Topics

Filter Topics by Category

4

Can Final Fantasy 15 resurrect the series?

Determine whether the Final Fantasy series can return to prominence. With the new chapter "Final fantasy 15" expected to be released in September this year. Final Fantasy 15 was originally called Versus 13. There have been internal disputes within Square Enix, causing the game to be delayed for years.

Final Fantasy 15 is a completely different game than Versus 13 was. However, while the demo was generally well received, many fans have decried the simple and often uninteresting story. There are also complaints regarding the change in combat. The game will also be "open world." Does this help? What must FF15 do to continue the series success?

  • This is definitely a hot topic and the answer seems to be polarized. Many think the FF series should die (or be "final"), therefore XV doesn't stand a chance. That aside, many also dislike the new look, calling XV nothing but a "sausage-fest" full of emo-looking boy band members--and, oh yeah, the turn-based style is gone. Others, however, have high hopes because it is so different from the traditional FF game. I think it would also be worth noting how similar it is in style and gameplay to Kingdom Hearts. Why is it that some gamers were okay with KH not being turn-based, but aren't okay with XV not being turn-based? KH played well, didn't it? So why can't XV, too? If you can't tell, I'm on the "I have high hopes" side of the fence for XV. Ha. – Christina Legler 8 years ago
    1
0

'Forged' artworks in the international art market

The international art market functions based on the premise that prized works in western art history will continue appearing. But there is a limited number of pieces that can bring six-figure commissions to auctioneers and experts, particularly when contemporary works, and art from post-colonial nations, are generally ignored. This situation encourages forgers like Beltracchi, who said in the documentary The Art of Forgery, that the higher the price of the artwork, the less scrutiny from dealers.

In this context, can the forgery of artworks be interpreted as a revolutionary action that challenges the status quo of the international art market? Are these forged paintings still art?

  • Maybe they could also analyze what it means to society if forgery is given worth and how it could potentially impact future art to come. – JulieCMillay 8 years ago
    0
  • I agree that cliche is such a damning critque. – sktthemes 8 years ago
    0
5

BBC's Merlin: The Show that Never Was

Discuss both the positives and the negatives of BBC's show Merlin, and consider why the show was cancelled after its previously successful seasons. Debate the reasoning behind ending the show the way it did, and the fans reactions to said ending. Hypothesize what benefits or negatives could have come out of continuing the show, both in terms of viewers and the BBC itself.

    2

    Could Fair Use Be A Liability?

    One of the biggest stories surrounding the YouTube community as of late is the lawsuit against YouTubers Ethan and Hila Klein of h3h3 productions by fellow YouTuber MattHossZone for a reaction video that he deemed unflattering. Even though almost every other major internet personality has rallied around Ethan and Hila, with a GoFundMe started by Philip DeFranco gaining well over $150k, they are going to still court and will need to fight for Fair Use in front of a jury. Should people be able to use copyright claims to take down unflattering videos? Has Fair Use become too vague to be used as a defense? Is there something YouTube can do as the leader in online video content to combat this?

    • Wow, that is scary. Sounds like good old censorship at work. Insulting or criticizing someone is something we should all be entitled to, within reason. There have been other cases like this on youtube. It seems like those with deep pockets and sensitive egos will always try to sue others to shut them up. Perhaps youtube could make users sign an agreement before starting a youtube channel that the user accepts that response videos may happen and that no legal action can be taken, or a user's account will be suspended. – LisaDee 8 years ago
      1
    2

    6 White Complainers in NYC: Contemporary Diversity and the Lasting Appeal of Friends

    Humorous jab aside, I recently read an article here about the appeal of Friends to a younger generation of Netflix users. While the platform itself eases the process of binge-watching, what do we think about the notion of diversity which is presented here? This isn't a desire to recast Friends using actresses and actors of colour. Rather, it's a meditation on what exactly these six white characters offer that elicits such interest and intimate connection. Is it because they're the same on the outside but diverse on the inside? Is there a philosophy of entertainment which trumps race to viewers of Friends, or do are the characters themselves constituent to a desire for "emotions" transcending narratives of culture, ethnicity, and race (each of these ideally intersecting, rather than divorced from, class)?

