema highlights the importance of representation and the potential for films to reflect the richness and complexity of Black experiences.

Project 2025: The Real Threats to Education, Health, and Social Justice 

 

 by Takhia Cobb

 

Proposed Elimination of Federal Oversight in Education 

 

Project 2025 is a 900-page policy proposal from the Heritage Foundation that has seen somewhat intense debate regarding what would happen because of its implementation. Among those that have raised several eyebrows is the suggestion for limiting and eventually eliminating the federal Department of Education, as outlined on page 351: "Federal education policy should be limited and, ultimately, the federal Department of Education should be eliminated." While supporters say it would empower states by decentralizing educational oversight, critics recognize this as actually effecting a rollback in the gains made toward equal access by all students. Federal policies have been historically the crucial linchpin to ensuring that students of different races, backgrounds, and needs could learn together under the same roof, in the same classrooms, tearing down the barriers that states once maintained. Without the federal oversight, inequities in quality and access to education could take hold-most especially affecting communities that are already marginalized. 

 

Impact on Transgender Youth and Inclusion 

 

Policies Project 2025 goes on to advocate for policy that would force students to use facilities and take part in sports consistent with their biological sex. It cited concerns for safety and fairness. Yet, critics say the policies do just the opposite: They further stigmatize and marginalize. Assertions that one's transgender peers are a risk for others are not evidence-based at a wide scale but misconceptions to feed fear. The Human Rights Campaign reports, "29% of transgender youth have been threatened or injured with a weapon on school property, as compared to 7% of cisgender youth," and "43% of transgender youth have been bullied on school property, compared to 18% of cisgender youth." In cases where policies have gone into place, the potential dangers of these policies come to light in cases such as the tragic death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict, a nonbinary student who was attacked for using the bathroom aligned with their gender identity.

 

Reproductive Rights and Healthcare Provisions

 

 The stance of Project 2025 on reproductive rights is that from conception, life is unquestionably present, and therefore "From the moment of conception, every human being possesses inherent dignity and worth." This would perhaps lead to an unwavering stance with respect to anti-abortion laws, thereby making the procedure criminal in nature and placing intense legal penalties on both patients and practitioners alike. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, there have been reports that doctors are now holding back from treating complications of pregnancy for fear of possible legal consequences-a complication to treatment for miscarriages and other emergencies.

 

Reflections on Trump's Remarks and Larger Ramifications 

 

 Also resurfacing are remarks from Donald Trump, made in the past, which have figured into media reports covering the topics of leadership and respect toward women. One 2005 Access Hollywood recording was released in 2016, in which Trump was quoted to say: "I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet. Just kiss. I don't even wait. And when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab 'em by the p***.* Critics say this casual admission of behavior that fits the definition of sexual assault reflects disturbingly on attitudes toward consent and power dynamics. Trump's comments about his daughter Ivanka have also taken their fair share of criticism due to their apparent suggestiveness. In a 2006 appearance on The View, Trump said, "If Ivanka weren't my daughter, perhaps I'd be dating her," while in a 2003 conversation with Howard Stern, he agreed when Ivanka was called "a piece of ass." Such comments have led to criticism about how Trump refers to women, even those within his family. The revised version focuses more on what probably would be the effects and criticisms of Project 2025, which will help readers understand the implications without losing neutrality in any respect.

Top 5 Study Tips to Jumpstart Spring Semester

by: Chloe' Wright 

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As the spring semester begins, it’s the perfect time to set new goals and become better.  Whether you’re aiming for better grades, improved time management, or a healthier balance between school and life, these top five study tips can help you stay on track and achieve your goals.

 

1. Set Clear Goals

Start the semester by identifying what you want to achieve academically and personally. Clear, realistic goals will give you direction and motivation.

Use the SMART criteria for goal-setting: ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, aim to improve your GPA by dedicating two extra study hours per week for each class.

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2. Create a Study Schedule

Time management is crucial to academic success. Plan your study sessions in advance by creating a weekly schedule that includes:

  • Class times

  • Study blocks for each subject

  • Breaks and downtime

  • Extracurricular activities or part-time work

Stick to your schedule to build consistency. Use tools like Google Calendar or apps like Todoist to stay organized and receive reminders.

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3. Get a Study Nook 

Find a cool and relaxing place with minimal distractions. Keep essential materials like textbooks, notebooks, and stationery within reach. If background noise is an issue, consider using noise-canceling headphones or listening to instrumental music. A well-lit and tidy workspace can also boost your focus and productivity.

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4. Find Study Techniques

Find a technique that works for you. You might need repetition, or an organized notetaking system. 

  • Summarizing key concepts in your own words and put it in your own system. 

  • Creating flashcards for quick review

  • Review your Cornell Notes and quiz yourself! 

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5. Take Care of Your Well-Being

Your physical and mental health directly impact your ability to study effectively. Prioritize self-care by:

  • Getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night

  • Eating balanced meals and staying hydrated

  • Exercising regularly to reduce stress

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Bonus Tip: Seek Help When Needed

Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re struggling. Good Luck and have an amazing semester! 

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Christmas Mood

Happy Holidays from The Green Pages 

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