    Edit: Munjeera brought up a good point about the diversity of the cast members themselves, and the ways in which some character in the show attempted to maintain an authenticity to themselves (specifically the "Holiday Armadillo" episode). The point about love is something really important to consider too: love of others, love of self, love of life as is, and as it could be.

    Musing aside, I what I was hoping to convey is why these individuals in particular seem to transcend Netflix user social borders marked by culture, ethnicity, and race. And, perhaps more importantly, is this the standard which must be met when creating a narrative of love and friendship? What does Friends make self-evident and what does it silence?

    • Agreed. Why has Friends maintained its popularity transcending generations and race? I think the actors are genuinely nice and humble people. Whenever I have seen them in interviews they have never ever come across as arrogant and always thank the fans for embracing them. They also seem to really like each other. It is TV magic, sometimes called lightning in a bottle. Maybe whoever writes this article can shed some light on this mystery. – Munjeera 8 years ago
      3
    • This is a good topic and definitely has a lot of room to talk about. How would Friends have looked if Chandler was gay? or if Ross and Monica were POC? Would it still have worked as well as it seems to universally? I've never encountered a person in my own life who has watched Friends and didn't like it. The author of this article could also speculate on what makes the character's feel so real. Is it the actor's natural chemistry off-screen? Is it the fact that the actors were all paid the same and negotiated as a group for their contracts to make sure they were all treated as equals? And why do the many copycat shows (How I Met Your Mother, Baby Daddy, Happy Endings, The Big Bang Theory, etc.) that try to capitalize on the construction of the narrative, try and fail to achieve that same level of comedy and emotional connectivity? Of all the shows listed, I think How I Met Your Mother comes the closest, but there are points in the narrative and it's execution that I feel are lacking and disappoint viewers. – Nayr1230 8 years ago
      3
    • I agree with these comments and your article idea. I've noticed too with Friends that the writing perpetuates gender stereotypes in ways that may not transcend race. Perhaps their problems are contained within their "whiteness," so to speak? – daniellegreen624 7 years ago
      1
    0

    What Can Namor Add To The MCU?

    The rights for Namor the Submariner has officially reverted back to Marvel Studios. With every character in the current MCU adding a certain physical and emotional aspect to the Avengers' dynamic, what would Namor's contribution be? Could his aquatic setting provide a similar contrast as Thor's Asgard?

    • More fighting and graphics is required. – Zyana Hault 8 years ago
      1
    • Based on what I know about Namor, he might be best introduced as an enemy to the Avengers. He's often protrayed as such, and I think they could play up the angle of him reacting to what he thinks are attacks against him and his kingdom via pollution from the surface. He seems like a character who could really put the majority of the human race into perspective with the MCU, since in the other movies the villain is doing something blatantly evil for the sake of evil, and it's often hard to sympathize with their motives.people as a whole are usually the victims/a general population that needs protection from a villain doing something undeniably evil. He could be one of few villains in the MCU whose motives are relatable. – chrischan 8 years ago
      0
    • Seven years later, is it still a little premature to talk about this subject? – T. Palomino 1 year ago
      0
    2

    The Narrative of Journey (2012)

    Analyze how the narrative, or lack thereof, works for the videogame Journey (2102). If traditional storytelling is not applied (such as the use of a narrator or text during the game), then how does the game use alternative narration techniques that make the story memorable and enjoyable?

    • If you needed other works to compare this to, you could draw on silent film and Pixar shorts. – Turner Campbell 8 years ago
      0
    7

    The Male-Gaze and Feminism in Sword Art Online

    While wildly popular with fans, Sword Art Online has many problematic instances of perpetuating gender stereotypes through the anime. The male gaze is very prevalent throughout the series whether it is consciously acknowledged or not–the camera lingers on women's anatomy unnecessarily, even in serious conversations between characters (think Sinon's and Kirito's episode in the cave where they are talking about serious issues and the camera focuses on Sinon's posterior even though she is talking). The anime also appeals to the "harem-genre" where every single female character becomes infatuated with Kazuto/Kirito.

    Young women in the series, while considered strong like Asada/Sinon or Asuna, ultimately fall into negative female stereotypes. Even though the young women reach out to those around them, and do have agency, however they depend heavily on Kazuto/Kirito to come to their rescue. While both young women seek out their own rescue, they are ultimately powerless unless Kirito is there to rescue them.

      0

      Dinner Tonight? How Jake and Amir changed Youtube (working title)

      With their series having ended a little over a year ago, can we make anything out of looking back at it? Perhaps something about the pressure of standing out as a 1-3 minute sketch comedy show on a Youtube more and more dominated by let's plays and long videos? The show ran for 8 years – has it had a cultural impact? I'm not sure, but it seems worth discussion, at least.

        1

        The Impact of Family Channel shows on Pre-Teens.

        Analyze the impact of family channel shows such as Jessie, Victorious, Girl meets World (just to name a few) on the attitude and behaviour of pre-teen girls. For example, "Jessie" shows a young girl Jessie the nanny, who is always dressed impeccably is made fun of by her charges. It always makes me uneasy about the message it sends to young girls. Is her dress not good enough? Why is her clothing a topic of discussion for the children in her care? Is putting down the nanny appropriate? Analyze the way pre-teens and teens idealize the stars of the shows and emulate the way they dress and act.

        • These days shows like Jessie are made to be comedy shows that you really don't have to think about. The problem with that being that the insults are often done as the popular jokes of the series. People don't understand that while the jokes aren't to be really though about as being much, it still becomes a part of teenager's experience in communication. – Kevin Mohammed 8 years ago
          1
        • If you were to discuss Girl Meets World, it would possibly be a good idea to compare the natural counter example of its predecessor, Boy Meets World, and its comparative cultural time and influence on pre-teen boys. – kdaley 8 years ago
          1
        2

        Is the popular media normalizing pot smoking or is it already a normal part of everyday life?

        Analyze the cause and effect of the representation of weed in popular media. Lately, smoking pot has been shown as a normal part of youth's life. Is that normal? Do everyone, at one point in their life, smoke pot? Or the media the cause of that increase? While more countries are trying, or at least talking about, legalizing the usage of medical marijuana, is the media making the distinction difficult? How are people, especially the youth, supposed to learn that pot is bad for them, if the media makes it look normal?
        For example, shows such as Weeds and That 70s Show have no qualm in showing young people smoking pot. Other numerous shows (Parenthood, Roseanne, Gilmore Girls, and Friends just to name a few (there are many)) all have an episodes where the adults find/or acquire pot and reminisce about the times they smoked when they were young.

        • It could be interesting to compare the treatment of smoking marijuana today in pop culture to the treatment of smoking cigarettes in past culture. – Marcie Waters 8 years ago
          2
        • 7% of Americans and 10% of Canadians smoke pot regularly. I would say it is definitely that smoking pot has been normalized first and then the media has taken it up. Could you add a few examples on TV or movies where pot smoking has been shown to be used by youth? – Munjeera 8 years ago
          1
        • Thanks for the comment and yes I will do that. – Nilab Ferozan 8 years ago
          0
        • Good work Nilab. I see you participating in the forum regularly. I look forward to your next article. – Munjeera 8 years ago
          1
        • Smoking pot appears in a bunch of shows as characters reminisce on smoking pot when they were young, but I think it's becoming more commonly just a thing that characters in TV do, like in Broad City. Is there a difference in how pot is treated from genre to genre? – chrischan 8 years ago
          1
        • While much of the world struggles to have enough clean water and food, others reminisce about the good old stoner days. Hmmmm.. – Tigey 8 years ago
          0
        2

        The Appeal of being a Youtuber

        Youtube has become a place of community for a wide range of individuals with a multitude of interests that include but are not limited too gaming, nutrition, lifestyle, fashion etc. Many of these video makers have been able to make a career out of their videos, and many viewers are eager now ore than ever to start their own channels. What is the main appeal? Is it the lifestyle? The gratification of subscribers? The seemilngly easy job that stemmed from a hobby? Decide and discuss while including the negative attributes.

        • A great topic for discussion. I think it would be better for those that want to consider writing on this topic to focus on the younger generation because they are the ones who are constantly influencing and being influenced by youtbers. It would be interesting to have a discussion on the impact of makeup tutorials on young girls. – Nilab Ferozan 8 years ago
          1
        • I feel one important part of the relevancy today is how basically everyone wants to start making a YouTube channel to feature their own specific talents and abilities. The problem with YouTube is that it has no real means of promoting new channels, with the exception of its Creator Academy videos must Youtubers have to learn the way to use YouTube and gain popularity by experience alone. – Kevin Mohammed 8 years ago
          1
        1

        From The Stepford Wives to Ex-Machina: The Hypersexualization of Female Androids

        Discuss sci-fi's use of technology to build "the perfect woman." Why are androids given a gender in the first place? Do androids have a sense of autonomy or are they content to be used as a semi-sentient sex toy? Is this a fetish or a case of misogyny? Why are male androids in film rarely given the same sexualized treatment?

        • Good question. It is like asking why GPS and computer voices are female. Probably because the creators were male. Male androids like Data are rarely sexualized. – Munjeera 8 years ago
          2
        • Like Munjeera said, a person's creations are often based upon their own ideal. Therefore it's more than likely that the original concept comes from a guy trying to be ambitious about his own personal desires. – Kevin Mohammed 8 years ago
          1
        • You can even go further back than The Stepford Wives. A great starting place would be Fritz Lang's 1927 film Metropolis, which also features a sexualized female robot. Also, if you're going to discuss these films, you must address that most of them were made to critique misogynistic views. Ira Levin, William Goldman, and Bryan Forbes have all gone on the record to stress that The Stepford Wives was intended to parody views of "the ideal women" upon being accused of sexism by people who didn't understand its satire. In Ex Machina, it's important to note how the film acknowledges the very tradition that you're addressing. Nathan specifically designs Ava to be sexually attractive to Caleb (even drawing inspiration from his porn searches), but the expectation is subverted when Ava uses her sexuality in tandem with her superior intelligence to outsmart both men and escape from the confides of their narrow patriarchal viewpoint (symbolically manifested as Nathan's mancave-esque research facility). Just because a female robot is sexualized, it doesn't mean that it's necessarily just to satisfy the sexual fantasies of the presumably male spectator. The films that endure are often those which were ahead of their times in addressing the social disparity between men and women. – ProtoCanon 8 years ago
          3
        • If only there were more of them! – Munjeera 6 years ago
          0
        1

        Milton's Paradise Lost

        Milton was without a doubt a powerful writer and exceptional poet. One of his most famous works, PARADISE LOST, is not just a biblical retelling of the fall of man, but a work in which Milton rewrites Genesis. William Blake was so disgusted by Milton's portrayal of God as inferior and Satan as superior that he referred to Milton as a Satanist. Yet, aptly stated by Stanley Fish, Milton does so to seduce the reader with Satan's tantalizing language in a manner that places the reader in the role of Eve. Milton first emphasizes the prelapsarian world where temporality is non-existent, to after the fall, in which Adam and Eve now exist in a postlapsarian world in which Adam and Eve begin to notice one another in a sexual manner, realize their being nude, and experience feelings of embarrassment and shame. Does Milton glorify Satan and place God in an inferior position, or is he simply utilizing the poem to showcase the ease in which one slips into sin, and the eventual redemption that will occur with the saving grace of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus' death to save mankind? Is this a work mocking the Fall of man, or one that upholds and restores the power of faith?

        • Though I like a good discussion of Paradise Lost as much as the next guy, something about seeing it here (perhaps coloured your vague choice of subject title) seems a little redundant. Milton criticism is as old as he is; go to any good library with a LCC system, and you'll find literally hundreds of titles between the call numbers of PR 3560 A2 E45 and PR 3597 B8, with Blake, Fish, and countless others among them. With such a rigorous tradition of criticism that has exhausted nearly every conceivable topic concerning the poem, I'm not really sure what you, me, or anyone on this site could really add to all of that. Sorry for being a downer. – ProtoCanon 8 years ago
          1
        • Milton's intention in writing Paradise Lost was to (at least, according to this poem) "assert Eternal Providence/ And justify the ways of God to men." This might lend itself against William Blake's interpretation and towards the interpretation of Stanley Fish. Should also be remembered that within the Christian tradition Satan is depicted as a proud and ambitious spirit. Therefore any presentation of him that borrows from this tradition would necessarily show a charismatic underdog fighting against impossible odds - a figure easy to sympathize (and thus tempting to do so). This might prove helpful should someone decide to write about the topic. – Mack 8 years ago
          0
        4

        The Epistolary Novel and its relevance Today

        The epistolary form has long been a way for the young adult narrator to communicate to the audience. It sets up an interesting dynamic between writer and reader and makes the narrators voice more authentic. At the same time it helps mask the irony that occurs when an adult author speaks in the voice of a teenager, ultimately setting up a power dynamic. Does epistolary help or hurt the way the reader perceives a text and its meanings?

        • Interesting topic. If someone were to pursue it, I think it would be important to emphasize (especially in the title) that the focus is almost exclusively on contemporary YA fiction, because the epistolary form as a whole exceeds that narrow scope. Bram Stoker's Dracula is an epistolary novel; Marilynne Robison's Gilead can be viewed as one as well; arguments can even be made that St. Paul's letters from the New Testament are epistolary novels. If your interest is in how adult authors write from a youth's perspective, it'd be wise to not reduce the entire form into that one box. Likewise, there are plenty of non-epistolary instances when adult authors write from a child's point-of-view. For example, I'm always baffled at how effortlessly GRRM is able to write one chapter about complex feudal politics from Ned's perspective, and then write a Bran chapter that feels so genuinely childlike. To Kill a Mockingbird is also a fine example, telling an adult story of young Scout's perspective. – ProtoCanon 8 years ago
          4
        • Yes, I find it interesting that the focus is purely on YA. I thought that this was gong to be something about the lack of relevance as no-one writes letters anymore. I think if someone were to take this topic, it would have to be more clear in the title if it is going to be YA focused. – Francesca Turauskis 8 years ago
          0
        • You assume an interesting perspective on this topic. When I think of epistolary novels, I immediately think of PAMELA, by Samuel Richardson, or DRACULA, by Bram Stoker, and EVELINA, by Fanny Burney. I guess this comes with having been a literature major, and studying the inception of the novel. Yet, the way in which you introduce this topic, I do now think of many contemporary YA novels written in this form, such as THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER,by Chobsky. As for the aspect of irony, I've never really considered this, as well as the masking you mentioned. I do know that with PAMELA, constant questioning as to her perspective on the actions of the novel were perplexing. She was just so naive and jumped from one contradictory emotion to the next. When the book is written in epistolary form, entirely based on ONE character's letters, the reliability of the "narrator," is constantly in question. As with Dracula, the varying voices provide different perspectives as well as a better key to understanding the dynamics of the other characters. Also, Dracula's format provides such an interesting temporal facet due to the reactions of letter writers occurring after events they're writing about have already occurred. Regarding whether or not the epistolary form disrupts the perception of a reader...I would say that lies in the hands of the author. Sincerity of voice and tone is essential in drawing the reader in and leading he/she to a place of trusting the character's recollection of events. Nice topic!! – danielle577 8 years ago
          0
        1

        Does Anime need plot?

        Most anime have heavy plot and drama to keep the show going. This season, "Sakamoto desu ga?" is an interesting example of an anime where not only is there little relation between episodes, but episodes are even split into separate short stories. Is this a bad thing? What kind of successful anime in the past have been less plot-centred, if any?

        • You many want to narrow the focus of this. Generally, most stories need a plot. The quick answer would be, "Yes." Maybe focus on the negative and positive aspects of filler in long running anime and how it has an effect on the plot? – Joseph Manduke IV 8 years ago
          0
        • For comedy anime, not really. But for an action/adventure series, there definitely needs to be a story or things will get boring. – melvin2898 8 years ago
          0
        • It still has a plot. It's just a non-conventional plot. – T. Palomino 2 years ago
          0
        1

        Death Note: Saitama meets Light

        What would happen if Light Yagami from "Death note" wrote Saitama's name in the Death Note? In addition, what would happen when other aspects of different anime's worlds combined and clashed with one another. for example, if Edward Elric attempted alchemy on Tōma Kamijō's right hand? In essence, when key elements from different story lines meet, which one takes dominance? Saitama's (for all intents and purposes) invincibility or the absolute inescapable death provided by the Shinigami's death note?

          3

          The Portrayal of Mythologies in Anime

          From "Is it Wrong to Pick up Girls in a Dungeon?" to "Campione!" and the famous "fate/" series. There have been various anime that have drawn inspiration from ancient mythologies from around the world. To what extent has ancient mythologies, specifically non-Japanese ones, influenced the production of various anime and manga? Out of the thousands of anime and manga out there, how many have taken influence from these stories. There have even been common rehashings of creatures from legends remade into broad categories or representations of creatures. The first of which comes to mind is the use of "Chimera" to describe various hybrid creatures across shows and very notably in the Fullmetal Alchemist" manga and anime. Exactly how much has modern storytelling taken from stories of millennium past?

          • The famous "journey to the west" story pops up everywhere in anime. – LaRose 8 years ago
            1
          11

          The Power of Storytelling as Presented in Life of Pi

          Stories are what shape our reality–both on a personal and a widespread cultural scale. They directly affect how we understand everything, from everyday occurrences to the larger questions in life. Stories also play a large role in the world religions through both oral and written types of scripture, including myths, historical accounts, poetry, letters, etc. The novel Life of Pi reflects on the impact of stories in relation to religion and history. Examine questions of "truth" and "scientific fact" in contrast to "myth" and "spirituality" and how these themes are presented in both the novel and the movie. Also analyze the apparent human need for fantastical stories as presented in the movie–does this imply that religion is simply a way for humans to cope with the difficult events of life? Or does it have a larger implication, such as that "truth" or "fact" in life is not always tangible, and does not always have the importance we place upon it? There are many philosophical questions that can be explored regarding stories and reality in Life of Pi, and this topic is certainly open to suggestions!

            4

            Political structure of Westeros

            The quest for the Iron Throne is what has brought Westeros into its current mess. What needs to be done in order to bring unity back into Westeros, politically? What about the current governmental structure isn't working? Does there need to be a shift in how Westeros is governed? How did it all work before? Based on how the TV show is going, what type of government is needed and what kind of leader? And who best fits that mold? I always thought it might be better if Westeros was divided and governed by their respective divisions. Ex: The North would be a sovereign nation and governed by the head house of the North, and so on. But would this sort of system work? Could it work, and how so?

            • Wow! This is a really interesting topic and you discuss such intriguing topics pertaining to politics and social mores. Yet, how does one expect Westeros to become a politically viable governmental structure when you have mad tyrants trying to capture the throne? Also, look at the "time" in which this series takes place. Though we do not have an actual timeline, as this is a fantastical book/show series, we can infer that this time period was not one where democracy or the acts of politically correct modes of government would be of utmost importance. The only true hope of having a possible fair ruler was Ned Stark...and I think we all know how that turned out. This is an interesting question because as the series continues, and everyone is battling and killing for the throne, one must wonder, what will happen once the throne is actually one? Will peace be restored and all seven kingdoms abide by the "rightful ruler?" – danielle577 8 years ago
              0
            • This is a really interesting topic, especially with Dany actually moving into Westeros now. I think this would definitely be interesting if you discuss the theocracy, and the growing power of the Sept (what's going to be done about that?). Especially, with the idea of the people gaining their power, and how in essence, a very small group of people rule over a very large group of people (who have been war torn and are probably fed up). I think the question comes down to: how would the divisions interact? How would they deal with say, the displacement of people in Riverrun? What about people who don't have such large natural resources (The North/The Ironborn). – ninamicanovic 8 years ago
              0
            • I think there needs to be a definite distinction made between the show and the book here, since the two have diverged significantly. There is an entire history of government in Westeros (and some in Essos), but a lot of what is book canon isn't show canon, so anyone who wants to write this would likely have to just focus on the show or the books I think – Darcy Griffin 8 years ago
              0